A Royal Summons

[Lord Edward Carlisle]

To say that he was amused at the looks of surprise at his presence would be an understatement. Edward listened to the words his King and cousin had to say. He admired his cousins way of controlling his emotions and focused on the matter at hand. Edward, himself, had to resist the urge to growl at the mention of the Crown Prince of Sarkozsy. Now was not the time for that and he had already worked out his own anger at the entire situation. Now was the time to listen. He could care less about Sarkozsy princesses though his eyes swept to Prince Tristan for a brief moment, well aware of the romantic affection that existed between his cousin and Princess Katya. He had never imagined that things would turn out like this the day he had teased them!

Now, it was his turn to be surprised though he did well to hide it. Standing to speak, as was his usual with matters he was taking seriously, Edward took a moment to collect his thoughts. For those that knew him, this was the indicator that the one who often spoke out of turn was taking every aspect of this situation seriously. As he should be. "They need us more than we need them. We hold the cards in our hands. I have heard that Princess Katya is to be given to Prince Tristan but that is not the only solution nor one I can agree with despite being aware of my dear cousins .. affections for her," and that was harder for him to admit than anyone could ever know. Surely, Tristan would despise him. The thought pained him but these were his true thoughts on the matter and he was sure many would agree.

"There are others of age to marry within the court of both genders, including myself. It does not sit well with me to continue negotiations with the thought of who their possible future king might be. If they are to be insistent on Princess Katya marrying our young prince then perhaps one of our stipulations could be that they name someone else as the heir to their throne," he suggested before taking a seat and wondering if he had done things properly. He was sure his father would share his opinion.

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

What the hell? Why was the King asking the opinion of this little whelp? Daven barely recognized who he was nor was he so ready to listen to his opinion. Daven's eyes narrowed as Edward began to speak. The young man was speaking some words of wisdom to be certain, but Daven wasn't so certain. If one heir was a failure, then who was to say the others would be any better? "If we're going to dictate how they manage their kingdom, then perhaps we should simply take it from them." The statement was meant in sarcasm at best.

The gaze swiveled to the King. "Your Majesty, these people have failed to prove their worth. They will have to be on their knees before us if we are going to give them any kind of courtesy. Their army is impressive, but if their nation was to be led by that pathetic excuse for an heir, then what good are they really to us? We need demonstrations of strength and capability, not mewling and fleeing like damned cowards." Daven was getting grumpy at this conversation already.

[Lady Carissa de Vere]

Already, the Dragon of St. Claire was trying to breathe fire and lash out. Carissa wanted to roll her eyes, but not in the presence of the King. That was hardly a sign of political savvy or maturity, she knew. "With all due respect to Lord St. Claire, waging a war of conquest is perhaps the last thing we ought to do, especially on a country with limited resources. Do we wish to acquire Sarkozsy's burdens, which outnumber its blessings currently?" She wanted to rise, but forced herself to remain seated as her gaze flickered to Lord Edward. He didn't need her support, but she was about to deliver it anyways.

"I also concur with Lord Edward. A marriage between our realms at this point is a compliment and a courtesy no longer deserved or earned, least of all to our Prince Tristan. Though I do not harbor any ill will towards Princess Katya, nor her sister, I do not feel that we can afford to be so closely bound to Sarkozsy as the marriage bed. While I do not necessarily feel we can dictate the Tsar's choice of heir, we certainly can afford to limit the terms of any agreement made. I am cautiously in favor of re-opening negotiations, but without marriage on the table whatsoever, and strictly defined terms."

[Lady Samantha Rose]

Samantha suddenly spoke, but in a calm and almost serene voice. "If the people of Sarkozsy are so desperate for the food they seek from us, I do not see why they would dispute such terms, Lord Edward and Lady de Vere. As long as we supply them food, they will supply us with military protection." Yes, she had made certain to be familiar with the terms of the arrangement. "Both parties will gain something while not having to sacrifice family ties in the process. If in the future, they wish to deepen that relationship, it can be brought up then. Call it a sort of courting period between our two nations."

She closed her mouth, waiting to see what the reactions would be.

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

As opinions and words flew fast and furious, Spencer continued to hold his peace. His discussion with the St. Claires, Lord Laurent and his daughter gave him a great deal to consider on the topic of the currently scotched alliance and the marriage, yet he'd come to no firm decision yet on where he stood. For now, he watched those around him, listened to them speak and waited. The Duke was briefly surprised to hear the Lady Rose speak up, though he concealed it, finding her counsel somewhat typical of her yet it held some merit. The issue of the marriage could be revisited once Sarkozsy regained a measure of trust and good will with Demeria.

[Lord Jasen de Winter]

For the time being, Jasen was listening, preferring to keep quiet and let the rest give their own suggestions first, though he gave a mildly amused look toward Lord St. Claire. So far what was said had merit, even if some objected louder than the others, though his opinion for now differed.

“If the heir is a pathetic excuse, to borrow your words, Your Grace, then we may be able to manipulate him to our will should the alliance go through, yet I think 'tis unlikely, given the current situation and the presence of the other man who can possibly become an heir to Sarkozsy throne,” he spoke up, his usual quiet and calm tone loud enough for others to hear. “While your suggestions have merits, My Lord, My Lady, I would suggest the negotiations for marriage of state to continue. Everyone deserves second chances to prove themselves, and perhaps, such a step is the one that is needed for a nation and royal family specifically to be able to do so. It worked effectively in the past, bringing Demeria defense against Arton and produce of Linten, so I do not doubt it will do so again should we take such step. I agree it has its risks, but the foreign state will likely be more inclined to give us aid once we need it should one of their own be here and support to them in their time of need come from us rather than elsewhere.”

There were other advantages at having a marriage of state pushed through, and Jasen hoped those who had yet to speak would point them out. “Your Majesty, I suggest we continue negotiations, particularly while we have advantage to it we may not get otherwise.” Slightly bowing to show he was done talking, Jasen took his seat, waiting to see what the reactions were going to be to this suggestion. So far, majority seemed to be opposed. Time was going to tell if that was so.

[Lord Hadrian Jardinier]

Soon enough, all that had been called had arrived it looked like. Hadrian kept his expression neutral as the King spoke, easy to do when he could be quite the apathetic soul at times. What had occured was in the past, now was the time to talk of how to fix it. Listening as each man spoke, he could see the merits in each suggestion so far. Hadrian did have to wonder if Lord St. Claire had forgotten that the princesses had stayed back, showing some bravery in facing what was being thrown their way. Soon enough there was a lull that was good enough for him to start to speak.

"All good points so far. I do believe that the Sarkozsy contingent deserve another chance to prove themselves and I cannot, in good conscience, suggest we end negotiations when a country is obviously in need so I say we continue with them. The Princesses have proven that they are not like their brother. In his place, they have been taking the brunt of the consequences and have so far, proven to not be cowards themselves and have been withstanding it all. If marriage is to be on the table, I suggest a very lengthy betrothal though I am in agreement that such a thing can be put off for perhaps a later time, I personally think things would be a whole lot more secure with a marriage arrangement as part of the deal. Especially if it is one of their Royals." Like a hostage, he thought to himself but had tact enough to not say aloud. That sort of comparison would more than likely cause rumblings from the more ... noble of their nobles, he was sure.

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

The lines were being drawn, that much was certain. It was fascinating to watch. Two of the dukes were in support of marriage talks continuing while two were honestly hesitant. Daven was quite obvious in his chastisement of the idea. Spencer had not said anything yet. He wanted to know how the others would feel about such an arrangement. Her eyes shifted toward Jardinier, her eyes narrowing in thought and trying to piece out his thought process. She'd have thought he'd be more stingy with his food.

"They have failed," Fiona stated flatly into the room. "They have failed to show their worth to me. Any member of their kingdom that stays behind is going to be ripped to shreds by the Court, even if we can manage to behave ourselves. We all know there are gaggles of bleating geese when it comes to these things. Can this Princess Katya even handle such things? I am not so certain." Her gaze fixed itself on her grand nephew, Tristan. "And you will have to bear the brunt of them, too."

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

He could see that Daven was increasingly infuriated with the support of the other Dukes to continue negotiations with Sarkozsy. Spencer could see the reasons to continue, understood them, respected them, yet he found himself sharing some of Daven's very genuine and understandable anger. So far, both Princes had not spoken, but it was their right of rank to speak last. Lord Rupert, he knew, would also contribute.

Finding that the round had come to him, Spencer rose slowly to his feet and clasped his hands behind his back, choosing his words with the precise care for which he was known. "With due respect to my fellow Dukes," he inclined his head to them, "and to you, Your Highnesses, Your Majesty, I believe we can afford to delay our negotiations. Sarkozsy's only real commodity to offer is military aid. While I concur that the Princesses have conducted themselves admirably, three people are no basis on which to judge a nation. For all we know, Sarkozsy could prove as capricious as the heir to the throne. It is a grave risk we are asked to take in allowing them to remain when no efforts towards amelioration are being made. Where is the apology that is the least owed to Princess Emma and to Demeria?" He flickered a look from face to face.

"You say not to judge on the basis of one man, yet what other basis have we to judge by? Were one of our Princes to enter Linten, or Treniata, or even Sarkozsy itself and behave in a similar manner, you can rest assured that matters would be ended immediately until or unless such time as we put forth a genuine effort to make amends for the sin of our commission, and allow me to be blunt. We would all be held accountable for the actions of that one person. Anyone who says otherwise is a naive fool."

He drew in a breath, then resumed speaking quietly. "I for one do not hold that the negotiations are so crucial to Demeria that we can afford to submit so meekly to willful discourtesy and the very public humiliation of a Princess. So while I respect you desire a marriage, Your Highnesses, Your Graces" Spencer regarded the Princes, "I cannot and will not support it at this time. Let Sarkozsy come on bended knee to our King and your royal sister to beg forgiveness for the damage that this one man - their future King, I might add - has wrought. One man," he pointed at the King, "can make all the difference in a realm. We hold all the power in this. I suggest we use it properly."

Aware that his words would likely cause an outbreak of fresh emotions, Spencer seated himself, almost surprised at himself.

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Tristan himself so far remained quiet, noting opinions on the matters. For the time being, he was inclined to hold to the same opinion some of the Lords already expressed. Yet there were things to be considered, though the Court was not one of those things. Granted, their opinion likely counted, but the young Prince was fairly certain the damage could be managed for the better, given that it was they who set the tone for the Court itself. For the time being, he spoke up in part as an answer to Aunt Fiona, and in part as his own suggestion, hoping he managed to hide majority of the nerves he was feeling.

“I believe I shall be able to manage, considering I am unlikely to be the next King, and as such, more able to keep myself and any members of my family outside the Court should there be need for me to do so.” A glance cast to his elder sister, who was living such a life, was granted, before he continued. “As for the geese, it is our responsibility to manage the Court itself, is it not? What we do and what we say reflects on the nobles we command, and as such, the way any foreign delegation would be treated by Demerians after this festival will depend on how we treat our visitors at this time. The nobles of our court take the lead on how to behave around certain individuals from us, and no one else.”

Pausing to collect his thoughts, for the issue at hand was rather close to home than he liked, Tris glanced around the table, making certain to meet the eye of those present. “My Lords and Ladies, in current situation Demeria is in, we will need military support and alliances of other countries sooner rather than later, and Sarkozsy may be among the strongest we may be able to gain. I believe an alliance will be of more good than harm, whichever form it shall take – after the amends my lord Lancaster had spoken of had been attended to. Should marriage be included into negotiations for reasons of stronger alliance, I am in favor of long betrothal, so we could be certain no harm like the one done my sister shall be repeated. If such happens, we will reconsider our alliance options then.” Finished, he slightly inclined his head to acknowledge the rest, and waited to see what everyone else was going to think, done with speech for now.

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

Daven was getting to the point of snarling when he heard the various dukes and duchesses speak. They were being so bland and typical. They weren't listening to him. The talks went on as Daven decided to circle the pavilion like a lion, not feeling like sitting down in the slightest. When he finally reached his chair again, he forced himself to stand still and grip the back of it. After Fiona had spoken, he almost propelled into a roar.

Spencer, however, seemed to save the day, damn him. Daven had great respect for his rival, even if he only reluctantly gave it. The man knew his politics better than Spencer did and could wield them with greater skill. Daven's only real advantage over the man was his own temper and his skill with a true blade. The two made a perfect combination of brains and brawn if there ever was one.

"To hell with them," he growled after Tristan's words, the chair finally being flipped end over end into the middle of the pavilion, his eyes fixated on the young prince. They burned with anger. "Just what are you thinking with, boy? Are you thinking for the best of the Kingdom or are you thinking with what's between your legs? It's all very convenient for you. You get your fair princess and we're left with a SHATTERED ONE. She is the jewel of this Court. I dare you you to find a better woman to rise above all of us, to be willing to uproot her life for the good of not just this kingdom but theirs as well. And what did they do with our most precious gift? Tossed it aside."

He stood in the center, looking them each in the eye, "What does that show the rest of the world? They they can do with us as we please? I guarantee you that as soon as Arton gets a whiff of this, they will smell a weak prey. Linten will laugh at us. Treniata will scoff. No. We have to make a stand here. Now!"

Daven growled. "No. No marriage. Never a marriage. If they want our food, they'll have to beg." He spat.

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Tris refrained from rolling his eyes with great difficulty. The toppled over chair didn’t startle him, for he had seen enough tantrums in the discussions before and he was quite ready for this one to go out of control as well. “You may notice, My Lord, that I have never said the marriage should be included into the deal. All I said was that it was a possibility of one and which I would support if it were so,” he addressed himself directly to Lord St. Claire. “And while I would love to think the way you imply I’m thinking – which, by the way, is not something a Lord of your stature should mention – I’m thinking about the Kingdom’s well-being, or I’d like to hope I do.”

His eyes narrowed in thought and sought out his siblings, both of whom had been involved into most recent affairs prior to the festival, then glanced over to Lord de Winter and Lady de Vere before being fixed on Lord St. Claire again. “Far as I’m aware of, there are several problems in existence that will stretch us thin trying to solve them all at the same time, and if we are not careful, that is what we’ll be facing in the near future. What is the strength of our fleets, My Lord? Is it capable of patrolling the waters on their own, or do we need Linten’s help, after all? How about de Winter, de Vere, and Jardinier armies? Are they enough to protect our borders from Arton should the Empire decide to give us a reality check of their existence and unknown to us strength at the same time as our waters become unstable with conflict? No, My Lord, I am more than aware of our country’s problems, and the help we may be able to negotiate now may well affect any negotiations with any other countries in the future.”

Emphasizing the last point, Tristan tilted his head to the side. “While I have no words to describe my feelings at the way the Sarkozsy contingent treated my sister, I cannot in good conscience allow all the country to suffer because of decision of a few men that our future generation will have to deal with, as well.” He spread his hands, having found himself on his feet during the speech with no clear memory of how he got there. “Think, My Lord. Your own children will face the problems you will leave them once you pass on, and then where shall we be?” Unable to phrase his retort without a taunt at the end of it, Tris wondered with some amusement if he should be taunting the lord in the first place, then recalled the other’s previous statement and decided he was in his right to do so, at least for now, as he took his seat again. He would render his apologies if he was out of the line later if such was needed, and in private rather than during the middle of supposedly serious discussion among supposed adults.

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

Well, the little Prince had a spine after all and he knew exactly what buttons of Daven's to push. The scowl on his face deepened as he listened to the Prince go on. The barb against his way of thinking was ignored: they were men. All men thought the same way, regardless of their position of power. Any man that denied sex being a contributing factor was either a eunuch or a liar. People were such prudes about it.

"You forget the armies of Rose," he stabbed a finger at Samantha, "Lancaster," another finger stabbed at Spencer, "and my own. The St. Claires have been the military might of this kingdom and shall continue to be so. In threat to my home, regardless of who owns those lands, will be answered by me. I will crush Arton beneath my heel. Bother Sarkozsy and their forces. If their crown prince is any indication, what good will they be in battle? No, Prince Tristan. My assessment of Sarkozsy is poor and I see no reason at present that it should change."

"Don't remind me of my children," the words were truly dark, his hands tightening into fists. Children were a true sore spot for him lately. Daven was worried for his children. Julia's future was in his hands, Lynesse was likely to be married off soon and his two youngest would not be too far behind. "I do the best I can for them. But think on this, Prince, when someday you are a father. Would you have your own precious daughter treated as Emmaline was? Would you be so willing to forgive? So willing to look at the larger picture?"

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

Rupert had been moving with an oddly fluid grace during Daven's rant and Tristan's rebuttal. The chair the dragon had been flung was gathered up and placed right back where it belonged. The Master of Intelligence had a reason to do so because had an inkling where Daven's mind was. The man was feeling violent and frustrated. He had not had a chance to purge some rather heavy emotions. It would not take long for words to be replaced with fists.

At the mention of children, Rupert moved to stand between them. If Daven were to strike Tristan, the consequences would be rather severe for the Dragon Lord. While he may have been an ass, Rupert rather liked the man and wanted his head to still be on his shoulders when the night was over. Rupert said nothing merely fixing Daven an impassive stare and a quiet plea to back down.

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Tris shook his blond head, running his fingers through his hair. “Ah, but you aren’t direct border lands with the Empire, My Lord, that’s why I hadn’t mentioned all of you. If you won’t be tied down with those pirates that had been bothering you on and off, from what I hear, there’s still a question of whether the lords and ladies present here will aid any of them when it’s needed, and those three Duchies are the ones that will have to meet Arton head on should there be direct action from them, be it all at once, or one after another.” The teen glanced toward Lord de Vere, following him with his eyes around the room as the man moved to stand between them, but continued none the less, while remaining in his seat.

What Lord St. Claire said about the children made him pause slightly to consider what he would do, and give a dark look right back, though he managed to remain in his place this time. At least it seemed like the man was taking him seriously. “I hope that I shall be capable of clear thinking once emotions died down and look at the larger picture, especially if my country is in as bad a state as Sarkozsy is in right now. As any of my children shall be of royal blood as I am, we’re very likely to be the ones considering larger picture and its consequences to the many over the few, as it’s expected of those who are of royal family by everyone else.”

A generalization, if there ever was one, but given who he was, Tris highly doubted what he mentioned wasn’t so. “For now, however, I cannot say since I have no experience to the matter.” His eyes slid back toward Lord de Vere, then to Lord St. Claire, and he leaned back in his seat. “My apologies if I had been out of line, My Lords.” Wondering if anyone else was going to speak up at all, or they were planning to let the pair of them do all the talking, the young Prince quirked up a curious eyebrow, waiting to see what was going to happen next.