The seven Duchies of Central Rynmere and their respective baronies, cities, towns, villages, and landmarks each overseen by a Duke of one of the seven noble families and ultimately controlled by the King of Rynmere.
This was a disaster. It would seem like the fates were having a laugh as it foiled a plan she had so carefully thought through. Sure, Velaine was the one to agree to this meeting with whatever nobleman her mother could find, but she hadn’t predicted that the time would come so soon. Her parents hadn’t even given an approval to contact the Cobbs and with the turn of events, Velaine feared that her chances would fall to zero.
It was a mistake on her part. She should have been ready for every possibility.
For the past bell, the lady of Krome had been sitting in front of a mirror, the maids busy with fluffing her hair and painting her lips. Sophia Krome had made specific orders of how she wanted her daughter to look, but Velaine had dismissed them immediately. The maids seemed worried about disobeying the baroness, but they followed her instructions to keep things simple anyway. While her father was the type to lass out on servants and slaves, her mother was less likely to even bother to do that.
With that, Velaine had opted for a black velvet dress, embroidered by golden threads. It was long-sleeved and tight-fitting around her torso, while the skirt flowed lightly from her hips. Definitely not something her mother would choose – especially with the Venoran taste of hers – but not quite enough to earn Velaine a glare from her. Sophia had wanted her daughter to look stunning, but the young woman figured her usual loose curls and simple makeup was enough. It was a bit of a rebellion in her part, she supposed. After all, Velaine had no interest in letting her mother dictate every single thing she did.
Just the day before, her mother had suddenly barged into her study, announcing that their family must be blessed by the saints. The smile on her face had been triumphant and Velaine could only predict the words that left her mouth after that. After a brief explanation, Sophia did not even let her daughter respond before leaving right after. Apparently, the Endors had taken an interest in her and was more than happy to introduce her to one of their blood. Nathaniel Endor, the only son of Cameron and Maderson Endor. And that was the limit of what her mother had so kindly told her about the man. The names sounded vaguely familiar, but that fact told her that they’re not anywhere near to inheriting the duchy of Endor.
Perhaps, it can prove to be an advantage, the young woman thought to herself as she ran her fingers across the soft fabric of her dress. With Sophia Krome standing as the first in line to inheriting the ducal seat, it meant that being a duchess was in Velaine’s future. The young woman had been meaning to use that as bargaining chip if she was to make a trade deal with the Cobbs. These Endors might be seeking her for that same reason.
“They will be waiting for you downstairs, my lady,” one of the maids with dark hair said softly, bowing her head as she moved away from her.
The female Krome nodded in acknowledgement as she stood. Better give the bears a proper welcome into the wolves’ den.
"Nathaniel, you are going to love her. She is a powerful, educated young woman. I hear she is incredibly beautiful and her reputation precedes her. She will make you a fine wife if the negotiations work in our favor."
"Yes mother."
Cameron sat silently next to his wife while she yammered on and on about the beauty of the Krome girl. Could wolves even be beautiful? In reality, he wanted to argue with his mother and say things along the lines that he got enough ass to occupy his time. He did not need a wife. In all his years, and he had seen many, he had never found a woman worthy of the Endor name. Venoran, Krome, Gawyne; they all had their benefits. None appeased him. Warrick was probably the most interesting to him as they were hardy folk. The other noblewoman were posh, soft, and sheep. Sheep did not benefit bears. Bears would eat sheep if the food chain thought it natural. The only woman he had thought worth her spit was that Venoran traitor. Then again, the False Queen would have brought shame upon his family given her outright rebellion against the crown. That was too much, even for him.
He wanted a woman that would argue with him her viewpoints yet still find enjoyment in being protected. He did not, under any circumstance, want his manhood usurped. He was the man, she was to be the woman. Already he was not sure about this woman because her titles were above his. She was only beneath her parents for the duchy while he was much farther down on the totem pole for Endor. He would only gain fame and land through his marriage to her. That gave her power over him.
He did not like it one bit.
That carriage had carried them from Endor to Krome in late Vhalar at his mother's whims. Apparently Maderson had been in contact with Sophia and the the negotiations had taken flight like freed doves. They were already head-over-heals in love with this idea. Nathaniel stared out the window of Fort Krome came into view. Did Titania abhor the idea as he did? Or was she one of those diehard romantics that hoped for a man in shining armor upon a white horse? Nathaniel did not even own shining armor or a white horse. Nathaniel chuckled to himself. He did have a white spear.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Nothing mother. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet Lady Krome."
"Stop with your ridicule. You are my son and you deserve the best. Be open-minded about the girl."
"Are you sure she is the best mother? Will anyone ever meet your expectations? You are as blind as a newborn child if you think that."
If he were closer, she probably would have smacked him. Cameron simply smirked at the comment, noiselessly agreeing with his son. Maderson remained silent the remainder of the trip, furious that Nathaniel had hit the nail on the head once again.
They had arrived on time. The Krome servants had ushered them in with deep bows and curtsies. Nathaniel, dressed in his long sleeved doublet and black pants, stood off the the side observing the situation. It appeared that Titania was still powdering her nose upstairs somewhere. Maderson and Cameron were making nice with her parents. Upon entering, Nathaniel had admired the various taxidermied heads on the walls. There was plenty of bucks and exotic birds. Unsurprisingly, there were no wolves snarling from the rafters. Like his own family, he suspected that killing the sigil of Krome was an ill omen upon the house. His eyes had found a massive brown bear head snarling from its wooden mount to the right of the fire place. Angered, he adamantly stared into the fire and ignored his surroundings.
Thoughts were flying inside her head, far too fast for her to grab any of them. Her heart pounded like nothing else, threatening to break out of its boney cage. Velaine breathed deeply with every breath she took, walking hurriedly to the living room. She had no idea how far her mother discussed this whole… set-up with the Endors. While Sophia might not show any interest in ruling properly, the older woman had always been talented in maneuvering the politics of nobility when she wanted to.
Velaine had been forcing herself to come to terms that as a noblewoman, the chances were her marriage wouldn’t be based on love. It was just the harsh truth. She was not the first girl to suffer the fate and she certainly won’t be the last. She was even willing to use it to gain the alliance of a merchant house, willing to sell her freedom to gain the power her house needed. Yet, now that the possibility was standing just a room away, Velaine wondered if she was truly ready.
What are the chances that this whole negotiation might actually end up solidifying her future? With this man she had never even seen in her life? There was no going back from this. If her parents and the Endors decided the joining of their houses beneficial, there was little she could do.
The female Krome took a shaky breath in front of the door, taking the time to smooth her face and calm the tremors of her fingers. This was happening, whether she liked it or not. The only thing she could do was make the best out of it – like she always did.
Fortunately, no one immediately noticed her entrance and gave her another moment to compose herself. Her blue eyes passed the two older couples swiftly, paying no attention to them, and settling on the figure staring into the fireplace. The man had his back toward her, but Velaine could already tell that he would easily tower over her. Broad-shouldered and athletic-looking, she supposed the man wasn’t far from the creature that was the sigil of his house. Nathaniel Endor. Her mind stilled for a bit, the anticipation washed away by something else. She couldn’t quite decide if that was a good thing or not.
Before Velaine had the chance to observe him longer, Sophia Krome finally noticed her daughter’s presence and clapped her hands together. “Titania, we have been waiting for you!” The older Krome stared at her daughter’s dress, but the distaste was gone as soon as it came. Sophia turned back to the Endor couple and gestured at her. “My beautiful daughter, Titania Velaine Krome.”
Tearing her gaze away from the man, Velaine walked over to her parents’ side and gave the Endors a soft smile. “Baron Cameron, Baroness Maderson, it is a pleasure to see you. Forgive me for my tardiness, I am afraid I lost track of time just now.”
The two woman had been discussing the future plans of their children while the men idled on hunting and drinking. They need not worry about negotiations when it came to bloodlines when they had such overbearing wives. Nathaniel had only averted his eyes once from the fire to watch his mother with Sophia. It was curious to him to see her so happy at having him wed off. Hadn't she always wanted to keep him to herself? All his life that was all he recalled of her desires. Her doting had forced him into the mine shaft that day where the robber attempted to remove him from this world. The cave crumbled and his life was turned on its head.
Nathaniel found himself sweating. Was it the fire or the anxiety the memory brought to him. Nathaniel pulled at his collar and rotated his neck. It was all just the mind playing games. While he adjusted himself to regain composure, Titania had slipped into the room. His preoccupation kept him from noticing the woman.
Cameron and Maderson turned to look at Lady Krome. Cameron offered a polite head bow while Maderson reached for her. The woman had always been the touchy-feely type. Maderson had managed to clasp Titania's hands for a brief moment. It was her idea of establishing a connection. "The word tardy should never describe a noblewoman. You were composing yourself on this glorious day. Might I say you look absolutely stunning. Nathaniel!"
Maderson had let go of Titania's hands by now to wave her hand at her son. Nathaniel, like a leashed dog, came to the group obediently. He rivaled his father in height and towered over his mother as he approached. Maderson cleared her throat as he stood there, implying that he was forgetting something. Nathaniel lowered his torso into a stiff bow. He had been taught the basics of formal behavior. The bow was all he was good at. Which fork to use was an entirely different story.
"Baron and Baroness Krome. Lady Krome," He stood up to meet her eyes. She was quite beautiful, but he would not give his mother the pleasure in stating that outright. He wanted to see her squirm a bit for having dragged him away from his work. "Thank you for hosting my parents and I. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
“You flatter me, my lady,” the young woman replied, squeezing the older woman’s hand lightly. Judging from the look on the baroness’s face, the Endor was certainly thrilled with this whole debacle. It almost rivaled Sophia’s triumphant look every time their gaze met. Meanwhile, Cameron regarded her mildly, probably not entirely interested. Not entirely different from her own father.
While Nathaniel walked to his mother’s side, Velaine realized that her entire body had become tense. She watched him closely, calculatingly, hoping she could gain some sort of information on him. The Endor possessed rugged good looks, severe yet attractive. He was clearly older than her, but Velaine was already far too relieved that at least Sophia didn’t plan on negotiating her daughter’s betrothal with a man twice her age. The situation was much better than what her imagination concocted.
The man bowed slowly, the movement seemed unfitting for him. If she had to guess, the young woman would say that the Endor did not waste a lot of his time with social niceties. It made her feel somewhat better, surprisingly – she never liked pompous men. Did he even want to be here? He looked about as eager she was. “And I, you, my lord. I hope your journey here isn’t too much trouble.”
As soon as she finished her sentence, she could feel it. The weight of everyone else in this room staring at them expectantly. Like they hoped something would happen. Suffice to say, the Krome did not like it at all. What were they hoping for, really? That sparks would fly?
The young woman didn’t know what else to say, so it was a relief when her mother turned toward the Endor couple and started fussing. “Please, do sit, Maderson. We shouldn’t discuss this while standing up.” So, they were familiar enough to use first names. Just how long had her mother been conversing wth the Endors? Definitely far before Sophia had ever brought the matter to Velaine’s attention. The young woman certainly didn’t expect her own mother to outplay her.
Velaine was already trying to sit down on one of the couches when her mother grabbed her arm unexpectedly. “Rather than listening to this boring talk, perhaps you children would prefer to get to know each other?” Children… It was like Sophia was talking about a pair of twelve year olds.
Oh, the young Krome had all the intention to be involved in this negotiation. If she was to be offered up like some trophy, Velaine would like to make sure that whatever deal the two houses struck would decisively end Krome’s troubles. “I don’t mind listening, mother, truly. We can–”
Sophia was swift with her words, of course. “Perhaps you don’t mind, but I am sure your time will be better spent showing our guest around. What do you think, Nathaniel?”
Unable to help herself, Velaine’s blue eyes turned towards the Endor pointedly, hoping he had the same line of thought as she did.
Her tension was subtle to the point that he had almost missed it. Yet her skin seemed to tighten and her guard was put up as he grew closer. Nathaniel smirked slightly as he made her stand on edge. Most other women would have become putty, but her defensiveness towards his approach made her more appealing to him. She clearly was not like most of the other women. The introduction was polite and Titatania acted like a complete lady about the whole situation. Did she really care if his journey was trouble? Doubtful.
They stood there in awkward silence. Maderson probably expected Nathaniel to do something, but he was rather enjoying the silent battle between them. He legitimately had nothing to add at this point. He would not be that groveling boy seeking a woman's attentions by complimenting her beauty and talking about wine flavors. Reduced to occupying the silence themselves, Sophia had taken charge. To his pleasant surprise, it seemed that Titania was not interested in following her mother's orders. Baroness Krome had gone as far as suggesting that the "children" go forth and make nice. Titania had started arguing only to be cut off by her mother. Suddenly the decision was placed in Nathaniel's lap.
Maderson gave Nathaniel a look as she sat down. Cameron, sensing a fight coming along, nudged Baron Krome towards the fire. This was political talk for women. He was far more interested in avoiding conflict with his son and wife. The brandy he noted in the corner was also incredibly enticing. He slipped away before the sparks took flight. He would have continued to stand there awkwardly if Maderson had not offered her challenging look. It reminded him of his youth, racing through the halls to beat her to the kitchens and out the door.
"Maybe it is time for the children to start growing up Baroness Krome. My mother has always wanted me to take interest in politics and noble relations. Securing the future of our houses," Nathaniel meeting Titania's gaze. He could support her if it meant upsetting his mother a little bit. Hopefully this would not upset Sophia enough to call off negotiations. He was still curious about he soon-to-be-betrothed. "...should be at the forefront of our mind. Especially if your plans are to wed us. Is that not fair?"
This was all a bit of a game to him. He would have much preferred to be back in Krome toiling in the dust of the mines finding iron ore. Production had been lacking this season and he had yet to get to the bottom of it. It bothered him greatly but he suspected Marshall was tending to the mines well enough in his absence. For now he could afford to be preoccupied with these small issues.
For whatever reason, the man played along, giving her mother a solemn refusal to be dismissed. Her heart swelled with relief and she offered him a hidden smile of gratitude – it was better that Sophia didn’t see how pleased her daughter was with the turn of events. While she had no interest in undermining her mother’s authority – for now, at least – Velaine also didn’t want to be those foolish noblewomen who simple nod their head at whatever people told them to do.
With a tight smile, Sophia sighed. She was certainly unhappy with how the Endor had taken the younger Krome’s side. “Point taken, dear Nathaniel. Perhaps it will be good for my daughter to finally how to properly navigate a negotiation such as this.”
Ignoring the jab, Velaine made a point of taking a separate couch from her mother, though not too far. Sophia had a habit of digging her manicured nails into her daughter’s arm when she didn’t want them to talk too much and the young woman would rather avoid all that. This was her betrothal and she wanted to have a say in what the deal entailed.
Absentmindedly, she wondered whether the Endor would stick close with his mother. Maderson did remind her of Sophia a bit. By the way they were so excitedly chatting earlier, she guessed the pair liked each other as well. From the glint in their eyes, Velaine could tell that they were willing to push things in order for this whole betrothal negotiation to succeed. Will it be a case of mothers against their children then? Or was Nathaniel already on their side?
On second thought, perhaps having a chance to talk privately wasn’t a bad idea after all.
Once everyone was seated, Sophia wasted no time for idle chit chat. “Where were we, Maderson? You were talking about the possible assistance Endor might give us?”
Nathaniel caught the subtle smile that Titania offered. It seemed that he was taking steps in the right direction if these agreement was made. He would hate to upset his wife before they were married. That would complicate things for his vices greatly. He had often heard his father complain to his friends about Maderson's overbearing habits; heck, Nathaniel often agreed with Cameron. Then again, if it kept her happy, that meant lives were spared. He managed to catch Maderson's gaze at that point. It appeared he would be in boiling water later. For now, she sat silently. He suspected that she would profusely apologize on behalf of her son later. They would be here a few days, so this would not be the only conversation on the subject.
With Maderson sitting across from Sophia and Titania perpendicular to them, Nathaniel had to make a decision and quickly. Sit next to his mother and be the good son, or show that he was interested in proving to Titania that he would be a worthy match. Nathaniel pursed his lips as he approached his seat. Who was he kidding? He had nothing to prove. He would be a good match for anyone, including Emerson Sands. Nathaniel sat down next to Titania, propping his chin upon his knuckles and his elbow upon the couch's arm. He did not make any moves on Titania and kept a respectable distance between them. Lord Endor would have much preferred to put a possessive arm around her, like he did the women in the brothels when he was negotiating.
"Ah yes. The cold must chase away the game and make it incredibly difficult to grow crops. You mentioned in our communique that your people were growing hungrier with each passing season. Sure, a marriage to a Venoran would give you direct access to food, but I have something better," Maderson looked fondly at Nathaniel. He rolled his eyes. "My son has been doing great work in the mines. Production is up and the coin is flowing into Endor. We have been supplying Iron to Andaris to replenish their smithies who are striving to replace the damaged equipment from the rebellion. Nel is power."
Nathaniel was beginning to catch on to what his mother was saying. When had she taken such interest in his mine's production? How did she knew exactly how much revenue he was bringing in? Exactly how much did he know about what he was doing? It perturbed him a bit to know that she had been watching his moves all this time. "I believe my mother is suggested that with this betrothal, we will give you a percentage so that your family will be able to provide for your duchy. You'll be able to purchase from anywhere, not just Venora."
"Isn't he a smart one?" Maderson said, beaming to Sophia.
Even with the distance between them, her entire body was terribly aware of his demanding presence. She tried not to think about the likelihood that she was going to spend the rest of her life with this man. He was polite enough, if not rather disinterested in her. Yet, there was no telling of what kind of man Nathaniel was. Not before their fates were sealed.
The thought didn’t sit well with her.
Despite her tension, it was nearly impossible not to be amused when the Endor rolled his eyes. While it was a slow process without the assistance of her magic, the young woman slowly visualized the relationship between Maderson and Nathaniel. It would seem that the baroness is very fond of his son. On the other hand, it would seem that Nathaniel didn’t exactly appreciate his mother’s gesture.
Velaine was wrong, then. Their relationship was nothing like hers and Sophia’s. She couldn’t remember the last time her mother had looked at her with true endearment. Sophia had mastered the art of fussing over her daughter, but Velaine knew it was all just an act and a sort of fulfillment for her controlling nature. It was a fact the young woman had learned a long time ago, but the reminder still stung.
Now was not the time to contemplate about her mommy issues. She had a more pressing problem in hand.
As she listened to what Nathaniel was saying, even Velaine had to admit that it was quite the sweet offer. Her plans of forming alliances with the Cobb in exchange for their harvest would their problem with food, but only that. Velaine had hoped once they could at least support themselves without the Venoras, they could begin paying off their debts. Meanwhile, if the Endor was willing to offer them nel… perhaps she could solve their troubles all at once.
“Is mining truly so profitable?” the young woman asked lightly as she turned toward the man beside her, trying to test the waters. She had no real knowledge of how mines works, but she do know that precious gems and ores sell at a high price. “I have heard about the Endor’s inexhaustible mines, but some also say it has been difficult to find the men to work there.”
Sophia shot her daughter a look, but returned with a smile for their guests. “That is indeed a very generous offer. Our hands are unfortunately tied when dealing with the Venoras, considering we are indebted to them after the unpleasantness that was the rebellion.”
Titania's interest in the mines caught him by surprise. Was it because she was interested in the actually strength it took hauling rock from the depths of the earth, the money that came from transporting unrefined ore to the cities, or the business behind the whole production? Maybe, she was just feigning interest. There was even a small possibilities that she was truly interested in his business and in him because he worked hard to better his family's position. Nathaniel twisted his upper body until his shoulders were more directed towards her. This allowed his to give her his full attention, as domineering as that might be.
"Endor certainly has prospered in the recent seasons. With the Qe'Dreki rebellion, the need for raw iron has grown exponentially. The smiths are working overtime to convert the raw materials my men provide into workable metal. Then crafters turn plates and bars into swords and shields. Iron is the backbone of the army. If the Endor mines did not exist, we would be left helpless."
Maderson cleared her throat, hoping to draw the conversation back into the matter at hand. "As I have requested, he leaves the actual work to the criminals he procures from Andaris. The Crown provides the mine with able-bodied men that will serve their time within our mines. You need not worry yourself with that kind of work dear," Maderson purred to Titania. Nathaniel made no notion as to his opinion on it. He would have preffered a woman interested in his work. Better than having one interested in wine, dresses, and other unnecessary finery. Having knowledge of what it took to be a real person - not just a noble - was what it meant to be a leader.
"Lady Titania," Maderson purred, turning the conversation to the young wolf. "What is it you have to offer House Endor for our aid?"
"Do you have to be discourteous Mother?"
"Do not speak to me like that Nathaniel. I am simply asking a question of the young lady. I am sure she has a wonderful, highly intellectual, refined answer for us."
Nathaniel swallowed hard. He did not recall Titania's place in the line of succession despite having been told it earlier today. He suspected that was what his mother wanted. Title, land, fame. Even if she was not getting it directly, she would still lay claim to it through her son. Maybe it was because she wanted grandbabies. It certainly wasn't because she wanted the Duchy of Endor. They were too far down in the succession to lay claim to that. His eyes flitted from Maderson to Titania and back again.
