Isaiah shook his head at his Emperor. Even in the wake of his paperwork being reduced to nothing but ash, he still found the time to flirt with his brother’s girlfriend. Honestly, it was times like these that made Isaiah miss his grandfather. Even still, at least with Jaakuna down and out for the time being, there would be time to have a moment of reprieve. Surely Roman was craving his tenth cup of tea since his last break.

[color=gold]“For heaven’s sake, Roman..”[/color] Isaiah would go over to where the tea was and pour two cups - one for Roman and one for Emiri. He would hand one to each of them and take hsi position back at the right side of Roman’s desk. [color=gold]“So, what are you two doing here, anyway?”[/color] Isaiah asked Emiri.

And just as the question had been asked, Jaakuna started to wake up. As he would start to stand up, the door suddenly burst open with force and it smacked Jaakuna in the face, flipping him once. He was, once again visiting the Land of Dreams.

[color=gold]“Yes, can we help you?”[/color] Isaiah asked, looking at two women in front of him. Both of them were blonde, but one was certainly older than the other. [color=gold]“Oh, Princess Cassandra and Empress Reia, how good of you to join us.” [/color]

Cassandra looked around the room, seeing two Archadians with the added bonus of an unconscious Jackson and Emiri, which made her scowl for a brief moment, though she would recover. As she walked past Emiri, she offered the girl a superior scoff, laughing somewhat at the blonde prince's predicament. [color=mediumpurple]"Ah, Judge Ixion, well met!"[/color] Cassandra greeted him pleasantly, giving him a kiss on the cheek, [color=mediumpurple]"and Emperor Roman! Your reputation proceeds you, though I was to assume that it would just be the three of us."[/color] She inquired confused.
[hr]
Hearing them all speak made Wesley grow more irate as they kept speaking. Honestly, most of what they said fell on deaf ears. He heard bits and pieces, but there came a point where Wesley just heard it as the same thing, just in different phrasing. At which point should Wesley keep his mouth quiet? If Jaakuna were here, they’d shut up. In all honesty, Jaakuna would’ve made them fear him the second they’d call his beloved a whore. Maybe that wasn’t always the right way to go, but if they kept speaking the way they did, Wesley might have to resort to that kind of desperate tactic.

[color=sienna][i]Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.[/i][/color]

Wesley couldn’t agree more. It was his last resort. 

In the meantime, of course, Wesley had to deal with the growing frustration at this council. He now understood what drove Reia to her desperate actions. Having these out-of-touch, soulless, fools always breathing down your neck would drive anyone to hold onto power no matter what it’d cost you. Wesley sure as hell knew that he would be without a soul with these four on him all day and night. One has to think that Reia was thankful for the time away.

Of course, that didn’t solve the problem that Wesley and the others were facing right now.

[color=fff79a]“My apologies, Council, but I don’t believe I heard right.”[/color] After a long moment of silence following Grant, he spoke, looking at the four men as neutrally as he could. [color=fff79a]“Did you actually imply that I, Wesley Alexander and rightful [i]king[/i] of Dalmasca, give up my heir’s name just because it inconveniences you?”[/color] Wesley inquired, [color=fff79a]“I, of course, am meaning no disrespect, though you’ve hardly showed me the same courtesy.”[/color]

“An inconvenience isn’t the half of it,” Leblanc informed him. “An inconvenience is having a prince choose to wed an [i]Archadian[/i]--who until very recently was a threat to our country. This threatens to crumble what little order we have. Do you think it wise to simply give up our princess out of a love she claims to have? Clearly lust was at play here.”

Grant had to bite his own tongue at his point, giving Lorenzo a swift kick to prevent him from speaking. Lorenzo glared at Grant, who would shake his head. He knew Lorenzo had good intentions, but he needed to understand that Nadeline, for all intents and purposes, was not his problem. She was Wesley’s--and he knew that Wesley wasn’t going to take this sitting down (figuratively, of course).

Nadeline scoffed. “[color=coral]You wound me with your words,[/color]” She said icily. 

“Perhaps. Unless you’ve eloped and married without anyone knowing?”

[color=fff79a]“Nadeline is not yours to give away. She is not a hound that you can train and retrieve a stick you have thrown across the way nor is she a bargaining chip for you--none of you--to use in your quest to hold onto power.”[/color] Wesley informed them rather firmly without losing his cool. [color=fff79a]“She is, as Councilman Arcturus said, the heart of Rozarria. And the fact that you councilmen have the [i]audacity[/i] to imply that she doesn’t know how to differentiate lust from love in not only an insult on her or the Royal Family, but it’s an insult on Rozarria!”[/color] His voice stung harder than a flock of wasps.

The three men seemed displeased with Leblanc, who would quietly sink into his seat. Grant wasn’t quite able to hide his grin, clearly enjoying this much more than he should have. DeVanios would instead do his best to appeal to Wesley in a way he could understand. “Absolutely, Highness. We wish only for Rozarria’s future the same way I am sure you think of Dalmasca,” He said. “But as a ruler, even you must agree that this comes off very much as a shock. Nadeline is our princess. She comes and goes as she pleases, and then suddenly comes back, engaged and pregnant? Even at the best of times, it’s startling. She can do as she pleases, but that doesn’t mean she should. Or, at the very least, announce her intentions ahead of time so that we may adjust.”

“Marriage between royals is as strategic as it is seeking benefits. Despite gaining a positive with our relationship with the Alexander family, we feel her loss is a huge one,” Aurelio couldn’t help but add.

“Huge doesn’t begin to describe it,” Leblanc ended up admitting. “Nadeline is completely adored by all. Losing her to another country is a blow unlike any other.”

Now they were just grasping at straws. 

Wesley eyed all of them carefully, but he centered his attention at Leblanc. [color=fff79a]“Let me ask you a question, Councilman Leblanc.” [/color]

“Yes, my lord?”

[color=fff79a]“You all claimed to know about the treaty, but do you know what it actually entails?”[/color]

He seemed to struggle with an answer, unsure of where to go. This time, however, Arcturus would speak. “We do not. Please, enlighten us.”

[color=fff79a]“It is an intricate, [i]detailed[/i] treaty that was penned by myself, my mother, Queen Regent Isabelle Alexander, the rightful heir to the Archadian Empire, Jackson Darcone, and your Empress, Reia Roselia. In it, they organized a way where our three, great Empires will enter a binding treaty that is tied with Ivalice’s greatest and simple pleasure that she has granted us.”[/color]

“A treaty we have yet to see,” Aurelio couldn’t help but point out. “Are you suggesting your marriage to Nadeline is included?”

[color=fff79a]“Not just mine, Councilman.”[/color] Wesley said, [color=fff79a]“in it, our countries will be connected through the unions of myself and Nadeline, my sister, Cassandra and Roman, Grant and Roman, and Jackson and Emiri. Through this treaty, it will ensure that we all get what we want. I will be able to rule my country with my beloved at my side, you will get your wish to have a successor in the form of Grant, who, in my humble opinion, is the best option. He is not only a battle-tested commander, but he is just as emotionally-sound as he is compassionate to those close to him.”[/color] Lorenzo could barely contain a snort of laughter, though he then grunted, his face on the table. Karolina smiled for Wesley to continue. Grant reminded himself to never piss Karolina off.

He looked at all of them, his eyes suddenly shifting into something threatening. [color=fff79a]“Royal Council, I can promise you one thing: if you do not forsake any and all notions you have of using Nadeline for your political agenda, your tenures as councilmen will come to a swift end.”[/color] Wesley threatened them, his resolve unwavering.

The air in the room had this invisible lightning, the tension rising much faster than it should have. Nadeline looked at Wesley, unsure of what direction he was trying to take this. It would be a moment before anyone would break the silence--and DeVanios would, once again, take that honor. “This is certainly an accusation…” He admitted. “Though...this ‘Emiri’...that wouldn’t happen to be the same Emelia Iniabi, would it?”

“Iniabi...Lord Andre’s daughter?” Leblanc asked, surprised. “We are aware that Grant cancelled the engagement...is this the reason?”

“Regardless of the reason, I do wonder how Archadia will take it.” Aurelio wondered outloud.

“Losing a commonborn--even a daughter of a famed general--can’t quite compare to our princess,” Leblanc muttered. “Jackson...not the same Jackson accused of murdering his father? That...can’t be right.”

This time, Grant felt the need to speak. “[color=magenta]Jackson was acquitted, and deemed not responsible,[/color]” He intervened, halting the discussion between the councilmen immediately. “[color=magenta]I only ask you not let false information cloud your judgement.[/color]”

“A comforting thought. Commonborn as she may be, an offering to Archadia would certainly be beneficial,” Arcturus spoke, though he would then turn to the situation at hand. “The three countries united...it almost sounds too good to be true.”

Aurelio nodded. “Then we assume this will all be happening in the near future?” He asked. “I admit, however, I am still concerned. Nadeline will wed Wesley--clearly, their decision is made. But I fear, for our...next issue.”

Grant wanted to let out a groan; he hated being put on the spot. “[color=magenta]Emiri--Emelia and Nadeline will serve as symbols. Despite her ‘nominal’ importance, I urge you take Jaakuna--Jackson’s marriage to her just as seriously,[/color]” He was stumbling over their names--why the hell didn’t they use their normal names like everyone else again? “[color=magenta]Now more than ever, we need to all be on the same page.”

“Which is all well and good to be said, but the actions laid before us are on the contrary!” Leblanc frowned. “Which [i]also[/i] brings us to [i]you[/i]. An Archadian woman! And not just any, no, it [i]had[/i] to be a Glacie! Have you any idea what that name means?”

“I must ask,” Aurelio would interrupt Leblanc’s rant. “Grant, if anything has made this conversation clear, it is that you will be our Emperor. And seeing as how...haphazard this has been, you [i]are[/i] aware that the responsibility of the country falls to you? And your bride to be is alright with this?”

Unfortunately, this time, Grant was like a deer in headlights. Tripping over the finish line; ah, sweet ignorance, thy taste was pleasant. He hadn’t a clue what to say: should he admit outright that he hadn’t actually spoken to Savayna about this, or should he just lie about it? The awkwardness and tension between the two had skyrocketed. He wasn’t even half sure that Savayna [i]wanted[/i] to move to Rozarria. And yet…

“[color=magenta]Of course she is[/color]” He said rather confidently. “[color=magenta]You will find her to be quite an addition; her military status is second to none, I assure you.[/color]”

Lorenzo had to physically cover his mouth, only managing not to get a sound out as Karolina would give him a rather frightening look. Nadeline cleared her throat, her hand scratching the back of her neck rather nervously. Wow, she was not jealous of Grant right now. At all. She stole a glance at Wesley, as if pondering his thoughts.

[i]Interesting tactic, Zeromus’ Chosen One has.[/i] Hashmal mused to Wesley.

Wesley agreed with that to an extent. It certainly solved one of their problems, but there still were a few that remained. Specifically, the councilmen didn’t seem to think Wesley was serious about his claims earlier. Though, perhaps with Grant flexing his muscles, so to speak, they hopefully received the message. [color=fff79a]“I’ve no doubt that you understand all that has been said, but just so I’ve made myself clear, Nadeline is no longer yours. You will get your wish for Reia’s successor in the form of her brother. You’ll get a uniting bond with both Archadia and Dalmasca with the marriages between myself and Nadeline, and Grant and Savayna. There will be no reason for you to pursue this matter further. Should you test me, I can guarantee none of you will particularly enjoy what’ll be the result of your greed.”[/color]

“Of course, Your Highness. We look forward to our relationship with Dalmasca,” Arcturus spoke, leaning back in his seat.

DeVanios nodded, though attempted to put a positive end on the conversation. “If I may ask, my lord, what is our future Queen like?” He asked Grant about Savayna.

“[color=darkorange]She is the female version of Jackson.[/color]”Lorenzo burst out laughing for real this time, unable to contain it. However, he grunted not once, not twice, but three times, his laughter dissolving into a whimper. 

Nadeline let out a short, polite laugh, though she cleared her throat. “[color=coral]That is to say--she is loyal, determined, passionate…[/color]” She found herself struggling to not use the words ‘crass’, ‘fiery’, or ‘foul-mouthed’. She threw Wesley a look for help.

[color=fff79a]“Her ability to be unyielding is as much admirable as it is one of her greatest strengths. She’s someone I’m sure will surprise you.”[/color] For better or for worse, that was probably the truest statement that anyone could make about Savayna.

“[color=darkorange]She likes ice, too. She froze me once--OOMPH![/color]” This time Karolina stomped on his foot, causing him to whimper more. “[color=darkorange]She’s...extraordinarily talented...with ice magicks...darling, that hurt…![/color]”

“[color=orange]She sounds lovely![/color]” Karolina cheerfully stated as she patted her husband.

Grant wanted to cry. Nadeline glared at him, motioning him to say something. “[color=magenta]...the love of my life…[/color]” He murmured, letting out a sigh. “[color=magenta]And she’ll be delighted...to come live here...away from her entire family...and giving up her entire career...yes, that...that is the woman I’m marrying…[/color]”

The four men looked at Grant, unconvinced, yet they dared not spark Wesley’s wrath a second time.