Distrust Between Brothers

[Aric Demarais]

The journey had taken longer for him since that ever wondering mind was plagued with far too many things now. Aric hadn't spoken to Charles about the night of the ball...about what happened, or what almost happened. He wouldn't even know how to begin, nor was he even sure he completely understood any of it. So for the most part, the trip back to Tresteria was slow...and silent; Aric keeping to himself and only addressing those with him when it was needed. Relief set in once they hit land, a part of him glad to be home...to see familiar territory, faces...respect. It was welcoming, but the coldness of the surrounding stone as they entered the castle just brought back the reality back down on him. He was here to persuade his brother to change his mind...that a marriage was not needed, that it was, inevitably, a foolish thing to do, despite what had almost occurred back in Avalendor. Though the sky had darkened, the night was still young, and along with his entourage, was making his way to the throne room where Edward would be awaiting him.

Edward expected for his brother's return. They had scheduled a meeting around this time to discuss the progress and needs of Elysium. A relief from all the letters being sent back and forth. It had been a month since he'd seen Aric and he was anxious to see him and speak of the progress of what would soon to be his kingdom. As the doors of the throne room opened, Edward stood from his throne and smiled, arms opening wide. "My brother! How are you? It is good to see you!" He took several steps forward, pulling his younger brother into a hug. "I've missed you. How are things in Elysium?"

The trip was a long and silent one. Charles could tell something was bothering his friend. What it was though, he had no idea. But he knew Aric well enough to know that his silence meant he wasn't ready to talk about it. Charles would ask him what was wrong, he just knew now was not the time. Charles remained silent as their made their way to his home land. He remained silent as he followed Aric though the halls of the castle. This place was familiar to him, he didn't even need to think about the way around it, unlike where they had been for the past month. Charles would move in, remaining behind Aric. A bow of his head was offered in respect to Edward when he caught his eye. He would stay silent for now.

Aric couldn't help the frown that etched his lips the moment he stepped into the grand room, so silent until his brother's voice boomed and echoed towards him. Something felt...suffocating almost, and he wondered if this was a mistake all together. No, this had to be done...for himself...and for her. Especially her. Aric had become witness to the queen's pain, and no longer wanted to risk making it worse. Sure, she agreed to it, and had honestly done so to him...but she hadn't walked the aisle yet, and that was something he feared too much to think about. A forced smile, Aric would hug his brother in return; a strong and adoring embrace...even if his face could not express the same emotion. "It has been awhile, brother," he agreed, a light nod in return to emphasis his point. But not long enough to already be curious of Edward's true intent. How could he think such a thing? Was Cassandra really there to...spy on him, make sure this alliance was completely sealed? He couldn't shake these thoughts. Drawing in a slow and deep breath, his voice held that calmed and cool tone that was known for him. "Things are well...far better than we had planned," he answered honestly. But Aric couldn't hide the sudden look on his face...something indicating that there was matter he must speak of and he wondered if it should wait until morning.

"Good, good. I am glad to hear." Edward let go of Aric, though kept one arm around his shoulder, leading him towards a table and urging him to sit. He moved around the table and sat in the chair across from him. He couldn't help but notice the look on Aric's face. Brows furrowed slightly. "What is it, brother? You look displeased... Has something happened?" Concern rose on his face. He hoped things were going well because he really did not feel like dealing with any trouble at the moment. Not to mention, he was sure the queen of Elysium would not as well, seeing they had just come out of war. "Are things better than we had planned, as if the queen were exaggerating the devastation of the land? Or better as in, things are turning out better than we planned? Is there anything else needed at this point? Tell me, my brother... What is happening?" He was anxious to hear of everything, and hoped his brother was happy with the match he had made. He felt it was time for his brother to move on and find happiness again.

Lead to the table, he took a seat across from his brother, leaning back in his chair instantly as fingertips tapped the tabletop anxiously. Aric knew better than to say anything...knowing he should just pretend and go along with this plan he once thought, at one moment, was good for the kingdoms. He didn't know what to believe anymore. Other hand, with elbow resting upon the arm rest, brought fingers to massage his temples as he summoned up the courage to explain. "Things are turning out better...they're a stronger people than believed," he answered rather bluntly, sighing soon after. "Edward, this...marriage is unnecessary. Elysium is capable of standing on its own with simply your friendship and provisions. I'm sure of it." He was careful with his wording, keeping his tone light as much as he possibly could.

Edward watched Aric from across the table. He was pleased to hear that things were turning out better and that the people were strong. That was what he wanted to hear. But then when Aric made his statement, his smile slowly faded and a stern look crept along his features. He tried to remain calm for the moment. Not saying anything until he thought over his words first. Finally, a sigh escaped him and he shook his head. "Why is it unnecessary? Are you displeased? Is she? Are you not getting along well? Are you backing out of this so you can resume your misery and carelessness? Don't want to take on any responsibility, eh, brother?" His brows rose in suspicion, wondering of his brother's antics in all of this. He'd pause now, waiting to hear his brother's explanations before he'd get upset.

Dark gaze averted over to Edward as he spoke, easily noticing the instant frown that replaced the once, warm smile. Still careful with his words, Aric sat up straighter, leaning forward a little in his chair as he looked his brother carefully in the eye, letting his words about his past filter by...for the moment. "I'm wanting to back out because she doesn't need anymore misery in her already miserable life. The alliance would still be as strong and my responsibility, brother, would be the same as it has been...to ensure Elysium is once more flourishing." Jaws had clenched towards the end of his response, words hissing passed his teeth as he fought back this sudden urge to let his anger show. Let him mock him all he wanted...but not about that.

Edward let out a scowl of a laugh. "Misery? What misery? Why would you bring misery to her?" He stopped himself and then continued. "Besides your obvious discontent and careless life you seem to want to live. I will not have it, Aric! No!" He was on the verge of shouting, but he steadied himself. "She is dead, Aric. You need to move on... This would be a good opportunity for you. Not only will you have another woman in your life...But you will also know what it is like to be king... To have real responsibilities in life... I do not want you moping about here ... It's time you live your own life." His brows furrowed and he shook his head. "And this assurance you claim you have responsibility in, for making sure Elysium flourishes once again. This is done with my money!" The last two words were shouted out loudly and he then slammed his fist down against the table. "I will not give my money away on a run down country for NOTHING! For a friend?" He laughed and shook his head. "I do not need anymore friends, Aric. I want this alliance as it has been agreed, and you will do what you are told. Are you understood?"

Aric was not so able to keep that anger down...and he stood abruptly, shoving the chair away from him for it to skid across the marble a couple of feet. "This has NOTHING to do with Isabelle anymore!" he belted out, palms planting upon the table top as he glared down at Edward there across the way. "Do not speak to me of responsibilities, brother...Sitting and signing papers all day speaks nothing of true responsibility." He did not bother to keep his voice down, nor show his brother any more respect than he had given. None was given to him with Edward's flow of words...and when he finished, those ocher eyes widened, fuming in that sudden, overwhelming madness. "Money is NOT what rebuilds a nation. Is it NOT what wins wars, and I don't remember seeing you out there with sword and shield...defending what you claim to be yours!" Claimed to be his...It all struck him and the sudden jolt of his body, standing upright, made it clear it had hit him. Ever so slowly, Aric would stalk around the other side of the table, a lion staring down his prey...his own brother, finally blinded by the greed and corruption of power? "You just want more control..." he answered, his voice far too calm, too eerily calm now.

He was surprised by his brother's outburst, and it nearly took him back a bit. Though he remained in his seat, watching and listening to what was being said. The nerve! His jaw clenched tightly as he remained silent until his brother came towards him and said those words of accusation. Edward stood, pushing his chair back behind him. He raised a hand and slapped him across the face. "Do not speak to me this way! I will not stand for it!" He growled harshly as his words were spit out in his brother's face. "More control.." He laughed and turned away, taking steps away from him in a pacing fashion. He was trying to gather everything that had just been said. And to think of a defense. Was it power and control, after all? Not to him. He just wanted to see his brother prosper as a king. He wanted to see him happy again, rather than remain here living the same life he had been living, and living in the despair of his lost wife. He sighed and rubbed at his temples before he turned and moved back over to Aric, resting his hands on his shoulders. "Aric, for once... Do something you will benefit from..."

[Aric Demarais]

It was that deep, sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach...that there was something he was missing, something right in front of him but his eyes were too blind to see. Naturally Edward would argue his accusations, but everything didn't seem to piece together as it should and it kept Aric on the edge in that ever present defensive state of mind.
Head tilted to the side just slightly as his brother's hand smacked across his face. It stung a little, but Edward was never one for strength in such matters...Aric had, indeed, endured far more than mere slaps. It did little to faze him...but the fact was that he responded in such a violent matter made it even harder to believe his words. One who had nothing to hide would not be so fearful as to lash out like that. It seemed too...desperate to him. Perhaps he was blind, but there were so many "ifs" that he couldn't quite shake it off.

He let him speak, let him come back over to place his hands upon his shoulders...before he'd swipe them away, making sure to keep his reaction light. Edward had stepped out of bounds with that meek slap, but it angered Aric still...but he knew better than to retaliate, lest he be arrested for treason.
"There is no need for a marriage. I cannot benefit to being tied to a kingdom that can't get passed the idea that my brother is a tyrant," he spoke, assuring his words remained calm but the seriousness of his tone was evident, along with some of his anger of just moments before. "I'm content in remaining there as is. Both kingdoms can prosper without this nonsense, but you...you somehow think it impossible." Aric turned around then, pacing forward so as to keep himself in check, to keep himself calm. The anger came so easily...but why wouldn't it, when there was a possibility your brother could be lying to you and using you for his own benefit? King or not.
"And Cassandra...not in a million years would she set foot in Elysium. But you made her...I saw it in her eyes that she's not telling me something. That she's afraid to." Slowly he turned back around to question his brother with that sturdy gaze just a few feet before him. There was no beating around this: He came here for answers, and he might as well just come out with it all at once.

[Soleil]

He was growing more and more frustrated the longer Aric went without agreeing to this. Agreeing to the plans that Edward had set up and had already put so much work and effort into. How many ships filled with supplies and cargo had already been sent to the island of Elysium? How much rebuilding had been done so far? And now.. Aric just wanted to turn around and change his mind on this agreement that had been made? No. Edward would not stand for it.

He growled again, frustrated. "Damn you, Aric. Why the bloody hell would they think someone willing to help their kingdom prosper, be a tyrant? If I wanted the damn land I'd take it now while they had nothing left and no one to fight for them!" He clenched his jaw once again. He was growing aggiated and no longer wanted to have this conversation.

"Can you not understand it? Can you not see? If I just gave my money and funding away to just any kingdom... no questions asked... For absolutely no reason... Then I'll have this whole god damned world coming back to me asking for money! I CANNOT have that! We made an agreement. I have the queen and your signature to this agreement and it WILL be fullfilled! I don't care. And so help you and the Queen of Elysium should the contract be broken. I will not budge! You will be king of this land if it does not happen, I will have to take charge. I am not doing this as charity. The queen and I have made an agreement. Cassandra has been sent to make sure nothing gets in the way of this and all goes as planned. And I have placed her in charge to help with wedding arrangements." He had given all the answers to Aric's questions. And now it was time for his own questions.

"So tell me, brother. How goes the rebuilding of Elysium? How much more is needed?"

[Aric Demarais]

Everything and anything he said would be thrown aside, deemed as having a different meaning. His travel here had been a waste of time, he knew it would be...but even still, he'd try. If only for Alexandria's sake. Aric had done a foolish thing, or at least almost did, and he was unable to forget that look on her face. She couldn't do this, and he wasn't sure he could either anymore. That ounce of hope, the small thought that he'd be able to go through with this was shredded in an instant.

"You wouldn't know the first thing on commanding an army," Aric spat back, his voice far too cool and collected, mocking his brother's ability to do much of anything beside sitting and throwing out random orders and signing his signature. As Edward began to react once more in his anger, Aric was already beginning to turn to walk across the span of the room, heading towards the exit. It was with the threat of the contract being broken that brought the prince to a sudden halt. His back to Edward still, a hand lifted as though gesturing for him to silence so he could speak...but he said nothing, only allowing his fingers to curl into a tight fist before his arm dropped to his side.
At his brother's last question, Aric gritted his teeth to keep himself from saying something too harsh in case Edward retaliated and decided to send nothing in the next shipment. Elysium did not need to suffer like that. Still not turning to look at him, Aric spoke carefully, "Charles has a list of what is needed." A nod of his head towards his companion, he'd wait for him to hand the papers to Edward's own adviser before glancing to the entourage of guards that had accompanied him from Elysium. "Prepare the ship. We leave tonight, within the hour."
"But m'lord," one of the men said carefully, seeing how on edge the prince was. "The men have not been able to eat or rest."
Aric had to hold back a sigh, knowing he spoke truth but he was not willing to remain on this land any longer than needed. "I'm sure your gracious king will provide us will plenty of food and drink. But please..." he began to reply, slowing turning to give a look over his shoulder to his brother, the deepening anger not hard to see, "...make sure his highness is paid for his gracious help." And with that, he'd make his exit.