Her Uncle explains his plan

"I have been meaning to ask, Uncle. With Romero and Valdés controlling the Cabinet, how can we possibly get the others to switch sides?"

"Ah, well. The Cabinet that meets in your palace, yes. But they are not the only ones that decide who runs in the elections. You see, the electoral commision is comprised of hundreds of delegates, 343 to be precise. Each of them were chosen by your father for their contributions and represents a district in Montesoro, voting on their behalf. Some of them head the smaller ministries such as Agriculture, or Health. You can see how this system can be easily rigged, rather than one that relies on the popular vote. Modern day barons, really, though they possess the power to choose the King." Sato glanced at Isabella. "Or Queen, of course."

"So you mean if we can sway the majority of them, then Romero cannot prevent my reelection?"

Sato nodded. "Precisely. Though you must tread lightly, Bella. The "Big 6", as they call the Cabinet, still hold enormous sway over the delegates. Particularly with Romero and his experience with manipulating electoral results."

He stood up and began pacing around the room.

"It's not as simple as simply bribing them. Sure, money is essential. But you also need a few of the 6 to campaign on your behalf if we want to secure enough votes before the funeral. I am stretched thin enough as is."

For the first time, Isabella noticed the dark eye bags that formed under her uncle's eyes, and the haggard lines etched into his face. Was he nervously fidgeting, or was he simply running on fumes, running himself into the ground for her?

She felt terrible for not noticing before. She stood and put her arms around him, her body pressed against his, the scent of her perfume enveloping them both.

"Thank you, Uncle. Truly."

"Anything for you, Bella," he replied, patting her on the back. "I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of potential actions going forward, along with the required resources. They are in the folder on the table."

Isabella released him, and returned to her seat. The folder was a thick, bound document filled with pages of tables of names and numbers scribbled next to them. She leafed through it, arriving at the final page where the total was tabulated. She gasped, realizing the amount of money needed for their plan.

Her uncle looked at her silently, waiting.

Isabella...