The Imperial chambers, the Capital of Empire
Celia paced around the council room, her advisors and aides standing very still. Her sisters, lounging in the background, were the only other sign of animation, nibbling on little snacks and chatting among themselves.
"Is there any good news in the Empire? All I see here is dissention." Waving across a great map of the lands. "And out right rebellion here!" slapping the symbol for House Hopps.
"House Lynx is ready to take up where Lord Kang failed. Though..."
"Though?" the Lioness dangerously glared at the Jaguar aide.
"They are concerned that, though they are confident they would persevere, they would be so depleted as to be an empty house."
The Empress turned to her chief military advisor, Bogo. The old Buffalo had been the long-time advisor to the late Emperor, and was still loyal to the Empire, in the dim slavish way of any herd animal, so still had some use. "So, the notion of self-sacrifice, of unquestioning commitment of blood and treasure to one's Empress no longer holds?"
"I suspect House Lynx is being cautious rather than unfaithful." The great dark Bull stood stiff and straight, the perfect image of the veteran professional soldier. "The conflicts between those houses had been old history. Both were young upstarts in the beginning, rather evenly matched and neither able to make conclusive advances. While House Lynx merely remains formidable, truth be told, House Hopps has progressed, both in population and prosperity. Though overmatched, the thoroughness of the defeat of Lord Kang's forces illustrated how effective an army even of smaller prey can be."
He then turned to address his Empress more directly. "I personally suspect that House Lynx, by itself, cannot succeed. They might very well spend themselves, and while there they have not displayed any territorial ambitions for generations, Hopps may well take Lynx holdings in this case. If for no other reason than to deprive such to the Empire."
The Empress clenched her jaw a moment and looked over at the rest of her council. Though they said nothing, there was clear agreement with Bogo's assessment. She might yet bolster that house in a campaign against Hopps, but was damn sure it would be House Lynx in the vanguard.
"So what would you have me do?" She looked to the great map, and the various tokens and scrolls there on. "Only the now inadequate House Lynx, and House Crocuta to the west have sworn full allegiance to their Empress. These others," and she pawed at the various documents, "are irresolute at best, likely treasonous in time. 'We need further legal guidance', a mealy-mouthed stall if ever I heard it. Or questioning the wisdom of their Empress, 'for the good of the Empire'. How dare they!"
There were those who knew that the proclamation had disrupted much commerce. Much of the merchant class, as well as craftsbeasts and more were all subject to it. While the chosen species were quick to seize assets for their wealth, all too 'predatory' in their zeal, few were keen or able for conducting new business. True, the Imperial coffers were now brimming, but what was the value of gold with less to buy with it? But that was a detail that dare not be broached without personal peril.
She gave a mirthless little chuckle, "And Eudorcas, they sent an emissary with my proclamation back to me, asking in all honesty, if it was a cruel forgery." She snarled at that.
Empress Celia stalked around the room in agitation. "And that Fox. A whole manuscript, page and pages of weasel words and obfuscations. And in the end, can only be concluded, with never actually saying so, that he has no intention of complying."
She had a special animus for the so-called 'King of the North'. He was of no proper noble blood, and as a Fox, scarcely qualified as a 'real' predator. That the Wolves and greater beasts who swore allegiance to such as him gave question to their resolve in the natural order of things.
That he ruled out of a sense of collective consent is was what galled the most. Mastery was to be taken, imposed, demanded, not meekly given over. And tales told suggested that he ruled with a soft paw, clearly a weak leader to a weak folk.
Though he held sway over a vast territory, it was sparsely populated, and it was on the far northern fringe of Imperial influence. Not the kind of holding that could muster any real threat to the south. It's only threat lay with its disobedience, and that could be ignored while more direct threats were dealt with.
"Your Highness, aside from the upstart Hopps, none have yet shown any overt sign of resistance in force." One aide observed. "Crushing them with the full might of your armies would be no great task. Demonstrate your resolve, then be ready for any other house that dare challenge your authority."
"And be so distracted, and forces sent so far a field to leave me defenseless here?"
"Your Highness, those kingdoms closest to the capital are in the process of complying. Yes, they are dragging their feet. But only to protect erstwhile friends and neighbors within the new status." Celia sneered at that thought.
That the predator populace had not immediately asserted their full rightful place was a surprise and disappointment to the Lioness. Even more so their desire to harbor the lesser orders out of some incomprehensible - something. For now, taking on a prey species neighbor as slave was a simple dodge, a gesture without cost or consequence. Perhaps they might reconsider their relationship if more responsibility, say, a new tax or two, was part of the deal?
"They want to obey you and will be loyal to you in the end. They would be the buffers to any armed threat by any outlaying force. While I agree with swift and harsh response to House Hopps, if you can afford some small time for further consolidation of your new order, it would provide an extra layer of stability and security."
"And allow Hopps to reinforce her position?"
"Your Highness, the full power of your armies could sweep them aside without question. But I can appreciate your concerns about such a commitment. In lieu of that, for the time being, it would take little to isolate the 'Burrows territory. A task well within the capacity of House Lynx at no direct cost to you. And that isolation would be not only on land. They have a large coastline and only a small commercial fleet while you have a navy of warships, for blockade or sea-borne attack."
Another sage beast spoke up. "There are other navies on the eastern sea that might be encouraged to help."
There were no few questioning looks at that.
"We could give license to the Grey Raider fleet to selectively attack the Hopps coast as well. They only grudgingly recognize the current treaties and resent the lost 'trade' of their former activity. Letting them plunder the Hopps ports would alleviate their 'hardship'."
"And do so also at no cost to us."
Celia scowled, "What next, mercenaries?"
"For now, unnecessary, and would be unpopular. But, as needed and only on the furthest corners of the Empire, could preclude extending forces too thin and too far when needed elsewhere."
She didn't like any of that. The Grey Fleet had been a scourge for generations, and the treaties had been the one accomplishment that she could grudgingly acknowledge favorably of the old Emperor. And it was mixed species, a fact that would have to tactfully ignored if they were going to have any cooperation.
Mercenaries were even more distasteful. Loyal only to gold. Recruiting a predator army would mean the dredging of the worst of the outlands; a particularly savage force to launch against an enemy, but one that could turn all too easily.
But all that was business for the future. There was open court this afternoon. Time to look pretty and enjoy the fawnings of resident and visiting Lords. While these little sessions in her privy court was the meat of her desire to reign, she was finding that the more public role was a sweet treat, more of a fun bonus than she had expected.
The Fairglade Holdings, House Winter
A quiet knock on the open door frame. "May I come in?"
The atypically striped Rabbit Buck looked up from a table strewn with scrolls. "M'Lady Winter, you hardly need to ask permission in your own keep." And he smiled and bowed to the royally clad Arctic Vixen at the entry.
She carefully answered, "With things as they are, one dare not get too casual, even in one's own keep."
They shared a sad look at that. Before the Imperial declaration, the relationships among the species, and even the classes, had been much less formal. True, everyone knew their place, but there was never the stern sense of enforcement and covert scrutiny at any interaction.
She walked over to the former King's Hand. He had been all but Son to his Lord, and so close, perhaps too close to the King's Daughter. But all that was gone now. She stood across from her most intimate friend and could only dare share the touch of a tabletop with him. "Working on my Father's petition?"
The Rabbit's countenance turned grave. "He drafted it himself, likely on the day he first received the Empress' declaration." Gesturing at the array of documents before him, "We've been working to get all our affairs in order. Completing everything that can't be left unfinished."
Her eyes widened in fearful realization of that implication. They were so beautifully blue, and he regretted the reaction he saw in them.
"While there have been tales told of the Empress' temper, there is also the practical matter of travel and the hazards therein." The Rabbit tried to be up beat. "I don't expect anything too untoward in the Capital."
The Empress was said to be volatile, quick to anger and long held resentments even before. The few rumors since her coronation was that she was even more demanding, all that the worst synonym for 'imperious' might suggest. But none of that dare be said aloud.
"If you don't think the petition will succeed, why would you risk presenting it?" She implored.
He sighed. "Because it is the right thing to do, for our Lord's subjects, and for his legacy." He so wanted to reach over and give her a comforting touch. "We dare so much because so much is at stake. The little charade of those false collars wouldn't hold. Even though there has not yet been anything like an official Imperial inspection, word has gotten back to the Capital about the slavery act that our folk have played."
The Imperial proclamation that disenfranchised all prey species, reverting them to serf, slave, or worse, had been deflected by creating sham ownerships, with trusted predator families now claiming prey properties and the individuals themselves as their own. All now wore the iron collar of a slave, of protected ownership, but still enjoyed the freedoms of commerce and conduct as before. But grumblings by a few jealous, greedy, or ambitious mammals were jeopardizing the situation.
"The petition would specifically secure the status of many folk, and by extension, help so many more."
"Including you..." The princess only dared mouth 'my love'.
The Rabbit grimaced in real pain. "I'm afraid we can never have that again, nor to serve your Father to the extent that I had before." He was not going to tell her that he had discussions with her Father, who was aware of their passion and was not, heretofore adverse to it.
The King had three sons, and the Heir Apparent as well as his spares, a light-hearted joke in the family, and already had another generation well on its way. Too, there was a large and well-knit extended family of Winter, which meant that one of the Daughters could follow her heart rather than fret over any dynastic responsibility.
But he dare not tell her that now. It was clear that such a union would be too much an outrage to the new status. Though she was a clever girl, wise beyond her years, he feared she might yet attempt something impetuous, especially with that knowledge.
"Whatever happens, you'll have the comfort of being well away from the intrigues of the Capital and all your family safe around you."
"Not all of them. I so wish my Father would reconsider going in person." Her paws clenched in dismay.
"You know he does so to give his full weight to it. Even if the Empress rejects it, or worse, she would be doing so on the head of House Winter directly. An act not done lightly nor easily ignored by the other Houses and Nobles of the Empire."
"And you..." She hunched her shoulders and fought back a tear. In the new reality, he could be looked on as little more than meat to any that exercised that prerogative, and the Capital was the very center of that sentiment.
"He is my King, and I would stand beside him. And I would be the embodiment of all who the petition would serve. As my Father before me, I am known and respected by many. A rejection of me, and by extension, all those who's loyal service have benefited the Empire, would demonstrate how far the Empress has gone to ignore wise rule."
"But would she care? Celia of House Pantharius is Empress, and that seems as though that is all that matters to her." And at that, the Vixen gave a fearful glance around for such impious words.
The Rabbit made a little disapproving shake of his head. "Clearly, you've been too long from proper sleep M'Lady." He said in mock admonishment. Then, more gently, "You do need to retreat for the evening. It will be a long night for some of us, and I would not want to see you in anything less than your best before we go."
They shared a last longing look before she departed.
00000
"Here is the last of the royal business, M'Lord." The striped Rabbit held out a bundle of rolled documents.
"Good work, Master Savage." The King gave him a wane smile. He was an old Todd, though in his summer phase, his face was fully white with age. While his oldest, there with him to assist, was a youthful mirror of his colors, many in House Winter did not revert, like his Daughter, and wore white year 'round.
"You know most of the content, M'Lord, so they need little more than your signet." The Rabbit turned to the Son, "M'Lord Terrance, you might take a closer look, as they reflect our Lord's latest will on some matters."
"Thanks, Jack." Prince Terry regarded the former Hand of the King as all but younger Brother, raised with the King's sons when Jack's Father served. Then his grateful face fell. "There's Skye's grief on you."
"She came by my chamber earlier and we shared a few parting words."
"I'm sorry such was all you could have shared." Their King interjected. "Though some might think you two were unseemly together, she was never happier than with you, you know."
Prince Terry shared a supportive look. Skye was his favorite of the younger generation, she being almost young enough to be a daughter rather than sister. As the pair were highly unorthodox, he had a somewhat more reserved view, but in the moment, had more sympathy for them.
"M'Lord, who else will be in our party?" Jack asked carefully.
The King frowned. "Old Toby insists, though he can hardly dress himself." Toby had started as the King's Father's body servant and still insisted on being on-hand for any small tasks for the King all these octades later.
The others frowned for the old beast's sake, but shared the unspoken thought of how he would want to be nowhere else for his King.
"Meister Long insisted on coming as well. And he would be my preference in any case, he knows both history and the law, so will be invaluable in any negotiation."
Jack frowned, while Meister Long was known and respected in learned circles throughout the Empire, and he would add his stature to the proceedings, he was also a rare and valuable asset to House Winter, and they had been fortunate in his tenure.
The King recognized his disquiet, but only shrugged. "And if Meister Long is going, his favorite scribe, Kasel, is going with him." Added more lightly, "He said he'd want to be a part of making history rather than merely writing about it."
"Then, we'll have an armed escort to the Capital's boarder, but only to there. I want it to be as clear as possible that we hold the greatest trust in our Empress and will do nothing to even imply any belligerence."
"And make you all easy meat if the Empress chooses." Prince Terry grumped.
"And we would still be even if my entire Guard were there to try any defense. Moreover, having such at paw could be used as a pretext, 'to defend the person of the Empress' or some such."
They all shared a look before settling in on the last of the night's work.
00000
The royal party looked ready, though a tad bleary-eyed as they stood in final review before departing. The escorting troops, in light marching order, accommodations en route precluded full campaign outfitting, looked particularly smart. To the bulk of the folk who were on paw to see them off, there was an almost festive air to the activity. The Old King didn't get out much anymore, and going to the Capital to see the Empress was a Big Event.
Those more in the know were a bit more reserved, but were loath to spoil the popular mood.
The royal family was all resplendent in their finery to make the most of the send off. Master Savage dared not spend too much time gazing at the Princess Skye; least they both betray their emotions in such a public setting.
As the King was not one for excessive demonstration, after a bit of last minute well wishing, he signaled the guard to go forward. A single trumpet sounded from the wall, simply the call to advance. And they were off.
00000
The Imperial Palace was everything one might expect, and Jack was hard-pressed to not gawk like some country bumpkin at the grandeur of it all. The King saw his reaction and had to chuckle.
"Yes, it is all that. I first saw it all as a kit, and couldn't keep my maw shut the whole time. But later spent many a day and night with the Old Emperor wandering the place, talking politics, so got more accustomed to it. But it still demands attention."
Befitting a visiting Lord, they had been given an apartment for rest and preparation for their appearance before the court. It would not do to show up with the dust of the road on one's traveling clothes. Old Toby was delighted to fuss for his King, especially as he recognized the apartment. He had been there before when the King was still Prince Daffit, and was being presented to the Emperor by his Father the Old King.
To avoid any surprises or unseeming moments in the full view of the collected court, all audiences and petitions before the Empress were previewed by her close councilors. They could then give matters some private consideration. Only then would a quick whisper to her ear give Celia a preparatory summation and recommendation before she publicly faced any new business of the Empire.
And so it was that the King and his party fretted in an antechamber upon presenting their petition.
"M'Lord, how long will we have to wait?" Master Savage tired not to seem anxious, but for all his time in the more modest court of House Winter, the notion of the Imperial Court, beyond the gravity of the circumstance, was a bit much for him.
"Depends on the petition and the mood of the court." The King sighed. "Back in the day, the Old Emperor might play games, to either drag the process out or surprise the victim with an immediate audience. He could be a bit of a scoundrel."
Meister Long said nothing, but gave a knowing nod.
It was some hours before they were summoned, within the range of formal inconvenience assured the King, and as they entered, Jack gasped at the spectacle of the Imperial Court.