Chapter 6
Come Together
16th of Fifthmoon, 6 Charles 9
Saintcharles, Merice Province, Kingdom of Byrandia
The royal box overlooking the council chamber had two halves so that the King could easily observe either house of Parliament. However, King Charles was not sitting up in the royal box but was instead seated on the rostrum behind the Lord Speaker's podium. He wanted to look directly into the eyes of the MPs as they cast their votes. Also, as he would soon have to renounce his title, it was important for them to see him on the same level as them. It was even more important for the Commons vote that morning, but the Peers also needed to see that he would be there sharing the burdens to come.
Lord Robert de Vane, the Lord Speaker and an elder statesman with a long and storied career, approached the podium. He did not need any assistance to walk despite his age and he carried a cane more as an accessory than anything. And although he could not deliver the same fiery speeches for hours on end as he once could, he could still address the chamber without the aid of a microphone.
"My lords, we will now hold a division of the house with regards to the proposal entitled the Transitional Authority Act of 290, in which the Kingdom of Byrandia concedes to annexation by the New Earth Empire, swears fealty to their Emperor and complies with all the terms and conditions of the agreement drafted by the Imperial authorities. All in favor, rise and be counted."
Originally votes were given by voice, but this became unmanageable in the more controversial votes, particularly in the larger Council of Commons, and the rules were changed so that the members simply stood silently to vote yea or nay.
Four tellers went forward to tally the votes. If their count did not match, they would go back and count again, but they were generally known for their accuracy. Also, there were only a third as many Peers as Commons MPs, so that made it easier as well. Once the tellers delivered their count to the clerks to be recorded, the Lord Speaker said, "All opposed, stand and be counted."
By the King's own count, a mere seven men stood in opposition, which meant a few more were abstaining. The votes in favor had the overwhelming majority. The Commons vote was far narrower, passing the threshold by only seven votes. It would have been theoretically possibly for the King to exercise his royal prerogative even if the vote came up short, but he wanted a clear mandate to move forward.
The Lord Speaker examined the sheet handed to him by a clerk, then addressed the assembly again.
"My lords, the final tally of the division is 83 in favor, seven opposed and ten abstaining. The motion passes. We now ask His Majesty for assent."
Because King Charles was the one who proposed the resolution, it seemed silly to ask for his assent, as if he would have a change of heart at the last minute, but the forms had to be observed. How would things have to change under the new order? The Lord Speaker stepped down to cede the podium to the King. The King gripped the sides of the podium as he prepared to address the assembly.
"My lords, I know you have made a difficult decision. It may have been the only real choice we had, but it can take more courage to know when to yield than it does to fight. For those of you opposed to this motion, it is my firm belief that you did so out of sincere conviction and for that you have my respect, but know that we can only lose by resisting the Empire. We must work together to carve out a place for ourselves in this uncertain new era. This is not a problem for our nation alone but for all the nations of Miravel and to that end, the foreign ministry will be issuing a call for an emergency meeting of the Grand League of Powers.
"It is my intention to use the agreement we have forged with the Imperials as the basis for a global solution to the current situation. I will personally travel to Benvenue to present this proposal to the League so that we can ensure a smooth and peaceful transition to the new authority. We do not yet know how the negotiations between the Imperials and the other nations have been progressing, but it is my hope that our actions can stand as an example to the world.
"We are certain to face difficult days ahead, but we will face them together. Just as you have come together this day, we will come together to meet each challenge we encounter along the way. We have entered into the tunnel, but I can see the light at the end. Let us continue to walk together that we may all emerge into the light. Thank you, my lords. God bless Byrandia and her people."
At first it appeared that the King's words were to be met with silence, but a few MPs began to clap and it did not take long for the momentum to spread through the assembly. Only a handful of the most die-hard opponents sat in silent protest. It was perhaps a view of what the King could expect going forward, a handful of genuine supporters driving forward, pulling the majority along for the ride while a few sullenly sat by the sidelines. There were certainly worse outcomes.