Thread: The royal harem of Rhodesia (DaveTheHuman x Poppy)

When the King finished speaking, Byron sat. He had chosen his table for a reason. The women who sat there were of noble blood from the eastern areas of the kingdom. Byron new that region to be far more loyal to the Rinali line than the rest of the kingdom. While he did not think the women favored King Georgio, he knew it was exceedingly important for them to return to their families with a good impression of David. The battle for the crown was over, but the one for the hearts of the people was still underway. The man did not start with his views of King David, or politics at all. Instead, steered the conversation toward the upcoming harvest. The eastern region was exceedingly fertile and well known for their grapes, cherries, strawberries, and vegetables as well. One of the women, named Lucresa told about her family's vineyard and how the scorching heat of this summer would make for a good year on their favorite species of grape. Another woman recalled her family's cooks being able to make the most delicious cherry pie. Byron let the conversation flow from there, happy to see excitement on the faces of the women. Barrels of wine were emptied and high spirits were easy to come by. When the mood was right, he would slip in the mention that the women should someday visit Calais with their families. He promised their stay would be covered by the crown since King David wished to meet as many of the noble families as possible. However, the man did not dwell too long on the topic. He did not want it to turn the conversation rigid. King David, Byron Forsyth, and Heran Weathers were one of the few to know the crown's vast wealth. Everyone had known the Rinali kings had been well-off, but the amount of gold and jewels was immeasurable. David had seen the countless vaults with his own eyes, a sight that even amazed the calm Heran. Those who held the knowledge of such stores decided to keep it secret. The wealth would be used for the benefit of the kingdom, but it had to be done in the right way. For now, the right way was gaining support of those who had been part of the loyalists. Sitting with his eight harem women, Aurelia soon struck up conversation with David. He was pleased she had come forward to speak with him and soon found she was very interesting. The man could sense an air of cockiness to her voice and body language, but there were far worse traits that could have replaced it. When their conversation eased to an end, he heard Circe's response. David smiled and said Eleven years ago I was an apprentice here in the stables. I remember seeing you there a few times and talking briefly. The man knew her remembering that was a stretch. It was so long ago and such a short time. Plus, he was forced to leave without the time to say goodbye. So he decided to explain. My predecessor... The man knew it was a time for healing. He did not need to berate the former King Georgio, his tyranny had ended. My predecessor did not like me being in the stables, a young man so near to his harem. So I left and joined the military. Had he known I'd grow to take his place... well I think he would have done more than fire me. David laughed, long ago realizing the humor in his ascension. Circe was the only harem woman he had spoken to or remembered. After all, his only times in the palace were to get into the kitchens, and that was through a side door. From there, all he would see were the servants busying themselves with meal preparation. David watched the expression on all of the women's faces. There were raised eyebrows, mouths open slightly in surprise, and a few remarks of surprise. A stable apprentice becoming a king was something only heard of in the more far fetched of fairy tales. It made for a good story. King David and his advisors had wondered how to portray the man. In the end, David insisted on honesty. The story was grand enough as it was. Not having royal blood would make some look down on him, but the majority would be intrigued and perhaps hopeful. Besides, it detracted from all of the many horrors of war that could replace it. Those were things no one wished to relive through story.