Page 97 of Sweetling
My daughter, Isolde Monaghan, has been granted authority to treat with you on the matter of your continued presence within Eirea and lordship of the Scarborough estate.
I am desirous to know of your immediate plans for the estate. I understand that pledges have been made to the Darrows; however, further pledges of fealty to the crown will be most conducive to a friendly course between us.
It is also imperative to determine your commitment to the safety of this kingdom. While I commend the Darrows’ willingness to welcome all to their demesne, inclusion within Eirea must also come with the sacrifice to crown and country that any Eirean would be called upon to make. Should the safety of Eirea be threatened, the crown requires assurances that you will defend her.
This, of course, would come with a hand of friendship to you. An esteemed fae such as yourself will be welcomed at court and shall receive the estate of Haldenbrück within the crown demesne of Loígas.
Consider this carefully and convey your answer to the Crown Princess. I know you to be a wise man and look forward to your friendship and presence in Gleanná.
And congratulations on your impending nuptials. I hope to soon meet you and your Eirean bride.
With all respect,
His Excellence
King Marius Caellus of Eirea,
Prince Prospect of Pyrros,
Lord Protector of Gleanná,
Liege Loígas
Allarion read it twice just to be sure he hadn’t misunderstood anything. His grasp of written Eirean wasn’t as strong as that of written Pyrrossi, but coming to the flourish of signatures and titles at the end again, he felt certain he understood.
“Your father is threatening me,” he remarked.
The princess, the Twins bless her, choked.
Allarion waited patiently as the princess coughed as delicately as possible. Her color was still high when she finally regarded him with a pinched expression.
“My father wishes to ascertain if you will fight for Eirea, should the need arise,” she said, the perfect little diplomat.
His answering smile was all teeth, and the princess’s pulse visibly jumped in her throat. He didn’t relish scaring the girl, but it seemed she and her family needed a reminder that he wasn’t someone to threaten.
“My loyalty has been and shall remain to the Darrows, the ones who welcomed me and others here.”
Princess Isolde nodded carefully. “And that’s commendable, as is the work Lady Aislinn and her father are doing. It’s only just—to be citizens here, to enjoy all the benefits of our beautiful kingdom, is it not reasonable to ask for the loyalty expected of all subjects?” Her nostrils flared, taking in a deep breath, and Allarion wondered how many times she’d practiced that line.
“My loyalty has been pledged and assured. Bellarand and I fought to secure Lady Aislinn’s place as heiress. It would be foolish to think that I or any other folk who came to the Darrowlands seeking peace, would wish to make promises that should lead us into battle.”
The princess raised her hands in supplication. “There is no battle to speak of. It is merely a formality. The Darrows pledge fealty to the crown, as do their nobles. As a landholder yourself, it isn’t unexpected.”
“And are other Eireans expected to journey to the capital and pledge their loyalty?”
He didn’t need to see her flush to know they weren’t.
“So it is me and my fellow otherly folk who would be asked to do so.”
Princess Isolde tried to assure him again. “You are new to the kingdom. Any liege or ruler would want assurance from new actors. We have faith that you bring your best intentions to our kingdom, but again, it isn’t unreasonable to want assurances.”
“I and the others have lived here for months peacefully. We have made assurances to Liege Darrow. We have paid our taxes and fought on the battlefield.” Leaning forward, he handed the princess the letter back. “Your kind tried to use otherlies to fight their battles before. Mark me, princess, the wounds are fresh enough in their minds. Your human war games won’t be settled by otherly blood.”
Her throat bobbed, and her fingers clutched the letter in her lap. “You would defy the king?”
Allarion’s attention snagged on her last word.King.
“In what capacity does your father write this?”
