The rest of the negotiations that day were both very satisfying and very frustrating.
Satisfying because Regina could tell they were afraid of her, and a dark part of herself took pleasure in it. It wasn’t a very immediate or primal fear, it wasn’t like the gnomes were afraid she was going to start throwing fireballs around or get her hooks into their minds. She assumed they didn’t know how much she could actually do with them, or rather make them do. It was a more general, political fear. Everyone knew who had won the war. They were anxious about the price she was extracting. And it felt satisfying to feel the confirmation of her victory, of her hive’s and her empire’s victory, in their emotions.
Frustrating, because despite all that, they didn’t seem to get very close to an actual resolution. She thought the gnomes were willing, for the most part, but that didn’t make it easy to actually come to anything like a fair compromise. Maybe it didn’t help that Regina herself was holding something back. She didn’t want to go into specifics before she had a good idea of their attitudes, how they would react. And there were so many chances to get sidetracked, to argue over minor issues and faults and definitions.
The gnomes were quite reluctant to end up in any kind of inferior, subordinate relationship to the Empire, but ironically also seemed like they thought it inevitable, even if they didn’t say as much. They tried instead to redirect the negotiation to cuts to their military and limits to the number of troops they were allowed to field, even favorable trade deals. They forbade any infringement in their domestic politics and yet seemed strangely okay with Regina’s demands to reintroduce something like democracy and government by elected representatives. She wondered if they were planning on holding elections soon, perhaps manipulating the timing and circumstances, and if Aliekin was that confident in being the last man standing.
She felt like Aliekin was holding something back, too. He grew less vocal as the time wore on and allowed his subordinates to speak more. Instead, it seemed like he was considering her, and perhaps his plans. Regina was starting to think she should just talk to him directly about it. Maybe the circumstances, the elaborate negotiations with teams of people from both sides, were an obstacle. A ‘backroom deal’ might be better, at least to work out the basis for an agreement.
Because of that, Regina wasn’t particularly surprised when they were approached at the end of this negotiation session, when they stopped for dinner. The talks would continue tomorrow. He didn’t walk up to talk to her directly. Instead, Tikimaken approached June.
What’s he saying? Regina asked over the psychic connection she’d established. June might be able to keep one up herself now, or at least hold up her end of it, but it would be taxing on her, so she still provided her support.
The general wants to talk to you in private, Master, June replied, her mental voice strong and clear with a neutral tone. He’s suggesting the parlor on the east side of the building, in half an hour.
Regina considered it for a moment. Make it an hour, and don’t tell them who I’ll bring, if anyone, but it will be private.
June sent back an acknowledgment and Regina listened as she confirmed it with the gnome, who seemed unbothered about the changed time. He bowed his head to June and went back to his superior, speaking quietly. Aliekin glanced back and nodded at June. That was that, then.
In the end, it took Regina slightly more than an hour until she showed up at the specified parlor. Actually, it wasn’t because she was deliberately making him wait as a power move, although she supposed that was a side benefit. It had simply taken a bit longer than she anticipated to referee the argument about who should come with her. Perhaps because she’d left it until the last minute to inform everyone. She could have made it on time if she’d rushed and hurried through the halls, but she didn’t want to do that.
As Max opened the door for her, Regina reached up to touch her crown again then quickly pulled her hand back down. She had chosen the same one she wore yesterday, a relatively simple and delicate gold piece set with diamonds. Janis had worn a similar one in silver. She’d brought the heavy crown she’d been coronated with and was planning to use it for a formal ceremony that may arise, or maybe just the signing of any documents that would signify the gnomes’ final submission, but it was a bit much for the talks. Beside the crown, Regina wore a dark suit that was a little too embellished for modern styles but resembled older ones. She was glad she hadn’t overdressed when she saw Aliekin, who was wearing a military uniform with some medals.
He seemed to be alone except for Tikimaken, who was standing beside the probably decorative fireplace in the room, while the general was seated in an armchair. He stood up as the Imperials entered.
Max quietly closed the door behind her and Janis and then took position by it, crossing his arms. Janis stuck close to Regina as they stepped into the room.
“Your Imperial Majesty, thank you for agreeing to meet,” Aliekin bowed in greeting. His eyes flashed to Janis and Max. “I had hoped for a bit of privacy to speak with you.”
“Max would never speak of anything discussed here if I don’t want him to, and I trust my heir’s wisdom and discretion,” Regina answered. “You may certainly send away your aide if you like.”
The ghost of a smile appeared on the general’s face. “Then if it’s all the same to you, Tiki may stay as well? We should still be able to speak frankly.”
“I would certainly prefer that,” Regina agreed, then sat down in an armchair. Janis went to take position standing at her side until Regina gave her a nudge in the psychic link and she instead settled in a chair next to it. Aliekin sat down as well after a moment.
“Perhaps I should start by offering congratulations, Princess Janis,” he began, nodding at her. “Your strategy with the airborne drones was inspired. A good move.”
“Thank you, General,” Janis replied with a small smile. “I wouldn’t have needed to resort to it if not for your own efforts. Even if I may disagree with the details, you have consistently managed to disturb and delay our advance, more than any of your other commanders. As a military opponent, you have my respect.”
He inclined his head. “And you have my thanks. The feeling is mutual. I wish my young commanders had your talent.”
Well, I suppose the meeting could have started worse than patting each other on the back for good strategy, Regina thought, suppressing smile that would have been inappropriate for the situation at the thought.
“Indeed, Janis has many talents and I’m quite proud of her accomplishments,” she agreed. “This particular move brought us here.”
“It did,” Aliekin said. “I’m sure you guessed that I surrendered because I knew the military situation would soon turn on us further, in the wake of it. We faced the loss of several more cities and a direct threat to the capital.”
Regina nodded, pleased that he was speaking so openly. “It wouldn’t have been easy to take it, but yes, that was our assessment as well. It would cost many more drones’ lives to take those cities, though I do believe we could manage it.”
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Aliekin hums and taps his fingers on his armrests. “Perhaps. Either way, the Gnomish Confederation’s army is still intact, even if it is much diminished compared to the early phase of the war.”
“Well, we’re all glad we don’t have to put it to the test,” Janis speaks up. “I know we have all been saying many diplomatic things, but I truly am glad to see the end of the fighting. Many good men have died, on both sides, I’m sure.”
“That is why I want to make sure such a war doesn’t happen again,” Regina said.
“As do we all. And revenge?” he asked, his tone only conveying curiosity. “Is that not also a motivation of yours, Empress Regina? Justice for the drones who died?”
Regina shifted in her chair, crossing her legs. “Perhaps,” she said after a moment. “I can’t deny I certainly want justice for my murdered drones. But I hope and believe a drive for revenge was not the main reason for our actions. I needed to protect my hive, and now the Empire.”
“Which my predecessors threatened, with their unprovoked aggression,” Aliekin said. “I understand.”
“Essentially, yes. I do know you are not them and were not involved in the original decisions, General. But I can hardly let the Gnomish Confederation as a whole off the hook just because it had a change in leadership. Which, by the way, I was very glad to learn of. Hearing the sentences was quite satisfying.”
“You’re most welcome,” he smiled playfully.
“That said, I hope we can move forward in a way that is beneficial for all our people, even if it may cost the Gnomish Confederation something at first. We have many things to offer, General. Not just explosives. I also believe your country has things to offer the Empire, beyond resources or trade.”
“And you want to take these things.” Aliekin leaned back in his chair. “I understand. I expected you to want control of the Confederation, in one way or another.”
Regina didn’t deny it.
"Well, there is little point talking about what I want, here,” he acknowledged. “You are the ones who won this war. I only wish for stability and prosperity for my nation. Well, how do you envision the future, Your Imperial Majesty? May I ask for specifics?”
Regina discreetly took a breath and glanced at Janis. A lot of this came from her input. Regina had been inclined to be a little more severe with the terms she offered, but Janis and several of the others had persuaded her to be more lenient, that it would be more constructive in the long run. Of course, the gnomes might not think it was lenient at all.
“As we see it, there are two options. The first one is for the Gnomish Confederation to become a protectorate of the Empire.” Regina paused, waiting for input, but Aliekin only nodded for her to go on. “You would be largely able to rule yourselves, although I will insist on some form of democratic process being observed, similar to what you had before. Perhaps some changes ought to be made in light of recent events, the previous regime’s actions seem to have brought to light some potential weaknesses in the system. I suppose that would be your task. However, you would owe allegiance and homage to the Imperial crown. You will be subject to certain laws of the Empire, such as constitutional guarantees of civil rights, and your military will be heavily limited, while Imperial troops may be stationed inside the Confederation or on its foreign borders. You will be protected in case of attack or other conflicts, but expected to follow the lead of the Empire in international matters and foreign policy. In addition, you will have limited access to the Empire’s technological know-how and there will be scholarly cooperations and exchanges.”
Aliekin had a slight crease between his eyebrows and seemed to listen intently. She could only sense focused concentration from him, no surprise. “And the second option?”
“It is a more complicated scenario I envision,” Regina admitted. “In effect relying on several stages. We would close a peace deal now, with stipulations. An alliance would follow. There will be restrictions for and reparations from the Gnomish Confederation. Most of the terms I have laid out for the first option would apply, including limits to your military strength, and we would organize cultural and technological exchange, allowing you to profit from the Empire’s industry and my own knowledge of Pre-Cataclysm medicine, science and technology. After sufficient time has passed, we will start negotiations with the Gnomish Confederation as a member candidate to fully join the Empire. Perhaps we will need to add secret clauses to any treaty to ensure this part is mandatory. Joining would give your people Imperial citizenship and all the benefits that come with it, as well as full inclusion into the Empire’s economy, although you would still have local autonomy. Once the Imperial parliament is established, you would be able to send delegates, and participate in decision-making for the entire Empire.”
Aliekin tapped his fingers on his chair, seeming thoughtful. “These negotiations, how long would they take? It sounds like the outcome is predetermined?”
“I cannot say how long they will take, it depends on the situation,” Regina answered honestly. “I do intend them to be genuine talks where both sides try to work out the best way forward together and take into account concerns and potential opportunities. Accordingly, the outcome is not entirely set in stone. If, at that point, our relationship has mended and grown enough, if we have grown closer in other ways and built a stable alliance, and your government has understandable reasons to decide against joining, I suppose I would be willing to let you go. Keeping certain provisions in place, naturally. And the issue of reparations may need to be revisited.”
Aliekin exhaled heavily. “You mentioned reparations in talking of your second option but not your first,” he noted.
“Formally becoming a protectorate would be enough to wipe the slate clean, so to speak,” Regina answered, shrugging. “There will be an expectation of tribute eventually, but you have my word I will keep it light and scaled to your tax income. But in the second scenario, we start with a peace deal and an, admittedly one-sided, alliance. I do need assurances you will not revert to form, backstab us and start another war. It might be better not to write the membership of the Gnomish Confederation in the Central European Empire into the current treaty, at least not openly.”
Aliekin nodded slightly, his gaze unfocusing as he stared at the fireplace. He remained silent for a while, clearly thinking over what he had heard. Regina waited patiently, resisting the urge to try and pry too deeply into his mental state.
Finally, he exchanged a gaze with Tikimaken, who’d remained quiet, then turned back to Regina. “And I suppose there’s a very polite ‘or else’ coming with the options, as a bonus?” he asked lightly.
Regina shrugged and smiled back. “I didn’t want to throw threats around, but the alternative would be continuing the war.” She turned more serious and arched an eyebrow. “We could continue to fight until we have won an even more decisive victory and can impose our terms forcefully, you would have much less choice then.”
The general only nodded as if he’d expected that, which Regina supposed he had. It went without saying that if she actually conquered the Gnomish Confederation entirely, or even mostly, taking the capital and destroying their armies, the terms imposed would be much more restrictive.
“Is it possible to combine elements of your two scenarios?” Tikimaken asked, finally speaking up.
Aliekin nodded. “Our economy would struggle with reparations, and I suppose there are worse things than to bear the name ‘protectorate’, but I would not like to lose the chance for a more beneficial final outcome.”
“You would choose to join the Empire as a member state?” Janis asked, and Regina could sense some hidden excitement from her.
Aliekin shrugged gracefully. “Queen Kiara seems happy enough with her decision. It seems the better option compared to simply being a protectorate from what you have said. If we have to join the fold, I would rather do it in such a way we would have a voice and some control over our fate.”
Regina tugged on her mandible. “And you might do it by being an Imperial protectorate?”
He tilted his head and gave her a blank look. “If we are to join the Empire in a few years at most anyway, does it make any real difference?”
“Very reasonable,” Regina allowed. He really was being very reasonable about this.
There was a moment of silence as he seemed to be waiting for her actual response.
“I don’t see why we couldn’t work something out,” Regina said. “The scenarios I presented were obviously rough outlines. We will need to discuss details anyhow, at a later date and in a larger setting.”
“But I think we’ve got the outline of an agreement,” Janis chimed in, smiling.
Aliekin stood, inclining his head. “I seems so, Your Highness,” he agreed.
Regina stood as well. “I am truly glad we could settle this like civilized adults, General.”
She took a step forward to offer him a hand. He looked at it blankly for a moment before he seemed to realize what she expected, then grasped it to give it a firm shake.
Regina gave him a genuine smile as she recovered her hand, but decided not to end it with any clichés like ‘I look forward to working with you’. It might still be taken as an insult.