[center][h1]♚ [color=c05982]A N A R E L I E A[/color] ♚[/h1][img]http://66.media.tumblr.com/51fc61ac770a524e9468f174afa94d7f/tumblr_inline_n1xc79Kcic1rb3m8r.png[/img]

[sub][@Hayazo][/sub][/center]

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[b][center] — The Imperial Great Hall, The Conclave —
— 6th Day of Summer —[/center][/b]

[color=0072bc]"The Conclave is a great opportunity for us, don't you think? It is as the Grand Keeper says. This room represents most of what the world will become. As we study, we will learn what our friends and rivals are capable of, and who those friends and rivals ought to be. I know this question may be a bit premature, and I hope it is not too forward, but I'm curious. What does the next matriarch think of the future of her empire?"[/color]

[color=c05982][i]How gracious of you my cousin, to announce such things before everyone. What is your game, I wonder?[/i][/color]

Outside of friendly courtesies they hadn’t spoken for many years and if he had attended her father’s funeral he did so with humility and discretion. But her little birds had told her of Seldo’s accolades since they were younger, and she had heard no news that he had changed in regards to the goddess— a fact that had been on her mind since she was told he would [i]finally[/i] be attending The Conclave. Anareliea hadn’t forgotten what sleights he had uttered and if he was wise he would’ve understood she wouldn’t until a royal apology was addressed to her. However, she was no wicked harpy and she knew very well that she had to react with kindness and courtesy. Especially considering the fact he had just recognized her as the next [i]Matriarch[/i], the role she so desperately [i]craved[/i]. But Anareliea had rivals and she knew it; with Seldo being as clever as he was this could’ve been all a ploy to embarrass her in front of her potential allies and newfound friends. Though she couldn’t be sure what he could [i]gain[/i] by such a depraved joke. 

Perhaps he was sincere?

[color=c05982][i]Could he be?[/i][/color]

The area around them had grown a little quiet as the question was uttered and Anareliea could see the eyes of her rivals upon her. It was time to act with dignity and confidence; there was no question about that. She thought for a brief moment on how to address the situation before responding quickly but not haphazardly to the amber-haired relative of hers.

[color=c05982]“How forward, Seldo, my cousin.”[/color]

Anareliea moved her hands together, palm to palm as she looked over Seldo and her newfound “audience”. She knew this answer could set her up as a power-hungry child, an overzealous follower of the faith, or a conniving fool if she worded her answer incorrectly. A princess was all about appearances even within the framing of a student of The Conclave. A precarious situation for sure.

[color=c05982]“Well, [i]if[/i] I am to become the Matriarch I am going to have to do much more than thinking, I’m afraid. The state of the imperium is in strong need of a fearless and [i]rightful[/i] successor to Patriarch Theodoric the IV, but it all falls to whom the people think deserves that right. I would be flattered if the people choose me as that successor and would follow faithfully as their wish. However, such thoughts are much too early to dwell on, I believe. I think I should focus my efforts on becoming the best student I can be as my father surely desired before I set my eyes on the imperial throne. Do you not agree?”[/color]
  
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