[b]Valeria, Council Chambers[/b]

Amelia kept her eyes about the room, she sensed movement, and was about to reply to Alenios on what he should do when a greeting struck her ears. It was a sincere greetings by all accounts. Like someone inquiring after an employer of interest. The tone was telling. A professional inquiry was behind the welcoming pair of words. Amelia flicked her eyes up to Hatuum, a giant of man, easily with biceps larger than some men's thighs. He reminded her of a tree trunk. If a tree and a boulder could have a love child that is. Amelia made to speak but Alenios spoke before her lips could move. She remained silent, her eyes roved among the dukes, lordlings, and ladies as they either beamed at the Bloody Count or made to speak. It only took Amelia's gaze for them to stop before they could. The Duke of Magyan turned a deep shade of red, no doubt offended at Alenios preposterous answer, the duke was a traditionalist along courtly circles. 

Then came the voice of Amiartys, who, Amelia did not know personally. He was young, well, that was presumptuous given that even Amelia looked young and she was older than both collectively. Her words, when they finally came after listening, was methodical and slightly sharpened per syllable to give a sense of rebuke. 

[color=red]"I can speak for myself Alenios, lest you have forgotten your place, need I remind you?"[/color] Amelia's rebuke was softer than it would have been to someone else, that much was for sure, but it was needed. The Duke of Magyan smirked. Ruling was a fine line, she wasn't a monarch, there where no Kings and Queens in Nocturne, but had to be the central figure of authority to keep the realm from descending into chaos and full blown civil wars. 

Then there was the issue of one of Amiartys' men, a vampire, his bodyguard partially drawing his blade. This was an insult which wouldn't be ignored. Amelia rose from her chair, one of the court ladies gulped, a pair of Death Dealers approached from the man's rear. 

[color=red]"Full filling one's duty is an admirable quality, but there are rules here, to even consider drawing a blade with the intent of using it. No matter to the extant....is considered a failure from the master."[/color] Amelia like a snake, her left arm lancing out, wrapped her fingers around Amiartys throat. Lifting him up off his feet and carrying him several paces, her hand turning his face, as if examining him. [color=red]"You're a handsome one..."[/color] Amelia's grip was like an iron clamp, gripping just tight enough to choke, but not enough to outright kill him. This was a harsh lesson in mannerisms. Normally the bodyguard would be rebuked verbally, but from time to time, a physical reminder was needed. 

Amelia abruptly let go, letting Amiartys fall, but not before slicing a thin cut on his neck. It was superficial, barely a paper cut common on scribes hands, she put it in her mouth. A tad of enjoyment as she tasted his life essence. [color=red]"Sweet. Like honey. Let this be a reminder about etiquette. Lest we become like the beasts at our borders."[/color] Amelia turned away, her eyes going over the young boy that had been accompanying Amiartys, then to Hatuum, and finally Alenios. 

A bell chimed outside. The session was over, the Council began to disperse, but no one had to leave. Amelia moved to take her seat on the simple stone chair seemingly hewn from the rock that also made up the Northern wall of the chamber. 

Idle members of society talked near the doors, just outside them, or bought favors and services. Amelia had to think of what to do about the disturbing reports given to her today. Would she send Death Dealers? Mobilize the Guard? Call up levies? Send an assassin in doing what a single blade might do what a thousand swords cannot? Perhaps the answer was right before her...