Snippet #1975955

James was tired, so very tired, and yet he knew that his day was nowhere near close to finishing. What with the trial and subsequent escape of Rivera, having to send Lelinus to Ghost's Pass and Gwen now with the Devalins it had been a difficult time. Now the Luxor ambassador was adding another weight onto his already overloaded shoulders. He could hardly believe that just a short time ago he was celebrating his coronation with not a care in the world, how naive he had been. In a moment of doubt he wondered if all of it could have been avoided if he had not become King, he knew what others thought of him but he had hoped to change their minds. But if the ambassador was right and his own kin wanted him off the throne then how could he hope to persuade anyone else? For a brief moment the thought occurred to him that he could simply abdicate the throne, flee the problems and allow someone else someone better liked to take his place. It was a tempting thought but one thing stopped him from seriously considering it, his father's last words before death claimed him.

His father had looked so frail, so ill that James had struggled to picture him as the strong and virile man he had been in his youth. He had lain in his large canopied bed, dwarfed by its size, surrounded by his physicians, his family and members of his privy council. Closing his eyes for a moment James could almost feel the warm stale air in that room, the cloying smell of sickness and incense and hear the quiet praying of the priests. All knew that the King's time was near and could do nothing now but wait. James had been stood by the fireplace, with his brother and sisters trying to be strong for them and yet wishing to be anywhere but in that room, when his father had beckoned him over with a weak hand. James had approached the bed and leaned in close to his father so he could hear his whispered words.

"Make me proud my son, make me proud."

He had died shortly after, as though those final words had used up the last of his strength, and within no time at all James was crowned King of Avalon. For better or for worse he was King and he would do all he could to live up to his fathers expectations. The Devalins and any other doubters be damned.

"Ambassador I appreciate your frankness." James said finally. "Normally I would not tolerate such...opinions but as you have said today is not a normal day. I am aware of tensions in Avalon and steps will be taken accordingly. It saddens me to hear that nobles from Luxor are plotting against me yet I am not surprised by this. Many of your fellows I am sure would like nothing better than to see Avalon brought low and as much as I would wish for peace I do not believe my wish will be granted."

He was about to continue when a guard approached and bowed. "Your Majesty?"

"What is it?"

"There is a representative from the North, he is asking when you will meet with his Lord. Olaf Ironskin of Dawnsea. They have been here some time sire but until now they have been informed that you are unavailable. Should I repeat this to him?"

James sighed and shook his head. "No. I will not keep the Earl waiting any longer. Advise his representative that if it pleases the Earl I would invite him to speak with me in my apartments."

"Yes Sire."

As the guard left James stood and walked to the window gazing out over the gardens of the palace. "The Earl is one of my family's oldest and most loyal subjects. I do not wish to offend him further by keeping him waiting any longer. Besides I need to verify, with my people, the information that you have provided me. I am sure you understand that I cannot take such words for granted especially considering that they refer to my kin in the Reach. If you will excuse me we will continue this conversation in due course."

As he waited for the ambassador to acknowledge his words and the leave, James allowed his thoughts to move onto his next meeting. He disliked that he had been forced to keep the Earl waiting but with the trial he had not had time to greet him properly. He hoped the Earl would understand and if not he would make suitable reparations.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Katherine did not attempt to hide her amusement at Gwendolyn's words, her lips curved into a smile and a chuckle escaped her lips, she carefully placed her cup on the table and then stood. She walked towards the window where Gwen had just stood and looked outside taking comfort in the ships resting in the harbour below. She was not worried not particularly intimidated by the Princesses behaviour, in fact she was pleased she had managed to rile the young woman so easily. The chit was intelligent that much was clear and yet clearly lacked the self control and patience needed to play this kind of game. With just a few careful words Katherine had succeeded in angering the Princess and in doing so she learned much about the other woman, Katherine had always found that people gave away much when angry willing or no.

Of course she was well aware of her own short temper and how it was perhaps her biggest flaw, many times in the past had it almost been her undoing, yet here in the comfort of her own home she had a strong grip on it. Here she was mistress of her own castle and therefore not outshone by the beauty before her. Nor did she think that Gwen could say anything to rouse her temper especially not when she and her brother clearly had the upper hand and Gwen must know this. Katherine idly played with the drape hanging by the window, taking the time to think on how to phrase her next words. Should she appear hurt by the almost transparent accusation? Or perhaps acknowledge that she was not as innocent as she appeared? she decided against the former as Gwen was not that stupid. To pretend innocence now would be a waste of time. No, perhaps it was time for the gloves to come off.

"I find it most interesting, cousin, that you harbour such a suspicious nature but not really surprising. After all when one has something to hide one must behave thus in order to protect oneselves do they not?"

Katherine arched an eyebrow inquisitively. "Perhaps we have given you reason to suspect our loyalty but then again perhaps we have not. Unless I am mistaken the Reach has always guarded your borders has it not? No enemies have yet invaded Avalon through the Reach have they?"

Katherine glanced at her brother, wondering what he must think of the turn this conversation was taking, and she hoped he trusted her in this as he had always done before.

"Perhaps you are referring to rumours of our...doubts over your brother being crowned King. It is true we have our concerns over his ability to lead us and yet we continue to defend Avalon from outside forces as we should. We, rightfully so, are giving him the opportunity to prove himself a worthy King."
This was not true of course, she and Henry were simply allowing him to dig himself a deeper hole but his sister need no know that.

"You speak of trust and how clearly you do not trust us but perhaps it is we who should not trust you. After all, as sister to the King your behaviour should be trustworthy and beyond reproach should it not?"

Katherine walked forward so she stood in front of the princess and narrowed her eyes, her expression calm yet her eyes had a dangerous gleam in them warning that she was not to be trifled with. This chit might be more intelligent than assumed at first glance yet Katherine had been dancing this dance for far longer than Gwendolyn and the young Princess could not hope to match her.

"Tell me, Dear Cousin, why is it your eyes seemed to linger a very long time on someone else's betrothed? I found it most curious that during my time at court your eyes sought this man's time and again. I wonder whether the King is aware of you apparent...interest in a man soon to be married to another."