After a night of rough but passionate love making, we started another day of negotiations. Aidan was more focused and the negotiations seemed to go better today.
"Is-is that that all?" I ask nervously.
"There's one topic we've been avoiding." Thebes said.
"Because coming to an agreement would be difficult." Aidan said with a frown.
"W-what is it?" I asked.
"Monetary compensation." Aidan said.
"Hmm..." I pondered a solution but how did one arrive at a number to make up for years of torment and death? Does it matter that one side started it if the other side was equally as violent?
"You have thoughts on the matter?" Thebes asked.
"N-no it's just..."
"Just what?"
"The man who started the war is dead. All money can do is help rebuild what was destroyed but there's been so much destruction on both sides." I say as I look down.
"The point of contention."
"I would think Cordona owes Britania restitution for damages." Aidan said.
"And what of the damage in Britania?" Thebes asked.
"Retaliatory damage to Cordona initiating a war." Aidan said, as a matter of fact.
"Unnecessary damages and suffering."
"The entire war was unnecessary!"
"But the retaliatory strikes were vindictive and cruel."
"Taking me hostage and torturing me for years was also vindictive and cruel." Aidan said.
Thebes sighed. The tension in the air was thick and the conversation was going nowhere.
"Cordona is rich in natural resources - maybe they could offer that in lieu of gold or treasure?" I said.
"Resources we need to rebuild." Thebes scoffed.
"Money is needed to rebuild more so." I said.
"Hmph." Thebes scoffed again. I couldn't figure him out. He asked for my opinion but then reacted this way.
"Perhaps we should take a short break?" Advisor Brown asked.
"No, we will stay until we can reach an agreement." Thebes snarled.
"Cordona could send hay and livestock. In exchange Britania has acquired Persian jewels that we could offer up in exchange."
"And where would Britania have pillaged those from?"
"They were discovered during an expedition of the caves to the South."
"I'm sure they were." Thebes said sarcastically.
"I'm certain if we delved into each other's pasts there would be indiscretions on both sides. We don't have to agree or like them, but we do have to work past them to get our countries on a path to healing..." I say.
"Hmph, on that we agree." Thebes said.
It was silent for a few minutes before Thebes stood up.
"Cordona will send hay and livestock in exchange for the jewels. Our advisors can work through the exact details and draw up the agreement. Let's break to relax and meet tonight to feast and toast to peace." Thebes said.
The room erupted in applause and everyone stood up. After negotiations everyone wanted to talk to King Thebes and King Aidan. I slipped into the background and out of the room. I didn't lose my guards, but I did lose the rest of the crowd and went back to my room.
I instructed the servants to draw us a bath while I picked out an outfit for tonight. I wished Louise was here to fix my hair, but we weren't allowed to bring our personal servants inside either.
The bath was ready, but Aidan wasn't here. I sent one of the servants to fetch him but I wasn't waiting - I undressed and climbed in the warm water. I washed myself then laid back to relax in the tub. When the water got cold, I got out and got dressed.
"I'm sorry I was gone so long, those Halifax men sure can talk." I hear Aidan speak but my back is turned as I'm getting ready.
"You drew us a bath?" I hear the water ripple as he sticks his hand in the water. "It's gone cold."
"It was warm, perfect temperature really." I say and turn around. "It was a lovely bath."
"I'm sure we can have the servants run us a new one." Aidan said with a devilish smile.
"Isn't it about time for the celebration? I'm all dressed and ready to go."
"They can't start without us." He says and pulls me in close.
"So we shouldn't keep them waiting love."
He just groaned. "But I-"
"No buts allowed." I say and kiss him gently. "We need to make nice with our new allies. And if you behave then tonight..." I say, my voice trailing off at the end.
He sighs. "This should be recognized as torture...seductive torture."