Chapter Ten: The Aristocracy Study
The next day after the queen's tea. Iolene with barely any sleep wakes up at first light. She dresses without Eleyas' help and wears a light pink flowing dress. She walks at a fast pace to Constant's room. His guard Louis raises his hand trying to make her leave. Knocking as politely as she could on his door. He opens the door as he has just woken up from his sleep.
"Iolene… What?" He questions. He rubs his messy pink hair. Feeling embarrassed that he is not dressed properly. Tying up his silk dressing gown.
"I need your help!" Iolene says urgently.
Constant let her inside and shuts the door behind her. Iolene sits on his bed. A small bad habit she has picked up from being away from the priesthood. Constant quickly reminding her that she needs to remember her lady habits. Standing up proper with her hands placed on her lap. Iolene sighs as she remembers her childhood as it was boring, lonely and gruelling. She had to perfect all day every day to everyone around her. A pretty decoration for everyone to gawk at.
"I need information on the nobility in this country… I need to get the Queen's army. I cannot go into this gala blind… If I go to the gala with no knowledge I will drown in a sea of judgement. And we will not have enough to oppose the Black Empires forces." Iolene swallows as it is a mouthful.
Constant nods in agreement. For Iolene to impress the Queen she will need to know people. Not just by appearance and fashion but her charisma. This can also prepare Iolene against potential enemies. As words and charisma can turn the tables on the war of words.
"Let me get dressed and Eidith to tend my appointments and I shall meet with you in the library." Constant says as he fully wakes up. His steward Gervais enters and kindly says hello to Iolene as she leaves.
Iolene then walks into the library. It is a smaller library, but since it is not a palace, she did not expect it to be huge. It still had a decent selection of different genres and history. Iolene has visited this room numerous times since her arrival. It is a quiet place for such a loud city. As she looks at the books and scrolls. She looks at a series of massive books and sees that it is records of Constant's family tree. It traces back a few thousand years as his family was there at Mille Voix's founding. She opens the most recent book. Smiling as she reads about Constants bloodline. Finding that he has a younger sister named Marguerite nicknamed Maggie.
Flipping the pages Constants family has been immensely wealthy for generations, even a few were kings and Queens. Queen Juliette (Mercer) 4,902 – 4,915 died by drowning, King Bernard (Mercer) 5,837 – 5,839 was assassinated by poison in his tea, and King Edmund III (Mercer) 6,609 – 6,612 died by being bitten by a snake. However, her smile faded as she sees a whole segment scribbled and ripped, beneath Constant's name.
Iolene tries to read the top of the paragraph that remains. "Evan…" She whispers. Constant had a son named Evan. She looks at the next page and sees that it is empty. No Eidith can be seen…
"You know it is rude to snoop…" Constant says as Iolene shuts the book making a loud thud.
"I'm sorry…" Iolene said quickly as she picks the book up and tries to return where she found it. "I just… I didn't realise you had a son…" Iolene says sympathetically. "How did he die?" She asks with curiosity.
Constant does a playful scoff. "She is very much alive…" giving off a large smile. Helping Iolene to push the book onto the shelf.
Then the thought crossed Iolenes mind. "Oh…" She says with surprise. Eidith was Evan…
"That time I would rather not speak about. Not exactly the time of me being the best father… Come!" Constant says with a serious change of tone. Iolene follows as Constant brings out books of other houses and royalty.
"Wow…" Iolene says breathlessly. The pile grew and grew as Constant kept taking out books. Stein walks inside the library as Constant told him. Stein smiles at Iolene as she happily smiles back. He holds her hand with reassurance.
"Remember Iolene… There is so much you need to know. Countries are massive with many noble houses who support them. Do you know much about them?" Constant asks.
"I know the Marlowe family along with Light-Blue families of, Bays, Laguna, Aaburgs, Burbanks, Morrissey, Mortimer, Reef… So many and those are the wealthier houses. I saw them in the court hearing of Akvor. They did not say much though…" Iolene paces around the library.
"Many of them have been invited. In fact, it is easily one of the largest invites I have seen in years." Constant says.
"There are no wars at the moment…" Stein says. "Perfect opportunity to make amends or create more chaos. But knowing this nation they strive for drama and would like to relish in chaos."
Constant places a large scroll in front of Iolene. She looks down at the long list of family names who are confirmed to attend. Many family names she never even heard of…
Turquoise
Fleurir, Ciel, Libulle, Esclavagiste, Riche, Reveur, Avion, Amoureux, Amour, Buveuse, Graisse, Mercer, Tromperie, Destin, Parler, Chanter, Lecri, Moreau, Dubois, Dufort, Aries, Bohan, Castillon, Lambert, Abreo, Larambrie, Abreo, Allard, Cartier, Beaufort, Alarie, D'aureville, Lavign, Blanchett, Toussant, Couture, Acord, Boisclair, Archambeau, Alexander, Leclair, Arsenault, Danton, Giselher, Gimberht, L'Angelier, Marchan and Rayne.
Green
Irons (R), Green (R), Verdell (B), Konig (R), Martin (B), Kuhn (B), Smith (R), Meyer (B), Rock (R), Denvers (B), Diamandis (R), Greeniron (R), Grandstaff (R), Castle (B), Muntanya (B), Berch (R), Mendoza (B), Gunung (R), Bundock (R), Kalnas (R), Berg (B), Greenmoss (B), Miner (R),
Note: Their country is under occupation. They have decided to call themselves the Reds or blacks. They have been given leave but will be reprimanded if they spout Green sentiment. Execution if they step out of line.
Iolene felt sorrowful for these people. Surprised that they can leave the country. Iolene thinks that maybe she can gain sympathy. They lost their identity same as her. Maybe one day she can help get it back for them. But looking at the reds Iolene had to think otherwise... If she promises such a thing to the green nobles, the Red Empress will not be cooperative. She needs the reds as allies. They are powerful both physically and spiritually as she learnt from Lexi. Empress Vatra's forces occupies Demir the capital city of the greens. They will not easily let them go... Black holds the north of green. The only idea Iolene can think of will only appease red... And that is to rid of Black's occupation and red take the country over entirely. She felt cold of thinking such a notion... Who am I to think of someone else's fate? But how else can she gain Vatra's favour? Iolene needs to get her home back and she will have to pay those who will serve.
"Iolene are you okay?" Stein asks worriedly.
"I am fine... Just thinking."
Purple (Clans)
Brutul, Brutus, Frozenbridge, Halfhand, fingerless, foothold, Axes, Woodfern, Spearhead, Forest, Swamp, Forrester, Harvester, Crusher, braineater, Coldheart, Spears, forefinger, scrunge, Feroz, Wylde, Wrede, Thornfoot, Finch, Dragonrock, Arakh, Blood, Pineneedles, Swamps, Waterfall, Sweetree, Arrowhead, Woodland, Roughan, Dodge, Gorey, Skullz and Bones.
Note: These people are savages. Each of their husbands and wives have been accounted. They asked specifically to have buffalo on a spit. They are not to live in the palace. Only to live outside the city limits.
Iolene looks at Constant. "These people are savages? How so?" Iolene looking at the purple Empire list. She admits knowing little of the purple Empire. The only fact she knows they tend to be allies with the Black Empire. Iolene knew better than to become allies with them.
"Yes… They are a rowdy, destructive bunch." Constant answers. "Destructive and wild, horrible people. Their country leader Erskine is quite a man… wild and unpredictable. They are only invited to make drama and they know it. But there is one I do get along with, it would have to be chief Krifta of clan Frozenbridge. A hard and strong woman she fought against other clans while being heavy with child. Giving birth to her daughter Maja, soon after killing chief Ulf Skullz in a duel. Crushing his face with his bone staff…"
"May I ask why they duelled?"
"Ulf wanted to take her young girl Linnea to wife. To join his six other wives. Krifta said no as she is betrothed to another. But Linnea was beautiful and joyful. Long brown hair, loved flowers, dancing and making rock jewellery. Ulf could not resist as he kidnapped her one night and stole away her maidenhood… As you can imagine Krifta was furious. Her sixth husband and Linnea's father Tyr demanded a recompense. Krifta demanded a duel to the death. Which other clan leaders agreed. In her furs she wore armour to protect her belly. She fought and won."
Iolene is breathless. Why do I not hear stories about women like her? She couldn't help but admire her. She wants to meet this woman.
"She and her seven husbands are delightful enough." Constant chuckles.
"Seven… Husbands?" Iolene sounded surprised. Aaron is hard enough and we are not even married. Iolene sighed thinking of the tree. What even are we? Iolene looks down at the book reading more family names. Hoping to get Aaron out of her head.
Constant takes out a book and shows Iolene. Illustrations of the Purple Empires' capital Drascus. It is not advanced as many other cities. Each of the clans has different styles of homes from wooden huts to tents. But their fighting prowess is not to be underestimated. Honour is not a part of their life they will fight dirty. However, Drascus is a peaceful place where no clans fight and is against the law, to carry weapons. Drascus the leader who united the clans created a place of peace. The pregnant women and dragon eggs travel there without fearing harm. Seeing an illustration, it looks like it can one day become a full-fledged city with buildings.
Iolene admires the illustrations. It must look cold as the drawings show their wools and furs. Harsh environments breed hard people.
Red
Fuegonacido (Second Prince Elias and his cousin Duke Azar), Abners, Urias, Fintan, Fiametta, Fackler, Fire, Kurnik, Chandra, Lusignan, Burns, Blackfyre, Darkfyre, Bluefyre, Goldfyre, Nett, Redfyre, Wyldfyre, Vulkann, Sopkaa, Freefyre, Aag, Agnipa, Akil, Deeplith, Chulli, Chalamet, Waru, Arson, Juarez, Shah, Mahajan, Varma, Desmukh, Pandita, Patel, Bakshi, Madan, Gil, Singh, Seth, Gupta, Redfern, Redhill, lavariver, redrock and Kapoor.
"This will be a start. Make a good impression on the red Prince. Iolene, charm him and let him know you. I have not seen Elias in years of course. But he seemed to be a fine child. He will be a start..." Stein says enthusiastically. A bit too enthusiastically, which caught Iolene's attention quickly. Nodding in reply. He is twenty-three now. Charm him... Iolenes heart skipping beats. Elias is not married and not betrothed...
White
Noelani, Amphorn, Barak, Baran, Erojn, Meri, Soars, weather, Myrsky, Turfani, Balam, Fuyuki, Kaze, Gio, Phong, Ganbold, Anga, White, Himmel, Whiteskye, Whitecavern, Whitecliff, Volare, White, Lendamma, Flyve, Flugi, Ziria, Blanka, Clifford, Cliff, Blanc, Baltas, Alvarado and Blanco,
Iolene is unsure of the White Empire. Only knowing they gained independence after the Star War.
"The White Empire is a fickle country. Unstable since its own founding. I would not be involved with them yet..." Constant says. "They will fold easily as they know they can lose like Green, Light-Green and Gold. As they showed by giving the black empire half of green..."
Brown
Nenge, Nnadi, Osei, Tanah, Oyekan, Tersoo, Kanuba, Benkole, Hassan, Terra, Motus, Okoro, Rocks, Boulder, Mandrapilias, Brown, Moss, Lindol, Quake, Terramotto, Earths, Pine, Cliffside, Brownwill, Brownheed, Browntree, Brownrock, and Chikyu.
"Montahan Nenge is travelling from Macdan. I asked him nicely to come over." Stein said. "I know he was here for the Red, Black and Green treaty. But the more allies we have the better. We must prepare ourselves."
Orange
Dominshara, Dominara, Tarib, Jalal, Haddad, Esclavage, Cutas, Kamnan, Kataraz, Rahal, Maloof, Burtuqaala, Araqh, Sextus, Benedictus, Rhashihas, Abdo, Meriiti, Meritaten, Arsandanas, Hirastanatu, Prisshanti, Prisshinti, Prissara, Prisshantara, Jalashiri, Talari, Prisshantib, Brealish, Braavaas, Kutrass, Drakaar, Dreadra, Drafftaas, Xharaxes, Xherax, Brataas, Kashifra, Xhaxoas, Rafraxes, Araxeshises, Yugoshiva, Yagaxes, Araxes, Halaxes, Freeshara, Freemaster, Freeshan,
Iolene wished Aaron was here to help her read the surnames. She learned little from him, but her pronunciations are to be desired. She plans to avoid these dragons... Dangerous traffickers of slaves.
Black
Umbra, Sombra, Sable, Chernobog, Moreno, Cremar, Opeklina, Black, Preto, Beltza, Musta, Wakuda, Darkness, Stygian, Crepuscule, Tenebrous, Gloam, Somber, Bulan, Mahina, Marama, Snake, Tundra, Eventide, Night, Mayon, Darkling, Darathian, Paynn, Azazel, Cessair, Deimos, Dooley, Delaney, Hunapo, Thana, Huxley, Mallory, Morte, Raven, Blackwood, Blackriver, Blackhill, Blackmountain, Blackskye, Blackghoul, Blackdragon, Blackson, Darkwood,
Iolene shudders to see the names. So, many... All are her enemies. They supported their Emperor who wiped out her family. If they knew she existed they will kill her. Like Orange, she will have to stay away.
LightBlue
Rivers (Only Second Prince Murray and Princess Marina will attend) Iolene's smile turned large as she read Marina's name. Iolene remembered the dagger Marina gave her.
Bays, Laguna, Aaburgs, Burbanks, Morrissey, Mortimer, Bluereef, Seastroke, Seaworth, Seahope, Reef, Waters, Kallan, Mayim, Ondine, Tallulah, Riversong, Oceansong, Winslet, Caspian, Iolene's heart stops when she reads the name. Is Aaron's father going to be here? His half-brothers? Iolene reads on. Seas, Oceans, Dragonfish, Chopin, Delrio, and Barbeau.
Blue
Ju-Long (Third Prince Lei only attending), Bailong, Saelee, Liu, Chen, Chakrii, Ngam, Somsri, Cai, Sinine, Buluug, Bulu, Hirayama, Bughaw, Wang, Gao, Ding, Damini, Lightning, Biru, Kaminari, Ayanga, Molniya, Lao, Blueship and Birubane.
Iolene is surprised at how many are arriving. It is a well-known fact that they do not travel out of their country often. Their civil war is over. But much of their country is destroyed as they are now rebuilding the south and parts of the north.
"I asked Empress Zhen to send envoys of each family. As soon as I read Constant's letter... I planned for this very scenario." Stein says. "We cannot risk being outnumbered." He looks at Constant as the pink-haired man subtly nods in approval.
"You really are prepared..." Iolene says softly smiling. She could not have asked anyone better to help her. Murray will also be there to be her support, he should arrive soon since he sent a letter, declaring that he is on the move. Aaron, Mali, Beau, Iymp, Stein, Constant, Lexi, and Murray are the only ones she can trust fully. She felt grateful for everyone who has come to her aid.
Dragon-City
Morningstar, Eveningstar, Castor, Stars, Antares, Arawan, Flavus, Pantazis, Drakos, Sarris, Galanis, Cirillo, Gold, Kanchana, Stromgold, Gylden, Dorado, Gouden, Doratu, Aukso, Zelta, Nova, Dragon, Starship, Golden, Starfyre and Goldheart.
Iolene reads and looks up at Stein excitedly. "Look! People from Dragon City are invited! Will they help us?!" Iolene said it with such hope that Stein didn't want to disappoint her.
A sense of nervousness and dread filled him. Everyone of the highest nobility is invited. Iolene is now in the greatest danger… It would be best for her not to attend. But the Queen will not approve and will not pledge to her if she does not attend. They will need as much support as they can get. Or maybe she will have to disguise herself. Dye her hair brown and give her a false name. He sighs and sits next to her. "Iolene… When we go to war. This will be the hardest challenge to face. Many of these people… Bent the knee to Nero after great hardship. I don't know how weak they will be, or if they will rat you out."
Stein tells her of what happened that night they fled. Artemis Morningstar helped them to flee but remained behind to play the game as if she betrayed them. To one day help them get back into the city. They never heard from her again. Stein asked Constant and Montahan what became of them. Artemis died a horrific death of being pulled apart by the limbs. Adras Eveningstar is apparently close friends with Nero betrayed her. Which did not surprise Stein…
Iolene absorbs the information. Stein is right… Her family lived in exile for five years until they were killed. The other noble and loyal families would have been tortured or killed. Iolene plays with her hands. She felt lost and felt apprehension for the gala. Realising how much danger she is in. Her eyes look at the carpet details as she tries to think of what to do.
"Maybe I should wear a disguise to the ball?" Iolene asks. While she was thinking to see if she can talk to someone from Dragon City. She needs to talk to someone who lives there, it will be a massive risk and she knows Stein and Mali will not help. Not knowing if anyone in Dragon-City can be trusted. But she will have to confront them eventually. Hopefully under kinder circumstances. Iolene will stretch out her hand first she decided. Iolene glanced at Stein hoping he did not read her mind. Sometimes it felt like he could...
Stein nods as he hoped she would say it. Iolene again looks at the long list of noble names. Fear slowly begins to take hold inside her heart. Many of these people and dragons are allies… Most are enemies... And some who don't even have a side.
