Chapter 269: Winds of War (Pt. 1)
“Father!” Crown Prince Edward of Torenth said, striding toward his father in the throne room, where he had been receiving dignitaries. “Good, I’ve found you.”
Emperor George VII nodded to dismiss his servants as Edward approached.
“What is this I hear of you refusing to see the Westonian ambassador?” Edward asked. “Since when have we ever refused a diplomatic effort?”
“Since today,” the emperor replied, plainly irritated with his son’s attitude. “There is nothing to be gained with more talk. Stephen has refused to accept any responsibility for the current situation, so I don’t see any reason to discuss the matter further.”
“But what’s the point of having a Westonian ambassador in Torenth if we won’t listen to him?” Edward asked.
“You know? You’re right,” he said. “That is why I have decided to send them all packing!”
“The diplomats,” George said. “I’m sending them all back to Weston and closing the Westonian embassy.”
“You can’t close the Westonian embassy,” Edward said, alarmed. “It’s sovereign territory.”
“It’s inside of Torenth, and I say it is closed,” George said. “Besides, I’ve already given the order.”
“Father, you can’t!” Edward cried. “Expelling foreign ambassadors is the final act before declaring war! Certainly you can’t mean to do that!”
“Don’t tell me what I mean to do, Edward,” George said. “I’ll do as I please. Last I checked, I am still the emperor of Torenth!”
“Father,” Edward said, frustrated. “War should be a last resort. How can you even consider violence when we can still negotiate a settlement with the Westonians!”
“A settlement?” George cried. “There will be no settlement! I have told them, time and time again, what it would take for me to resume normal relations, and Prince Stephen has ignored me!”
“Because you’re being unreasonable!” Edward cried, unwisely.
“Unreasonable?” George said, rounding on his son. “Really? Where exactly do your loyalties lie, Edward? Whom do you serve? Me? Or that upstart Stephen?”
“I serve Torenth,” Edward said. “As you should, as well.”
“I AM TORENTH!” the emperor cried. “You and your mother are exactly the same. Traitors, both of you! Well, you won’t find your way on to MY throne, that’s for certain. I’ll abolish the monarchy before I give you any power at all! You’re a traitor!”
Knowing he could not win, Edward left the room.
His father had crossed the line, and god help them all.
Continent of Oceana | History of Weston | History of Corwyn | History of Torenth | History of Allycia
