Ethel crossed her arms.
"Like I said, I'll go with what you all want, but note the concern I raised"
Ethel nodded to Arden as well.
"Very well, but I'll be by his side so that he can't so much as sneeze without me being there to block it." She claimed.
"Yes, I don't have all the details yet but I think I am to get an upgraded workshop" she smiled.
Mrs. Handler nodded.
"Yes, actually I have been thinking and there is another couple we know trying to start a general shop, but have no land, we were thinking of having our products shipped to them and referring our old customers to them, and see if we can find a sort of shared long distance business so split the shipping costs without hurting costs for the customer too badly." She replied.
Cinnamon made a face and as the daughter of the very landowner who owned the Handlers General Shoppe felt the need to speak up. "Wait a minute, ma'am, why can't you just let them run your store? They won't need to find a place to live, because of the apartment above the shop. You'll be shipping merchandise to Dunwyn, anyway, and you'll still need someone here to run your general store. If they sublet from you, or ask my father to cut them a few months slack on the rent, until they get the handle.... erm, pardon the pun on your surname... on running things? Customer base is already established. Save two birds with one net."
And Cinnamon just showed both Kenna and Mrs Handler who had been in charge of the bakery's finances for the last two years. Cinnamon was also trying to find a good compromise that would save a lot of headache later. A true diplomat, something a princess had to know how to be, was in the making.
Kenna blinked. "I hadn't thought of that..."
Calla could only smirk. "An upgrade for your workshop? Sweet! All I can tell you, is I'll be sharing my toys with Cordonia Knights, I can't wait to meet them. And I'd love to hang out with you and Ruby more, maybe I'll end up being her bodyguard, like Amethyst was mine. The knightly bodyguard idea came from Queen Kenna's mother and Stormholt, anyway."
Dom looked over as Ethel and Arden arrived with Sunrise. "I'm out of the dragon's cage, now?"
Arden, sighing, nodded. "As long as you keep your cool, and try to check your thoughts. The war has been over for 20 years, you have a daughter now, that you need to have in the forefront of your mind, never mind she's... Uh..." He counted on his fingers. "Oh, she's not 17 until February 14, 1378."
Dom rolled his eyes. "She still needs to learn to defend herself, and any friends she makes. She's gone through two bodyguards this year alone. I swear, the next Cordonian Knight I meet that can best me will have the job."
Ethel may want to fact check Dom now about Ruby already being able to fend for herself, otherwise Avenger's prophecy of being Ruby's bodyguard, will fulfill itself.
Mrs. Handler nodded to Cinnamon with a smile.
"That is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping for, pass the torch off without too many transition issues"
Clair nodded.
"Yeah that sounds like a good idea, I would love to continue to work with both of you"
"You aren't in a warzone anymore Dom, you need to learn that. I understand wanting to be careful and wanting to protect those around you, but you are causing more problems then you are solving. We are safe here, just say that to yourself, we are safe here and so is she. If you are to be allowed to interact with the others, we need you to act civil."
Cinnamon smiled and gave a peer curtsey, getting used to her role of princess. "I'm glad I could help, Mrs H." She said falling back into the role of Cinnamon Baker, neighbor and friend of the Handlers. She immediately caught herself, "I mean Mrs Handler, ma'am."
Gregor had overheard the exchange. "Cinnamon, you aren't going to be zapped for speaking thusly to your friends. I just don't want to hear you that chummy with a dignitary." He nodded to Mrs Handler and continued on.
Arden continued staying with Ethel and Sunrise, as Dom was brought out of the sot sit. Dom narrowed his eyes as he looked at both Arden and Ethel. "I can't predict what will set off my memories, being war veterans yourselves, you should already know that."
Arden frowned, "Are you saying you cannot remind yourself now, while you're in Christmas season, 1377, that everything is safe?"
Dom shrugged. "I barely remember when I flashback as is." His eyes narrowed again. "Why? When was I THIS time?"
If Ethel knew her history, since she was there, it was May, 1357, when he and Kenna were in the final stages of the battle, before Kenna killed Luther Nevrakis. Arden had another clue which he jumped on.
"Interesting. You don't remember when you see yourself in the war again? So you can't tell me when and where you were?"
Dom made a face. "It's like a fleeting dream, doctor. You have to ask me where and when I am, while I'm in that state. If I'm well enough that is. That depends on what happened on that particular day. The only two days not to ask the fighting me, is November 12, 1355 and May 5,1357. The day after Kenna's mother was murdered by Luther and the last battle of the war when everyone is fighting in the throne room and Luther tried to have history repeat itself, when he went after Kenna and I saw it and warned her."
"Hehe, it's fine you can call me Mrs H still, unless you want our relationship to change from this, it doesn't need to" She offered.
Ethel thought to herself, knowing what Dom was saying, but not being sure how to explain it so someone who hasn't seen it so many times.
"Well, I believe that you were trapped the day before Kenna took Luther's life. Also in May of 1357." She let out a sigh.
"Yes, it's like having a dream, you don't realize you are dreaming at the time, and it feels like you are living that moment for the first time, even if it is a memory. But also with the difference of acting out in real life, and being a potential danger to those around you." She tried to explain how it wasn't a fact of just knowing you were safe.
Cinnamon nodded. "Since I'm allowed to continue addressing you as a friend, Mrs H, and I'm comfortable doing so..." They had walked to meet back up with Avenger, Ruby and Clair.
Kenna chuckled. "That reminds me, Mrs Handler. Have you chosen to change your property and town name? The residents would probably hope you would, as Vescovi may be a sore spot with many of them. Also, your animal, as Vescovi had the Pomeranian, which never seemed a good choice, but while under Vescovi's rule..." A shrug.
Ruby jumped up and down excited, "Oh, yes, please do change the name and animal! There a lot of deer in the land, and being as you would be bringing goods to the area... I was thinking Christmas, and the reindeer for your animal! I mean it is your final decision, Mrs Handler, seeing as you're in charge of the finances... But just think of it! You guys are kinda bringing gifts to your area!"
Dom nodded. "I see." He really might, too, it was hard to wrap his head around. As they began walking to the throne room.
Sunrise spoke up. "To change the subject, you have a new knight, to meet. The Crimson Avenger herself, Calla Dunwyn. She's joining Cordonia."
Arden grabbed Dom's arm to steady him, as he slightly stumbled. "The princess?! SHE'S the hero even we've heard of in Cordonia? Did Kenna knight her? Was Gregor okay with this? If she's in OUR army, who's the princess of Dunwyn now? Does this mean she's chosen Ruby? A lady knight, for the entire time she is in service to the crown, she cannot be with a man... Is CALLA okay with this?"
Arden shrugged. "Some of those questions you'll have to ask Gregor, I'm afraid. The only thing I'm sure of, is Avenger has chosen to be a Cordonian Knight, and she's abdicated her throne to have only the responsibility of a knight, and not both princess and knight. Unless Ethel paid more attention than I. I was more watching Cordonia get a new knight. One I probably have to train army maneuvers. I hoped to stay a field medic."
They would arrive just in time to hear Ruby's ideas, and Dom couldn't help but clear his throat as he stared at his daughter. "Princess. I hope for your sake, that was only an idea, and you weren't trying to take it upon yourself to name the Handlers' lands and town."
Olivia had also overheard Ruby. "I do, too. Although I have to agree the reindeer would be a very strong house animal, as it represents strength, stamina and survivability."
Mrs handler placed a hand on her chin.
"Perhaps when we get there one of our first acts will be to run a tally, ask what names people want, and ask what animal they would like, then we take the top three or so and ask them all to choose from those."
Ethel remained ready to step in if necessary, but it seemed Arden had things Dom under control.
"Yes, worry not, all considerations have been taken, Calla has no interest in men, and has already chosen the one that will take her princess duties. As for her choosing Ruby, we have yet to see"
Mrs. Handler nodded.
"Perhaps that can be a suggestion the people can pick from, and if it's popular enough we will pick it"
As Dom and Kenna listened, Kenna seemed more and more sure of finding a noble with noble intentions. Even Dom was nodding with Mrs Handler's choices.
"Now see, that's exactly the kind of monarchy my mother had been striving for." Kenna said, proudly. "Involving the populous in decisions made for the town."
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Never could understand why my grandfather Luther was all HIS might makes the ONLY right. Didn't Vescovi learn from the war in the mid 50s? Apparently not." She scoffed. "I'm not saying yours is the only way, or Lythikos warrior ways are, but at least even Lythikan nobles listen to their people."
Aurora and Avenger both folded their arms as they leaned on opposite legs (the physician her left, the hero her right) "You mean your family just joined the other Lythikan Noble Houses in listening to their people. You're the first Nevrakis in generations to do so."
Aurora then smirked. "Jinx, Avenger, you owe me a Scotch!" Like mentor like mentee. Arden usually drank a Scotch, neat.
Ruby made a face and asided to Clair, "I thought we were discussing names for your House, town and animal for your coat of arms, when did it get this political? Are you following any of this? I think I'm starting to get befuddled."
Dom had fallen unusually quiet, but not like he had before he had a flashback. He seemed to be contemplating something, and if Ethel watched, his eyes would drift between the squawkers with Kenna, and his daughter, who seemed to be buddy-buddy with the inventor.
After getting 'jinxed' by the physician, Avenger had blushed bright red and fell unusually quiet for her, she did seem to be warily watching Dom, not sure if she could trust him. If Diana was nearby, it looked like a three way intervention was needed, as Arden looked torn between approaching Cordonia's new knight and Dom about their sudden sullen quietness.
Mrs. Handler nodded.
"Yes we started to discuss what we wanted when we came to the conclusion that seeing what the people want would win us some favour and make everyone happy."
Clair whispered to Ruby.
"Yeah, we couldn't decide what we wanted, so I figured to ask the people, I didn't think it was that political, I have done the same for inventions with our regular customers."
Ethel narrowed her eyes slightly, was he thinking of how to take advantage of Clairs inventive abilities? She would need to stay close and ensure he not have any time alone with Clair.
Diana did indeed notice.
"Avenger, Dom, care to share your thoughts?"
Calla Avenger glanced at Diana, and then to Aurora. After turning red, she shook her head embarrassingly. "It can wait." She mumbled. She did give another look to Dom of wariness that quickly showed her right to be concerned as after looking again at the squawkers Ruby had helped to design from the more natural aspect of the sail, Dom marched over to Ruby and yanked her up by her dress lapels. "What you did to get them to go faster, quicker, daughter, you WILL do it again to make our naval fleet go faster. Stop playing with these toys and do something constructive!" He then dropped the poor frightened princess unceremoniously, where her legs went out from underneath her and she fell on her arse.
Kenna glared at him as Avenger drew her sword when Ruby was hoisted a good eight inches off the floor by her dress collars.
Kenna held her hand up to Ethel, after Avenger pointed the point of her rapier at Dom. "Father or no, that is a very disrespectful thing to do to the princess. I know for a fact that what you're asking cannot be done as quickly as you ask, Dom. She has to run tests on how much breeze there is on the sea lanes, factor in whether or no a larger sail can even pick up the extra wind and if the vessel can still be maneuverable. It'll take years to get all that data she'll need to even make an educated guess of the nature dynamics. Ruby is my friend, and now my princess, too. I'll protect her, if needbe, even from you!"
Dom's eyes became yellow, and he got the reptilian slits to them. "If you're challenging me, hero, challenge accepted." Clocking Calla, he sent her halfway across the throne room to crash into a table set up as an altar.
"I'm alright..." Calla called groggy and slurring both words, before rolling off the table to land on her hands and knees on the floor.
Dom pointed at Ruby. "You have til summer. I want results. The rest of your court season is over!"
Ruby's lower lip quivered and her eyes filled with tears as she glanced at Clair and then Avenger shaking her head of the cobwebs, from her now kneeling position. "It's impossible! Even if I got all the data together as quickly as possible, it would take all six months to gather the data! I couldn't even put together a theory in that short of time!"
Kenna cleared her throat in a way that poor Ruby even trembled. Using her mom tone, she said, "I'm ashamed and appalled, Dom! Even if she could figure out if bigger cloth sails COULD work, she'd need time to test it with the seaworthiness of the vessel! Even I know that much! And calling these wonderful communication devices, toys? The very idea! Ruby and Clair can farther long distance communication without the need of a runner. Picking up supplies for the household and business, even the medical field, will take leaps and bounds. That's just as they are now, Dom, you pompous arse, you heard Clair and Ruby BOTH say these are prototypes. Everyone can help test these things with normal chores and see if they DO make housework and business run easier."
Kenna cleared her throat. "We are staying here, for the Yuletide. And since Dom obviously canNOT be trusted alone, I will need a new room for the season. Ethel. Avenger if you can get on your feet. Escort Dominic Hunter to our guest chambers, lock him in there, and one of you guard the door, while the other guards the window. Let's see how he likes solitary confinement. I have spoken."
Gregor didn't know how to react from the quickness of the incident. Clearing his throat as Avenger got to her feet and grabbed some shackles from one of the palace guards, likewise shocked, Gregor said, "So it shall be done. Avenger. Ethel. You heard the queen."
Avenger had also fetched ankle shackles from another guard, and handed them to Ethel. "My pleasure, My Queen, and King Gregor." She hissed.
Dom would not go quietly, breaking for outside where he would shift to his dragon form, and Ruby would see her other inheritance, scaring her into a dead faint. Aurora would be worthless, this time, as she too, fainted from seeing Dom's dragon form. Avenger and her wrist shackles would be sent flying over the tower, and be caught by a tree. This time, The Crimson Avenger WAS hurt, groaning from pain in the upper boughs of said tree.
Hopefully, Ethel and Diana had better luck, and Clair could see exactly what tree Avenger landed in.
Ethel as usual kept her eyes on Dom, though she made sure to position herself to stay between him and Clair, standing beside Kenna. As Dom started his abuse she gripped her weapon and went to moe to stop him before he could even drop Ruby, but she was stopped by Kenna, making her stand down for the moment.
Clair meanwhile froze at the action, she had no idea what to do, this was Ruby's father, he was supposed to protect her, not hurt her right? She wanted more than anything to help Ruby and stop Dom, but her body wouldn't move, partially because she had no idea what to do. Her mind was racing, thinking about what had happened, he wanted a faster boat, would that solve everything? She wondered to herself, and her mind started to race with ideas, her body frozen.
Ethel narrowed her eyes, moving Kenna to a safe place before things escalated. She pulled out a small tube, moved behind Dom, and used the blowdart to silently shoot a dart into the back of his neck. She knew the tranq dart would not be enough to take him down, but it would be enough to make him sluggish and allow her to take him down.
She moved in after, and he naturally turned from the pain of the dart hitting him, Ethel dodged his flame, this was not the first dragon she had fought, and with her younger body, she could move quickly. She moved toward him, in a sig zag patter to keep his flame from being able to hit her and to buy time for the dart to kick in.
Bristol and Arden spread out in the direction Avenger flew when she was hit by Dom's tail. They could hear her, but looking around and up, they couldn't spot her. Monroe joined the hunt for the obviously injured knight.
Tuxford, Sunrise and Amethyst all directed their men and women to quench the flames as Amethyst stayed behind guarding Cinnamon and Gregor.
After five minutes, Dom's eyes rolled back, and he crashed to the ground to take a nap. With Avenger somewhere in a tree and all three doctors combing the area for her, having no idea she was way up some sixty feet above them, bruised, battered and scraped up, and caught in a "y" shaped bough, Ethel would still be on her own and Avenger had all but screamed herself hoarse for help getting untangled and down on solid ground again.
Aurora and Ruby were both passed out in a faint, and Olivia was talking to Kenna. "Begging your pardon, Queen Kenna, but Dom has committed several assaults, tried to kill Avenger and Ethel, abused Ruby, and frightened the hell out of Ruby, Aurora and Clair. Would it really be wise to only lock him in his room? He's not Ruby, where you can give one of your patented, what do you call them? Time outs? What he did is criminal." She went off on a tangent about Dom would be in a dungeon. Underground dungeon. Had this been Lythikos.
Kenna sighed. "Olivia. Relax. Go help Ethel get shackles on him. He's still Ruby's father, and we're expecting a second child." She shook her head. She still loved him. He looked over to Ethel and the knights helping her. "What happened to you Dom? Why do you want such power in our armada?" Her eyes went wide. "Hell's bells!" She raced from her protected place as Olivia made her way to Ethel.
Olivia said upon reaching Ethel. "I explained how this was criminal activity, and didn't get the chance to tell Kenna about the reckless endangerment, when she got a look of pure terror on her face and ran towards Clair. I'll take over here. Go see why she looked legitimately afraid and went to Clair. We can't find your partner Kenna issued you. The physicians are STILL scanning the trees, and we can't hear Avenger's calls for help anymore." That's because Avenger's voice is all but gone and she doesn't have much strength left.
Kenna stopped in front of Clair, and saw the same look she had seen a few times on Ruby. "Clair! No! We don't NEED a faster ship! Our Navy is fine as is! You will only make things worse if you give in to Dom's order to Ruby! If you truly love her, you will be with her for support now! Your friendship with my daughter is the most important right now! Not your inventions, not something to appease a scared little dragonkin, Ruby and her well-being should be your priority! See her. Be with her. Aurora, too. And if you saw what tree Avenger flew into... Please."
Diana moved to help Avenger, jumping up into the tree to free her and help her down to the ground safely.
Ethel meanwhile moved to Dom as he fell, securing him.
"I don't care what Kenna says, I am putting this man back in a cell, she is lucky I do not remove his head" She replied to Olivia as she went to move him, gesturing for Olivia to help her.
Clair still had a look of shock on her face, but she nodded to Kenna and moved to where Ruby was, trying to wake her as she saw Diana bringing Calla down from a tree.
Luckily for Ethel and Olivia, tranquilizing Dom caused him to revert back to human form, making the shackles easier to snap into place, on wrists and ankles.
Sunrise was first to speak up of the three. "This is not the mind madness of earlier, Kemosabe. You are wise to choose the dungeon. Unfortunately, Kenna is listening to her heart and not her own laws. Dominic will be in a different, more secure cell, farther along the hall. This way."
He led Ethel and Olivia to a dungeon cell hallway down the hall, and a couple cellblocks from Igthorne who snarled in Ethel and Olivia's direction. "Traitors! Gregor's pet monkeys! You will both rue the day you crossed me! Rue, I say!"
Olivia did an unfamiliar accent (for us modern people, she sounded like Bugs Bunny) "Eeehh, Iggy, do us all a favour and do shut up!" To farther embarrass the villain, she reached through the bars of his cell, and smacked his nose with some papers she was holding. She then returned to Ethel and finished helping her secure Dom to the wall. "Kenna may be upset, but when she stops to think about what Dom has already done, she'll probably thank you. Knowing her, she'll only ask if Dom is secure... Which he obviously is now, so you can truthfully say yes. Let's go, and check if they found Avenger."
Avenger, looking for Aurora's honey brown hair, groggily looked right at Diana, mistaking her for Aurora, and saying who she had chosen. "Knew you'd be the one to get me, my beloved doctor. I'm in good hands. Yours, Aurora." She said raspily, before losing consciousness.
"Thanks, Diana. Looks like we know who she fell in love with. I'm glad she'll be coming to Cordonia as one of our knights, now, I know Aurora doesn't have any desire to leave Cordonia." Arden shook his head, and checked over Calla's injuries. "Bruises, scrapes, a contusion right there... After some rest she will be good as new."
Ruby slowly came to, and Aurora who was right next to Ruby groaned softly as she came to. Ruby spoke up first. "I had a horrid nightmare!" She saw Clair. "Oh Clair. It was terrifying. My father is a dragon! Does that make me one? I don't want to be a dragon! Please tell me it was a nightmare and not real!"
Aurora grimaced and looked at the sky. "I had that same nightmare, Ruby..."
Ethel tossed him into the cell and locked it, turning to Igthorne.
"Oh? Are you telling us we should just kill you now before we regret it then?"
Ethel then turned to Olivia.
"Okay, and yeah, though still I am not sure if this is enough to hold him, if not for Kenna, I would end this man now, though he has abused some here, I do fear where his ambitions will lead him" She replied.
"That's not good, we should check her head too, she fell unconscious and that is not a good sign" Diana placed her down gently and used shadows and light to check her pupils as she pulled her eyelid up.
"Ruby, I saw the same thing, but umm, maybe you aren't a dragon, maybe he isn't your birth father? just umm, don't worry about it okay?" She tried to help calm her, likely not very well though.
Olivia narrowed her eyes. "Therein lies the rub, I'm afraid. None of us know where his ambitions will lead him; or where any of our ambitions will take us."
Sunrise looked at both ladies. "Only one's heart can tell the whole truth about one's intentions. Some who have merely threatened as Dom has done, do nothing farther, then talk."
"All bark and no bite, I take it." Olivia stated.
Igthorne had said nothing farther, not answering Ethel's question. Sunrise nodded and pointed to Igthorne. "Case in point, although Igthorne has also acted upon them. All we've seen Dom do is threaten."
Olivia grimaced and then asided to Ethel. "Damn, he's got us there. Dom's only pushing things that would strengthen defenses, although he's making a poor case for it. He's ordering better, stronger, faster, which any smart ruler would do. His problem is wanting it now, now, now, which a smart ruler would realize cannot physically happen."
This would take them back up to the ground floor with their conversation.
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Arden nodded. "Any injuries likened to this requires constant surveillance, Diana. It's what we physicians usually mean by holding someone for observation. More times than no, it's for 24 hours, but we call it 'overnight observation'. She probably hit her head on branches up there. One contusion is in the side of the temple." He pointed it out to Diana, who had just as trained eye as he, just in case she might have missed it upon first look. "She also has several bruises, scratches and scrapes about her face. I'm more inclined to have her stay under observation for two or three days, because of the injuries we can see."
He watched Calla's eyes naturally dilate and return to normal. "That's normal, but I don't trust it right now. As you said, and I witnessed, She fell unconscious. Unless she vastly improves by tomorrow morning... Three day observation. We need Aurora back. She is the court physician. I need Bristol to continue to aid me with Dame Calla."
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Ruby shrugged. "He had fire powers before he even became a dragon the first time. Unless they are very buried in me, I have no fire powers. It can skip generations, I'm told."
Aurora narrowed her eyes. "Ruby. That's not everything Clair asked." She stayed seated and shook her head. "All I did was faint... Why won't my thoughts settle?" She sighed.
Ruby shrugged again. "Dom's really, honestly, my birth father. He's the only one Mother has been with. I hope all those powers gene things skipped me fully. I just want to be normal." She glanced at Aurora. "If the shock to our system was great, won't it take a while? It sounds like you wanna rush your recovery like Father wants to rush those sails." She had no idea Kenna already told Clair the Navy was fine as is. She didn't want Clair to make or invent faster ships, so Ruby was technically off the hook as well. Ruby needed to be told that.
Ethel shook her head.
"He has done more than threaten, he abused his own daughter and could have killed Avenger, lest you all forget what just happened. Not to mention the events that happened in the art room"
Clair looked between the two as they talked.
"Oh, your mother told me not to think about the ships. Perhaps instead we can check your blood using the.. what we call it? smallscope? microscope? and we can see if it's different than mine, then compare it to your fathers, to maybe determine if there is something we can see that will tell us more about these dragon abilities."
(Now alphabetical for main speaker)
Dr. Aurora Service, Princess Ruby Rose Rhys
Aurora shook her head. "We don't have one of your fancy inventions, yet, to draw blood safely. It's December, 1377. You said you have ideas, and I told you to wait until after the season ends next month."
She thought about it. "Oh. Wait. The last game, the Snowflake Ball, is this month." She shook her head. "Point is, we can't get the blood, uncontaminated, from the leeches, and it's too messy and time consuming to just bleed a finger. You could even lose the finger if it's not treated correctly."
She sighed. "Look. You and your family are coming to Cordonia as the fourth Great House, Clair. Let's wait until we're all back and settled in." She smiled and thought about her smaller microscope. "Dr Arden named it, microscope, and the name fit for your bigger and more powerful one, too. We need to thank him when we get the chance. And, yes, looking at the blood through the smaller one, should show us the differences between the three of you. We don't know a lot about blood yet, except that it is vital to us. We're trying to get the bad, or diseased, out when we use leeches and bleed people. For this kind of test, it seems a lot drastic. Olivia's way, when she cut into your finger when you were passed out, Clair, is still the only way. My medical opinion."
Ruby huffed and said flatly. "Then, no offense, Dr. Aurora, but I want another one. From Dr. Arden. He's more experienced than you." Ruby was wanting to start the trend of asking doctors for a second opinion.
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Sir Sunrise, Olivia Nevrakis.
As Olivia scoffed, Sunrise spoke again. "We have different laws, apparently, than your country. With Dominic Hunter, the crimes he has committed are: Attempted Assault on a Royal on Princess Sapphire. It's doubtful Dom KNEW she was a royal, she was just the closer painter, so it might be downgraded to only Attempted Assault. We actually have a case against HER which Gregor likely won't push as it was self defense. We can have her for Aggravated Assault to Cause Bodily Harm. That would give Sapphire more time in the dungeon than what Dom did. Neither is worthy of the death sentence." He paused to let that soak in. "He said nothing about Usurping the Throne, which is a death sentence, or being a dictator which is also a death sentence. What he did to Ruby, however, would warrant a stiffer sentence than what he got for what was done to Sapphire. They are, Threatening a Minor. Abuse of a Royal. That's the charges there. It gets worse with Calla, even though she stepped down from the throne. Threatening a Minor. Aggravated Assault With Internet to Cause Bodily Harm. Assault With a Deadly Weapon. Attacking a Knight. Resisting Arrest. Fleeing From Authority. She is a Cordonian Knight, that's not quite 18, so he'll be charged with threatening her as if she was a minor. Rest are against him, with her in her role as a Cordonian Knight."
Sunrise looked at Ethel, "It gets complicated with the battle in the courtyard. Trying to kill someone and doing so, is unfortunately, two separate things. With the two Attempted Murder by Fire of you, it would only be charged as two life sentences. That's the only exception on the murder/manslaughter. He tried to kill you, but didn't. He didn't try to kill Calla and she's severely injured and could die. There's also the burning of the grounds, which is Arson."
He rubbed a hand across his face. "Depending on whether Calla survives or no, he could be looking at a manslaughter charge. Nothing he did would be construed as Murder, the willful taking of a life. Just Attempted Murder, which I already explained is life in the dungeon. Killing a woman, accidentally, while battling her while she is in a place of authority, like a knight, would still be 'Manslaughter'. Murder would be the death sentence. Manslaughter would be life in prison. That's the difference. Willful act." He turned back to Ethel and Olivia. "Knowing the charges, you want to tell me about how long you think Dom would be in the dungeon, and if Sapphire is charged how long she will?"
Olivia thought for a moment. "Royal or no¹, if charges ARE brought upon Sapphire, she'd get 12 years in Lythikos." Olivia was over by five (5). This wasn't as stringent as Lythikos. "For Dom, it might as well be life, he'd be locked in a dungeon for 60 years." Again, Olivia was way over because of Lythikos' more stringent laws, this time by 20 years.
Olivia frowned. "Oh. Yeah, well I didn't count Ethel's, because in Lythikos even attempting to kill someone unless defending yourself, your life is forfeit. Arson depends on the scope of the damage. That's a hefty fine at the very least. Destruction of private property. The family would have to work for the owner of the land for free, to pay back the money lost. Up to 20-25 years. So Dom would lose his head in Lythikos. Plus the family would have to pay the, let's just say, 80 years due to his other crimes. In this case, Ruby would have to work off the rest of the sentence doing menial labor for the families affected. Ethel, Calla and Sapphire. That's the one law I wish the king would change. You already got the actual culprit. Don't punish the family farther, needlessly." Apparently, Lythikan law didn't stop if the suspect was executed.
1-Something to remember, there's no such thing as 'diplomatic immunity' back then, just their money/popularity. Royals just have 'self defense' to plea, and Dom doesn't have that choice.
Clair nodded.
"Oh yes! I certainly did not mean to do such a test now, besides we would need multiple people to look at blood for first, to like establish what is just variance between people, and what should be common or what might be unique." She replied.
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Ethel shrugged at their talk of laws and judgements.
"Laws change, adapt and develop over time. I am not talking about law, I am talking about preventing his little harm to escalate into large harm, something he seems to be working his way toward."
Aurora nodded. "We're going to talk to other physicians once we get to Cordonia. Sounds more like you want a team. That's more than just me and Lt. Arden."
Ruby, again, sent her lower lip quivering. "I don't really wanna be alone tonight. What if Father won't stay locked up in the bedchambers? What if he gets away from Ethel or Avenger? What if he finds out Mother nixed his faster ship order?"
Aurora frowned. "Clair, are you under the Queen's orders to protect Ruby and not let her out of your sight?"
Unfortunately, the answer to not letting Ruby out of her sight, and thus in the same room, it was yes. Clair had been asked, but not ordered. They needed a knight to guard Ruby's bedchambers. Clair would also be safer in the princess's guest chambers. With Ruby.
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Sunrise nodded his understanding. "Gone are the days when most everything was either life in the dungeon, or death by arrow or beheading. Most monarchies, England included, have resorted to making the punishment invoked, fit the actual crime. An attempt is not the act itself, now, so attempting to kill someone, in most countries, is now spending one's life in the dungeon. Accidentally killing is also a life sentence. I don't know why, and I'm not going to question it, because it works."
He laid a gentle hand on Ethel's shoulder, and since he was the same height as her current look, it was in a friendly manner. "Richard, who most of England's other kings fashion their laws after, believed in rehabilitation for the prisoners, unless acts of all-encompassing crimes such as Murder, Dictatorship, Regicide, Usurping the Throne and War Crimes during Peace Time and Abuse of Royal Power, this latter can only be charged to a sitting ruler; not the consort. The others can be, but only with proof. We have no proof of action, and intentions are extremely hard to prove to invoke a death sentence. If we, or more importantly, you, can, with proof, show Kenna Dom intends to kill, or even take over her throne... You'll have a case for asking for the death sentence. Next time you see her, sit her down and tell her what you have observed Dom do. Many she may be aware of herself."
Olivia likewise patted Ethel's shoulder. "It's Gross Mass Negligence, because it affects the whole country. That charge the people of Lythikos have brought to her regarding our king. If she can't listen because of her heart regarding Dominic, take it to Gregor of Dunwyn, Richard of England, Diana of Amazona, Hippolyta of Themiscyra, King Topaz of the Jewel Kingdom, or Robert of Scotland. As Allies, they would be best to bring the charges against Kenna. Lythikos has its own troubles and is asking her about our own king, we'd help very little. Just try going and stating your case against Dominic to Kenna first. Involving another country should always be a last resort. That might start a war, which nobody wants."
Thankfully, Kenna would listen if Ethel speaks to her about the crimes Dom had already committed, because she would do anything to keep Ruby safe.
Clair was a little worried, but nodded with a gulp.
"Right, I'll keep an eye on her, but her father wouldn't really harm her, right?"
Clair's mind was racing, if she needed to defend Ruby, she couldn't do it physically, of course she knew of some inventions that could help. But perhaps she would just grab a bow? After all she was told to never use the other one.
Ethel nodded.
"Usually I am one to play a little fast and loose with the rules, but I'll take your advice this time around. Simply because Kenna does seem reasonable." She double made sure Dom was locked up properly, even for a dragon kin and then turned to leave to talk to Kenna. Planning on telling her everything she knew of Dom and his actions to lay it all out for her, as well as what she thinks could be his future actions if they do not act soon enough or give him too much allowance.
Kenna allowed entry to Ethel as she sat in the Dunwyn Castle drawing room. She listened to Ethel as the charges, many of which she saw firsthand, were spelled out for her and she shook her head. "Already, he's looking at, from his actual actions, at about 40 years. Give or take. I told him a long time ago to not lash out with his temper so much. I really had hoped he'd be less volatile and seek help. I also heard from Lt. Arden, that Avenger was hit by Dom in dragon form, or more precisely his tail (the Assault With a Deadly Weapon. Attacking a Knight charges), during his resistance (Resisting Arrest, Fleeing Authority). He also tried to burn you and set fire to Gregor's courtyard (Attempted Murder by Fire. Arson). How are you doing? I assume you and Sir Sunrise have him secure in the dungeon instead of the guestchambers? What do you suggest for helping protect Ruby, and the unborn?" She indicated her not showing stomach. With a sigh, she asked, "Should I be worried about an Accidental Regicide (this would carry a death sentence)?"
Ethel shook her head.
"I am fine, the others we will need see. As for the regicide, after this talk I am going down there to watch his cell, I'll make sure he doesn't get out, and once he regains consciousness, talk with him. My mother had similar issues at one point in her life, they were in war together so that makes sense." She admitted, of course talking about herself when she referred to her mother.
"Perhaps using what I learned with her I can find a way to get through to him." She suggested.
"If not we need to consider what prison can hold him proper, dragon kin aren't as easy to keep locked up as humans are."
Kenna chuckled and smirked at Ethel. "One point in her life, 20 years ago." Kenna raised an eyebrow. "Dom only shifts when he gets extremely angry, which, unfortunately, has happened a few times here. He goes on a rampage here, he's going to find a lot of English knights who won't hesitate to kill him, if they don't know him."
She began pacing. "Do what you can, I'll ask Gregor if there's any stronger dungeon cells. Some of what he pulled regarding his little rampage earlier cannot be blamed on war memories. Including a complete disregard of Ruby's invention with Clair, and order for faster ships. We didn't need them under Mother's rule, or during the war, we certainly don't need them during peace. Looking into faster ships, yes, but not having them. He forgets small countries, like we are currently, are often attacked when they look like they're planning warlike maneuvers. That's something your mother would have told him. Remind him of that during your talk, but make sure Sunrise is on hand, since we won't have Avenger. I'm starting to see why you and Gregor were leery."
Calla burst in with Arden hot on her heels. "Queen Kenna! Please, put me to work doing something! Guarding the royal family, I'm going to go out of my mind twiddling my thumbs!"
Arden, red-faced said, point blank. "You need to be under medical surveillance for at least three days, Warrior Calla! Look at yourself!"
Kenna looked at all the scratches, scrapes, welts, especially a severe one on Calla's temple, and various other bruises. A few scrapes had taken a few layers of skin. "Warrior Avenger, I think you should listen to the doctor. Arden is one of the best in the field. I'm worried especially about that one." She pointed to where a big chunk of her forearm had been taken off by the impact with the tree. It was almost to the muscle and was red and starting to bleed heavily again.
Calla looked at it, and shrugged. "My queen, worry not. Tis but a scratch¹. It's still usable, and not even my sword wielding arm." She drew her Amazon broadsword, fashioned by Clair and gifted by the village of Dunwyn, giving it a few midair swipes before resheathing it without missing a beat with her other arm.
Arden through his hands up, exasperated. "You have a possible head injury. There are too many welts and bruises to your face!"
Calla got in his face. "Back off, doc, I'm fine and have all my facilities. I can't sit around and do nothing if my queen needs me!"
"Stand down, the both of you!" Kenna barked. "Phillip, give your paperwork to Aurora! Avenger report to her and let her clear you if you're so bent on this second opinion! A queen is not supposed to second guess a physician on medical matters! It's the same in the Navy when a physician has final say on medical matters over his or her Captain! Avenger, as an abdicated princess, you should have known this already!"
She apologized to Ethel. "I'm sorry you had to witness that, Ethel. I'm still trusting you to try to get through to Dom, and I'll still talk to Gregor about holding cells able to hold Dom... Especially if the talks don't work."
She turned to Avenger. "IF Aurora clears you for duty, you will be on permanent bodyguard duty to Princess Ruby, is that clear, Dame Calla?!"
Calla, smirked, gave the correct Cordonian salute (slapping her chest with her right (injured) arm and bowing) to a queen, wincing slightly from the pain in her arm (she quickly ignored).
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Ruby
After Aurora saw Ruby and Clair safely in the princess's guestchambers and left, Amethyst knocked on the door. "Do not open, Ruby and Clair, but this is Dame Amethyst, Cinnamon's bodyguard. I'll be watching you two as well for the foreseeable future. I implore both of you, do NOT open this door for anyone, even me, until I give you the all clear. Have a good night, ladies."
A few minutes later, all four, Cinnamon, Amethyst, Clair and Ruby, would hear Aurora shriek, "Calla! Are you outta your ever-lovin', duty addled, mind??!!"
Ethel nodded.
"Yes, of course that makes sense, the same war as Dom was in." It was not correct, Ethel first suffered from these issues much earlier in her life, but that was not something that was worth correcting, plus it would not match her mother story.
"I'll do what I can, we can try and move him to the strongest cell, but if that all fails, we need another plan. If the worst happens, I need to know what actions I can take" She asked just before Calla came in.
Once Calla left Ethel looked back to Kenna.
"That was a single attack from him, she could have died, he could kill several more if we can't convince him to stop. Then we need to have a plan to stop him that won't fail"
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