Felis
Meow?
Something felt slightly off, Anselm noted. Despite the council members for the most part being the same ones that had been coming together and debating for as long as Anselm held his position, there was a different atmosphere. Understandably, as the deaths of the king and queen surely still lingered on everyone's minds, his included.
The former princess and new queen sat at the head of the table in her late father's stead, facing five of his most esteemed advisors in what would be the first assembly of the Small Council since she had ascended the throne. Anselm was quite curious how this meeting would play out. Despite him being in the proximity of Her Highness more than most people could claim during these past few weeks, he had not heard her speak beyond orders for handling the funeral, her coronation and rote tasks, so it would be interesting getting to know her style of leadership better now.
From his position near the doors where he stood with a few young cupbearers, children who would be sent outside once the council commenced in earnest, Anselm swept a gaze over the present nobles.
To the left of the queen was Lord Venclas Exteberria, royal steward and one of the late king's most trusted men. Lord Exteberria was an aging man with grey hair and a moustache that seemed to change its fashion at least monthly, but, from Anselm's limited experience, reasonable and true to his word - if sometimes stubborn.
On Jordasche Rasim's other side sat Duke Kiedebeer Amand, the kingdom's chancellor tasked with overseeing most administrative and diplomatic affairs and head of the parliament. A middle-aged man who liked to throw the weight of his old lineage and connections around, but left the actual tasks (especially the paperwork) to his wife Lorentien, his presence served mostly to appease his sensibilites and thus keep the court free of further commotion. Lady Lorentien's attendance, of course, had a practical purpose.
Going clockwise, the next council member was Lord Naveid Deborgil, who rose to the position of general through his military accomplishments - which was... impressive, considering the kingdom had enjoyed a long time of peace with no outright wars. Anselm didn't presume to question anyone's decisions in that regard, however; Lord Deborgil's charisma at the very least made him a well-respected leader.
In the middle of the far side of the table, opposite the queen was the third and last female noble in the room: Duchess Iardhenna Synemaer, whose headstrong presence and prudent spending habits had paved the road for her to become treasurer. It was easy enough to stay on her good side as long as you did not try to empty the royal coffers one way or the other. The saying was that her husband Weltar was one of the richest and poorest men in the realm at the same time, as she watched like a hawk over every coin he tried to spend.
Finally, there was Lord Rogelio Topez. Despite him being 'only' the second son of some other, higher-ranking noble, he possessed a streak of cunning and resourcefulness that both left him a lost asset if uninvited and, quite frankly, a possible threat if he ever chose to cut ties with the monarchy. Lord Topez was officially employed as strategist for the army, but during this period of peace, he served as an advisor for any instance that needed one.
Outside, the bell rang for the completion of the full hour. Save for the queen's introductory greeting of the participants, the council had officially begun. Anselm moved to open the doors and ushered the younger servants outside - for some reason, the late king had begun the custom of having his personal retainer as the only attendant in these smaller meetings, and Queen Jordasche had chosen to continue this tradition.