A Battle Unseen

[Elena1012]

Checkmate.
March 1st, 5655
Johnston, Royal Palace, Baltusia
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Alvarez's heart sank. Lloyd told him the news. Madyson Skinner, Secretary of the RPP was just arrested for conspiracy. He lost the entire RPP's loyalty. But how? He was careful. He didn't leave any tracks. Before he could even think of anything, a loud pop was heard. Followed by another. And another. It stopped all thoughts he had. The look on Lloyd's face said it all. Something had happened. In an instant, Lloyd quickly responded to the silence, his voice stern, "Your Majesty, stay here, and stay away from the windows. It isn't safe." And just like that, he left the room. Alvarez was all alone in the room. He had no idea what was happening. A few more pops went off. He quickly ran to the nightstand and dialed the phone. It was a quick line to Merridan. Even if he loathed the man, Merridan would keep him safe. Come on, answer faster! After a few seconds, nothing. Damn it. One more pop. Something was going horribly wrong. The palace wasn't safe. He lost the RPP and now he might lose his life? It couldn't be like this. Where the hell was Merridan? He wouldn't ignore a chance to influence Alvarez. He didn't dare look outside the window. He knew what a bad idea that was. The door clicked open. He froze. He didn't bother to turn around. If he was going to die, he was going to die like a King. "If you've come to the Royal Palace to kill me then get it over with." His heart sank even lower when a voice replied back. Merridan's voice.

"Kill you? Why would I ever do that?" He was confident. Smug even. Alvarez slowly turned around. He couldn't help but despair. There he was. The bastard. Merridan. To his left and right, those thugs from Monarch Dynamics. Merridan spoke up, noticing that Alvarez wouldn't say much. "I must say, you certainly gave me a run for my money. Plotting to coup me? Contacting the military and the Royal People's Party? I have to admit, what you tried doing was respectable." Merridan paused. He let his words hover over Alvarez. All Alvarez could do was despair. Everything he worked hard for this entire year failed. It was all for nothing. Wasn't it? "I'm not going to harm you in any way. What good is it if a King dies to his subject? There's enough blood in the Palace already. It doesn't need royal blood. So, here's what's going to happen. As we speak, the SAFE Act has been authorized on the military. The Press won't be aware of it. Whatever loyalists you have will be arrested and in custody by the morning. You're a smart man, George. You know damn well that I can't and won't lay a finger on you. But I don't have to do that. It's clear whatever ambitions you have will fail. Just as this plot failed. So, give up. You'll get to continue living a life of luxury. I'll even ease up the RSB so you can have more autonomy. Start a family even. You'll save the nation from a future heir crisis. But know this. I may be a patient man, but I am not a merciful one. I will not give you a second chance. You're going to be a good King. For Baltusia."

Outwardly, Alvarez kept his composure. Inside, something broke when he realized what just happened. He lost. Merridan won. Alvarez really was just a powerless puppet. Merridan's confidence never wavered. He faced one of his thugs and spoke, calmly. "Clean the mess up. Our fair King deserves a clean palace, not one riddled with bodies and blood. Find the Captain of the Royal Guard, tell him to release a statement of a rogue gunman trying to assassinate our beloved King for the Press. I'll make sure Congress is on the same page." Alvarez just wanted to disappear. To hide. But he knew Merridan would never let that happen. Exile was out of the question. As the thugs from Monarch Dynamics left, Merridan stepped closer and offered his hand. Alvarez looked up and was confused. "I will admit, you've earned my respect. You tried to outplay me. You failed, but you tried. And that has earned my respect. I'm a man of my word. The RSB will back off and you'll have more autonomy. You won't be stuck in the Palace anymore. But don't try running out of the country. Remember. You exist because I allow it. And you can end, because I demand it. I believe this is called, checkmate." Alvarez was defeated. He lifted his hand, still avoiding direct eye contact, and shook Merridan's. What else could he do? Try to save face and be proud? With that, Merridan turned around and left the room, closing the door behind him. It was over. Alvarez lost. Not with a gunshot, not with a trial, nor with an execution. But with a handshake. He wasn't supposed to have lost like this. It was supposed to be a win for him. He was supposed to prevail. But he didn't. He lost. Badly. He was a puppet to Merridan. All he could do was happily play that role.