Emperor Maximus I, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia
Maximus strode through the palace, firing off orders left and right as preparations for the games were made. So far the Krakari and Mereton had accepted his invitations, while not as many as he had hoped at-least those two were the one's he wanted to speak with most. Perhaps some others would arrive later, if he was lucky.
He felt a drag on his sleeve and with a sigh turned to see his Lord Deputy Roland Olin bowing profusely. The man then arose with a slick smile on his face. The Emperor's heart sank, this was one of two men he'd been specifically trying to avoid.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Olin purred, "I most apologise for interupting you in this busy period but there is an important matter that needs your attention," He thrust a bunch of papers into Maximus' face. The Emperor glanced over them, barely hiding the scowl that appeared as he skimmed it's contents.
"This again Roland?" Maximus exclaimed angrily, "For the last time, I will not treat my drider subjects any differently from any other race, understand?"
"But your Majesty!" the Lord Deputy simpered, "Last week another child down south was taken by one of their young, this simply can't be tolerated much longer,"
"I trust that drider will face the full force of the law then," the Emperor replied sharply, "We don't punish men for the actions of their kin though, or you would not be here now, eh?" Roland glowered at the reference to his late father, sometimes Maximus wished he could do the same to the son and be rid of a nuisance forever but he knew deep down he'd feel terribly guilty afterwards.
"Parliament wants action, you can't hold us up forever," Roland Olin added, "The drider problem will remain a festering wound in the heart of our nation until a permanent solution is found, one way or another,"
With that he flounced off. Maximus was about to continue when the other man he'd been trying to avoid appeared at his shoulder.
"Uncle," Julius said huskily as the Emperor turned, praying this wouldn't be another coversation about Kaius.
