The morning was just barely over when Clovis got his first chance to break from the tedious workings of the treasury . Normally, it wasn't so bad to do the morning meeting but the farmers and the soldiers were at a disagreement again and arguing for rights to food and supplies . A choice had to be made, after a kingdom without soldiers was useless, but without the farmers they would starve . Valid points on both sides as to why they needed the extra land was a headache in and of itself .
It didn't help that General Hanash, a older, beefy man with a no nonsense attitude was used to getting his way . Who would disagree with a man who could knock his head off in a single move?
Then again the head Farmer was the Matriarch of the SongWind family . She was willow slim and water soft, but just like water with the slightest brush of wind she could become a raging currant steadfast in her course . Yet she was only 20 years old and unmarried as she focused all her time into running the family and farming .
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Just thinking about their arguments, Clovis had to rub his temples to persuade the headache not to destroy what little sanity he had left . He sat down at the table to take his tea as Mally approached him and bowed apologetically . The expression on her face and in her eyes made him want to turn her away . Yet, he knew it was no use .
"Yes Beauty Mally?" he asked waiting for the words he knew was coming .
"The Emperor has asked you join him for tea . " Mally replied with a soft sigh . This was not the type of news she wished to deliver . Especially when she knew the topic of discussion the Emperor had in mind .
"Yes, I suspected as much . I will meet him in his study then . " Clovis replied, but before he could stand the door to his study opened and the Emperor walked in .
His silver beard and long pale hair neatly tied to flow behind him . The Lion robes he adored so much trailing around his trim figure . Despite the luxury of the kingdom, he was still well toned for a old man . His eyes twinkled with mischief as he barged into his son's study .
"No, I thought we would take it here . " he replied, sitting down in the chair across from his son . There was something unexpectedly jovial about his demeanor today . Clovis sighed, knowing how his father could be .
"Alright, Mally please send for tea for two . " Clovis ordered before clearing all the important scrolls and papers from his desk . The Emperor watched him with excited eyes like he had something he wished to say . However he seemed intent on waiting for a prompt and Clovis was afraid to give him one . These moods never ended well for him .
"I saw our darling Raina this morning . She was practicing her singing . She had a talented voice . " the Emperor began, starting with the small talk he knew was safest . Their mutual interests began with the kingdom and ended with Raina with nothing really in between .
"I am pleased to hear she is dedicating herself to her lessons . She wishes to learn the Zither but must learn to hear tones first . " Clovis explained, the soft pride that entered his voice was echoed on the Emperor's face .
"She will be quite the wife one day with those sorts of skills . " The Emperor replied and Clovis frowned . He had no intention of marrying his daughter off like the had his other four half sisters . Of the Five Princesses only One was truly happy with her husband . Vella had been the lucky one .
"Yes, she will . I only hope she finds a husband that cares for her mind as much as her ability . " he replied coolly, not wanting to fight this battle . once he had gained the seat of emperor no one else would have a say to begin with . Yet another reason to fight hard .
"True, of course we wish her happiness . " The Emperor agreed with a smile but seemed a touch preoccupied . "However it is not for a while yet . I am more interested in your search, My boy . You must find a bride soon in order to qualify for the next step in The Emperor's Trials . " he pointed out, dropping the topic that Clovis had expected . The headache his temple rubbing had pushed back, knocked again and let itself through the back door .
Chapter end
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