As they reached the throne room, Daine pulled Numair into a small room off to the side. "I'm not quite ready to tell everyone about us, especially not like this," Daine paused, then added tentatively, "Is that alright? And…and do you think Alanna will talk? About us?"
Numair sighed softly. "I doubt she will talk. I would bet that she's already regretting how she handled our realtionship. Alanna always did tend to explode at small things. It's a well-known Trebond trait." He went gave a small smile. "It'll be okay, Magelet." He kissed her softly, then added "We should get in there before Jon sends someone to look for us."
Daine nodded and trotted out of the small room and opened the throne room door, peeking inside. Jon grinned at her and motioned her to come in. She did, and Numair followed her. Alanna glanced up at them as they entered, and quickly ducked her head, busying herself with notes. Baron George, Sirs Gareth the Younger, Raoul and Myles were present, as well as the Queen, Buri, and several knights and other men Daine didn't know. The room was filled with a low buzz of idle chatter.
As Daine sat next to Numair, Jon clapped once and everyone fell silent. "I have called you here today to discuss our relations with Galla." Daine stiffened involuntarily. "We've had reports from Gallan officials that immortals are attacking villages. They've asked us to send troops to defeat the immortals." A buzz filled the room again.
"But why should we help them?" called a man with a round face and upturned nose, giving him a snobbish look. Jon gazed at him. "I was just getting to that, Lord Genlith. King Mezinvar has agreed to an alliance and and an engagement between Price Jasson and his daughter, his only child, Princess Elysandra. She is to inherit the throne, and if Jasson is married to her, he will be king. They're that desperate."
"What if Mezinvar has another child? What if he disinherits his daughter?" Raoul asked, frowning. "It is unlikely. The eldest child nearly always holds the throne, no matter the gender, but girls must be married before they can be crowned. That's why he's so eager. Anyway, Mezinvar cannot have any more children. He suffered a rather... unfortunate accident some years ago." Several men sorted loudly. Jon glared.
"So a treaty and a marriage for young Jasson if we help? They do know he's only seven right?" a knight asked. Jon nodded. "The Princess is actually a year younger than him. The actual marriage won't take place for some time."
Sir Gary spoke first "I think it's a fine idea. Our troops are in good condition, and a treaty with the Gallans is wise. The more allies we have, the better."
Jon nodded in agreement. "Is there anyone who disagrees?" There was silence. "Alright. I shall send an official delegation and troops to Galla. Everyone except Thayet, Numair, Daine, Alanna, Gary and Raoul are dismissed." The bulk of the men filed out, relieved the conference was over. Jon spoke again once the doors were closed. "The official delegation will be comprised of Alanna, Numair, and Daine. I know the delegation is small, but the three of you are extremely powerful and I have no doubt in your abilities. I will be sending Gary along as well, but as commanding officer of the troops."
Alanna glowered. "So I get to attend parties while Gary has all the fun?" Jon grinned. "Gary gets to attend the parties too." Alanna seemed much cheered by this. Gary was not.
"Majesty?" Daine asked quietly. "Are we going anywhere near Snowsdale?" Jon shrugged. "You'll be sent wherever you're needed. Daine, I know they ran you out of Snowsdale, but you're older, now, and you have people who love you will be with you. I'm sending Onua along too, as head hostler." Daine relaxed slightly. "Alright. I'll go." she King beamed. "That settles matters then. Off you go!"
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"Jon seemed awfully eager to get us out of there," Daine commented as the king shut the doors behind them. Alanna came over beside her. "Jon's been gone for a week and hasn't seen Thayet. They missed eachother." She grinned wickedly. "A lot." Daine look looked at her. "What?" she blushed. "Oh, I see."
As aoon as Gary and Raoul wandered off down the hall, Alanna cleared her throat. "I must apologize for the way I acted earlier. It was just a shock seeing the two of you... together." Daine sighed in relief. "It's alright, Alanna. I'm just glad you aren't mad anymore." Alanna smiled and patted her arm. "However," she said, rounding on Numair, "If you ever hurt her, I will kill you." With that, she walked down the hall and disappeared.
"Well," Numair said. "At least she not mad anymore."
