The early dawn light filtered into the grand council chamber, casting long shadows on the walls. The room was tense, every advisor acutely aware of the gravity of the situation. Queen Amalia, seated at the head of the table, radiated a palpable fury. Her face was flushed with anger, her usual poise replaced by a seething intensity.

Lord Pendleton, the chief advisor, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Your Majesty, the reports we've received about the mermaids are alarming. We are still trying to piece together-"

Amalia cut him off, her voice a sharp, unyielding edge. "The reports are more than alarming. They are an outright breach of our sovereignty!"

Lady Seraphine, the head of the Royal Intelligence Bureau, tried to interject, her voice trembling. "Your Majesty, we are taking immediate action. Our task force is being mobilized-"

Queen Amalia slammed her hand on the table, the sound echoing through the room. "Immediate action? You should have taken action the moment these creatures were first reported. And don't even get me started on how Captain Blackwood's crew has managed to turn this into a fiasco."

The mention of Captain Blackwood's crew seemed to amplify Amalia's rage. "Why is it that a crew of pirates is able to stir up such trouble in our waters? How have they managed to slip through our nets? This is their mess as much as it is ours, and I want to know why they are still being treated with any semblance of leniency."

Lord Pendleton exchanged a worried glance with Lady Seraphine, his voice quaking slightly. "We've attempted to keep relations with Captain Blackwood's crew amicable, but it's becoming clear that their presence is causing more harm than good. We will address their role in this immediately."

"Address them?" Amalia's eyes blazed. "This is not a minor issue. Their incompetence is endangering the entire realm. I want a full investigation into how they've been handling their duties, and I want it done now. Their association with this mess must be scrutinized."

Lord Pendleton, his voice trembling slightly, attempted to defend the crew's actions. "Your Majesty, it's important to remember that Captain Blackwood's crew has longstanding ties to our people. Many harbour a sense of loyalty to Captain Dorian, and-"

Queen Amalia cut him off with a glare so fierce it silenced the room. "Loyalty does not excuse incompetence or negligence. If their loyalty is so strong, then they should be doubly concerned with the safety and security of the realm."

Lady Seraphine, trying to interject calmly, said, "We understand your concern, Your Majesty, but the crew's relationships with the local populace are complex. We should consider-"

"Consider?" Amalia's voice was icy, her patience worn thin. "I do not wish to consider anything further. I want results, not explanations. If there is any hesitation in addressing this matter, it will be viewed as a failure of duty!"

The Queen's expression hardened as she looked around the room. "I will not tolerate any more delays or excuses. You have your orders. Conduct the investigation with the urgency and thoroughness required. If Captain Blackwood's crew has been remiss, they will answer for it."

Lord Pendleton and Lady Seraphine exchanged glances, both knowing better than to argue further. They could see that the Queen's anger had reached a boiling point, and any further dissent would only provoke more wrath.

"Understood, Your Majesty," Lord Pendleton said quickly, his voice steady despite the fear he felt. "We will proceed with the investigation immediately."

Lady Seraphine nodded in agreement, her face pale but resolute. "We will ensure that all aspects of Captain Blackwood's crew's involvement are scrutinized thoroughly."

Queen Amalia's gaze swept over them, her expression leaving no room for doubt. "Good. I expect a full report by the end of the day. And let me make this clear: if this matter is not handled to my satisfaction, there will be consequences for those responsible for the oversight."

The advisors nodded and, with a final, hesitant glance at the Queen, began to file out of the room, their hurried footsteps echoing in the now-quiet chamber.

As the last of the advisors exited, Queen Amalia remained seated, her hands clenched into fists on the table. The room seemed to hum with the energy of her anger, the weight of her expectations hanging heavily in the air.

Queen Amalia took a moment to steady her breathing, her mind racing with the gravity of the situation. The weight of the realm's safety and her own authority pressed heavily upon her. She straightened her posture, her resolve hardening as she prepared for the next steps.

With a sharp exhale, she called for a servant who was passing through the corridor. "Fetch Captain Marlowe of the Royal Navy," she instructed, her voice unwavering despite the tension that crackled beneath her calm exterior. "I need him here immediately."

The servant, recognizing the urgency in her tone, nodded quickly and hurried off to carry out the Queen's command.

Moments later, Captain Marlowe, a seasoned and stern figure with a reputation for both discipline and tactical brilliance, entered the chamber. His uniform was immaculate, his demeanour respectful but alert. He approached the Queen with a formal bow.

"Your Majesty," he greeted, his voice steady and authoritative. "You requested my presence?"

Queen Amalia nodded, her gaze sharp and focused. "Captain Dorian Blackwood the filthy pirate has been a pain at my side for years and years. It's finally time to show him what happens to traitors in my kingdom."

Marlowe listened intently, "That is no problem Your Majesty. Our navy can find him and capture him and bring him forward for trial.."

Queen Amalia's face grew starkly serious as she raised her hand, silencing Marlowe's attempt to seek further clarification. Her eyes were cold and steely, reflecting a depth of anger that few had ever witnessed.

"No," she said, her voice sharp as a blade. "There will be no need to bring them back here." She paused, letting the weight of her words hang heavily in the air.

Captain Marlowe's eyes widened slightly, and he cleared his throat, trying to mask his surprise and maintain his composure. He straightened his uniform, the fabric rustling softly as he adjusted it. "Your Majesty, what are you suggesting?"

The Queen's hands clenched into tight, trembling fists, the knuckles turning white with the force. Her anger was palpable, her face flushed with a fierce intensity. She slammed her fist down on the table, the sound echoing through the chamber like a thunderclap. Her eyes blazed with unyielding resolve, as if she was confronting an adversary in battle.

"Kill them," she said, her voice a deadly whisper. "Kill every last one of them."

The command was delivered with such force that it seemed to reverberate through the room, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. The air itself seemed to grow colder, thick with the gravity of her decree. Marlowe's gaze flickered with a mixture of shock and unease, but he quickly masked his emotions with a professional nod.

"Your Majesty," Marlowe began, his voice steady despite the underlying tremor of concern. "You are instructing me to eliminate Captain Blackwood and his entire crew without trial or formal justice?"

The Queen's gaze remained unyielding, her expression one of ruthless determination. "Yes. Their existence is a threat we cannot afford. They must be eradicated, every last one of them."

Marlowe's jaw tightened as he absorbed the full impact of her command. "And what of the logistical aspects? It will require significant resources and meticulous planning to ensure the task is executed without failure."

Queen Amalia's face remained a mask of cold efficiency. "You are the Royal Navy's finest. I trust you to handle this with precision and discretion. Ensure there are no witnesses, no leaks. The realm's stability must be preserved at all costs."

Marlowe bowed deeply, his movements precise and controlled despite the weight of the task ahead. "I will see to it immediately, Your Majesty."

As Captain Marlowe exited the chamber, the heavy wooden door creaking shut behind him, Queen Amalia remained behind, her gaze locked on the horizon through the grand windows. The dawn light poured into the room, casting a harsh, unforgiving glow over her stern, resolute figure. Her silhouette was etched against the early morning light, a stark representation of her unyielding will and the immense power she wielded.

Lord Balthus, lingering in the shadowed recesses of the corridor, had been on the verge of turning away when he saw Captain Marlowe emerge. The captain's stern expression and purposeful stride left little doubt about the gravity of the meeting. Balthus's instincts told him that something significant-and troubling-had transpired.

Just as Balthus was about to retreat, Queen Amalia's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Lord Balthus."

The call was more of an order than an invitation, slicing through the silence like a blade. Balthus stiffened, his heart skipping a beat. He hesitated for a moment before stepping back into view, his expression carefully neutral. He approached the Queen, his steps echoing softly in the opulent hallway.

"Your Majesty," he said, bowing slightly. His mind raced with the implications of the overheard conversation, though he kept his face composed and respectful.

Queen Amalia turned slowly to face him, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized his demeanour. The intense light from the windows highlighted the sharp angles of her face, emphasizing her unwavering resolve.

"I trust you've been keeping yourself well-informed, Lord Balthus?" she asked, her tone deliberately neutral but edged with an undercurrent of challenge.

Balthus met her gaze steadily, careful not to reveal his unease. "I do my best, Your Majesty. You know I have the Royal family's best interest at heart. Is there something you require of me?" He smiled masking the turmoil and sense of unease within him.

A brief, cold smile touched the corners of Amalia's lips, a gesture devoid of warmth. "Yes, as a matter of fact, there is. You've been quite observant today, haven't you? Good. I have a task that requires someone with your... discretion."

Balthus nodded, the weight of the Queen's words settling heavily on his shoulders. "Of course, Your Majesty. What would you have me do?"

Amalia's eyes flashed with a dangerous glint. "I need you to ensure that our plans proceed without interruption. I trust you understand the necessity of discretion in this matter. We cannot afford any leaks or mistakes."

Lord Balthus felt a cold shiver run down his spine as Queen Amalia's words sank in. Her tone, measured and deliberate, carried an unspoken command that he understood all too well.

He hesitated for a brief moment before speaking, knowing full well the delicacy of what he was about to say. "You know, Your Majesty, that Kael Blackwood is Prince Arto's closest friend. If the Prince were to hear even a whisper of what's planned-"

Queen Amalia's expression darkened immediately, her eyes narrowing as she cut him off. "Are you questioning my judgment, Balthus?"

Balthus straightened, his voice measured but firm. "I would never question your wisdom, Your Majesty. But Kael Blackwood is not just any friend."

Amalia's face hardened, her lips pressing into a thin line. "My son's loyalty is to his kingdom and to me. If he falters, then he will learn the consequences of divided loyalties. You think I don't know how close they are? But Kael is a Blackwood, and the Blackwoods have been a thorn in my side for too long."

He took a deep breath, choosing his next words carefully. "I understand, Your Majesty. But the Prince... he is still young, impressionable."

Amalia's eyes flashed with anger, her voice rising. "Are you suggesting that my son's loyalty to me is so fragile? That it could be swayed by a mere friendship? My son is a prince, and he will learn what it means to be a ruler, even if that lesson is harsh."

Balthus remained calm, though his heart raced. "It's not about questioning his loyalty, Your Majesty..."

For a moment, the room was filled with tense silence. Amalia's gaze bore into Balthus, as if she were weighing his words against her own resolve. Finally, she spoke, her voice low and cold.

"You think I'm being careless, don't you? That I'm too focused on eliminating the Blackwoods to see the bigger picture?"

Queen Amalia's eyes narrowed at Lord Balthus's words, her expression demanding an explanation. Sensing her impatience, Balthus spoke carefully, his tone respectful but sincere.

"No, Your Majesty, I don't think you're being careless," Balthus began, choosing his words with the precision of a man treading on thin ice. "But I do remember a time when things were different between you and Dorian. The two of you were close once-trusted allies. You fought together, built together. There was a time when Dorian Blackwood was more than just another name on a list of enemies. He was someone you trusted implicitly."

Amalia's expression flickered, a flash of something unreadable crossing her face. Balthus continued, sensing a sliver of an opening.

"Your friendship with Dorian wasn't just born out of necessity. You were kindred spirits, both of you driven by a fierce loyalty to this kingdom. The Blackwoods were once your staunchest supporters. That kind of bond doesn't simply vanish. It's eroded, piece by piece, by the weight of events, by misunderstandings, and by the harsh realities of ruling."

Amalia's gaze hardened again, but Balthus pressed on, knowing he had to walk a fine line. "I know that things have changed, that the Blackwoods have become a threat to your rule. But it's worth remembering that at one point, Dorian wasn't just another obstacle-he was a friend."

He hesitated, then added, "You and Dorian shared a respect for each other that went beyond politics. Perhaps that's why his betrayal stings so deeply. It's not just about power or control. It's about a trust that was shattered."

Amalia's jaw tightened, her fists clenching slightly as she absorbed his words. "That trust was betrayed, Balthus. Dorian chose his path, and now he must face the consequences. I cannot allow personal history to cloud my judgment. He has become a threat, and I will deal with him as I would any other."

Sir Balthus hesitated, choosing his next words carefully. "Your Majesty," he began, his tone softer, more cautious, "I understand that Dorian's betrayal is personal, and that it cuts deeply. But before you proceed, I must remind you of something else. You're not the only one who had such a bond with the Blackwoods. Prince Arto and Kael share a friendship much like the one you once had with Dorian."

Amalia's eyes flicked up sharply, a dangerous edge to her gaze. "Are you comparing my son to me, Balthus?" she asked, her voice cold.

"No, Your Majesty," Balthus replied quickly, "I'm only pointing out that the ties between Arto and Kael run deep. They've grown up together, fought side by side. For Arto, Kael isn't just another nobleman or pirate; he's a brother in all but blood. Just as you and Dorian once were."

A tense silence filled the room, the air thick with unspoken tension. Balthus stood still, watching the Queen carefully. He had seen her anger before, but this was different-this was personal, and that made it all the more volatile.

Amalia's fists clenched once more, her knuckles white. "What is your point, Balthus?" she asked, her voice low, barely more than a whisper.

Balthus took a deep breath. "My point, Your Majesty, is that whatever you decide to do with Dorian and his crew, you must consider the impact it will have on Prince Arto. If you strike out against the Blackwoods with the intent to kill, you risk losing Arto."

Amalia's face remained stony, her eyes unreadable. Balthus could feel the weight of her scrutiny, the sharpness of her thoughts as she processed his words. For a moment, he thought he might have reached her, that his words had given her pause.

But then, Amalia's expression hardened, her resolve returning with a cold, unyielding force. "You misunderstand me, Balthus," she said, her voice like steel. "I am not blinded by personal history. Dorian Blackwood has made his choice, and so has his son. If Kael is truly loyal to my son, he will understand why this must be done. If not-" she paused, her gaze icy, "-then Arto must learn the hard truth of ruling. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made, even if they are painful."

Balthus felt a cold chill run down his spine. "But, Your Majesty-"

"Enough, Balthus," Amalia cut him off sharply. "I have made my decision. The Blackwoods will be dealt with accordingly. You will ensure that Arto remains focused on his duties, and away from any.. distractions. Kael Blackwood's fate is sealed, as is his father's."

The finality in her voice left no room for further argument.

Balthus let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, closed his eyes, bowed his head and left the room without another word.