A Second Council Meeting and the Southern Plans 1

I closed my eyes, surrendering to the deep sense of peace that washed over every single cell and molecule of my body, as I felt myself seamlessly melt into the nature around me, while the golden rays of the rising sun softly fell upon me, slowly cleansing away all of the worries and agitation of my forsaken soul.

Sadly such a wonderous feeling was short lived, as I was suddenly disrupted by the loud clacking of a pair of shoes on the stone paths of the garden, before hearing Isaac's aged voice professionally say "The ministers have all arrived, sire."

"A bit early, aren't they?" I jokingly asked, without opening my eyes or even turning around.

"They feared to incur your displeasure if they arrived late, so they all came ahead of time." Isaac calmly replied, as undisguised hope bloomed in his eyes, believing his emperor has returned back to his previous self. A hope that was quickly crushed as I opened my eyes!