The Cabinet meeting

Shortly after, a fully dressed Isabell and the General boarded the chopper again and took off. She looked out the window, watching the valley slowly shrink beneath them. The soldier training in the square grew ever smaller until they too vanished. She wondered how much time she had bought with her little sacrifice, and whether it was enough to secure peace in her country.

A half hour later, they arrived at the palace. Wordlessly, Serrano led Isabella into the main hall, stopping outside the conference room before turning to her.

"The Cabinet has been waiting for you, Presidente. Now that we understand each other's positions better, allow me to give you a word of warning: They cannot be trusted. Some are your father's men, and they may wish to continue his work. Others are ambitious and hungry for power, and will not hesitate to stab you in the back if it suits their goals. They all believe you to be weak, and will try to manipulate you. Don't let them."

How ironic, Isabella thought. The pot calling the kettles black. She steeled herself and nodded, pushing open the door and stepping into the room.