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The Trouble with Treaties

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"A missive from an agent, they have only just uncovered the plot. The who and how are still unknown."

Valere was taking a risk, exposing the fact that Goldspar, and probably many different families, had spies in Loidite territory; but to safeguard the peace, and her own political ambitions, the Comtesse had to divulge this information.
 
"Where is this agent, I want to talk to him. What's the nature of the threat? Magical? Poison? Any more information?" Eloran drilled into Valere with questions, talking fast. The fire in his eyes is back, flickering and snapping with emotion. "Just the King?" his voice lowers into a husky whisper. "What about the Prince?"
 
"This is all I can reveal to you."

With that she pulled from a sleeve a small note of paper, words were upon it in a code; but Valere had translated it with a cypher. Eloran could confirm the existence of such a code and cypher as it was an old one from Goldspar that had been little used in the past decades. It's last time being when a plot had been revealed to try and seduce the King.

Handing it over to Eloran he could read that it stated simply that the King was in danger and that he should be watched intently from all harm.

"I know nothing more, and it would take too long to interrogate the means by which this came to me. Nor would I make up a story of such sad and grave import."
 
Eloran stiffened, his back straightening, the muscles aching for action after standing still for so long. He sighs, and hands the piece of paper to his King. "My Liege, you deserve to know. Comtesse Valere believes there is a plot to kill you. I brought plenty of men, Hex's I have known and served with for a long time, to supplement your own garrison here during these talks, in readiness for such an eventuality. You will be well defended, my lord." He knelt, his hand on his heart while he spoke, and slowly stood afterward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
 
"An assassination?!" Honorè's eyes rose in surprise that could not be faked as she looked to her sister. She knew better than to question her, but she worried about her sister, and the various intrigues she got herself into, even as her sister returned the favor. "Surely no one would dare..." at this phrase, her concern turned to the Ritter Hex Eloran.

"What of the prince and princess. Are either of them aware?" Her concern for both of them was obvious. "Your Majesty, if I may, I'd like to remove myself and go see to the welfare of their highnesses." Yes, it was true that a Ritter Hex could be dispatched to check on them, but this was for Honorè's own peace of mind, a concern that would show gravely on her face. She cared for both of the children of the king even in such a short time.
 
Diane sighed, watching Deston start to wander off. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to wander the women's quarters," she said. "Why don't you come with me? You said Gavin needs to see me, and it would make me feel better to have an escort." She knew that, just as women were not supposed to go into the men's quarters, men were not really supposed to wander the women's quarters. She didn't want any more people to get into trouble.

**********

Gavin nodded. "I already agree with you, Lord Martinez. While a direct route would be ideal, I do understand how it can create tension between those who have grown rich from the current trade and who would be elevated if we change the routes. I vote to keep the trade routes as they are for now, and maybe impliment a slow and gradual change. Having goods go through Danbar is a long and tedious journey."

He barely looked to the door when he heard Masako ask to enter. He waved her in, turning back to Prince Tansen. "Does that sound like a plan? Keep the trade routes the way they are for now." Let wars be a thing for his children's children to worry about.

He was about to bring up the items for trade when he heard a commotion outside. He looked up in time to see several Ritter Hex walking into the room. "What is it," Gavin asked.

"It's your father," one said.

************

"An assassination plot," the king wheezed. "Who? How?" He tried to get up, but started to gasp for breathe. He started to shake as it became evident that he couldn't breathe. The healer rushed forward, putting medicine down his throat. There was a silence before the king's labored breathing could be heard.

"He's alive, but I don't know when he'll wake up," the healer said. "This came as a shock to him. If he wakes up today, I suggest that his meetings are very short. And only if he is up for them."
 
"Your majesty!" Honorè was faced with an unpleasant decision at this point, but once she made up her mind, it was done. She handed the small package of unguent to the Healer. "Here, in case he needs it again..." She had more after all, and if it could help, she'd be glad of it. She shot a small look of concern to her sister before fleeing out of the room, and running down the hallway. The only problem was, she had no idea where the prince was. Hadn't he said something about a meeting with Martinez?

After what had happened last night, that seemed reasonable to her. Checking with one of the servants, she was directed to the meeting room. In front of the door, she tried to compose herself as much as possible before stepping inside. She saw the Lady Masako, the back of Lord Martinez, Prince Gavin, and the two she had not meet closely yet, the Loidite princes. Giving a glance to the Ritter Hex's she waited to hear what they would have to say before she spoke her own peace, no matter how urgently it beat within her breasts. She wasn't even sure she'd be let in by the guards, and so she simply waited, her hair tangled by the running, but managing to look composed despite it.
 
Eloran snarled when Honore ran off, and he called out to nearby guards. "Watch over the King, I'll be right back. Comtesse Valere, come with me." He stalked out of the room with the King, and chased after Honore. "Comtesse Honore," he called to her sharply. "Wait. Don't say anything in front of everyone." he grumbled and walked past her into the meeting room. "Prince Gavin, Comtesses, please accompany me. Someone go fetch Princess Diane for me." He pointed at a nearby Ritter Hex and barked the order. "Ritter Hansel, Ritter Mauler, please round up our guests and show them to the feast hall for some lunch."

He twirled in his crimson cloak and strode back to the King's room.
 
At this point in time Valere was content to just do as she was told, so she followed Eloran respectfully; but if he kept up his quick pace he would lose the woman. The Comtesses' style of dress was not conductive for quick travelling.
 
"Then it is decided then. I will agree with the princes plans, on redirecting trade over time." Tansen nodded, just as the swarm of Ritter Hex stormed into the room, talking of the king. At the sight of the Ritter entering the room in a large group, Tansen's hand instinctively moved for where his blade would have been, of course it was not there. His jaw slacked a bit when they spoke of the king.

His mind quickly rushed to think of what it was that could cause this. The king could be calling an emergency meeting for some reason. Or perhaps he had died from the sickness that he and his brother had seen him in moments before. He had seemed deathly ill but it would surprise him if such a thing took him so quickly.

He looked opened mouthed towards Eloran, waiting for his explanation as to what was going on with the king. His eyes shifting uneasily, at the sight that his brother seemed to be nowhere in sight. He did not like it when there was trouble about and his brother seemed to be the only one missing.

____________________________________________

Deston sighed. He dreaded going back to the meeting room, especially after the web of lies he had laid down lately. But it seemed he had no other choice, he could not force the princess to avoid the room and it was his own lie that had gotten him into the situation. He thought for a moment, if it would be wise to come clean. He quickly shook his thought from his head, he was not out of cards yet.

"If that is your wish. But I think a more suitable form of escort would be the Ritter Hex. They don't accused of much around here." He let out a half chuckle, as his heart began to pump the blood through his system. He would not know if his web of lies had crumbled yet or not until he had got there, and he hated taking chances of the sort. "So what were you planning on doing with Martinez today?" He spoke as he slowly began walking back down the halls from which he came. He was in no rush to get back to the room.
 
Masako entered the room just as the buzz began to spread of a possible assassination. And she definately didn't like the looks some of the Hex were levelling at her, they obviously wanted to try and blame her, for how she so flagrantly threw down most Anstarian culture. But she had nothing at all to do with it and no reason to hurt the old man on the throne. Nervously, she slipped closer to Tansen, feeling more at ease with the Loidite than she did the others. Discreetly she nudged the Loidite prince and glanced at him, speaking softly as to not be overheard. "Tansen, when you have a free moment, I'd like to speak with you..privately." she said quietly and very very slowly produced her supernatural charm, directing it at him to make him more agreeable, nothing more.
 
Diane shrugged. "It was a lunch set up by my brother. Probably just a little time for us to get to know one another. After all, we are to be married." She started for the meeting room when a small band of Ritters came walking up to them. She feared that Deston had once again gotten himself into trouble when one of them grabbed her arm.

"What is the meaning of this," she demanded.

"Ritter Eloran has requested we find you," he said. "It's an emergancy, highness. Please come with us. The foreign prince is to go to the feast hall."

She barely was able to protest when they forced her down the halls. Moving faster then she could hope to, she was fairly dragged to the meeting room. The ribbon between her legs sent mixed messages to her mind and her fear overrode any erotic sensations.

ONce in the meeting room, she saw the grave looks on everyone's faces. "What is going on," she asked.

Gavin pulled his sister to him. "They say that it has to do with Father, but no one is talking," he said. Fearing the worst, Diane burst into tears, clinging to her brother.
 
Honorè had moved when everyone else had, but she was perturbed by the idea. But she could at least see that Gavin and Diane were fine, which relieved her mind somewhat. She reached up, brushing her own soft curls behind her ears as she stood proudly erect. At the moment, not even her sister could have comforted her. In her outburst to the king, she realized things were not going the way she had planned. So for now, she simply kept her distance from everyone, her eyes moving around the room, wondering who had set this up, dismissing each person as her eyes rested on them and assessed the situation. This was what she'd trained for and it frustrated her, both that she couldn't comfort Gavin and Diane as well as the fact that it had been her sister who had caught this tidbit. She'd never live that down.

But for the moment, she remained silent. She hadn't been acknowledged yet, and of course, she'd told Gavin not to mention their agreement, so she had no position to go to him and comfort the other twins like she wanted to.
 
Martinez turned slowly in his chair as the Knights, and their charges, entered the room. He kept to his seat, leaning against the back of the chair, his hands still folded in his lap. His ceremonial dagger remained at his side, never a muscle moving towards the elaborately inlaid blade, despite Tansen's move towards his missing weapon. His eyes shifted over towards the Knight who brought the message, as limited as it was. His right eyebrow raised slowly as he looked at the man, keeping his eyes upon the Ritter Hex up until the moment the Anastarian Princess entered the room. His eyes locked onto a tear, following it down her face as she embraced her brother.

"By the Nine Fates, speak your piece and let them find their peace!" the lord snapped out loudly at the knight who had prompted it all. He never rose from his position, but his voice was projected loudly and harshly at the Ritter Hex who only spouted off three words.
 
Gavin kissed one tear-stained cheek before he gently pushed Diane toward Lord Martinez. "If you would kindly take her back to her room," he said. "I think she needs to rest." He turned from them, walking to the door. He stopped by Honore, emotions warring on his face. He wanted to hold her, to find comfort in her arms, but he knew it wouldn't be proper. Their secret was tearing him apart.

Instead, he took her hands and kissed her fingers. "Pardon me, my lady. I must go to my father," he said. He gave her a slight squeeze before he left, rushing to his father's chambers.

Diane, still sobbing, barely managed to choke out, "Please, I don't think I want to be alone." Her shoulders shook as she cried. No one had told her that her father was still alive.
 
Honorè's fingers curled around Gavin's as he kissed them. She was concerned as well, but she had no choice but to let him go, watching him flee to check on his father. Turning, she looked at Diane and heard her words. Propriety be damned!, she thought, marching over to Diane and wrapping her arms around her comfortingly. Luckily, for women it wasn't as improper to be seen as affectionate in public. She hadn't heard Gavin's comment to Lord Martinez,

"Come, let's get you back to your room, my dear..."
 
Brushing aside her tears, Diane moved away from Martinez and clasped herself to Honore. "I need to go to my room," she said between studdering sobs. "Gavin...Gavin said so." She moved unsteadily to the doors, holding on to Honore, her only friend. She was vulnerable, believing that her only parent was gone. She couldn't do as Gavin did and run to her father's side.

"Take me to my rooms," she begged. "Please, Honore. I just want to go to my rooms."
 
"Of course, my dear..." her voice turned to a whisper then. "...sweet girl." Hoping that the term of endearment would help sooth her. Grief could do many things, and that vulnerability was part of it all. One arm wrapped around the princess, she moved past the Ritter Hex with a glare that could sharpen daggers. And they'd worried she would have told everyone? By saying things they way they had, everyone was jumping to the wrong conclusions. But it was still not her place to contradict them.

"Go heat water for a warm bath", she ordered one of the servants. While Honorè may not have been in charge here, there was something commanding about her presence, and she did seem in charge of the princess at the moment. She waited until they were away from the room, and on the way to hers before speaking. "Don't be upset, sweet girl. Your father is very ill, but he is not dead... Please..." she tilted Diane's head up, and brushed away her tears with the pads of her thumbs.

"It'll be alright. I'm here and I have no intention of going away any time soon.." a hint perhaps of things to come, but nothing that she could say out loud to anyone else.
 
Diane sniffled. "Father is still alive," she asked hopefully. At Honore's nod, she smiled and hugged the Comtess. "That is the best news I've heard," she said. Still shaky from crying she let the Comtess finish escorting her to her room where a hot bath was being filled. She sat on her bed while the tub was filled and sweet-smelling salts were applied.

"Comtess, I know it isn't a normal request, but will you stay with me while I bathe," Diane asked. "I feel a bit weak today." She turned to the servants. "I think my lunch plans are cancelled. Please send up something to eat and some strong wine."
 
"He had a fit and is resting, but he's fine." she confirmed. "That was what I was on my way to tell his highness and you before the Ritter Hex busted in and got everyone upset." She sighed, and looked down at Diane, waiting until the order was given, and the servants dismissed before she replied.

"Yes, sweet girl...", her voice purred as she stepped forward, tilting the girls head up before capturing it in a powerful kiss. "I'll stay, because I don't trust your emotional stability right now. I'm here, and your my sweet girl. Isn't that right?" There was an odd play in her words that would coax a hopefully positive response from Diane.

She grinned, just a little wickedly. "I shall even play your chambermaid..." as the last servant left and she helped Diane to stand. There was comfort in this game she played with Diane. It was familiar. Once the girl was standing, she moved around her back, slowly unbuttoning the dress until her back was bare. Her hands against the girls shoulder, she slid the dress off of the girl until both the dress and the shift beneath pooled at her feet, the only thing remaining the thin looped blue ribbon betwixt her thighs. Honorè leaned forward then and brushed the princess' hair aside, placing soft kisses along her shoulder as her hands moved along the royal girl's waist and hips, eventually resting next to the ribbon where it wrapped around her waist.

"I think we can remove this for the moment." And with that, she tugged on the ribbon, pulling it backwards, so it slid along every crevice of Diane's body. Her intent was training, but also to distract Diane from her worries. Hopefully, it was working.
 
Diane stood submissively while Honore undressed her. When the ribbon was removed, she gave a gasp as it slid against her clit and wet slit. She stepped into the bathwater and sat in the tub. "Thank you for staying, Comtess," Diane said. "I don't think I could bear it if I were alone now." she turned in the tube she could face Honore. She smiled slightly, washing off the tear stains. "I like it when you call me sweet girl. It makes me feel wanted." No one, not even her father or brother, ever called her anything but her name or princess.

She reached for the wash clothe and soaps. Though Honore had said she'd play the part of chambermaid, she wouldn't force her friend to do so. Looking down, she said, "I haven't thought much of the words you asked me to come up with. I hope you don't mind if I haven't figured them out just yet."
 
"There's time yet." She plucked the clothe from her hands and pointed to the tub. "Now sit, I'll wash you. I told you, for the moment, I'm playing the chambermaid..." although her actual plans were less than innocent. Once she had soaped the cloth, she began to scrub the princess down, her hands moving roughly along her skin to remove the dirt as well as to leave an impression. Honorè's dress was getting wet as well, but she did not mind. Grabbing Diane by the hair, she pulled her back so she was relaxing in the tub before her clothing bound hand moved lower on the girl's body.

"You are my sweet girl. I'm here to help you." She whispered as her hand slid between Diane's thighs, her fingers prodding at Diane's lower lips, cupping the mound and tormenting her further. "Just listen to me, and everything will be fine..."
 
Diane leaned against the back of the tub. Even when Honore was rough with her, she didn't mind. The scrubbing made her skin pink and the hot water felt nearly burning now. Yet, at the same time, it felt so good. She closed her eyes as Honore's hand slid down her body to cup her sex.

she spread her legs as far as the tub allowed. In a slightly shaky voice she said, "I will listen to you. I want to keep you happy." It was all she ever knew, keeping others happy. Selfishly, she enjoyed it when she made others happy. Sometimes, their happiness paid off for her.

She arched slightly in the tub, her nipples just poking out of the water. She knew better then to beg Honore for the sensations her touch caused, but she couldn't stop her body from reacting.
 
Honorè gave a small chuckle, she was very responsive. This was good. She continued rubbing for a few more minutes before she stood up, leaving the girl aching and walked over to the door. Opening it, she spied one of the servants. "Her highness has changed her mind. She does not wish to be disturbed for any reason." One of the maids bobbed a curtsy and Honorè shut and locked the door.

"Now, sweet girl...we won't be disturbed..." She sat back down, and picked up the cloth again, rubbing it along Diane's body with practiced ease. Her hand went back to where it was, rubbing against the pearl of her most secret realms even as her head dipped low, taking Diane's nipples within her mouth, biting sharply upon them to get her attention, and then suckling them for a contrast. Slowly, her mouth and hands would work, getting Diane into another state of frenzy, but a state where she would not have to think too deeply about the occurrences of the day.

"You make me very happy..."
 
Diane was almost disappointed that Honore had sent the servant away. she had wanted the wine, at least, to calm her nerves. However, it appeared that Honore had her own way of keeping Diane's nerve from being over frayed. when she returned and started to play with her pearl and breasts, Diane had to bite her lip to keep from moaning loudly.

She barely heard Honore's praise as the pleasure shot through her body. She knew that she shouldn't ask for a release, but she knew she needed one. She bent her head back, arching to the Comtess's touch. It was like a fire had been ignited in her body, a slow burn that was quickly devoring her.

She gripped the tub's edges. A part of her knew instinctively that unless Honore gave her permission, she shouldn't move from the tub. She acted as if she were tied down again, submitting to the woman's will.
 
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