Part 7: Emergency

Kolfer and Matseta received information through their headsets that the Lord Marshall is coming into the Queen's sitting room.

Anlise led her companions into the Queen's wardrobe. The senior staff picks out an outfit comfortable enough for traveling. It's a closed mandarin collar suit with flared pants all made of Shrun-Galera silk which resembled Mikado silk of planet Earth but is more comfortable to wear because of the fabric treatment. She asks for the help of her companions and takes them into the Prep Cabinet.

Chiriu places the clothes in a glass cabinet where it is instantaneously steam pressed and prepared for wearing. While waiting, Anlise got some footwear. She chooses a stylish but comfortable travel boot to match the queen's outfit. After taking the said shoes from the shoe racks, she hands them over to Nuviette so she can take some stud earrings for the queen to wear. In a few minutes, they take it out of the Prep Cabinet. They hurry back to the queen's chamber to dress up her majesty.

Once they had finished, the queen hurries into the sitting room. Kanunia has returned and is dressed as well. Not far behind her, Lord Marshal Harrion arrived.

Nuviette surveyed him. He looks less attractive than the prince consort but he also exudes manliness and regal stance. He has tan complexion and brownish golden hair. Though he seemed to be a cold soldier, his stare softens when he glances at his wife, the royal sister.

The attendants stood at the corner of the room almost behind the tall furniture trying to be less conspicuous. Anlise opted to stay within the room unless the queen dismisses them.

"My queen, there has been an emergency. An island within the Lasteria archipelago sank into the ocean after a series of explosions happened. It seems Nybian forces are responsible."

"Nybian?" Kanunia asks.

"Yes." Lord Marshall replies and then turns to the queen again. "It is said that the Southernmost Island, Parante, has been a stronghold by the Nybians who were hunting down the Fliskan Resistance fighters. The Nybians succeeded and eliminated their opponents but they were cut off from everyone when communications in the archipelago were destroyed."

"So, these last remaining Nybians do not know Kyron is dead and my sister is now Queen." Kanunia retorts.

"True, they have no idea yet. All they know is that the Fliskan Navy has located them but they don't know Kyron is gone. That's why they're still holding up."

"I pity them but they have to pay for what they have done." Elzilaura affirms.

"Yes, your majesty." Harrion responds.

"Were there any civilians that were harmed?" Elzilaura was concerned for her people.

"Ten people but there are around thirty people injured." Harrion reports to the queen.

"Its few but it's still collateral damage," Elzilaura stresses.

"Yes, your majesty. Sadly, our people suffered but we will take care of this. I shall go with the battleship Ortioph to back up our troops and raise our people's hopes. I feel we need some immediate attention. These Nybians might be harboring a nobleman with a power stone. That would explain how they can sink islands."

"All the more I should join you, Lord Marshall" Elzilaura emphasized.

"Very well your majesty. We will leave for Fort Haeken where the Ortioph is waiting." Harrion replies. The said stronghold was a naval base in the middle of the sea closest to the Lasteria islands.

"The battleship Ocvon and the mission vessel Lematya have already reached the shores. The said battleship contains troops while the mission vessel carries medical aid and will provide evacuation for the Fliskans on the island."

"Good job, Lord Marshall. Let us take our leave and join Fliskan defense."

'Should I inform the Duke of Craiine and the Prince Consort?" Kanunia asks

"Frankly, I'm a bit hesitant. My predecessor is going to go haywire. He tends to be critical." Harrion replies to his wife.

"It's not his fault." Kanunia says.

"He will blame himself for it. He will think he is ineffective as Lord Marshall so problems like these have arisen because of mistakes during his tenure. That's how he is." Harrion explains.

"I understand how he can be so hard on himself. He is a perfectionist but leave him to me. A nice warm bubble bath will change his mood." The queen smiles.

Harrion chuckled while Kanunia wanted to facepalm.

Elzilaura looks at her attendants.

"I won't bring any companions tonight. Rest if you like. I don't think I will return anytime soon. So you may take your leave ladies." Elzilaura commands. The attendants slightly curtsy and headed back to the service room.

"Let us go then, Lord Marshall," Elzilaura instructs. "Stay in my office and wait for developments."

"Of course, my queen." Kanunia replies.

Kanunia just curtsies and heads for the Queen's office.

In the service room, the two soldiers headed for the door. They were part of the security detail so when the Queen steps out, they will be accompanying her together with the other bodyguards assigned by the Lord Marshal.

"Well since we are ordered to rest, you may go back to your chambers to rest." Anlise commands. "I will stay here to complete the shift. I will also endorse to the day shift."

"Are you sure, Anlise? We're not tired yet." Chiriu says.

"It's not often that we are given permission to leave early so go on ahead. Good night, girls." Anlise sounded like a mother caring for her children.

"Alright, noted. Have a good night too, Anlise." Nuviette replies. The older servant just nods.

The two girls went back to the servant's quarters.

"I'm not tired yet Chiriu. Maybe we could go on for a night swim? Or a game?" Nuviette says.

The companion chuckles. "Nuviette, let's just go and take the extra rest. Anlise is right. Sometimes we will go on overtime. It usually happens during banquets"

"Trust me, you'll wish you have taken the extra time to rest when there's a royal gathering.

"Okay Chiriu, point taken. Let's go sleep." Nuviette agrees with her companion.