The Demon Queen's Royal Consort-Chapter 90 - Consequences - II

** Main Castle Meeting Chambers

Selene sat at the head of a long dark wood table adorned with gold accents that reflected the light of floating magical candles around the room. Her face was a mask of serenity, but her sharp, blade-like eyes betrayed the tension she carried. Before her sat four leaders of the kingdom's most influential noble families, their expressions ranging from calculated courtesy to poorly concealed impatience.

The heavy silence was broken by Thomas Ferrox Umbra, a tall man with graying hair—Thadeus's grandfather, whose deep voice echoed through the chamber.

"Queen Selene, there's no sense in continuing to refuse a marital alliance with the kingdom's most trusted leaders. Glenn is a valuable asset, and your refusal to allow him to wed someone from our families only increases the pressure from other races and factions. A strategic union would solve many of the problems we face."

Selene tilted her head slightly, as if considering his words, but her response was firm. "Glenn is not an 'asset,' Thomas. He is an individual with his own will. Moreover, marrying him into one of your families wouldn't solve the problem, it would merely shift it to another sphere of influence. You know this."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, you're underestimating the impact of your decisions. The other races are restless. The magic tower representatives are camped at your gates, demanding access to Glenn. And what are you doing? Nothing. This isn't just a political issue, it's a matter of economic survival," interjected Mira Lunaris Argentum, mother of Seraphine and Aeloria.

Selene maintained her stoic and apathetic expression, but inside, her gut twisted with dissatisfaction.

"The mages are the largest producers of refined magic stones. If our alliance with them destabilizes, entire sectors will be impacted: lighting, transportation, commerce. Are you truly willing to risk the collapse of our infrastructure over one man?" said Caim Vanadius Bellator, a tall, youthful man with blond hair, pale skin, and striking green eyes, his sculpted physique drawing attention wherever he went.

The queen fixed him with a gaze as cold as winter. "Glenn is not 'just a man.' He is an Awakened with three affinities, something never seen before. Giving in to the mages' demands would be tantamount to handing him over as a lab rat. Do you truly find that acceptable? Would you want your own sons and daughters treated this way if they were in his position?"

"No one is suggesting he be treated like an animal, Your Majesty. But you must understand that your reluctance to make a decision is creating a crisis. If you don't admit there's a valid, plausible reason strong enough to deny these requests, no matter how hard you work, everything will go wrong," said Sarin Plumbarius, an elderly man with curly gray hair and a soft yet authoritative voice. His presence carried an eerie aura that screamed danger from all directions. "Whether it's a marriage proposal, a breeding arrangement, or a study of his traits... they're all bad options, but inaction is worse."

Selene felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She knew every word she spoke was being scrutinized, every hesitation interpreted as weakness. But admitting that Glenn was her Royal Consort? That could increase the pressure on him—and the kingdom—even further. Yet continuing to deny it would only fuel the dissatisfaction of the families and other races.

"You speak as if I'm unaware of the consequences," she said, her voice steady but weary. "But let me remind you, Glenn is not a commodity. He will not be bargained, sold, or studied like an object. Any decision I make will be for the kingdom's benefit, but also with respect to his dignity."

Thomas crossed his arms, his face unreadable. "And what of the mages? You can't keep them at bay forever. They have resources, influence, and above all, patience. The longer you ignore them, the more they'll demand when you finally relent."

"The mages will be dealt with appropriately, but not at Glenn's expense. If they want access to him, they'll have to accept my terms. And need I remind you that our relationship is far from healthy? First, they'll have to understand that they are in no position to take what is mine without my consent."

Mira let out a dry laugh. "Consent? Your Majesty, with all due respect, you're dreaming. The mages won't settle for empty promises. They want results. And if you don't give them what they want, they'll find other ways to take it."

A chill ran down Selene's spine. She knew Mira was right. The mages were relentless, and their influence stretched far beyond the demon kingdom's borders, with partnerships in nearly every race of Atlas. But yielding to them wasn't part of Selene's plans either.

"Then what do you suggest?" she asked, locking eyes with Mira. "That I hand Glenn over on a silver platter for them to do as they please? Or gift him to you to throw into your daughter's arms?"

The words made Mira swallow hard. Her selfish, personal motives were laid bare for all to see.

Caim intervened again, his voice calm but loaded with intent. "No one is suggesting that, Your Majesty. But you must find a middle ground. Perhaps a marital alliance with one of our families is the solution. It would show you're willing to negotiate while keeping Glenn under your protection."

Selene looked at each of them, feeling the pressure mount with every word. Emotions long suppressed surged within her—fury, anger, lust, greed—all at once. But she also knew any decision she made would have profound consequences.

Finally, she spoke, her voice firm and resolute.

"I am waiting."

"Waiting for what?" Sarin questioned.

"For a single authority figure to make certain demands," she confessed.

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"Who could possibly hold more authority and prestige than us, the noble families closest to the crown, or those damned magic towers?" Thomas asked.

"Is there even such an authority?" Mira pressed.

"You can't be serious!!" Caim cut in, the only one who understood Selene's intentions. "Who guarantees you that any of them will even appear?"

"It's already happened," Selene replied.

"What are you two talking about?" Mira demanded, wanting answers.

"She wants the requests to come from one of the racial leaders. Granting favors to one of them is the ultimate argument to deny everyone else's demands," Caim explained.

"But that's impossible! Those thick-headed leaders would never stoop to asking favors for a newly Awakened!" Thomas argued.

"Kargath wanted to take Glenn as his apprentice. It's already happened. The issue is that he's far from the best alternative," Selene countered.

An awkward silence fell over the room. A tacit understanding of Selene's thoughts unfolded, and the family leaders quickly connected the benefits of this approach—and how it could outweigh any request made so far.

"Drakk is coming to our territory in a few months. Perhaps Voruna?" Sarin suggested.

"I hope not. Even I won't be able to withstand the pressure for much longer," Selene admitted.

"I heard one of the elven elders gave him a golden leaf. Maybe it's from Lissamel Quesset herself," Thomas mused.

Selene nodded in confirmation.

"Glenn also thwarted the assassination attempt on that human girl, Athena. There's a chance the Holy Mother might make the first request," Selene explained.

The meeting, which had been progressing strangely until now, finally found harmony between the queen and her most loyal subjects.

"It makes sense why you haven't accepted any requests so far," Caim concluded. "In that case... are we the second option?" he asked bluntly.

"Phew..." Selene sighed before answering. "Yes. There's no sense in granting anything related to Glenn to anyone but you, who have supported me for decades."

Caim Vanadius Bellator, Mira Lunaris Argentum, Sarin Plumbarius, and Thomas Ferrox Umbra nodded in respect to the queen's words, accepting the situation as it unfolded.

"Don't worry. I'll consider your suggestions. However, know this, Glenn will not be bargained like a piece of meat. Any decision I make will be for the kingdom's benefit, but also with respect to his dignity. Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to deal with those persistent roaches camped at my gates," she said, referring to the mages outside the castle.

The leaders exchanged glances, but none objected. One by one, they rose and left the chamber, leaving Selene alone with her thoughts.

"Phew..."