Emiri felt just as unsure as Savayna did, but they didn't have much of a say in the matter anyway. It looked like her powers weren't at full capacity, she was sure she tried to repair the blonde's armor, but she failed. Apparently, she was still in pain as well. The brunette lamented her failing powers, but for now, it would have to do. "Whatever the case, the others are being attacked by Ixion right now." Emiri sighed as she shook her head. "We lost the Esper...who knows how everyone else is doing."
To say that she was furious would have been underestimating the woman's anger. No, she was beyond that. Reia's face said otherwise, but the fury she felt at the moment could have burned the entire place down if it were manifested into flames. She had one hand on the table before her, Arcturus of the Council had come before her to graciously deliver the news. She couldn't believe the nerve of these idiotic men, these imbeciles! And yet somewhere in the back of her mind, she had seen it coming, somehow. Roland said so as he was executed, he had warned her as such. It didn't matter how much power the royal family had, if the Council deemed them unworthy, they would find a way to dethrone them. And now that her little secret was out, Reia knew it was only a matter of time before her throne was snatched away from her grip.
"You must understand, Your Majesty...the Council wants nothing more then prosperity for Rozarria. Said prosperity is...jeopardized if the ruler is unfit for the throne." He spoke, a line rehearsed but with no real meaning behind it. "And thus we have reached our decision. For the time being, you will remain at your position, but once the Council has decided which of the prospects--"
"Between the younger brother of mine or my niece?" Reia spat, slowly standing at this point. "Not only is this an insult, it is pure treason on your end. I will see to it that you are all hanged."
"You would have been right in any normal circumstance. However, with the revelation that you cannot bear children, we have deemed you unfit for the throne." He reminded her. "Truly disgraceful, as both a woman and an Empress. Though you are correct in assuming both Grant and Nadeline will be considered. Both are young, willing members of the royal family that will replace you nicely. Lorenzo was our first choice, but he refuses to take the throne as he must care for Lady Karolina--an admirable trait."
Reia narrowed her eyes. "Grant is a controlling man, he will not let you pull his strings and be manipulated by the likes of any of you. He is also set on marrying a commoner, something you all have been opposed to since Lorenzo's marriage. Nadeline is naive and idealistic, a foolish girl who has yet to see the cruelties of this world."
"Grant is also a reasonable man. As for his future bride, Emelia Rianna, she is the daughter of Andre, who has recently become a Duke. She may have been commonborn in the past, but as of this moment she is a Duchess. Her hidden powers make her a fine tool for Rozarria, making her more then worthy to become the Emperor's wife." Arcturus stated, clearly ready for any of Reia's statements. "Nadeline...yes, she would make a fine puppet. And last I heard, she is also a perfectly healthy young woman, ready to bear heirs--something you cannot do, which makes her more valuable than yourself. Some council members are even considering marrying Nadeline to Grant, though it is still in the air...now, I will take my leave, I have more urgent matters to attend to. Enjoy the rest of your time in power, while it lasts."
Reia turned to her desk, slamming her fist on it in frustration. After everything she had worked for, after everything she had done, was this her justice? Betrayed by her own council...she knew she should have gotten rid of them when she had the chance. She sank into her seat, thoughts whirring. Grant had no desire for the throne...but if they offered Emelia, she was sure he would jump on it. But Nadeline would be easier to control, so she was sure the Council would push for her to succeed Grant. She bit her lip, though for the moment, let her mind wander. Right now, nothing could be done.