Aedan had woken up that morning and gone straight into another meeting with his privy council. That smirking idiot Lawley was here now, but he ignored the man for the most part--though not so overtly the other noticed. Let them draw their own conclusions. He'd watch.

They discussed the weather, which promised a good harvest, and bored Aedan out of his mind. They discussed reinforcing or rebuilding the border garrisons, making proper stone structures this time... but of course, if they were to go to war anyway, soon there would be no border. Still, rebuilding the garrisons was a decent idea, and one of His Majesty's architects made a note of it. They discussed the conscription. Several spoke out against it, but Aedan pointed out that thus far it was only an idea. War as a certainty, but it was a distant certainty until he got married.

About that...

At the end of the meeting, a servant popped his head into the room.

"Lady Hanna Blauvelt has arrived, Your Highness."

Aedan stood up abruptly, ignoring the muffled chuckles among his councilors, who had all seen the little miniature of the girl. It really wasn't that bad, he had thought--but painting could lie, and often did...

"Excuse me," he said curtly, and swept out to his throneroom, where he took a seat and waited for her to be introduced to him. He wore his crown; she, and her father, ought to know whom they were dealing with. And he waited for her to enter the room and introduce herself.

He had requested that she enter alone, to foster ease between them. But really, he hadn't wanted the ambassador to see his reaction to her, in case it was negative.

"The Lady Hanna Blauvelt!"

The doors swung open.

Lady Hanna felt her stomach give a jerk. Her palms were lightly covered in perspiration, and her heart beat fast. Though she could feel a small cool breeze graze against her pale cheek, Hanna could find no relief in it. She felt as if she was in a fire itself, burning alive. Oh, she hated to feel this way, but there was no way to truly control her feelings. She was to meet King Aeden for the first time. She heard stories of him and his greatness, and to think that he could possibly be her husband was almost unreal. If she did marry him…that would make her Queen. Queen Hanna had a nice ring to it, but that was not what was important to her. Maybe that was her parent’s concern, but Hanna had an even bigger issue that dealt with the heart. She, like any other woman, longed for true love, but if she was forced into this union, how could she ever think about finding such love? Of course, Hanna knew just how silly it was to think anyone would love her…but it was still a nice thought. Hanna would never dream to refuse the match, though. Her parents would be furious, she would anger the king, and most importantly she would end up an old spinster with no money, her title diminished because she did not marry. That was the last thing she wanted. She was ugly, and she knew it. If anyone would marry her, it would be the King, only because of how ideal the match was. Not a single person in their right mind could ever fall in love with her. It was just a fact that years taught her.

Swallowing hard, she made her way through the hallway closer into the King’s presence, with questions flowed through her mind. What was he like? Was he kind? OF course, she had those stories, but they only told so much. Meeting someone in person was certainly a bigger ordeal, especially if that person was the king. Hanna felt as if each second was like an hour. Time trudged on and Hanna was more than willing to get it over with. She only hoped that she would not blow her only chance for comfort and security.

Hanna heart skipped a beat the moment she saw the servant stop at a door. This was where the King resided. Taking in a deep breath, she waited until she was announced to walk in. The moment of truth was here. This would make or break her….the doors opened and there appeared the King. He certainly was as handsome as they said. Oh, that would make her own faulty appearance that much worse. She hoped that he would not immediately turn her away. She hoped that he would somehow get to know the person behind the face. Only time could tell that though.

Humbly, Hanna curtsied, as best as she could, feeling her hands shake slightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you majesty.” She said, now standing straight up looking straight into his eyes.

The first thought that crossed Aedan's mind was not that the lady before him was ugly. It was that she was so young. And of course she was; fourteen or fifteen, he could not recall which. Well, at least it meant she had years of fertility ahead of her--said the side of him that was thoroughly dispassionate and calculating.

He stared for a little while. She was a very short woman, and rather plump, which he did not mind; her figure, though, was less than ideal. Her nose was what pushed her over the edge from plain into what most would call 'ugly,' and it looked as though she had a squint. Still, she was far from the hideous creature he had come to expect. Not beautiful, and not what he had wanted... and her youth was offputting. Not that he was so very old. But he could hardly tolerate the young courtiers' chatter; it set his teeth on edge, and the thought of bedding a young girl seemed vaguely wrong.

Still, maybe her ugliness had granted her wisdom and maturity. It was what they said of Socrates.

She had courage and poise, at least; she stood looking him in the eye, not coy or coquettish in the least.

He reminded himself again of the need for an alliance with the barony, and how many weapons and troops it would bring.

"Welcome, Lady Blauvelt." He stood and bowed to her, a surprising thing; but she was, after all, practically his betrothed. He motioned for her to come closer, so they could speak in relative privacy. "How was your journey?" It was pitifully awkward, of course, to speak with her, but it would get better--with luck. "If you need anything, I've assigned six maidservants to you, and you need only ask. Thiasa has been prosperous; you shouldn't go wanting for anything." That was more for her father than this young woman, who did not look as though she cared overly much for pampering. But she would write home and the Baron would be impressed--and that was what Aedan wanted.

There was something in the King’s eyes, a look that she had become quite accustomed to seeing, and it meant only one thing in her own mind: he was appalled by her appearance. Well, maybe appalled was not the right word, but he certainly was surprised. No other expiation presented itself, and Hanna would not have accepted it, even if it did. She had grown so used to being treated in such a way that she came to anticipate it when meeting people for the very first time.

What threw Hanna off balance was the quick change. Suddenly out of nowhere, he bowed and greeted her. She was so surprised that he would do such a thing, since he was the king and considering his initial reaction. She certainly would have been all right without such a formal greeting for it felt so odd to her, after all her years of being looked down upon. Not many gave a chance for her to show her personality. They judged her too quickly. Would Kind Aeden do the same? It appeared not, as he seemed to do his best to act cordial to her.

Just from his simple expressions she saw that he was somewhat at a loss of what to do. Small conversation was as good as any, though, and Hanna appreciated it, despite the fact that she was not sure if he was acting in such a way because of their future. After all, she did not know many who would not at least attempt to act kind to their betrothed. Hanna made sure not to get her hopes too high, though.

Seeing King Aeden motioned her to come closer, Hanna felt somewhat at a loss. She was slightly uncomfortable, but she knew she must make a good of a first impression that she could. She was not going to let a small amount of discomfort be her ruin and cause her to become her parent’s biggest disappointment. So, doing what she knew was expected of her, Hanna took a few steps. She thought it kind of him to ask about her journey and the like, and Hanna was quite happy that she would indeed be well taken care of. Not that she needed those servants, but more of the thought behind it. Of course, this was not anything out of the ordinary, though. Of course he would do his best to provide for her, his possible future wife. Realistically, he probably did not care a thing for her. This thought kept her in check and Hanna pushed all those hopeful thoughts aside. Finally, when King Aeden finished, Hanna knew it was her turn to talk.

“I did indeed have a pleasant trip.” Hanna replied. “the weather was nice, and trip was shorter than I had anticipated. ” Hanna could not help but pause. Small talk was certainly not the easiest thing to do, but soon Hanna managed to find a topic and continued. “I trust you have been well? It must be stressful dealing with all the present war, and duties as King.”

Aedan watched her. She seemed frightened. It wasn't unexpected, he supposed, but he'd hoped... hoped for a little more mettle? A little more of something.

Her mention of war almost made him laugh. Clearly used to the turmoil in Scalia, she hadn't come to appreciate the peace in Thiasa. He didn't appreciate it himself, strictly speaking... in fact, he would have preferred war, and if there was any stress it was... well, Hanna's very presence could cure that. If he married her and they had a child, the country wouldn't be without an heir, and he could crush the barbarians once and for all.

"If anything, milady, I find myself perturbed over the lack of war. We've had a very uneasy peace these last fifteen years, and the barbarians are gnawing at our borders like mice. Coming from Scalia, you wouldn't understand. Your father, you know, has promised to supply us with arms and his support if we ally." She knew this, of course; it was why she was here.

But she was only a girl, and didn't need to hear about this. "That's why I need to marry soon," he said baldly. Never one for exaggerated diplomacy, was Aedan... but there was no need. Such a young girl wouldn't require it of him. "I need an heir, so I can crush the barbarians and then come to your father's aid." His gaze shifted sideways, away from her. Thus far the impression she'd made was that of general dullness, which didn't please him, but if he turned her down the alliance with the Baron would very soon turn, and he'd have enemies on both sides.

Uneasy peace. Those were to words that did not go together. It was a contradiction. How could peace ever be uneasy? But of course, he meant peace as in no war. That was obvious, however, but Hanna could not help but be slightly thrown back. Of course, this was not the first time she had been wrong, but if she would have chosen a time to have made such a mistake, it would have been any other time. She assumed she looked like a fool now to the King. What a way to make a first impression. Hanna felt slightly disappointed in herself, when she really wanted to impress him. Hanna was sure he was now dying to marry her. It was not as if she was uneducated, she had just not taken much interest in the subject. She loved language, she read a number of books, so surely she would find that admirable. It was hard to tell, and she would probably not be able to find out if he judged her too harshly on this one incident.

Hanna was saddened as King Aeden continued to speak. She knew very well that she was entering into the marriage only for convenience. Her father would help to provide troops for the king, while she would provide an heir. No romance was involved. She knew that she was like a puppet, and at that time she had no problem with it, but now, she felt that she wanted to be appreciated by someone other than her parents. In King Aeden’s eyes, Hanna was just a woman to bear his kids and the key to gaining more troops. Trying not to be affected by this blow, she held up her head a little higher, trying to emit a certain air of confidence. She would not let the king see a weak woman. She was by no means weak, after living years as the “ugly daughter”. It took a lot out of her, but if anything that had made her stronger, and more callused to words. She would need to say something that would spark his interest….but what? Hanna did not know King Aeden well at all. She had no much skill conversing with men, but Hanna knew she simply had to try.

Taking in a small breath, Hanna spoke. “Of course. It is indeed difficult to run a country, knowing of the potential threat. ” Hanna paused for a moment. “Forgive me for my lack of knowledge. I don’t intend to be ignorant. I am interested in hearing of your plans once you gain the assistance of my father’s troops.” Maybe that would steer her in a different, more pleasant route, though there was the possibility that he might not confide in her at all his plans. She wouldn’t blame him for that though.

ooc: sorry...this isn't my best reply...I'll do better, I promise. It was hard for me to think of what she would say.

It struck Aedan that he paid far more attention to Hanna's words because she was ugly. If she had been pretty, he would have been more forgiving.

"There's an easy solution to ignorance," he said. "You learn--you ask questions. I can tell you about the situation, because, you know, when we go to war, the Queen will be left in charge." He watched her, calculating not her looks but her intelligence. "So, you see, it's more than just a bargain with your father. And he promised me more than a pretty face. Well."

He glanced at her. "He didn't promise that. But he said you were smart, and I'm going to be frank with you, Hanna, I need that. Thiasa needs that, and if we don't marry your father will be my enemy, unless you yourself decide you're unfit. So tell me... is this what you want?" He folded his hands and looked at her, unsure as to what response exactly he expected.


((ooc: no worries, dear))

Had she not asked questions? She completely agreed that inquiring solved ignorance, but once more had she not tried? Was it her fault that she was not properly informed? Hanna knew it was not her place to argue at all though, so she just let it go. If she did not want him to judge her for what she said, she would do her best to give King Aeden a chance as well.

Hanna was glad her father did speak well of her. Hanna was not the brightest woman, but she surely was well-learned. She only hoped that King Aeden did not change his view of her because of what she said at first. She wished he would be forgiving of that one faulty moment. She felt that he did not judge her as harshly because of her appearance, but more of what she said, which will make it all tougher.

Well, of course Hanna wanted more out of a marriage than this. She wanted love, but there was not a lot she could do. After all, he was King. How bad would being Queen be? Hanna did not see love in her future, and though she hated it, she accepted it as a fact, and she was going to take what she could. She couldn’t say that she wanted it, necessarily, but she was not opposed to marrying him. How would she reply, though? She wanted to be married, but she knew if she was left to find a man on her own, no one would give her a chance.

“I am aware of the arrangement,” Hanna answered as coolly as possible, “And I would be more than happy to become better informed about what is going on with the country. I suppose I am all right with the marriage…I have no real objections.”

ooc: gah, short. sorry.

Aedan nodded, tucking his chin down toward his chest. "Well. You're young," he said, sighing. "How old are you--fourteen? I'm thirty, you know."

He was quite aware that arrangements like this were far from unusual. But now that it came down to it--and now that he was aware that the marriage was all but mandatory.....

Aedan hadn't known, when he'd begun negotiations with Marius Blauvelt, just how stubborn the man was. Or how determined to marry his daughter to a king. And Aedan needed the influence. The Blauvelt Barony was one of the strongest, and furthermore, effectively controlled shipping lanes between Scalia and Thiasa. Without Scalian trade, Thiasa simply couldn't survive. He'd heard the daughter was ugly--she was, but Aedan was one of those fortunate men who are reasonably tolerant of women varied in looks. What he could support less happily was ignorance, idiocy, and youth.

She wasn't an idiot; he wouldn't go so far as to say that. But there were limited demands he could make on someone so young. The situation was infuriating, and he was tempted to end their talk right now, but he wanted her to address the issue of their age difference.

"I'm aware we're both forced into this," he added, dissembling. "I may be a king, but I will tell you, all that means is I'm more a servant than anyone in the country..... But there are two ways to take this situation, and one, I think, is better than the other. I don't think I can ever become what they call a lover, but I'd be willing to be a kind of teacher."

Hanna was well aware that she was young, almost too young, especially to be married, but she certainly did not want her age to turn off King Aeden, even if he was twice her own age. He had guessed around her age, though she was quite leery to confirm it. Would he think she was too young, to weak to bear his children if she thought him fourteen? Well lying to a king wasn’t exactly the best thing to do either. She could tell that by looking at him, the King was getting quite bored. He was uninterested in her, and that was certainly not a good sign. If Hanna wanted this marriage to be a success, she needed to somehow make herself more desirable, if not by looks than by wit. But what could she say to possibly impress him? She just met him, and first impressions were not a good indicator of character, or a way to determine what impressed them.

Before Hanna could make any sort of response, King Aeden continued. She admired that he thought himself a servant being the King, and though Hanna was aware King Aeden could probably never come to love her, Hanna was happy at the prospect of broadening her learning. She certainly was eager.

“Well you Highness,” Hanna replied, “I may be young, but I am only as young as you make me be. Do you suppose I’m too young for marriage?” Here Hanna paused glad she was able to weave around the pressing factor of her age. “Also, I do truly appreciate you offer for teaching me, for I am very eager to learn, but I ask you don’t mistake me to have ignorance because I accept it, or mistake this ignorance as derived from youth. I am capable of doing many things.” She hoped this slight change of tone might ignite some interest. It was a long shot, of course, for he could very well take it offensively, but she did not mean any of those words in a mean way. She truly did respect the King as it was her duty to, and she longed to see some form of interest in the King. The finality of this engagement depended on it, to be sure.

Aedan nodded slowly, speculatively.

"Fair enough. We shouldn't confuse two different things, and it's true that not everyone young is ignorant, and not everyone ignorant, for that matter, is young." A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and then his expression changed--became contemplative. "I can be harsh, and I'm sorry. I'm sure I won't underestimate your capabilities... because, I have to tell you, my expectations are high."

He leaned back and sighed, drumming his fingers on the arm of his throne. "They say that amongst the barbarians, marriage is as simple as physical union. With that achieved, you're considered married. We're not so lucky as that--we civilized people. I'm afraid there's going to be a great deal of pomp surrounding our wedding. First, the feast to celebrate your arrival. I hope you're not still too seasick to enjoy our food. It's a little different from Scalia's, I've heard, but very good. And the wedding should be soon. Now, your father's assured me, but I want your answer--are you... fertile?"

He looked her over doubtfully, noting her diminutive stature and somewhat unwomanly shape. "It's indelicate, but I have to know."

The King certainly seemed kind enough. He was willing to clarify and admit his small mistake. She knew much of men’s pride and how difficult it sometimes was to admit a person was wrong. She sometimes had a hard time with that, though she knew it was certainly not wise to continue to be stubborn and insist a person is right. Honestly, he was not too harsh, in Hanna’s opinion. At least he seemed slightly amused by her response.

Watching him lean back into his throne, drumming his fingers, she could help but take notice of how it echoed throughout the room. Her eyes scanned it for the first time in her now, it’s splendor evident. She tried to erase all doubts of this union by telling herself all the advantages of this marriage…she would be Queen. That was certainly a hard idea to wrap her mind around. Never in her life had she ever dreamed of even the possibility and now it was closer to her than before. What was so schooling about it now, however was not the position she was in now, but rather the age she came upon this chance. 14. Yes, that was indeed young, but had he not offered to help her, teach her, all that she would need to be Queen? Yes, that was a comforting thought. She certainly hoped he would stick to that promise.

Hanna suddenly found herself appalled as she took her thoughts away from her prospects and onto Aeden’s subject. What a horrific way of life! She had nothing against the people, but she could not stand for their mating habits. Surely it took a tool on their emotional side. How could it not, if they were taught to live like that because it’s pleasurable. They would never stand a chance at real love. Their only idea of love was a feeling that one got from intimacy, something she had yet to experience. Hanna was also surprised that Aeden had asked if she was fertile. Yes that was an important element in the marriage, after all he also needed an heir as well as troops, and she was her father’s bargaining chip. However, she could not help but feel slightly uncomfortable.

“Well, you’re highness, I am…fertile, to put it in your words.” Hanna answered ever so slowly, though it had not been long, considering her age. “Might as well get the awkward subjects over with.”

To make the moment even more awkward, the door to the throne room swung open with a resounding crash.

"Highness!"

The messenger staggered into the room, trailed by a couple of guards.

Aedan got to his feet, his face set along cold, alert lines, and looked up from the vulnerably disposed girl in front of him to the sweating, bleeding messenger.

"Why this disturbance?"

"Highness..." The messenger braced his hands on his knees and leaned over, coughing and gasping for breath. "The border. There's been an attack. The Prince, the General--the barbarians breached one of the garrisons. We called for reinforcements, and managed to rout them, but not without lost lives--and--" His chest heaved, and he hawked and spat. Aedan was too startled to rebuke him. "--some miles east there's been talk of raids on some border villages. The Eastern barbarians, Majesty. And they've took some of ours." With that, his legs folded up and he slid to the ground. He'd obviously been riding hard.

"Tend to him!" Aedan barked to the guards. "I'll want a more detailed briefing afterwards."

He nodded to Hanna a little coldly, now in his own world. "Apologies, milady. We can resume our conversation later." He stood up and swept out of the room, his hand massaging his temples. He was no fool. This meant war, sooner rather than later. And maybe, just maybe, the Western barbarians would turn on the Eastern, if all of this was against their own plans... it was, in fact--hot hope surged inside him--a wonderful opportunity.