The emporer and the queen

Reforms and suggestions

Vivaan

Alina was a more than capable horserider. She rode better than most of my men, as they were not much experienced in Northern mountains. She smirked as she overtook most of them. I found it hard to keep up with her. Maybe, allowing her to ride was not the best decision, but Emar loved her, for their support i had to allow her to ride with my men. After riding for half a day we reached the kingdom of Arilia, still recovering from the war I waged two months ago. Lord Arjun, my friend and trusted advisor was made warden of the west with Arilia. We were welcomed with a huge show as it was my first appearance after the war. I had ensured all the widows were taken care of and children well fed. This was the cost of war. This endless suffering of innocent people, after conquering the empire, I planned on developing it into the greatest in the world. No more suffering and Peace all over. Alina and me were given the grandest room of the palace. "You would stand beside me as I address the people after dinner, all right". She said nothing. Gods she was the vainest woman ever born on the face of the world. "Do you understand me" I enquired raising my voice. This is what happens when women are raised like her. They forget their place. She simply nodded without as much as a blink as if to show how unaffected she was by all this. I just needed to put up with her till we reach Arga. Then I will never even see her. She will live with other women of royal family in pink Palace. I would never have to see her. Dinner was full of small talks about politics, finances. Alina looked as if she wanted to just give her opinion. But stopped. Before I could think I don't know why but I asked "princess how do you suggest we deal with inflation in Arilia."

"We can reduce budgetary deficit and , anyone with more land than 5 hectares should get a loan with high interest." She really was trained for all these things. Everyone stared at me as if I had done something wrong, though women were never kept in these discussions. Seeing her so enthusiastic I had to include her in conversation. She ended giving a lot of suggestions to the finance minsters throughout the night. She loved being heard. After dinner we went out and she stood by me with a smile as I addressed the people. I signed on quite a few reforms according to her suggested by her because they were good. Her face swelled with pride, which I don't know why warmed my heart. As if I wanted her to be happy. We rode for Arga the next morning.