Thread: Schemes & Schisms (BlueSix x Campion)

Valedictus leaned back in his throne. While a great planner in general, he really should have given less thought to how impressive the chair would look and more about how it would feel when he was trapped in it for five hours at a time during court. He knew his subjects would be shocked at how much a king could be a slave to his duties to the empire. Laziness could cost lives, or freedom for his people and increase suffering unneeded. Most of this day's event had been of a lessor set of duties. A couple of low level raises of status...he had to remind himself that to those folk involved, coming before him to receive a reward and improvement in their lives was likely the high point for which they would talk for years. It was for that reason only that he allowed the iconographers to quickly flash their bright lights while artists traced the profile shadows and then fast painted the event - thus giving the subject a prized life size canvas to take home and show. There were also those situations where a court had judged that something was wrong in the fair application of the law when a citizen petitioned to be judged by him directly. These were trickier. He'd made it known that spurious requests would be severely punished, but there were also situations where the law was not designed to handle needed mercies. Today he'd matched a penniless, but somewhat attractive widow with children to a centurion who'd lost a wife and child to disease. There had been a woman who had killed her husband, but the scars she showed him behind a screen had been horrible and he'd pardoned her and given her a stipend from the state...and a job travelling the courts and looking for similar situations. The day had stretched onward, and finally had come the one item for which he'd waited. His prospective bride from far Solfain. Apart from being nobility, he'd heard of her learning and capabilities, as well as her beauty. He'd seen paintings, but artists could lie as well as any piece of script. Now he saw her approaching and though her dress might be modest in its revelation, her pleasing form was well to his liking. It was hard not to immediately arise from his throne and go to meet her. He was almost bouncing internally. Once she had knelt, he did rise and there were mumbles from the surrounding audience. This was usually done only for a king, or at least a regent. My warmest greetings to the Kingdom of Solfain, represented fully by this gracious and arduous visit requiring transit of this world. Princess of the Noble House of Del'Tharius, the Emperor of the West greets Solfain with respect and appreciation. We are in accord that this is a day for the Joining of most of this world under a treaty of unification that will bring prosperity in the Empire and the esteemed Kingdom of Solfain. He then descended the stairs to her and took her hand to lift her from her curtsie. His hands then stretched out and he lifted the masklike coronet up enough to see her unblemished face. He'd been told it hid nothing, but had to make sure. It was lowered again, and a smiled broadened his lips. Further, I, Valedictus, am most joyful to welcome my bride, Faelani. Today shall be a day of celebration throughout the Empire, and the Imperial stores shall be opened to feed all who come to the tables. Let the towers send the news far and wide and if it is too late for a region to celebrate this day, they may do so when the news arrives. Then he stunned all as he hugged her tightly. You, Milady, set my blood on fire. I do so hope you are prepared to welcome me into more than your arms. He whispered it into her ear, and then kissed that shell-like orifice. Princess Faelani Del'Tharius of Solfain, By treaty, plan and delivery of yourself into Our presence, I do declare use wed and you are now Empress Faelani I. Valedicta, ruler of mercy, Deliverer of interpretations of law, Keeper of the Imperial Treasury, and Mother to all! His declaration had been thought out and was intentional. In his absence she could hold court and deliberate without question, and assign funds as she saw fit when needs arose. She could also pardon where needed to distribute mercy and was second only to himself in the Empire. If there had been any question before whether she was just a political puppet, such was now put to rest with an armored fist. There were some who were not so thrilled with the proclamation. Other allies who had sought to be first in marriage saw their advantage slip. As well, there were some other princesses who were hurt that it was not they he had chosen first. While they might understand the advantages of the interlocking of Solfainian and Empire interests, they'd hoped Faelani would be just a political addition, and that they might be the ones to grace his bed. Now he released his hug upon her, but kept her hand in his as he pulled her slowly up the stairs. He sat upon the throne, then pulled her up to sit in his lap, which placed his face in wonderfully close proximity to her full bosom. There being no other approved business before the court, I disburse all to go begin the celebrations. Today is a holiday, and businesses not involved with the needed serving of concessions or vital support functions shall have all with the day free...workers to get NORMAL wages at Imperial expense. He turned to his Chatelain, an elderly tall reserved woman named Lylica. We shall wish that the bathing rooms be cleared after searching carefully and a full cadre of guards to protect the entrances. Let a light meal be brought to us in the smaller bedroom. He turned then to his new wife. My dearest treasure. You have some so far to give me the greatest gift of yourself. I know you slept in guest quarters last night. Would you rather to the bathes with me or the bedroom first. Either will, I'm sure, be delightful. Seated on his lap, she'd feel the large nudge of his heavy endowment.