The light poured through the stained glassed window. The crystalline sugar cast a shadowspot of colors into the royal breakfast room. The princess sat with her back straight, and her face strong. She sipped at her tea slowly, thoughtfully, savoring the brief reprieve it gave her from conversation. He smiled politely, patiently even. With an inner sigh she paced her teacup on the table, the first salute.

"As I was saying" he thrust his hand forward gently.

"I remember, but the terms are not entirely agreeable" she parried. She kept her hands enfolded and on her lap on, and waited.

"Of course you would remain here, and retain all executive privilege. I would only visit on special occasions." His fingers formed an overlapping pyramid.

"That sounds more feasible." She crossed her ankles.

"Excellent, all I ask is to stay informed, and a consultation role during my visits." Good, she had him. "Oh, but I would require veto privileges." She winced. She had already leveraged too much, and he had given in to enough terms, but that sneaky bastard held this one back. She knew if she refused it would spoil the negotiation, and thus multiple foreign relations, if she refused.. The shock must have registered to her face, because no sooner than she had made realization he put his arms behind his head crossed his legs and leaned back. Bubblegum felt like she'd just been kicked in the gut.

"I accept."

"Perfect, then you may look forward to my official proposal tomorrow. I will present you with the ring at six in the afternoon at the town square." And with that, he politely excused himself from the table, and made his way back to the guest room.