Dualacracy

Esrea marched down the marble hall. Jax followed to her right and Targoth to her left. While she was heading for her official trial, she was not concerned. Her husband had made it quite clear yesterday just how he felt. She was still curious about how he would reveal his decisions without appearing weak. The guards flanking the throne room opened the doors, "Emperess Esrea of Tol, Second Prime of the Vault, Commander of the Southern armies," A Herald proclaimed. She studied the throne room for a moment. Black marble stretched from the door to the thrones that sat on an alabaster dias. Fourteen silver pillars held up a ceiling that was pure sapphire. This room was a testament to the wealth and power of the Empire. Her husband, the Emporer, sat on one of the thrones. His throne was large and crafted from pure silver. Her throne was nearly identical to his. Two smaller thrones sat behind and to the left of each of the other thrones and Mari sat in the one behind Gareth. This was new. Paramours never stood in the light. Gareth stood and descended the steps to the throne. There were twelve of them. She approached him as if in a dream. An Emporer never left his throne to greet anyone. It just wasn't how things were done. She stepped in time with him as they approached. She was doing this by instinct. There was simply no protocol for this. They reached each other and he took her hand. "My lady," he said as he smoothly turned and led her to her throne. She took a seat and Targoth sat behind her as Jax stood at her other side. She glanced at Gareth as he leaned back on his throne. "Bring in those who led the insurrection," he commanded. The leaders of the schools were brought in. They weren't in chains. He expected them to behave. They knew as well as he did, that inside each column of the room was a Magua and a Death Dealer, and all the remaining vault guards and all seven members of the vault were present. This didn't count the Imperial Guard and the new heads of each school. Besides, each person here had wanted him on the throne and had expected to die for the crime of treason. The fact that they were getting a hearing was more than they had imagined. For a moment he studied them quietly. Finally, he spoke. "Over the past seven days, I have studied the histories. Never has an Emporer sat on the throne that defended a coup. I am also, by far, the youngest Emperor to sit on the throne. Since I have forgiven my wife for her actions during the revolt, I must also pardon you, but there will be a cost." He paused and sat forward. "Agatha..." The woman stepped forward. "You were always my favorite teacher although we often disagreed with each other. You will no longer lead the College of the Magi, You will become custodian of the Vault and will sit on my special council. You will hand over your extensive network to Jax, the crown's master spy, and you will cede your estates on the Indre to me." Gareth spoke to each member of the coup. He gave each of them a different post and made them cede networks and property on a river to him. When he was finished, he examined them all. "You will each also become vault guard. You are each too experienced to lose, but I will have you tied to me in a way where you cannot challenge me." *** Esrea watched as those that should have died were made secure subjects. She had heard of Gareth's exploits against the Shoon and she could see the same tactics here. This was a side of her husband she had never seen. She was still torn up inside. A little over a week ago she had killed a man that was no threat to her. She had killed him to appease the people her husband, Gareth, was now giving positions of power. A part of her hated these people, yet she understood that Gareth had to grant them life or he would condemn her. The last of the former prisoners left and one of the Imperial advisers stepped forward. She didn't know his name yet. She had been in a cell for the past week. She would make a point to get to know the court. Her survival would depend on it. "Sire, several merchants wish to have an audience with you." Gareth motioned for the man to usher them in. "Terian Jance of Florin." The Herald stated. She sat forward. She knew this merchant. Terian was one of her father's biggest rivals. The man strutted into the throne room as if he owned it. A few other well dressed individuals waited in line. "Your majesty, the acquisition of the Shoon and the agreements made in the north have negatively impacted my business..." The man rumbled on for a few minutes, until Gareth lifted his hand. He turned to her. "My lady, this is your area of expertise," he stated. She nodded as if she had expected this, but she was surprised. He had said they'd be coregents, but she hadn't truly expected to start imediately. "Master Terian, at times expansion of one organization impacts another in a negative way, but I see no reason for you to complain. You still have a monopoly on transporting the gold from Jrn mines to the mint. I also understand that silver has been discovered nearby and you control the route, so it will be yours. I will speak with the merchant guild about the eastern boarder with Shoon. It has mostly been closed, but peace should open trade in that region and once again, you are well placed there." She replied. Terian went to say something, but Gareth raised his hand. "We have heard your concern and addressed it. Others need my attention."