Pronoia, Elysium
August 17th, 1803
“He’s possessed. Demonic. He can’t be trusted to run the country.”
“Hush! It’s treason talk. The walls have ears.”
“I can’t be seen with you guys. He’ll torture me if he finds out.”
“Weaklings! Now is the time to be strong!”
“Easy for you to say, you have powerful connections to aid you.”
“My life is just as much in danger as yours if discovered, but we need to do something!”
The Senate fell silent. The king entered and sat on his throne.
He lifted his hand.
“Senators. Esteemed nobles! Our country is at risk. Rebellions from the Indians are rampant, although by my grace the Chahiksichahiks uprising as well as the Seminole uprising has been put down.”
He laughed manically for almost a minute.
Dried his mouth.
Spoke without words.
Looked up.
“And it is time to institute a better army. No longer should the Elysian military be based on a national militia. I propose – and demand your cooperation in instituting – the enactment of a professional army.”
He drank heavily from his cup.
“I’ll leave you to it. But I need some words with senator Dukakis and senator Gaianus. GUARDS!”
The two were part dragged, part pushed, out of the senate building.
Whispers commenced.
In the corners, secret deals for the toppling of the king were made.
