In her office, Zula hosted Lord Yeon and Priestess Ziteng, the two of the faction leaders that remained in Vatou after the coronation ceremony. Priestess Ziteng sipped her tea quietly while Lord Yeon slammed the table in anger.

“That paperwork better be for our part of the bargain.”

“This paperwork is regarding the drug crisis ongoing in Lu’es. I’m sending doctors to aid in the recovery effort so that Lady Yue’s soldiers can focus on ending the trade. Those are reports regarding the agriculture status of Au Inden since you are so curious.”

“I don’t care.” His plans had been delayed due to Zula moving slower than expected and that put a damper in his profits.

Zula, unaffected by the older man’s anger continued to work without looking up. “It’s been two months. The kingdom is still in mourning. Just enjoy the snacks that are there. Baeksoo had a taste in case you’re worried about anything.”

“We did our part and made you queen. Now it’s time for you to uphold your part.” With a few simple strokes, Yeon would have more power and stop needing to go through the monarch for his international business.

“You seem to be mistaken Lord Yeon, I would have been queen with or without you. All you did was speed up the process, injure Advisor Asari, and plant Baeksoo to watch me.”

“Don’t forget who you are speaking to child. Why don’t you show us some respect and look at us when we are talking to you. Speaking about that advisor, you seem to have a lot of time to spare with how frequently you visit her. Why not spend it wisely and change the laws and requirements.” His last sentence was a demand not a suggestion.

Zula put down her pen and walked towards Yeon. The older man stood his ground, trying to use his larger build to size her up. The instant she was an arm’s reach away, Yeon found himself pinned to the ground with a sword pressed at his neck.

“I’ll say this once as a warning.” Her foot pressed down on his back harder, “You may be a faction leader, but I am the Queen. Know your place.”

Advisor Baeksoo came in at the sound of Lord Yeon’s cry. He looked at the queen and at the bleeding lord, eyes demanding an answer.

“Remove him and clean up the mess. And Lord Yeon, next time I have to remind you, you’ll lose your ability to walk.”

Baeksoo aided his limping master out of the room and sent notice of the mess that needed to be cleaned up. Even though he was a planted piece, at least he did his job.

“Any objections, Priestess?”

“Perhaps, you just stab his leg instead of also breaking it?”

“I’ll keep that in mind for when you step out of line.”

“My appreciation for when that moment arrives,” she said sarcastically. “Might I remind you, Lord Yeon is correct, we do expect our part of the deal. Prove your worth Zula dear. Oh and I have a water crisis for you to take care of.”

“Please see yourself out once you’re done treating him.” Zula left and headed out the room.

“I thought she was supposed to be obedient. That’s why I approved of her.” Yeon gritted his teeth as Baeksoo cleaned the wound.

“You were a bit rude Yeon. I would have done the same if I was in her position.” Priestess Ziteng said.

“I understand, however, we did have an agreement. It is only fair that she holds up to her end after all we have done for her. Do you not agree with me, Priestess?”

“No, you are correct. However, if we push her too much, that would not help us now will it? I would give her another two weeks before we start pressing her again. Baeksoo.”

“Yes Priestess Ziteng?” Baeksoo had finished treating the wound by this point.

“Keep an eye on her and remind her what is at stake.”

Baeksoo glanced at Yeon who gave him a nod. “I understand Priestess. I shall do so.”

A knock at the door interrupted all further discussions. The attendant was a man dressed in a similar fashion to the priestess.

“What is it Mu?”

“It is time for your appointment at the shrine. Shall I delay it?”

“No, it’s fine. I am done here.” She gave a polite smile to her attendant before facing the two men in the door with a stern look. “Behave. Everything that needs to happen will do so in due time.”

“Yes, I understand. Have a safe trip.”

Baeksoo walked the priestess out so he could close the door. As soon as the door shut, Yeon laid back in the seat, as if the office was his.

“Shall I proceed as usual Lord Yeon?” Baeksoo stood behind his master’s seat. It really did seem like Yeon was the king.

“Yes and any updates regarding the prince?”

“Zula has not made progress in the search. She claims that the citizens would get suspicious if a large scale search was made and has kept it to the bare minimal. So far, it seems like no one has seen him but there have been multiple reports of a man and woman traveling together.”

“Have you deployed soldiers to search?”

“Yes I have. However, as no one knows how the prince looks like aside from a portrait from three years ago, it has been difficult. Even with General Eden as his companion, it has proven to be a challenge as she too has kept out of the public eye.”

Yeon stretched his arms out and Baeksoo took the cup from his hand. Yeon sat in the office for a bit longer as Baeksoo read him updates. His eyes were focused in the direction of the throne. Soon, it would be his.

*

The path to the northern residence was always a beautiful one. The cherry blossoms bordered the pathway and their pedals covered the ground. For some reason, the cherry blossoms in the palace always lasted a bit longer than the ones grown outside.

Zula discarded her now bloodied gloves for a masked figure to dispose them. Integration is never fun but aside from obtaining information, she was also able to relive some stress.

The trip to visit the comatose Advisor Asari was one of the only times Zula had to herself. At that moment, she could let go of the responsibilities required of the ruling monarch and temporarily revert back to being Zula.

Walking down the empty corridor, she stopped to stare at the lotus flowers in the garden. She stepped to the side to admire a bush just as a man behind lunged to stab her.

“For someone who has been following me so intently for the past three weeks, I was wondering when you would show up.”

“My name is Vasillis of Basileios and I am here to kill you or die trying.”

“I guess it will be the latter then, I am afraid I cannot die yet.” Zula confidently said despite having no weapon.