Chapter 20 - Ruler's Burden

Theo's hard heeled boots clacked on the stone passage of Dahlia's royal gardens. He walked with his hands behind his back, sleek grey coat buttoned all the way up to his neck. The silver vine patterns on his cuffs and collar matched well with the vibrancy of the growing plants around him. One side of his coat bulged, a bottle of date wine tucked away inside.

The gardens held a contrasting serenity to that of open waters. It was different, softer, less adventurous and more embracing in a way. Songs of small and colorful birds replaced the cries of gulls and pelicans. The sweet scent of flowers were the complete opposite of a salty sea breeze. Leaves brushing against themselves were gentler than waves crashing against the hulls of docked ships. It induced a melodious nostalgia. It had been a long time since he'd stepped foot in these gardens.

He wished he could have enjoyed it a little more. But the extending shadows of two from the Royal Guard tailing him —hands resting on the pommels of their blades— from a dozen paces back told Theo that he wasn't particularly welcome. He never really had been. Not since the night of Queen Dahlia's wedding. And he hadn't been particularly respectful in his responses to her requests over the years.

Theo turned a corner, fingers brushing against the soft petals of a white flower growing in a hedge a little taller than himself. The queen was seated in a small stone gazebo with a domed roof supported by old grey pillars wrapped in ivy. Theo expected a more refined and aged look. She didn't look very different from what he remembered of some near eighteen years past. Her gold locks flowed freely as he knew she preferred. She wore a lovely frilled white dress cut just beneath the shoulders. She was sitting up straight with clasped hands in her lap, looking every bit the regal woman that she was. The only difference were the slight lines of age above the brows and at the corners of her eyes like white markings on a blank canvas —barely noticeable.

Behind her stood the ever so refined and infallible tower, Eildred Aegis, in his violet uniform with a white lotus upon the back, left hand resting on his sword pommel.

Theo undid the top two buttons of his coat as he approached. He reached inside and pulled out the finest bottle he'd brought back from Eurale. "Your Majesty," he said with a deep bow before taking his seat at the table and placing the bottle down. Dahlia hardly spared it a glance. She snapped her fingers and a maid arrived shortly after with a tea set. Theo's mouth thinned. He didn't like tea of any kind. There was no reason to drink tea so long as wine was available. "Cinnamon," he noted, taking in the scent as the maid filled two cups.

"Yes," Dahlia said, blowing softly into her steaming cup. "It just might stop me from getting too irate."

Theo shifted in his seat. Dahlia still hated him. Well, he hadn't exactly given her reason not to. He glanced towards Eildred for some sort of support. The man remained as stoic as ever. "You look especially radiant today, Your Majesty," Theo tried. Perhaps flattery might lighten the mood.

"Are you implying that I'm not radiant on other days, Lord Coraine?"

"Ah, no, not at all. I'm not exactly here to see your radiance every day. So I felt making mention of it now would be…"

"Would be?" Dahlia questioned, an amused smile touching her lips. Though, her eyes were narrowed.

"Can we not act as if we're strangers, Dahlia?"

"We aren't exactly friends," she snapped. She took another look at the bottle of wine. "Is that supposed to be a bribe, Theodore?"

"I wouldn't dare. It's a gift. Nothing more."

She nodded. "You have quite a lot to answer for. Your gift won't spare you from my questions."

He looked away, tapping a foot beneath the table. He was hoping she wouldn't bring up his borderline disobedience to the crown. "I was under the impression that I would be taking part in some sort of a war council regarding the Empire. Or at least discussing my role in the future."

"You've ignored my call to summons many a time. Your one word responses to my letters are more than enraging —does Tilda even know about those? Also, I'm concerned regarding the amount of taxes coming from your territories not being in line with your supposed wealth." She took a sip of her tea. "And you called me fat on my wedding night near two decades past," she mumbled.

Theo coughed. She really was still upset about that. He'd called her 'round for his tastes' that night. It was later revealed that she'd been over a month pregnant. "I've ignored summons when they pertained to participating in courtly meetings. I'm not fond of those. They're… suffocating. In defense of my simple replies, they get the job done without wasting both parties' time. And I did apologize for that night…" He looked her in the eye, swallowing. It really had been in poor taste and he still felt guilty about it. He was the idiot who'd made a bride cry during her wedding. And it was the queen no less.

"And what about your wealth. I've heard that you have enough coin to buy all of Exaltyron. That High House Coraine has tripled their wealth since your father, Alvatore's time."

"Tripled would be an understatement, Your Majesty," Eildred interjected.

Dahlia waved her hand. "I'm sure you understand why a vassal of the crown amassing such resources could be troubling, yes?"

Theo stared at her for a while, frowning. He took in a deep breath. "Dahlia, are you questioning my loyalty?" he asked, his voice as harsh as he meant for it to be. She blinked, taken aback. "My wealth comes from personal business dealings," he continued. "No more and no less. Any taxes paid are in accord with what was agreed upon centuries ago. A portion of what is earned off the land is sent to the royal treasury."

Dahlia set her teacup down and rested her elbows on the table. "And what if the crown feels a need to be a part of your business dealings?"

Theo felt insulted. This wasn't about money. She was doubting him. He hadn't exactly been very forthcoming, but it was upsetting nonetheless. He had no interest in the crown. No interest in being bound by political chains. "Your implications are insulting, Your Majesty. House Coraine is a bastion of Xenaria. So it has been since Flames knows how long, and so it shall remain so long as I draw breath, and hopefully beyond. You'll have full access to my treasury as long as we've drafted a proper plan on how this war is to go and where the funds are to be spent. Ask it of me, and I'll deliver the city of Ostirin to you before the year's end."

The city of Ostirin was a valuable trade partner, delivering Tarmian goods that didn't always come through the eastern borders. Its harbors were large and the city itself packed with smugglers and mercenaries for hire. Rats infested the streets along with stray dogs and kittens. It would be an easy, if ill gained conquest. A useless port to Xenaria, but a mighty blow to wealthy merchant families of Tarmia that ran the place from behind the curtains.

Though, Ostirin would bring us a foot closer to the Thousand Sun City. Kalin's certainly eyed the place for a while, I'm sure.

Dahlia stayed silent for a while, sipping away at her tea. "It is hard to confirm loyalty when the lord in question is continually disobedient," she said after a while. She reached over and grabbed the bottle of wine by its neck. She pulled on the cork, clearly pleased that it'd already been loosened before pouring some into her half empty teacup. "Sweet," she said after a sip, smiling. "And strong. A fine gift."

Theo blinked. Tea with wine? Now there's an interesting business idea… "Is it wise to be drinking from a gift of the man whose loyalty you were doubting just now?"

Dahlia snorted. "What, you'd kill me in broad daylight before my guards? Don't flatter yourself, Theodore."

That, for some reason, stung Theo's pride more than her previous insults.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Eildred tells me you're a good man, and I believe him," Dahlia continued. "But I still needed to confirm your determination, Lord Coraine." She closed her fists. "Would that everyone were allowed to live alongside one another in harmony. But Sar'tara's current state demands a scathing answer. I will have war," she seethed. She began tapping her finger against the table. "Eildred, can you see if High Lord Caranel has arrived yet?" she asked without turning around.

The tall knight gave a slight bow which the queen could not see before stepping out of from the garden house's shade.

Theo twisted his mouth. "Am I dismissed, Your Majesty," Theo asked.

She frowned. "Dismissed? I'd like to work out logistics right now if possible. High House Caranel is responsible for more than half of Xenaria's grain. I believe Lord Galadin was expected to arrive at some point today as well. We'll need to work out iron supplies and costs too."

Theo clicked his tongue.

"Pardon?"

"I have my own iron supplies," Theo said. "And well, Jasim Galadin is, hmm, how do I put this…?"

"Uncouth?" Dahlia tried. "Greedy? Rude? Condescending?"

"You aren't describing me are you, Dahlia?"

She laughed with her lips closed, her hand pressed against them. The gesture made her seem much younger, like an approaching dawn rather than the afternoon sun that she was. Theo had no romantic interest in Dahlia, but her beauty was to be admired. A priceless treasure. After all, one could never attach monetary value to the sun.

"You're not quite condescending though?" Dahlia said, still smiling. "At least you recognize you have all of the other characteristics."

Theo shook his head. "And the current High Lord of House Caranel… That's —ah Scorched earth," he suddenly cursed.

***

Dahlia turned her head at Theodore's words. Walking behind Eildred was Agrienne Caranel, two of her guards close at his heel. Agrienne wore an easy going smile on that sharp, angular face. His back was straight and his strides long. His evenly split shoulder length dark hair waved majestically with every step. He wore a mahogany coat of silk with gold trimmings on the cuffs. An outsider would think him a king if they didn't know any better. He was unfathomably beautiful.

Rumors spoke of him spending far too many resources in search of a past lover. He had also banned the use of any weapons by the average person in his territory. A decision that seemed more in line with despotic rule. Strange as well considering Northern Xenaria was teeming with wild elk and Silver Tail wolves. Its largest exports following grains and wines was that of luxury meats and fur, given hunts were balanced between both predator and prey. Agrienne was losing out on a lot by cutting off merchants dealing in those goods.

Dahlia felt her forehead crease with every step Agrienne took. She pulled her eyes away from that intoxicating smile of his. He paused before the steps of the gazebo and gave a deep bow. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice carrying the allure of a viscous honey.

She waved her hand, turning away from him as Eildred took his position behind her again. "Where are my Collectors, Lord Caranel," Dahlia demanded before Agrienne had even pulled out his chair.

"Collectors?"

She inhaled deeply. "Five different tax collectors have been sent to the Caranel territory over the past two years. None returned. Care to explain why?"

"They ran away?" Agrienne tried.

Dahlia slammed her palm against the table. Teacups rattled and the bottle of wine tipped over. Theodore caught it before it fell. "Do NOT try my patience!" Dahlia glared.

"I honestly don't know," Agrienne shrugged, maintaining his curled lips.

Dahlia breathed through her teeth. There was little she could do without proof. And she didn't have the time to send an investigation party up north. Not when she needed cooperation from House Caranel for the war effort. I should have had him killed long ago. Flames! Why is he so pleasing to look at? She couldn't just have him assassinated and appoint a new lord in Northern Xenaria. Not this late in the game. A new lord would take time getting accustomed to their duties and it would only delay everything she was trying to put into motion. She couldn't keep Kalin waiting any longer. It was wrong enough being indecisive for over two years.

"I was under the impression that I'd been called for something else entirely. Something regarding my commitment to a war with the Empire," Agrienne said.

"Are you committed?" Theo asked, pouring wine into his own teacup.

"Depends."

"Depends on what?" Dahlia asked, eyes narrowing, trying not to meet Agrienne's hypnotizing hazel pair. "On whether or not I sign a royal decree and humiliate the name of Caranel as the only House that needed a decree because they didn't obediently follow suit with the rest of the nation?"

"It depends on what he gets out of it," Theodore said.

"House Caranel seems to already have a poor reputation these days any way," Agrienne sighed. A rather dramatic sigh.

Dahlia's eyes narrowed. "Then I'll have nothing to lose by signing a decree." Agrienne raised a brow. She ground her teeth. He isn't stupid enough to take the bait then. She had a lot to lose and he knew it. Forcing a High House into obedience would make her seem oppressive. It would unsettle others to see a large part of Xenaria not being in agreement to waging war. And army morale might dampen if they learned that a large supplier of their food stores would be coming from an unwilling party. "What do you want," Dahlia finally asked, speaking through her teeth.

Agrienne laughed. It only made Dahlia's scowl deepen. "You're adorable when you're upset, you know? I want… hmm… your hand," he said, resting an elbow on the table and cupping his chin in one hand.

She blinked. Her heart played hopscotch in her chest. "I beg your pardon?"

"I've always admired you, Your Majesty. You don't need to answer right away. We can be proper about it if you wish. I don't mind spending time courting you. Just say yes and I'll put full efforts into this war or whatever. Food, militia, anything you ask of me."

She stared at the twisting patterns of the wooden table. No one else was hearing these words except for Eildred and Theodore. Eildred she could trust with anything. Theodore already had a distaste for Agrienne. All she had to do was lie and say yes, and yet, why was it bothering her to say such a simple thing? She glanced up at Agrienne only to find that he was still looking at her with his handsome face and smile. She snapped her eyes back to the table, feeling heat in her cheeks. What was wrong with her? Why was she acting this way? It was a half-hearted proposal from a womanizing despot. She had zero reason to consider the offer.

A very handsome despot. It would grant the crown a lot of power to marry a Caranel and would create greater cohesion within the nation. And it would provide some degree of protection from encroaching enemies like the Trillians.

No! Why was she entertaining something so ridiculous? Why believe Agrienne would bother to provide any protection when he openly oppressed his own people? What do I want?

She had Adrian, but he was possibly a traitor. Her dearest friend was in a coma and inching closer to death every day. And now, this terribly handsome yet rotten man was offering to court her. She feared she would be fool enough to actually fall for him if she gave him the chance. And that would lead to far too many troubles. Possibly even her death. Given how he'd seized power from better members of his House, Agrienne very likely coveted the throne. As a matriarchy, Xenaria wouldn't accept him as a ruler, but his rank as 'king' would remain and all he would be required to do is remarry to a simpleton noblewoman to maintain that power.

Dahlia wanted it all to end. She wanted to be safe. Wanted to be… I just want to be loved. She needed someone to hold her. Someone she could put her faith in. Someone that would tell her that everything was going to be alright when she wasn't feeling well. Someone just like Madrivall. She started biting her thumbnail. Eildred shuffled behind her, his shadow, darker than the shade of the domed roof, inching forward and surrounding her more than it already was. She snapped her hand back down.

Dahlia exhaled, pushing back her chair mere centimeters to bury herself deeper in Eildred's shadow, finding both comfort and confidence within it. She met Agrienne's eyes and opened her mouth to respond when her attention was drawn to the side as a fourth member of the Guard entered the clearing, whispering something to the two standing watch a few dozen meters from the garden house and handing them a letter. One of the two came forth and presented the letter to Dahlia.

She skimmed through its contents, headaches growing with every word read. It felt as if a boulder had been placed upon her head. Dahlia set the paper down, pinching the top of her nose and closing her eyes. Eildred rested a hand on her shoulder. She guessed he'd read it as well, standing right behind her.

"I'm going to go ahead and assume the contents weren't pleasant," Theodore said, sliding the bottle of wine in her direction while stroking his goatee with the other. She opened one eye to glance at him, passing the letter over to him. He frowned, slowly reaching for it.

"The both of you are dismissed," Dahlia said, her voice coming out in a pained whisper. "We'll continue this discussion later."

"Is it really that ba…" Theodore's voice drifted off. He snapped to his feet, knocking back the chair he was seated on. The skin upon his face creased as pure rage covered his expression. He grabbed the bottle of wine and downed half its content entirety in one swig before storming out of the garden. Agrienne watched with a bemused look, staying seated.

Dahlia rose to her feet, gathering the length of her dress to make sure its edges didn't touch the ground. She found the singing of songbirds to suddenly be acutely annoying rather than calming. She slowly walked away, Eildred following after.

"What now?" he asked.

"I…" I don't know, she wanted to say. But how could she say that? It would make him lose faith. "I want to rest for a bit." The letter was from Tilda Coraine, Theodore's spouse. The island of Kovar had been attacked and conquered by pirates. Pirates originating from the Kingdom of Eurale. They'd sacked their own ports and had then raided Kovar. With Theodore in Exaltyron, his captains hadn't been capable of mounting an effective response. Dahlia felt guilty. The one time Lord Coraine actually obeyed a call to summons, his demesne got sacked. She somewhat felt responsible for pulling him away. For being a failure of a queen who hadn't considered the varying situations of her many subjects and had instead been tunneled on what she wanted herself. "I just want to rest," she said again, this time whispering.

"Of course," Eildred said.

Strange. His deep and commanding voice was more calming than any song birds could sing.