Thread: Political Scales [Eclipse Jalodra & Shyone]

Biyu watched the generals and advisors come in, bowing to them as they took their seats around the prince. The generals were always the most friendly to her, and she appreciated their kindness. They appreciated the guerilla tactics the lamia used in battle. Their most common tactic was disguising themselves in their surroundings, separate their enemies into manageable groups and then overpower them. It was particularly useful in the now nonexistent jungles that the lamia once made their home. The generals took their seats, exchanging greetings with Biyu as they did. She made light conversation with them as the other advisors slowly spilled in, their negativity already flooding the room. She wasn't sure why they didn't like her, but she tried her best to keep it from getting to her. Biyu knew that if she got into, confrontations, with any of them, then it would just make things more difficult on the Prince, and she would do anything to keep that from happening. As it was, his earlier words replayed in her head. He couldn't save her this time. So she died in his dream. It was a chilling and uncomfortable spot. Not only did she die, but this time . Her loss, or risk of her loss, was apparently a re-occurring subject of his nightmares. She worried what sort of loss he might be cursed with. Or, if it wasn't a curse, what sort of loss he might fear. Or why he would fear at all. She knew he knew of her loyalty, that there wasn't anything that could pry her from his side. But what could inspire such discomfort that it would plague his dreams. She wished there was something, anything that she could do to help him. Biyu sighed softy to herself, looking up and politely greeting the advisors as they sat down, ignoring the short and grumpy tone their replies held, and the looks they gave her as they sat down. She ignored them, instead mentally going through their schedule, wondering if there was a moment that she and the Prince could sit down and just speak to one another. She didn't think they'd have that luxury, unless they spoke right before they went to sleep. Biyu coiled up next to the Prince, giving the workers bringing in the food room to do their job without worrying about tripping. She was pleased to see that they'd made the simple meal look so luxurious. The advisors seemed to disapprove whenever Biyu suggested that the Prince eat 'peasant food'. She didn't really understand what made a dish undeserving, but at least the kitchen staff knew what made a dish deserving. And that was far more important. She quietly murmured her thanks as the staff finished serving the table, watching them disappear into the kitchen. She half-wished she could join them, but she knew that she had to stick to the Prince's side, even if the conversation would just sour his breakfast with work. She just smiled though. Smiling was important. If she was friendly then it would just ease any conversations that they had. The advisors were the ones who launched the conversation first. The advisors began to talk about possible brides for the prince. Various princesses from allied countries, or from countries they wanted to align with, high nobility with money and beautiful daughters. It made Biyu uncomfortable, although she wasn't sure why. She had spent so many years with the Prince, knowing that some day he would have to get married. It was his duty, as he would become Emperor one day, and every Emperor needed an heir. She just wasn't expecting that conversation, not so soon. She wasn't sure why it bothered her so much. Perhaps she was just concerned with the type of woman the other advisors might try to set him up with. Yes, that was probably it. He deserved better than the average power seeking noble. Plus there was the matter of his nightmares. She would need to make sure that the woman he was going to marry would be able to handle his nightmares. Or, perhaps she would just have to find a way to solve his nightmares before he got married. Then it wouldn't be a problem for anyone. Biyu just quietly ate her food, watching and listening as they moved to the top of the day's itinerary. She hid her relief at the topic change well enough. He was to have a longer meeting with the generals after breakfast, meet with some nobles, look over their most recent treaties, meet with some ambassadors, study politics, meet again with the advisors, a host of meetings an conversations. The only time he could have a moment to himself was a very brief window for him to take an afternoon meal. Other than that, he would be dragged to and from across the palace grounds the entire day. Biyu was worried that the stress might be what was causing his nightmares, but she was powerless to do anything about that. The only thing she could do was try to keep him healthy. Biyu glanced at the Prince, trying to exude and aura of peace and serenity. How are you enjoying your meal, your highness? She murmured softly as there was a slight break in the constant noise.