(+10 Cabinet, -10 Military) “I need the Cabinet assembled.”

[Cabinet+10, Military-10]

“General Serrano…” she began, her voice strained as she wiped away the sweat from her brow, trying to gather herself. “I need the Cabinet assembled.”

Serrano frowned, his face hardening. "Are you sure? There are more pressing matters at hand. The communists that stole your father from us, for one. We must strike at once, before they have the chance to get organised."

"Yes. We'll discuss it during the meeting," she replied firmly. "Now please, I must get ready."

With a sigh, he released her, and with a quick nod he was off, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

As the door closed, Isabella took a deep breath. The weight of the world was suddenly on her shoulders. She needed guidance, and who better than the Cabinet, handpicked by her father to run the country while he was busy off in the jungle? Each of them has more years of experience in their fields than she has in life, and they could surely guide her in this hour of need.

She called for her handmaid, Bianca to change her into the colors of mourning, a simple white dress adorned with black sashes. As the maid slipped off her silk gown, Isabella's toned, lean figure was revealed, her smooth skin glistening with a light sheen of sweat from the humid air. Her breasts, plump and pert, sat proudly on her chest, her nipples hardened by the chill that always hung in the air of the Palacio del Sol, even when the sun was at its zenith. As Bianca helped her into the dress, the soft fabric fell gently against her curves, accentuating her slender frame. Her long, dark hair, thick and wavy, fell over her shoulders, the strands clinging to her skin in the muggy air.

As Bianca tied the last of the sashes around her waist, Isabella gazed at herself in the mirror, her brown eyes reflecting the harsh reality of her position. She was the Presidente now, even if she did not feel like one. Her people expect dignity and strength, if not in heart then in appearance.

"Thank you, Bianca," she whispered, her voice hoarse and distant. "Let me know when they are ready."

With a gentle bow, Bianca slipped out of the room, leaving Isabella alone. Without her fussing the Palacio del Sol was eerily quiet, the usual buzzing and chirping of birds outside her window now replaced with a heavy, solemn silence. The whole city was still. Isabella couldn't help but wonder if news of her father's **** had finally reached the people, and if they now struggled to contain their cries of jubilation out of fear that her father's **** was somehow an elaborate ploy, a cruel ruse, and that the tyrant's spirit would come back to haunt them.

She had little time to think about the possibilities, however, because moments later the door opened without warning and General Serrano strode in, a protesting and flushed Bianca in tow. His expression was grave, but there was an air of determination about him.

"The Cabinet is assembled, and they are awaiting you in the conference room."