MAEVE

THIS HAD never crossed Maeve's mind. All she had ever wanted was to serve as a senator and make a lasting difference in the nation and for the people. Not once did she dream of becoming the president of the Senate the moment she walked in the august chamber. Not even in her wildest dreams or fantasy.

It was all thanks to her fellow senator from Darsche, Renoux Morrison. Without him and his colleagues, this would not have been possible. They risked being branded as turncoats by their comrades.

How did the Senate vote?

"Twenty-six in favor of Maeve Flannigan. Twenty-four in favor of Victor Sorensen. The chamber has made a decision. We have a new Senate president."

How a young republican senator from Darsche beat the most experienced and most influential monarchist in the chamber would be a good topic for history books. A republican, female, and young senator ascended to the Senate presidency. This would send shockwaves across the political arena. At the age of twenty-five, she became the youngest to hold the most prestigious office in the Arcerean government, next to the King.

This was unprecedented. This was historic.

"Congratulations, Madam President," Renoux greeted, offering a handshake to her. As she took it, he leaned closer to her left ear. "Take what is yours before Victor steals it back."

Maeve was still shaken by the sudden turn of events. Could you blame her? Anyone would be as shocked as everyone was. Even her fellow republicans were caught off guard. They dreamt of the day that they would take control of the Senate, but they did not expect the opportunity to be now. Today.

As Victor begrudgingly vacated the makeshift rostrum at the rear part of the session hall, Maeve made her way to her new seat. Her slender hands were shaking so terribly, she had to clench her fists to control them. Silence filled the air, then her footfalls echoed across the chamber. As she ascended the short steps, she felt everyone's gaze on her. She soon reached the podium where she stood before her fellow senators. This rostrum was not as high as the one in the original Senate session hall, but it was high enough for her to see what everyone was doing. All eyes were up on her.

It might sound redundant, but she could not believe it. She did not want it, she did not ask for it, but she got to take it. Someone out there was definitely more experienced and much wiser than her. But given the givens, who else could do a better job than her? Who else got better intentions than her? There was no one at the moment.

Maeve held the wooden gavel—the symbol of the Senate president's power—and examined it for a while. It felt lighter than it looked. This was hers to use now. And she did. Two strikes to get everyone's attention.

"A majority of you honored me today by electing me as your president." Maeve's gaze darted around the temporary session hall. "This is a great responsibility and, at the same time, a great burden, especially in these trying times. Some of you may think that I'm too young, too naive to lead this Senate. Some of you may be thinking that this is a huge mistake. You can doubt my experience for all you want, but you cannot doubt my love for this country."

Most of her fellow republicans nodded at her while the others clapped resoundingly. Renoux and his small bloc also cheered for her. The monarchists? They only sighed and shook their heads.

"This is too much to process, I will admit," she went on, looking down. "I might need a day or two to think how we can move forward as an institution. How we can help this nation recover from the recent tragedies. But I do have one order. As the newly elected Senate president, I hereby declare the chairmanship and membership of all committees vacant." She struck the gavel.

The monarchists groaned. For years, they had held the committees and controlled the discussions and decisions. Now it was the republican faction's time. See how the tables had turned?

"I also dismiss our session for today," she declared before striking the gavel again. The monarchists wasted no time, springing from their seats, and walking out of the session hall. Only the republicans remained.

Maeve looked down at the gavel that she was still holding. It symbolized her power. She could use it to maintain order. She could also use it to hurt anyone by just simply hurling it at the person she wanted harmed. The way she used it would define her Senate presidency.

But she needed to get used to her new position, her new power as soon as possible. It might not last that long.

ON THE third day since her ascension to the Senate presidency, Maeve was still adjusting to the role. She was once a lowly and an insignificant senator from the province. Now, she needed her own security detail—carefully picked by her faction—and she needed to deal with her staff that had grown thrice. If they were in the old Senate building, she would have already occupied the largest office that befit her position. But for now, her small room in the Central Library would make do. After all, it was not the room that defined her powers. It was the position.

"We've received reports that the kingslayers were already identified. The constables tried to apprehend them, hence raising some ruckus in the courtyard," Ranald said, walking alongside the new Senate president. He had been appointed as chairman of the Defense Committee. "We've asked for more information, but the Palace has refused to say any word about the incident."

Maeve was walking faster than usual to reach her office at the farthest end of the hallway. Her fellow senators had to keep up with her pace. "Bennett's murder is a matter of national security. It's imperative that we, the elected government, know what's going on."

"If Victor were the president, they would have surely informed him already," Sumeria commented. From the Agrarian Reform Committee, she had been appointed as the chairwoman of the State Committee. "But since we've taken control of the Senate, the Palace is not cooperating."

Maeve clicked her tongue. She had already expected a breakdown of relations between the Palace and the Senate. Frankly, she could care less about Bennett's death. What she cared more was the threat that his death could bring upon the country. She could not let it slide. If something more serious were to happen—and it happened to be connected to the king's murder—she would be seen as incompetent. The entire republican faction would be seen as incompetent.

"If the Palace will keep their mouths shut, then we would have to find another way." Maeve was not the type to back down. "Is there anyone out there who's willing to tell us what happened?"

"I've already tried to reach out to my friends in the capitol constabulary," Ranald replied. "But they refused to tell me anything. Looks like the Palace told them to shut their mouths."

"How about the palace guardsmen?"

"We don't have any contact inside, and I highly doubt that they'll be willing to talk. They're under the employ of the royal family."

Darn it. Maeve let out a sigh. Clashing too soon with the Palace was a scenario she wanted to avoid. Well, the fact of her ascension posed a threat to the monarchy and the aristocracy. They might do everything in their power to kick her out and replace her with a more friendly president.

"Maybe we can reach out to someone who's not in the royal circle." Sumeria glanced sideways at her. "Someone who was there, but doesn't work for the Palace."

Maeve stopped on her tracks, turning to her colleague. They also halted. She was just a few steps away from her office. She remembered what Patrische had told her weeks ago. "Alphonse hired an arcane tracker to investigate Bennett's murder, didn't he? His name escapes me."

"Have you heard of Lucius?" Sumeria asked. Maeve's face lit up. She had heard of that name, but she knew little about the man. "He used to serve in a special unit during the purging of the bastards. Now he's working as a freelancer."

"He sometimes helps the capitol constabulary in tracking down rogue arcasters," Ranald added. "A quite excellent arcane hunter, I heard."

"We're not sure what arrangement he has struck with Alphonse, but there's a chance that he might talk to us and spill the beans if we push the right buttons."

"Where can we find him?"

"He has an office in the uptown district. Seventh street, if I'm not mistaken?"

"Maybe we can invite him over? I don't think he'll refuse an invitation from the Senate."

"When do you want him to come here?"

"Today," Maeve answered. "We can't afford to delay gathering more information about what happened to the kingslayers. We also need to reach out to him first before the Palace could, in case they haven't yet. Can you take care of this matter, Ranald?"

"Of course, Madam President. I'll have someone fetch him."

"Please use an unmarked carriage and do it discreetly. We don't want the monarchists to know that we've contacted him. The Palace might be displeased if they find out that we're snooping around."

"Got it."

The three senators separated ways in the hallway. Two armed men stood by the door to Maeve's new office. She did not have them before, but as the newly elected leader of the Senate, an enhanced security was a must for her. Many people were not pleased with her promotion, and they might force her out of the office—dead or alive.

As soon as she walked in, a woman stationed at the desk near the entrance got to her feet. "Good morning, ma'am! Senator Morrison is waiting for you inside. He arrived here ten minutes early."

Maeve's gaze lingered on the door in front of her. She had set an appointment with Renoux, the one who made everything possible for her and the republicans. She could have talked to him on the sidelines, but she figured that it would be more formal and respectful if they talked in her office.

"Thank you, Aresa—"

"By the way, ma'am, a messenger from the Embassy of Camerian Federation came here to deliver a letter. It bears the insignia of the Ambassador. We've already checked it. It's not booby-trapped."

Maeve turned to the woman who handed her a small envelope. She carefully opened the flap and pulled out a card. It ran:

CAMERIAN FEDERATION
OFFICE OF THE AMBASSADOR

Dear Madam President,

On behalf of the Camerian Federation, I congratulate you on your new position. As you look forward to a brighter future for Arcerea, may you not forget to look back in the past and appreciate what brought you here. I assure your government that you have the Federation's full and unconditional support.

Regards,

HIS EXCELLENCY ADELBERT SCHNEIDER
Ambassador to the Kingdom of Arcerea

She squeezed her eyes shut as she took a deep breath. The letter's content was encouraging, but she read between the lines and understood what was not said. She saw it coming. She knew that collaborating with the Federation would make her indebted to them, especially now that she was catapulted to the top. The republicans would not have made it this far without their help.

"Thank you, Aresa." Maeve slid the card into her pocket and reached for the door.

As the door swung open, a young man in purple coat sprang from his seat and greeted her a good morning. For a minute, Maeve failed to recognize that person. She was used to seeing him in his deep red cloak with a merlion brooch pinned on his lapel.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Maeve greeted back as she made a beeline for her leather chair. "My colleagues and I have some urgent business to discuss."

When she took her seat, Renoux also settled down. "If you've summoned me here just to thank me for putting you on that rostrum, then there's no need for it. You could have sent me a letter or talked to me after session."

"I didn't call you here just to thank you." Her eyes got a better look of the senator's new outfit. "By the way, purple looks surprisingly good on you. You look less evil compared to when you wore red."

Renoux smirked as he looked down on his cloak. "You think so? This color is so liberating! It's as if a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulders. It's also quite symbolic. A combination of red and blue, our known political colors."

"So you're no longer a . . ."

"Member of the monarchist faction?" He chuckled. "They gave me a chance to stay if I'd vote for Victor. But since I voted for you, they kicked me out, as well as my small bloc in the party. We're homeless now."

"But you were a rising star among the monarchists. Why would you throw that away? You could have done what you were told as keep your status."

"Maybe that's it. I'm tired of following orders, of voting on stuff that I don't honestly believe in. That's why I broke away, me and my friends in the faction. I'm also tired of the partisan politics! Blue versus red. Black versus white. Good versus evil. Can't we just unite for the good of the nation?"

Maeve smiled weakly. As much as she wanted to tear down the walls between the two factions and make them whole, she could not. This was the cruel system that they were born and raised into. They had to put up walls to protect what they believed in. "What happened to you is tragic, but I have come to admire you more for it."

"Just don't fall for me, Madam President," Renoux jested with a smirk. "But don't be mistaken. Just because I got kicked out from my faction doesn't mean that I'm gonna wear blue."

"So what will you be? A small third faction in Senate?"

"A small but influential faction," he corrected her, raising a forefinger. "You do know that nothing will get passed unless my friends and I vote for them, right? Three days ago, we voted with the republicans. Tomorrow, we can vote with the monarchists. We can swing to either side. That's why we're gonna wear purple from now on."

"I see." Maeve nodded. That sounded reasonable. "If I want something done, I need to remain in your good graces. My faction and I are at your mercy."

"As long as you stick to your principles and do what's right for this country, then you can rely on me. On us." Renoux's lips curled into a reassuring smile. "As long as our interests align, I see no reason why I won't support you. We want the best after all, don't we?"

"We do."

"So!" He rubbed his palms. "May I know the other reason why I'm here? Aside from thanking me, what else could it be?"

"Well . . ." Maeve rested her forearms on the table, putting her fingertips together. "We can't deny that you and your bloc played an important part in my election and my faction controlling the Senate. On your own, you moved to oust Victor and replaced him with me. We struck no deal or whatsoever before you turned your coat, but I want to give you something in return for your support."

"Hmmm . . ." Renoux reclined in his seat, fingers tapping on the armrest. "I don't have anything in mind. But you're the one making the offer so let me hear about it."

"I want to offer you a committee chairmanship. I've known you since our academy years and I know what you're capable of. You helped me get elected, now help me run this country."

"I'm honored—"

"I'm not honoring you. I'm giving you a burden," Maeve cut his words short. "Of course, I can't offer you the top-level committees—State, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defense. Those are reserved for my fellow republicans. But I can offer you one of the mid-level committees. Just name it, and it's yours."

"You're too generous. Victor didn't offer me a committee chairmanship because I was too young to hold real power, he said." Renoux caressed his chin as he let out a low hum. "I'll take Games and Amusements Committee, if you have no one in mind yet."

"Games and Amusements?" Maeve's brows furrowed. She could think of ten other options that would fit Renoux's expertise. "Are you sure? There's not much going on in that committee. Your talent will be wasted there."

"Well, the arcane tournament is about to commence next week. I shall oversee the competition on the part of our government. To be perfectly candid, I want a committee where I can just chill and do some occasional work. This seems the right fit for me."

"Fine, if that's your personal preference," Maeve agreed. "I will draft your appointment letter and you can start right away."

"Thank you, Madam President. It will be such an honor to work with you."

"Likewise, Mister Senator."

"Is there anything else?"

"Just one more thing." Maeve sprang from her seat. "I appreciate what you have done so far. Standing up to your own faction. Supporting your enemy to the topmost leadership position. Those couldn't have been easy for you—"

"Enemy?" Renoux scoffed. "You and I . . . We're not enemies, Maeve. In a sense, we're allies. We want a new Arcerea. We want to right the wrongs. We want to fix what's broken. Those who refuse to share those visions? They are my enemies. Maybe, they are yours too."

A new Arcerea, huh? That sounded strange for someone who had valued customs and traditions for years, and for someone who was willing to defend the monarchy.

"Maybe that's what fate wants too." Renoux turned his back to her. "If the Senate attack didn't happen, we wouldn't have held a special election where your faction won more seats. If you didn't win more seats, you wouldn't have flipped the Senate to republican control, even with the support of my colleagues."

"I guess we got luckier this time," Maeve uttered.

"Or maybe there's a force out there that paved the way for this exact moment." Renoux opened the door and turned to his colleague one last time. "Good day, Madam President."

As the door closed, Maeve sat again and leaned her back against the seat. They won this time, but at what cost? What would the Federation ask from her? What would a former monarchist ask from her? Only time could reveal their real intentions.

Knock! Knock!

The door swung inward again. The secretary peeked through the gap. "Ma'am, the arcane tracker has arrived."

That was quick. "Send him in."

Maeve stood up and smoothened the creases on her cloak. As the door opened fully, a man with undercut hairstyle and brown cloak entered. She approached him and offered a handshake. "I'm Maeve Flannigan, the new Senate president. You must be Lucius, the famous tracker. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about your exploits."

"I hope they're all good stories about me." Lucius beamed, shaking her hand. He then casted his gaze around. "This is my first time in the Senate president's office. If I can be honest, it's quite underwhelming."

"This is just my temporary office. Please take a seat." Maeve's hand motioned to the chair across her desk. "I apologize for this meeting in a short notice. This matter is extremely urgent."

"People in power get whatever the hell they want in a snap of their fingers. You're lucky that I hit a dead-end in my current case that's why I'm free. So what do you wanna talk about?"

Maeve leaned forward. "I heard from one of my colleagues that you were hired by the Palace to investigate Bennett's murder."

"Yes, I was." Lucius leaned his back against the chair and crossed his legs. "Case closed!"

Her eyes looked down as she tried to mentally phrase the sentences in a way that would sound respectful. She would rather not force the information out of the man. "I don't want to beat around the bush—"

"I wish you won't," Lucius cut her off. "You can be blunt with me, madam. No need to sound nice or put up pretenses in what you wanna say. We're the only people in this room."

She let out a sigh. She preferred it that way. "We want to know the details of what happened in the Palace courtyard days ago. We have learned that you managed to identify the kingslayers and chased after them."

"You can ask the Palace—"

"They refused to say anything," she interrupted him. "We tried to reach out to our sources in the Palace, but they refused to utter a word. Their lips are sealed."

"This is the reason you asked for me?" Lucius chuckled. "Because you thought that I can give you the information you need?"

"You're a freelancer. You're not under the employ of the Palace. It's much easier for you to talk than those who are."

"I think you'd be disappointed in me, ma'am. The king has asked me to keep quiet about the incident. Well, how can I open my mouth when they gave me a handsome reward for my work? Only a fool will dare."

Not this again. Maeve shut her eyes for a second. She thought that this might be possible, but she had hope. "So you're also not keen on telling us what you know?"

"It's the king's order. His word is law, isn't it? How can a simple man like me disobey him? He can have me beheaded and quartered by sunset."

Of course, Maeve did not want him to suffer that tragic fate. But she was desperate. She wanted to know the truth.

"You have two options. First, you can tell me what happened and I promise that I won't tell anyone that the information came from you. Or . . ." The next words seemed stuck in Maeve's throat, but she got to spit them out. "I will call for a Senate investigation and have you summoned. That is within my power as president."

"Really?" Lucius snorted. "You've just started out in this job and you're already beginning to disappoint me, ma'am. Those monarchists and you republicans, you're two sides of the same coin. If it weren't for the colors you're proudly wearing, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference."

Making threats would always make Maeve uncomfortable. This was not the way she preferred to do business with people. Using her title and power to get what she wanted was off the table. But she had to. It was necessary.

"Bennett's murder is a matter of national security," Maeve said with conviction. "We need to know who or what we're up against. It's important that we're adequately informed. I hope you understand."

"Isn't it convenient when we have a ready-made excuse to justify our actions?" Lucius asked. "You're dragging me into your mess with the Palace. I just got out of it. Now you want me to jump back in?"

"It's not my intention to drag you into this mess. If only the Palace were more cooperative, we would not be having this meeting. I would not have caused you any inconvenience."

"I'm not a fan of the royals. Neither am I a fan of the monarchists and the republicans. No offense meant. But maybe something can be done. If we'll have a deal, my mouth might open and my tongue might slip."

Maeve inhaled sharply. "How much do you need to unzip your mouth? The Palace must have offered so much to buy your silence."

"Oh, please! I'm not that cheap. I told you, didn't I? The King has already given me a handsome reward, enough for me to live off the coast of Polesin. I don't need money at this point."

"Then what do you want?"

"Information," Lucius answered. His smirk faded as his face became serious. "About the Senate attack weeks ago. You were there, weren't you? I read your name on the papers."

Maeve cut her gaze away. That tragic incident briefly crossed her mind. She wanted to forget about it. But why? Why was the arcane tracker interested in the darkest day in the history of the Senate?

"Fine. I'll answer any questions you might have."

"Here's how it's gonna go, ma'am." Lucius leaned forward. "You'll tell me what I wanna know. Then I'll tell you what I know. Fair enough?"

"So you'll take the first turn?"

"Yes. It may sound unfair, but I need to know if going against the gag order issued by the king is worth the risk."

"Okay." Maeve nodded. "You go ahead."

"When the intruders breached the Senate and attacked everyone in the session hall," Lucius began, "what did the then-crown prince do?"

Why is he asking that question? Maeve looked up, trying to recall that particular moment. "He just stood there, flanked by his royal knights."

"He didn't do anything? He didn't use his magic?"

"Did he have to? His Eminence Gillespie Grandois was there to take down the intruders. Alphonse was also being protected by his knights. There's no need for him to get into action."

"But he's the most powerful arcaster, isn't he? He has the purest royal blood in his veins. If he waved his hand, he could have easily defeated the intruders, don't you think?"

"He could," Maeve agreed. Even if she was not an arcaster herself, she knew about blood superiority when it came to magic. "But he could be reserving his energy or he was trying to avoid to deal more damage to the Senate building and us."

Lucius looked away, his eyes sparkling with great interest. "When the late king was attacked, he didn't use his magic. When the then-crown prince was attacked, he also didn't use his magic. Were they just holding back their power? Or was there a particular reason why they didn't do anything?"

What is he talking about? Maeve creased her forehead. "Why are you asking me those questions? Are you investigating Alphonse?"

"That's all I need to know about the Senate attack." He smiled before leaving his seat and approaching the door.

"Hey! We're not done yet!" Maeve almost yelled. "You haven't told me anything about the courtyard incident!"

Lucius was about to turn the knob, but came to a halt. "I'm very sorry, ma'am. My lips are sealed. I can't tell you that the two palace guardsmen stationed at the throne room murdered the king. I'm also not in the position to tell you that they made it look like an arcaster did it to throw suspicions off themselves."

Maeve's eyes went wide and jaw slowly dropped. So the murderers were inside the Palace all along!

"I don't wanna tell you about it because my head might explode, like what the leader of the cult did to the guardsman that I caught alive. Poor guy. He was about to tell me their true motive behind the king's murder. But poof! He got killed. You could have summoned him to a Senate hearing too, if he were alive. He got a lot of stuff to share, I guess."

But why? Maeve was extremely dismayed. Why did the leader of the Order kill the guardsman? They could have gotten more information from him!

"You were able to talk to him." Her eyes narrowed into slits. "Before his head exploded, the guardsman was able to share a piece of information with you regarding Bennett. Now, you're trying to connect whatever that is with Alphonse. Is that why you asked me about the Senate attack?"

"Have a great day, ma'am!" Lucius bade his farewell. "And remember, I told you nothing."

As the door closed, Maeve reclined in her seat. She sensed that there was something about the king—and the royal family itself—that caught the arcane tracker's attention. If it would lead to something big, something explosive, then the fate of this country might take a turn, for better or for worse.

And this is Maeve's last POV chapter for this book. What can you say about this update? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section or on Twitter by using the hashtag #ArcaneWP!