The look of shock on several faces caused him to pause.  “This is not to overlook the best and brightest that may have been born of such blood.” He raised his glass in tribute to his lady and the murmur of approval told him it was the right move. “Our goal is to see that we as a people are led by the surest hand with the clearest vision.”

“I think you mean the strongest hand” Mangus the boyish First Captain of the Interior Force drawled lazily.  His tone was light yet his meaning was heavy and it was felt keenly.

Rachael narrowed her eyes.  This handsome man was trouble.  Mangus was arguably the most powerful person of the two worlds.  He was second in command of all the forces military and police which protected and defended Romulus and Rhemus.  Chief Raymore who actually held the top spot was a politician not a tactician.  The order which prevailed on the twin worlds was the work of Mangus and everyone knew it.

“Mangus” Rachael addressed him in silken tones, which caused Terrance to stiffen at the insult to his place.  “If it were simply a matter of might you would be the undeniable Prime Minister of our worlds.  We could not ask for a stronger hand on the helm than yours.” 

Mangus allowed himself to enjoy the compliment for a second before remembering the woman who addressed him had also publically humiliated him as the Regent Princess ordering him to lay his favorite dress cloak in the mud rather than accept his arms to cross a muddy traverse to the opening of the Royal Opera. 

“Woman forget not now that you are of Royal blood.”  The accent that he put on the word royal made it sound like and insult.  “I am a pragmatist.  I see two sovereigns returned home who I could easily offer obeisance.”

There was a murmur at the table at this statement.  “While I am in support of the Empire being lead by the best and the brightest I am unconvinced that we do not have what we seek in our returned monarchs.  I supported this movement in light of the Regent Queen and Princess’ governance I do not see the same need or urgency now.”  The murmurs grew louder and more voices joined with Mangus.  “I will admit…” Mangus paused waiting for the side discussions to end “that I do not have a fundamental problem with the monarchy.  The Houses of Romulus and Rhemus have guided us for over two thousand years.  We have not always had the brightest and the best yet we are strong and prosperous.  We are an honorable people. It is a tradition I would not see end without profound cause.”

Terrance was stunned at the sudden shift in mood.  He needed to act quickly to undo the damage that Rachael and Mangus had done to his plans. 

“So Mangus, most powerful…” he sneered.  “Since we have been slaves to a monarchy for millennia we should continue to do so?”

“We have not been slaves” Regan of the Fleet answered.  “We have served with honor.”

“Ruh…Ruh…Ruh” came the answering chant that crossed all disciplines.  

Rhaina understood that this was the moment to act. She rose and turned to Rau.

“Escort me as the Royal Guard.  I want to crash this party.”