Page 87 of This Cruel Fate
Bridget fully opened the door and Violet entered. A small team of four followed behind her. One man held a camera, and the other three carried various mics and lighting equipment. “Xolia,” Violet greeted.
“Violet, I’m so glad you were able to meet with me.” Xolia flashed her a joyless smile.
“I’m honored you wanted me to meet with you,” Violet said. “Though I do wish we could meet in less dire situations.”
“I wish so too.” The woman in charge of the mics asked to attach a mic to the collar of Xolia’s coat. As she made sure it was secure, her hands brushed across Xolia’s scar. Xolia flinched.
“I’m sorry,” the woman said.
Xolia grit her teeth. “It’s fine.” It really wasn’t fine, and Xolia’s heart pounded against her chest. Bright lights switched on and Xolia blinked.
“We’re ready,” the cameraman said to the room at large. He mounted the camera to a tripod and turned to his viewfinder, holding up a thumbs up when he found the angle he wanted. Violet sat next to the desk, not quite behind it where Xolia sat, but not quite in front where she would look misplaced on camera.
The cameraman held up a hand and counted down from five on his fingers. As soon as he held up a fist, Violet spoke in a clear and assured voice. “Breaking news from Risian National News. My name is Violet Smith, and I’m here with newly appointed Chancellor Xolia Stone in the wake of not one, but two attacks on our country. One of which tragically took the life of our beloved Chancellor Bellevue. Chancellor Stone, what can you tell us?”
Despite her nerves, healing body, and fear, Xolia faced the camera. This is what it’s all been for. I won’t let Peter down. “It’s true that Chancellor Bellevue and many other innocent Risians were killed in a terrorist plot to destabilize our hard-earned equality between humans and variants. This is a cowardly group operating under the name of the Underlings, and myself, and my administration, will not rest until each of these terrorists are brought to justice.”
Xolia paused. She, Bridget, and General DuBois had decided to speak about Atlas’s betrayal as well, in hopes to bar him from garnering any more support and to bring in the public’s help in finding him. If Atlas was smart, he’d be out of Atalia by now.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to say that Chancellor Bellevue’s ideals have not only been betrayed by the Underlings, but also by former Vice Chancellor Campion. Atlas Campion refused to accept Chancellor Bellevue’s pick for succession, and actively rebelled against the country when he attacked the Presidential Palace. This comes as a devastating blow, but not one that will overwhelm FAR or the people of Ris. I promise to guide us all through this dark night to the morning that awaits us.” Xolia’s scar burned. “I trust in Sel, so should you all trust in me. Together, we are Ris, and we are united.”
