Elise was quite content spending her time with Lady Cheldarine, sipping away at the tea and even eating a few biscuits here and there. She had a lot to think about when it came to her engagement with the Warlord, perhaps it was even time to apologise for the behaviour of hers the other day. The stubborn side of her didn’t want to be the one to cave first, especially when he had his hands around her throat, she didn’t want to appear weak by crawling back with an apology. Pride, however, would not keep her alive so she knew she may have to make that step.

“Oh, stop it, you are probably the only one who thinks as much.” Elise chuckled to herself finishing off her tea as she placed it back on the table in front of her. If she was honest, she was even surprised that Lady Cheldarine was proud of her, part of her doubted the words but it was nice to hear. Especially when she didn’t even have her own ladies of waiting to gossip or discuss with. It had become rather lonesome here, but she wasn’t here for herself after all as it was all for the people to stop anymore bloodshed.

It seemed though her visit was cut short when there was a knock at the door, looking up as she wondered who else wanted to visit? Elise hadn’t expected the visit from Lady Cheldarine let alone anyone else and if she had known she would have worn some more fitting than her pink dress and grey shawl. “My aren’t I popular today?” Musing over the idea as she leaned back in the chair of her wondering what had brought all these visits on.

“Thank you for the visit, I hope to be able to visit your own estate soon.” Offering a soft smile to the other woman whilst subtly hinting to her that she had listened carefully to what they had spoken about and had plans to fix it.

Giving a small wave to her guardsmen to signal letting the Manawyndan inside she was curious to know why he was here. After all she hadn’t really spoken much with this Lord, but there had to be a reason why he was visiting her whilst she had been confined to her rooms. Sighing softly to herself she sat upright placing a polite smile on her face ready to great him, “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

As Lady Cheldarine rose to leave the Princess's chambers, her other visitor entered at the same time. Lord Manawyndan, the King's right hand, and perhaps the second most powerful person in Morganyth. The pair of them made for a striking contrast. While the Lady made up in bright orange and greens, the Lord was dressed in sombre black. His iron grey hair was as closely cropped as his dark clothing was tightly fitted. Despite his grandfatherly visage, the old man was still fit and trim. It seemed the cut of his clothes was his only concession to vanity, for other than that there was no hint of adornment or finery on his outfit.

"Ah, My Lady, leaving so soon I see? Such a shame, I hoped to catch you." His voice was dry and rasping. It was not necessarily stern, but it lacked a variation in tone or cadence that made it seem serious. It was a voice that suited its owner eminently.

"Why yes, Lord Steward. Only a fleeting and impromptu visit I'm afraid, I must be getting back to my own responsibilities." Lady Cheldarine demurred, but Manawyndan only fixed her with his dark eyes more intently.

"An impromptu visit that happened to be while both the King and myself were busy in council?"

Lady Cheldarine smiled at the old soldier, as if he were making some kind of joke. The two of them both took a step towards each other, so they only inches apart. She was tall for a woman and Manawyndan was of no great height himself, so their eyes were near level. Their gazes fixed upon one another. The tension between them was palpable.

"My Lord, you are too suspicious."

"That is my responsibility."

The Lord Steward sighed and broke eye contact with the Formori woman. There was a curl to lip of Lady Cheldarine, she looked like she had just won some small victory. When she spoke next she was animated.

"Well... unless you wish to share your suspicions with me, I must be one my way. Farewell, your Highness, and good day to you Lord Steward."

Lady Cheldarine curtsied towards Princess Elise and then went to leave the room without a second glance at the second visitor. But the dry rasp of Manawyndan's raised voice stopped her dead in her tracks as she went to do so.

"Oh actually, there was one thing I wanted to talk about, My Lady. Your son."

She turned around slowly, to face Manawyndan, who's face now had the same small look of triumph on it that she herself had worn so recently. There was a tightness about her, the playful nature with which she had batted away the older Formori's previous insinuations was gone.

"Peibio?"

"No, My Lady. Elethiomel. I take you he has not told you then?" Manawyndan's smile grew wider. "He came to the Palace to volunteer his services to the King and the council. After all, is it not strange for a boy of his age not to have served at court yet? Hardly seems fair considering his younger brother is the royal cupbearer."

"I always intended to send him to court... but plans change... his father... I wanted to keep him close."

"You feelings do you credit as a Mother. Still, I think it would be wise to let the boy see something of the governance of the realm, he is the heir to a powerful house. But I haven't yet decided what exactly to do with him. There are many ways a young man might serve his King, on or off the field of battle. Do you see my reasoning?"

When she spoke next the Lady's words were like shards of ice. Cold, sharp and deadly.

"I see it clearly, Lord Steward."

"Excellent. Now if you'll excuse me, please."

With a gnarled finger he motioned over to where the Princess was sitting, observing the furious exchange they had just engaged in. The Lady's eyes drifted over towards Elise, she nodded her head in submission and swiftly walked out of the door. Manawyndan seemed to visibly relax as she left, his shoulders slumped and he let out a long sigh, the end of which was cut off by a small fit of coughing.

"My apologies, Your Highness, for getting so distracted. Might I have a take a seat with you? Old bones."

Elise couldn’t help but watch the exchange, eyes looking from the pair and she could tell with the undertones there was some sort of fight for power between them. It was like being back at home in her own court watching as others tried to gain some sort of upper hand over the over, little jibes and comments that to any onlooker would seem pleasant when there was a darker truth beneath them. Remembering how her brother would often tell her that keeping up appearances meant everything, that you should never divulge your true thoughts or feelings unless absolutely necessary.

Not that I followed that when speaking with Lady Cheldarine earlier, but I didn’t sense any danger. Unless I am truly being played whilst here. Frowning ever so slightly at her own thoughts as she continued to listen on.

This impromptu visit happened whilst both he and the King were busy, she didn’t want them to know she was here? Or that I am being spied upon whilst here as the talk was brisk. I still have many unanswered questions. Realising she had been frowning she placed her polite pleasant smile back on her face before anyone could notice, it seemed that both Manawyndan and Cheldarine were too busy butting heads so to speak.

“Farewell Lady Cheldarine.” Smiling as she began to bid the other a goodbye only to find herself caught by Manawydan once more as he didn’t let the Formori woman win their little battle. What the elder man had said had clearly struck a chord with Cheldarine and even she had picked up on what she felt to be a quite threatening undertone aiming it towards the eldest son of hers. Elise knew that this woman was proud of her sons, she spoke so highly of them and she had remembered the proud tone of the woman at the feast a good few nights ago as they had spoke with one another.

Sympathising with Lady Cheldarine she felt like she should say something, reassure the woman but it wouldn’t help any sort of matter. That and being as she held no power here, she kept her mouth shut knowing that it was best to let Lady Cheldarine fight her own battles, the woman was well versed with things like court and Elise knew she would probably just make matters worse rather than help it.

Nodding with a soft smile as Lady Cheldarine finally excused herself once more, she turned to Manawydan who had relaxed now the woman was gone, curious as to why he felt so tense around the Formori she knew it was best not to ask such a thing. Again, she found herself frowning when he began to have a small coughing fit, sitting forward she motioned for the server who was still hanging around in the background. “Would you kindly fetch us more tea? Perhaps some water for Lord Manawyndan.” Glancing towards the Lord who had come to visit her just after her visit from Lady Cheldarine.

“Of course, take a seat.” Gesturing to the sofa before she folded her arms across her chest watching him carefully, wondering what had spurred his visit. “I daresay I was not expecting a visit from yourself, but it is welcomed.” Knowing deep down there had to be some motive behind it, maybe he had only visited to shoo Cheldarine away. Perhaps he didn’t want them talking with one another too much, but then she could just be overthinking things. It was hard not too when surrounded by a foreign place.

“What do I owe this pleasure?” Elise kept her guard up around him, there was something she didn’t quite like and she couldn’t put her finger on it just yet.

"You are too kind, your Highness." The old lord said as he seated himself opposite the Princess and a fresh cup of tea was poured for him upon the table between them. He returned her own watchful gaze as the refreshments were reset.

Apart from a very brief conversation the night of the Princess's arrival to the city, they had not really spoken to one another before. Manawyndan had been seating on the other side of the King at the feast, and there had been few courtly events or functions in the times since. Perhaps they both had some reason to be wary of each other. It was partly Manawyndan's machinations that had brought the Princess to Morganyth, but he had yet to gauge her character, and now he found other actors potentially trying to use her to their own ends.

"It has been a morning for unexpected visits then. Did you discuss anything of import with Lady Cheldarine?" He took a sip of the tea that had been poured for him, the delicate cup sitting incongruously in his gnarled and callused hands. When he returned the cup to its saucer, the smile that parted his lips was pleasant enough, but his dark bronze eyes did not match it.

"I will be plain with you, Princess Elise. You have had time to... reconsider... certain decisions you made in regards to your upcoming marriage to the King. My purpose in coming here today is to see if you have come to a more... reasonable... position?"

Elise just flashed Manawydan a polite smile at his compliment of her being too kind, she was sure he was just being polite with her as she had ordered new refreshments for them both. Leaning forward she picked up her own cup of tea to hold it in her hands so she could enjoy the warmth more than anything. Manawydan had to be here with an agenda after all and she just had a feeling it had to do with Ozragad, that’s why everyone had visited her so far this evening.

“Quite, if I’d have known I would have dressed up.” Elise spoke simply as she swept her gaze across the room before falling back on the Lord, “Oh you know, just idle gossip. Lady Cheldarine was telling me all about her sons, the idea of setting them up marriages.” Waving it off as if they had just spent the day chatting like most of the ladies in court would. “I think she was just being kind seeing as I have not been able to engage in much conversation over here and I showed interest when speaking with her at the feast the other day.”

Giving away no hint that they would have discussed anything else, after all she did not personally trust this man and she feared she could get the woman into more trouble when she had been trying to help her. Elise could see the smile that didn’t reach his lips, but she wouldn’t slip up not whilst here within enemy walls. Lifting the cup to her lips she took a sip of the tea watching him over the rim of her cup as he approached the reason why he was here.

Tapping her finger against the cup she let the words sit for a moment before she rested it back on her lap, she knew she shouldn’t be surprised to find out that Manawydan knew of her and King Ozragads disagreement. This Lord had to be a part of the council and perhaps Ozragad was already coming up with plans to kill her off and be done with it after her refusal to marry him. “I have had plenty of time to consider my options. Yes.” Making it sound like it had been her decision, it hadn’t but regardless she found it that it irked her that he assumed she had come to a reasonable position. King Ozragad practically had her life in his hands, for a moment she had thought he would just strangle her to death, but no she had to be the reasonable one.

“I must have been feeling quite under the weather at the time, homesick perhaps.” Elise picked her words carefully, that she had been unwell and that was why she had denied marrying the warlord. “Certain decisions should have not been made in that state. I was looking to seek an audience with him to discuss it.”

Though Manawyndan's face remained largely impassive as he listened to Princess's response, there was a slight rise to the older Formori's brow, a small sign of surprise perhaps. After all, did know what had occurred between the Princess and his King. He might have been expecting to martial his own skills of persuasion, or coercion, to bring her back into line with his and Ozragad's plan. In which case this would surely constitute a pleasant surprise.

"That is excellent news, Your Highness." The old soldier smiled again, and this time it reached his eyes, softening them from the hard flinty chips they had seemed moments before. "And I am glad to hear it. I believe you will find the King... receptive... such an audience. I can conduct you too him now? Or is Your Highness in need to more time to prepare?"

Despite his deferential words and the choice he gave, Manawyndan's body language told something of a different story. His eyes glanced to the door and he sat forward in his seat, he had already set down the china cup on the table before him. He was eager to leave. Eager to get this mess that Ozragad had made sorted out.

"It would of course, be a private audience. Just yourself, the King and perhaps a few of his most trusted councillors, if necessary. Such as myself."

Elise knew she had to keep her wits about her when it came to this councillor, the way he had shut Lady Cheldarine down had struck a chord with her and she had a feeling that he had a lot more in this plan than met the eye. Perhaps she was just being far too suspicious of everyone around her, but that wasn’t a bad thing when she was practically surrounded by wolves who could kill her in a heartbeat. “That is… wonderful.” Trying to keep her smile in place as he said how the King would be receptive to that idea, or perhaps he was just waiting for another moment to wrap his hands around her throat and choke the life out of her.

Unable to tell if Manawyndan was truly happy about the decision she watched the smile and it looked honest enough, no ill will behind it. “O-Oh.” Caught off guard by the fact he was willing to go now, she hadn’t expected it but maybe it was best to go bury the hatchet whilst he was on agreeable terms as the Lord had said. Even though he had offered her to take time to prepare she didn’t feel like it was an option as already it looked like he was ready to go, eager to fix their fight.

“No need.” Waving it down as she came to her decision that it was best to resolve it now, as much as she would have loved to have been dressed to the nines it didn’t feel all that important. “If we are to be married, he will see me in casual attire, so I will not change for the audience with him.” Leaning forward as she placed her cup back on the table knowing the server would clean it up whilst they were gone.

Rising to her feet she brushed the simple pale pink dress down as she kept the grey shawl wrapped round her shoulders debating on if she should take it. Considering the options, she felt it was better to take it, she could hide her hands beneath the fabric, and he would not be able to see her fiddling with the shawl. Plus, it would keep the cool air at bay, something that she had started to feel more lately which she put down to lack of sleeping.

“Of course, if it’s no bother I take it you would like to leave now?” Giving him a smile, she wasn’t sure if she liked the idea of it being a private audience with a few trusted councillors. Whether it was for her benefit or not she hated the idea that she would have to back down in front of others when she really didn’t want too, but on another hand perhaps them being there would make him think twice about strangling her. The marks had faded, but when caught in the right light could be seen to those who were looking for them, after all Lady Cheldarine had caught on to them so easily but Elise knew she had subconsciously touched her neck there giving it attention.

“Are you certain he will not mind a visit now? Without any sort of warning?”

"That would indeed be my preference, Your Highness. His Majesty devotes his mornings to dealing with matters of state. And this is a matter of state, is it not?" The old Formori phrased the statement like it was a question, a single brow raising slightly as he did so. "After all, this is not some ordinary lovers quarrel, Your Highness."

As he spoke, Manawyndan's eyes lingered over the Princess's neck as she subconsciously stroked the marks from Ozragad's attack in library that had only occurred a few days earlier. He quickly averted them, and awkwardly coughed into his hand to try and disguise the movement. The very sight of them seemed to be something of an embarrassment to him.

If you wish, you maybe bring any number of your guard with you, to ensure your... physical wellbeing. It shan't be necessary, I assure you, but if it would make you feel more... comfortable... then, please. And please, Your Highness, forgive my earlier choice of words, it was to my intent to offend."

Carefully, the old man got to his feet and gave a slight bow to the Princess.

"I will await you outside your chambers."

He left the Princess's sitting room, quietly sighing as he went.

---

Across the palace, in the chamber in which his council met, King Ozragad was seated at the head of long polished table of dark wood. One wall was dominated by a series of high narrow windows that looked down on the city below. Opposite them, on the other side of the hall was a series statues stood upon plinths and set back in niches, all carved in the likeness of dead Formori Kings and Queens.

The King sat alone, save for the statues. The council dismissed for the morning in order to work on their own tasks while Ozragad continued to pour over the drafts of new documents, laws, and decrees they had been formulating. It was another part of the process of peace. How would Eorzia and Morganyth trade now they were no longer at war? What exports and imports would be subject to additional tariffs and taxes, which would be exempt from said duties. It was tedious. But it was necessary.

It certainly seemed easier to take it all by the sword. Frankly more exciting too. But no, that was all done with now. Well... for now. His councillors had impressed upon him that good trading relations with their neighbour would be one of the quickest ways to ensure his treasure was refilled and his people well fed. So swallow his pride he must, and write laws for Eorzian merchants. And it could all still be for nothing...

Ozragad set his quill down and rested his head in his hands, his elbows sitting atop the stacked parchments below. It was true, it could come to nothing. There was still no guarantee that the Eorzian Princess would have given into his threating demands. What would do then? Launch a war he knew he most likely couldn't win or reveal it was all bluff and beg for her forgiveness? The forgiveness of a child a fraction of his age, a child descended from those who had been the destroyers of his people. Gods, what a cruel joke.

No, he had to trust that she was just making a show of resisting him. Still at the time it hadn't felt like she had just been putting on an act, that anger, staring death in the face. Manawyndan had been furious when Ozragad had told him what he had done. Rightly so perhaps, it had been nothing more than pride, anger, and spite that had begun that quarrel. And how had he decided to resolve it? Through threats of violence and butchery. Not an auspicious beginning to a peaceful marriage and a peaceful age.

Is this really the sort of man you are?

Manawyndan and some of his other councillors had been trying to talk him into making conciliatory gestures for half the morning. He had resisted their calls thus far, but for how long? There was a timetable to this betrothal, and the longer this went on the sooner word would get back to Eorzia that all was not going well. In the end he had met them half way, he would send Manawyndan in his stead, that way it wouldn't seem as if he was wavering... at least, he hoped it wouldn't.

As the King mulled all of these problems over, he was surprised by the sound of someone knocking at the door to the council chamber. He wasn't expecting anyone until the afternoon when the servants would lay out a light repast before he took petitions in the throne room.

"Enter." Ozragad commanded.

Elise was soon learning just how invested Manawyndan seemed to be in her marriage to Ozragad with the fact he had referred this matter as something of state. “I suppose not.” It was easier agreeing with him, it was no ordinary lovers quarrel as for one they weren’t even lovers and she doubted she could even consider that term in the future. Not when every time she closed her eyes, she could see the image of his hands wrapped around her throat and deep down she feared it would happen again. This truly was a matter of state, a marriage to stop a war and bring prosperity to both Kingdoms, to even think love would be involved was naive.

Without realising she found her eyes narrowing towards him, bring guards to ensure her physical wellbeing? The very thought angered her making her feel sick at the idea she would even need guards to make sure he didn’t lay his hands on her. Taking a moment to compose herself she stopped herself from making a comment and nodded as he left to wait for her to follow along. It wasn’t that she would need them, but more that if it would make her feel comfortable then she could bring them and she was thankful she didn’t speak too soon on that matter. Taking guards would not be needed, she would not surround herself like she needed to be protected.

I do not need their protection from a brute. Elise thought to herself as she took one last sweeping glance of her room before taking her steps outside to follow Manawyndan to finally talk with the King. Offering a forced smile to the Lord she closed the door gently behind her and followed him in silence whilst she let herself think about the upcoming meeting. Building herself up to apologise she hated the idea already; she didn’t feel she did anything wrong. It was he who had pushed her to snap with his comments, maybe she had overreacted but at the end of the day he had started it and finished it when being violent towards her.

Still… I should remember Lady Cheldarines words. I’ll have to apologise he probably doesn’t think he did anything wrong.

Walking through the castle with the Lord she took in the sights, it had been a few days since she had left her rooms that she had been forcibly confined too and it felt great to be out of them. A fleeting feeling of freedom. Regardless of the fact she had been confined she still walked with her head held high, she would not let anyone see anything but confidence from her even if it wasn’t a true reflection on her feelings inside. There was a hint of doubt that maybe Ozragad would not marry her and just have her killed instead like the rumours foretold. It was still option, even if Lady Cheldarine had spoken otherwise in regard to this Kingdoms state it could still happen.

He needs me, I have to remember that. I won’t be some inferior woman that he can choose to beat around if he so pleases.

As they came to the doors, she heard the knock before his voice called out for them to enter, at the sound of his voice she could feel her stomach churn hesitant to walk inside at first as the memory of what happened in the library was still fresh in her mind. Taking in a deep breath she pushed the thoughts down before she moved inside as the doors were opened for her acting as if nothing had happened between them. It was the first time she had stepped foot in this chamber, but before she could take a look at her surroundings, she bowed respectfully to the King still remembering her manners even if she wanted to disregard them and snub him hoping he did not catch the flicker of fear passing through her eyes.

“Good morning your highness, is now a good time to talk?”

Of all the people in the palace, she had whom Ozragad had least expected to appear through the double doors of the council chamber. The King's golden eyes widened in surprise. He had given specific orders confine her to her to her rooms had he not? How had she come to be here? Had she escaped? No, someone must have countermanded his orders, but who? It did not take long for the culprit to reveal himself. Manawyndan stepped out of the shadows beyond the doorway and positioned himself at the far end of the hall, behind the Princess.

The King's face grew grave, set with a frown. He felt his mouth opening, a harsh rebuke forming on his lips for both the Princess and his Steward for defying his orders. He had sent Manawyndan with the attention of avoiding this exact situation. How dare he spring a trap upon me like this! But, no. He stilled his tongue, straightened his expression. He would have words with Manawyndan later, once the Princess was safely out of earshot.

He let her bow. She was being polite, deferential even. That was another surprise. He had been expecting more fire, more anger. Had it worked? Had he scared her into submission? Or had Manawyndan coerced her into cooperating somehow? He glanced down at his hand, the one that had wrapped around her throat so easily only a few days before. It was clenched so tightly. He let it loosen, and raised it, bidding her up from her supplication. If she had seen reason, then was no need for any further... cruelty.

"I... I had not expected to see you so soon, Princess." Ozragad glanced at his Steward as he spoke, but his eyes quickly flicked back to settle on the Princess. "But this is as good a time as any other. Sit." He gestured towards the seat at the opposite end of the long table.

Elise could see the surprise at her visit, and she felt an odd sense of satisfaction knowing that he had not expected her. Apparently, it didn’t seem like he even wanted her visit as she caught the frown upon his face, she waited for him to spit something out spitefully, but she was surprised to see that didn’t happen. Watching the brief exchange, she was certain that he was unaware of her visit and this was Manawyndan orchestrating this so perhaps she could do something a little more daring than she had originally intended. After all Elise was not planning to just bend to his whims, he had been the one to cause the damage between them.

“Thank you.” Speaking curtly as she took a seat trying not to hear it as an order because she hated the idea of being ordered around by him like some inferior being.

Folding her hands neatly on the table she met his gaze holding it for a minute letting the silence fall between them for a moment before she finally broke it speaking up. “I’ll be frank, our last interaction didn’t go the way I had expected and I’m sure you can agree with that.” Tapping her fingers against the wood it was as clear as day to see she was still the same stubborn woman from before, but this time she had more information to play with.

“I have had time to consider my own options, what would be best and perhaps I had been a little hasty with my words. I know I’m quite defensive when backed into a corner.” Flicking her gaze up back to him the fire in her eyes could be seen as she spoke, confident as always even if she had to hide the bubbling fear that he would wrap his hands around her throat once again. Taking a deep breath, she folded her arms to stop herself from tapping, the fiddling did provide a good distraction, but she needed to be focused right now and not appear to be some weak child in his eyes.

I can do this; he should apologise to me after all. I would not have refused to marry if he hadn’t been a brute. For that matter he laid hands on me.

“I’ll marry you, but on one condition.”

Taking a moment with her pause of words she watched him letting her sentence settle for a moment, that she was willing to marry on one condition. After all Elise was not about to let herself get walked on whilst here, her offer would be more than fair in her eyes, but she did doubt if he would actually agree to it.

“You have to apologise to me, for what you did in that room and it has to be sincere. If I feel it’s sincere then we can resume as normal.”

It's strange, the King could not help but think, how she manages to look so meek and timid while she defies me all the same. It was true. The Princess sat there draped in pastel pink and a grey woollen shawl, hardly dressed for battle. In her person, Ozragad could see the nervous tics she possessed, that tendency to fidget, the incessant tapping of her fingers against the table top. She was just a girl practically, a young girl who was clearly, obviously afraid of him.

And yet...

Yet she sat there, with fire in her eyes, and sought conditions from him.

It made him furious of course. He was a King, and she was enemy of him and his people. If Ozragad had gotten his way he would have trampled her and her family beneath the dust of his armies. He was not surprised that it made him angry. Most things had, for a long time now. There was however another feeling deep inside him, a tiny, minute pang of something other than anger. Respect? Perhaps, but no, he didn't think it was that. As the silence held while he waited to hear her condition, it finally dawned on him.

He was glad. By the gods, why was he glad? Ozragad had cause to be glad in some of this, she was agreeing to the marriage, agreeing to the peace after all. But that wasn't the source of his feelings, no, it came from somewhere else. He was glad he had not broken her, that she was not just submitting to him like a docile little lamb. Why was that?

It's because you are ashamed of what you did to her, and you know it to be wrong.

No, it was justified. It was all justified. Anything to make it mean something. Anything to make it all worth something.

Is that how a man should behave to his wife? Is that how you treated your wife?

No.

Would you apologise to her?

I have nothing to apologise for.

Blame the Eorzian's as much as you want, Liveuta's blood is on your hands as-.

"Silence." Ozragad's voice echoed harshly in the high ceilinged stone chamber. He had not intended to speak aloud. His golden eyes frantically searched the room. Had she noticed that he had not meant to? He could see Manawyndan arch an eyebrow from the back on the room. The King coughed into his hand and attempted to recover his composure. "I have heard more than enough."

The King rose from his seat and stalked over the stone flagged floor to one of the high narrow windows that threw long line of dim twilight across the room. He stared out at the ghostly city and his own ghost haunted palace. You do it all for them. You have to make it worth something for them. He had been ready to cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war. He had been ready to commit murders and atrocities in order to get what he wanted. And now all that stood in the way was one little apology? Well, one little apology and his pride of course.

"Ahem, perhaps you wish time to reflect, sire?" It was Manawyndan who spoke first. There was that wheedling edge of the old man's words. As soon as the Princess left this room he would be trying to convince him to just apologise, through gritted teeth and lies if necessary.

"No need. I have come to my decision." Ozragad turned from the window and faced the inhabitants of the room once again. There was spark in his eyes. Slowly, he approached the table once more, but he did not walk towards his own seat. He walked towards where the Princess, Elise Hydaelyn, sat at the other end of the dark polished surface.

"I want you to know something." He began in a low husky tone, as he approached her chair. "Everything I said that day? I stand by it all. I was completely sincere. There are only two options before you, marrying me and peace, or defying me and the bloodiest war our countries have ever seen. I will not apologise for that." By now the King was standing directly behind her chair, he rested his hands on either side of it.

"But you are not a warrior, and that was not a battlefield. My conduct was not that of a man to his bride-to-be, the conduct of a man to his wife." He stepped to the side of her chair, and knelt on one knee. Their difference in height meant that their eyes were almost at a level - cool blue and burning gold. "When I raised my hands against you, I shamed myself. I am, or at least I once was, a better man than that. So for that I can, and will, apologise."

Elise couldn’t help but finding herself watch Ozragad before her, though she tried to stop herself from fidgeting it was becoming difficult when she didn’t truly feel comfortable in his presence. Whether that was because of the act of violence or the fact she knew how trapped she felt she couldn’t quite say, but she knew she had found herself rather worried that when married he would do something like that again.

No. If I hold me tongue then surely there would be no reason to cause harm? It was not entirely his fault when I boasted such a threat to him. I did not know the severity of his position, the fact it now relies on what he must think a mere child must infuriate him.

Elise found herself caught up in her thoughts for a moment until she heard him call out silence, narrowing her eyes as she glanced at him wondering why he would call for such a thing when no one had uttered a single word after her declaration of wanting an apology. Holding her breath, she wondered if he was insulted by her request and that maybe she had just made things a whole lot worse for herself.

Not again, he would not hurt me in front of his council, right? Manawyndan does like to meddle, what if?

Throwing her gaze over to the elder man who had spoken up suggesting time between them, that he could consider apologising without her presence. For a moment she thought it would be best herself and she couldn’t deny that making a swift exit seemed appropriate especially as he did not expect to see her in this room defying his orders of confinement. I must be making such a fool of myself; I should not have listened to anyone but my own judgement. Chastising herself over how she had allowed herself to get so caught up in Lady Cheldarines words and on top of that the rather sneaky Manawyndan. Everyone seemed so caught up in her life, her decisions and she knew she was getting agitated over it.

What does it even matter, freedom will never be an option for myself? This is my life, doomed forever more. I should look to make the most of it at least.

Finding herself drawn back to Ozragad at his declaration of having made a final decision about her request, well demand. Sitting up straight she met his gaze only to find herself falter under it, seeing the spark in his eyes as she watched expecting him to return to his own seat. Only to find that instead he had begun approaching her and she felt her body stiffen as he came closer, tense at the idea of him being close.

Hearing the low husky tone from him she removed her hands from the table placing them in her lap fiddling with her fingers out of sight because she was restless. Swallowing hard she tried to keep composure, but she didn’t know where this was going and she kept looking ahead of her even though she knew he was right behind her, his hands resting either side of the chair. Feeling her heartbeat quicken she tried to brace herself from some sort of attack from him, he stood by his words and she wondered if she should have stood by hers in refusing to marry him. Various emotions ran through her as she tried to keep a straight face not wanting to give him any signs of fear, but the emotion was clear as day in her eyes.

“I…” Hesitating for a moment as he moved from behind her to her side, she felt strange, he was extending the olive branch so to speak and as much as she had demanded the apology, she wasn’t sure if she had expected to receive one. A sincere one at that. Kneeling beside her only meant they were at the same height level and she had never really looked at him close up before. There was an odd sense of beauty to him, the way he held himself he was no boy playing war. This was well and truly a man, a beautiful one, one that could be fearful, but he had apologised to her.

Elise felt her features soften as she looked at him taking in the words, she didn’t care about him not apologising for his words because all she had wanted was an apology for the violence. “Thank you.” Her voice was but a whisper because it had caught her off guard, but none the less she felt a sense of calm within her from the apology. Not sure what she was entirely doing her hand reached out from under the table as she took hold of his gently, keeping him there at her height level for a moment longer.

“I would also like to apologise. To you. I did not help that conflict between us. I hope we can start anew today. Maybe even look to make preparations for our wedding?”

Ozragad had not realised how close they were until she had reached out and took his hand in hers. Almost on instinct he began to pull away, but as her fingertips brushed his own he stopped himself. He could feel the difference between them, her soft smooth skin against his own, rough with scars and callouses. Why did she take his hand so? She had called him bloodthirsty warlord but a few days before. Could she not feel the blood that dripped from them still?

They were so close that he could breathe in the scent of her. He wondered then, what perfumes and oils did they used in Eorzia? What fragrances did she bathe herself in this morning before she came here? If he pressed his lips to that small, delicate, white hand that held his, what would it taste of?

He pulled his gaze up and away from that hand and found that she was looking back at him. There was something in her eyes, a look he had not seen there before. He had seen her anger and her fear, they were emotions he had learned to gauge in those azure pools, fish them up for their depths. But whatever she felt now, it was not fear, it was not anger. It was something else. It made him feel strange, it made it feel afraid, and he did not know why.

Get a grip of yourself. You are a King, do not be unmanned by the mere touch of a woman.

With hesitance Ozragad pulled his hand away from her and rose from kneeling to stand again. He stilled his face, calmed his nerves, set his walls about him once more. Stiffly, he strode back to his seat at the opposite end of the table.

"A new start?" He rolled the words around his mouth slowly, considering them. "Perhaps this would be for the best. As for the wedding, we have largely left the planning of the ceremony with your Father's council. The ceremony is to held in Eoriza, once the final treaty has been devised."

"If I may intrude, sire." Manawyndan began to move from his position at the rear to the hall to approach the table. "There are perhaps some Formori customs that could be seen to here before the wedding itself? We did not discuss such things at council today considering the erm... circumstances, but they could some way to familiarise our people with their Queen-to-be."

The Lord Steward stood behind a chair equidistance between his King and the Princess. He appealed to Ozragad for permission to join them. The King gave it with a wave of his hand and the old man cautiously took a seat, his dark flinty eyes darting back and forth between the two royal persons at either end.

"Perhaps there are some Eorzian traditions that could be preformed here too, before we leave for Novrandt? It could help the court... prepare... for the ceremonies in Eorzia. Assuming of course, both of your Royal Highnesses assent?"

With distance between them again Elise watched the warlord with her eyes just taking in his body language, she was certain there would be no more violence at least for today. The warmth of his hand still radiated from her own and even though he had pulled back she could still feel the touch lingering and for a brief moment she wondered how gentle those hands could be. Especially as she had experienced the rougher side of him already.

Could he even be gentle?

Hesitant to think on it any longer she glanced over as he returned to his seat and she was quite glad of the fact that she had left her room even if it had been against his orders. It meant they had gotten their conflict resolved even if her pride was slightly bruised for having to approach him. At least she had gotten an apology out of it, one that she honestly didn’t think she would get.

“How long do you expect for the final treaty to be drawn?” It wasn’t surprising the planning had been left to her father’s council, the Eorzians loved to plan a big event and a huge wedding was no different. Any excuse to gather people around and show off their wealth, their ability to appease most in court and act as if they weren’t in any sort of war was mesmerising in its own way. It was kind of relaxing to know the ceremony would be held in her hometown land, not that she could be calling it home for much longer not when this was soon to be where she’d spend her days for eternity.

Looking up as Manawyndan joined in the conversation offering his own opinions she raised her brow at the idea, wedding traditions was something she had been taught about from a young age. Eorzia loved its traditions, upholding them and parading about the women like they were some prize to be captured. Making them perform like animals being watched by onlookers who were sizing them up. Shaking her head in amusement as she remembered one of its favoured traditions, she looked towards the two men before her and smiled. Never had she had to take part in the bridal hunt even when it came to other people’s weddings as it was just improper to have the Princess roaming about the forest full of men. Wondering on if her father would insist upon the tradition, she kept that piece of information to herself thinking that her father would probably not bother with it.

“I think it’s quite a favourable idea, it would certainly allow for more opportunities to get to know one another as well as the people around. If it is agreeable with yourself, I would be happy to oblige.” Elise stated simply as she folded her arms, wedding traditions couldn’t hurt there was an Eorzian custom she could uphold hopefully when in her own Kingdom.

“Eorzian culture has a few traditions one of them being customary for the bride to showcase a talent. To present herself to her husband with a skill she can bring to the table. If that is something that interests you I can prepare myself for it.”

Hopefully I don’t make a fool of myself, I wonder what kind of traditions the Formori uphold when it comes to this.

"The negotiations should not take much longer, Your Highness. A few weeks at the most, assuming there are no further sticking points." Manawyndan supplied the answer to the Princess's question. At the mention of the Eorzian customs his eyes lit up, an idea catching in his mind. "Plenty of time to arrange for such a demonstration of talent. In fact, it almost reminds me of an old Formori custom, reversed however, where a suitor demonstrates his ability to provide for his betrothed through the hunting and slaying of some great beast. It would make for some nice symmetry would it not?"

Ozragad's brow darkened and he shot his councillor a poisoned look as he listened to what he was saying. Was all of this really necessary? He had given his people peace, and he was working on giving them plenty, what more did they need than that from him? His suspicious mind went to the places in normally did. Does he want to make a fool of me? Does he want to undermine me?

But the Princess had already agreed to preform her 'talent show', if he were to back out now, would it make him seem weak? He would not have that, he had already humbled himself to her once and made an apology. He would not have her thinking him craven too. But he looked craven either way, if he shied from the fight to come and indulged in worthless festivities instead.

"Manawyndan, you know I mislike most useless pageantry. I imagine it will take more than some mummer's farce to quell the discontent brought about by my choice of bride."

"It is at least worth a try, sire. It need not come to swords." Manawayndan seemed nonplussed by the King's response. At times he seemed unflappable, he was perhaps to used to the King and his moods. Ozragad cast one eye over to the watching Princess. Should he be having this conversation here in front of her?

"I have put down rebellions before. I will do it again if I must." There was that harsh edge to voice once more, as if he was daring his councillor to disagree with him, waiting for a chance to vent his fury.

"Indeed you have, sire. But I imagine this way would definitely be cheaper than a war."

Damn. He has me there. It was certainly true. Ozragad was just finished fighting one long ruinously expensive war, he could ill afford to start another within his realm. Not when he was still uncertain if this peace with Eorzia could even hold. He still had his share of the wedding to pay. Only after that would the Royal Treasury begin to replenish. The King audibly sighed and reached up with two fingers to massage the bridge of his nose.

"You try my patience councillor... Fine, I will agree to take part in these distractions, provided the Princess plays her part too."

"A wise decision, your Majesty."

The look of smug self-satisfaction on Manawyndan's face left a bad taste in his mouth. He let his mentor and favourite councillor grow too bold, too often. It was a weakness. But then again, old Manawyndan was the last of those older soldiers he had looked up to as boy, who had trained him to fight and raised him after the death of his Mother. Gone too were those rowdy boys he had once trained and sparred with, most dead or now against him. There were few he could ever consider friend at court, in so much as King's could have friends. Let Manawyndan have his satisfaction, who knew how much longer the old man would be around to enjoy such things?

A knock came at the chamber door to interrupt his maudlin train of thought. A serving man entered with a silver tray laden with his midday meal and a pitcher of wine. He let the man set it down before dismissing him with a wave of his hand.

The King rose from his chair and stood at the centre of table, framed from behind by a pair of towering likenesses of his forebears upon marble plinths. Someone had thought to place three crystal goblets upon the platter, instead of the usual one. He poured a glass for himself and went to pour second for his smug councillor before Manawyndan stopped him.

"I shall take no wine, sire, it disagrees with me to take it early, these days." As if to illustrate the point the old Formori suppressed a small coughing fit. Manawyndan reached out and took the second glass, filling it water from another ewer.

Ozragad almost set the wine pitcher back where it lay before his eye caught the Princess once more, he consider her for but a moment, before he poured another glass of wine and passed it down the table to rest at her elbow.

"You should raise a toast your Majesty."

"A toast? To what?"

"To peace. To marriage."

"I think it may still be somewhat premature for that." The King shot his councillor another dark look, before his eyes rested on Princess Elise again, and perhaps... softened... almost. "But it seems we have come to an... Arrangement for now. So how about to that? To the Arrangement."

Ozragad raised the glass to lips, as he did so, it caught a beam of light from those long narrow windows. He could not see it, but it shone through the glass from the side as he went to drink. And illuminated so in the crystal, the dark wine turned translucent and gave up its secrets. Floating in there were some tiny, almost unnoticeable, specks of powder.

“Oh, well I didn’t actually think you would enjoy the Eorzian customs.” Elise felt her smile falter slightly as Manawydan seemed to hop onto the culture and premarital traditions that both Kingdoms held, she didn’t expect him to be so enthralled by it especially as she was sure that King Ozragad probably didn’t care to perform such tasks. It was interesting to hear that the Formori had a similar custom, a big hunt to prove their worth and ability to provide with the game they were able to slay. There was truth in the fact it would hold some nice symmetry accompanied with a bride hunt for the future, something she wasn’t overly keen on.

Although I would be interested to see if he could find me, what skills he poses in a kind of chase. Considering her thoughts for a moment as she felt a glimmer of satisfaction in the fact, she had been right upon hearing his dislike for the useless traditions. Folding her arms as she kept herself seated listening in on the conversation between the counsellor and the King, it did make her wonder how deep their friendship ran. It seemed that this man could be quite bold against the King and did so without fear of reprimand and then somehow, he was able to get him to agree?

How bizarre.

“Of course, your highness, I will play my own part in these… trials. Gladly” An amused look fell on her face as she found herself looking back at the counsellor still quite interested in how he had managed to sway the King, it seemed this person would make quite a powerful ally, but she knew she would never be able to trust him.

Leaning back into the chair she wasn’t sure if she should go now that they had resolved everything, but as a server came inside with three goblets so she assumed that meant she was staying even if it was just for a little bit longer to enjoy a glass of wine. It was a celebration after all as she was certain that they would never resolve their little fight because he was quite stubborn just like she was, but Lady Cheldarine had put a stop to that somehow. The woman was clearly versed in the Formori politics, something she desperately needed to learn if this was to become her new home. Knowing it’s surroundings, it’s people and who posed her a threat would be a key to her survival here.

Her eyes began to watch as Ozragad rose from his seat to pour the wine, watching as his glass filled up and then pouring one for her. Nodding politely at the action she said her thanks as she took the glass in her hand hesitating for a moment when Manwyndan proposed a toast. They didn’t have much to toast, not when they still had a few more weeks before they would be tied to one another with the marriage. There was still plenty of time between them for something else to drastically alter their course, with the news that there were people here who wasn’t fond of the marriage and then she knew back home there would-be people feeling the same she constantly felt like she was having to watch her back at every step. People were waiting in the wings just to watch them fall.

I agree, a little premature. Though Elise wouldn’t dare voice it, not when she had managed to get an apology as well as end their little spat. Raising her glass, she smiled nodding to both Ozragad and Manawyndan. “To the arrangement.” Though just as she was about to drink the wine herself, she frowned catching sight of something bright, something that shouldn’t happen even with crystal goblets. Had the sun not caught it she doubted she would have noticed, but something was wrong, and the dark wine held some other kind of substance inside.

For a moment it felt like her heart stopped as she saw it as clear as day, the wine had been tampered with and her eyes widened as fear spread across her face. All colour drained from her face as she feared the worst.

“STOP!” Scrambling to her feet as the crystal goblet of her own dropped from her fingers clattering against the table the liquid pooling out onto the wooden surface. “Don’t drink that!” Without even think she scurried over to him snatching the glass from his hands stopping him from drinking the wine as her heart hammered away in her chest. Elise could hear a ringing in her ears as she held it up to the light only to see she had been right in catching sight of some sort of powder floating in the wine, it had been short of a miracle that the light had caught it and she had been looking at him because of the toast.

Frowning she placed the cup back on the table before taking a step back, she glanced to the spilled wine of her own wondering if hers had been the same and if someone had tried to poison them both. No one could have known they would both be here at this time though. Had this just been intended for the King? Thoughts began to swarm around on what would have happened if he’d have ingested that wine, her survival and safety also guaranteed on him being alive. “Poison…” The word left her lips in a whisper as she was still trying to register it, that tiny specks of dust could have caused so many problems.

It was the cry of the Princess and the sudden clash of her glass against the surface of the table that stopped Ozragad from sipping from the goblet. At first he thought she was having some kind of outburst of defiance against the tentative agreement that they had only just realised, throwing down her cup in disgust rather than drink to his toast. You are a fool for thinking it would be so simple, she means to vex you once more. She is your enemy, do not forget that. His brow darkened and his eyes narrowed in anger, before widening in surprise as she threw herself at him.

Unconsciously, his hand went to the sword at his side and began to bare the steel blade. It seemed to him she was trying to attack him in some way What is she doing? Has she gone mad? But she was not attacking him. It was not at him her ire and agitation were directed, but rather he saw, what he held in his other hand. The crystal goblet filled with wine.

She pulled the glass from his hand, as Ozragad let his sword slide back into its scabbard. He was at a loss, trying to comprehend what had just happened. The Princess set the glass down on the table and then spoke a single word, suddenly all the pieces fell into place.

"Poison."

He repeated the word back to her.

"Poison."

Poison? Poison! Someone had just tried to poison him! Someone had just tried to kill him! Here in his own council chambers! In his own palace! And she... she had saved him?! His mind reeled.

"How did you... why did-" Ozragad began to speak to her, uncomprehending, almost as if he were a sleep walker, before he shook his head and stopped himself. As his incomprehension faded, another emotion began to take its place. Rage, pure, unadulterated, rage. He bellowed for the guards who stood outside his door. The pair of them burst through the doors, swords in hand.

"Seal the Palace! No one leaves unless I say so! And find me that wretch of servant who was just in here!" The King barked out his orders and his men scurried off to do as he commanded.

"Your Majesty-" Manawyndan spoke, still sat at the table. Ozragad's head snapped to him and affixed him with his molten eyes.

"What?!"

"If I could beg a private word." The old Formori's eyes were pleading. But Ozragad's blood was boiling in his veins. Manawyndan was more than just a general and his deputy, Ozragad trusted him with the secret matters of the state too, the intricacies of spy craft and subterfuge. Suddenly the King found a valid target to unleash what was building inside of him.

"You can beg I do not throw you off of my council! How was this allowed to happen?! How was this Eorzian child a more competent spymaster than y-" The King slammed one fist on the table, the other wildly gesticulated to where the Princess still stood.

"Sire! Please! All might not be as it seems." The Lord Steward's eyes flicked in the direction of the Princess, wary and suspicious. But Ozragad was past subtlety. The weeks of tension building since the betrothal, the forced niceties of his return to court, the shadows of those who were once friends that now lurked knives in hand, and no where to release it. No killing or fighting to be done. It all came out, in blinding, blistering fury.

"Oh spit it out! You bloody old fool!" Even calm and unflappable Manawyndan looked taken aback. He began to speak in his low gravelly tones, quickly and quietly.

"Your Majesty, though I hate to besmirch the word of your betrothed, it is thus far only her word and her word alone that there has been any attempt on your life. We should not act rashly. Though I sincerely hope it is not so, this could be some form of Eorzian ploy designed to lower your guard and sow distrust against those loyal to you. Send for the kennel master for a dog, or better yet, the rat catcher, in order to test the wine on some pest or vermin and see if it is truly poison, rather than jumping to conclusions."

At that moment the doors of the chamber swung inwards and a pair of soldiers appeared, hauling between them the Formori servant who had brought the wine in not minutes before. They dropped him to the stone floor in a heap at the foot of the King.

"Test the wine on vermin you say?" There was a savage gleam in Ozragad's eyes. "Finally you say something useful."

The King picked up the still full glass from the table and advanced on the servant who began to crawl away from him. With a kick to his ribs he flipped the man onto his back and pinned him there to the floor with one knee. The man cried out in pain, eyes wide with abject terror and weakly tried to fight the King off. The two guards stepped in and restrained the man's arms. With one hand, Ozragad pinched the servant's nose shut, and with the other he began to force the wine between the man's lips.

Elise had caught sight of the fact his hand had reached for his sword, but she was glad he realised she was not going to cause him harm and that she wasn’t a threat to him. Firstly, it was absurd to think she would just outright attack him like that, secondly, he could easily overpower her being a warrior from the war and thirdly, well they had just come to an agreement had they not? Her eyes still focused on the glass, now a flicker of doubt seeping through in case she had been wrong and maybe she had seen nothing. Maybe it was simply just a hope of hers that it was poison and maybe now she had just made a complete an utter fool of herself in front of him and his council. It could have been her subconscious trying to find ways to stop this wedding that she had just now agreed too.

It took all her effort to conceal her tremble, the fear that the rage of his was about to be directed to her and without nothing her hand went to her throat still feeling his lingering fingertips against the skin that had recently healed from their spat. Though as the guards burst through the door’s swords in hand her own hand dropped back to her side keeping silent as Ozragad began to bark orders to everyone. Wasting no time, the soldiers followed his orders scurrying off and she glanced towards Manwyndan as he spoke hearing the snap of Ozragads as he begged a private word which meant out of her earshot.

What does it matter, they attacked the King. There was no way they could know I was here. Although it begs to question Manawyndan turned down the offer of a drink. Is there even a possible chance that he?

For a moment she looked lost in thought contemplating the fact that there could very well be more at work here and as the council had said all might not be as it seems. It was then she felt her own rage, anger that he assumed it was an Eorzian plot of some sort? Snorting loudly, she turned her head up at the idea this had anything to do with her or her people, “I suppose I should take that as a compliment that you think I or my people could have had something to do with this.” Elise knew she should have kept it to herself, but she was internally seething that he had insinuated an Eorzian ploy could be at hand here when she barely had time to worry about her sleeping pattern to even think about killing the King.

“Considering the fact, you all see me as some ignorant child I have been under supervision ever since I stepped foot in this castle. The ladies aren’t my own and don’t think me naive enough to think they haven’t been whispering in your ears about my movements here or reporting back to you both. Lastly I have been confined to my rooms and the few Eorzian people that accompanied me here have not set foot out of my wing.” Hissing out her words as she folded her arms to stop herself from shaking, between the fear of an actual assassination attempt and the annoyance she felt of being remotely accused of this a part of her hoped she had been wrong and that she had seen nothing in the wine.

Swallowing hard she glanced at the cup on the table wincing as Ozragad picked it up seeing the savage gleam in his eye as he clearly had an idea on what to do with it. By now the servant was being dragged back in here and she watched the cruel King show just who was in power here. The weak attempts as the servant fought were pitiful and she wondered if that was how she had looked in the moments of their fight. Elise wanted to tear her eyes away, but she had to watch this, she had to know if it truly was poison that been in that cup.

Maybe I was wrong. What’s worse, being right and knowing an attempt was made or looking like a fool to my future husband.

It was a question she couldn’t answer, and she watched as silence fell over the room the servant now being forced to drink the wine. She was certain she could hear her heart hammering away, the soft thuds in her head as she waited. It seemed like the longest couple of minutes and just as she was about to berate herself for overreacting, she could see the servants body start to convulse as the poison now bled into his system. Coughs and splutters could be heard as he started to foam from the lips chocking on his own spit and you could hear the laboured breaths fill the room that was feeling more warmer than it had moments ago and Elise was unable to tear her eyes away from the dying man.

By the time the man's convulsions had ceased beneath him, Ozragad's head had began to clear once more. The red mist lifted from his eyes and he saw the scene before him. A dead man on the floor, the Princess and Manawyndan standing shocked above him, a cluster of guards and courtiers nervously peering through the open doors. There was blood on his hand and cuff from when the servant had begun to wretch and splutter. He stared at it for a moment before he wiped it on the front of the dead man's tunic and rising to his feet.

"Get this out of my sight." He wearily commanded the two guards who had brought the servant in moments before. "And then shut that door." They readily complied, dragging the dead man from the chamber, and then sealing them off once more from the curious and worried gaze of the court.

Treachery and treason, in his own palace, he could scarcely believe it. He had thought he had put and end all of that after the regency of his youth, and he had marched against those who had conspired against his mother. Poison. It was the weapon of a coward. He despised that more than anything else. It shall not happen to me, I will not let it happen. They fear to face me, I shall hunt them down.

The thought of what he would do when he found whoever was behind this reassured him for a moment, until his councillor spoke once more.

"That was ill done."

"Really? How?" The King shot Manawyndan a poisonous glance, but the Lord Steward did not back down.

"That did not help us find who was responsible for this, he should have been taken and questioned. By the Gods, he might not have even known that he served you poison. But we can't find that out now, because you killed him." His tone was disobedient, bordering on insolence. But Ozragad could not find the rage in him again. He just felt tired.

"Oh, just get out of here. Go do your job and find out who did this." Manawyndan stared back at him, and with a snort of derision marched out of the council chamber without a second look. Now he was alone with the Princess.

The King went to say something but the words caught in this throat and withered there. What was he to say? Should he thank her? Should he apologise again? Should he beg for her forgiveness. Or should he ask her what his councillor advised him - is this your doing? He did not know.

He didn't meet her gaze as he wearily walked back to his seat at the table, and slumped into it. Somewhere in all the action his grey streaked dark mane had come loose from the knot that had held it behind his head. Strands of hair hung down around Ozragad's face. Unselfconsciously, he reached up and removed the plain circle that rested on his head and set it on the table before him. He shook his hair loose, let it fall free.

"I am sorry for my councillor. It is his job to be suspicious." He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, as if he was in pain. "It seems... I may owe you a great deal. There is one question I have though... why? Why did you choose to save me? If I had died you might have been free of me, and this place, which you clearly both despise. So why did you save my life?"