[b][u]The Toubres Empire[/u][/b]

The ‘Sadamastor’ was a hulking monster of a ship. The very sight of it put the Empress on edge as it was paraded past her, the crew lining the rails and saluting towards where their newly arrived ruler stood. Empress Maia Bastos had only been in Amzores for a few hours before the bright-eyed figure of Eduardo Villacrés had requested her audience and oozed into her chamber. 

The Minister of Defence had humbly bowed upon greeting her, every inch the perfectly courteous servant, all smiles, compliments and praise. He had suggested that she inspect the fleet, all the while making it seem as if it was her idea in the first place. Even now she could sense him at her shoulder, watching her more than he was watching the ships as they sailed past. 

But the Empress had had her guard up against the minister from before they had even met. Although she had forsaken her contact with the mainland of Toubres for the last three years, save for the most crucial communication, her tutor, Vicenti Queiros, had been sure to keep some friends in the capital. And those friends had much to say about the young Eduardo Villacrés. 

He had taken office only a few months before, but he had been quick to imprint his influence into the very essence of the Toubres military. He was a visionary, and his visions were of the Toubres Empire becoming one of the great military powers of The Known World. But it takes money to fuel ambition, and there were rumours throughout Amzores that some of the old families of Toubres had ensured that the young minister would succeed, and that when he did, he would not forget who got him where he was. 

The Empress sensed that Eduardo had stepped closer to her expectantly, and she turned, smiling politely. 

[i]“It’s an impressive ship, minister.”[/i]

The Minister of Defence grinned widely, nodding his head in thanks before gesturing towards the hulking ship. 

[i]“It is only the beginning, your Majesty, I assure you.”[/i]

Seemingly satisfied, Eduardo took a step back, bowing politely as he did. The Empress turned back as the ‘Sadamastor’ finally finished passing where she stood. She would not make the mistake of trusting Eduardo Villacrés, but she could not argue that he wasn’t effective at his task.