A Duke's Daughter (Jygust 30 ET)

[Andolin]

His encounter with Thorkatla over, and other political meetings completed, Andolin donned his imperial rainment as Caesar, purple and gold, a crown upon his head, as he sat upon his throne to await the introduction of the daughter of Duke Drakkendor, the man with the best claim upon the throne of the Western Kingdom. The Duke only had one daughter. It was said that she was homely; but homely persons often made up for the fact with other dtrengths -- strengths that could be more important to the Empire.

It was all a show of wealth and power in the room. HIs Imperial Guard stood rank upon rank in a receiving line. Other notables at court were behind them, no doubt pushing and standing upon tiptoe to catch a glimpse of the daughter of Dragon Keep.

The plan was to have a formal introduction and then he would meet with her privately afterward. He needed to learn her strengths and weaknesses, and a private meeting was the best setting to do so.

[Vanadius]

Sir Mullin had been in the Count's service for more than a decade, but this was perhaps the most unique mission he'd ever been on during that stretch of time. Being face to face with the Caesar of the Empire seemed like an impossible thing a few weeks ago, yet here they were, waiting to be announced.

Count Drakedoder had been implicit with his instructions, and Mullin could hear those words in his head now.

'You will be escorting my daughter to the very heart of the Empire to meet with the Caesar Azarin. I don't have to tell you to be careful, but you should hear it anyway. The place is snake's den. Assassinations, executions, slayings in the harbor. It's not a place for my daughter to walk into unescorted, and without a good strong blade to defend her. You and I go way back Mullin. I don't have to tell you what that girl means to me. I want you or one your men with her at all times. I'll have your head on a pike if something should happen to her...'

Mullin pulled on his gloves and straightened his green and black tabard with the white dragon emblazoned on the front. He looked at Phelissia with the same warm look an older brother gives a younger sister when she is being courted and being taken out by a man for the very first time. It was a look full of love, loyalty, and a near paranoid caution and concern for her physical and emotional well being.

She returned the gaze sweetly and shyly. Back home in the Keep things were never this formal. She could walk and talk amongst the people without fear, and seeing all the guards and retainers and dignitaries here made her fearful of a misstep or error. She swallowed nervously and clung on to Mullin with her eyes. He gave her a playful and relaxed wink, and her carefully powdered face broke into a shy grin.

He checked the other knights with a careful, practiced eye. They had done well. Each was clean and well groomed, freshly shaven and dressed identically. They were not pristine, but they certainly would not be embarrassed by looking like country bumpkins either.

As they were announced, Mullin swept into the room first, his eyes carefully checking the room before he snapped into attention to let the Lady Phelissia enter. She came forward with her head lowered demurely, trying hard not to think about all of the staring eyes on her.

[Andolin]

Phelissia and her escort were announced by the Imperial Herald at the door, and the pair were to march across the length of the throne room to reach the throne upon which sat Caesar Andolin Azarin. As she approached the steps to the throne, Andolin stood to give her formal greeting.

"Lady Phelissia, welcome to the Citadel and the throne room of the Empire. On behalf of its people I bid you welcome and proclaim our desire to secure closer, peaceful relations with the good people of Dragons Keep." He then paused to allow her to make any formal utterance.

[Vanadius]

She walked towards the throne with the slow, measured steps she'd been practicing. Too fast, and she might appear eager, too slow, and it might look as if she were recoiling in fear.

As Andolin stood, her head and eyes rose with him, displaying the delicate lace embroidery that made up the neckline of her emerald colored dress, as well as the face of a young woman that was plain and somewhat somber looking. She was rather ordinary and unfortunate in her lack of beauty, with a strong, somewhat masculine jaw, large ears, a narrow, pinched nose and a somewhat leathery complexion from too much time spent outdoors unshaded. She did have large brown eyes that seemed to drink in the details however, and there were perhaps her most attractive physical attribute.

"Thank you Your Majesty. On behalf of my father, Count Joris Drakedoder the fourth, Lord of Dragonskeep, and my brother, Joris Drakedoder the fifth, his heir, I bring you greetings and humbly thank you for your generous hospitality and the grace of your invitation. We have a saying in my home that my father wished me to impart to you. That phrase is, 'May your spear gleam in the sun forever.' It is perhaps an old expression no longer used often, but it is a way to honor others, as my father wished to honor you Your Majesty."

She bowed formally after her little speech, which had also been carefully rehearsed. When she arose again, she stood ramrod straight, and awaited his instructions as she had been instructed.

[Andolin]

She wasn't much to look at; but, it was not her looks that he was seeking. He had beauties aplenty. He wanted control over Dragons Keep, and the Western Kingdom ultimately. She would also serve to dispel rumors that Caesar was a shallow man in marrying only beautiful ladies.

Beckoning her to approach, Andolin moved down the steps to reach for her hand to bestow a kiss of greeting. "Thank you for the kind words. Your father honors me with your presence," he flattered.

Then, in a softer voice he stated, "come, sit with me for a time so that we might get to know one another better, in front of some of the subjects. Then, I wish to invite you to a private dinner with me tonight. You can bring a chaperone and your guard, if you wish. I think we can relax and speak more freely when our every movement is not being watched by three score people," he laughed. He motioned her to a cushioned stool that had been placed beside his throne. He moved to sit beside her on the throne so that they could converse in softer voices. The plan was to have a conversation for a short time in public, and then call an end to the audience.

"Your journey was uneventful I trust?" he asked to be polite. "What news from the West and Dragons Keep? Is all well? Times are troubling in the West, I am told," he noted as he signaled a servant to pour his guest wine, if she so desired.

[Vanadius]

She could not contain the shy smile that escaped her at his kindness and flattery. Very few men had ever shown any kind of interest in her before, so this was breaking new ground for her. The kiss of her hand was a strange, scary sensation, and she flushed with embarrassment at the gesture.

"As you wish Your Majesty."

She followed him to the stool that he guided her towards, and in the process, was struck by all the people watching them. She swallowed nervously and sat down in a rush, suddenly unsure of if her legs would support her.

"Um... yes. Uneventful." She chose not to tell him about how sick the portal had made her, and how she had spent most of the afternoon feeling nauseous.

She'd always been an honest girl, too honest by far according to her parents, so when he asked about news of the West, she found herself speaking to him as if he were some commoner off the street.

"The hunt goes forth from the Keep. Our annual Dragon hunt has begun. Its a way for all of the knights to wave their swords around and pretend they are fearsome. Its what's not happening that troubles me. We've been without a King for far too long, and the Church and the Nobility seem to be more interested in fighting like cats and dogs rather than do any real work on behalf of the..."

She froze, suddenly aware of what she was saying.

"Please forgive me Your Majesty. Sometimes I forget where I am and who I am speaking to. I meant no disrespect towards your station sir..."

She folder her hands in her lap and stared them, horrified and frightened that she had offended him. She waved off the offer of a drink, feeling suddenly unworthy of his hospitality.

[Andolin]

Honesty was a good thing when one was on the receiving end. Andolin offered the visiting lady an indulgent smile.

"No no, do go on," he urged her softly. "I prefer first hand accounts, rather than written reports."

"These dragon hunts, I would know more of them. I have heard all sorts of legends that Dragon Keep has tamed many of these great lizards. Is that true? Or do they hunt them for sport?" It would certainly be a positive development to hear that her father controlled one or more dragons. One could only hope.

[Vanadius]

She continued to keep her eyes locked on her hands in her lap, unwilling to rise to meet his gaze.

"My father took me on the hunt when I was thirteen. We rode out from the Keep, escorted by a hundred or so of the Knights with us. That was the yahren Denbar killed a dragon single handed. We'd been riding around for days on end, wiping out clutches of eggs wherever we found them. He went in to one of the caves where Marshall Lockwood, the Commander of the Knights had marked on his map as a potential nest. Denbar had another with him, a Knight that originally hailed from the Barony of Foreno named Besson. Besson was killed outright by the dragon as soon as they entered the lair. Denbar managed to evade the drake's fiery breath and maneuvered into a position where he could stab the beast from above. He tore out one of it's eyes with his spear, and then used the blind spot to close in and finish the beast off in the close quarters of the cave. He came out looking like he'd just shimmied down one of the great hall's chimneys."

Phelissia chewed at her bottom lip for a moment before continuing.

"He was dragging the body of Besson behind him as he came out. and when the others went inside, they figured out what he had done. My father had the head of the beast dragged home and stuffed and mounted somewhere. I haven't seen it in over five yahren, but I assume it's around there somewhere."

She finally looked up again, a shy glance towards the Caesar to determine if he was paying any attention to her story.

"The Dragons will never be tamed, nor are they hunted for sport Your Majesty. My father thinks they will rise up and slay us all one day. These lands were theirs long before we ever laid claim to them. Perhaps one day they will rise up to take them all back."

A nervous swallow, and she fell silent.

[Andolin]

For a wary and jaded courtier, Phelissia was a refreshing change. She seemed incapable of deceit in a web of decit. If she was to become one of his wives, she would need to learn better; but for now, it was as welcome as a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

"Grand stories," Andolin remarked, truly interested in the tale. "Great evidence of courage and martial skill; but, I wonder whether magic might be a potent weapon. It would seem less dangerous," he observed idly, even as he imagined a wizard being about to domesticate a dragon with powerful charms. What weapons they would make.

"With the valor of your people, I know that the people of Tazlure feel safer that the the dragons shall never bother us again," he flattered. "Your father is a remarkable man. I had wondered whether his daughter might be similarly remarkable. I have my suspicions that she is; but, I would like to know her better," he whispered with an inviting smile.

"Have you had your fill of being stared at?" he asked lightly. "Now that my people have had a chance to gawk at you, let us retire to my dining room where we can speak more freely and get to know each other better, shall we? You can bring whatever chaperone you wish, for I intend to treat you with nothing but honor," he declared as he rose and offered her his arm.

[Vanadius]

The girl returned her eyes to her lap, and kept them there demurely as he spoke.

"Magic is a hollow pursuit Your Majesty. It is a never ending circle for the foulest of betrayals, unyielding ambitions, and the breeding of hate and corruption."

It was clear she spoke from personal experience and an immense, intimate pain. Her mother had defied her father, ans unearthed secrets that had better been left buried in the past. Her mother's insistent pursuit of magic had killed hundreds in the Keep, and nearly been the destruction of them all. The Lady Theresa had attempted to usurp her husband's seat in those black days, and it was only through the intellect of an ugly little man who figured it all out, that the truth was revealed, and her mother had been neutralized by her father and the Keep's wizard Achlos. That ugly little man had fled the keep, fearing her retribution and wrath. Phelissia remembered the look on his face as he kissed her hand, and stepped through that portal and out of her life. She wondered if he was alive today and where he was...

The Caesar stood, jolting her from her reverie.

"Thank you Your Majesty. I am grateful for your kindness, care and hospitality."

She looked at Sir Mullin as she stood and placed her hand on the Caesar's arm. The Knight dipped his head slightly to indicate he understood she was being escorted away, and that he was to follow. With her on his arm, and her Knight in tow, they followed wherever he indicated was their next destination.

[Andolin]

As they walked towards his private dining chamber, the Caesar paused to bow to his people and allow the herald to announce his exit. Ceremony and pageantry was the ally of a ruler.

After passing through the plush velvet curtains that marked the border of his throne room, he resumed his conversation with his guest. The walk was a short one to the dining room.

"I would put to you, milady, that magic is no different than any weapon. It can be used for good or evil. The primary difference is that magic is a much more powerful weapon than anything created in a mortal forge. One must find individuals of inner strength to wield such a weapon. That is why we have the University of Magic. Magic will always be with us, so why not harness it and find suitable mages who would use it in the service of the Empire, rather than make mages enemies of the Empire? It has worked well, with occasional exceptions."

As they arrived and were seated at his private table, Andolin continued as he signaled for the servants to bring the many courses of food. "But, I would not argue with you this eveningtide. This is to be a meeting to explore agreements rather than disagreements."

He waited for the wine to be poured and tested, and her knight was afforded a chair at the table. Andolin's own bodyguard was standing at the doorway.

"You know why you are here Phelissia. I shall not bandy about the topic, as I have seen that you are a lady of substance. The Caesar of the Empire is not as strong as a King of the West in some regards. I was elected by the Imperial Council. The Council is the principal governing body of the Empire, so we have some aspects of a republic in that regard. I sit at the head of the Council and control many seats, but my power is not absolute. I need to curry the favor of other Council members on important matters."

He paused to try a piece of appetizer. "The Caesar is the leader of the army, which makes him powerful in another sense as well. He can take many wives, but one is chosen as Caesarii. The Caesarii stands as the presumptive heir to the throne and her children are first in line of succession. Tradition, though not long standing, has been that the first wife wed becomes the presumptive Caesarii. This seems a rather arbitrary system to me, more a happenstance of timing than forethought necessarily. I have convinced the Council that I should be able to select which of my wives should serve as Caesarii. Only once I have seen her ability to govern, inspire and lead will I know who should have that designation."

"There are risks in taking multiple wives. Wives and their children may come to hate each other. I could find my time being wasted on settling squabbles between wives. I can reward those wives who play well with each other and punish those that don't, but I confess freely that it will be difficult."

"The reason that I have thought to take multiple wives is many fold. First, there are many duties that I must perform, and should perform It far outweighs my ability as one mortal. There should be Imperial visits to each island, attendance at important ceremonies, leading military units, speeches before the council, dispensing justice in a way that makes the people feel protected. I would like to use my wives to assist me, rather than have them be pretty ornaments beside my throne. Pretty ornaments get bored and plot against each other, rather than contribute to the well-being of the Empire."

"Second, the Empire is not as unified as it needs to be. The Council is not as united as it needs to be. If I select wives correctly, I can gain the loyalty of various parts of the Empire that I will need if I am to govern effectively. For example, there needs to be an adhiel Queen if we are to hope to have the support of the adhiels. I have identified an adhiel princess for this purpose. The same is true for the dark adhiels. Nothing raises the loyalty of a people than knowing they have a true voice in their government. Though the Council purports to respresent them, they will feel better having a voice whisper into the ear of Caesar should their be a plight that needs addressing."

"Apart from binding the Empire together, there are foreign relations as well. Caesars often marry foreign princesses. I have made contact with the Eastern Empire for this purpose and a marriage will occur to help bring about peace between us. There is no such princess for the Western Kingdom and the Mouth. Yet, I have decided that you are the right person for this important challenge. The world needs peace, Phelissia. I could capitalize on the weakness of the West by invading it. It would offer short term gains at long term costs. I would rather have the Empire prosper through trade than prosper through conquest. Conquest is expensive in more ways than one."

"Just as with my own people, I think the West would take comfort from having one of its own on the throne of the Empire beside Caesar. My own family hails from Worlds Mouth, if I am to believe the studies of my family. That is not enough. I want a representative of the West that personifies honor and fairness. I can think of no one better than yourself. Your family is respected. You have the royal blood in your veins. Your father is the true heir to the throne in King's Court. My research tells me that you are an educated, level-headed lady, that shows real possibility of leadership. You are not needed to stay in Dragons Keep because your brother is set to rule there. So, you could mingle your blood with that of the Empire to accomplish a better product and understanding."

"It is much to ask of you to consider leaving your home to come to this strange land and be one of many Imperial wives of Caesar. It is easy to let vanity or comfort dictate an answer. If the answer is no, I shall accept it. But, the truly exceptional woman will be the one to see opportunity where another sees a challenge. The gods grant us few opportunities to change the face of Tazlure. I was afforded one and seized it. I am looking for those like me who want to make something of this short life we have been given -- one not afraid of challenges. I would embrace an epitaph that read he died trying to unite the world rather than one that said here lies a successful man who managed some amount of wealth and fame.."

"What I am asking of you is to tell me truly whether you are the type intrigued by the possibilities I offer, or whether it is best that I find another more suited to my dreams. If you are not interested, then we can spend the rest of the meal chatting of pleasant topics and I need trouble you no further after tonight." He held his wine glass in salute as he awaited her response.

[Vanadius]

She acquiesced to his thoughts on the nature of magic and its wielders, bowing her head slightly to indicate she agreed with him on that particular topic as she followed to the dining room. It was after her and Mullin were seated that the Caesar cut to the chase, and spoke openly and boldly, as befitting his station.

The people of Dragonskeep were practical and pragmatic, and although Phelissia was easily one of the most progressive and open minded people that lived there, she found the Caesar's suggestion of being one of his concubines shocking and simply horrifying.

Wife? Heh! Slave is a better word Your Highness.

She listened carefully to his explanation, politely attentive to his many remarks and reasoning. She found fault with many of his points of logic. First, Dragonskeep was part of the West, and not part of the Empire. His words about unifying the Empire and binding the isles meant nothing to her, nor to her father. The Keep was a part of the West, and not subject to the Caesar's laws or expectations. Second, royal blood wasn't a quality indicative of good governance. She viewed Balthasar as a flawed and unworthy ruler, and the argument for royalty only stoked the fires of her want to protect and serve the people, not lord over them as he seemed to view his 'subjects'. Third was his empty flattery and shameless attempts to manipulate her through words like 'exceptional woman' and 'opportunity where others see challenge'. Such blatant and shallow attempts at manipulation was a weak attempt at currying her and her father's favor.

To think I was frightened of you Your Highness. I was scared that I might love you, or scared that I might fear you. But I find you lacking in many qualities that would make me feel either. How many times have you mentioned the people you rule? With you it is "I", "I", "I" and never "we", "we", "we."...

She said nothing of her true thoughts but instead she voiced her questions in reply to the real questions in her mind, and the reason she agreed to come here.

"The ways of the Empire are very different from my home Your Highness. I'm not used to such avenues of diplomacy and statecraft. I'm afraid you have me taken aback by such a proposal. If you will allow it, I would ask this question of you. If I were to agree to your offer, how would my father and the people of Dragonskeep benefit from such an arrangement?"

He had already given her the idealistic and romantic offer, but now she hoped to hear some real thought and insight into what he was willing to exchange.

[Andolin]

Though he had some ability at reading minds, Andolin had not thought to employ it. He was overly confident in his ability of persuasion without cheating. Perhaps, if the stakes had been greater, he might had tried something like trying to read her surface thoughts. Had he read those thoughts, he would have likely been amused at the challenge. Instead, he took her question to be a reflection of her interest in the subject.

While it was the male that was the one to ask for a dowry, Andolin did not view Phelissia's question as inappropriate. Marriages of State were always about mutual advantage.

"Of course you may ask any question," he urged as he sipped his wine. "Peace and trade, my lady. There is nothing more important to the prosperity of a people. The Empire could sign a trade treaty with your father instead. Both lands would benefit. Yet, treaties are constructed of paper and easily discarded by future generations. They are also built upon trust. Mutual advantage contributes to the trust, surely, as does the character of the other party, but I would think that your people might want further surety of the Empire's good intentions. I trust your father's word. He is reputed to be an honorable man. I can also trust that the military of Dragonskeep is no great threat to the Empire."

"On the other hand, speaking bluntly, your father may wonder as to the nature of the new Caesar. Is he a man of his word, or might the Imperial Council be inclined to use its vast military to take what it might want from Dragonskeep? If I were your father, I would wonder about such things."

"I would honor him, Dragonskeep, and a friendship between us by taking you as a wife. Your presence at my side would help assure friendly relations. In return, he would honor the Empire, its people and myself, by offering his only daughter's hand to demonstrate his commitment to friendly relations," he explained.

"Friendly relations mean more than mere trade. It could mean protection from arbitrary action by King's Court against Dragonskeep. If the wrong kind of King is crowned there, he might wish to remove potential threats to his sovereignty. With you at my side, there would be no question as to which side I would take if such a civil war erupted. The mere marriage would be enough to discourage any action against your family or your people, I would hope."

Have I answered your question?" he asked politely. "Have you others?"

[Vanadius]

He is everything they told me he would be and more. Intelligent, well spoken, persuasive. If things were different, could I truly marry him?

Phelissia looked over at him, trying to keep her face impassive so hopefully she would appear unimpressed, or at least not overly awed.

He is handsome in a way, but not like the men back home. He's... softer somehow. He seems more used to being pampered and served than being out in the sun and defending his people...

"Of course my father wonders such things, but Balthasar's death weighs heavily on his soul and conscience Your Highness. I believe he would find your words slightly familiar and troubling my lord, as I do as well. I hope you will forgive me sir, but you speak of invasion and alliance in the same manner."

She glanced at Sir Mullin, a telltale sign to him to be alert and watchful. The Knight's eyes watched the Lord Caesar carefully as the woman who was both his liege and his charge continued.

"You seem certain that taking either route is inevitable. Am I to take your words to mean that the Caesar will be seeking all paths available to him to expand his Empire?"

[Andolin]

Seeing some concern expressed over his reference to invasion, Andolin fought a smile. It had served its purpose, and now was the time to allay concerns.

"I can assure you, milady, that I have no appetite for invasion. Dragon Keep has a strategic position, but there is little wealth to be gained from conquest. Thus, there is no incentive, other than a show of force, to invade. I was merely pointing out that I am not the last word in the Empire. The Imperial Council might feel differently."

"As I told you, I believe in peaceful relations with foreign lands. I am not seeking to expand the boundaries of the Empire in the way you hint. The Empire profits by the taxes it places on commerce between our lands. I am content with that, as should be the Council. We should save our armies for the defense of the Empire, or to destroy an enemy of the Empire. As your home is no threat to the Empire, and you are no enemy of the Empire, you have little to fear from me. Of course, should that change, the circumstances might be different."

"If I might speak bluntly again, I seek marital alliance with the royal family of the West, just as I will do with the East. Your father is the rightful King of the West, in many opinions, so it is to you that I look. Surely, you see the benefits of having the friendship of the Empire should ever your father decide to again assert his claim to the throne in King's Court," he explained quietly, but in a friendly manner. If you will not marry me, then I shall have to find another pretender to the throne. Perhaps the new King or Queen in King's Court will be more desirous of an alliance with Caesar of the Empire.

[Vanadius]

Phelissia looked on and listened to him expound on his reasoning, carefully listening for signs or hints of anger or frustrations by her questions. Finding none to her perception, she dove into the meaning of his words and gauged his intentions.

It seems he is as interested in profit as he is in anything else. Wealth... profits... taxes... benefits... He speaks like a merchant as much as a ruler.

The lady from the Keep suppressed a smile as the true nature of his desires seemed to now be bubbling up to the surface.

"My father keeps his own counsel in regards to the throne of the West. That he is the rightful heir, there is no doubt, but he has not shared his ambitions or lack thereof with me. Perhaps he has spoken with my brother about them, but alas, I cannot lend any insight as to what he intends to do next. Mayhaps he astutely kept them from me because he sensed I would tell you when I was face to face with Your Highness."

"I do see the benefits of having a friendship with the Empire. It is plain and evident. Yet I also wish to speak plainly, and I wonder if you see the reverse. Having me as Ceasarii would support any claim to the throne of the West, and thus would give you access to tremendous wealth and power. Perhaps you could unite the West and the Empire with alliance, and even perhaps with conquest. But I can be the keystone in giving you claim to both with the simple act of a ceremony."

She paused, to allow the implication to sink in. He knew all too well that this was true, which was the entire reason for her presence here. She just wanted him to know she also understood.

"If I am to ever agree to your proposal, please forgive the unfortunate wording, I would require certain assurances beforehand. Things that you may or may not be willing to concede upon. If Your Highness wills it, I shall share them with him now, or if he prefers, we can dispense with this topic and return our conversation to the more mundane..."

[Andolin]

Phelissia had gone from an awe-struck political neophyte to something of a confident bargainer. His pride might find that annoying, but he tended to respect only the strong.

It seemed that his interest in her had been made plain finally. That made things a bit easier to discuss. Her speech made him fight a smile.

"I always appreciate plain speak in private," he assured her. "As for you being the keystone of anything, I am certain you were about to add the caveat that such a claim, were any to be made by me, would depend on your father asserting the right. You are also not heir to the throne. Your brother is. He will marry and have a family. Your right to be Queen of the West would be contingent on the death of your brother and any family he creates -- a remote possibility I imagine."

"Let me turn the argument back upon you, if I might. Your father already asserted his right to the throne, enlisted the support of World's Mouth, and failed. It is unlikely that the Mouth will be drawn into another civil war, absent large sums of gold. To some, it might seem that the keystone to your father's claim upon the throne would be the possible support of a strong military -- such as the Empire might supply. So, I wonder, my lady, just who is the keystone?"

"Now, having said that, I invite you to voice any concerns you might have and assurances you might need if we were to continue discussion of a possible union. I would be a poor host were I not to encourage you to speak freely." His gestured with an open hand to signal that she should proceed.