Dan's POV
The Harnizians may have arrived at the borders of their kingdom three days ago, but communication had been minimal. It took a little over a day for the whole party to arrive and just as long for them to get settled, as they insisted on setting up their tents rather than staying in the castle. It had taken him a while to convince his mother not to fight it, it was more hospitable to make them comfortable than give them fancy rooms. He felt bad for spending the majority of the day away… but he couldn't find it in him to regret it.
He took his place at the table to the left of his father, his brother sat on the right. The discussion started off slow their guests were not used to getting straight to business. They were far more interested in learning about the Centrizian culture. Not in amazement, but the kind of curiosity that reminded him of someone closely studying an unfamiliar beast to see how it reacts.
After the Tea arrived, they began to relax a little, but only a little. It was obvious they didn't like or trust them, as they did not trust this sudden visit. Something had to have sparked this desire for an alliance, and that something likely wasn't a good thing.
After his father had repeated a question twice just to receive the same evasive answer he made a show of yawning, drawing his father's ire away from the old man across from him. "I apologize, I'm tired after a long day, why don't we pick this up tomorrow night? If you want, I can show you some of my favorite places to ride in the morning."
Both his father and his brother looked at him with murderous gazes at being so rude, but the Seven warlords nodded in agreement. The gray-haired Man named Zaltar Jinque, who seemed to be the respected leader of the group as the other's eyes often looked to him in silent question, spoke for the first time in an hour. "I am old and need my rest. I believe picking this up later would be best. And our people would be grateful if you were to show us where we could ride without bothering anyone."
"Great, would it be alright if we meet with our horses shortly after breakfast when the sun reaches one quarter?"
The old man smiled slightly, "Yes that would be fine." Zaltar said then stood. His father grunted at the insult of him ending the meeting and standing before the king and Donavin placed his hand on his knee under the table in a plea not to respond in anger. "Would you be so kind as to show us the way out, I'm afraid all the twists and turns have me a bit turned around."
One look from his brother said he would kill him in his sleep if he tried cutting him out of anything and he knew his father was angry and wanted to talk. He was tempted to agree, just to try to get away from them, but instead, he stood and bowed his head to the old man, "I'm sorry but my room is in the other direction, Mark is heading that way though." he told yet another partial lie. Could you please show them the way?" he asked, turning to Mark. Mark nodded and bowed to him in a similar fashion. Mark never bowed to him, and he was a bit taken aback but Mark was gone a moment later the Warlords tailing behind them and two guards behind that.
Now he was alone with his father and brother, and just a few of their guards still standing along the back wall. He had a feeling he wouldn't be going to bed any time soon; he actually was tired.
He got thoroughly scolded for being late, and for being 'Who knows where doing who knows what' With not a single person at the palace even knew where to find him. His father stated that he was now old enough not to need a secret hideout and had too many responsibilities to keep disappearing suddenly and that it needed to stop. And that nobles were even becoming suspicious of him and his secretive ways.
He argued that things had gone really well for him after he started having time to himself and that removing that would cripple him, and the progress he'd been making with improving the cities. His father was unrelenting, stating that the head steward, at the very least, should be informed of his whereabouts all throughout the day.
Giving up that fight temporarily Donavin tried to explain how they might improve negotiations with the warlords, starting with his ride the next day, that he suggested they both join in on. Then he hinted that to do so they should all get some sleep. Finally, he was let go with a "This isn't over" and he went to his room, where Mark was already waiting for him.
"Anything to report?"
"Not much, just that they were curious about you. You were the first of the royal family to meet them, at the border between lands, and are the alleged diplomat leading all things peace. Yet they have heard from you least. Not exactly an insult; as they prefer being given space and time to being pestered, but rather a simple statement of worry. I put in a good word for you, as I assumed that's what you wanted, so you better not make me regret it."
"That was kind of you, I'll do my best. Did they have any complaints about the hospitality?"
"They are not the type to complain, so you'll have to ask tomorrow."
"Okay, thanks. I'm going to wash up and go to bed, you're free until after breakfast, but I'd like you with me for the ride tomorrow."
"I figured," he said.
"Don't worry, I'll compensate you for the extra hours."
Mark just huffed and walked off into what was supposed to be Donavin's private study. He had moved half the stuff from his study into his room and the other half to the wall. Then furnished the study as a spare room for Mark; who wasn't permitted a room in the barracks because he wasn't, and could never be, a knight.
Donavin wished Mark a good night over his shoulder as he too went to get ready for bed. It had been a busy and emotionally taxing day. He was thankful for the solitude as he got ready for bed and got settled in with a new book he'd gotten from a traveling peddler, the next town over about the elusive jungle people to the southeast.
He couldn't wait to see Vera's eyes light up at the sight of it, then she'd want to barrow it and discuss it in full as she copied it or translated it, so he'd need to know what was in it if he wanted to be able to have a proper discussion about it with her. She'd dream of traveling there too no doubt, despite the terrifying dangers... but her enthusiasm would be nothing short of inspiring.
Her energy and fearlessness were traits he tried to emulate. Just as her father hoped his sense of caution and calm demeanor would rub off on her. In some ways, he agreed because he wanted her safer, but at the same time, he liked her just the way she was. A force of nature one could never fully predict.
He fell asleep thankful she was back home safely once again.