1 ENVOY'S VISIT.

WITH FLAIR arrived a golden carriage in front of the mansion in the noon . it was odd how quickly the envoy had accepted their invitation . their welcome was grand as expected of the duchy .

exiting his carriage , alistair was met with the sight of the beaufort ducal family ― the duke held the same proud air of nobility that was so spoken of , he had a welcoming , but curt smile written over his face . however theodore alistair could tell at the first glance , the duke was not a man to be trifled with . then there was the older son , a sharp looking young man that did not seem all that happy with his presence . but that did not bother him , after all roger was here for a purpose .

and there she was , the purpose he'd travelled all the way from astocia for ; to say the ducal princess was a sight to behold would be an understatement . a tall , lithe figure clad in dark colours , azalea tinted hair cascading down her waist , an air of mystery surrounding her person ― persephone beaufort cut a striking figure under the cloudy glow of the skies .

" the beaufort family welcomes you , duke roger alpheus . " the duke came forth , shaking his hand with an amicable grin on his face . He further proceeded to introduce his children , making an excuse how his younger son couldn't attend due to some urgent matter ― however from what alistair had heard about the second young master of beaufort , he was somewhat glad he wasn't in presence .

tea was served in the meeting hall , where the chatter of international affairs filled the silence enough to disperse tension and the awkwardness around the two men . However the first young master was not quite welcoming , he too offered his input here and there in the conversation .

persephone beaufort ― he gathered from the conversation ― was not much of a speaker . but she did not seem witless , instead he noticed how she was paying close attention to the conversation , as if taking in the information and trying to make up the political scene in astocia .

" to say i was delighted when the princess had accepted the proposal would be an understatement ―- astocia is in safe hands but .. " alpheus' words were directed at persephone , who then turned her attention to him from her father , her face impassive despite the praise that laced his words .

" every empire needs an empress to maintain a good connection between the nobles and the emperor , I'm sure duke beaufort would agree with me on this . " he cast a knowing grin towards the man in question , turning gaze back to persephone .

" and I can tell that the princess is a bright young woman ; she would make a fine empress . "

the duke of beaufort puffed his chest at the comment ― a look of paternal pride written so obviously over his face , that theodore was all too familiar with .

" ah yes , of course . what my daughter lacks in social skills , she makes up for in her industry and quick wits . she― "

" does the emperor of astocia not cooperate with the nobles ? " whispery voice cut the duke off , and to his shock , theodore turned to find the princess' eyes directing the question at him .

she had an unreadable expression on her face , much like the one she had on whole meeting . but there was a glint in those intelligent marine eyes that he hadn't been able to notice yet .

" from the looks of it , more than an empress , duke alistair needs a mediator to make sure his majesty doesn't keep disregarding the word of astocian nobles as he had been in ―― say the example you mentioned moments ago , what was it ? monopolizing the trade of tasan . "

ending the statement , she would then raise the cup of tea to take a sip ― although theodore could tell it was to hide the budding smirk over her lips .

she could tell . he realised , so far not participating in the conversation wasn't but a farce , the girl had picked upon the slight desperation that he had been foolish enough to betray .

her words were followed with a light-hearted chuckle from the duke of beaufort ― out of the corner of his eye , theodore even noticed the first young master trying his best to hide the grin that came over his features for the first time since his visit .

" now , my dear , you shouldn't speak things like that ― it can be interpreted to be offensive . " the duke mildly scolded his daughter amidst his laughter .

" it was a mere jest , father " she said , directing her eyes at alistair . there was still a hint of a smirk lingering over her otherwise sharp face .

" i meant no offense . "

he straightened in his seat , his ears reddening slightly at the sudden attention . he returned the grin semi-awkwardly .

" none taken , princess . "

the conversation then drifted to other matters soon enough . the duke invited theodore to lunch , where they'd discuss the terms and conditions that were required for the arrangement to be fulfilled . her terms were rather simple , with dual citizenship to inheritance if the magic gemstone mines she owned , none that would require arguing with the adamant emperor back in astocia .

persephone beaufort was rather pleasant a company ― she was polite , quiet for most of the time save for a few witty remarks here and there , a little sarcasm to add ― conversing with her never did feel like a chore .

however for some reason he could tell , by the way she had glanced at him back then , that she meant every single word she'd said .

PERSEPHONE'S PERSONAL

LIBRARY: POST NOON.

hazel eyes of theodore skimmed over the massive library's shelves ― magic , geology , archeology , ancient runes ― the varied collection of princess' interests was greatly impressive .

" I hear the princess is quite interested in archeology . I can see for myself now , your collection is outstanding , your grace . "

He chided , running an ashen finger over the spine of a particularly worn off book . persephone replied in a casual manner , putting the book she'd grabbed back in it's place .

" i had taken it on myself to restore the ancient magical treasures from the fallen empire of liela , thus it was only necessary for me to do research on related topics . "

theodore nodded . adding quite quickly ,

" the magical strength of the inca empire is your work mostly , after all . i am confident that your abilities will be beneficial for astocia just as they had been here . "

How predictable of him ― it was as if those words were intentionally showcased upon the usually unreadable expression of the girl when she cast a glance on him . as if letting him allow to see her disapproval for his small talk .

" i hope so too ― " the princess said in reply , adding " but i also hope the duke doesn't expect me to be a pawn for the astocian nobles to establish control over the political board of power . "

the blunt words startled theodore , his eyes widened in surprise .

" apologies princess but that isn't what i mea ― " however she cut him off . apathetic , cold turquoise eyes fixated on his own .

" I do not care for what you personally meant , duke . I grew up as nobility too and I'm well aware what subtle implications mean . "

crisp clack of heels against the wooden floor far too clear in the silence of the room . the expression on her face indecipherable .

" you are an intelligent man , and thus i hope you realise that on a chess board ― the queen is an independent player ― she does not move for anyone , and is not bound by anyone's will . "

a smile graced her face , then ― one that was sweet as the sharp outlines of her features allowed ― but one that did not reach her eyes , nonetheless .

" oh look , it is almost time for your departure . I hope you have a pleasant journey back to your residence . "

PLEASANT INDEED , theodore alistair couldn't help but worry if choosing a foreign queen was indeed the right choice , considering the candidate they'd landed up with .

but regardless of his doubts , he couldn't help but be intrigued by the ducal princess .

this would be interesting .