Chapter 3

three

ALEXANDER

A fter the Sergeant at Arms announced Alex's name, Alex walked into the Council chamber. The Council members, which included a couple of his brothers, bowed or curtsied as he passed on his way to the head of the room. The massive space was organized in one large circle, with cream walls accented with dark Vallerian purple, rich wood tables polished as though they were mirrors, and his and his father's chairs situated on a dais facing the circle. Since his father would not be there, he took the main seat. Only once he sat down did the others follow.

Alex banged the gavel once. "I call this meeting to order. We have a few things on the agenda and a busy few weeks ahead of us, so let's get started.

"I first want to acknowledge the passing of Her Royal Majesty, Princess Victoria, the former queen and my excellent grandmother. Let's all take a minute of silence to acknowledge her loss."

During this minute, with his head bowed, Alex actively tried not to think of Nonna. He had to be on top of his game with the Council, and thinking of her loss would be a distraction, as harsh as it was to think of it that way. Instead, he spent the minute taking deep breaths and concentrating on the meeting ahead.

"Thank you, all. We'll discuss more about the late queen's funeral a little later, but let's get through the other agenda items first. On the docket is a proposal from the Minister of Health. Minister Naera, please provide a brief summary of your proposal."

Julia Naera, a white woman in her thirties and part of the well-known and long-established Naera family, cleared her throat and stood. "Thank you, Your Highness. This proposal is vital to ensuring health care for children and providing them with the care they need that their parents cannot provide. We must pass this proposal for our children." A few people clapped.

Expecting her to say more, he waited, but she simply stood there with a sneaky smile on her face. He realized he would be unable to handle this as tactfully as his father expected. "Thank you, Minister. However, you left out quite a bit. Such as the fact that your proposal rolls back protections on children. In fact, this bill targets trans children, removes life-saving mental and physical care for them, and also removes them from their homes if their parents are supportive of their decision to transition. This bill is an abomination in the face of the many trans children in Valleria, and I will not stand for it. We long ago authorized full and complete universal healthcare for children, so no parent would ever have to worry about paying for healthcare, nor would they worry about getting the support they need. We will not now, nor ever, roll back healthcare for children. Your proposal is rejected."

Through gritted teeth and a false smile, Julia replied, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness."

"I also want it noted for the record that is the third time such a bill has been proposed. In fact, it has been the same bill with barely a few words changed each time. The King has already rejected similar bills twice, and I have rejected it now. I never want to see a bill like this again .

"You are our current Minister for Health," he continued, "but if you do not take into account the health needs of all Vallerians, you'll need to be replaced."

Julia gasped. "Your Highness! That is uncalled for. Perhaps you are a bit emotional?—"

Oh fuck no. "Stop deflecting, and certainly stop using the recently deceased former queen to distract from the fact that you are completely in the wrong. As health minister, you should also know that having emotions is essential to being human. I have many emotions throughout the day, every day, as does everyone else, and no one should be shamed for it. Ever. Am I understood?"

She tilted her head up, her chin pointing out. "Yes, Your Highness. I apologize if I caused any offense."

He turned to the Council secretary. "Mark Minister Naera in contempt for her words today. I'll not tolerate that behaviour now or ever."

"Yes, Your Highness."

He ignored her livid sputtering and moved on. She'd only been added to the Council via a loophole he was planning on closing soon, so he'd have to put up with her until then. "Next item on the agenda is to defer any other pending items until after the funeral and pause the Council session for a period of mourning. Who will propose?"

His brother Marcello, also Valleria's Minister of Security and Defense, stood. "I propose to pause the Council session for mourning."

His other brother, Nate, also Valleria's Minister of Finance and Treasury, stood. "I second the motion."

Alex nodded. "All those in favour?"

Everyone said ‘Aye', though some looked angry or annoyed about it.

"All those opposed?"

Everyone looked around the room, but all remained silent.

Alex banged the gavel once. "The motion is passed. We will resume the next Council session… "

"Two weeks from tomorrow, Your Highness," the secretary interjected.

"Thank you. Let's make it three weeks, however. We'll have foreign dignitaries visiting and we'll need the extra time to manage their visits. All pending issues are deferred until then. Council members, of course, will be receiving information and a formal invitation to the funeral. We look forward to seeing you there to support the former queen."

Alex banged the gavel again. "This meeting is adjourned."

As the ministers stood to leave, Marcello and Nate walked up to him.

"Short and sweet," Marcello noted. "I thought you were fairly restrained, all things considered."

"I wanted to say much more to her, I'll tell you that much," Nate added, anger etched on his face and evident in his eyes. "I can't believe she tried to use Nonna."

Alex took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I wanted to say more to her as well, trust me. But everyone is looking at me right now, and I could only go so far. If only I could…"

"Could what?" Nate asked when he didn't continue.

Alex shook his head. "Later. I have to meet with Corrado about the funeral. Marcello, you should probably come with me, as we need to go over some security issues."

Marcello nodded. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"Do I have time to be?" Alex clenched his fingers into a fist, then relaxed his hand. "I think none of us are okay right now, but we're getting through it. Have you seen Papa?"

Nate nodded. "This morning. Charlie and I went to visit him. Charlie thought feeling the baby kick might cheer him up and it did. He's distracted though."

Marcello nodded. "Grace and I went to see him before the meeting. He's managing, but I bet he gave you more to do than normal. Let us know if you need help. "

Alex nodded. "Thank you. I will. At least we don't have to deal with the Council for a few weeks."

"How's Rebecca?" Nate asked as they made their way out of the now empty Council chamber. "She seemed to take it pretty hard when Mama told us."

Alex sighed. "I know. She's doing okay overall. Mama is giving her more work too, but she's managing it. I'm more worried about Sarah, to be honest. She was so close to Nonna."

"I know what you mean," Nate said, as they made their way down the palace halls, their protection agents trailing. "I spoke to Rio and he's worried about her. She'll be here tonight, so maybe being with all of us might help."

Alex nodded as he caught sight of Tavin rushing down the hall towards him. Usually, Tavin would attend the Council meeting with him, but he'd been working on funeral logistics. "Tavin, what's wrong?"

Tavin stopped breathless in front of them. Between gulps of air, he said, "It's the king, Sir. It's his heart. He collapsed."