“Can the finance minister really solve the problem? They are demanding constitutional amendments. When their patience runs out, they’ll demand the Queen’s crown!”
“Watch your words, Lord Stelranston!”
“We are arguing, sir. Watching one’s words won’t resolve our conflict.”
“The Queen will not lose her crown.”
“But our family will lose the monarch!” the middle-aged man replied. “Something similar happened to the French Empire over ten thousand years ago.”
“For God’s sake, young man, we’re facing rioters, not the starving.”
“Don’t twist my meaning, sir. Our class has monopolized too many resources. That’s the fundamental issue.”
“At least we have the army!”
“Don’t count on the Selberg family.”
They have been upright for generations and won’t sacrifice their troops to help you rich and stingy people. The marshal stated when he took office that their family would not turn guns on the people.”
“I’ve said if his son won’t marry the Queen, we should strip them of their military power.”
“Forcibly removing military power now will only cause unrest.”
“Are you saying Selberg will rebel?”
“The marshal would never do such a thing!” someone interjected. “And you are trying to force young Selberg to marry a woman he doesn’t love, disregarding his reputation.”
They left the Senate hall quietly. Angela was already waiting in her pink mini hover car. The two jumped in, and the car started moving.
“Darling, how was the meeting?” Angela asked, “Sorry, I mean, how was the eavesdropping?”
“You can’t imagine how exciting it was,” Wilhelmina said as she opened the window to enjoy the early summer breeze, “If the Senate meeting is so spectacular, why are we going to watch a talk show? The best way for the Senate to increase revenue isn’t through the wishing pool outside, but by selling tickets to the meeting.”
Cairns chuckled, “Poor Selberg brothers. He’s like a steak laid out for everyone to point at.”
Wilhelmina remembered Albert’s proposal and inexplicably blushed, not responding to Cairns. He looked at her puzzled.
Angela looked at them keenly, “Are you two okay?”
“Of course,” Cairns laughed, “Thanks for picking us up, Angela.”
Angela noticed Wilhelmina’s strange expression but said nothing more.
