“I have never heard of this.” The duke had an ugly feeling that this was exactly what happened. The military always thought that fighting the pirates was beneath them even though they interfered with shipping and had caused many deaths. The last monarch had done it while he was gone from court so that there would be no one to say nay against it. Damn them!
Veartis shrugged indifferently. “It is the truth as to what we plan is that we will catalogue the planet’s mineral wealth and put the people to work.”
“You mean put them to work in the ship yards.”
The vampire narrowed his red eyes, “what do you mean?”
“Queen Laxur has spent most of her money on new metal ships, land battle ships, in general upgrading her military as did her past husband.” The prime minister watched the ambassador closely. He needed to know how far they would take this little dust up.
“Ah, yes. She needs to stimulate the economy as did the old prince regent. It has worked well.” He smiled a cold smile and put his glass down.
“Stimulate the economy? Queen Laxur has overloaded it on military hardware.” Frenzen smiled equally cold while Asora continued to stare unblinkingly at the vampire.
“Do you insult us? Suggesting that our queen is more interested in conquest, not peace? You cannot afford to go against us. Only the Humans could beat us and regardless that you now have a Human on the throne I doubt Countess Marien, the ruler of Humanity will fight your battle for your kingdom.” The ambassador stood up.
Asora stood, saying, “We will confirm this treaty and let you know.”
The two men bowed as she left the room.
Asora awaited the head of the delegation for the Humans at court, Bremmer Arton, in her private sitting room. It was a white room with white furnishing suitable for the virgin Princess. Asora would not be allowed colors until she was married in three years time when it would change to red and gold of the Utopian Kingdom.
“Bremmer is here, your highness.” Gourani announced as she fluttered in with the forty-eight year old gentleman.
Arton was a pleasant man with a sunny disposition. He had short blonde hair and sharp blue eyes. He was plain faced and medium build. He was dressed in the fashion of court, which was long coats with vests and long pants. He wore grey. He was known for his poker games, which were a highlight for the other races. He would often win but was gracious. It was how he did business. He was no one’s fool and if you thought his witty remarks and careful dressing was a sign that he was then you were the fool.
“Princess Asora,” he went to her and kissed her hand as she lifted it up. “It is just after dawn yet I hear such things. How are you? I heard that Laxur shot you?” He sat down on a comfortable chair across from her.“It is true but I am recovering. I am sure Jeia has told you and Countess Marien that the world Carlon has been invaded.” Asora nodded to Gourani to pour coffee for them.
Bremmer, smiling slightly, took his cup from the Fairy, “thank you, Gourani.” He put it down in front of him and then looked hard at Asora. “Are we at war?”