The Kings' Cup

Marcus' footsteps clicked and echoed along the hallway, as Evan, Ben , and Darren remained a pace behind. They were in turn escorted by the members of Ocean Joy as they made their way to the conference chamber. Their procession was performed in silence, with each man deep in thought with respect to the reason they were all meeting.
The public's perception of the approaching Grisett Function was that the dignitaries of the other nations' would be arriving the day before, and take their time for one of the largest noble events that occur throughout the year. In truth, the powers that be will arrive two weeks ahead, and significant alliances and deals are forged in the private conference rooms of a kingdom's headquarters, long before the first noble sets foot in the decorated hall of the year's venue. This year was no exception, and was even viewed as a critical process, as unrest was already brewing over the horizon and threatening to spill over into open conflict - a situation that the kings desired to avoid at all costs.
Prior to this first meeting, he had already met with Wesley Strixel and Asher Bellamy, and was informed of the developing situation in the Moume Lake area. With the potential of open conflict spilling over the border into Mithambe and potentially igniting passionate "elements" into open conflict, managing the Moume Lake was ascending the priority list for the day's meeting, even as Mithambe's strategists were already crunching numbers, solutions, and sending reconnaissance and intelligence teams into said areas to ascertain the threat and to activate assets as needed to protect Mithambe.
"My lord," Evan started, even as the quartet entered the conference room's antechamber. "Is it wise for us to get involved, particularly as the dust is still settling from our forefathers'... indiscretions?" He carefully asked, even as both Darren and Benjamin shot him sideways glances. It was no secret that the Belfour's power base was invested in the ethereal, including the ethereal dealings of the other kingdoms - open hostilities would severely affect the Belfour's influence and income.
"As much as I would want to keep my hands clean of this," Marcus responded coolly, "Maintaining Pehamber's sovereignty will do us well in the long run. Particularly for your interests, Evan," he chided, as the conference room's attendants slid open the door, even as the other members of the meeting were already seated in place.
"I believe I understand, my lord," Evan finished, even as he bit back a retort. As much as he wanted to flaunt the true depths of his base, he would most likely find himself skewered by both Benjamin and Darren, and if even he fought or bested them in combat, he would then have to face an angry Clarisse. All of those bode ill for him, and thus he took the gentle scolding for what it was - a way out while saving face.
As the quartet assumed their seats at the conference table, others have already been seated for a few minutes prior to. The most attention was being given to Queen Isana, the reigning queen of Cleolinia. As Marcus sat down, Isana's eyes left the paper that she was studying, and gazed into Marcus, with everyone else's heads following. "You have indeed been busy, Marcus of House Mitfield," she idly commented.
"I would say the same regarding you, Lady Isana," he replied, even as the other assembled royals and nobles took interest in their conversation. "However, I imagine that is not what is on your mind now, is it?"
"Not at all. Before my words are misinterpreted, I am actually rather pleased with you - more specifically, with your youngest." Isana used her hand to cover a faint smile, and some of the nobles, including both Benjamin and Evan, took note of this tidbit of news with heightened interest, given that most royal families rarely have more than two children - making Jacob a particularly powerful political tool if the cards are played correctly.
(For this reason, Evan has been trying to have both his daughters associate with Jacob, as they are within the same age grouping. To counter any sort of underhanded ploys, Benjamin and Clarisse have charged their own children - Jacob's cousins - to keep him safe and screen for anyone who appears to have ulterior motives in their friendship.)
To Marcus, any positive news regarding any of his children made his countenance shine, and this was no exception. Knowing of Jacob's struggles to associate with people, receiving praise from the icy Queen of the Dials is considered as powerful as a direct blessing. "As a father, may I know what my son has done to receive such praise from you, Isana?"
The Queen of Cleolinia nodded, before looking around the room, taking in the heightened interest that her conversation with Marcus has garnered among the assembled. "He took the time to write a letter to my own daughter, asking for her hand to the Grisett. She is particularly excited to not only leave Harton for the first time, but to be treated like a lady by a fetching young man who speaks of eloquence and dignity." She continued to assess the room, with a faint smile growing steadily larger on her alabaster visage. "Surely, quite a few of the men in this very chamber would do well to learn from young Jacob's example."
As badly as that stung the egos of nearly a dozen lords within the conference chamber, none dared to retort Queen Isana's statement. To raise your hand against a True Royal was to invite a guaranteed painful and humiliating demise, and it was no secret that Queen Isana bore Tio's Gift with the same competence as the goddess herself.
"I shall surely praise my youngest for his decorum later, and to perhaps offer some fatherly advice," Marcus mused. "Though, in as much as I would love to keep the small talk going, we are all here today to handle some larger issues, particularly those that threaten the sovereignty of our lands." With this declaration, the other nobles and royals put a stop to their own side conversations, and all attention was now directed to Marcus. "As the host, let us commence..."