Terrence looked up into the hollow eyes of his older brother, honestly, he'd only seen portraits and heard stories. The figure rested a hand on his left shoulder and information surged through like a passing wave. He caught bits and pieces, mainly that in Alphonse's palace was a secret room, along with a spell to reveal it.
The figure glanced over Theodore and snapped his fingers, the dagger Theo used to stab him came flying to his hand. Then the figure steadily walked before kneeling in front of Ashton's nest. With his head baod, he offered both the journal and dagger up.
Ashton looked down at his former self, another piece of his shattered heart. He felt… nothing. Not an empty hollow feeling… not anger at the betrayal, just… nothing. Ashton accepted the journal but engulfed the dagger in silver flames until it melted away. "A pity your journey ended so early." Ashton remarked.
Alphonse's figure stood, without moving his neck he smiled at Neolani.
Neolani had quickly created an illusion before the first of her teers could show when she saw Al. There was the barest hint of a curve to his lip that was a mixture of mildly indulgence and amusement as he looked at her. Neolani's heart lurched, really… it could hardly even be considered a smile.
Find happiness little Ember. Al mouthed the words for her alone as the lights faded.
After all the light had faded away the marble floated up and embedded itself into the journal. All of feelings Alphonse had toward Seibel, his family, his responsibilities, expectations… all of them fit in that tiny, clear marble. There truly had been… nothing.
Ashton glanced down at the journal, it seemed fitting to let it remain as a record… "Crown prince Terrence, after the tribute banquet this journal might end up Lucian's hands. I suggest you ask your brother how damned Seibel would be if they learned its truths."
Terrence paled, then baod, "I will take the matter seriously." Clearly the beast was giving them time to prepare, this was not a debt he would forget.
Theodore glared indignantly, "You could alter it between now and then, for all we know you want a war between nations!" Theodore accused looking around.
Ashton just raised a brow, "I have better endeavors to pursue, though… your fate might be entertaining to hear about in a decade or so."
Theodore paused, in a decade or so… he stepped forward to look at the youth. "You can't be, Alphonse didn't have any children…" he denied stepping closer.
Ashton shrugged, "Are you willing to bet your soul on that?"
Theodore paled even more at the thought, there were several weeks unaccounted for when Alphonse was at war or patrolling the borders. There were also one or two days each year that were just blank…
Ashton gave Theodore a knowing look, "Perhaps… a day stands out in particular?" Ashton teased, then glanced over Lucian who stood up to glare over the Seibel delegation.
Leonard was pulling on Lucian's arm to keep him from charging forward. While Ashton hadn't admitted it… he was hinting that Alphonse might actually be his father. Lucian stared at Terrence who also looked surprised.
Ashton chuckled, "Alphonse died without any descendants, though… I'll stop there. Any will Alphonse left behind has already been set in motion."
Theodore glared, "Do you dare take your mask off?" Suddenly he was bent over clutching his mouth. Theodore's tongue felt as if he'd just swallowed boiling water.
Ashton narrowed his eyes, "Seibel's delegation may have to return with one less princes."
Terrence glanced over Theodore but didn't comment on the matter, "I will take your words to heart, should you have need please call upon me at any time. Also, Seibel will always welcome you."
Ashton lazily grinned at Terrence, "Best to clean house before you invite any visitors princeling."
Terrence baod, then eyed his retinue. Cleaning house would be his first priority as soon as they reached Seibel boarders. "Gregorio, send word to change out the guards. Have that one imprisoned until we return." Terrence gestured to the guard with the broken chest plate.
Gregorio nodded, if only 4 of the 30 came without intentions, better to kill innocents than suffer the guilty. Unfortunately, they would still need two weeks before the fresh guards could arrive.
Curtis gave a quick nod to the left drawing both Terrence's and Gregorio's attention. Curtis could feel the surging mana from the girl approaching them with a brilliant smile.
Melia skipped toward Terrence, then before they could stop her she gripped his arm and started leeding him toward the tables, "Crown Prince, perhaps we might barter?"
Terrence gave a polite smile as he followed along, "I am at your service priestess."
Melia flashed another smile, "I just happen to have a few guards, since they are my personal guards, this is the first time they've left the savannah. I was thinking… perhaps we might… do a guard cultural exchange for a few weeks."
Terrence kept his smile, but his mind was running a mile a minute. While he couldn't trust his own guards, there was no guarantee he could trust the Inago either. Seibel had tried to conquer their lands just a few years ago.
"Priestess, what kind of cultural exchange?" Gregorio asked, he could understand Terrence's caution, but since the Inago were serving a beast of Pride… better the beast than the man.
"I've always been curious about Seibel, though my mother doesn't especially approve. I want to know about your food, teas, ceremonial language, and similar items. Nothing political, or guard training." Melia added cupping her face in her hands as she sat beside Terrence.
Gregorio stood behind Terrence, "And how many guards would you be taking in this temporary exchange?"
Melia grinned, "As many as you'd like to give, we have oath binding stones so I'm not worried."
Gregorio's shoulders tensed slightly, "We trust in the pride of the Inago, though I'm not sure guards will have the best knowledge of tea and the likes."
Melia's smile faltered ever so slightly as she glanced to Terrence, "I was hoping crown prince Terrence would have some recommendations or be able to send for a famous chef, then I can get hands on experience before the tribute banquet ends."
Curtis gave a short cough, "I happen to have some merchant connections I can recommend for tea. I will personally vouch for the quality."
Melia gave Curtis a beaming smile, "I would be grateful, as a show of good faith I will send my personal guards over. You are of course welcome to have them swear temporary oaths."
Terrence gave a nod, "While I wish faith alone was enough, as crown prince I must ensure some secrets be kept."
Melia waved the comment away, "Of course, now let's move on to more pleasant conversations. Such as the hunting grounds, did you happen to hear any rumors on your way here?"
Zane glanced at the others, since the beast priestess was inviting Terrence so openly… they would temporarily hold their hostilities. "Yes, we had word this morning that a leeder class python was being hunted down by mercenaries."
Terrence wasn't oblivious to the favor Melia was showing, whatever she wanted couldn't be as simple as tea and food recommendations.
Ashton didn't say anything as Melia kept asking Terrence subtle questions, nor did he bring attention to Melia's lack of attention on Hazel. Melia didn't ignore Hazel, but didn't directly engage her either…
Azarius glanced between the foreign royals as he ate, his performance had been complimented several times. Azarius also asked about the different teas everyone enjoyed, many were willing to recommend different brands.
Rommel sipped on his own tea, "Is the savanna a bad place to grow tea leaves?"
Azarius shrugged, "No, but most our teas are pretty simple, and since Ash likes more…"
"Complex tea?" Rommel offered trying to keep his language appropriate for an eight-year-old.
Azarius hesitated, "Yeah?"
Ashton rolled his eyes dramatically, "I am not picky, there is a single tea I prefer, but it's fairly common."
Melia flashed a smile, "We want to spoil you, mayhap another will be more to your liking."
Ashton glanced over the mostly interested group, "Perhaps the little flower will have some recommendations in the days to come."
Hazel jolted and looked up through her bangs surprised, then glanced back down at her tea. "I, I know a few."
Melia smiled at Hazel, "I would love to learn tea brewing from you Princess Hazel."
"Ah, oh, okay." Hazel agreed with a quick nod as she glanced at her tea again. Hazel tried not to tremble under Melia's dissecting examination.
Melia gasped as she was suddenly surrounded by silver flames, then she was being lifted until she was face to face with Ashton, she gave an innocent smile.
"Little spark," Ashton's tone was gentle, but firm.
Melia pouted, "I was just curious."
Ashton narrowed his eyes, "Lies do not become you little spark."
Melia jolted as teers pooled in her eyes, she gave a quick nod as she held them back.
Ashton didn't waver, "My favor for you does not extend to petty bullying."
Neolani gave Melia a disapproving stare, "We have been lax with them, that will change."
Ashton set Melia back into her chair, "Rather than lax… perhaps I am not the only one who has been too indulgent."
Alexei nodded, "Bad habits can't always be indulged because of merits rendered, but I think it's more due to jealousy. Melia has always been our pride, and this is her first trip out of the savanna."
Ashton glanced over the table, "Too much pride, and it becomes arrogance and entitlement. No one is entitled to claim me as a prize."
Alexei stiffened; Ashton wasn't looking at them… but it was a good reminder. "I'll make sure we all keep that in mind Ash."
Ashton glanced between Neolani and Alexei, then sighed. "I am quite the catch if I do say so myself."
Neolani tried to hide her smile at Ashton's boastful tone, "Anyone would be blessed to have you in their life."
Alexei grinned but didn't comment. Thankfully, Ashton's joke lightened the mood considerably. The children glossed over the faux pas and continued to talk about random interesting bits of their lyves.
Neolani watched as Ashton fell asleep to the sound of the children chatting. While Melia had been out of line to harass the young princess… for Ash to call her out so publicly was unexpected. Even if bullying was shameful... his reaction was rather… abrupt.
Alexei signaled for the warriors to start taking turns in the nest with Ashton. Until the noon meal all was calm… unfortunately the Smyrna nobles were growing louder as they welcomed half a dozen youths.
Lucian glanced over the children, Serafin and Natasha were giving their greetings to their cousins Monroe, Emmett, and Emma. Monroe at 15 was nearly the spitting image of his brother Jaxon but instead of black hair and black eyes, he had black hair and pale green eyes. Emmett and Emma were the children of Charmaine's older brother Lyon Luthiger and Bianca Karbonovich.
Emmett was already 15, and often practiced with his cousins, uncles and the soldiers so he had broader shoulders than many his age. His appearance didn't stand out, but his dark brown hair and eyes paired with his infections smile made him easy to approach.
Emma was already 13 and kept her blue fan up covering half her face so only her dark brown eyes and light brown hair could be seen. She had matched her blue dress to look similar to Natasha, unfortunately her much rounder features made the dress look unbecoming on her otherwise lovely frame.
Levi Silas was Leonard's second son, his brown curls were more like his mother's, but he still had his father's stern features and green eyes. Since he was 16, he and Emmett practiced swords together twice a month, though his slightly slimmer frame made him more agile than Emmett. Levi had been instructed privately to not upset Ashton Reece, even if it meant disagreeing with the prince and princess.
Levi hesitated behind the group as they finished up their greetings then started to head toward the giant nest… and even larger white gryphon. Levi glanced down at his gift for Ashton… as he was the only one with something in hand they others were already displeased with him.
Serafin didn't comment on Levi's obvious gift as he walked confidently up to the tables, all eyes were watching so he made sure to puff up his chest a little as he led the group. "Add a table for us." He ordered the servants standing around.
Silver flames erupted around the tables, "I did not invite you to sit at my tables." Ashton informed narrowing his eyes as he woke up.
Serafin had to make an effort not to glare as Ashton sat up and looked down at them. "They're my tables, this garden belongs to the Smyrnaean imperial family." Serafin made sure he kept his voice neutral.
Ashton let a small half grin creep onto his face, "You are mistaken, prince Serafin. By your own father's hand, I claim any territory I pass through as mine. Which means… your education is so lacking you aren't even aware of the status of your own nobilities…" Ashton informed trailing off as he glanced over all the nobles present.
Empress Charmaine paled as she nearly broke her fan from clenching it so hard. While it was basically unheard of… Reece's could claim territory temporarily during their stay. But, usually this was only when a foreign Reece stayed somewhere at a monarch's request.
Monroe stepped forward with a bao, "Lord Reece, territories are only for foreign Reece's, as well as the duration discussed and agreed upon prior to a visit."
Ashton rested his hand in his palm, "Typically, yes. But in Smyrna any Reece may claim their domiciles, shops, personal property, and any designated resting areas. Apparently, ignorance runs deep in the imperial bloodline."
Jaxon glared, Reece's were not a heavily discussed topic since there hadn't been one to visit in over a hundred years. However, Jaxon and Leonard had looked into their privileges… there had been no mention of such clauses.
Leonard hesitated as he shared a glance with Jaxon, while he didn't personally know of such a boon… that didn't mean it didn't exist. Especially since they had only really looked into Reece privileges in the last two weeks.
Ashton narrowed his eyes into slits. "Your expressions accuse me of being a liar Duke Darnings, Marquis Silas."