Someone Else's Kingdom, BOOK II - Scene XV

"Why has Castle Edvard been commandeered?" asked the Eldbee official, somewhat put out. His tone having an air of formal disproval, though he made efforts to emphasise his deference as he said it. The plump wrinkles on his forehead, and his rotund, well-tailored figure bowing with politeness, whilst standing on tiptoes with pride, all at the same time.

The grand Castle Edvard had been plush with splendour not too long ago, but now it stood as barracks for King Mizmeam's men. The lavish drapery replaced with dour measures of war. When the King of Tunid had last arrived on the mainland, what seemed like such a long time ago, it was there that the two rulers had discussed the war. Then as allies. But now, with the King of Tunid unable to even enter the harbour of the once neutral Eldbee, things were quite different. The men stationed very much viewing the once preeminent king, and his island to the south, as a veritable enemy.

As Madame Maleeva motioned to reply she reminded herself to be soft. The officials and merchants in the well-to-do port town were largely inconsequential, but even so, it was wise to avoid trouble by unnecessarily upending them. She looked down at the gentleman, even though he stood a few inches taller. Her business-like black apparel suggestive of serious intent. Like cold petals on poisonous flowers. Her dark hair, raven-like, framing her clear features.

"Wasn't it obvious that we would send men?" she questioned, not needing an answer.

The official grimaced as he gave a reply.

"But we weren't told. What about protocol?"

"We've sent countless thousands of men east, to fortify Kaspria's sickly kingdom," pushed Maleeva, quick in her words, "These few are nothing compared to what we've sent there. It's a shame we've had to use the castle, but we had to station them somewhere. In the future we'll make sure there's better communication. I assure you. We do have serious threats to contend with at present though, so these are not normal times."

This reply was enough to satiate the uncomfortable grandee. The acknowledgement of his concerns, plus the suggestion that more effort would be made going forward, enough to reassure, at least superficially, his sense of importance. That Eldbee was a partner not a vassal, even if junior partner. "Yes, we must do everything we can to thwart this dreaded Pox," he concurred, saying it with every appearance of sincerity, even though both he and Maleeva understood the words were merely placeholders for other things.

"I think we're past that now," voiced Maleeva, not feeling quite the same need to waste energy on the pretence. "We may need to more fully quarantine Tunida soon, however, so hopefully the ships here are coming along as quickly as the ones in the north."

"Our new ships are coming along finely," voiced the official, with high glee, pleased to boast of a success in contrast to the wider discord - and likewise pleased to keep receiving the funds that were sailing down from the north to build them. The rich harbour town booming with the blossom of war, even as troops were visible within their tender boundary. In the once ornate castle.