You're the Queen - Now What? [CK2ish Character-Focused Quest]

[CORRESPONDENCE] 55 (Base) + 6 (Stew) + 8 (Learn) + 4 (Trait) = 73 = STRONG SUCCESS
[HIGH MARSHALL] 54 (Base) + 10 (Martial) + 5 (Trait) = 69 = FAILURE (QM Note: Some soldiers will still be recruited, just not the full number sought)
[SECRETS] 55 (Base) + 7 (Intrigue) = 62 = WEAK SUCCESS
[SHERIFFS AND REEVES] 79 (Base) + 6 (Stew) + 3 (Trait) = 88 = STRONG SUCCESS
[JUSTICE TRAIT] 65 (Base) + 9 (Magic) = 74 = STRONG SUCCESS
[JUSTICE] 72 (Base) + 3 (1/2 Intrigue) = 75 + 5 (Trait Success) = 80 = STRONG SUCCESS
[ENVOYS TRAIT] 55 (Base) + 10 (Magic) = 65 = WEAK SUCCESS
[ENVOYS] 55 (Base) + 7 (Dip) = 62 + 3 = 65 = WEAK SUCCESS
[QUEEN 2] 51 (Base) + 9 (Dip) = 60 = MISS
[BANDITRY] 65 (Base) + 9 (Martial) + 5 (Trait) = 79 = STRONG SUCCESS

By my math, there's nothing either of the Major Tokens in play could do to change any of the Weak Successes or Misses. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but yeah, you had some really great rolls and some pretty mid or even bad ones.

Omake: Progress and growth.

While the Estates-General met regularly to debate on issues and have their say on the laws and ruling of the kingdom, and while every noble was guaranteed a place full gatherings from across the realm were rare, Prior to the Queens anointing the last had been seventeen years prior. Nobles had their own fiefdoms and holdings to manage and while some would send family members as courtiers and representatives the ceremonial chamber was rarely so full or busy. And indeed during Syrokis reign the chamber had been reduced to little more than a rubber stamp if that. He'd often ignored or overruled their decrees and the less said about the lawyers the better.

That's not to say it had been entirely powerless, influential figures within it who had supported Syrokis had propped up his position and lent just enough power and legitimacy to stave off rebellion all while enriching themselves, until of course it hadn't been enough. Still, not every matter was debated in open session, the east wing of the palace contained numerous meeting rooms for the powerful nobility, wealthy burghers, respected mages and members of the council to lobby for votes, listen to their allies and supporters worries and spin deals. Such was Rykalls purpose today in one of the smaller meeting rooms, comfortably yet not luxuriously appointed, it set a nice tone for the meeting he thought with a tasteful display of wealth, room enough for a score of people to sit and discuss matters with a comfortable fire, a collection of cushioned seats and two large tables, one strewn with papers and records tomes, the other with an assortment of food and refreshments for his guests.

Keeper of Correspondence might be an unassuming title, but as a gatekeeper to the monarch and head of the bureaucracy he had a not inconsiderable amount of power, power that he was attempting to use for the good of the kingdom.

"No can do. A deal is a deal lad." The elderly dwarfen representative of the Redhammer bank stated calmly but firmly. Dain Redhammer was an impressive but not unusual example of his fellow dwarfs. Elderly, but not infirm, his voice was deep and his words was the grim weight of finality to them. The dwarf had well muscled arms with golden bands around his biceps, gold and silver and even what appeared to be silver rings were woven into his flame-red beard clinking together gently when he talked or moved his head. His belt was pitch black leather festooned with a weighty golden belt buckle and rings bedecked with precious stones rested on his fingers in a dazzling display of wealth, only one was without a gemstone, a simple golden signet ring with the symbol of a hammer embossed on it's gleaming surface. He was the very image of wealth, power, vitality and strength, the only things to reveal his advanced age the deep craggy laugh lines in his face and in contrast to his bright red beard, the hair pouring from his scalp falling in solid silvery waves, decorated with braids and rings and assorted accessories.

His voice was not unkind, but he was stubborn and unyielding. And glancing to his fellow council members both Rucdorn and Arandel shook their heads almost imperceptibly, arguing with the banker would be fruitless Rykall saw, still it was incumbent upon him to try.

Sighing Rykall looked around the room. Representatives from the crowns other creditors were also in attendance, Vardeck a banker from the Goldaxe bank, and a young distant cousin of some sort of Rucdorns representing the Axecavern clan who kept his face in a mask of polite neutrality. Listening intently but saying little. There was a bored looking dark haired Zedarshan grain wholesaler representing the assorted merchants and minor moneylenders from that nation and the remnants of the loans taken out there and similiarly a minor Selissan lady by the name of countess Bethany Andel represented the last few dureks of coin there yet to be repaid. She affected a genial friendly air and had waved off Rykall's attempts at negotiations by graciously 'allowing' him and Rucdorn to "Take all the time you need." At that rate of interest Rykall wasn't surprised, he thought wryly.

in comparison to the relaxed looking foreign representatives Halruns domestic lenders and merchants were far more stressed. Westcrown had sent another merchant, a bulk supplier of timber from the Varen forest. Port Lest represented by one of the cities wealthy merchant houses. Both mens clothing well made, but each lacking the ostentious jewelry that the dwarf bankers or their foreign counterparts sported. Certainly not the ruby studded necklace Lady Andel wore drawing attention to her scandalous neckline. She smirked at him and saving himself the embarrassment Rykall turned to the figures detailing how much was owed the Eaglecrests various interests, they'd helped finance the rebellion at great cost and those loans were among those ratified and signed by the queen, the crown formally acknowledging receipt of those debts. In their case they'd sent not a merchant or banker or minor noble, their representative was a knight. Not intended as a threat to the crown, but certainly a reminder that they wouldn't let themselves be ignored forever...

"Ultimately the crown has made significant efforts to uphold it's promises and repay it's debts. We've been more than successful in removing several of the higher interest line items, and have successfully paid down the total amount, overall reducing interest rates while also improving net revenues. Bridge loans from the Goldaxe bank have played a part in this, thank you." Rykall acknowledged with a nod towards Vardeck. "But the fact remains, that while the total amount is still high I have the numbers here, the total debt the crown assumed upon Queen Vanessas coronation was one thousand and five dureks with a total average of roughly eleven point eight percent interest. Some individual loans reaching as high as fifteen percent the current total is at almost exactly seven hundred and forty three dureks, with the total interest at slightly less than ten percent. In real terms, over a quarter of the principal has been paid off and interest has plummeted from one hundred and eighteen dureks to seventy three, that is, it's dropped by over a third thanks to aggressive repayment of the more usurious loans. Not to mention that the crowns revenues have increased. I don't think it's unreasonable to argue that the crown and treasury have acted in good faith, bearing in mind the upcoming wedding and the soon to be likely heir. We've proven we're a stable administration I should think."

"Your point being?" Rucdorns young cousin questioned voice surly.

"The standing loans were made at a time of desperation and uncertainty. The interest rates reflect that. We can afford them to be sure, but with the far reduced risk if any of you wished to forward another bridge loan-"

Noises of disgust interrupted Rykall, chiefly from the Halrunian representatives.

"The crown hasn't paid Us back what it already owes. Even if we wished to many of my backers at home in westcrown simply don't have the funds." The lumber wholesaler pointed out, his words met with agreement from his port lest counterpart. The armoured knight representing Eaglecrest simply folded her arms and remained silent.

Floundering Rykall glanced to his fellow Councillors. "They have a point." Rucdorn agreed wearily. None of the dwarfen bankers looked eager to cut into their own profits either and Arendal shook his head. Foreign creditors still stubbornly demanded their pound of flesh it seemed. Tiredly Rykall looked to the last trio of figures in the room. Representatives of the estates and the duchy of Raida in particular. One was known to him Lady Lyra was a wealthy noblewoman watching proceedings shrewdly. The other, less wealthy was lady Eleanor Grim, a common born mage married into a middling noble family, influential and moneyed, she was here more representing the city of Tairos and its merchant class and lesser nobility rather than as a substantial creditor in her or her houses own right. Rounding out the trio was one of Eridias' guildmasters, or guildmistresses in her case. Mistress Rebecca Weaver, a lady whose name and gown betrayed her profession as a seamstress, well made, of good materials and bright colours and fitted to caress her curves she was a striking figure despite being well advanced into her middle age and she knew it, a long revealing gash up the side of her dress showed soft expanses of leg and thigh extending up to and past her hip.

"I think-" Mistress Weaver began carefully with a flicker of her eyes at the two Raidan ladies. "That there are some concerns about lending to the crown, not insomuch as it's ability to pay back those loans, but that well, if first priority goes to higher interest debts, it would be a serious consideration as to when exactly we'd be paid back." She offered. "Would that be correct?" She asked her fellows receiving nods.

"Westcrown is simply tapped out." Their representative explained. "We're keeping our heads above water, but, well, as much as you talk of paying down the debts ours has grown considerably, the domestic debts have crept up from just seventy five dureks to over one hundred and twenty now. If things continue how they are then by the time of the queens wedding the principal will have grown to double it's original amount." He pointed out. "Cleaning up the banditry has helped. And it's gratifying to see that the crowns finances have improved, but by that same token our merchants and moneylenders need to see some sort of return before they even consider extending further credit. Much less at lower interest rates."

That's it then? Rykall looked around the room. The stack of papers informing him of debts in arrears and merchants crying out for relief were steadily growing. In theory the crown could wait to pay back it's own domestic creditors but simply put the numbers on his papers of the crowns debts only told part of the story, disruption in the war and borrowing from the private market meant that as much as the crown itself owed to foreign banks, multiple merchants, businesses and houses owed money abroad too. Saddled with similiar interest it meant growth was slow, certainly the minting of currency and the return to normality had helped somewhat, but while the treasuries budget was growing healthier the broader economy as a whole remained sluggish. Certain policies had provided stimulus such as easing of tariffs to Veldros and now Darkmoon forest helped things but even so the total debt remained high and just covering the interest was an anchor on the kingdoms finances.

"There's no room for negotiation?" He tried. "Councillors Rucdorn and Arandel informed us a royal marriage would help put concerns at ease about the thrones inheritance. We've upheld and repaid existing debts. Is there none among you who would be willing to extend the next bridge loan?"

"Look at it from our point of view lad." Dain explained. "For a start, a number of debts held by Syrokis and deposed loyalists have simply been written off. Farms burned, families utterly ruined, traders left bankrupt. A number of lenders have lost money already." He stated taking a swig of mead before continuing. "That's alright, that's the risk. Can't be helped. There's no-one left to assume those debts and any assets they're tied to are gone. But, that being a very real risk we did extend credit to the rebellion even when it was a risk, a number of us in fact, have purchased some of those debts, practically junk assets to consolidate them. Your estates wrote off what they could, as as part of your queens accession to the crown she formally accepted those debts that remain. She signed. She owes us, we did take a risk, and yes the rates are high but we deserve our reward, this was known and agreed to."

"But-" Rykall began.

"Let me finish, or do you need to call in your keeper of laws?" The dwarf asked. "That's not rhetorical by the way, he'll confirm it, by every law of our own and every law of Halrun there was agreements, we're owed debts. That is beyond question. The interest on the principal is our reward for taking risks. And it was a risk." He added seeing Rykall draw breath and holding up a hand to stop him. "The rebels might well have lost, the new queens rule has so far been successful but it's still not fully stabilized and no heir yet exists. Now to be sure, Halrun could simply wipe the debt and refuse to pay, but I'm sure you're well aware of the damage that could be done if credit was withdrawn from your merchant enterprises, and that further, before any loans were ever extended in future from the Lortan mountains that staggering debt would need to be acknowledged and paid. I won't say that if left for a hundred years my successors would demand all relevant interest be paid or not, but if they did insist upon it one imagines that would be a thorny problem for any of your queens descendents. There's also the issue that other lenders might be wary much less my fellow clans. It's not impossible that Halruns crown could void the debts. I would however caution one to consider the likely results of that."

Around the room there were various expressions of concern, port Lests representative notably anxious looked particularly pale and sick at the thought.

"I sense an 'or' coming on." Rykall sighed.

Dain shrugged and waved his hand vaguely at the various human creditors the crown was indebted to. "Zedarsh and Selissa present a united front and their debts largely come packaged together. They represent one of the highest interest rates remaining save the Redhammer banks own. They can be paid off in full at a stroke. Then, what? Sixty dureks to your countrymen and women?" He suggested idly, and Rykall did not believe for a second that the Redhammer banker hadn't worked out the figures and interest exactly despite his casual tone. "Ought to cover the interest payments in total, perhaps even bring it down slightly. Pays off a line item and one or two of our competing lenders, helps your own merchants, might even chip away at the total principal and free up some of your own liquidity."

Rykall had to think for a moment, holding the simplified figures in his head, ninety three and a half dureks total paid, would reduce total interests payable by a little over a durek. It wasn't the most efficient way of paying down the debts, perhaps some extra could be found to try and tackle the Redhammer Banks accruing interest but then, they would have some upcoming wedding expenses they needed to account for. To check Rykall glanced at Rucdorn who was stroking his beard thoughtfully.

"It's not a bad idea at all really." The keeper of the royal vaults conceded. "We're good for it. The clans can afford to take the long view and wait. Failing that idea it would be cheaper to just cover the interest for a month or two. Or even just spread the payments out and pay slightly over the odds to more steadily pay them down. Pumping coin into local interests could help since so much has been leaving the kingdom." Arguably Rucdorns idea was better, if they just covered the interest, but paid an extra ten dureks they could reduce interest by about point seven five to one point two five dureks, roughly, accounting for rounding, and depending on if the extra ten was paid to lower or higher interest debts, it wouldn't make as big a dent in the principal or interest, but it was ten dureks cheaper at a time when the crown was projected to have significant expenses as part of the costs of hosting a royal wedding. There was even the option of simply covering the interest but that left the mountain of debt still looming.

"Will there be anything else to discuss?" Lady Andel enquired politely. "If not I quite think we've exhausted this topic of conversation."

"The queens marriage-"

"Will be expensive, make do." The Eaglecrest knight said curtly interrupting him.

"I meant only to say that, one of the concers was the queens lack of heirs. Steps are being taken, progress made."

"All very well and good but it's painful waiting at the back of the queue. We've no more to lend in any case. Trade is picking up but we none of us has chests flowing with coin to lend out." Westcrowns representative answered.

"The marriage isn't done yet. The increase in trade is nice, but Serriados' credit is an unknown." Vardeck the Goldaxe banker pointed out. "And unless Darkmoon forest agrees to back any loans I don't see that the situation will have meaningfully changed. As is, you are meeting the interest payments and some, the crowns finances and the kingdoms situation are both recovering. One professional to another you'll be fine. And to be blunt? Renegotiating the interest rates benefits you, but holds less advantages for us. Currently, and I believe my peers will agree, our interests are best served by presenting a united front rather than seeking to undercut one another. And it is true, we're in no hurry to be repaid." He smiled wryly. "Redhammer certainly wouldn't mind accruing more compound interest to tack onto the principal, and my clans own bank has only recently extended the bridge loan." He finished.

There was some desultory smalltalk as the meeting limped onwards to it's conclusion. The Halrun creditors representatives pressed Rykall and Rucdorn on when exactly their backers could expect to be paid, each indicating support for the Dwarf bankers suggestion that the dwarfs could afford to wait while the domestic lenders who'd already been so patient were growing skittish with how that pile of debt had steadily crept up. Rykall avoided any specific promises other than to bear their words in mind and consider all courses of action. He weathered some polite queries from Mistress Weaver about any actions he might in particular wish to consider with her. Ignored the looks of pity and amusement sent his way by the other ladies as they left, and almost had his knees buckle under an encouraging pat on the shoulder from Dain who wished him well and hoped to enjoy the crowns hospitality again soon, and then finally Rykall slumped into a chair and regarded his fellow councillors wearily.

"Well that was a failure." He sighed. Arandel and Rudcorn sharing a look before disagreeing.

"Consider it as part of ongoing negotiations." The elf advised with a casual shrug. "They're not willing to negotiate now with a strong hand when the high interest is so profitable for them. But we are chipping away at it, give it a few more months, half a year, and well faced with the debts being fully paid off one or two of them might seek to offer a bridge loan in order to buy out their competitors share and stretch out their interest revenues, even at a reduced rate. More charitably, after we've paid off more of the debt and continued rebuilding we'll have more proven credit."

"Aye, really the only hole I can see with prioritizing the remaining human creditors, apart from the Lortan banks having slightly higher rates is that a sudden influx of coin into the domestic markets might cause some inflationary pressures. That said, spread between three cities, more even if we include minor lenders the effect should be negligible, and injecting some liquidity into the markets wouldn't be the worst thing." Rucdorn added.

"And the dwarf banks interest?" Rykall sighed.

"Can be covered." Rucdorn promised firmly. "Even slowly chipped away at. Nevermind the bankers themselves, the banks are an institution Halrun could still be paying it in thirty years, or even still collecting the interest from the Queens Grandchildren in a hundred years and the banks would be quite happy with that state of affairs I judge." He pointed out with a chuckle, Arendal adding a small smile of his own to that statement.

"It just feels like a waste of time, the meeting, nothing was agreed and I've still got a mountain of complaints." Rykall pointed out.

"Me too." Rucdorn agreed. "But planning on how to clear it isn't entirely wasted. For what it's worth repaying the domestic lenders does need to be seriously considered, even with the generous interest rates, but well, that being the case it might be something we wish to encourage. If there's any lenders seeking a quick turnaround but they see us only paying the highest debts first they might not be encouraged to lend to us at lower rates. Understand?"

"Yes. Is there truly no-one else we could gain credit from?" Rykall opined.

"Short of asking the archnecromancer for a favour? It's something I and my staff are looking for constantly, but the lenders we repaid, well, they were in it for the profit, yes we're less of a risky investment now, but there's still very real concerns in that regard, and with the returns being lower..." Rucdorn shrugged. "Thank you for trying to lend a hand to me though." He offered the former scribe with an outstretched hand, Rykall shook it firmly.

"It does, at least partially fall under my responsibilities too." He noted. "Especially with the letters to the crown, and we are all on the side aren't we?" He asked jokingly.

"Aye, coworkers if nothing else, and with less friction than some we might name." Rucdorn agreed earning a snort from Arandel.

"...and finally, I'm appointing Urion as section head for all reports out of and into Eaglecrest and adjacent territories." Rykall concluded the list of announcements to his assembled clerks and other staff. He'd been hoping to have a chance to really rework his offices and who reported to who, now that he'd had a much better grasp on how everyone handled various tasks, but with so much to do, there just hadn't been a chance.

But for the next few weeks at least, there was less to do - they were finally wrapping up on those tax reassessments, and though there was more on the horizon, for right now, Rykall had the chance to get that done.

"Keeper?" Another clerk - Traynissa - raised a hand, and Rykall gestured for her to speak. "You said I'm to be the section head for all of the Crown Reserves, but that seems to be..." She frowned, hesitating. "I didn't realize my work had been seen as so substandard of late?"

Not everyone in the Crown's employ would have tried to speak to a Keeper - or their superior in any respect, in terms of chains of authority - with such casualness. Rykall imagined that if one of Vallefor's agents or analysts had temerity to speak to the Count in such a way, there were even odds they'd even have any money left by the time Vallefor was done ruining them. Rykall had tried to assure his own clerks that he was approachable, at least as long as he wasn't busy with one task or another. And if nothing else, he really didn't have the time or the inclination for obsequiousness and oh-too-careful phrasings designed to protect his ego.

Still, it took Rykall a moment of quiet staring to grasp the nature of Traynissa's question. She was being given authority over three quite substantive tracks of land, land that represented a large portion of the Crown's portfolio. Ashdan March wasn't small either, for all that it wasn't anywhere near as large as the rest.

But... the Reserves were - for now - quite quiet. Very little was done in them, beyond mining in Southmarch, and some farming here and there, and the occasional logging effort, but the Eyrist Woods were just more convenient for that last part, all things being equal. But now that Balmain was seeing to repairing the damage the local roads - nothing on the scale of the larger roads in the rest of the Kingdom - and the handful of working estates and the like in the reserves, things were likely to change on that front, especially as Rucdorn took a closer look at the Royal Demesne across the board.

"I appreciate how it might seem like a well hidden demotion in practice, but that's not the intent. As a few of you may know, The Keeper of the Vaults is doing an audit of all the royal holdings, and the Keeper of Sheriffs and Reeves is working on repairing the more damaged areas of all the Crown Reserves as well. There will be more to deal with in the coming months and years, and, frankly, our tendency to treat working on the reserves as a punishment means that things go unnoticed for too long - the recent mess down in the Thornwood with that old Necrotic Temple should have been noticed sooner, even with magic involved, but none of us really paid close attention to the paperwork, myself included."

"If my suspicion proves incorrect and you're left with very little to do over time, I will revisit things. You, like every clerk I've named a section head, have done nothing but exemplary work, Traynissa." Rykall assured the woman, who flushed a little a the praise, but nodded. "Anything else?" Another raised hand.

"...what sort of protocols should we use when we're dealing with cross-jurisdictional matters? Who takes priority, what sort of cooperation should be set up and the like?"

"A fair question, and one that both needs some clear rules, but nothing too inflexible..."

---

Recruitment was never as simple as it could be.

At least, Rienne should say, recruiting volunteers. You had to get the word out that large numbers of volunteers were sought after, you had to evaluate them to make sure they were capable of the work (you always had at least a few would be recruits too short, or too physically weak, or sometimes too infirm to be even be worth training, let alone safe to bring onto the battlefield). You needed to try to weed out any obvious spies or saboteurs (the less obvious ones would have to be weeded out over time, and Count Valefor no doubt has his own agents checking the officer corps at least as well). You had to convince people that the money on offer was worth grueling training and practice, great amounts of boredom and the occasional bursts of pants-shitting terror and deadly threat to life and limb.

And during a time of peace, you didn't even have the promise of Glory all that to work with, or Defense of Home and Hearth.

Rienne's experience with recruitment in large batches had always been limited to the smaller scale of mercenary companies, but the problem did tend to be the same - and sometimes more so, as the companies she'd been part of or led had had higher physical standards than even the Royal Arm did (which didn't have low standards, by any means), but the practical concerns remained the same.

She had, however, anticipated that this recruitment would be a little easier. With how many veterans had been released from service following the demobilization at the end of the civil war... well, Rienne couldn't imagine not wanting to return to service if she'd been somehow forced out of fighting. As it was, between the work to manage her estates (though thankfully she'd been able to hand a lot of the day to day off to a trusted friend she'd named her steward) and her work as High Marshall, she was far more sedentary than she'd like.

But, it would seem, there were less veterans so eager to rearm, even for a popular Queen. All the roadwork had employed some, looking for work far less deadly. Others had simply returned home, or joined mercenary bands, or become armsmen, city guards, or the like. Still, they had managed to acquire a smattering of new recruits. Hopefully they could call up more next month - there'd be more greenhorns and the like, but those could be honed.

New Recruits:
+30 Heavy Cavalry
+9 Light Cavalry
+118 Men-At-Arms
+85 Crossbowmen
+35 Skirmishers
+108 Pikemen

Cost: 5.5 Dureks (Initial signing bonuses, Advertising Recruitment, Processing, Equipment, and other assorted costs)

---

Vanessa did not, as a general rule, like being woken up in the middle of the night. She didn't get enough sleep as it was - well, she probably technically did, but it never felt like enough.

But an acceptable reason for being woken up was word from her guardsmen that someone, someone unknown, had been found attempting to get into the the Royal Wing of the palace, and thence into her quarters (presumably). As it stood, he had gotten into the Royal Wing, but hadn't made it to her floor before her guards had stopped him - assuming it was a him. The intruder had escaped, but the palace was being locked down as quickly as the Royal Guard could manage it, city guardsmen called in from their patrols of the streets to assist in securing all the exits.

"Did they anything as they fled? Announced any sort of... alliegance?" Vanessa doubted it, assassins usually only chanted their positions in stories and plays, but still, one could hope.

"Nothing, your majesty," one of her guard captains said. She had been moved from her quarters to another room, without windows, smaller, more secure, though at least with a bed so she could get some sleep again, once the immediate urgency had died down. Her guards had, months ago, suggested she change which room she slept in from time to time, since the Royal Wing was larger than requirements - Teran had expanded it under the assumption, or perhaps hope, that he'd have many heirs to fill it, but that hadn't worked out for him, or his successors.

At the very least, Essinya and I should aim for two, long term, so we're not left with quite so small a family tree as the House of Halrun had been. An old joke about family trees resembling more of a family bush floated to her mind, though, if she remembered the full details properly, it was more about noble inbreeding than small families. It had been years since she'd heard it.

Vanessa shook her head. Considerations about children were important, but focus on the marriage first - preparations had been laid to gather the necessary reagents for the appropriate spells for her and her future wife to conceive when the time came. They were rare, and pricey enough to be out of reach of anyone who wasn't at least rural gentry, but not enough to really make a dent in the treasury of a Queen. But still, the when of the actual conception, and the who could be left for later.

"Has Count Trovus been sent for?" Vanessa asked, knowing the answer was almost certainly yes, but her choices were to ask questions she knew the answer to, or pace. If the assassin broke into this room, she might be able to fight back with her magic - she wasn't terrible at such evocations, just not more than mediocre - but until then...

"He has." The captain replied. "It could be several hours until we've secured the entire palace and either found the assassin, or -" he was cut off by a knock at the door - a specific series of knocks in a pattern, one the captain must of recognized. He gestured for another guard to stand between Vanessa and the door, then opened it, revealing another guardsman.

"Captain. The intruder has surrendered. He - well, he's presented this, and peacefully accepted being sent to a cell in the meantime." He handed over a sealed envelope. "A mage checked the envelope, there's no sign of any magic that might be a danger."

Vanessa closed her eyes and called on her own magical senses, reaching out for the envelope. She nodded after a few moments. "It would seem there are not. Bring me the letter."

The captain hesitated, perhaps not sure it was safe, but either he changed his mind, or couldn't muster a clear objection. He did, and Vanessa saw the Seal of the Keeper of Secrets on the envelope.

"Oh you have got to be absolutely kidding me." Vanessa growled under her breath.

"Your Majesty?"

"Let me know as soon as my Keeper of Secrets arrives at the palace." She inhaled, "It would probably not be a good idea for me to punch him in the gut and slap him in the face, right?"

"...probably not your Majesty. What - what is that-"

"I told Count Trovus to make sure that my security was... well, secure, given that I've annoyed quite a few people with my announced marriage. It would seem this was his way to do just that." She broke the seal, and it was a letter in Vallefor's careful, elegant handwriting detailing that the bearer of the letter was not actually an assassin, but one of Vallefor's agents testing palace security.

"Should we let the intruder-"

"No. Keep them in holding. Forging the Keeper of Secrets's seal isn't impossible, nor is stealing it, even if either would be hard. Best to be sure until we go that far. Vallefor would pick anyone for this personally, so he can vouch for his intruder, or not."

And then he was going to have a piece of her mind.

---

"And, following the full presentation of the evidence, the summaries of which I have provided this chamber, Roland Arbolast was left with little choice but to confess to his offenses." Keeper Itrick said, making a mental note to see if the rules about the Estates-General could be changed to allow him to sit when he was making these sorts of speeches (he wasn't sprightly and young anymore).

He understood why agents of the Crown were generally expected to stand when speaking to the Estates - even the Queen herself was expected to, though technically she was exempted from the rule that covered him - but perhaps he could get an exemption on the grounds of health. At least for prolonged periods, like this anyway.

Normally Itrick would task one of his subordinates for this, as he had for the issue of Balmain's cousin Marteen, but Roland Arbolast was a serious enough case that it was best he speak directly.

"If you would like to see the full details, I will ensure my staff make them available to any of you, at my offices, with or without appointment." Itrick concluded.

There were a few moments of quiet as various representatives spoke - the full Estates were not in session, of course, but enough were here that they at least represented a valid cross-section of interests in the Kingdom - to one another, and then at the direction of the Vice Chair of the Estates, those who had questions prepared a list in order.

"There certainly is little doubt that Arbolast was indeed guilty of these financial crimes, and his financial support for Syrokis's bastard get is clearly evident as well, but the Crown's contention also appears to be that he is, in essence, guilty of treason?"

"Arbolast was not some generously charitable man helping a friend, but a loyalist to the former regime providing aid in the hopes of being rewarded come a shift in power." Itrick confirmed. "Letters intercepted and found do make that clear. Those too can of course be made available."

"I will certainly take you up on that Keeper." The speaker, a member of the urban elite of Eaglecrest, judging from his garb and accent, though Itrick didn't know his name offhand.

"I assume, given that officially the crimes he's guilty of do not technically meet the formal definition of treason," the next questioner asked - Count Xandar Fredero himself. Itrick hadn't realized the Count of Vaspiri - himself a respected legal scholar, though primarily for inheritance law - was even in the capital, "that the Crown would like the Estates to formally vote him guilty of 'Treason de Facto'[1] under the founding documents of the Estates to allow the Crown to confiscate half of Fredero's property?"

"I think the legal case would support such a vote, yes. On this matter, the Queen's position is..."

[ ][TREASON DE FACTO] No, the lands shall not be confiscated in any part. (Law and Custom are on your side, but this act will be seen as generally magnanimous to Arbolast's heirs and relations, as well as suggesting you're not especially concerned by Arbolast's nominal Treason)
[ ][TREASON DE FACTO] Half Arbolast's property shall be confiscated and sold at auction (Due to Itrick's strong successes, there will be no difficulty in getting the Estates to support this, and no political capital will be burned in the doing) (1d4+4 Dureks Generated)
[ ][TREASON DE FACTO] Half of Arbolast's property shall be confiscated and folded into the Crown's personal holdings (Again, due to Itrick's strong successes, there will be no difficulty in getting the support of the Estates, but the nobility especially tends to dislike it when the Crown expands their land holdings this way) (Permanently boosts Monthly income by 1 Durek)

---

"...in principle, Her Majesty has agreed you are a far better choice than your sister for a neighbor, but while that's true, we can hardly commit to the sorts of assistance you'd ideally like." Arandel pointed out.

"Nor, frankly, would I want you to," Regara admitted, sounding unhappy to say it. "It would be one thing to accept aid from my wife, even if she was a foreign Queen, even a Queen of Halrun. Accepting aid from Halrun against my sister under other circumstances is... quite fraught. Any commitment of soldiers would, especially at an early juncture, likely be fatal to my cause."

She laughed. "I find myself wishing I had even considered the prospect of marrying Essinya Serriados as a means of securing aid. Though I suppose Queen Vanessa has an advantage there, regardless." She shook her head.

"So we are agreed in principle that when the civil war begins, you will be able to purchase food for your armies from us at a rate much below market value," the Queen would either have to sell such cheap food from farms on royal estates, cutting into revenues, or subsidize the farmers in question.

But, though Arandel was hardly a soldier, he grasped that an army marched on its stomach, and in a civil war, when a Kingdom's own farms were the battleground, secure sources of food were vital. Halrun had been largely lucky that its sheer size had meant many farms were untouched by the war, but food prices had still increased throughout it.

"Indeed. And any financial resources you can spare in the meantime until the civil war begins will make my victory faster and more secure, though I imagine you'll be a little busy funding the Queen's nuptials first." Regara agreed. "And, in exchange, once I've claimed the throne, I will formally cede the Thornmarch to Halrun and I will agree that South Zarsim is firmly within the Halrunian orbit, as well as agree to a 10-year end to all import tariffs on Halrunian foodstuffs, which will be paired with a formal non-aggression pact."

Arandel had hoped to sway her to dropping all import tariffs on Halrunian exports, but foodstuffs were the single largest export Halrun had, so this was still profitable for the Kingdom long-term, and the non-aggression pact would be a sense of security on the border. Morvak didn't break their treaty obligations - they'd formally end the treaty before any invasion, with the allotted warning time. So the garrisons in the Thornmarch could be reduced and the soldiers sent elsewhere. To a point.

"It seems we're in agreement then."

---

"Shouldn't Essinya be involved in the planning of the wedding too?" Vanessa asked the assembled courtiers and palace attendants that were taking charge in managing the wedding.

"She will need to be brought into the process, yes, but at the moment, nothing yet. We have a number of things that need approval on your end." One of them explained.

"And what exactly are they? If I'm going to be needed to micromanage every aspect of this affair, I'll have no time to rule," Vanessa pointed out.

"True. I promise we'll only be bothering you with the most important details, or the ones that concern you specifically. Today, we need to get you fitted for your dress, as well as decide on the colors of your dress and the wedding. Essinya will no doubt be wearing black, which means that wearing Halrun's colors - silver with a black trim or edging - would... perhaps not be the best choice."

Vanessa inhaled slowly, then nodded. "I can see the logic, I suppose. Just no pink. Or yellow." She hated pink, and she didn't wear yellow well. "We can keep the silver. It is a color Essinya might wear, but I think we can communicate that to her. Still, please tell me there's more you need from me than just the color of my dress and the fitting for my wedding dress, right?"

"There are a number of broad details we'd like your input on. The menu, the invitations, the arrangements to keep the wedding safe and secure, that sort of thing. You can set the tone for what you want, and we'll handle the details. We can go over everything while you're being fitted."

"Fine," Vanessa let out a sigh. She hadn't needed to be fitted for a dress for a while - not during the civil war, of course, and not since. But getting married in one of the many dresses she'd effectively 'inherited' by taking the throne would probably not set the right image.

She stood and moved over to the stool to stand on, holding her arm out as directed.

"I think the best choice would be primarily a color normally not associated with Necrotic culture, trimming the dress in silver." Another suggested. "And then Essinya can wear a black dress, also trimmed in silver, symbolizing the union between the realms and cultures."

"I wore a purple dress, trimmed with gold, at my coronation. Given that this wedding is happening on the anniversary of my coronation, I think that might be a fitting choice."

"Fitting symbolism, as long as the purple is a suitably bright shade. They do wear very dark, rich purples in Darkmoon Forest." One of the tailors, at the courtier's direction, started holding up a selection of fabrics, and Vanessa inhaled slowly, preparing for the headache she'd have by the end of this minutia.

---

Vanessa resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose and sigh. That would not do to do in a context like this. The assembled Generals had to know she was exasperated with them as much as they were furious with her, but it wouldn't do to show that to the world.

"The Knights of the Golden Throne have been the barrier for the living against the Necrotic Empire's resurgence for centuries! You will not have our support in undoing it all and letting them in through the backdoor!" One of the generals said quietly. He wasn't slamming his fist on the table, wasn't raising his voice, but the deadly ice with which he spoke made it seem as if he was.

"With all respect due to your long vigil, you haven't stood as the barrier to resurgence for the last 76 years." Vanessa said, politeness still in her tone, but diplomacy had left her words. They'd been 'talking' in circles for hours. The Generals were, despite her best efforts and arguments - especially the point that it was better that Darkmoon Forest aligned with Halrun rather than any other realm Essinya could have married into or allied with - she'd not been able to sway them.

Even if she had seen how several of the Generals grimaced at the prospect of Bone Legions paired with Morvakian Cataphracts.

"Leaving aside the fact that no ruler of Necromancers can ever count themselves secure, not even Lyrus Serriados, he is a lich. He has forever to wait, as long as he prevents his death by other means. This is clearly a long game, by him and his daughter to weaken Halrun, weaken us." The general responded. The other four had seemed to nominate this one - Jesral Vaskon - as their speaker, as he had done most of the actual talking during this meeting.

It might have been wishful thinking, but she had noticed that General Darach didn't seem entirely happy with everything General Vaskon had been saying, but she'd been the only one, and the reactions were quickly hidden. If they happened at all.

"If this marriage pact involved demanding the Knights cease their vigil or change their oaths, then perhaps you'd have a point. But just as you can't so easily change your Order's agreements with the Crown, even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to change the Crown's obligations to your Order."

If Necromancers threatened the common weal of the land, then the Halrunian Crown was obligated to support the Knights of the Golden Throne against them.

"You're already doing so by marrying the Archnecromancer's daughter," Vaskon countered.

"Only with a very expansive definition of threat."

"You're inviting undead into the Kingdom!"

"Limited, carefully applied numbers for discrete and specific tasks. And if they worry you so much, you are welcome to send your own Knights to watch them. That was, after all, one of the reasons I came here, to suggest just such an idea. I will admit I do not believe that Essinya herself is plotting against me or against the people of Halrun but I would be an idiot to trust that belief completely, nor would do I trust that her father is not a man with his own ambitions and schemes."

Though, Vanessa was suspecting that whatever games Lyrus Serriados was playing, they were more about his own amusement than anything. She'd had less conversations with Essinya than she'd wanted - mostly at feasts and dinners, occasions too public to have truly deep discussions - but she was getting the idea that boredom was actually as much a factor in the Necrotic Empire's internecine backbiting and betrayal as ambition. But Serriados had gotten too good at fighting off coup attempts and assassinations.

He no doubt wanted power and influence, who didn't? But she doubted he was engaging in some sort of vast, long-term scheme to dominate Halrun or weaken the Knights. Essinya was not fond of the Knights of the Golden Throne, but she seemed to regard them the way one might see an overly loud guard dog next door - loud, annoying and persistent, but no threat if you didn't approach too close.

Still. She could hardly be sure.

"Necromancy at large will remain illegal in Halrun, as will the raising of any Halrunian citizen. Essinya has even assured me that barring extreme cases, she will send the bodies of any of her personal retainers or attendants back to Darkmoon Forest for raising."

"You are underestimating the Depth of Necrotic Machinations," Vanessa could hear the capital letters in the General's words. "This could be a matter of years or even decades. And the Knights will not be endorsing this marriage."

"And yet, I don't need your endorsement, General. Nor that of your order. I am Queen of Halrun, and I retain the right to make my marriage and any and all alliances as I see fit for the good of Halrun." Vanessa's tone now matched the ice in Vaskon's. "The Crown will continue to honor their oaths to your Order, and I expect your Order to do the same for the Crown. You may be as unhappy as you want about this marriage and what it means, but you will not disturb the peace and good order of Halrun over it."

Vanessa stood. "You will not disturb any undead traveling under the flag of peace from Darkmoon Forest into the Kingdom." Though it might be best to have the undead laborers be moved through the Deathwood, into the Kingdom - the territory of the Knights of the Golden Throne did not formally extend to cover the edge of the Deathwood.

There certainly was not going to be a proper road between Darkmoon Forest and the Grand Duchy running through their territory. One from the Deathwood might be possible, but it would be longer and more expensive. Something to consider once all the other road work was complete.

"You will not disturb embassies or travelers, nor merchants. And you will continue your military obligations to the Crown if war breaks out."

"To the letter, and not a single step more, Your Majesty. Not a single step more."

---

[1] Halrun is not a modern country. They have ideas about things we don't approve of. One of them is this notion of Treason De Facto, which is similar to the Bills of Attainder that England once had. Take a vote - you're guilty if the votes say so. Facts irrelevant. Treason De Facto is at least a little more narrow, as it requires the noble (it applies only to nobles) in question to have committed other crimes, and there be a basis to say that even if it doesn't technically meet the definition of treason, they were treason in effect, or intent.

---

QM Note: I appreciate your patience with the delay. Finance post coming this coming weekend, which will include the (minimal) casualties from last anti-Banditry effort. Also as part of the finance post you can pick how many soldiers (and from where) you want to send to South Zarsim. You will have until the end of Turn 9 to send the requisite 900. You could send some now and the rest after trying another round of recruiting, or send them all now and then recruit to fill the game in later turns, since the end of banditry as a major concern gives you some breathing room.

The failure of the recruitment will still actually boost your chances for next time, as at least the word is out the Crown is hiring more soldiers.

The miss with the Knights is not a great thing. It is not the end of the world, they're not about to take up arms against you, but it has its costs. Expect them to drag their feet any time you call on their forces and otherwise be reticent to do their jobs (if it doesn't involve killing necromancers).

Without wanting to minimize the genuineness of their beliefs and feelings in the matter, you could basically say they're sulking, and they will be taking their toys and going home. General Darach will not be available for use for a while. (Though thanks to Trins, bandits will not be a concern for a good long while anyway).