Cutting to the Chase

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"While her background was suited for Sarkozsy, the ideals of leadership should be transferable. It would also give her husband insight into the nation itself. Thus, her learning can still be rather useful." It was odd to speak of Emma in such a manner, but Riordan had to be practical about it. Linten, Ixo and Treniata were indeed options for Emma. He thought on Linten more than the others, but that discussion could be tabled for later. "If Sarkozsy truly desires those crops, then they will settle, as well. Besides, it may be better for us in the long run, anyway..."

Ah, the matter he wished to discuss had finally arrived. "It will not be to Julia St. Claire," he announced, suddenly wincing at his bluntness. "The Lady and I had a lengthy conversation. Neither of us feel it would be a good match. But there is someone, Father." He paused for a moment, "I believe Lady Selena Lancaster would make a good queen of our home."

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

It galled him to think he'd erred so entirely when it came to Sarkozsy. Sedrick had purposely courted the potential alliance for years, aware that the eastern realm was in serious need of much that Demeria could offer. Why not put his younger daughter on their throne as a suitable price for their assistance? What he had not counted on was the issues between Prince Nikolai and Emma; he did not place the entirety of blame at the young man's feet, knowing Emma as he did, but the longer this went on, the more gravely concerned the King became. A hand rubbed in brief irritation at his thoughts as he listened to Riordan.

"Perhaps. Is there any chance whatsoever that the matter can be settled, or should we begin pressing the option of Tristan and Katya as our preference?" As Riordan took the lead on these matters, Sedrick was doing his best to trust his son's judgment while testing his statemanship and decision-making capabilities. "In truth, if we must give Emma away, I'd prefer it to Linten. There is that Duke visiting. Perhaps he can serve as envoy in this, but not until we are sure that there is no chance of rescuing the plan."

He frowned initially at the declaration that Riordan would not wed Julia St. Claire, but nodded for the young man to continue. Trust was proving challenging for the King, yet he had to silently agree - the two were utterly dissimilar and likely incompatible. Sedrick did not want another Nikolai-Emmaline situation festering, let alone within his own court. The mention of Selena Lancaster, however, caught him off-guard. "A Lancaster? What makes you think so?"

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"Based on what I have heard, Linten is dealing with some minor issues in their Court. At least, they claim they are minor. Another pretender to the throne has emerged and is attempting to gain favor. He is definitely charismatic, but I do not know if he has the actual support he needs to be successful. I have a feeling His Majesty King Felipe will handle it just fine." The smile was a tight one, "There is one thing to say about the Lintenese Court: there is never a dull a moment!" He wondered if his sister would be happy there. It would be much closer to home, after all.

"I agree," he nodded slowly, "I am going to speak with Prince Nikolai and find out if there is anything I can do. I also know that Emma's lady in waiting, Lady Natalie, is working to smooth things over in her particular fashion." The thought made him smile, "Who knows? It may work to our benefit. I say give the Prince a chance. I believe there is the makings of a great man and king lurking within him, he just has to let him out."

The look of surprise on his father's face was expected. "The Lancasters have a reputation for being ambitious, but wise. Fortunately for all of us, the current patriarch is far more urbane than his predecessors. That has extended to his daughter. She is gracious, calm and serene." Not to mention the most beautiful woman he's seen...

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

A single digit lifted. "He has one chance to prove himself fit, Riordan. Emma is already distressed enough by his behaviour and lack of courtesy. Much as I would say it is her duty to fulfill this marriage, your mother, not to mention your aunt, would haunt me from this life to the next if I forced her into abject misery in a marriage we do not strictly require. Perhaps some competition for her hand might be in order." The thought held some grim amusement for him, but the chance was given first. "I may have a word with Lady Natalie. She is... something quite unusual." Sedrick was increasingly concerned about the well being of his younger daughter and could trust Natalie to speak candidly to it.

A soft snort signaled his reaction to Riordan's assessment of Spencer Lancaster, though he could not precisely argue with it. There was something solid about the Duke of Indigane, tempered by urbane civility and courtesy. If the girl was anything like her sire, she would be an admirable. "What do your brother and sisters think of her?"

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Riordan gave a simple nod in answer to Sedrick's musing of talking to Natalie. It would probably prove to be an easy discussion. "Just allow her to be candid, and you will learn everything you desire." The smile was a brief, but clearly amused one.

"Emma has a favorable opinion of her," he nodded slowly, "Tristan has not had the chance to interact with her, but I am certain that he would do so in his own time and manner. Though, I may go ahead and do a more formal introduction. I don't imagine there will be much of an issue. Unless, that is, Tristan decides to be too charming and clever for his own good and Selena catches him at it. She is quite observant. I am not certain what Fiona thinks just yet, but then again, I've not spoken to her in some time."

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

He nodded, aware that he was due for another requested discussion with the Iron Princess. Sedrick might not move around as well or as much, but he maintained his finger on the pulses of the court and various whispers were reaching him again. "Perhaps, now that Mariana has come to court, it is time we enjoyed a private family dinner. I imagine there is much we have to discuss about the future. Weddings to be planned, and such. I understand Tristan has been especially idle. We will need to change that. Any ideas of where or how to go about it?"

Aware that the conversation was tangenting strongly, he was nearly done testing his son's capability of keeping up. Sedrick was increasingly pleased with Riordan's skill and abilities. Perhaps the boy had truly altered his ways and accepted the mantle of responsibility. There was the makings of a good King in him.

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"Tristan?" Riordan echoed and then leaned back to consider the options. "Honestly, I'm not too sure. I know he has a proclivity to wander around the castle, spying on people, but it is the place of a royal family member to become a spy?" The work could be dangerous, after all, and such work was not often attributed to royalty. Granted, it was possible that Riordan was simply being a bit of a snob about it...

"A family dinner is probably long overdue, yes. It can be used to discuss with them what they want to do with their lives." It would make it easier to give out orders, so to speak.

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

"Then we will have a dinner, preferably during the Festival. I was intending to make an announcement during the final feast and ball, but I have not yet decided which announcement it will be." Sedrick also intended to speak with the Lady Selena and her ducal father; he wished to gauge the ground on which the Lancasters stood before bestowing his blessing on the forthcoming marriage. "Speak with our aunt, or with Emmaline and request that they make the arrangements. Mariana and her husband should be sure to join us as well. It is time my son in law stepped up to his duties as one who is now a part of the royal family."

He was growing tired as well, striving to conceal it as he studied his son, anticipating the next topic or reply.