Potential heir of the Halidom of Ylisse.
The revelation came crashing down on Morgan as soon as she was out of the throne-room. Conflicting emotions came bubbling up as she strode past the guards and down the hallway. Severa was nowhere to be seen, maybe she grew bored waiting and moved on to the training-grounds. All for the better, Morgan needed to sort this information out before she could decide what her next action should be.
A good tactician needed a composed mind before making a move.
She needed some fresh air. The nearby balcony would do nicely she thought. As she arrived at her destination, she was pleased to see that the area was deserted. She leaned at the railings and took a deep breath.
All her life, she was taught to vilify and despise the Ylisseans and the ruling Exalted family. Her Ylissean-traits have made her a target for discrimination and harassment by her Plegian-siblings. Many nights, she had wished that she could burn the bad blood away. She had since learned to accept her heritage, it was pointless to wish for something that could not be undone.
Yet there were times, she had wondered why her father choose to conceive her with an Yliessean woman.
Was it love?
While Morgan strangely couldn't remember much of her early years, much less her mother, she could vaguely recall a loving and caring presence. For years she had just assumed, that maybe her father had genuinely loved her mother, despite his disdain for the Halidom of Ylisse. It was a logical assumption, Severa had been correct with stating that she had a favoured place in court. Despite being the youngest among his children, despite having no noteworthy benefactor or wealth of her own, their father had always kept her close.
How naïve, now she knew, she and Severa was conceived because her father wanted trophies, and she was the centrepiece. It was just another way for him to twist the blade in the gut of the Ylissean nation.
It was nothing else.
Whatever she ended up growing isolated and abused did not concern him. Morgan felt a righteous anger growing within her. His earlier promise was probably not even an admission of her abilities, it was undoubtedly meant as another sick joke against their hated neighbours.
A Ylissean-bastard leading a Plegian army, no doubt that her father found that idea amusing.
Morgan closed her eyes and exhaled. It was pointless to dwell on it now, whatever her king father's reasons for conceiving her. While her upbringing hadn't been ideal, he had seen to it that she was cared and provided for. And while she would never say that she loved him as a daughter should, she did respect him if nothing else for his abilities and status as king.
And now she has been promised a position of power, a position that offered good opportunities for advancement over her other more well-connected siblings. And who knows? If she played her cards right, she might one day sit on her father's throne. And then she would be in position to do some ''house-cleaning'' herself.
Having composed herself. Morgan decided to seek out her brother Validar.
Of all her siblings, it was said that Validar resembled their grandfather the most. It was likely for this reason that he was even named after said grandfather. Unlike the king's other children, Validar had dark hair and brown skin, traits that he inherited from his mother, who was a distant relative of the royal line.
Being Kano's younger brother, Validar would most likely be next in line to inherit Kano's wealth and connections as the deceased crown prince had no heirs.
Yet this had not been much of a concern for many the King's children. Their father had made it clear that he would only pass on the throne to the ''best suitable''.
In the end he did not care much for the order of succession. Power was the only measurement he would consider when the time came to choose a true heir.
However, being one of the king's firstborns and hailing from the more influential noble families, did have its advantages. It did help Kano to secure his position as crown prince and would make it easier for one such a Validar to take over his deceased brother's position. However, unlike his elder brother Validar himself had no rank within the military. Being the high hierophant of Plegia, his influence was mostly within religious matters, and a king needed the support of all the major branches to secure his position.
At this Morgan smiled for herself. If she were to be placed a high position within the military, she would be in a prime position to hinder her half brother's ambitions. He was one of her worst tormentors, and she relished the thought of repaying him one way or another.
Morgan found Validar in the war-room of the castle. The room had a large rectangular table in the middle with a map of the continent. Other than that, the room was sparsely decorated, there where chairs, but none of the current occupants used them. Validar stood leaned over the table, flanked by two high ranking officials (judged by their clothing). The officials didn't seem to bother to acknowledge her presence as she entered the room, her brother however looked at her with a displeased expression.
''I think it would do for now; you have your orders. We'll convene tomorrow for the finer details. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll like to speak with my…sister''
His last word was said with a clear venomous tone. The two officials bowed before her brother and proceeded to vacate the room. None offered so much as a polite nod to the young mage as they passed her. Morgan did not care; such disrespect was commonplace.
She in turn did not wait for Validar's permission to speak nor bother with speaking in any polite manner.
''I'm sure that you have been informed of why I'm here?''
Validar straighten himself up and looked Morgan directly in the eyes, she responded in kind. He was at least two heads higher than her.
''Indeed I'm, but I fail to see the necessity of dragging you along.''
Morgan made a quick stock of his response, it was clear that Validar hadn't been informed of her heritage, if anything at all. That was good, Morgan decided that she would keep that information a secret for now. Yet she didn't want to waste an opportunity to insult her half-brother.
''I'm sure he has his reasons. Maybe he felt you're inadequate for the task?''
Validar made a dismissive wave at her little jab. He was not in the mood for her provocations.
''As if you would be of any use girl. Enough! Father has made it clear that I'm responsible for briefing you on the preparations and the journey, so let's get this over with.''
Validar's briefing took less than an hour to reach it's ending. For such an important undertaking, it was clear that Validar was reluctant with sharing to much information or any responsibilities with his sister.
Not that it mattered, her father had made it clear that he only wished for her presence.
The meeting with the Ylisseans where to take place at the end of the month at the border between the two countries, which was in three weeks' time. The Plegian delegation would leave the capital within the week with a small escort. Further security was to be provided by Lord Orton, who ruled the area at the Plegian frontier. The Ylisseans would do the same, with their security being overseen by the Duchess of Themis: Maribelle.
Morgan found the briefing quite boring. There was little of note, other than the time of leaving and the time of meeting. As Validar finished his briefing, he added some things that did concern her directly.
''Furthermore, you're to see to your own security. I would recommend that you picked some of our siblings from the common stock. Blood is thicker than water as one might say''
Coming from Validar it was a strange recommendation. He and Kano was always quick to ensure their lesser siblings did not get any ideas. Blood relations meant little to them.
''Am I also free to choose my guards from the castle staff?''
At this Validar smiled venomously.
''Yes, IF you can pay for their time from your own pocket. I fear that the state coffers might be a bit light, so I have personally seen to it that I will be financing this mission from my own treasury. And I rather not waste my money needlessly.''
He then mockingly added.
''Not to worry I would gracefully see to it that you and your entourage won't be lacking for food or means of travel. But anything else will be on your own bill.''
This was absurd, Morgan knew that Validar was lying out from his teeth. The young mage made a note to investigate this further but knew that it might be for nought. Validar WAS responsible for organizing this entire diplomatic mission and could pretty much do as he pleased. His refusal to give her any protection was an insult as well as a potential threat for her personally. She also did not miss the fact that he also mockingly referred to her own lack of means to provide anything by herself.
Her father would be of no help. He encouraged this kind of behaviour among his children. Morgan knew a few careless siblings that had either disappeared or fallen out of favour because of the mechanisations of their fellows.
But then again Validar's attempt of provocations would not make any difference. Morgan had already decided who she would take with her.
''Why thank you for your generosity brother. I'm sure I'll be able to see to my own guard, don't you worry. But I'm sorry to hear that your house is so impoverished that you can't even see to it that your own sister is properly escorted? Truly it must have fallen far since you took over as head of your mother's family.''
Validar had only officially inherited that position for a few days. Morgan wouldn't waste an opportunity to subtly insult him for inadequacy when he used such a poor excuse to make her life difficult.
Morgan could see that her reply irked him, but Validar maintained his composure.
''I'm required to do nothing other than see to it that you're present at the meeting. Father might favour you, but you are no relation to me or my house. Again, I fail to see the necessity of your presence. You're nothing, an ill-bred result of an Ylissean whore. Why you even have place in the castle instead of some barn like the rest of the common-born bastard is beyond me.''
If only he knew.
Despite not remembering her mother well, Morgan still felt a growing anger within her.
Both siblings stared at each other for a few seconds. Validar clearly expected her to reply, but Morgan kept silent. Sensing that he was getting nowhere, Validar decided to continue with the last part of his briefing.
''Speaking of your lack of status. Father has graciously seen to it that you're provided with some new clothes. He has declared that you're to wear it for the negotiations. It would be brought to your quarters later. We don't want to insult the Exalt with the rags you usually wear now do we?''
Morgan scoffed at Validar's last jab. As if he knew anything about fashion. Morgan liked her tactician coat – It was comfy and practical, but it was not something that scantily clad oaf of a priest would understand. Morgan had enough. She had all the information she needed from him.
The young mage smiled and made a mocking over excessive bow to her brother.
''Oh, I'm sure that you have a much better understanding of that subject dear brother. Your clothes having a great resemblance with the highest fashion of the Red Street and all.''
The Red Street was an infamous noble pleasure district. Judging by the small twitch in Validar's eyes, this insult did not go unnoticed.
''Thank you for your briefing brother. Gracious as always. Now I must excuse myself. I understand that I have much to prepare''
As she turned to leave, Validar had one last jab at her.
''I know what father promised you. Know your place bastard''
Troubled at this revelation that Validar knew about their father's promise, Morgan tried to keep a relaxed composure before turning to her brother with a sweet smile. She knew he hated seeing her smile.
''Well what father promise is his to grant. Or do you question his will?''
With that Morgan left the war-room.
Thank you for reading ^^
As always, any feedback would be welcome.