Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 310

Chapter 310: Ministers ploy

Shona made her way toward the ministers’ chambers, feeling the weight of her double life with every step. She steeled herself, knowing that any misstep could expose her. The ministers were powerful and cunning, and despite their cordial facades, she could sense the hunger for control lurking beneath, as they sought to replace the king.

As she entered the ornate hall, a group of ministers sat around a polished mahogany table, their gazes sharp as they took in her arrival. The Minister of Intelligence, an older man with graying hair and a cold expression, gestured for her to sit.

“Shona,” he began, his tone as icy as his stare, “I trust your mission went well.”

She forced herself to appear calm, though her heart was racing. “Yes, Minister. I met with the Astral Maiden organization, as you instructed.”

“And what of Aiden? Is he… cooperative?” another minister asked, his voice laced with skepticism. This was the Minister of Defense, known for his ruthless strategies and impatience.

Shona nodded. “He’s aware of the alliance and claims his goals align with ours. But his loyalty isn’t something we should rely on. He’s unpredictable, and his ambitions extend beyond the Astral Maidens.”

The ministers exchanged glances, considering her words.

“Did you find out what he truly wants with the princess?” asked the Minister of Finance, a man with a calculating gaze, who seemed more concerned about how Aiden’s plans would affect the kingdom’s resources–their plan more than anything else.

Shona nodded as she looked at them calmly. “He sees her as a key part of his plans, though he hasn’t fully disclosed why. He wants her trust… perhaps more. But he seems to have genuine respect for her.”

The Minister of Intelligence narrowed his eyes, tapping his fingers thoughtfully. “Respect can be a dangerous thing. If he feels any attachment to her, that could shift his loyalty away from us. We’ll need to monitor him closely.”

“Yes,” the Minister of Defense agreed. “If he becomes a threat, we must have a contingency plan.”

Shona nodded, though a pang of unease stirred within her. These ministers viewed Lirael as a pawn, just as Aiden did. But at least Aiden’s motives were clear to her; with the ministers, it was murkier. They might promise loyalty to the royal family, but their actions often spoke otherwise.

The ministers continued to press her, questioning her about the Astral Maidens, the women’s loyalty, and Aiden’s resources. Shona provided them with enough details to satisfy their curiosity while keeping Aiden’s strengths veiled. The ministers didn’t need to know everything.

Finally, the Minister of Intelligence leaned back, his gaze still fixed on her. “And you? Where do your loyalties lie now, Shona? Are you fully committed to your mission, to serve the kingdom and secure our future?”

Shona met his eyes, suppressing any hint of fear or conflict. “My loyalty is with the kingdom and our mission,” she replied, her voice steady. “I will continue to gather information and ensure that Aiden’s plans align with ours.”

The ministers seemed satisfied, for now.

“Good,” the Minister of Intelligence said, a cold smile flickering across his face. “You may go. Report back if anything changes. We can’t afford any surprises.”

Shona gave a respectful nod before leaving, feeling the weight of their scrutiny lingering long after she stepped out of the chamber. As she walked back toward her quarters, she couldn’t help but feel trapped, caught between the ambitions of Aiden and the schemes of the ministers. She knew that ultimately, she had to protect her mother and Princess Lirael, which is why she chose the lesser evil Aiden.

But the path forward was growing increasingly treacherous, and Shona realized she had no choice but to play both sides until she found a way to turn this twisted game to her advantage.

As Shona left the grand hall, three of the inner ministers exchanged a quick glance and made their way toward a hidden corridor that led to the private quarters of Chief Minister Lusarus. Chief Minister Lusarus was a figure shrouded in mystery and influence, known for his cunning intellect and his close advisory role to the throne. His presence was often felt but rarely seen in public, and it was whispered that he was the true strategist behind many of the kingdom’s secret maneuvers.

The corridor was silent, save for the faint echoes of their footsteps. The ministers arrived at an intricately carved wooden door and, after a quick knock, entered to find Lusarus sitting at his desk, surrounded by ancient scrolls and records. He glanced up, his piercing eyes regarding them with mild curiosity.

“Ah, esteemed ministers,” Lusarus greeted them, his voice smooth and composed. “What brings you to me at this hour?”

The Minister of Intelligence stepped forward, giving a respectful nod before speaking. “Chief Minister, we wanted to discuss the developments with Aiden and his organization. Shona has returned from her mission, and there are… interesting developments.”

Lusarus leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening. “Interesting developments, you say? Go on.”

The Minister of Defense, ever the blunt strategist, chimed in. “Aiden has shown an interest in the princess, more than we initially expected. He’s building his organization, filled with loyal followers—women he claims to have rescued from bandits and oppression. They seem devoted to him.”

The Chief Minister’s expression remained unreadable, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of intrigue. “And what exactly is his intent with Princess Lirael?”

The Minister of Intelligence hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “He appears to want her trust, possibly even her hand. Shona reports that he has been respectful toward her, but it’s clear he has plans that extend beyond mere allegiance.”

The Chief Minister raised an eyebrow, his mind quickly piecing together potential motives. “Ambitious, isn’t he? He must recognize the power of aligning with the royal family. With Princess Lirael by his side, he could gain a foothold in the kingdom’s affairs.”

“A fool, thinking he can interfere and trample on us,” Lusarus sneered, his voice laced with disdain. “The kingdom will be ours, and no outsider can do anything about it.”

As he spoke, his face twisted with contempt, the dim light casting shadows that accentuated his hardened features. His fingers drummed on the table with a restless, almost predatory rhythm, giving off an unsettling aura that even the seasoned ministers found disturbing.