The morning was just barely over when Clovis got his first chance to break from the tedious workings of the treasury. Normally, it wasn't so bad to do the morning meeting but the farmers and the soldiers were at a disagreement again and arguing for rights to food and supplies. A choice had to be made, after a kingdom without soldiers was useless, but without the farmers they would starve. Valid points on both sides as to why they needed the extra land was a headache in and of itself.
It didn't help that General Hanash, a older, beefy man with a no nonsense attitude was used to getting his way. Who would disagree with a man who could knock his head off in a single move?
Then again the head Farmer was the Matriarch of the SongWind family. She was willow slim and water soft, but just like water with the slightest brush of wind she could become a raging currant steadfast in her course. Yet she was only 20 years old and unmarried as she focused all her time into running the family and farming.
Just thinking about their arguments, Clovis had to rub his temples to persuade the headache not to destroy what little sanity he had left. He sat down at the table to take his tea as Mally approached him and bowed apologetically. The expression on her face and in her eyes made him want to turn her away. Yet, he knew it was no use.
"Yes Beauty Mally?" he asked waiting for the words he knew was coming.
"The Emperor has asked you join him for tea." Mally replied with a soft sigh. This was not the type of news she wished to deliver. Especially when she knew the topic of discussion the Emperor had in mind.
"Yes, I suspected as much. I will meet him in his study then." Clovis replied, but before he could stand the door to his study opened and the Emperor walked in.
His silver beard and long pale hair neatly tied to flow behind him. The Lion robes he adored so much trailing around his trim figure. Despite the luxury of the kingdom, he was still well toned for a old man. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he barged into his son's study.
"No, I thought we would take it here." he replied, sitting down in the chair across from his son. There was something unexpectedly jovial about his demeanor today. Clovis sighed, knowing how his father could be.
"Alright, Mally please send for tea for two." Clovis ordered before clearing all the important scrolls and papers from his desk. The Emperor watched him with excited eyes like he had something he wished to say. However he seemed intent on waiting for a prompt and Clovis was afraid to give him one. These moods never ended well for him.
"I saw our darling Raina this morning. She was practicing her singing. She had a talented voice." the Emperor began, starting with the small talk he knew was safest. Their mutual interests began with the kingdom and ended with Raina with nothing really in between.
"I am pleased to hear she is dedicating herself to her lessons. She wishes to learn the Zither but must learn to hear tones first." Clovis explained, the soft pride that entered his voice was echoed on the Emperor's face.
"She will be quite the wife one day with those sorts of skills." The Emperor replied and Clovis frowned. He had no intention of marrying his daughter off like the had his other four half sisters. Of the Five Princesses only One was truly happy with her husband. Vella had been the lucky one.
"Yes, she will. I only hope she finds a husband that cares for her mind as much as her ability." he replied coolly, not wanting to fight this battle.once he had gained the seat of emperor no one else would have a say to begin with. Yet another reason to fight hard.
"True, of course we wish her happiness." The Emperor agreed with a smile but seemed a touch preoccupied. "However it is not for a while yet. I am more interested in your search, My boy. You must find a bride soon in order to qualify for the next step in The Emperor's Trials." he pointed out, dropping the topic that Clovis had expected. The headache his temple rubbing had pushed back, knocked again and let itself through the back door.