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The Trouble with Treaties

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As Tansen moved through the halls to the library, he noticed Lord Martinez. He knew he would not meet the prince in the library now deciding to see what little the Lord would know. He turned just as he passed the man, speaking, "Your lordship would it bother you much to have a word with me?" It was only as he spoke that he saw the way the man looked. Tansen shook at the sight of him, something must have happened after he left that he did not know about.
 
At the sound of his voice, Honorè turned with a smile, taking one for the female team. She performed a curtsy and then stood proud, she had nothing to hide. "I simply asked her which of the men here she most liked the looks of." Not a complete untruth, often it was only the looks that women concerned themselves with at first, or so men believed. "Girl talk if you would." Frivolous and completely innocent for all intents and purposes. "On one hand, we have Lord Martinez, who while not a warrior, is wealthy and handsome enough. He seems intelligent. And then we have both of the Loidites." She seemed to brush off the Loidites as inconsequential, even if Goldspar was supposed to be their intermediaries.

"We were both in the garden and it seemed a safe topic with all the politics going on."
 
As the Loidite Prince spoke to him, Martinez stopped in his tracks. His head trned slowly to stare back at Tansen. The tension was still apparent in his body, not a single part of the man was relaxed and calm. His frame was obviously tense, his shoulders were hunched up more than normal. His brow furrowed, eyes narrowed. It was a good four seconds before his expression softened before Tansen, the corner of his mouth tugging up into the smallest of smiles, his shoulders dropping just a little, his brow relaxing, his eyes opening back up.

"A moment, Prince. Meet me at my chambers in a half hour."
 
Gavin laughed, "Yes, a very safe topic." He should have known that they would be talking of something so empty-headed. The Comtess he could believe would have the capacity to speak of things far beyond idle gossip, but not his sister. She must be boring the comtess.

"I hope I'm not too terribly late," Gavin said. "I had a meeting with Lord Martinez and it went a little longer then I had planned. Though you, Diane," he looked over at his sister, "I'm surprised to find out. Too much excitement for one day?"

Diane smiled, any confidence she had once displayed squashed as she took on the role of obediant sister. "I just felt like some fresh air. When I ran into Comtess Honore, we agreed to go back and see the gift she and her sister brought. I was very curious as to wha it was."

Gavin nodded. "I see no reason why you can't go look at it now. If comtess Honore doesn't mind, I have to see to some personal papers first. Our walk in the gardens would have been delayed. This may make it seem as not so much of a delay." He took Honore's hand, chastely kissing the back. "I will stop by my sisters room to see if you still desire our walk, or if you'd prefer me to just escort you back to your rooms."
 
"Of course, your highness", she demurred and held a curtsy once more. "I think I would enjoy that." She waited until the prince left and then turned to the princess. "After you, your highness.", of course, she would say nothing incriminating until she was assured that they had privacy once more. Most likely in the princess' rooms.
 
Tansen nodded, he would be lucky if the man held what information he wished for, "Thank you. But before you go do you by chance know in where the prince made off to? I had wished to speak with him." He tried to decide what he would do once he got to the prince, he hoped they could talk the matter in private, such was the nature of the question.
 
Diane took Honore to her room. "It's not really much," she said, showing the comtess inside. "I never really put much into my room, knowing I'd be leaving someday." Her room was rather plain with only a bed and armoir and vanity. Most of the luxury that one would think of a princess had been left out. Not only were the Anstarians rather modest peoples, but Diane didn't want to move too much when she married

The chest that the comtesses had brought sat innocently in one corner. "I'm rather curious," Diane said. "I wasn't expecting anything from anyone. Normally i am kept away from any political meetings. The last time we had guests, I was sent to a small manor in the country."

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

Gavin headed quickly back to his room. He paused when he saw Martinez and Tansen standing in the halls near the men's quarters. He slowed, walking up to them. "Is anything the matter," he asked. He was sure that Martinez was heading back to his chambers, but he wasn't sure why Tansen was wandering around.
 
Honorè decided it was time. "Your highness, no matter what your brother may think of you, I believe you have a capable mind. Consider this. Other than Goldspar, where women can be the equal of men, all the delegates that have been chosen are males. Males of a marriageable age. You know you are to be used as a barter chip with one of them. Prince Tansen is the most likely subject. But Prince Gavin is your twin. As I have my own, I know that bond can not be easily severed. He has a great distrust of magic. I do not think it likely he would do such a thing, even if it was ill advised. Both I and my sister have done likewise when we believed the other to be making a mistake." She smiled. "I could be wrong, but if he chooses the delegate from Danbar, they at least look upon their brides with pride, and as a married woman you would have a great deal of freedom." It came to her mind then that she wasn't sure where and why she had picked up the knowledge of Danbar marriage, but quickly dismissed it from her mind, it was likely just a random bit of trivia from one of their merchants.

"They can be polygamous though, so if the bedroom is not to your liking, you might not be called on often." She realized then that her words might frighten the girl. "But for all their seeming disregard of women, they actually do cherish them. How many wives a man has shows how wealthy he is. As a princess, you'd be cherished even if he took other wives or had other wives already. Although, I'm sure your brother wouldn't give you as a second or third wife to anyone, so you just have to worry about later, most likely." She lifted a hand, waving it around.

"I don't mean to distress you. But I think you deserve more credit than you get. Which is why I'm speaking honestly with you. And it is also part of the reason behind our gift. I want you to remember us well. If it was any male delegate giving you a gift, then you'd could probably be sure they are there to try and marry you, but from me and my sister, it's all about trade relations." She lifted the lid of the chest so the princess could see what was inside.

Like her brother, there was a bed of silver fox fur that would turn out to be a short luxurious capelet for her, and then a gorgeous emerald, pearl and gold necklace.

"Consider it a wedding gift as well if I turn out to be right."
 
Tansen clasped his hands together, a smile spreading across his face. "Ah your highness. Just who I was looking for. If you would excuse me Lord Martinez, I shall see you in your room a half hour from now then." Walking over to the prince Tansen made sure to keep his voice low yet cheerful. He was not sure if what he said would be good for himself if the lord heard what he had to say. "My lord do you think I could have a moment of your time to talk?"
 
The lord bowed quickly, a short, curt, but generally polite gesture as he stepped out from between princes, heading back down the hallway towards his chambers. His steps were slower than they had been when Prince Tansen ran into him. His tension was out of sight. With the tome tucked into the crook of his left arm he navigated the way straight to his chambers, not looking to talk to anyone, guard, servant, or otherwise on his way to his chambers.

Inside the door, he quickly made for his bed, setting the tome down upon the heavy blanket, a long slow sigh escaped his lips as he moved deeper into his chambers. His servants were quick to move, knowing his mood without him having to say a word. One ran off to fetch up a fresh basin of flowered water, another breaking into the Lord's trunk, pulling free the Danbari Noble's nighttime wear for the day. Another approached, peeling the jacket off Martinez, setting it aside.
 
Diane slowly lifted the fox fur caplet. She needed the time to actually think over what Honore had told her. Yes, she was expecting to be engaged before the ink was dry on any peace treaty signed. She hadn't spent a lot of time with any of the visiting men to fully decide whom she'd prefer to marry. If it was Lord Martinez, she'd have to spend more time with him to see what kind of man he was. Though, she didn't think she should rule out Prince Tansen just yet.

"This is beautiful," Diane said, rubbing the fur against her cheek. "It's so soft."

Looking back at Honore, she said, "What do you think I should do? I've never known any life outside of this castle, and never even thought to look into the traditions of the other kingdoms. You're a worldly woman. Can you teach me how to be not so naive?"

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

Gavin motioned for Tansen to follow him. "You can talk on the way to my room. There are some things I must take care of, and then I'm needed in the gardens. What was it you wished to discuss?" He walked briskly toward his room, needing to update the betrothal papers.

He knew he had to get the betrothal set before the Loidites found out about it. He couldn't risk having Tansen go after his sister before she was properly wedded.
 
She smiled."Well, we can start with this one. This is Goldsparite Silver Fox. One of the most rarest of gifts that is able to leave the country. It is used only as gifts for royalty or wedding presents. In your case, likely both." She reached out and touched the girls cheek, curling her finger to brush along the skin before tugging a curl of hair loose to frame her face better.

"You're an attractive young lady, never be afraid of using that to your advantage. However!" she put up one finger as a warning. "Never be so brazen that you scare the men. Lady Masako is an attractive woman as well, but she relies too much on her brute force. A woman is meant to be soft. Men have fragile egos. They need comfort and understanding. They have to be the best, the superior one. Never question this, or show any reason to question their judgment publicly. If they underestimate you, you can train them. The courtship game is all about this. in this, you have an advantage. It is much like war for women. We retreat as they advance, and casually mention ideas that do not occur to them. This is how women work. You have to look for reasons."

A well shaped finger slipped up to tap against her lip. "I'm not sure what to show you. I do not want to anger your brother..." A small grin "...yet. Anger is also a tool that can be molded."

"Alright. Well, what do you wish to know? I'll try and decide if it would be wise to teach you. After all, you may end up with Prince Tansen after all and not Lord Martinez. We don't know, and all eventualities must be prepared for."
 
Tansen nodded, following the prince. Once they were out of earshot of Lord Martinez, he began to speak, "I may be a bit forward in my asking but do you mind telling me of where your father is? The king of this land." Tansen had noticed that Gavin was acting as if he already controlled the nation that was Anstaria was already his, so he decided to remind the prince his father was still alive and therefore controlled the nation.
 
Diane looked down at herself. "Well, as you see, I don't really have a lot to work with." She gestured to her clothes that covered her from neck to ankle. "I'm expected to be modest and leave everything up to the imagination of the men. I wish I could dress like you. You're not fully modest, but you leave a lot covered."

She smiled softly, "I saw how you and Gavin were acting at dinner. I wish I could be that bold. I've never seen Gavin so interested in anyone like he was in you. If you want, I can help you keep his interest. I know him better then most people do, just as I'm sure you know your twin better then most."

Diane looked back at the caplet. "I want you to teach me how to be seductive. Please?"

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

Gavin frowned. "My father is very ill. He came down with a mysterious illness not too long ago. I'm in charge while he's unable to be with us." He looked down, not wanting to discuss his father. His father was a strong man and now, he was a shell of his former self. He was fading fast, and Gavin was worried that he'd die. He wasn't sure he was ready to rule just yet.
 
Tansen nodded and looked the prince directly in the face as he talked. "So then it is custom to go behind your sick fathers back, and do things against his wishes?" Tansen knew he would be making enemies with the prince in a moment but it was all he could do with the information at the moment, or all that he could think of rather.
 
At this, Honorè had no choice but to chuckle. " My dear, seductive can be fully dressed or no. A simple touch can seduce a man..." she leaned closer, her cheek almost touching Diane's but not quite. "or even a woman.", her breath and voice curled around the princess' ear. She leaned back, to see how discomforted the girl was.

"The prince likes me because I'm an oddity. An intelligent woman, who as you say, more modest than some, but know what to do with my body. I am not scared of my body. I know it can bring pleasure." She watched Diane for a moment, considering.

"Tomorrow. If you are not scared, tomorrow afternoon when the men retire to talk politics and the women are excused from the proceedings. Then I will teach you not to fear that which brings pleasure." For a moment, just in her mind, the image of a male body pressed her against soft grass, telling her to calm that it was her body which brought pleasure, flashed through her mind. Yet, she knew she'd had no experience like the one she'd just imagined.
 
Diane's heart started beating faster as Honore leaned closer. She was right, a slight touch had nearly stolen the princess's breath. If Honore had that kind of effect on Diane, she couldn't imagine what she did to her brother. She could learn so much from Honore.

"Sure thing," Diane said, her voice slightly husky. "I normally have all afternoon free. Maybe we can have lunch in the bird cage? It's really a girl-only garden, and the birds can cover up anything we talk about." Diane knew she had to learn everything she could. If she was going to marry, she didn't want to disappoint her husband.
 
Eloran was surprised when Gavin offered Diane to Martinez. So quickly, it seems his Prince was becoming quite ruthless. Maybe moving a little quickly Eloran furrowed his brow. Then again, he figured the Prince knew what he was doing.

He sighed, anxious to see the outcome of all this, but he had been pessimistic about this from the beginning. His ears pricked at something, and his eyes snapped a little wider, suddenly ready. He stood up from his slouch in a flash, and made a step to his Prince's side quite unsubtly. Eloran remained silent, eyes drilling into the crafty wizard prince. His first thought was that he had spied on them, but did he do it magically? Was he hiding in the library, or did he have a spell that amplified his hearing? He supposed he could have just leaned his ear against the door.

Something felt wrong in his stomach. He didn't like this, these people walking from room to room, conspiring against each other and wringing their hands....

He focused. This was a powerful wizard, he was offended. He was currently at war with them. Would Gavin be able to smooth this over? Would the Tansen make a move?

No. Eloran's brows furrowed intently, predatory, lying in wait should he become hostile. He won't be able to make a move.
 
Gavin frowned, looking at Tansen. "I haven't done anything of the sort," he lied. There was no way that the Loidite could know about the betrothal. He hadn't made the announcement yet. Even if he did know, it didn't matter. What was done was done. He wasn't ready to break the betrotal before it really began.

He felt rather then saw Eloran stiffen next to him. It was obvious the Ritter Hex didn't like the direction of the questions either. "I have a busy night, Prince Tansen," Gavin continued. "I don't feel like playing word games. If you have something to say, say it."
 
Masako would return to the women's quarters after she'd gotten her walk in and instead of going straight to the room itself, she'd converse politely with a few of the maids in the corridor. Feigning interest in the goings on in the castle and the Anstarian culture in itself; she didn't agree with alot of it it seemed but learning more about it might be helpful. But It wouldnt' surprise her if the maids didn't even speak to her or knew very much so it might be an act of futility to do it but at least they didn't grate on her nerves. Reina himself had remained where he was the entire time but had gone to the men's quarters and stationed himself in an out of the way area and leaned up against the wall, eavesdropping on any conversations within earshot.
 
She smiled again; had she ever been this innocent?

"Alright then, you have work tonight to do, young miss." she leaned in close, to where their breath mingled, her gray blue eyes staring at Diane until the woman showed a slight discomfort. Then slowly, she raised one hand and traced her nail along the girl's jaw, the touch feather light before leaning closer in, and pressing her lips softly to the other girls. It was not a quick kiss, but nor was it a long one. Simply one to implant it firmly into the girl's brain.

"Tonight, I want you to think about how the kiss made you feel." She leaned back. "And now I take my leave, your highness. Tell your brother that I am in the garden if he wishes to see me still." she began walking towards the door before turning back around. "Also if you'd like to mention the idea of a hunt to him, I would appreciate it." And as simply as that, she stepped through the door and towards the gardens.
 
Tansen was relieved when he was told to speak plainly. He had no love for politics and cutting around the hedge. He had been a warrior in the Lodite army the past five years, and developed a love for being able to speak plainly in front of men. "Your highness, I have to admit, I have very little love for your nation, and I know you have very little love for mine. But if we are to make these negotiations continue towards peace as our fathers have wished, then you should not lie." He watched the Ritter Hex out of the corner of his eye. He knew the Hex would have no problem with putting a sword to him now, so he had to stay alert.

"The very least you can do is respect me enough to tell me the truth. I if you wish to go behind your fathers back that is your choice. I should wonder if your children will carry out your last wish if you were on the death bed in the same way." He began to slow down nearly turning around as he spoke his last words. "But as you said, you have a very busy evening, so I think I shall be off to tell her of your wonderful news."
 
Gavin stared down at the retreating form of Tansen. The man was still a mystery. Gavin wasn't sure if the Loidite was hinting that he knew about the betrothal between Martinez and Diane, or if that was just his guilty concious talking. Turning to Eloran, he said, "Follow him and report back to me. Try to not let him know you are there, I don't want to spook him. He knows something, or thinks he knows something, and I want to find out what."

Walking to his room, he went straight to where he kept the papers. Hurriedly, he signed them and used his ring to make it official. He wasn't taking a chance that the Loidite prince might ruin the union between Anstaria and Danbar.

***********

Diane's fingers came up and touched her lips after Honore left. That was her first kiss. It wasn't as she had imagined, but it wasn't horrible either. Her lips still tingled. Closing her eyes, she pictured the feeling of the kiss. Would it feel the same if it were the prince or Lord Martinez? Did she have the courage to find out?
 
After the door closed, Honorè let out a quiet chuckle. If the girl was as innocent as she supposed, then she'd likely be thinking about the kiss for a long while before she fell asleep with it on her brain. "..should make for interesting dreams." She tried to recall her first kiss, but while there were shadows there, she could not put a face to it. It was like this every time. Valère aaid it was simply her mind not wanting to think about his death, but she'd seen her dead betroths portrait. It didn't feel like him. Shaking off the maudlin feeling, she continued on the way to the garden. She'd been like this since dinner when Lord Martinez had mentioned Gawain, as if he'd known her previously. It was frustrating.

She gave one of the Ritter Hex's a smile and moved into the garden. Even as late as it was, she could see the flowers in the moonlight. It was a perfect night for a walk. Brushing aside a bit of imaginary lint, Honorè moved to a bench, and leaned back and stared up at the moon, sky and stars. Ever constant was the moon, looking at generation after generation of humans wandering lost and alone. As she looked, and believed herself to be alone, she began speaking to the moon, one of her few frivolous habits.

"A black cat among roses,
Phlox, lilac-misted under a first-quarter moon,
The sweet smells of heliotrope and night-scented stock.
The garden is very still,
It is dazed with moonlight,
Contented with perfume,
Dreaming the opium dreams of its folded poppies.
Firefly lights open and vanish
High as the tip buds of the golden glow
Low as the sweet Alyssum flowers at my feet.
Moon-shimmer on leaves and trellises,
Moon-spikes shafting through the snow ball bush.
Only the little faces of the ladies’ delight are alert and staring,
Only the cat, padding between the roses,
Shakes a branch and breaks the checkered pattern
As water is broken by the falling of a leaf.
Then you come,
And you are quiet like the garden,
And white like the Alyssum flowers,
And beautiful as the silent sparks of the fireflies.
Ah, Beloved, do you see those orange lilies?
They knew my mother,
But who belonging to me will they know
When I am gone."

It was a depressing thought, but at her age, she had all but given up hope of being married and having children. It was not their place, her sister would say.
 
After rehiding the signed papers, Gavin made sure he was presentable and went down to the gardens. He was pleasently surprised to see Honore there, waiting. Walking up to her, he smiled. "I'm glad my sister didn't talk your ears off," he said. "I was a little worried that I'd be alone tonight."

He took her hand, kissing her palm, his eyes never leaving hers. "If I may be so bold, but you look lovely in the moonlight, comtess. Like a rare gem that I feel like hiding from the eyes of others, hording you for myself." He sat next to her, looking up at the moon. "Would you care to see the atrium? We have a collection of rare birds that are quite lovely."
 
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