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

Their exchange seemed to become more heated for a moment and he felt like he was basking in the heat of this queen's inner fire. Something she seemed to keep tamed inside of her, like coals burning in stone furnace. Perhaps as they would spend time together, he would see more of it. For now he would just have to enjoy these moments. Her reaction to his little flirtation was interesting as well, there was no total rejection, she wasn't appalled or disgusted by it and he didn't get the impression she was being polite or civil to avoid upsetting him, she wasn't the type for that. His eyes widened slightly when she showed him the vial, so she had been planning to kill him if he had proved uncooperative hmm? It made sense, he had no doubt seemed a brutal conqueror intent on destroying their way of life and she had reacted the way any strong sovereign should. The way he would have had he been in her place. I see you are no stranger to getting your hands dirty, he said with an approving grin as he examined the vial. It was a fairly potent poison if he was identifying it correctly, but not quite as potent as the ones used in the capital. Which made sense, poisoning wasn't the typical style of these people. They tended to solve their disputes more....forcefully or so was his impression in any case. Then I am honored to join you for dinner in the Hall. I'll need to handle a few matters first, give some orders to my generals. But once that's done I will see you at the hall. Thank you for a...productive meeting, he said, giving her a meaningful grin as he walked to the opening of the tent and held open the flap for the fiery queen. He watched her walk out and head back towards her escort, who were no doubt curious and impatient to hear the news. He was left alone in his personal tent, staring at a vial of potent poison with a smile on his face. After a few moments he pocketed the vial and left his tent, calling a quick strategic meeting. He summarized the meeting with the queen, leaving out their flirtation and her admission of a poisoning attempt. Those were private. The generals consented, albeit begrudgingly, to let him go into the lion's den with nothing but four of his personal guards. He also gave out orders to cease any and all hostilities and take on a defensive posture. If anyone did attack, they should be restrained and imprisoned rather than killed. These are our allies now, tentatively at least. Naturally many of them will struggle with this new reality and some may decide to attempt to reignite the war against the wishes of their monarch. I do not expect such issues on our side but keep an eye out for them regardless. If any soldiers seem to struggle with their new orders, talk them through it. Finally, I'd like you all to ask your quartermasters to do an inventory of the amount of food and water they have and how much of it we actually need to supply the troops, the Emperor said as he stood at the head of the meeting table. I take it you intend to share it with these savages? one of his more astute generals was quick to ask in a sardonic tone. Naturally, we need to prove our good intentions and the worth of their new alliance with us, the Emperor was quick to reply. They are not allies they are your subjects ! the same general bit back. He gave the general a harsh gaze and for a moment a charged silence came over the room. They are what I say they are, do you understand? the Emperor in a calm yet icy cold voice. Yes Emperor, the general answered, turning away from the Emperor's piercing gaze. Besides, there is no rule that says your allies cannot be your subjects. One who rules with a gentle hand still rules and subjects who are on your side are more valuable than those that aren't, he said, dropping the icy tone and smiling brightly once more. Smiles and grins quickly returned to the gathered generals, this was a logic they could understand. The meeting was adjourned shortly after that and the Emperor went back to his tent to quickly bathe himself and dress in more formal attire, after which he made his way towards the Hall, flanked on his sides by his personal guard.