Snippet #1970541

James could hardly believe his ears when the guard announced that Rivera had escaped. He did not doubt she was capable of such an act but to do it with such apparent ease...concerned him greatly. He pinched the bridge of his nose and wondered if he truly was destined to fail, it seemed at that moment as though God truly did wish him to. After only a brief moment of self doubt James forcefully pulled himself together, straightening his shoulders and lifting his head. His sharp gaze took in the many nobles, ambassadors and the like, all discussing and muttering about the shocking revelations that had come to light in such a short time. James would have to have a word with his guard captain, it had caused more harm than good when the guard had announced the escape in front of all. Better that he had requested James's presence alone, James could have then attempted damage control of the situation and might have been able to find Rivera before anyone had known she was missing. But that was impossible now.

Regardless he could do naught whilst sitting there, he rose and the room immediately quieted waiting expectantly to see what he would do. He was silent for a long moment choosing his words carefully.

"My Lords and Ladies." He began. "A grievous crime has been committed by Rivera Talimir, in fleeing her verdict she proves her guilt to all of those present here today. Rest assured that she will be found and brought to justice!"

He was relieved to hear many people in the room applaud him, and his determination to follow the law, and he hoped he could fulfil on his word and bring Rivera back to face her punishment. But first he had to discover how she escaped his dungeon and where she had fled to, neither was an easy task. He stepped off the dais and beckoned to the Luxor Ambassador.

"Ambassador, as you can see events are occurring that demand my attention, however I am interested to hear what you have to say. Let us go somewhere quieter and there I shall hear your news."

He strode from the room assuming the ambassador was following and leaving the nobles and other ambassadors to amuse themselves. No doubt to plot and gossip about these latest events. James walked swiftly to his personal apartments and only relaxed slightly when he had closed the doors on the rest of the palace. He indicated that the ambassador should sit on one of the chaise lounges in his private sitting room before sitting himself opposite him. A servant hurried in with a bottle of wine and two goblets and then quickly departed at a gesture from the King.

James poured the ambassador and himself a generous amount and then leaned back in his seat watching the ambassador. "Well then. I am listening."

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Katherine hid her amusement at Gwen's response behind her tea cup, the girl would not appreciate laughter especially when Katherine was laughing at her, the Princesses clumsy attempts to intimidate her or her brother were indeed amusing. Oh indeed the armies James could call to his command were formidable of that she had no doubt. But then the Reach had far more men than even the King was aware of and in Katherine's mind a far more able commander at their head. Her brother was a brilliant tactician and had took to the art of war as others took to sailing or horse riding, not only that but he commanded a loyalty from his men that she very much doubted the King could claim from his.

She glanced sidelong at her brother curious as to his reaction to the Princesses words, she was pleased to see that he did not rise to the bait and instead seemed content to watch and listen. He appeared completely at ease perhaps bored even but his sister knew him better than that and she knew without doubt that he was listening intently to every word. No doubt he was planning in his mind how to use any and all information she was able to glean from this meeting.

Katherine leaned forwards and refilled her tea from the pot, doing the same for Gwen when she saw hers was also empty. She leaned back again and flicked a questioning glance at her cousin.

"There are threats other than Luxor that we have not heard about?" She queried her tone holding nothing but innocent curiosity and a hint of alarm as though she feared these other 'threats'. "Never fear cousin, they will not succeed in bringing Avalon down. Not when you have the Reach to watch your back. After all if you cannot trust your family then who can you trust?"