"why did i even consider becoming Lady Wales? That was the third subject today that thought they could con me into giving them gold or whatever." I said rubbing my temples from frustration.
Daveen chuckled, "They tried the same with Lord Wales...or so I hear. Perhaps they thought that since you had been gone so long you would have forgotten how parliament works?" He joked.
"That must be what's going on." I said smiling at him.
He was about to say something when a man threw open the hall doors and stormed up, "Why is it I had to be told through rumors my betrothed had returned?"
"Lord Dragonsbane. You certainly have grown since last we met. What exactly are you talking about? I was disowned meaning our betrothal was dissolved."
Dragonsbane smirked, "I heard you were reclaimed as his child. Seems someone had the bright idea to use staged attacks by the house of Dragonsbane to do so." He said pacing. He turned back to me, "Now I wonder who would do such a thing?" Lord Dragonsbane said accusingly.
"If you believe i did it to take the keep for myself then you'd better choose your next words VERY carefully." I said calmly but with an edge of poison.
Lord Dragonsbane bowed dramatically, "Oh, forgive me 'Lady Wales'." He said sarcastically, "I am only going on what rumors have been circling the realm."
"If you have come only to insult me with these rumors then I'd suggest you leave before I have you thrown out." I said waving at Daveen to prepare the guards.
"Truly forgive me, Lady Wales. I was merely acting out of spite. You didn't send word of your return to me. It was quit hurtful." He began sincerely ending in jest.
I sighed in frustration, "Then why are you here?"
Dragonsbane smiled gently, "Straight to the point I see. I wish to propose an alliance between the Wales and Bane households."
"You wish to broker a treaty." I said as a statement not a question.
"Not exactly, my Lady. Treaties are so easily broken. What I am suggesting is a bit stronger...a marriage." He said.
I thought on this. Merging the houses would have great advantages. However, I could only guess at Lord Dragonsbane's reason for the proposal.
"I see. I will speak with my council on this matter. When I come to a decision I will inform you. Now if you don't mind I have subjects to attend to." I said reading a document.
"It wasn't exactly a request." Dragonsbane said gently trying to mask how it was meant.
I stood up quite angrily, "First you barge in here and insult my house and now you demand a marriage? You don't have the right to demand anything of me! For the last time, I will CONSIDER your proposal. Now leave." I nodded to the guards and they came to Lord Dragonsbanes side to make sure he left, willingly or not.
He looked at the guards calculatingly, "Fine I'll leave. However you should know: Your being reclaimed wasn't the only rumor I heard." with that he left.
I sat down hard.
"My Lady, Don't listen to him. Lord Dragonsbane has always been eccentric." Daveen said.
"Even so we have to get rid of his leverage...there's only one way to do that." I said lowering my head in thought.
"How is that, my Lady?" Daveen asked, an edge of fear in his voice.
I looked up at him without emotion, "Send a message to the king that the house Wales seeks an audience with his majesty."
Daveen paused a moment and for that moment I swore he was upset. quickly he bowed, "Yes, my Lady."
