A Royal Summons

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Satisfied that his health was stable once more after a night's sound sleep, a hearty breakfast and an examination by his Physician, Sedrick deemed it crucial to seize the reins of control before the grist mill of the Court ground the Sarkozsy ladies into a fine powder. While he did not deem either overly delicate, he knew how it could be, strangers in a strange land where they were in grave danger of being mistreated.

His words meant to Lord Rupert, he did not wish to see two innocent women - girls, really - flayed by the razor-edged tongues of the Court. What they said of Nikolai was no less than the cowardly fool merited; he earned his fate. Riordan informed him that Sir Darton sought permission to hunt the young ass down and received it; good, had been his response. If anyone could flush the Prince out, he knew it would be Darton. That left him to deal with the Dukes, his sons, and the Council.

A summons was delivered promptly by a number of his messengers, demanding the honour of their presences at an impromptu meeting to discuss the sordid affair in his pavilion. Chairs were secured, forming a half-circle about his larger, throne-like chair as he lowered himself into the cushioned confines to await their arrivals. Lady Katalin was also kept nearby, a de facto member of his Council, and an invitation was sent to his aunt to join them. Sedrick was coming to rely greatly on her wisdom and counsel, and he expected her to keep Mariana in check; this would be a fine opportunity to test his son-in-law. His cousin too was invited to join in his father's name.

The meeting would be tense, of that he was certain. Each would be granted their opportunity to speak and then to advise him as they felt best, but in the end it would be his decision. He was yet King.


Prince Riordan Carlisle, Lady Fiona Lancaster, Prince Tristan Carlisle, Lord Rupert de Vere, Lord Daven St. Claire, Lord Spencer Lancaster, Lord Jasen de Winter, Lady Carissa de Vere, Lady Samantha Rose, Lord Hadrian Jardinier, Lady Mariana Jardinier, Lord Edward Carlisle, Lady Katalin de Winter

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Riordan knew this meeting was coming and he dressed for it. He was of half a mind to invite Selena to come along with him, but he wasn't certain his father would appreciate such a gesture. The betrothal was not official yet, but on the other hand, it was important state business that was to be discussed. Riordan wanted Selena to be a partner in his rule rather than a trophy. Selena's mind was far too beautiful for anything less. The thought of Selena made him smile, giving him a rare sense of comfort in difficult times.

He mulled it over as he approached the pavilion and then decided not to ask. He would tell Selena of the meeting later, curious as to her thoughts on the matter. Upon his entrance, he gave his father a sweeping bow before settling into his seat. Riordan was dressed for the meeting, wearing the colors of his house in a fashionable but practical manner. A sort of business casual approach.

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

It seemed like he arrived practically at the heels of his older brother. Tristan himself was of two minds about this meeting, though he was well aware that it would be only a matter of time before such a council would be gathered. Wondering at the issues that would be raised, Tris gave himself a silent once-over, having chosen the same type of clothes as Riordan for the occasion before approaching the setting, bowing before his father and taking his seat, a small smile shot in Riordan’s direction. He and his brother would have to talk after this meeting, and perhaps, get their sisters’ opinion on the matter, as well. Not certain how Emma was taking it all, Tris hoped Mariana would be able to shed some light on the matter, for he knew his eldest sibling was going to be present, if a page heading for Jardinier pavilion was any indication to such. As was her due, though, he doubted she would be in earlier than her husband.

Look changing to one of mild amusement, the young Prince folded his hands in front of him to avoid fidgeting and glanced around the place, mentally counting the couriers that were sent out, at least the ones he saw on the way in. A mild pause in the beat he unconsciously was drumming with his fingers was only obvious as he thought about it, before shaking his head and dismissing it for now. It’ll be some time yet for everyone else to show up, so time was going to tell whose opinions stood where on which matter.

[Lady Samantha Rose]

Samantha was understandably reserved about attending the meeting. She knew such a thing was inevitable, but that didn't mean she had to like it. All of the dukes, councillors and most royals in one place. That promised to make the place a fire waiting to happen. But then, perhaps she shouldn't be so pessimistic and cynical about it. Thus, she worked on schooling her features into a pleasant mask. She reminded herself that it would be good to watch her compatriots in action and learn more about them. It would also prove an opportunity for her to present her own skills.

Thus, when she entered the pavilion, those in attendance were greeted with a woman in an elegant but simple gown of deep rose pink. The red hair was swept up in an elegant style while allowing a few stray hairs free here and there. The eyes were alert, but friendly in appearance. "Your Royal Majesty," she presented herself to the King with a graceful curtsy and moved to seat herself. Once she folded her hands primly in her lap, she waited and watched.

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

Spencer was the next to arrive, the summons entirely expected and prepared for. The Duke of Indigane stepped inside after handing over his blade and bowed respectfully to the King. "Your Majesty, good day." A quick, searching glimpse of the King confirmed the man was worse for the wear over the recent incidents; they would have to take care not to grow too agitated. As he rose and went to seat himself, he caught sight of the Royal Physician, a nod greeting the Lady Katalin. It was good that she was here against contingency.

"Lady Rose," murmured cordially, he seated himself beside the Duchess of Honeyvine but did not engage her in conversation. This was not a social occasion, nor was it the time to invite the King's ire with idle chitchat when there was business of the realm to be discussed.

[Lord Hadrian Jardinier]

Hadrian had known such a meeting would be happening sooner or later. Nodding to the page that had come to summon them, Hadrian was grateful that they had been careful about making plans. It proved useful this day. The children were, of course, curious and wanting to see the man that fathered their mother but that would have to wait for another day. Perhaps something to help bring a little cheer during a family dinner with Marianas family? It was an idea to discuss with his wife, that was for certain. After all, nothing cheered him more than the happy, smiling faces of his children. Perhaps it would be the same for the grandfather.

For now, though, his mind was more on the troubling times. Waiting until Mariana was ready to go and the children comfortably taken care of, Hadrian led the way to the Kings pavilion. "Your Majesty," he greeted cordially, bowing as was the Kings due. "Your Highnesses," he greeted to both Demerian princes as his wife greeted her father and chose her seat. The other two occupants of the room were greeted with a respectful, silent bow before he gently guided Mariana to a seat and took his own beside her.

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

The lack of plans had been, of course, carefully arranged prior to this day, so Mariana merely gave an amused, warm smile at the going on before they were ready to get going. Walking along Hadrian, she gave him a slightly amused look, feeling a bit sorry both for her husband and the rest of the Dukes who did not like such events much. She could name a few off top of her head, and would, perhaps, be able to point out the rest of them at the meeting itself.

Following Hadrian’s lead, she greeted her father with a formal curtsy, giving him a discreet, and slightly worried look. It seemed like there was something she was missing here, but it could certainly wait until the more appropriate moment, allowing Hadrian to talk for the time being. “Your Majesty, My Lord and Lady,” she greeted those already present, a warm smile lightning up her features as was her habit. Her brothers received a warm, loving look each before she glanced toward Hadrian and allowed the man to guide her to a seat. That it would be tense was no question, but at least she’d get a moment to collect herself. Soon enough she’d be able to see the rest of the Dukes arriving.

[Lord Jasen de Winter]

Like with everyone else, Jasen’s reception of the summons was no surprise given the ongoing situation. Arriving what looked like after the Jardinier pair, he slightly quirked his eyebrow up, noting all the faces present. Perhaps the gathering prior to this was beneficial, since he knew majority of the Lords and Ladies present so far by face and name.

Pausing to greet the King and the princes with a bow befitting their ranks, Jasen smiled briefly at the faces he already recognized and moved to take a seat himself – he saw no sense in standing in the way of arrival of everyone else, and thus, would remain out of the way of any who would come through the door after him. Outwardly, he kept a calm expression, though inwardly, he was curious as to the proceedings. Of course, it would not do to openly show it right now, but he was for certain to pay a close attention to the goings on, for this was going to prove a fascinating meeting.

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

Bloody great. All of the dukes in one place. No doubt, it was going to turn into an argument, or worse, a bunch of pussyfooting around the real topic at hand. Was Daven the only one willing to speak up to the King? He was about to find out. He found himself wishing that Julia and Marisa could accompany him, if only have some allies so to speak. Julia had a good head on her shoulders and Marisa could learn greatly from the experience. But, alas, that is not what His Majesty requesting.

Brushing aside the entrance to the pavilion, he noticed he was the second to last of the dukes to arrive. A curt nod was given to certain people and a stiff bow to the King. He settled into a chair, straightening out his dark green and white tunic as he did so. He wanted this over with as soon as possible.

[Lord Edward Carlisle]

Edward lost no time in heading to the pavilion of his cousins as soon as he got the summons. He had been angry on behalf of his dear cousin, Princess Emmaline but time had managed to temper his anger. Which was a good thing since everyone would need to have more or less clear heads for this meeting. Slipping into the pavilion and noting the number of people already gathered, Edwards eyes picked out the ones he did not know quite well. Something he would have to change.

"Your Majesty," Edward greeted the king with a bow but also gave a quick glance over his face out of familial concern for his well being. Settling by his cousin Tristan, the man wondered what was going through the mind of the young prince. Edward had been one of the witnesses to the fact that there was more than friendship between the young royals. One only had to see them together to realize it. He wondered if it would come into play at all but supposed he would have to wait and see.

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

This was going to be a great deal of fun, Rupert could already tell. He secretly hoped that either Marisa or Vivianne were spying in on the proceedings. Well, Vivianne would probably be able to pull that off. Marisa, for all her manner talents, was not quite a skilled enough sneak for such an accomplish. But if anyone could get around some royal guards, it was Vivianne. The thought of her succeeding caused an amused smile to form. He rather liked his new student. She was coming along nicely.

The expression vanished just before he stepped into the pavilion and schooled it into pointed neutrality. He wouldn't allow anyone here to see what he thought of certain matters. A polite bow was offered to King Sedrick, "Your Majesty." Once done, he moved off to the side and settled into a chair. They were only short two now.

[Lady Carissa de Vere]

Better late than never. Carissa, flushed and flustered, was the last to arrive, following her uncle into the King's pavilion to curtsy correctly. "Your Majesty, forgive my tardiness, please." Rather than make a big deal of her undignified entrance, she swiftly assumed a seat, extending a cordial nod to her fellow dukes but with a brief look of surprise on her face to see Lord Edward present. Interesting, perhaps he was being made a member of the Royal Council...

Smoothing her skirts, she turned her attention to the King, awaiting his pleasure and the topic that promised to bring heated conversation, if the look on Lord St. Claire's face was any sort of barometer.

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

The last arrive to the summons was the Iron Princess. She did not feel that she was tardy since the meeting had not yet begin. Thus, unlike Carissa, she did not apologize upon her arrival. Instead, she entered, wearing a gown of black and gold and curtsied deeply before the King. "Your Majesty, I have arrived as summoned." She kept her eyes lowered as she said this. Upon rising, she looked at no one in particular and settled into her seat.

The meeting was going to prove most interesting, of that she was certain. A subtle sweep of her eyes in the room told her that much. Her eyes stayed on Edward a moment, curious to see him here. She also recognized the members of the council. Her gaze shifted back to the King, waiting for it all to begin.

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Satisfied that all who were summoned were now in attendance, minus his Physician, the King straightened on his throne and affixed a level, stern gaze on each in turn. They were an eclectic gathering, ranging in ages from quite young to those who were nearly his contemporaries. A cordial nod greeted his aunt, and another for his young cousin Edward. He had other business with his Meirin cousin, but it would wait.

For now, he spoke in the too-quiet tone of one who sought to avoid emotion seizing hold of the moment. "My lords and ladies, I thank you for coming in answer to my summons. We face a serious issue on which I seek your counsel. What occurs affects us all, and I wish to hear your thoughts and opinions on the matter I am about to lay before you."

Sedrick remained seated as he continued, "As you are all aware by now, the Crown Prince of Sarkozsy has quit this place after launching a physical assault on his men. He has abandoned his sisters, the Princesses Anastasia and Katya, to the wolves that line the Court of Demeria without a word, and offered insult and dishonour to my daughter, the Princess Emmaline, in addition to placing significant diplomatic strain between Sarkozsy and Demeria." His eyes swept over them, the better to gauge reactions before he lifted a hand to still the rumblings. "What is done, is done. I will not hear discussion on Prince Nikolai, his actions or the responsibility he should bear accordingly. What matters now is how we proceed from here in the matter of negotiations with Sarkozsy."

He fell silent, taking a moment to breathe and collect his words. Aware that matters in the pavilion were shortly to grow heated, the King wanted it explicitly understood that he wanted progress, not spinning wheels fruitlessly to grind axes. "I do not hold Princess Anastasia, nor Princess Katya personally responsible for their brother's behaviour. However, I cannot ignore the profound impact this has on all of us. You are free to speak your minds, but this is not merely to vent your spleens. I expect suggestions and proposals of solutions from you all. The future rests squarely in our hands, Your Graces. Let us get down to business."

His speech completed, he looked then to Edward. "Speak your mind, cousin. I would hear what you have to say."

Lord Edward Carlisle

[Lady Katalin de Winter]

Katalin slipped in discreetly, sketching a quick curtsey to the King before she went to seat herself out of the line of fire. Her opinion on the matter was not germane; she was here strictly to ensure the King did not find himself with renewed symptoms. Against her advice, he was holding this meeting, but she was politically savvy enough to understand that the business of rulership did not stop simply because he was suffering. She only hoped she would not be needed.

A brief look of surprise crossed her face to see Lord Edward, but she extended a pleasant nod to him, then sent a brief smile of encouragement to her brother. It was good to see him take his place amongst his peers.