Author's Note:

Ok, so here's my last update for this weekend I think. I may do my Will story, but it's unlikely.

Also, Anarchy might be a while. I have the whole plot written down (like I do for all my stories) but the chapter I'm at is soo uninspiring, I just can't write it out no matter how many times I try, sorry! :(

On a note relevant to this story, so many hits, alerts and favourite adds, but really, it is soo frustrating when someone favourites without reviewing. Ask any author. Seriously.

Also, people weren't happy with Baoth, well too bad, he's probably my sole antagonist in this text, I can't just throw him away. At least he won't be here for too many chapters :)


Chapter 9:

|| Treaty ||

xxx


Cassie yawned silently, letting her hand cover her mouth so she wasn't seen.

Horace nudged her, reminding her where she was.

Giving him a fleeting, apologetic smile, they turned back to the matter at hand; the King's Court.

Luckily for her, Cassie wasn't the sole attention of the mass of people before them. She was seated on the edge of the Court, so she could see everything, but was still only an observer.

Village people and the castle folk could come forth and propose ideas or complaints to the King. Nobles or foreigners came after, since the villagers came early so they didn't waste their day.

Duncan, as it was his duty, took all offers or insults in his stead, calmly dealing with them with a practised hand. Cassie was able to observe her father and get an understanding of how to react to different suggestions and situations.

Horace, for his part, stood beside her, as her consort and her guard. He thought it was logical for Duncan to seat Cassie near him, so he was the King in charge, but she was able to learn how to do it in future.

Not one of his thoughts strayed to the idea that he also was learning on how to understand Court ruling.

The last of the villagers was presenting his problem, trying to be courteous and respectful, but at the same time, criticizing the nearby army garrison that was disturbing his cattle.

To rectify this problem, Duncan couldn't simply get his garrison to move, so instead he gave the farmer permission to use the King's land near him to allow his cattle to graze and roam free.

The man, startled by the generous offer, bowed humbly and left the court, a happy smile on his face.

Horace nodded from where he was. While it seemed Duncan was being generous, in truth the majority of the man's cattle would go to the castle anyway, so the King hadn't truly lost anything.

The rest of the morning passed slowly, while officials and nobles presented their arguments and Duncan dealt with them.

Then a familiar figure stepped up to the dais to present himself to King Duncan.

Immediately this caught Cassie and Horace's, attention and they leant forward eagerly.

It was the Hibernian Prince, with one of his Ambassadors.

The Princess subtly reached to her right and caught Horace's free hand, grasping it tightly.

The Court was silent, and she knew to speak would draw everyone's attention.

'Ambassador Rian and Prince Baoth, what have you come to ask?' Duncan said calmly.

Rian nodded and bowed before the King of Araluen. The Prince followed suit, but his bow wasn't as deep.

'Your majesty, we've come to discuss the terms of an official alliance. King Rioghan wishes to propose and alliance between the Kingdom of Mide and Araluen.' Rian announced with a clear voice.

Murmurings began between the nobles and those that staid for the hearings.

Cassandra's grip on Horace tightened slightly. He wondered why she was so edgy. From what he knew, alliances had to be formally announced, before the officials and scribes then worked out the kinks and true boundaries and requirements of the treaty.

Lord Anthony called for silence and the Court's murmurs subsided.

'An alliance would benefit both Kingdoms, however,' Duncan spoke, 'Mide and Clomnel have been bitter enemies for years. As you know we have an alliance with King Sean. I'm sure King Sean will wish to know how he can trust King Rioghan if your Kingdoms are not allied.'

Horace gazed at Duncan in wonderment. He'd forgotten that due to Halt's influence, the Kingdom had secured an alliance with Clomnel years ago.

Ambassador Rian stepped forward. 'Your majesty, King Rioghan understands this. King Sean has promised an alliance between the Kingdom of Mide and Clomnel if we can establish a solid alliance with the Kingdom of Araluen.'

Duncan nodded and waved his hand for Rian to continue.

The Ambassador presented an official statement before Lord Anthony, so the Chamberlain could see the seal of King Rioghan. Rian then took a breath and said, 'My Lord proposes an alliance with Araluen and Mide, through marriage.'

There was silence in the Court, and glancing down at Cassie's hand; Horace could see she was turning his white from her grip.

Finally, Lord Anthony broke the silence. 'Marriage, Ambassador?'

Rian nodded enthusiastically, trying not to wring his hands together in his nervousness. King Duncan didn't look too welcoming.

'Yes. Marriage between the heir to Mide's crown, and the Crown Princess of Araluen.'

Everyone's eyes turned to Duncan, who resisted the urge to glance at his daughter.

'Prince Baoth.' He said after a long pause.

The Prince stepped forward with an incline of his head.

'Your majesty?'

'You are aware that my daughter is already engaged in a courtship?' The King's words suddenly sounded quite cold.

Baoth ignored the tone and nodded. 'Of course, your majesty. However my father wrote the proposition before we arrived and I believe at that time, Princess Cassandra wasn't courting anyone.'

Cassie practically shook with fury, and Horace wondered if she was going to speak out of turn.

Rian cleared his throat, indicating he wished to speak. Reluctantly, Duncan turned away from the arrogant Prince and allowed him to speak.

'Your majesty, if you would consider the offer. This is not a matter of choice, but practicality.' He said, trying to sound reassure of himself.

Duncan looked as if he wanted to reply, but at a small warning noise from Anthony, the King realised he had no choice but to seriously consider what was given to him.

'Very well, my advisers and I will think on the offer. Ambassador, Prince Baoth, you may leave.'

With bows, both Hibernians exited the room, leaving a wake of silence in the Court room.

'I will take no more people today, we need to discuss this.' Duncan told Anthony and the Lord nodded.

'Court is dismissed.' The Chamberlain announced.

While everyone piled out with the help of the Araluen Guard, Cassie stood, practically fuming, and stormed out the private exit, with Horace in tow.

Duncan watched sadly, knowing not for the first time, he may have to give up his own personal feelings for the benefit of his country.


Horace kept up with the Princess easily, although she was attempting to go as fast as she could without actually running.

As they made their way into their private practising court, they were faced with the one person they truly didn't want to see.

'Baoth.' Cassie spat, taking intimidating steps towards him.

Horace reached out and grasped her arm, preventing her from going any further. In her state, he was worried she would slap him. He wouldn't be surprised if she did.

'Ah, Princess, so nice to see you.' Baoth drawled when he spotted the pair. 'I hope I didn't offend you in there.'

'You git! All this time, your teasing and nonsense, and you knew that was going to happen!' She growled at him, her emerald eyes flashing dangerously.

Baoth simply rolled his eyes and folded his arms.

'Silly, of course I knew. But it's not as if I had a choice in the matter. Clearly, if you were listening, my father proposed the idea, not me.'

Cassie let out a gust of air, close to a hiss and Horace for once, was actually scared of her. She looked ready to kill him.

'Well whatever you think, I won't marry you. As if I would tie myself to a cowardly, manipulative person like you!' She said icily.

The Prince smiled in amusement and made a tsking noise. 'Well whatever you think, it's not up to you. We both have our rulers; it's up to your father. I daresay he will take this proposal seriously.'

'Horace.' Cassie said quietly, 'let me have your sword, now.'

The knight shook his head and let his hand fall to the hilt, keeping it there.

Noticing the action, Baoth's smile widened.

'If you were any self sacrificing person for your Kingdom, you'd realise that personal matters aren't a priority for us. I look forward to seeing you next.' He said smugly, waving a hand before he left the two.

Cassie's anger immediately subsided and she slumped, letting her face fall into her hands.

At that moment she wasn't worried about her hatred for the Prince, or her anxiety that her father might accept King Rioghan's proposal.

She was positively, utterly and all round disappointed in her reaction.

Sobbing quietly, Horace relaxed the grip on his sword and let his arms encircle her. She held the back of his shirt tightly, pulling herself against him while she cried her tears of frustration.

'It'll be okay.' She heard him tell her.

She wondered if it would.


A/N:

So... don't kill me. You all know he will go, and that clearly something will occur to make it happen. But the question is: what? ;)

I don't like him, but I have to admit that it was fun writing this chapter.

- Love Mae.