Page 36 of Winter Queen
"Flora, I’d like to introduce you to Gwain, our Master at Arms, and Storm, his second in command. Both, meet Flora, the Goddess of Spring."
"A pleasure," Gwain says smoothly, while Storm gives her a sharp nod.
"We've met. Sorry about Fav."
Even for Storm, that's very brusque, but I'm letting it go for now.
"Shall we go inside?" I suggest, not so much caring about the cold but more about the eyes and ears that could be hiding in the garden. I much prefer a room where I can spell the doors so nobody can listen in.
I lead them into a random sitting room - one of dozens or even hundreds in this Palace - and carefully close the door, adding some magic to make it soundproof.
Once everybody has taken a seat, I get my thoughts in order. This is my first big test at diplomacy and negotiation. I better not mess this up.
""Flora, we've just had our Council meeting and came to a decision."
Slow start, raise expectations, see her reaction. That's my strategy. No idea if it makes sense. But it's better than blurting out everything, which would be the non-strategic way.
She raises a perfectly manicured eyebrow but waits for me to continue.
"Some of my advisors were sceptical about the benefit for us, should we announce that you're under our protection."
I'm not mentioning that the obvious advantage for us would be the support of her army. She knows that, I know that, but let's pretend we don't.
"However, I did manage to persuade them that we can make this into a mutually beneficent arrangement. We will publicly announce that you are now our ally and that you and your Realm are under our protection. We will house you here at the Palace, where you will be safest. You'll have whatever you need and the support of the Palace staff. Gwain will send some of his officers to your Realm to coordinate with your own army, so that we can unify our approach to the defence of both our Realms. Does that sound good so far?"
"It does, Your Highness."
She smiles and I give her a quick smile back. I don't know why she calls me highness all the time. She's a Goddess, I'm only half one. Theoretically, she's miles above me.
"In return, you will provide us with information about the Morrigan and Angus. You will also pledge your army's support should we need it if the Winter Realm gets attacked. Again, the details can be arranged with Gwain. I would also like you to give us some information on who is supporting Angus, and who might be willing to switch sides. If there are others in a similar position, we need to know."
Flora nods several times, her hair bopping up and down.
"Agreed. I have one more request, though," she says, her voice firm but friendly. "My husband hasn't been cremated yet. I would like his funeral to be here, in the place where he was created."
I swallow hard, remembering once again how much death has been all around me recently. The Morrigan is killing people and we can’t do anything about it. As long as my father is still alive… I wish I knew for certain that he’s alright. That’s the wrong word though. Of course he isn’t alright. He’ll never be again. My mum’s dead, killed before his eyes, and mine, in a way. I can still hear her screams echoing in my mind.
“Of course, I’ll ask one of my colleagues to make arrangements,” Storm answers for me, giving me a knowing look. I could do with a hug right now, but I first need to deal with Flora. First, Princess duties, then I’m allowed Wyn emotions.
“Do you have any other family you’d like to join you here?” I ask the Goddess, not expecting it but aiming to be polite nonetheless.
“No,” Flora says quietly. “Unlike Beira, us other deities aren’t allowed children.”
I swallow again, trying not to take it personally. She’s grieving, and of course she’d like to have someone to help her get through it. Maybe she has friends among the Gods coming to the ball tomorrow. That might cheer her up a little.
“Gwain, would you mind drawing up a contract to put what we just discussed into writing?” I ask the Master of Arms.
“Of course, Your Highness. I will present it to both of you to sign before dinner. By then I’ll also be able to give you a list of the officers I recommend to travel to the Spring Realm. Storm, let me know if you have anyone you think should go.”
“Flora, will you be able to give us the information you promised?” I ask, trying not to sound too impatient. She’s able to get us closer to the Morrigan, but the longer it takes for us to find out more, the less the chances that the Morrigan might still be where Angus met her.
She frowns.
“Once we’ve signed the agreement. Don’t take this personally, but I’m doing this for the citizens of my Realm, not for myself. I need to make sure that they’re safe before I give away my only bargaining chip.”
I nod. “I understand. Believe me, I’d do the same.”
She gives me a tense smile and gets up graciously. “Is there a room I could retire to? I’d like to freshen up a bit.”
