"It was a bloody battle. No noble or royal lives that didn't keep to themselves." I said. "The Taiga are essentially servants even."
"Such a proud race.. brought so low. This Emporer seems.. very strict." Phintias said.
"He is a handy ally, but never a friend." I agreed.
"And how costly is this, 'handy ally'?" Phintias asked.
"If you add in Asmodeus? It far exceeds fair value." I smiled. "But without, if he goes to battle, I just send him people and back him with military might. The other side of the Asmodeus coin is that it is supposed to be a mutual relationship since the cost of my soul was the Empire's safety."
"Well it seems that there is more to your tale." Phintias replied.
"Not really. A Rakshasa once plagued the Empire. My parents traded their lives and my soul to Asmodeus to remove the viscious thing. My aunt took regency until last month when Dirthin killed her, so I'm having to take my place as ruler." I shrugged.
"Having to, hm? It would not be the first or the last that someone would kill for that position." Phintias noted.
"Well, most of them didn't have a power drunk aunt trying to murder them their whole life." I shrugged. "Which is how I ended up on this continent initially."
"Well, that is certainly true, probably." Phintias decided.
"Then, let me ask you a question. What are the laws surrounding occupancy for foreign dignitaries on this continent?" I asked.
"Eh, depends on.. where you're wanting to set up precisely." Phintias replied.
"Oof, that's vague." I said. "Let's ask a different question, then. What's the relationship between the North and South here?"
"It is.. um.. strained to say the least." Phintias replied.
"Mm. And what is the relationship between the Hearthry family, the Realm and the Kingdom?" I asked.
"Well, here they are held in pretty high regard. In the Kingdom, they are a threat." He said.
I inhaled sharply. "Then Dirthin reproducing with a foreign ruler would be viewed as an act of aggression, no?"
"It would be certainly seen as an issue." Phintias said bluntly.
"Which means, even if I strong armed the Kingdom into accepting my residency, my relation to the Hearthry's would put strain on our situations." I sighed. "Somehow, I figured Dirthin was too optimistic."
"Dirthin think either things will go his way, or he'll make them go his way. It can't always go his way." Phintias said.
"Yeah, he's cute." I said, wryly. "Alright, so I am about to undergo my official coronation as Kohi if the Isla, so how'd you gain your longevity?"
"Oh, my. That's.. a very old story. To make it simple, I'm a very old vampire." He replied.
I nodded. "Not what I would have first suspected, but good to know. I never have problems with those who aren't harming me."
"Me either." Phintias said. "So what will you do about the Kingdom?"
"Mm. I don't have any choice. I'll have to wipe out my opposition cleanly.. Though I wonder if the ruler of the Realm would accept merging the Kingdom with his Realm." I replied.
".. Are you just going to give it to him?" Phintias asked, surprised.
"I don't see why not. As long as I can sort out being able to reside in Wellspring." I said.
"If you hand him the Kingdom on a silver platter, not even the annoying nobles here will be able to stop him from giving you some land." Phintias said.
"So the ruler is a gentle person?" I asked.
"Hm. I could.. I could say he is gentle." Phintias agreed.
"It wouldn't be wrong for me to offer compensation for my use of land, though. Do you have a recommendation based on your prior knowledge of my home?" I asked.
"For compensation of the land, considering that place became nothing but ruins.. for the land itself, a platinum piece and no one would be able to say anything about it. That'd give you full control, agricultural, construction.." Phintias replied. "You'd be able to turn it into 'foreign land' so no one else could claim it later."
I nodded a little. "Before my aunt was killed, I was just planning on living in Wellspring. Her death spurred on my soon to be coronation, and I do understand a wayward 'princess' is more ok to run around than a ruling 'queen'. You know?"
"True. Most Kingdoms are not alright with wondering royalty. Too many security risks all around." Phintias said.
"Suppose I just need to decide when to speak to the ruler, then. Before invasion l, or after. Scaring people doesn't make for a good ally, though." I noted.
"Eh, take you to meet him." Phintias said.
"You can?" I asked.
"Ah, yes. I probably should have mentioned my current profession.. I am his advisor." Phintias said.
My left ear twitched. "Oh.. suppose it's a good thing I didn't intend to invade the Realm, then."
"Oh, it would have been an interesting conversation at least." Phintias said. "A good life lesson this."
"Nah. I had the information that was firmly needed. Anything else and I'd just have had to call Raiden here." I shrugged. "The Empire would have to strike back if I was harmed."
He laughed. "I said an interesting conversation. Even if you wanted to take the Realm, I would not have harmed you. It's not my place to meddle. Only if my family came to harm would I get involved."
I stood up and stretched. "Should I prepare a present for the ruler?"
"Hmm. He enjoys fruit if you wish to bring something." He replied.
I nodded and contacted Raiden. "Please send to me a basket of blue and purple dragon fruits, gold passion fruits and physalis, please. I would like it urgently."
"Fine." Was his response.
I nodded at Phintias, "When shall I meet with him, then?"
"How soon do think your gift will arrive?" Phintias asked.
"Likely within ten minutes." I said. "Raiden is quick and efficient. I haven't seen any of the fruits of the Empire here, so I think that will be a nice treat."
"Wel, I suppose we should get moving then. If you would, meet me at the front desk." Phintias replied.
I inclined my head. "Yes. Thank you for making my life easier."
Then I headed the way I'd come from, waiting near the shelves. By the time he concluded whatever he was doing and came to collect me, I had recieved the basket. The gold, blue and orange fruits looked glorious in their basket, which had a silver ribbon tied about it, which I hadn't asked for, but did appreciate. I had to tell Raiden he was a great man.
"Ah, those do look lovely. I suppose we are ready to go then?" He commented.
"Yes, Dirthin is outside." I said.
"Ah, he'll have to meet us outside the castle then. It's fine if he follows, but he'll have to stay outside." Phintias said.
"Odd choice, but I have books he can read." I said.
"I'm sure, since you two have had relations, that you know he doesn't care about status of royalty." Phintias said.
"Yeah, that is true." I agreed. "I don't think he'll be too upset, I'll just make him some proper smores later."
"Sm.. you know what? You two do what you wanna do in your personal time." Phintias said, leading me out.
"It's a sweet dessert." I explained.
"I'm sure it is." He said.
Once we stepped outside, I saw Dirthin and briefly explained that I was going to have a word with the Sultan, and see if we can come to an agreement in some things. I thanked him for his patience and asked him if he wanted some books to read or anything. He accepted the books, saying it was better than staring menacingly at people.
I giggled and gave him a book on legendary battles, he accompanied us to the doors of the palace, which is where he stayed with the book. We went inside, unimpeded, and went straight to the ruler's study. Phintias knocked on the study door, then entered.
"Hello, Phin.. Adviser. What can I do for you?" The royal asked, altering his was of addressing Phintias when he noticed there was an additional person.
"I have brought you an interesting guest." Phintias declared.
"Phintias rarely does introductions. I am the Sultan. How may I address you?" The Sultan asked.
"Noted." I said, eyeing Phintias. A little thrown off, and uncertain on how I was supposed to handle the situation, I settled on brute honesty. "My apologies for not doing this properly, Sultan. I am Vexie Silver, Sovereign of the Isla Silver Reef. I've brought fruits of the Empire for you, along with a offer that should please us both."
He gave a similar look to Phintias. "Shall we sit for our discussion? I feel a little caught off guard."
I offered him the basket, "Do not feel alone. It was only fifteen minutes ago that I learned he was your adviser. I would prefer to be called Vexie, by the way."
"Ah, yes. That's typically the way of it. Phintias loves to withhold information until it's absolutely necessary to disclose it." The Sultan said, accepting the basket. "These are some interesting looking.. fruits..?"
"The blue one is dragon fruit, it does wonders at preventing illness, it is good for the eyes, blood and skin. As a wine it is deceptively sweet with a gentle taste, and is said to help with poor appetite. The golden one is golden passion fruit. It aids digestion and heart health, it is said to help keep a youthful appearance as well as having some healing properties. Lastly, the orange is Physalis, it helps with inflammation and strengthens bones." I explained at length, as is proper to do.
"Sounds like some very potent fruits. I may have to save some seeds." The Sultan said, with appreciation.
"Please do." I said, accepting his gesture to take a seat.
"So now that you have gifted me with fruits.. what may I do for you?" He asked.
"Do you mind if I speak casually? The mind games of political speaks is annoying." I said.
"By all means, speak casually." He said, sounding amused.
"Very well. Phintias has said both the Realm and the Hearthry's have a level of friendship with eachother and friction with the Kingdom. Would you say this is accurate?" I asked.
"Yes. The Hearthry family have set up trade with the Realm, whereas the Kingdom seems to believe they want to take over. The ruler of the Kingdom is a little.. paranoid." He said.
"Alright. I am going to invade the Kingdom and remove any and all problems that I identify." I informed him.
"And what would you deem a problem, precisely?" The Sultan asked.
"Currently just the ruling faction and probably their loyalists. More importantly, I wanted to ask if you wanted to take control of the Kingdom." I replied.
"Do understand it is particularly difficult for me to take all of this seriously. You are essentially an unknown entity saying you will wipe out the ruling faction of the Kingdom and now you are asking if I want it." The Sultan said.
"I understand." I said, "I'll explain a little of my life for the last half a year, and maybe then you'll understand a little better what motivates me. For four months I was held on a ship, unconscious, until we docked in Winter's Halt. I killed some of the crew during my escape, and released the cargo of their ship, who were all arrested with the crew two months ago. Dirthin Hearthry assisted me in avoiding being arrested. He and I formed a relationship that has resulted in a pregnancy. A month ago, Dirthin killed my Aunt who was the Regent of my Isla, and now I have to take responsibility for the Isla."
"Sounds like you've had an exciting life for a little while." The Sultan said.
"Yes, my life has been anything but typical of my station.. I want to raise my cub in the ruins of a small town in the Kingdom. My original plan was to be polite and ask permission from the Kingdom, but I have determined through talking with Phintias, and my own laziness, that hostility is called for. But I have no intention of taking over the Kingdom, so I wanted to offer it to you and compensate you for the land I wish to dwell in once I hand you the Kingdom." I explained.
"So you wish to.. wipe out the Kingdom, give it to me, then pay for the land to stay on?" The Sultan asked.
"Ideally, it's not a bad offer for you." I said.
"That is a bit of an understatement. It would seem someone had been putting ideas into your head about fending off the nobles around here." The Sultan said.
"Phintias only offered a price when I made the suggestion, and told me the probable result of it. The plans are all my own based off of impulse and laziness." I replied.
"If all this were to come to pass, I would certainly accept the windfall. But what do you need of me? Aside from permission for this land?" The Sultan asked.
"To be blunt, I don't know of anything I could need of you. I have people, I have ample funds. Do you feel this is too skewed?" I asked.
"I do. This is weighed a little to heavily in my favor." The Sultan replied.
"Then what would make you feel better?" I asked.
"How about I pay you for the service of clearing the Kingdom?" The Sultan asked.
"Mm. Actually, I am open to discussion on this, because I would prefer to not damage your reputation." I said.
"Actually on that, I have an idea." Phintias said. "Since you have Dirthin following you around, why not use him? The Hearthry family have quite the following of noble families behind them. If you go in and confront the King about your capture with Dirthin in tow, I feel the nobles would sort themselves after. The King is far too paranoid to let you confront him and not try to kill you."
"I see, so use his instability against him. That doesn't sound bad. Though I didn't want to involve the Hearthry's." I said. "But, how does that help protect his reputation?"
"Because once it's yours.. now this is gonna be the hard part.. You're going to have to marry him." Phintias said, gesturing to the Sultan.
The Sultan shook his head. "Even with his.. phrasing.. that is a viable option."
"Is that the route you would prefer to take?" I asked.
"He is my advisor for a reason, I will listen to it." The Sultan said.
"It's not a bad idea for me, because I can wonder around.. nearly freely that way." I commented. "But my question was your opinion on the matter, not if you'd follow your advisor's words."
"My opinion is that.. I cannot seem to think of any better plans. It will preserve whatever reputation I have, and the Kingdom would be reopened for trade." The Sultan said.
"Mm." I looked at Phintias, "What hidden benefit is there, then? Because I have a feeling there is something else."
"Well, trade with the Isla wouldn't be a bad thing for either of us. Extra income for a rising queen isn't a bad thing." Phintias said.
"Just say it outright." I said. "If you want the Sultan to have access to trade directly regulated by himself with the Isla, even the Empire, say so. I can easily see it done. The benefits only improve my cubs quality of life on this continent."
"I was simply trying to be tactful." Phintias said.
I looked at the Sultan. "Dirthin wanted me to eliminate the Emporer to ensure my safety. The Emporer is a tyrant."
"Well, it would certainly be my right as a husband to assist." The Sultan said.
"Alright. I won't decline the assistance. It can be a proper alliance." I said. "I'll start making moves as soon as my coronation is completed."
"Alright. I look forward to our cooperation and future marriage. I will discuss this with my current wife and make sure she knows this is purely political." The Sultan said.
"Is this something your wife would protest?" I asked.
"She understands that things like this can happen." He said.
"I do not know your situation, but understanding and a ruler marrying a pregnant ruler... can be insulting if you both haven't managed to conceive yet.." I let my voice trail off. "And even if I wasn't pregnant, I am a Tigrine, my pregnancies only last half a year."
"Well, I very much doubt all of this will happen tomorrow." He replied. "Do you wish for your child to go into all of this? Most rulers do, I'm just checking."
"I had not, I had meant for my cub to be able to choose." I said.
"That will be extremely difficult to do now if we go through with these plans." He said.
"Yes, it does seem that way. I am aware of how long it can take for royal marriages to take place, but after I take over, it is in my best interest to not delay, so you can handle the Kindgom's matters right away." I said.
"I will get some things underway to make it as quick as possible." The Sultan said.
I took one of the stones out of my bag that attaches to the stone in the table at Raiden's Island, I offered it to the Sultan. "I'm sure you'll have other means, but this has runes which will allow for visual communication between us."
He accepted the stone, "Alright, well, I'm sure it will come in handy."
I nodded, "Unless there is anything else we need to discuss now, I will head out."
"No, I believe that will about cover it. If anything else comes up, I'll contact you through this." The Sultan replied.
I agreed, "For the record, if an alternate manner is thought of, it can be discussed. If you want trade from outside this continent, consider it a gift for being hospitable."
I stood and left the room, heading out of the palace. I approached Dirthin and booped his nose. "Hey, you."
"Meetings all done? Or are we just walking to the next place." Dirthin asked.
"Done, unless you wanna involve your brother in some plans." I said, then added. "He probably needs a heads up anyways."
"What in the world does James need a heads up about?" Dirthin asked.
"I am not at liberty to discuss it in the open." I replied.
"That's easily taken care of." Dirthin said, taking me back to his office.
Once we were inside, and the door closed, I explained the plans to him, though only mentioned the marriage as a potential easy method of protecting reputations and allowing my freedom on this continent.
"The plan makes sense. I can certainly go talk to James about it. It benefits us to have the king removed anyway." Dirthin said.
"That was my understanding." I replied.
"I understand the reason behind it, but I feel the marriage thing is a lot." Dirthin said.
"I'm conflicted. It definitely makes sense, but at the same time, it's definitely not something I ever wanted." I said.
"That's the problem with royalty. There's things you want and things you have to do." Dirthin said.
I nodded. "What's your opinion?"
"My opinion is, it's a solid plan and it should work. But I feel that would mark the end of our romantic relationship. Simply because we would both become very busy." He said.
I rubbed his arm lightly. "Only 'cause we'd be to busy?"
He scooped me up and kissed me, "Yes. Only because we'd be to busy. I don't want to give up these sweets." He kissed me again, "And you are sweetest of all."
I laid my head on his shoulder, "I can always make you treats. I'll make sure you have rights to our cub no matter what path is taken."
He nuzzled me. "I would rip apart anyone who tried to stop us. Let's just enjoy our time tonight."
"Mm, should I make something extra yummy tonight?" I asked.
He pulled back from me and said, "That was an option?"
I grinned and started laughing. Snuggling up to him. "I'll make Peking Duck, tonkatsu and fruity cream crepes."
"That sounds amazing. Let's get cooking." Dirthin said, taking us back to my place.
Once there, we gathered an assortment of ingredients and he helped me through every step. We made the sauced first, then moved onto the meats. After they were cooking, he whipped up some sweet whipped cream for me, and I made some crepes with fruit glaze, then I made some with chocolate and whipped creme. Once the easy parts were done, I started making the sides. Rice, cabbage salad, and steamed veggies.
I took a brief nap while waiting for the food to finish cooking. Then we set the table and tucked in. The duck was beyond exquisite, and it showed in his expression when he tried it. He enjoyed the crepes nearly as much. Once we'd eaten our fill, we cleaned up the kitchen and took a bath together. I was definitely going to miss the feelings of security he gave me.
"The recipes from your home are just astounding." Dirthin said.
"I can start writing them down in my free time if you want." I told him.
He zoned out for a moment. "Yes, that would be nice."
I stood up and wrapped my arms around him. "Are you alright?"
"I dislike my decision. But I understand it's necessity." Dirthin said.
"Go ahead and talk to me about it." I said.
"Well, you see, I am greedy. I quite enjoy our relationship. I don't want it to end, or share it with anyone else. But I also know, once this happens and the King is gone, James, and thus me, will get very busy. And I won't have time for our relationship." Dirthin said.
"I understand. You feel the lack of time would hinder our relationship too much to continue with it." I said.
"Our relationship would be practically non existent anyway." He said.
I stroked the top of his head. "What's your intent for the cub, then?"
He thought on it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I've decided I don't want to give up my life for this job anymore. If I couldn't make time for you, I couldn't for the cub. And I don't want that."
"Mm. Maybe there is an alternative that isn't being seen, where everyone will be happy?" I suggested. "Your brother and my Uncle are likely to have ideas."
"We could certainly ask." Dirthin replied.
I petted him some more. "I don't want you to be upset, or to have friction with your family."
"Well, what do you want?" Dirthin asked.
"I want to live in Wellspring, safely, with our cub. I want them to be spoiled endlessly and loved." I said.
"What do you want between us?" Dirthin asked.
"I don't know. You're really sweet and cute, and we have a lot of fun together.. even if we were to stop our physical relationship, I would want to be your friend." I told him.
"I would definitely want to stay friends, too." Dirthin said.
"I also don't want you to be sad or upset." I said.
"I can try to keep those emotions away." Dirthin said.
I pinched his cheek. "Feel what you feel, silly."
He grinned. "I feel bitey."
I smiled at him, and leaned me head to the side, "Then bite. I'm not afraid of kittens."
He rumbled deeply and bit me. I purred and petted him. His hand skimmed my hips and grabbed my ass. The resulting moan spurred on more touching and petting from both of us, followed by a tender session, where he maintained his gentleness. After that was two more rounds in bed before I fell asleep.
The next morning we woke at dawn, dressing and heading to the kitchen for breakfast. A quick glance out the window revealed the flood waters were receeding. I contacted my Uncle to ask him to come to Valor's Crest, to the Estate, precisely. Then I informed Dirthin that I'd done so.
"Alright, we can knock it all out at one time, then." Dirthin said.
While I was cleaning up after breakfast, I noticed through the window that a tentacle stuck out from a bit of water to catch a bird. Perking up excitedly, I abandoned my task, heading outside. Dirthin followed curiosly.curiously. I could see it's outline perfectly, and pounced it, stabbing in the perfect spot to kill it. I'd done this before.
Ignoring the water around us, he had looked concerned, and asked me what was going on. This is when I lifted my catch that was quickly turning white now that it was dead. It was eight foot long, around a hundred pounds. Excitedly, I told him I was gonna cook it for lunch. Whatever my expression was, his own softened and he decided to assist me.
After bringing it inside, cleaning and prepping it, I began the cooking process. I made a spiced squid stir fry, calamari, grilled squid, chilli squid, salt and pepper squid and a soup, too. Then I made rice, and some veggies to go with the squid. Once we finished cooking it all, and cleaning up, we packed it in containers and into my bag of holding to keep fresh. Then we went to the Hearthry Estate.
Just in time for my uncle to arrive, and for it to be close to lunch time. Dirthin had apparently alerted his brother, and staff, that we were making and bringing lunch. Which was very kind and thoughtful of him. We handed over the food to the servants and they readied the dining room for us quickly.
I noted my uncle looked a lot healthier than previously. He was between Snow and James' size now. Though much taller. Soon, Snow and the children, then James, emerged from their tasks for lunch and we all headed into the dining room and had a pleasant meal. The meal was filled with endless questions about the method of cooking we'd used and such.
When my uncle asked if I had anything spicy, and I produced a spicy paste we could add to our food, Isarial wanted to try it spicy, too. I'd looked at his parents, alarmed, then Dirthin, but they all said he could try it, so I showed him how to use the paste, and how to make it milder, and after Barak used the paste, Isarial did. He enjoyed the dishes a lot more being spicy, but Zeraldinria did not like the spice.
Rice was another curiosity to them all, but Dirthin's encouragement was all it too to have them try it. Which spurred on more questions about how it grows and such. The boy now showed a great deal of curiosity about all sorts of things. At some point Barak, who'd been introduced before the meal, took over explaining the processef to Isarial.
His bright blue eyes seemed to light up in his pale face with every question. He was quite intrigued with all the other food types we had, and how they differed from what he was accustomed to. I could see the natural born leader in the child, and with the questions he asked. After the meal was over, Dirthin suggested a talk in the office. And so we headed upstairs, into James' office.
James gestured to the couches, "Come, sit. Tell us what we're after."
We followed his words, sitting, and I said, "I am not as patient with my words as I should be, so I ask for your patience with my direct manner of speech... I am after yours and my Uncle Barak's opinions on the matter of eliminating the King and handing the Kingdom to the Realm. Would you like details?"
With a slight smile, he said, "Yes, I would very much like the details."
I explained to him how I came to the decision to invade. Stopped, and explained that I was currently the raining queen of the Isla, and then continued explaining about my intent to have the Sultan keep control of the continent, while I go after the Empire, since Dirthin suggested removing the Emporer for both my safety and my cubs. The explanation to how control would likely be shifted to the Sultan through marriage was also stated, to keep his reputation intact.
"Who came up with this particular plan?" James asked.
"Over all? I made some inquiries to Phintias about how to go about living on this continent as a foreign dignitary, and once I had the answer, I asked about how your family gets on with the King and Sultan. Through that, I determined that for my cub to be safe and have access to their cousins, that this is the best course of action. The marriage suggestion was by Phintias to satisfy the Sultan's desire to pay to take the Kingdom from me, and my desire to not sully his reputation as a gentle ruler. It's one thing to order war, and another to call in a larger nation to crush your enemy. The excuse for invasion was also Phintias' idea." I replied.
James looked lost in thought for a moment. "Alright, I will need some time to clean house and prepare, but I support this plan. My opinion on the Sultan being left to rule the Kingdom.... he is a fine ruler. I already have dealings with him though that will need renegotiating now."