The Reborn King

The inside of the palace was different. Many unmarked carriages arrived over the week, and no one was sure who had arrived. Many compromised servants had been fired alongside their arrival causing many nobles to believe that it was their replacement in an attempt to keep prying eyes out. Despite this, many didn't pay much attention to it. Carriages coming in and out of the palace were nothing new. The news of the Pope's arrival had been the main concern and although it was still months away, many preparations had to be made if it meant that they could get the favour of the Pope.

With a blind eye towards the capital and the palace, Alfred's inner circle had gathered. Alfred sat at the head of the table with Raven and William at his flanks. Catherine sat next to William, Charles to Raven. The table housed twelve people. Abu and the auction house host two of them.

"I thank you all for gathering on such short notice, but an opportunity has presented itself that we could not imagine. With the arrival of the Pope, we have a short window of opportunity to completely upend the entire Kingdom and sculpt it to our vision. Whilst those outside are blinded we will strike."

Most nodded in response as they smiled with anticipation. Alfred saw this and mentally took note of those who weren't completely bored yet. "Raven, William and Catherine. You will play a big role in the coming weeks. Begin to mobilize your troops. Make it quiet, don't bring too much attention to yourself. When the time is right I will send a message to you." 

Raven and William gave understanding nods to one another but Catherine didn't. Slamming her hand on the table, she stood up and looked at the young boy sitting at the head. "No. Not unless you explain why to me. I only came here because of William, but this cryptic bullshit is enough. Raise my armies. Blindly follow your order? Why should I? These lot may follow you blindly but not me. The Godwin family has been loyal to the crown for numerous years but that doesn't mean we are errand boys. If you even have an ounce of respect for me or my dynasty then you should explain." 

Sparks flew through the air as tension built. Those who were completely loyal to Alfred stared at Catherine with distrust whilst the few remaining who weren't completely loyal or only there for personal benefit awaited answers. Alfred stared hard before a deep exhale left his mouth, cutting through the tension.

"You're right. It's fair demand. After all some of you have been gathered because of your skill not loyalty, so I don't expect a blind commitment towards me. Duchess. This Kingdom; do you truly believe it will achieve anything at the rate it's going? Plagued with infighting and corruption. Because honestly, I don't. Please feel free to answer me honestly."

Catherine looked at the boy but fell into deep thought sitting back in her chair. The eyes that stared at her made her uncomfortable, but she couldn't back down. "It's not a matter of achievements but if we survive. If we can survive that is all that matters. Yes, the realm is corrupt but it is not weak. You want to become a great empire like those of the north and east. That's greed talking not rational."

"A fair point, I don't need to achieve anything other than stability, but I want to. I want to do both. A stable realm and an empire to last a thousand years. Why can't I do both?" The boy's words stunned Catherine. Taken aback she looked blankly at Alfred, not expecting him to speak his desires so bluntly. "And why wouldn't you want to help? Your house could rise to heights never seen before."

The question was tempting to Catherine but she bit her tongue remembering her job, "Young King you don't understand." Catherine paused wondering how to word it. "The Godwin house is the most important thing to me. Its survival and continued legacy will always be my priority. Since its origin when we converted to the faith of Sol, this has been all in an effort to survive. Whilst I will seize glory for it if I can, I would not do it at the risk of my house."

"Then I promise you both. Survival and growth. I will realize your childhood dream, maybe not in your lifetime but in your children's. All you have to do is follow me. If your family is truly your priority then it would be wise." The threat didn't go unnoticed by Catherine who looked to her right at WIlliam. His eyes were closed not paying attention to her. Looking towards the Marquiess his eyes stared back at her like cold daggers. 

Clenching her fists she could only see one way through this. "Fine. My armies will be ready." She may have been able to defend against the crown alone but if three of the most powerful men in the Kingdom made a move her house would truly be destroyed. She hated that she had to gamble her family's future like this. However, she knew this was the only way forward. With the death of the Argon household, the royalists had gathered too much power. Despite this, if Alfred achieved what he promised and made her family rise to new heights then she didn't care. She would even bend the knee willingly and pledge undying loyalty. 

Clapping his hands Alfred drew everyone's attention back towards him. "Anton," Alfred called the Auctioneer. The lanky man looked over with a wide smile, knowing he was about to make a large sum of money. "Start a new auction. I know you're famed for only having occasional high-quality auctions, but promote it as a special event with the arrival of the Pope, selling numerous religious artifacts. Those nobles will go crazy trying to buy the items trying to prove how pious they are. No slaves." 

Anton gave an understanding nod quickly falling into deep thought. "Count Esmond. How are the flowers coming along." Alfred turned to the man at the end of the table. He was an ancient-looking man with deep sunken eyes, shrouded in darkness. If one did not pay attention to him he easily slipped into the background to be forgotten. 

"Ho ho. Those girls are good your highness. They will be usable soon. The others need more training, however." With a weird laugh, the old man rubbed the stubble on his chin as he spoke about the two ex-slave girls and his new recruits. Alfred smiled thinking about the start of his shadowy organisation. He needed something like the Sultan across the border. His hands couldn't be soaked in such obvious blood all the time. Although he said this, he knew he was being hypocritical with what he was about to enact. 

"Abu. Did you think about our conversation last time?" The giant in the corner gave a nod in response. "Good. Those who we come into possession of after this is done I will leave to you. Decide what should be done with them and I hope it satisfies not just me but yourself. I will provide you with what you need, just draw up the plans for me by the end of the week." 

Alfred stood up followed by everyone. "Ladies and Gentleman. The future is for us to control. We have a short window, so make sure you are all prepared when it's time. Duchess. See Charles for more information about what will happen. Raven. William. Stay back, the rest of you are dismissed." Everyone gave a deep bow silently leaving the room. Catherine gave a final look back seeing the three talking, unable to not feel nervous. She suppressed it in her heart hoping that her friend still was the man she remembered, quickly joining up with Charles.

"Can we trust her Duke?" Raven shot a glare at William. After the situation that occurred his trust in the man had fallen slightly. 

"It's fine. She's nervous. After living for so many years where she collects as much information before making a move this must of thrown her a little. But we can trust her; not due to her loyalty towards the throne but towards her family. Give her a win because of this and she will mellow out." 

Raven continued to stare at William before untenseing his shoulders, the distrust in his eyes gone. Alfred chuckled seeing this take place. "Raven, how many of the clergy do you have the support of." Alfred fired the question off after the tension died down.

"Around 40% your Highness." 

"Good. Continue to grow your support. Use the Pope's visit to do so if you must. By the time a new Arch-Bishop is needed, you must be ready to take over." Raven gave a deep bow in response. "William, get in touch with the northern lords. Make sure the Pope is looked after as soon as he makes foot into our Kingdom. Don't let it distract you from your main task, however."