“I know we need change, so change I will bring to our region and the kingdom. We need it to fix Arelia. We need it to ensure the future of all merfolk. I believe you will also agree with me on that.”
Jergen rose from his throne and stood next to Calista. “Do you agree with your queen?”
“Aye,” came the consensus from the court.
Calista continued. “I invited queens and kings from other regions to visit Arelia to resume trades against Queen Tethys’s rule. She has ordered that we send representatives to the other regions for trades.” A defiant grin consumed her lips. “So, we will do both. After court, I will choose twenty of you to travel in pairs to the other regions. We will not send representatives to Caethas.”
“Permission to address the queen?” This time, the request came from Salania, a mermaid with whom Calista had recently started good relations.
“Permission granted.”
“How will we get the other regions to visit Arelia if Queen Tethys has ruled against it?”
“The other regions are in agreeance with Arelia, even if they did not voice it. They are scared of Queen Tethys, but they are even more terrified of losing too many merfolk because the Queen has no concern for her Kingdom. They will come to us for guidance, and I will persuade them to join our side.
“My planned challenge of her reign stands. On Silent Night, Arelia will rule over all regions.”
A cheer went up from the court, giving Calista even more courage. When it died down, she resumed. She signaled for Jergen to stand and linked her arm with his, something unheard of in view of subjects; yet, the moment compelled her to publicly display their union. “With my sub-mate’s strength, I will redeem Arelia. For you, and for my father. And, for the great Kingdom of Merfolk.
“I have not announced my challenge to Queen Tethys or the other regions. As per the law of Caethas, I cannot do that until Silent Night. I will not allow word to reach Queen Tethys until that night when I issue my challenge. Therefore, when the queens and kings visit, when our representatives venture into the other regions, we will not speak of Silent Night. We will allow Queen Tethys to slumber in her lethargic reign until then.”
The court became rowdier with the increased approval of Calista’s words.
“But, when we visit with other regions, we must foment insurrection in their hearts. They have already started on that path, but we will speak of how our regions should be. How we must return to greatness throughout the Kingdom. That we must not allow any other merfolk to fall at the hands of humans. We must permit them to believe that they are ready for the coming change of rule, even if they are not. This is the only way.”
“All hail Queen Calista!” shouted Limalorai.
“All hail Queen Calista!” the court shouted as one.
“May you take your leave,” Calista said. “And may Arelia be restored.”
She and Jergen exited court amongst more cheers, followed by her guard. They entered her chambers, with the guard waiting outside.
Before she could remove her robes to change, Jergen grabbed her arms. “My queen!” He swept her into his arms and kissed her. “You have inspired a revolution in only four cycles. No queen has ever managed or even dreamt of that.”
She laughed and playfully swatted his cheek. “We have a long way to go, my sub-mate.” Moving out of his embrace, she said, “The next twenty-eight cycles will be difficult, indeed, but we will rule the Kingdom.”
He pulled her back to him. “
You will rule the Kingdom, my queen.”
“Jergen, you have taught me so much… and not just by sneaking me into Council when were young. I know you are my sub-mate and our traditions state you cannot be my equal, but I could not rule without you. Nor can I abide by traditions, not if I plan on taking on Queen Tethys. Once I rule, I expect you to take a more active role in the Kingdom than King Ecthelion, or any other king in the history of merfolk, for that matter.”
“Are you sure, my queen? Will that not exude weakness? Others may undermine you, even discount your rule, if you allow such a thing.”
“Not at all. It will demonstrate the strength of our rule. It will show unity to the others. If we are together, if we are of one mind, then surely all merfolk will join our cause, to change the lives of merfolk for the better, never to fall again.”
Jergen sucked in his breath, amazement and admiration shining in his eyes. “I have always believed in you, since our youth.”
“You saw something in me no one else did.” She lowered her voice. “I do not know if my own father saw it.”
“No, no,” he said, wrapping his arms around her again. “You cannot think like that. It is not like you to be insecure. Your father saw everything I did and possibly more. If he were with us today, he would be encouraged by your strength. I understand, though, that the pressure is mounting against you, my queen. You are in an impossible position, yet you shall prevail. Remember that.”
Her determination returned tenfold. “This is why I need you to rule with me, not under me. Henceforth, you shall be known as my mate.”
He loosened his hold on her. “I do not know what to say, my queen. If you insist on bestowing that title upon me, do so only in private. I beg of you.”
A corner of her lip turned up. “In private only, I promise this. Now, shall we celebrate your new title of mate?”
Before he could respond, someone rapped on the chamber doors. The two broke apart, and she said, “Enter.”
Kaspar came through the door and bowed. “My queen, king. I apologize for my intrusion, but you will want to remain in your robes.”
Calista tilted her head. “Why is that?”
“The first queen and king have arrived.” Kaspar left the entryway and closed the door behind him.
Calista and Jergen both smiled, airing their surprise only to each other. “You did it, my queen. You did it.”
Q ueen Namiso and King Tamesuko sat opposite of Calista and Jergen in the Great Hall, where they entertained distinguished visitors to Arelia. The two wore their robes and sipped on the finest elixir in the sea.
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