Thread: An Empire in 100 Nights (Rosewood x LeatrixSage)

As he walked into the great hall he could hear a mix of distant voices with the occasional moment of laughter, which meant that things couldn't be going too poorly. He watched the queen handle someone seeking her audience, how different it was from how things went in the Empire! In the Empire there was a bureaucracy of sorts, peasants reached out to a council led by whatever local official was in charge. In town and villages this council could and would give audiences but in cities and even in some of the larger towns peasants simply went to a local office where an official helped them fill out the paperwork and send it in to the appropriate officials who would then handle the matter. It took a longer time but results were ultimately similar to what the queen was accomplishing here. No doubt in other parts of her land other lords handled this in a similar matter, he found it hard to believe any of them would be able to avoid it. Though perhaps some were able to delegate it to a steward or the like, a stand-in for when they were 'too busy' or 'otherwise occupied'. His sinful mind immediately wondered whether a nobleman had ever delegated that duty to a steward while they were 'otherwise occupied' in the bedchamber with their lovers or with a whore. The thought curled his lips into a small, cheeky smile. He was intrigued to find a woman sitting by the side of the queen, this country had seemed to him to have an old-fashioned attitude towards women so seeing one in any position of power seemed to constitute some kind of exception. And exceptions were interesting, to say the least. She was attractive and seemed aware of this fact judging by how she dressed. Regardless he wasn't here for her, he was here for Solveig. She seemed very regal, sitting at the table, exerting her authority without being forceful. That took a certain degree of talent, to rule without being hamfisted or heavy-handed with your either your subjects or your officials and advisers. Judging by her attitude she seemed to be in a better mood than the day before. Or at least willing to act like it. A good sign, it meant they were getting back on track. And right in time too, for this evening would be an important moment and he needed every advantage possible for it. A fire grew in his loins at the thought of it and it took a deep breath drive it back. He would save that fire for tonight.... He chuckled at her remark about Bjorn and his night of drinking. He did his best but I am made of stern stuff that has been tried and tested by alcohol many times. So do not be too hard on him, he said before hearing her out about the crowd of supplicants. He nodded as he gazed over the large crowd who were clearly waiting for their turn to be heard. I'll leave that up to you, I'd be happy to sit in if you will have me. But I will say right away that if I get to sit in that I also want to weigh in and offer my assistance where I can offer it. I don't intend to be a figurehead at that table, I want to contribute, he said, loud enough for those watching them to hear. Let them think their keen ears had caught the 'true nature' of their conqueror. Word might spread from those who thought they now truly knew the Emperor. Is that acceptable to you or would you prefer I remain a spectator? he finally asked.