An Arrangement

A Prince, an Earl, a Governor, and a Queen. The meetings just kept getting stranger and stranger, did they not? Not because he wasn't used to wandering among different circles in the high society, mind you. He was just genuinely curious to learn what Alberic was up to.

"So, to start this meeting off," Alberic said as they all sat around a table in Earl's manor. "Exactly how illegal of a goal did you set for yourselves?"
"It will anger your mother considerably," Rosamund said openly. Alberic already said he will handle Sarmia for them, so he deserved a modicum of honesty. "...unless I succeed at pacifying her with benefits that come with it, that is. It is not illegal, though, mainly because there are no laws concerning what we are planning to do. And to be clear, my father is not involved."
"Yes, yes, none of your family members gets involved in the work of others," Alberic replied.
"It is far simpler that way. My sons have my unconditional support, and I have no additional work to attend to. Unless they ask for me, specifically," his father said.
"Right, charming. The two of you are plotting, then."
"Aye. So why's the Earl here?" Adanita asked Alberic. "He's not plotting with us, unless the plot changed along the way?"
Was she trying to make him laugh in front of the Prince? No, no. He was strong. He could keep a perfectly neutral face.
"Not to my knowledge," his father politely replied. "I'd find it rather rude if you involved me without telling me. Why did you want me here, Your Highness?"
"For the sake of a proper political trade," Alberic said. "They are working against my mother together and they want my blessing. I will need something from all three of you to pay back my assistance. Your Earlship, if you refuse my request, I am afraid I will have to refuse to cooperate with your son."
His father nodded. "So it is blackmail. Very good, please proceed."
"Thank you."

Alberic leaned back in his seat and crossed his legs. "How about this, then? Cards on the table. You will tell me precisely what want to do, and I will do the same. Afterwards, we discuss what we can do for each other."
"I can agree to that. Captain Vervain?" Rosamund asked.
"Is it safe to assume that whatever you're gonna ask of us is also decently illegal?" she asked.
"Not exactly illegal, no. But, as you said already, it will anger my mother considerably unless I give her a very good reason for my actions."
"Aye? I mean, whether or not it's legal isn't my issue, to be honest. More of a, since you're already committing a crime, can you at least do it in a way that won't screw me over when you get caught."
"Come now, Your Highness," he said mockingly. "I have enough trust that you won't send me off to ruin, mainly because you managed to drag Lord Governor of all people into whatever mess you are in. If we are both here, in this meeting, this is the least I expect from you."
"It is not as if we have the luxury of choice..." she said. "Fine. I take my allies no matter where they come from."

"In that case, I will begin. We plan to turn Hannau Cove into its own city-state," Rosamund said.

Alberic's face turned pale, and then it slowly shifted towards deeper and deeper crimson until he finally remembered to breathe. "You really don't do anything halfway," he weakly said.
"What did you think we were doing?" Rosamund asked.
"I was unsure, but I assumed that educating pirates in administrative work was done for the sake of them entering the Bretonian government for your purposes."
"Well, you weren't far off," Adanita said.
"I am amazed you agreed to that, Vervain," he replied.
"Lord Governor has quite a way of making people believe that clouds are within reach. I wouldn't say I fell for empty promises, though. He is a very clever and resourceful man, too."
"Thank you, Captain," Rosamund quietly said. He cleared his throat. "Well, what is it that you would like to do, Your Highness?"

Alberic confidently started twirling a lock of his long, straight hair. He looked him straight in the eyes as he spoke. "I want to become the Crown Prince. I want the throne, Lord Governor."

The silence in the room was deafening.

It was Rosamund's turn to feel ill at the suggestion. Or, well, the claim. The young man was deathly serious. Soon to be dead, possibly.

Oh gods, this could be the making of another war...

"How do you plan to do that?" Adanita asked.
"It will be a long process of undermining Ravenel's public image and perceived competence. Thanks to someone currently present in the room, his position is rather well solidified. Unfortunately. Fortunately for me, though, I have dealt with several threats to the Queen and Her Authority, so I currently enjoy her absolute trust. Nonetheless, she is highly determined on placing the crown on my older brother's head, and Ravenel is dedicated to getting it. The moment I begin to openly act, I will be swiftly disposed of. You can imagine the difficulty I had, balancing my rather precarious position and my ambitions."
"What do you mean, who solidified his position?" she asked.
"Why, Lord Governor of course," he said. The accusation stung like hot iron, but Rosamund kept a calm expression. Alberic's eye twitched. "With his insistence on never taking any credit for all the brilliant little projects he was working on, My Royal Mother ensured that the apparent genius steps that led to prosperity were all the product of her favourite son. To answer your question from two days ago, no, I do not hate you only because I thought you'd behave to your brother the same way Ravenel behaved to me. I hate you for every little way you helped him to reach his position." He gave Adanita a shrug. "Considering the position I was in, I realized that the only way to manage the situation would be to trip him up as much as possible. Unfortunately, Lord Governor is a disgustingly honest man. Or, well, was. Up until this point. Did you know you are the first Governor in the history who was charged with piracy?"

"I know."

"I didn't think it would wind up to be true," Alberic said with a smirk.
"I am working within the confines of the law," Rosamund coldly replied.
"Of course you are, Lord Governor. You and I both know how easy it is to stretch those confines, though." He turned to Adanita again. "So? What brought this on? How did you manage to corrupt the incorruptible, and in such a short amount of time? I do not believe for a second it is because you are lovers, and he doesn't fall for badger games either." He knew. He tried.
"His brother is in danger. I offered protection in return for his cooperation," she said.
"Danger? What sort?"
"None of your business," she said directly.
"Hm." Alberic's eyes wandered from her to him, and back to her. "I suppose you are doing a swell job as a bodyguard. Or would you prefer to be called a mercenary?"
"You can call me Captain," she replied. The young man's lip twitched slightly in amusement.

"Your Highness," the Earl finally spoke up. "I believe it is now clear what my son and Captain Vervain need from you. You may discuss the details later, but I am a very busy man and I would prefer if you let us know what you need us to do."
"Very well. I wouldn't want to keep you from your duties, sir," Alberic said. "I will need your support. The exact form it takes can be discussed later, too, but it is high time I start building a proper following. If you support my claim to the throne, I am sure there are nobles who will follow you."
"First reach the point where you can make a claim, boy," he said weakly.
"I intend to."
His father nodded. "In that case, I will need something else from you. Blackmail isn't enough for the madness you are planning, so I will need a favour. I need some books from the Royal Library. Discretely. That means no questions asked by you, either."
"Very well," he repeated. "Write me a list, I will see to it. The library is now at your disposal."

Ever an opportunist, his father. "What about me, then?" Rosamund asked. "What do you want me to do?"
"Support from the Lord Governor will be greatly appreciated, too-"
"Of course," he finally interrupted him. "However, I have an issue with this."
"Oh?" Alberic curiously raised his eyebrows. "Do tell."
"I did not get the impression that Prince Ravenel is in any way unfit for his position. You, on the other hand, were willing to prevent my plans for development and well-being of the public for the sake of your ambitions. You were siding with my enemies on purpose. And for what?"
"With all due respect, Lord Governor, it was just politics. You must be aware that your current little plan would destabilize your precious peace anyway. I don't believe you are naive. Do not be a hypocrite. I would prefer this lands to burn because I know what will happen if the crown ever falls on Ravenel's head. He is a cold vicious sadist that must be kept far away from any position of power, especially from the one where his power is absolute and unquestioned. Meanwhile, you would risk a war for the sake of one person."
"No... I would not. I have limits."
"You cannot see the future. This was started because your brother is in danger, was it not? Who knows what will happen. What could happen if you refuse me today. I do not think I would need to threaten you."

He felt ill, but Alberic was right. The two of them were the same, perhaps this was why they never got along. And why they never will. Different goals, different motivations, but the same relentless determination. I want to sail away. I want to reach the horizon, Adanita. Somewhere, far from here...

"And what do you want from me?" Adanita asked. She sounded distant, but he allowed her voice to guide his wandering mind back where it should be.
"I am not yet sure, but I can say for certain your reputation and connections will come in handy. How would you like to be a Baroness?"
"It'd do me more good than bad, I'd say. If you want to give me a title and my own city, I suppose that the measly approval of a lowly baron will be enough to pay for your favour to me."
Alberic let out a small laugh.

Rosamund needed to keep going. There were still questions left unanswered, and he was back to himself. "Who else were you going to ask for support?" he asked.
"Dukes and duchesses are my priority," he replied. "If I manage to get Duchess Almukantarat on my side, I presume I'd win over a decent amount of nobles. I'd have power not even My Royal Mother could easily ignore."
"Ah-" Adanita started, but Rosamund raised his hand.
"I cannot accept that. Do it without her."
"Pardon?"
"Some things came to light recently," he said. "This is my condition. We will support each other, but if you request her assistance, it will be a declaration of war. Not only with me, but with Captain Vervain, the Cove, and my entire family." His father nodded. Adanita relaxed in her seat, but she still seemed to be on edge.
"Does this concern the danger Mage Master Lilac is in?"
"Hah." That didn't even begin to describe the situation. Among the problems with Alberic, the devil, the trial, and Khamil - the woman whose actions put all this into motion seemed like a distant goal. Her ruination was the only way he could ensure his brother was safe, wasn't it? He will try to reason with her, he always tried. But considering the state Adanita was in every time her name was so much as mentioned, and the way Lilac cried in his arms, the sweet child he knew was... just a facade. Just like the one Alberic was trying to keep up as he spoke of his brother. Did he really think Rosamund wouldn't notice he was trembling when he spoke of his plans?

And yet, he was serious and determined. Such bravery...

Finding allies wherever you can, right? "She is... involved with the issue, yes. I will know if you attempt to contact her in any way. The moment you do, the arrangement we have will be void. Us or her. That's all there is to it." The fact he was willing to risk his support in dealing with the Queen should leave no room to question how serious he was. Alberic wasn't an idiot. He got the point and now it was up to him to pick his side in the conflict. Dorja had so much power and status... 

And yet, despite all that, he nodded. "I can agree to this. We can iron out the details later, then. You seem tired, Lord Governor. You are free to return to Hipparcos now. It will be a pleasure to work with the three of you in the future."


That was it? Just like that? They've reached an agreement- sure, there will be more discussions later, but the young prince chose him over the Duchess. How? Why? Sure, he was a pain, but Alberic was an honest pain. This was fine, right? The days he spent fretting over and planning their talks, their strategy, it all led to a simple and direct yes. Rosamund managed to make three steps away from the circle before he needed to stop and catch his breath. The warm tropical sun was shining down on them, but he felt cold. He was shivering.
"You look pale," Adanita said. "Are you feeling well?"
"Y-yes. Sorry. I didn't expect this to go so well."
"Aye, you did an amazing job."
"We did, together. You charmed him. You were amazing. I don't think we'd manage without you at all."
"You think so?"
"Yes. Thank you doesn't even begin to cover it. I am- thank you. I- he's an honest man, in his own way. I d-don't think he would choose to switch sides, unless I really screw up-" he rambled.
"Aye?" She walked up to him and placed a hand on his forehead. "You're burning up."
He almost closed his eyes. Her hand was so cool against his head... "Oh, that's alright. It's just stress, I had a lot on my plate lately. There is- oh!"
Adanita crouched slightly by his side. She put an arm around his shoulders and behind his knees, and before he could react she was carrying him in her arms. Gently and carefully making her way to the manor while his heart was racing, and not only because of his fever.

"This is inappropriate," he complained.
"Beats you collapsing on me."
"At least ask, please. It's called personal space and I quite enjoy mine. Sudden touching isn't something I like."
"I carried you before," she pointed out.
"I was -" exhausted, drunk, and then bleeding out. Thrice. She carried him thrice. "- not able to walk then." He managed to smoothly finish the sentence. "Or I asked you for help."
"Do you want me to put you down?" she asked.
Yes? No? Maybe? He didn't know. He wasn't even holding onto her, he wasn't really sure if it would make a difference if he did. His fever was rapidly growing and he was getting dizzy... "N-no. No. I am not feeling well. Please take me to Doctor Soxhlet."
"Aye, aye. So tell me, what you were going to say?"
What was he- ah, yes. "There is a chemical called adrenaline, your body releases it while you are under high amounts of stress. If the stress is suddenly gone, it may collapse your immune system, so you get ill easily..." he rambled quietly.
"So you are telling me that this is a common occurrence for you?"
Yes. "No! I just know this."
"From personal experience?" she teased him.
"Hah. I just need a day of rest. Tomorrow I'll be all better," he promised.
"Aye, aye. I'll keep you safe until then."

She will, won't she? Suddenly he didn't mind being carried by her. He didn't mind the servants that started fluttering around her on their way to the doctor. He didn't mind the rumors. He was just a little sick. She will see to him getting to Soxhlet, safe in her strong arms that carried him with such care...