Railway Charter Part 1

Five days after Ernest's private audience with King Edward, the national railway project ceased to be a quiet draft inside the royal study.

At precisely ten o'clock in the morning, the heavy mahogany doors of the Royal Council Chamber swung shut behind the last arriving minister.

King Edward sat at the head of the polished council table. Prime Minister Ashford occupied his usual seat to the King's right, flanked by the senior cabinet officials responsible for finance, justice, commerce, public works, agriculture, defense, and provincial administration.

Ernest sat farther down the table. Hollen sat beside him, looking noticeably tight in his high-collared formal vest.