Young Writers Society

"Winthrop? Jarl? Leave us," Astoria said quietly.

Disgruntled, the Dwarf rose, pushed in his chair, and started for the door. The White Wolf, meanwhile, looked into Astoria's eyes before reluctantly following the Dwarf.

After they had left through one of the side doors, Astoria looked at the Ambassador and the King.

"Algernon is gone. There are few we can trust. Already, we have placed trust in one another, and we have not paid for it."

"Yet," Agrona muttered.

"I should hope there will be a guarantee of my kingdom's security if you wish to have us in your alliance," Athelstan said coldly. "That comes before anything else."

"Of course," Astoria answered firmly. "I give you my word, and that is not something I give lightly."

"And you?" Athelstan looked to the Ambassador. "If you are to join the alliance, will you offer the same oath?" He did not trust anyone in this room (with the exception of Agrona), nor did he feel likely to trust any of them. A promise was as close as they would get to trust, for now.

"In return for the same courtesy, yes," Phyrra said, "Though I'm afraid I know little of your kingdom."

It was a fairly risky move, to admit to ignorance, but it was even riskier to proceed dishonestly. Peace proceedings were always about fine lines. Walk the razor's edge, or bleed.

"I intend to keep it that way," Athelstan said grimly. "As I said, my sister and I must confer before offering an answer, but we will take both your assurances into account."

"And you?" Astoria asked. "Will you make the same pledge?"

Athelstan had turned to leave, but he paused as Astoria spoke. He and Agrona shared a look, and he sighed.

"I said I will always put my kingdom first," he said slowly. "Our history does not hold alliances in a favorable light. If we do join you, we will be loyal until you become a danger to the kingdom. That is all I can offer in the way of an oath."

(oi oi)

Astoria mentally sighed. That was... not comforting. Not at all.

"I would like an answer by sunset in five days."

Athelstan dipped his head. "You will have it. Now, I think some rest would do us all well." He turned toward the door again, pulling it open as soon as he reached it and stalking out. Agrona followed, casting another wary look at the others in the room.

Phyrra rose, intentionally missing the wry look that was cast her way. It was important to avoid allowing reasons for people to believe there should be conflict, just as it was important to avoid conflict itself.

She turned her attention to the queen. "My bodyguard and I will need lodging," she said. It was proper manners to provide a room to an invited guest. Where Phyrra not invited, she wouldn't dare request such a thing so boldly.

"Our stewards will provide you with appropriate lodging," Astoria answered firmly. A if she'd forget not to have rooms prepared.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Phyrra said, "I have plenty to consider."

Really, the negotiations hadn't truly begun. With the representatives from that other kingdom present, she didn't know that the planned negotiations would be at all possible. It was terribly difficult not to feel the waves of paranoia they emitted. The air was practically thick with it whenever they were in the room.

Phyrra gave a respectful bow and turned to leave the room.

With a flick of her wrist, her bodyguard and his young apprentice fell in line behind her, and she requested one of the stewards take her to her rooms.

Astoria stood and exited through the same side door her friends had left through. There was a winding hall of stone that led to the nearby guardroom, where she knew they'd be waiting. But she'd simply pass them by and go to rest in her room, alone and undisturbed.