The North PacificBoard

The door of the Queen’s chamber creaked as it was opened slowly. Its hinges screaming in agony due to their years upon years of service, never being replaced in the pseudo-sacred-like Palace. A second later, one of the Queen’s trusted advisors, Zachary Tyrolia poked his head through the now-vacant space. He looked around the room, observing all the little bits and pieces of the lavish room. Pearly white walls with a dark oak trim, a large, hanging golden chandelier lighting up the room with a shiny, lavish hardwood floor accompanied by furniture spread out throughout the room. On the far side of the room were massive, almost-non-existent windows with pillars of light coming through. Near the left side of all the windows stood Melody von Marigold in all her ungiven glory. She wore a standard black dress accompanied by black gloves with her golden locks held above her head with a ponytail. Melody stood still, staring out the windows in the blue abyss. It was a cloudless day in Artemiseau and thus all these weapons of war were in plain sight. Fighter jets ripped through the blue ocean above them, circling around the capital, over and over in spite of the Oskaari that pushed deeper and deeper into friendly territory.

Zachary knocked on the door’s wood, drawing the Queen’s attention with a swift headturn. Zachary attempted to flash a genuine smile but all he could sweep up was a half-broken smile with tired eyes. “Sorry to disturb you so early in the morning, Madam.”

Melody turned her head from the door back towards the sky outside the window, even turning her entire body so that she paid little to no attention towards her advisor except what she would grant him. “Its very much fine. I was just observing St. Ophelia from the comfort of my office.” The Queen placed her hand on the cold glass, giving her a small jolt until she placed her entire palm on it, she felt the coldness outside from the warmth and familiarity of her given palace. “How can I help you this morning, Zachary?”

“Well miss, I was wondering if you could help me. I have this dilemma that I want your guidance on, as you are my queen and all.” Zach gulped and felt a knot in his throat. He opened the door all the way and took a step into the room.

“And what is that?” the Queen asked with her casual tone.

“I’m debating leaving Artemiseau.” He said with closed eyes, scared at the repercussions that he might receive. He could be accused of Treason against the crown right then and there for abandoning his position and escaping the country despite his obligations.

“Oh.” The reply was quiet from the Queen. He could hear the sadness in her voice as she let out the short, stunned response. Melody’s hand dropped from the window, relinquishing herself from the cold outside and fully embracing the false warmth of inside. Melody looked at the ground in despair and spoke once more. “I’ve known you ever since I was a little girl.” she paused for a minute before returning to her words. “You’ve been by the Royal Family’s side for as long as I can remember and I must thank you for that. You’ve been the protector of this country's future- Well… Past.” Melody let out a medium loud sigh.

“Thanks miss. It's been an honor to serve my country and your family” Zach fiddled with his watch that he held in his hands as her nervously awaited either Melody’s blessing or his trial.

Melody turned around, now with her body facing the getting-elderly man with a sense of desperation in her eyes and a crack in her voice. “Where will you go?” She asked, only wanting to know where she could find her compatriot and loyal friend once the war was over, if it was ever going to be over.

“I have a flight to Moisen, the capital of the Volkish Anean Territory. I’ve just come to say my goodbyes and receive your blessing. If not, I’ll serve my time, dying to protect this Palace.”

“Thats nice to hear.” she paused and turned around towards the windows once more, now the sky had clouds coming in from the north with planes nowhere to be found. “You have my approval to save yourself and your family from this wretched war only if you promise to return if- when we prevail.” Melody lied straight through her teeth in an attempt to seem like she had hope for her Kingdom. However she knew the reality of it, Artemiseau would very much lose this war anyway she could spin it; and Zach seemed to know.

“Thanks, Madam.” Zachary stood still in his place, debating if he should really leave his home country when Melody continued to talk. “Am I a good leader, Zach?” Zach swore he saw a tear run down the cheek of the Queen.

“I’d like to say so. The wretched Oskaari’s are to blame for this situation”

“I’d hope so.”

An odd silence hit the room with a thousand pounds of brute force, Zach felt like he was punched in the stomach with the pure amount of uneasiness and depression that oozed its way into the room. He could tell that the Queen was taking this all upon herself, the failure on the front lines, failure for a swift response, it all felt like her fault. He closed the door as he heard her start to weep.