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Now he was an old man, outlived one child, seen more wars than he cared to count, and staring down the barrel of civil war. An old man trying to listen to the incessant prattling of an ambitious woman many decades his younger. He tapped at his datapad as he tried to ignore the growing pain, as usual it was not working.
Ziandra continued, “The Houses are nervous with talk of change of succession, your Grace. They would feel better served with a sense of stability of knowing who among your children will succeed you. I have done my best to downplay their fears, but an announcement of your plans would go a long way to giving them peace of mind.”
Rhys had to wonder just which houses were concerned, if any. In truth he knew that change made the Houses nervous, they always preferred the devil they knew and Gaul for all his many shortcomings was one they knew quite well. He waited for the expected turn.
“Several have come to me in confidence and asked that her Grace consider her daughter to succeed her if a change must be made. Her advocacy for peace and internal stability is quite popular. A return to war and militancy a some have advocated has people unnerved,” she finished.
Rhys tapped at the datapad as the pain had become sharp and piercing, it always seemed to happen after Ziandra gave her sound advice. He turned his gaze to the queen along with the rest of the council.
Queen Solara responded, “We recognize the concern, and will have a response by the end of the Festival. Assure these houses that stability is our utmost concern. We are thankful for your service and call this meeting for the day.”
The councilors nodded and quickly rose and departed as Rhys slowly gathered his datapads as was his wont. Ziandra was the last of the others to leave after a brief private word with the Queen. Rhys finally rose once the two were alone and acted to retire as well when the Queen spoke, “You have something else to add?”
Rhys responded, “Your Grace, I cannot speak for any House but Organa. My family has served on this council for generations and always with an eye towards the betterment of Alderaan and the Crown. I find it,” he trailed off trying to find the words for the moment, “I find it deplorable, and not because of my previous disagreements with Thul but because this matter is a House Panteer affair. We have trust in your decision to find the right candidate and not just whatever House Thul prefers, because what they prefer is in the best interest of Thul and not Alderaan.”
“And I say this with no offense to your daughter, she is wonderful and brilliant, but to throw her into such a position would be casting her to the wolves. Forgive my crassness, your Grace,” he finished.
Solara did not seem angered and said, “We value your directness in these moments, and if she is cast to the wolves then I hope she has your wisdom to guide her to safety.” She then rose and left the chamber to her private quarters leaving Rhys alone with his thoughts and the dulling pain in his skull.
Thinking of Princess Jameela only brought back more painful memories of his daughter, and she was right he would not allow her the same fate as long as he breathed.