Valander stared down at the pages before him. He could feel his wife walk towards him with steady steps. The calmness of her demeanor would have been more foreboding if Valander's mind had not been so preoccupied. There was civil distress on the Judian border and within the blasted region of Hentia.  How is he to manage this?

The Hentian lords had become imbeciles. Their bureaucracy had become a shield for the rich, resulting in few decisions benefiting the majority. Valander understood their need for self-preservation, but he had not known their actions extended to open negligence. Their lack of empathy brought the people to the crown for assistance. What use were these High Generals if they could not guide him or their regions? Their only service at the moment was to drink His Majesty's good wine! Chistaline's insights would be far more lucid than any opinion his High Generals could provide.

"Let me go to the border," she whispered into his ear.

"Christa, there has to be another option. The precariousness of the border requires far more caution than for their Queen to travel there on her own."

She tilted her head with a small smirk forming on the edges of her lips as she softly touched the edges of his vest.  "The small division of guards that accompanied me would not leave me alone."

"Division?" He leaned back in his chair, placing the letter down on his desk.

"If my husband sent me with anything less than ten soldiers, I might fear he does not love me anymore," Christaline scoffed as Valander gently brought the hand from his shoulder to intertwine their fingers together.

Valander lightly let his finger trail back and forth on her wrist while holding her teasing gaze.  Henry's small cough kept Valander from letting his hands wander further than her wrist.

"It seems the Queen's mind still fills itself with delusions," Valander whispered, kissing the inside of her wrist. "If you go, it will be with twenty. Ten to protect the other ten before anything could reach you."

Christaline took her hand back to lay it upon her chest with a soft swoon.  "His words are almost as romantic as flowers surrounded by fairies, are they not Henry?" Christaline quipped, turning her head to meet Henry's smirk.

"Twenty fairies, my Queen," Henry laughed.

"There is one matter you forget, my dear," Valander smiled, shifting in his seat so that his ankle now casually rested upon his knee.

She turned her laughing eyes back to her husband with a triumphant smile.  "What is that?"

He tapped a finger on his lips for a few moments, enjoying her eyes narrow in slight irritation before speaking.  "You are to chaperone our daughter to Preena on her first venture into society," Valander smirked, watching Christaline brood.

After a moment, her mouth opened to speak before closing again with a sound to reflect her pondering. In the next moment, her finger rose as her face reflected the ingenious thought that would soon reach the air.

Christaline rose from the arm of the chair.  "We could send Amnicity with a different chaperone. An army of maids who would tither her nerves endlessly, or simply Lady Elry!"

Henry's cough halted her next words.

"Yes, Henry?" Christaline questioned, expressing her annoyance in more ways than her glare.

"Firstly, I do not believe Lady Elry would take too kindly to being grouped in such a fashion. Also, Lady Toria would do well to provide the guidance Princess Amnicity needs and serve to show Lord Ewren favor."

"Wise advice," Christaline conceded, pacing a little bit beside the desk. "He seemed a bit more pleased with the prospect of having a daughter when she provided him access to the palace. Lord Ewren seems to keep a dark demeanor at times. He would do well to have something to make him smile."

Henry nodded his head before taking a step forward to continue.  "Secondly, what about guarding the Princess? The--"

"That is simple, Henry," Christaline sighed with a wave of her hand, making Henry take a step back. "We send High General Lessure as leader of her guard. Before you argue with me, Val, High General Lessure, is the only person Nici would not turn away if near Jude. We do not know what their intentions are at the moment. It would not be prudent to let her simply wander without someone to protect her and her reputation.  In truth, even if I do go, High General Lessure would be able to secure her safety far more competently than myself. We both know that I can hardly kill a garden snake."

Valander pressed his lips together. There should be little left unknown between the King and Queen, but Valander could never tell her that he thought Nici would be safe near Suzerain Zakarus than High General Lessure. To tell Christa such things would lead to questions with answers that she would no approve of.  Valander could not venture there.  Not right now.

Christaline had never preferred board games, no matter how accomplished her mother made her. She feigned political incompetence as a means of avoidance.  Valander knew her better.  They would never have married if Christa did not possess superior diplomatic skills. He feared she would disapprove of his concerns regarding High General Lessure and consider them archaic grudges from long ago.

He also found it difficult to think properly when Christa stared at him so expectantly.

"You have provided reasonable guidance," Valander nodded.

"Reasonable?" Christaline scoffed, placing her hands on her hips while stepping towards him.

He shrugged his shoulders.  "We both know you hardly garden yourself.  So, there is no telling what you would do when confronted with a simple garden snake."

Valander could not decide what amused him more: Henry's swallowed laughter or his wife's glare. It seemed his debate had taken too long because Christaline had walked towards the door.

"Call for me when you have finally made a decision. We would advise the King to have that complacent smirk off of his face when he does call for the Queen."  She slammed the door behind her.

The gentlemen sat in silence for a few moments before Henry walked to the King's bar. He turned two glasses, filling them both with a dark liquid.

"Wine today," Valander ordered.

Henry nodded, moving to a new set of glasses and a different bottle. He handed a glass to his king and then sat in a chair across from him.  The two sat in silence, sipping upon the fermented grapes as the seconds clicked by on a clock.

"High General Fenallia always had a good palate for wine," Valander sighed, staring at the liquid swirling in his glass. "This is one of the few distinguishable accomplishments."

"What shall you do with his chosen one?" Henry ventured, taking a sip of his wine.

Valander shook his head. bemused.  "That is the debate of the moment, is it not?" He murmured over his glass.

Henry leaned back in his chair and leaned his head on his fist.  "So, you let him go to Preena with Princess Amnicity and her newly formed ladies," he started, watching as Valander nodded at his words.

"Amnicity will be happy to spend the ride speaking of lace instead of being quizzed about customs by Lady Elry," Valander ventured to a nodding Henry. "She then receives the same improper whispering attention from High General Lessure as she does here. This results in rumors about her chastity.  There is also the possibility my daughter sees those rumors turn to truths."

Henry sipped his wine and shrugged.  "This means what?" 

"She may lose her marketability to certain gentlemen," Valander said with an exasperated edge to his voice.  "She might even have to marry the bottom dweller."

Henry shook his head with a small laugh.  "I highly doubt it would come to that.  Do you forget you are King?"

Valander snorted.  "I have not gone soft from half a glass of wine."

"Then how can His Majesty forget his daughter is the Princess?  She ranks above all other eligible women at this time.  Her chastity is not what some men are looking for," Henry finished in an almost pitying voice.  He sometimes hated to think of the princess's life.

"Many men would be executed for this exchange," Valander warned.

"Many men do not stand here and know the inner workings of this country. You send Princess Amnicity to the north with a gentleman who is after the throne amongst other gentlemen who wish for the same. Do you believe there is a difference?

What these men want is power. If Princess Amnicity is lucky enough to marry a gentleman who would question taking her hand because of rumored impropriety, she has made a fortunate alliance. Princess Amnicity is not in the same situation as Queen Christaline or of a similar mind.

Queen Christaline is an extraordinary monarch who brought forth many needed changes from an archaic view of our ancestors' intentions when they created the three lands. However, she also changed the political game.  Preena and Jude are no longer completely subservient.  One of their heirs could be seen as worthy of being King, not simply serving the exalted first son.  Princess Amnicity is not simply waiting for a nobleman of Vetus to claim her to continue the pure line. She is Princess Amnicity of age to be married and heir to the throne of Vetus. Piety is secondary when it comes to power, my King," Henry finished, watching Valander down his wine in a single gulp.

Valander sighed.  "I think the King needs another glass of wine."

"Further--"

"Please nothing further," Valander interrupted with a raised hand, watching Henry move towards the wine.

"You need to hear this further, my King," Henry stated over his shoulder, pouring the next glass of wine.

Valander sighed, pulling his face, before taking the offered glass of wine from Henry.

"Fine," he expelled. "Continue with this ungodly tirade!"

"If Princess Amnicity ever did falter," Henry stated, ignoring the curse words that expelled from the King's mouth. "You are King Valander of Vetus. Any man who wished to question you would be unwise to do so, as his head could be put on a pike by sundown. That is what they do on the savage island you are from, is it not?"

"No, we," Valander paused as a small smirk formed upon his mouth. "Yes, we put the head on the pike, and the rest of the meat is detached for stew created by a broth from their bones."

"As I thought," Henry sighed. "One should never cross a savage, especially when they finally taste power."

"To the late Queen Mother," Valander laughed.

"To the late Queen Mother," Henry nodded, raising his own glass.

On the left side of the door, a young guard named Maven did his best to contain his smirk on hearing the laughter coming from King Valander's study. It took all his effort to stand in that particular place at that moment. Last evening had not been Guard Maven's best decision making when he consented to celebrate his newest post with friends. It resulted in too many pints and almost missing his inspection by High General Lessure in the morning.

Luckily, the High General understood the jovial nature and smirked at the young guard. High General Lessure made a few jokes about the difficulties of performing after a night of drinking.  He had pushed Guard Maven and been happy that he only stumbled two steps before regaining his footing. 

"Only two steps," High General Lessure observed. "I guess that is acceptable enough for King Valander."

The young guard had scoffed with the rest of his brethren before reporting to his post.

Being under the care of High General Lessure relaxed him. The day he took the position as the High General of the Royal Guard brought hope to Vetusian loyalists. High General Lessure understood the distress one could feel protecting a country one loved while despising the ruler. Well, if the rumors were true and someone would dare go against the crown, usurper or not.

"You," Henry's voice sounded, making the young soldier stand taller. "You."

The young guard jumped slightly, turning with his best possible precision. King Valander's closest counselor observed him deprecatingly. Maven tried not to breathe in case his breath still smelled.

"Send for Queen Christaline and Princess Amnicity," Sir Henry sighed. "Also, tell Guard Praven to return to his post. You are relieved of your duties for the day. If you are seen here in this state on another occasion, I will have you permanently relieved."

Maven swallowed his retort and nodded.  He did not need to be censured further by an elevated servant.  Maven provided Sir Henry one final bow before leaving.  

First, he delivered the message to Queen Christaline. Maven used his greatest gentlemanly mannerism to cover his distaste for a lady who considered flower arrangements her most significant accomplishment of the day. He did not wish to think of what his feasible wife's occupation would be during the day.

Princess Amnicity's chore of approving white lace dresses did little to change Maven's opinion of the royal family. Her flippant acceptance of the order caused him to bite his lip. Instead, he bowed to signify his respectful exit from the extravagant ladies and went on to High General Lessure's office.  It did not take him long before he stood knocking upon the High General's door.

"Who is it?"  High General Lessure called with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Guard Mazen."

"Enter."

Guard Mazen followed the direction.  He found the High General sitting at his desk with three stacks of papers in front of him.

"Why have you left your post?" High General Lessure questioned as soon as the door closed.

"Sir Henry relieved me of my post.  He said my current state is not acceptable and has asked for Guard Praven," Mazen dictated. "Well, after sending for Princess Amnicity and Queen Christaline."

High General Lessure looked at the young guard for a moment before transitioning his smirk down to the letter in front of him. He put it aside with exaggerated delay before opening a drawer where he pulled out a list.

"Who did Sir Henry request?" High General Lessure inquired with a sarcastic air that made Guard Mazen mirror his smirk.

"Guard Praven."

"Ah, William Praven. He is unavailable at the moment. Guard Praven is on leave due to a sick mother. It seems Sir Henry will not have his way. Return to your post to continue doing your duty. If Sir Henry questions why you have returned, be so kind as to remind him that his influence does not extend far enough to will people back to the palace. Foreign blood and an ennobled state have corrupted his mind. I take it your mind is not affected enough to convey that last sentence?"

"No, High General.  I will always be loyal to Vetus," Maven responded.

"Good, return to your post, Guard Mazen," High General Lessure ordered with a wave of his hand, returning to his paper. "Oh, Guard Mazen, before you leave. Did you already relate the message to Princess Amnicity?"

"Yes, High General," the young guard nodded, meeting the High General's eyes.

"No indication of your distress?"

Maven shook his head.  "None."

"Excellent work," High General Lessure smiled, returning to his work.

Guard Maven bowed before exiting High General Lessure's office with a lightness of step and a raised nose. Maven's arrogance left him unaware of High General Lessure's smirk as his eyes followed behind the intoxicated guard. He found refuge in this palace under Lessure's wing.  This man would lead them to a better future.

It became a little easier to stand at his post outside of the usurper's office.  The princess and queen hurried past him without a single glance.  Sir Henry did not make him feel welcome, but that did not matter.  Guard Maven would forever be loyal to the true Vetus.  He just needed to wait.

"Get him a coffee," Sir Henry ordered a passing maid.

Guard Maven pressed his lips together under the final scrutiny of Sir Henry before the door slammed upon his moment of the day.

***

Henry sighed, shaking his head slightly before returning to his post in King Valander's office.

"Father, you called at a most inopportune time," Amnicity sighed, sitting in her chair. "I had almost finished selecting my dress for the first festivity. Wait before you express your distaste for such things. You have given me the diplomatic duty of keeping Konrik Loren, the smelly heir of Preena, who is too verbose for my taste, interested. My dress serves as part of that mission."

Valander rolled his eyes.  "I am glad you are taking your diplomatic duty seriously. You, of course, will remember to keep your asides to yourself when providing him the proper amount of attention."

Amnicity smiled pleasantly and nodded, rather than acknowledging her father's sarcasm.

He continued.  "Now we have a different form of diplomacy to consider. Your mother and I have learned that a town on the southern border, Tillen, has been raided by a party with no banner.  Winter is quickly approaching, and the town is left without crops and many people without homes.

Amnicity looked between her parents with furrowed eyebrows.  "Wha--"

"Amnicity, let me finish," Valander instructed, making Amnicity's mouth snap shut. "Tillen expressed disappointment in the crown for not providing more support."

"We should send them food," Amnicity stated with a smile.

Valander's snort, accompanied by Christaline's shaking head, left Amnicity perturbed.

"Am I wrong?" 

"They have threatened to succeed," Christaline informed her daughter with a soothing tone.

"Then we send troops with a bribe of food," Amnicity shrugged.

Valander sighed, shifting positions in his chair to look towards the fire.

"This is the last effort for a town that is in a lot of pain," Christaline explained while moving to stand by her daughter. "We should send a representative of the monarchy with food to assure them of our love while providing them comfort."

Valander raised an eyebrow, turning to his wife.  "So now you wish to go with food?"

"Our daughter displayed wisdom in her first inclination. Her voice in the matter should not be completely silenced. Are we both simply supposed to wait for your great thoughts, husband?" Christaline quipped with rising indignation.  Her hand now resting on Amnicity's shoulder.

"It is an adequate thought. Henry, have them check the food reserves to see what can be spared." Valander nodded towards his man.

Amnicity swallowed her laughter as Christaline pressed her lips together.  The queen turned her head to speak over her shoulder.

"Henry, I think that we need to retrieve King Valander's crown. I am unsure if it will fit his head any longer," Christaline sighed.

Amnicity and Henry coughed through their laughter as Valander maintained eye contact with Christaline.

"If you wish to go to Tillen with your twenty guards and armed with food of goodwill, we will make it happen. Are you now content?" Valander asked, leaning forward.  His elbows now rested upon the desk.

"No," Christaline retorted. "You also need to admit that my opinion is of worth."

Valander shook his head in exasperation while leaning back in his chair again.  "Christa--"

"No, your comments were uncalled for earlier. I am educated in the way of politics, and these are my people. I know what needs to be done." Christaline continued with rising volume, hands on her hips.

"Am I needed here any longer?" Amnicity interjected softly.

Christaline raised an eyebrow under Valander's observation.

"No," Valander sighed. "We will call you once a decision has been made concerning Tillen."

"What?" Christaline questioned. "You have not even decided if--"

Amnicity did not think it best to ask if she would still be going to Preena. It seemed better to prepare as if she were. Further, she did not need to hear the rest of their debate.

In her haste to exit, Amnicity did the unthinkable: she opened and closed the door herself. On the other side, she took a moment to compose her nerves. Once secure in her appearance, she journeyed to reunite with Lady Toria. They did not have much longer before Amnicity had to meet Lady Elry for her daily lesson. Lady Elry showed compassion for Amnicity today by shortening her studies today.  It allowed Amnicity to focus on the real necessities of her international duties.

"Amnicity," James's voice sounded behind her.

Amnicity thanked fate for providing her the foresight to fix her appearance before turning to meet the high general's gaze. A glance secured her assumption of their privacy.

"James," Amnicity acknowledged with a slight inclination of her head.

He took a few large steps to shorten the distance between them before bowing.  "It is fortunate that we meet today."

She raised an eyebrow.  "You believe this to be fortuitous?"

"Of course, two people such as ourselves meeting is always auspicious." He smiled, taking her hand for a chaste kiss on her wrist.

"How charmingly said." Amnicity laughed, moving her hand away from him. "Is there any particular reason you are lurking in the halls today?"

He shook his head.  "Nothing of true importance. I just received knowledge that one of the towns in my region has suffered another raid."

"Is that sarcasm in your voice?" Amnicity raised an eyebrow as they began walking together down the hall.

"Not at all, Princess. Simply a fact that has been our burden for some time: towns upon the border are raided. In truth, I almost pity them.  It as if they forget that their purpose is to serve as the buffer before the lands of true riches are reached," James sighed.

Princess Amnicity stared at the handsome gentleman for a moment. Their God would have done better to make him a little less attractive and instead provided him with a bit more wit and compassion.

"You show little empathy for your people's plights," she stated after a moment.  Her eyes never left his face as she studied his entire being before he spoke.

"Just facts, Amnicity. They have caused a lot of difficulty in the region for some time, complaining about a lack of resources or some other nonsense. The letters have become far too verbose for me to pay too much heed. My father and I have a lot of responsibilities that require our attention. I am not completely sure that these actions are not simply the repercussions of their nature."  He finished with a shrug and a charming smile.

Amnicity smiled away the bile that rose from his condescending tone.  She had never seen an uglier person in her life.

"Misfortune being a reflection of a person's inner state is a fickle logic indeed.  How fortunate we are that you spend your time wandering the halls instead of attending to the needs of the possible evil persons."  Amnicity's sarcasm caused some of her words to be a little too clipped for her preference.  "If you excuse me, I now must tend to my duties." She nodded before breezing past him towards her destination.  

High General James Lessure watched her retreating form for a moment. He had not meant any offense. In truth, he was almost sure his hold upon her would overcome any verbal misnomer. She found him handsome and alluring.  

He felt disheartened by the protection she showed for those beneath her—a possible side-effect from her unfortunate breeding.  As King, James would be sure to change these opinions. It would not be long until she accepted him and would ascend to his destiny.  And, if she did not... well, there were other ways to obtain his rightful place.

***

Oh, James... I hope y'all enjoyed part 1 of this chapter :)