Planning to Change King Edward's Mind [Log]

[Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais]

[ALEXANDRIA] The King of Tresteria needed to be gone so they could all move on with their lives. As Alexandria got ready, she couldn't help but feel her nerves getting the best of her. She ran through so many different scenarios in her head for what could happen with Edward and her kingdom.
Her ladies helped her bathe and get dressed, which made her feel better already, minus the soreness she still felt in her side.
One of her guards helped her and escorted her to the castle's council meeting room. She wasn't really sure who to expect there, as she had kind of left it up to Aric to decide whom he felt was necessary to attend. They would brainstorm and come up with a plan on how to handle Edward. Hopefully this time around, they would not be attacked.


[ARIC] The prince requested the very people Alexandria had mentioned, all but his sister-in-law. Eleesa already dealt with enough when it came to Edward, she didn't need this extra stress. And as sweet as she was, and the things she dealt with, there still was no saying that the Tresterian queen would betray her husband. So, he asked for the Araloren ambassador and Orin, along with his own cousin. He and Cassandra would know best how to handle Edward. Currently, he was the only one within the council room, pacing around the large table when his attention drifted to the door when it opened. Immediately, he was moving to Alexandria's side to escort her to her seat. "The others should be here any moment. Are you doing alright?" She looked a lot better, that was for sure.


[ALEXANDRIA] She thanked the guard for helping her when Aric took over, though the guard did not move to leave, but rather, stood by the door, as he would continue to guard as long as the queen was there. Alexandria took hold of Aric's arm until she was seated at the table. She offered him a slight smile and nodded. "Yes, I am fine, thank you." Although, she really wasn't, because of the worry that churned in her stomach.


[NEMERIS] She had not been back to the castle since the night of the banquet. But she was called upon, and she only imagined it was to figure out what to do with the Tresterian King, and whether or not he was guilty.
As she entered the castle, she couldn't help her mind from drifting to all the bloodshed that happened that night; how close they had gotten to losing their queen. And if the Tresterian King was guilty and they acted upon it, what would happen for Aralore?
She quietly stepped into the meeting room, seeing just Aric and the queen. A soft nod given to them both before she took a seat across the table from Alexandria.


[ARIC] This wasn't going to be easy, but it had to be done. The good thing was that Edward wasn't guilty...yet that meant they had little leverage to get him to change the terms of this alliance or at least accept the old terms. Just as Alexandria was taking her seat, the ambassador stepped silently inside the room. He respectfully nodded to her in way of greeting, "Thank you for coming on such short notice, Lady Arundel." The woman always seemed to say little, but Alexandria trusted her enough to give reasonable sense in trying matters. And this situation certainly called for it.

[CASSANDRA] Was she late? In all honesty, Cassandra was surprised Aric requested her to attend this meeting. He didn't need to tell her exactly what it was, because she already knew. It was the heavy question lingering above all of their heads- what were they to do with Edward? Had he called this assassination upon the queen? The very thought was horrifying, and she was anxious to know what Aric thought to do about it. And if he and Alexandria wanted her there, she would be. The door would open again, and the Duchess stepped into the fairly quiet room. She dressed plainly with her hair still down except for the sides. On top of everything that had happened, Henry had fallen ill again and she barely slept. She was trying to do too much at once, even though it wasn't her job to, but she didn't want the queen fretting about anything more. Planting a quick kiss to Aric's cheek, she bent at the waist so that she could look at Alexandria, placing a hand over one of hers. "How are you fairing?" It was probably a question the queen was getting a lot, but it had been a couple days since she could see her or at least ask Aric.


[ALEXANDRIA] It was good to see everyone again, and that they were doing alright. All, but Orin, as he hadn't arrived yet, and she wondered if he would. She did not know the extent of his injury, and she was nervous to find out how bad it was. She had caused him to be caught off guard, otherwise, he may have gone unharmed.
Her gaze turned to Cassandra as she bent to greet her. She offered a faint smile, squeezing her hand briefly. "I am doing fine, thank you... Are you alright?"


[ORIN] With the amount of stubbornness Orin had displayed while at the infirmary, they had released him perhaps sooner than they should have. He didn't care though, as like his sister, he did not want to be held back. He would kill Edward himself if he found that it had been his plan to assassinate Alexandria. He was feeling bitter and angry about the whole thing, perhaps even a little angry with his sister, as she hadn't listened to him about staying out of harm's way. And she had almost gotten herself killed. But regardless, he would be there for her, even if one of his eyes was still bandaged up, leaving him but one eye to see out of. He entered the room, finding everyone else in there, from the banquet, aside from the Tresterian king and queen. With a heavy sigh, he stepped to the table where Alexandria sat. It was the first time he had seen her since the attack. He crouched down next to her chair, on the other side from Cassandra, and he took hold of Alexandria's hand, saying nothing yet. He was just so glad she was alive and sitting there. He squeezed her hand before bringing it to his face, as if he were embracing it. And he simply whispered to her, "you worried me half to death, 'Rora..."

[CASSANDRA] "Of course I'm alright," she lied in between a light giggle, as though Alexandria were crazy to even insinuate. She was right, though. Perhaps none of them were alright but no one was saying otherwise. All false humor fled her face as she squeezed the woman's hand in return, only to hear the door open once more. Cassandra looked over to see Orin make his entrance, his face still bandaged up. Full lips pursed in thought, as though she were to ask the same question as Alexandria, but refrained. When he crouched beside his sister, the Duchess stepped away to give them privacy, sitting herself in the chair Aric was quick to pull out for her.


[ARIC] His cousin didn't look like herself either. Normally, she was adorned in more glitter and jewels, but her neck was bare. The dress she wore was even far simpler than normal. Aric didn't have to ask to know that it was more than the attack the other night; her husband wasn't doing well again. For all she complained about that marriage, she certainly cared for the old man in whatever way, and she truly didn't have to. When Cassandra took her seat, he would do the same as Orin knelt by the queen. He'd not intrude, but he too was wondering how the man was fairing. He was on his feet, which was a good sign, he supposed.


[ALEXANDRIA] A frown displayed on her lips at Cassandra's sarcasm. Yes, it was perhaps a dumb question to ask with everything that had happened. But when that door opened again, and Orin came in, his face all bandaged up, Alexandria gasped and placed her hands over her mouth. Her brother crouched down in front of her and took one of her hands. She stared at him, tears beginning to well in her eyes. "Orin.... I am so sorry this happened to you..." She felt horrible, afraid that maybe he had lost an eye. And it was all her fault. Alexandria had just tried to help since they had been so badly outnumbered.


[ORIN] He quickly waved her apology off, squeezing her hand again. "It's just my ugly face. No big deal... I'm sorry I was not able to stop him from attacking you..." He slowly stood and looked over to Aric. "I guess I have you to thank for saving her, when I could not..." Orin moved to take an empty seat, glancing around the room at the others. Luckily, no one else had been injured. Although he was grateful for Aric being there to save Alexandria, he was still bitter towards him and how he had handled the situation--giving the kingdom to his brother like that. Although, if the man was guilty, who knew what would happen for them all.

[ARIC] "I did what anyone would have. Just as you had," he answered Orin, lightly waving away his words of thanks. He was appreciative for Orin saying it, but he would also not be surprised if he and many others still wondered why. Aric expected many Aralorens would not trust him if they knew what had happened the other night. Once everyone was seated, he let the silence linger for just a few seconds longer before speaking up again, "You all know what needs to be discussed. Her Majesty has already been made aware of the Tresterian guards that were found...slaughtered outside the castle walls, their uniforms taken. The men who had attacked us the other night were not, in fact, under my brother's orders." Dark eyes flickered towards Alexandria. There would be no mention of Saelis unless she wished it, and there definitely would be no mention of that vial. That secret was safe with him.


[ALEXANDRIA] Her sapphire eyes watched as Orin took his seat, a bit surprised at his gratitude towards Aric. Her gaze moved to her own hands on the table as that silence briefly lingered. As Aric spoke, she sat up a bit straighter, wincing only slightly at her wound. She nodded in agreement to Aric's statement before she chimed in, "The guards are still searching for any clues on who did attack us... As of now, we don't have any answers. But..." She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose in thought, almost hating herself for what she was about to say. "The king does not know any of this, yet. That we know of..." She looked at Cassandra, hoping she would not be offended or angered by what Alexandria was about to propose. "What if we use that to our advantage? He believes we all think he is guilty, especially given the fact that he asked me about my death twice and just after I admitted the Kingdom would be Aric's, the attack happened. Yes, I suppose it was a horrible coincidence... But maybe we could use it as leverage to stop his desire to take control of Aralore..." She bit her lip, hating that she was even thinking of being this deceiving.


[ORIN] He'd like to think that anyone would have jumped into action to save their queen. A brief nod was given to Aric before he settled down into his seat, arms folding over his chest as he listened to Aric and his sister explain the situation. It wasn't Tresterian guards who attacked? Well, that sucks. He was honestly hoping to see King Edward's head lopped off. Then Alexandria offered up her thoughts on what they should do, and he couldn't help but grin. His eye glanced around at the others, to see their reactions. He was on board.


[NEMERIS] The woman rarely wore any emotion on her features, her face remained stoic as Orin entered the room with his battle wound and greeted the Queen with affection.
As Aric spoke, her brows furrowed in slight surprise. If it wasn't Tresteria, then who, and how did they get in? This concerned her a bit, and she immediately thought that this could possibly be an aftermath of war from Saelis. With a sigh, she stood up from her seat as Alexandria began to explain her thoughts. She moved to another table and grabbed some parchment, ink and a quill before finding her way back to her seat. She'd write things down-- start drawing up some documents to make things look or seem official.


[CASSANDRA] For a long moment, she simply stared down at the table in front of her, her fingers twisting into the fabric of her skirt within her lap. That is, until Aric explained, and her attention shot up. It wasn't Tresteria? Cassandra was both relieved and worried about this. If it hadn't been Edward's foolish game, then who could have it been? Green eyes traveled from her cousin to the queen; her words taking her softly by surprise. Would she be offended? Of course not. Angered? Only if this somehow made matters worse. It was a long moment before she was speaking up, and she was almost hesitant to, "Edward may not change his mind on anything...unless he felt like his own life was in danger." That was a conniving thought. Maybe it was no surprise that it was coming from her.


[ARIC] His cousin's mind was wandering the same place that his was (and already had). Maybe it wasn't a good idea to try and fool the king, but what other choice did they have at this point? Especially when Edward wasn't the type to listen to reason. "My thoughts exactly," he spoke up, leaning forward to rest elbows upon the table. He refrained from sighing. "However, how do we control the anger that will follow once he knows he's truly innocent?"


[ALEXANDRIA] A quick moment of relief washed over the queen as Cassandra seemed to agree with her and Aric's thoughts. She nearly sighed in relief, but held it in, her own elbows coming to lean on the table. She folded her hands together and rested her chin on them as she thought quietly to herself. Yes, what would they do about Edward's anger. She hadn't even thought of that, yet, as she had been so focused on how to resolve the issue of not giving her kingdom up to him. Sapphire eyes searched the room, hoping maybe the others would have some ideas. She lifted her head from her folded hands and spoke gently, "You all should know that anything said in this room, stays in this room. No ideas are bad ideas, and you may speak your thoughts openly and freely without consequence. I would like to have a solution by the end of today. Please." She had hoped by now, Orin and Nemeris knew this, but she wanted to reassure Cassandra, and maybe even Aric.


[ORIN] He was slightly confused, and maybe that displayed on his features in that moment. First, Aric was handing the kingdom over to his brother, and now, he was planning on threatening his life, or pretending to, if he caught onto that correctly. He bit his tongue for a moment until Alexandria spoke up. She may regret saying so, because Orin immediately was speaking after. "Can I .... just, clear something up right now? There seems to be a big fat elephant in this room right now, can no one else see that?" He directed his eye at Aric and his voice grew more stern. "What in the bloody hell do you think you were doing before the attack?" He looked at his sister and shook his head. "And yet, you let him remain here, like he hasn't given Aralore up to a greedy tyrant-- The very thing we just had a fucking war over..." He laughed, "Am I missing something here?"


[NEMERIS] Her own brows were furrowing in confusion as the two Tresterians spoke. Clearly, they and the queen, were on the same page--but she and Orin had been out of whatever loop there was. Though she imagined that was what this meeting was for. She sighed, almost as if she were annoyed, her arms folding over her chest as she tried to think of some ideas to offer up. But then Orin was voicing his thoughts. Yes, she saw that elephant too he spoke of, and she couldn't help but look at Aric questioningly. He did owe them an explanation, though she supposed Alexandria already got one, seeing that she wasn't flipping out on him, and he was in the room working with her. Her mind was churning up some ideas, but she did not want to interrupt Orin and whatever Aric would offer up as answers to his questions, so she silently began writing down some of her thoughts on the parchment, almost appearing that she wasn't paying attention--though she very much was.


[CASSANDRA] "Perhaps we just let him know the truth from the very beginning," she spoke this thought out loud. Green eyes blinked and she sat up a little straighter. It sounded a little contradictory of what they were trying to accomplish, but the outcome might be better if they played it right. "That is, if we are allowed to paint some nameless Aralorens in a darker light. Then again...who doesn't want his bloody head? And I'd want his head to protect my queen." Lips pressed firmly together to shut herself up, wondering if she had rambled on too much. But none of it would matter because Orin was bringing up something that all of them were wondering. Even she had, although she knew better than to believe Aric had done it intentionally. Her attention lingered on the queen's brother before drifting over to her own cousin.


[ARIC] Cassandra made a fair point, but either way, it would prove tricky to get that heartless bastard to agree to anything. They had to play their cards right and were running out of time. Albeit everything, Orin's voice broke the air and instantly gained the prince's narrowed gaze. Aric knew better than to say anything...because the man was right. He couldn't blame him for his ire, so he made sure to keep his tone level and void of annoyance or anger. "Yes," he started plainly. "You are missing something. I bought us time." Pausing, he drew in a slow breath to let it out through his nose in a way of keeping himself calm. "You couldn't see it, but Edward was severing the alliance right then and there. And I'm still here because I'm not going to let that new arrangement stand. I don't want to see it happen, whether you believe me or not."


[ALEXANDRIA] A countless number of times, Alexandria had the same thought Cassandra did. Just tell the truth--just continue the discussion and argument they left off at in the banquet room. Try to convince him to back down. But they had tried, and nothing was working. Aric threw a new idea into his head and that was what got him to stop. She just didn't know how to convince him otherwise now. Before she could respond, Orin was asking the very questions she had already asked Aric before, though she didn't say anything, because she had just told them it was an open forum for them all to speak freely. So, instead, she just closed her eyes and allowed Orin to voice his thoughts, hoping it would not anger Aric too much.
And then she heard Aric's voice, causing her to open her eyes again and lift her gaze towards him as he explained.


[ORIN] His focus stayed on Aric as he spoke, cutting him off briefly. "Bought us time? How? We have this time right now because of the attack--Because the King made himself look guilty. How would've that bought us time if there was no attack? Or did you plan on that?" No, he didn't think Aric planned the attack, he just let it slip out in the heat of his anger and confusion.


[ARIC] Orin's ignorance, whether intended or not, was what was going to make staying calm very difficult. He was looking the man straight in the eyes now, his jaws clenching. "I don't expect you to understand much of the ways of politics-" If Orin was going to throw barbs, then Aric was going to throw back. "But it got him to keep the alliance, although in his eyes it changed. But no papers were signed. Right now, the old alliance stands and we need to keep it that way." He leaned back with a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Perhaps you can enlighten us on how to change the mind of a stubborn man?" Funny how that was still a jab at him...but also an honest question. Because, it seemed that no matter what he did, Aric couldn't get Orin to believe he had no ill will towards his sister or this kingdom.


[ORIN] Maybe he did not fully understand the ways of politics, but he did understand what was at stake if Edward got his way. His sister believed that without this alliance, Aralore wouldn't be able to make it on their own. But he did not understand that as well. Perhaps he was ignorant of the whole situation--blinded by wanting his sister to be free and not locked into something she did not want. No matter how much she tried to explain, he just didn't get it.
He leaned in his chair, folding his arms over his chest as Aric asked him the question. He fell silent and thought for a moment, picking up on the little jab. Yes, he'd admit that he was stubborn, there was no use in denying it. He tried to think what would change his mind if he were in this predicament and did not want to give something up. With a sigh, he spoke more calmly, "You threaten something he cares about... Risk his life... Make him see his wrong and get him to see what is right."


[ARIC] Orin could learn and understand, if he really wanted to...but something told Aric that he really didn't care. Regardless, Orin was saying what everyone was already wondering, as cruel as it sounded. Edward didn't care about much, but he cared about his own life for certain, and his children. But there was no way in Hell Aric was going to even pretend to threaten his nephews. He, too, leaned back once more, running a hand through his hair that was beginning to become a bit unruly. "Right. And what does my brother care about the most?"


[CASSANDRA] She remained silent the entire time, biting her tongue. Fortunately, she could see both sides, but it was an argument that was swiftly getting old. After a moment, it appeared as though the men found their peace (for however long that would last) and Aric was thinking out loud. "His life," she said lowly, immediately after he had spoken. Cassandra also knew he loved his children, but that wasn't going to be an option, nor did she expect anyone wanted Aralore to look bad in this entire situation.


[ALEXANDRIA] Finally, Orin was backing down as he seemed to maybe believe Aric was not against them. A slight grin formed on her lips as Aric took a verbal jab at Orin's personality. She had no doubt that everyone in this room was stubborn. Cassandra and Aric knew Edward best, here, so she was hoping they would be able to answer most of these questions on how to break through his stubbornness. Her mind instantly went to the Tresterian princes when Orin mentioned threatening something he cared most about. But she pushed the thought from her mind as she would refuse to do anything of the sort. And then Cassandra brought up his life again--they were back to square one. With a sigh, Alexandria finally spoke up. "What if we have a trial for him... Make everything point to him and that he is guilty and we found no evidence that it could not be him. He was there, he saw for himself that the men were dressed in his guard's uniforms...He urged them to step down as if they were his guards... So we sentence him to death...Unless..." She paused, pondering an ultimatum. "Unless someone can speak for why he deserves to live. No one speaks for him at first.. And just as he is about to be sentenced..." She glanced around the room as if searching for an answer. Her eyes fell on Aric, "you... You interrupt and say that you will save him if he agrees to leave Aralore and return to his kingdom... Continue the aid he promised to, and stick with the original agreement." She thought for a moment, "maybe he will not need to hear the truth of it all...?"


[ARIC] As much of a bastard as Edward was, they had to be careful on how this threatening of his life went. They couldn't just charge in there with venomous words and glinting blades. He was still a king and still innocent of this whole mess. He was honoring their agreement, for the most part. To an extent. Aric saw that Cassandra was thinking the same thing when he looked to her, and she was overly nervous about this whole thing. They both knew of his brother's temper and this had to be handled delicately. When Alexandria expressed her idea, he mulled it over before speaking in response, "In theory it works...but to put a king on trial and to sentence him outside his own kingdom and without the judgement of the church might rain more down upon you than necessary." In other words, it was ballsy and could very well make Aralore look bad. "But perhaps we do this in a less public setting."


[CASSANDRA] The queen was definitely on to something, but Aric brought up a good point. Her brow furrowed in thought, her green eyes briefly flickering to the ambassador who didn't seem to be chiming in to this conversation. Wasn't this part of her job? To ensure the safety of this kingdom? Her attention shifted between both Alexandria and her cousin. "We make him believe the situation is dire. The queen is dying and the people blame him for it, and want his head. They believe him to be at fault, seeking to claim Aralore for himself." Finally, her eyes settled upon the queen, "But it is you, Majesty, that pardons him; banishes the 'angry mob' so to speak. Get him to agree to the former terms and you can make your people understand." It would make Alexandria powerful, rightfully so. It would prove to her bastard cousin of a king that she finally had the upper hand.


[ALEXANDRIA] Her gaze focused on Aric as he spoke, he was right...and the plan needed some fine tuning. It was just an idea she had been thinking of since finding out that the Tresterian king was not guilty. A nod in agreement was given regarding the less public setting. But before she could speak again, Cassandra offered up another plan that seemed a bit more promising. She thought quietly and spoke, almost as if speaking her thoughts out loud. "So I would not be in the room for any of it..." That would mean she would have to put all of her trust on them, and stay in the dark until this was done. Alexandria felt somewhat torn, her eyes falling on Aric, thinking back on their conversation previously. She needed to allow people to help. Slowly she nodded. "Yes... I think we do that..."


[NEMERIS] Yes, she had remained silent during the conversation. Writing down the ideas that the others spoke of. Her eyes moved up from the paper as the queen agreed to Cassandra's suggestion. The quill of the pen was brought to her lips, tapping it in thought, and it was then that she would chime in. Her voice even toned, "The king does not know any face in this kingdom aside from all of ours. We pick people who would be willing to play along. A small meeting. He will wonder who has the authority over the queen's however, if she is not there.. Which I suppose would need to be my job, perhaps? He will not go for Orin..." Her eyes glanced over at him briefly, before turning back to the queen. "As the kingdom's ambassador, I can speak for you. But how would the queen pardon him, if she is dying?"


[ARIC] He was understanding where Cassandra was going with this, however, he also didn't like the unsureness in Alexandria's voice when it was clear that she would not be present for the beginning of it. Finally, the ambassador decided to speak, but he could already tell that his cousin was prepared for an answer so he kept silent, simply letting his eyes linger sidelong to the queen as if quietly wondering if she was doing okay.


[CASSANDRA] "He will not listen to strangers he does not know, but Aric doesn't have to be there." She swallowed hard, finally letting her gaze drop as she thought about it. "I can do it. I can make him believe things have gone horribly wrong, that rumors have spread about the queen's health. Rumors is all they have to be. When she emerges, she can simply be injured. All we need is for him to believe his life is on the line, and then all he will care about his saving his own ass." The Duchess looked between them all before settling upon Nemeris. "Place yourself in Tresterian armor, have Orin there-" Cassandra was regarding Alexandria then. "Anyone you trust, put them beneath a familiar helmet to him to witness this if you need."


[ALEXANDRIA] They were spinning around in circles, it seemed, and Alexandria wasn't certain on how all of this would play out, how to prevent Edward from being angry. Nemeris would be a good option to lead the trial, if that was what they were going to do. Her eyes wandered over to Aric as Cassandra spoke again, giving her another thought. "What if you visit him, plant the idea in his head that I am not doing well, the people are angry and are planning a trial for him to sentence him to death. That I gave orders my ambassador would hold the trial in my stead... Or else he will stay locked up until I either die or am healed. If I die, he will be killed, because there would be no stopping Aralore's people from retaliating..." She sighed and shook her head, "I just worry, then... Because he knows he is innocent. He will deny it until he is blue in the face, and rightfully so, because he didn't, so when we finally agree to let him go, will he retaliate for being put in this spot... That Aralore wrongfully accuses people?"


[ORIN] Nemeris was right--If he had taken over for the queen, Edward would not take him seriously--as he made that quite clear upon their first introductions, that he is not of Alexandria's bloodline. But he could be a witness of what happened, since he was there-- he fought the attackers off and was injured. The queen had saved his life, which to him, should be enough to convince him that she was worthy of his aid.
He stayed quiet as the others discussed a plan, only they seemed to be going in circles. At his sister's final question, he spoke up again, "But Aralore has every right to accuse him... The guards were disguised as his men... He questioned the queen's death. Not once....but twice at that table-- you were all there. He will have to recognize that things do not look like they are on his side, and he dug his own hole. Yes, he knows the truth and that he didn't do it..." He sighed and scratched his head, "what if we present everything to him in a way that he is confused on what is real and what is not? Like, someone dressed as his guard admits that they had some brief conversation on the ship on their way here... He had too much wine and spoke of wanting to just kill the queen and take over the land himself. Convince him he was drunk and gave the orders and told them not to step down, no matter what?"


[ARIC] This was going around in circles, and he was desperately trying to keep them away from making their kingdom worse off. But it seemed like no one wanted to listen. At first, he nodded at what Orin was saying, yet stopped as the man continued. Now, Aric was completely confused as to why it had to extend this far. Cassandra was falling silent, whether she didn't know what else to say or figured it wouldn't matter, so he leaned forward. "You can't threaten with a trial, Alexandria," he said calmly. "You simply can't. Do you understand the scandal that will follow, even when he knows he was proven innocent? As Orin said, your people have every right to want him dead...because they don't know the entire truth. And that is all Edward needs to understand, that there is a chance these people will want his head because they fear his tyranny. But if you threaten his death, or anyone you've appointed, he will not give you what you want. He will not help Aralore after its queen dared sentence him in such a way." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he rose up from his seat, unable to keep himself from pacing. "It wouldn't be far from the truth. Send someone in, whether it's one of us or someone you can trust, get him to realize the people are angry. Go as far as getting servants to act like an angry mob outside his windows and doors if you must, and you go in and save him with an ultimatum. But I beg you, do not for one moment think you have the right to put a king of another land on public trial." The moment the world got word that it was all for nothing, Aralore would look worse, pathetic even. If they played their cards right, this could be contained and out of the public eye. For all they knew, no one outside the castle knew what had happened yet, and it could remain that way.


[ALEXANDRIA] She listened to Orin's idea and before she could respond, Aric was cutting in and spoke, throwing the whole idea of giving the king a trial, out the window. It suddenly clicked for her, and she nodded simply understanding. "Okay... No trial. No sentencing. No convincing him he was drunk... None of that. Keep is simple." She glanced around the room at the others and nodded again, eyes falling on Cassandra. "You will go in and speak to him...? I will find people to sit outside his room to make it appear there is an angry mob out to get him... And I will diffuse it. Aric and I will talk to him alone, change the arrangement to what it was... And hopefully that will work?" She looked to Aric questioningly.


[ARIC] He wasn't going to dictate or put his foot down on anything else. This had to be their idea and agreement, lest he be labeled at fault for something else. But a trial was not a good idea. Were it someone of this kingdom, she'd have every right to do what she wished. But you don't pretend to put a foreign king on trial...especially one with a bigger army than you. His fingers were now massaging his temples. "It is your call, Alexandria. But, from my experience, Cassandra is good at lying to men." Dark eyes looked to his cousin apologetically. It was his subtle way of trying to lighten this mood at it was at her expense. Still, it was pretty much true.


[CASSANDRA] Wow, things nearly escalated far too quickly, and for once she wasn't interrupting. A trial wasn't a good idea, not with Edward, but she was still nervous about the other plan...oddly the one that she originally proposed. Biting her bottom lip in quiet contemplation as Alexandria seemed trusting in having her go to Edward first, Aric was speaking up. With words that made green eyes widen before they were narrowing on him. "Don't be an ass." A sigh, she regarded the queen. "If you trust me enough to do so, I'll frighten him well enough." And that was a promise. It wasn't like Edward had been very kind to her as of late.


[ALEXANDRIA] Suddenly, she felt a bit foolish for pushing on the idea for a trial, because it did not make sense to fall too much into a lie like that. She shook her head at Aric, "No... You are right.. We should not do anything publicly. You two know the king more than I do and what would work or not work... So let's go with this plan." She nodded again, her gaze falling on Cassandra. "I will trust you, so long as you are okay with doing this?" She frowned slightly, feeling horrible for putting Cassandra in this position. Though, she had offered to. She glanced around the room, looking to Nemeris and her brother. "I will need both of you close by, too. Perhaps you could stand outside the door as part of the mob. Orin, you could act as yourself, as if I were dying and you wanted to kill the king yourself..."


[NEMERIS] Aric was right, and she should have thought of this to begin with. Her mind had been so off since losing her baby. Though, she would not admit that to anyone. A simple nod was given at the queen's orders, and she began to write again. "I can draw up a contract, if you would like... To get him to sign something once he agrees to back down on his wanting to become emperor....To have his word, on paper."


[ORIN] They had made things a lot more complicated than it should have been, he was guilty of this. So as the much simpler plan unfolded he found himself a bit more relieved. It would not be hard for him to pretend to be angry and wanting to kill the king himself. He did want to. So he just simply nodded in response. "That shouldn't be too hard to do..."


[ARIC] They were worried. They were angry. They weren't being foolish, but this was what a good council did- helped aid the sovereign in making decisions and sharing ideas they may not have originally thought of. Aric didn't think any less of them. Standing in silence, he nodded as everyone seemed to be on the same page. He even chuckled at Orin's reply. There was no doubt in Aric's mind that he probably wanted to kill his brother.


[CASSANDRA] "I wouldn't have offered if I couldn't do it," she answered the queen with a gentle smile. Was she nervous? Of course she was. Edward was just as conniving as people claimed her to be, but this wouldn't be the first time she'd have to lie to him...but she had to do it correctly. "Just let me know when."


[ALEXANDRIA] She slowly stood up straight in her chair, glad they were all on board and agreed on the same plan. "That would be great, Nemeris, thank you." At least if they could get him to sign something, then he would not be able to go back on his word. Just as he had her and Aric sign the initial agreement. She forced a smile to Cassandra and nodded simply, "Thank you, Cassandra. I appreciate your help in this matter..." Her eyes moved to Aric in a questioning manner. She wanted to do it now. The sooner they got this all over with, the better. But she wasn't sure if everyone else would be ready now. She did not want to be the crazy ruler wanting to rush into things. There was a knock at the door, then. The guard opened the door to be greeted by another Araloren guard. He allowed entry and the man approached the table holding several items. "Pardon my interruption, but I felt this was a dire need." He carefully placed what looked like garments and a sword onto the table. "We found these in the forest, along with some Araloren guards who had been killed. It is Saelisian gear..." He frowned, knowing that they had just fought them off in the war, and they were approaching again?
Alexandria's eyes widened as the items were placed on the table. She knew exactly what they were before the guard even spoke, and she found herself carefully standing, her hands pressing against the surface of the table. The look of panic displayed on her face before she slowly nodded to the guard. "Thank you...For this information. Have any more of their men been spotted? For all we know, they could still be in either Araloran or Tresterian disguise..."


[ARIC] He met Alexandria's eyes, feeling the same way. If this could be done now, or as soon as possible, he would be on board...but it would mainly be on Cassandra, if she thought she was prepared for it. Or at least this evening. His lips parted, prepared to ask this very question when the other guard made his way in. Instinctively, he moved to the queen's side, semi wary of the man as he showed the room full of eyes the objects that might be familiar to the Aralorens. No one had to say anything, though, because Aric was already suspecting it was Saelisian just by how tense the room got. Then Alexandria's reaction solidified it. "So it was them..." he murmured out loud. Then he leaned in, speaking quietly enough that only the queen could hear, "Once we handle this situation with Edward, perhaps we should have commanders double-check their ranks, pull out anyone unfamiliar. I can do the same with Tresteria." Whatever they did, though, they had to do it quickly...so perhaps dealing with his brother tonight was the best idea, as rushed as it might be.


[ORIN] When the guard entered with the Saelisian objects, Orin's eyes widened, which caused him pain, and he quickly covered his bandaged eye, putting his head down to try and hide it. "What the fucking hell?" He murmured under his own breath. Was Saelis trying to start another war? They tried to assassinate Alexandria, that was all clear now. And they had bigger problems than the Tresterian king now. When he steadied himself, he glanced back up at Alexandria and Aric as they seemed to be discussing something amongst the two of them. Which sparked his curiosity just a bit. "Excuse me? What are you saying over there?"


[ALEXANDRIA] The guard shook his head, explaining that they did not find any one else from Saelis, but would begin to search again. Alexandria nodded to the guard and sent him off to get to work. She looked back to Aric as he spoke to her, nodding in agreement. But when Orin spoke out, she looked at him and narrowed her eyes. It wasn't the time. "He was just saying he would have the Tresterian ranks checked as we should have the commanders do the same..." She sighed and turned to Cassandra. "Would you be okay with going to speak with Edward, now? I don't want this getting to him somehow..."


[ARIC] Perhaps he should have waited to say anything to Alexandria, but he didn't want to announce everything in front of any guard, believed to be trusted or not. It was no slight to Orin or anyone else, but his head was swarming with so many concerns at the moment. With the queen's question to Cassandra, he turned to his cousin with that very worry in his eyes. He did not doubt her capabilities, but this was still a lot of burden to throw onto her shoulders.


[CASSANDRA] Upon hearing where the clothing and weapons were from, her hand flew to her mouth to stop a gasp. Everything was beginning to make sense now. Saelis used the Tresterians and their arrival to get into the palace, to get close to the queen to try and finish a war they perhaps didn't feel was completely done. Green eyes turned to Alexandria, and she felt her heart begin to palpitate. "I understand," she said, even if her stomach was churning. "I can do it now." Honestly, she didn't have much of a choice now, did she? It was a wonder they had managed to keep things from Edward who tended to have spies everywhere. If they waited too long to do this, they could risk losing this opportunity.


[ALEXANDRIA] Yes, they had the perfect opportunity to do this, but if word got around that Saelis was involved, not only would the king know, but might also not want to keep this alliance knowing that their enemy still was a threat. She sighed, offering a reassuring smile to Cassandra. "Thank you... We will be close... Just outside the door. Should you need anything." Not that she thought Edward would attack her, but who knew at this point? Her gaze fell to Nemeris, then. "Would you gather up some of our guards... Ladies, servants and ask them to meet outside the West wing of the castle?"

[ORIN] He really needed to just learn to keep his mouth shut. With a sigh, he stood to his feet, ready to go and hopefully get this over with and resolved, and onto the next problem. He feared another war could be on their doorstep, and they honestly couldn't survive another one. His gaze turned to Cassandra, then, remembering the conversation the king had with her the night he arrived, and he frowned, hoping Edward would not make her feel bad again. He silently vowed to himself that he would make sure that he would be there for her as soon as she stepped out of the room.


[NEMERIS] At the queen's question, Nemeris nodded and stood, gathering up the papers she had started writing on. She quietly exited the room so she could begin her tasks of convincing people around the castle to keep a secret and be part of this necessary deceit.