26 New demand

Edgar sat back in his chair and sighed. "With a war incoming, there will be a strain on our resources and I already feel the political tension rising in court. I need someone to give the second princess sound advice regarding political matters and also...inform me in secret about the princess's whereabouts."

"In that case, I have someone in mind that can do the job. We are from the same school of thought and he keeps himself well informed," said Julius.

"If he is not from nobility then all the better," said Edgar

"He is from a poor noble family settled far from the capital. I can assure you that they do not have any political connections. He has been working as an official in the capital for the last two years."

"Then arrange to meet with him secretly," said Edgar.

"I shall arrange for it, your highness," said Julius

**************

Princess Sam was practicing with her sword with her uninjured hand in the east wing courtyard the next day when Commandant Astor arrived.

Astor knelt and bowed, "Thank you, Superior marshal princess, for preventing me from having a foolish death."

Sam laughed at her words. "Get up Astor. Have you done what I asked you to do?" Sam asked pulling the commandant up.

"Yes your highness, I have looked around for an advisor, but I am not very familiar with scholars and such. I am afraid I've failed you in this mission. But I would like to give my own opinion regarding the recruitment of soldiers.."

"Go ahead," said Sam swinging her sword in the air feeling the release of tension from her muscles.

"I feel that now is the ideal time to recruit soldiers as more people would willingly join, simply to obtain the military rations for the winter," said Commandant Astor.

"That means, we'll have to settle on a budget quickly." Sam stuck her sword into a wooden pole. In order to settle on a favorable budget, she'll have to get some political support.

"Draw out a recruitment plan for now. I'll take care of the budget matter." Said Sam removing her sword from the pole and resuming her swordplay.

During the court session that day, Sam got up to make a request to the king in front of everyone.

"Your highness, I would like to make a request."

The ministers shook their heads and whispered to each other...What is it this time...

When the king nodded his approval she came forward and said, "I request your majesty to release Iglesius of Gregoy."

There was a round of whisper in the court. Some even voiced their protest out loud ...

"Outrageous."

"There should be a limit to her demands."

"He is a political prisoner from Gregoy?" Edgar asked his advisor Julius to explain it to him.

"He was an advisor to the former king of Gregoy, and the mastermind behind the same king's assassination," Julius explained.

Edgar sat back in his chair furrowing his eyebrows. He hadn't predicted this. It could not be that Sam had gone out of her mind, thought Edgar. She must have met Iglesius while in prison.

"If she intends to make him her official advisor, I am afraid I'll have to disappoint the princess," Edgar said to himself.

King Korbe was stroking his chin considering the matter. "This is not a simple matter princess." Said the king.

"I promise to take complete responsibility for him, your majesty," said Sam.

Minister Nirono could not hold it in."Your majesty, the princess's demand is unreasonable. If we fall out of favor with Gregoy, it will be catastrophic for us."

"Since Iglesius has been exiled here we are not breaking any rules your majesty." retorted Sam, "Also, your majesty must be aware that the current king of Gregoy did not wish to punish Iglesius in any manner but rather wished to protect his life by keeping him here."

There was another round of whisper in court till the king demanded silence.

Prince Edgar then got up, "Your majesty, since this an important matter, I say we should decide by votes."