Author's note: Hiya guys! This is my first, completely original fanfic (the other one is a getting-sucked-into-book type) so go easy on me. I'm not too familiar with court-speak so excuses if my language is off. If you like this so far, review and tell me so I know to continue it. If ya don't…then tell me anyways and I'll see what I can do.
Lord Padraig haMinch looked at the messenger, "You say the ambassador from Seregon is here?"
"Yes, my lord. He arrived just five minutes ago."
The training master sighed. He looked at the King sitting next to him. Jonathan nodded. "Alright, send him in." Then to the King he said, "I still don't understand why this is needed. I know Seregon has just recently revealed itself from isolation, but that does not mean that they are any threat to us. Why do we need these peace talks so desperately?"
"Because the Scanran War has been going on for three years already…we need more allies. Carthak and Galla are not interested, the Copper Isles is a dubious supporter, and the Yamanis cannot be everywhere we need them to be. We have need of more soldiers and supplies. Seregon has already proved to be a wealthy and powerful nation. We need their help." The King replied. The door opened and the all the pages and nobles looked across the room to see a figure hooded and covered in a fine, embroidered cloak. The Seregon ambassador bowed deeply.
Standing up, Lord haMinch proclaimed, "Welcome, ambassador of Seregon to the Kingdom of Tortall. Our servants will take your cloak and we would like to offer you, humbly, a seat on His Majesty Jonathan the IV's right hand side. Please… come." He welcomed the stranger with a bow . He beckoned to two of the servants to attend to the diplomat. Seeing the man hesitate, haMinch assured the man that his things would be well taken care of.
The stranger submitted reluctantly and removed his hood…
Everyone in the room gasped in astonishment. Lord haMinch leaned heavily onto the table and King Jonathan stood up so quickly that he almost upended his chair. The rest of the nobles whispered quickly to each other.
"The ambassador's a---"
"---knew there'd be trouble---"
"What will the King do---"
"---not a surprise really, considering---"
When an awkward silence descended in the room, the training master managed to stammer out, "But….but… you---you are…a---a… girl."
The ambassador of Seregon grinned and bowed deeply again, "Selena of Gladeron of the Kingdom of Seregon, at your service m'lord."
The King mastered his surprise quickly and motioned her into an adjoining room. "If I may have a moment, please? Lord haMinch, if you will." Selena, still grinning, followed the King with the training master not far behind. When they were safely inside and he door was closed, King Jonathan looked at the Seregon ambassador, "I admit that I am astonished to find that the Seregon king entrusted this negotiation to a, uh, youngster such as yourself. How did you achieve this position?...If it is not to bold to ask."
Selena's grin widened and she chuckled, "Being his daughter might help a bit…as does being one of his Dominion Champions."
Startled, Lord haMinch noticed that she was wearing chain mail and a well-made sword. He also noticed that she had on a medallion, which was engraved with a wolf and a star. Seeing that the King had also noticed, he said, "Well… uh, princess, I admit we did expect someone more…more… elderly. I hope you will excuse us for our inexcusable conduct." As an afterthought, he added, "Er, how old…exactly are you?"
"Twenty-six, to be exact."
Seeing his friend's distress, the King quickly intervened, "Age is not a problem ambassador. Your housing has already been arranged, and you are cordially invited to the night's banquet at the palace, ah, Lady Selena. The chamberlain will take you to your rooms…um…now."
"Thank you milord, Your Majesty. I hope that this negotiation will be benefiting to all of us." Still chuckling, the new ambassador bowed and left the room.
Jonathan breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, if I didn't know better, I would of thought she was just another young, mischievous child." He looked at Lord haMinch gravely. "Make sure the squires do not see her. The court will be in an uproar and half of the younger nobles will be in love within a week when they discover that the new ambassador is a girl." Shaking his head, the King left the room.
Story of the Day: Harry Potter and the Asian Invasion by Just Kiddin' (the account I share with my friend) (if ya read and review it, my friend and I will worship you forever!)
