A Kingdom Divided: A Fight of Brothers(Fantasy IC Open)

[Nuridia]

Wanda nodded when he spoke and then looked up at the young man. "Well Prince Derek, right this way please." the princess said as she led Derek to Marcus and Elenya with her dragon. She called out to them when they were close enough to hear. "Hey guys, look out below!" Wanda shouted. "We're coming in for a landing!" Elenya's eyes widened when they flew toward them. "Marcus, incoming!" she called to her friend, using her air magic to fly them out of the way and land them safely a distance away.

[Tomia]

Marcus watched as Wanda's dragon and the griffon came in for a landing. He realized they were coming towards them and wasn't sure what to do until Elenya used her magic to move them out of the way. "Thanks Enna." He said to his best friend. "So, I guess you haven't figured out the landing?" He called out to his sister jokingly. He approached her once it was safe. "So who is your new friend who made the most interesting landing?"
Alder
The men who had captured him had bound Alder's hands as they marched him through the forest. "Hey, let me go!" Alder shouted out. "Shut up." Replied the leader of the group in a thick low born accent. "Who are you?" Alder continued. "What does a rebel like you want with me?" The man laughed. "A rebel like me? What would you rather me be, a tyrant like your father?" Alder winced, he couldn't deny his father was a bad king. "I don't agree with how my father rules. But that doesn't mean we have to resort to violence." This caused the man to stop and turn around. "Resort to violence?" He asked softly staring right Into Alder's eyes. "Your butcher of a father resorted to violence when he had my wife and newborn son murdered, like a coward. I am not interested in violence. I'm interested in justice, and revenge." Alder's expression softened. "I'm sorry. What do you want with me then?" The man turned around and continued walking, after a few moments shouting back. "You're help."

[New Roman Empire]

Aos and the 7th had finally arrived at the village, it was in chaos as several farmers now with swords and weapons from the former soldiers that had been killed approached the force. "Halt, in the name of Emperor Markus you are to lay down your weapons and no harm will come to you. I have been sent here to put down this revolt peacefully and I have orders to use force if I need to," Barked Aos as the men dismounted and were preparing for the worst, then Alexa a girl who he had saved from slavers on the way here appeared from behind him. Aos had completely forgotten that she was riding with him, from what he knew from the slavers. She was a mage breaker from a people far away to the north not in the borders of the empire. Then the stand off started as Aos dismounted and the men formed up on him, while Alexa was making a wax doll for some reason.

[Kuhlfros]

Jethro
The cool morning breeze refreshed Jethro, as he sat quietly, moving with the trees he hid in, He awaited the sign for his target, as he listened in the early morning, the turning of wheels on the cobble road gave him his sign to prepare, moving to an unnoticeable vantage point, he perched himself upon their, drawing a longsword and dagger, A carriage rolled into view, a rich, stuck up man rode beside a man in rags, and in their carriage, chests and chests of gold and coin, escorted by 6 Anthimal soldiers, One in front of the carriage and pair of horses, two and either side, and one behind.

Jethro watched as they passed under him, until the back escort soldier came right over him, Jethro leaped from his perch and tackled the surprised soldier, slitting his throat. He then leaped up and faced the five other soldiers whom had spun around in shock of what just happened, while the carriage driver tried to kick his horse to go faster, Jethro threw his dagger into one of the soldiers neck's and after several quick flurries of unexpected blows to his enemies, Killed or incapacitated the others, The driver and rich man, whom was a tax collector did not make it very far, their pack horses startled by the noise ran off the road, tipping over the carriage, Both men were capitulating, on their knees with their hands in the air to the Ghost of Rordas (As Jethro was called) Taking the large sack of money the tax collector hid away for himself, then ordered the driver and collector to" Return to all the villages they stole these from, apologize and return their money, tell them the ghost told you to do so... And If I see you carrying your carriage full of coin again, I will not spare you..."

After the collectors left, Jethro dragged the bodies of the soldiers away, to salvage their weapons, armor,and coin before dumping them off in the middle of the woods...or at the bottom of a lake. And he continued on his way through the trees to the capital, missing his old horse all the while.

[Despotria]

SOMEWHERE IN TERMINITH
"Man, I wish I asked Gerun for a map..." Brentren said to himself hoping that the directions the Dire Knives shaman had told him had been accurate, "It doesn't help my leg is getting tired."

A nearby bush rattles as a young fawn walks out of his hiding spot and to the large orc, "Here have some dark root," Brentren said as he fed the fawn the small turnip shaped plant. As the fawn ate the produce Brentren slowly rose and began to make his escape, trying to find the mountainous pass to enter Anthil. Suddenly he heard a sound from a nearby tree, a quick whistle of an arrow warned the orc that the time for battle was nigh, and he reached for the hand axe on his side. Grabbing the axe, he soon could tell that their were two bandits in front of him, both human, one with a spear and the other with a sword and shield. The one with a spear was taller, but was in a leather armor that seemed to barely cover him less defend him. The swordsman was in much more armor and the sword was about a foot across at its bottom, obviously to large for him.

A second arrow flies narrowly missing Brentren, and immediately after the swordsman charged the orc hero. Brentren went into position, as the swordsman went to slash him, he quickly dodged and jumped right back into the fray denting the human's steel helmet with Brentren's axe. A third arrow flew scratching Brentren's cheek, reminding him of the hidden archer, the swordsman abandoned his blade and tried to escape the orc foe. The bandits were shocked, as in a single moment Brentren charged the Spearman at the highest speed and smashing the axe into the mans arm. Brentren smiled, the human archer had been behind him a high tree, but by this point had jumped down and had was readying to run. The two other bandits soon made a run for it themselves.

"I am just lucky they were all just green horns," Brentren chuckled to himself as he continued his journey.

[Sempans]

Prince Derek fell to one knee, putting one arm over it in respect to the Emperor. "Emperor Marcus Huthesen, I am Prince Derek Sorio of Sefmar, son of Christian Sorio and Rebecca Sorio. I am here on behalf of my province to discuss with you the state of the Kingdom. I had sent a messenger earlier of our arrival. My party should be arriving," he paused looking up," now." He said, as he saw the growing dots of his party. Derek's heart was beating a mile a minute, palms sweaty as he stood up. He hoped he had shown proper etiquette towards the Emperor. He rubbed the nape of his neck with his palm, nervously, green eyes looking among the group in front of him. He took notice of the one of the girls, a brown haired girl, with slightly tapered ears and a lithe frame. "Huh, another half-elf," he thought to himself.

Behind him, his party began to settle, the griffons standing by as the party moved behind the Prince, doing a similar process of getting down on one knee and an arm across it to show respect. Aros went and stood behind Prince Derek on his right, before doing the same greeting, his eyes taking a quick note of the three characters in front of him, discerning two of them to be of the royal family, though the third, a half-elf, he wasn't quite sure where to place.

[Tomia]

The rioters watched as the imperial soldiers on horseback approached them. When Aos spoke they began throwing rocks and and rotten produce at them. "You get off our land you imperial bastards!" The leader shouted as the other men roared in agreement, readying themselves for a fight.
Marcus
Marcus watched as Prince Derek knelt before him and listened to his words. He could tell the man was quite nervous. Marcus gave a kind smile. "Rise Prince Derek. It is nice to finally meet you. I must say that is quite the companion you have there. I have heard stories of the griffons of Sefmar, but never seen them before. I will have to be sure to get one for myself. I see you have met my sister Wanda already. Let me introduce you to my very good friend and the Royal court musician Elenya Marilee." He said gesturing to Elenya at his side. He noticed like Elenya that Derek seemed to have elvish blood. However the emperor knew it would be rude to inquire how that could be since his mother and father were human. "We were just on our way to the city when you came by, please join us." As they walked through he streets of the city Marcus spoke to Derek once again. "So Prince Derek, what is it you would like to speak of?"
Alder
Alder continued to walk with his captors. "What do you mean you want my help?" "Why don't you shut ya mouth before I have to gag you boy." The mysterious man told him. Finally after what seemed like forever they stopped in a clearing in the forest. "What are we doing here?" Alder asked. Just as he spoke hundreds of men came walking out of the trees, most dressed in make shift sets of armor, carrying a varying type of weapons. Most wore war pant on their faces. "Well boy, meet my brothers. Men of Roras all gathered to stop your tyrant father."

[New Roman Empire]

The men put up their shields as the volley of rock and rotten food came down upon them. "This is your last warning, lets either talk this out or I will be forced to use force on all those who have attacked the soldiers and you shall be jailed and then you will be dealt punishment by the highest form of the law for assaulting soldiers. Men, arrest the leader of this rabble, I will not allow him to escape until I figured out what this is all about," Informed Aos as the soldiers started to approach the rioters in order to break them up and try to get the leader.

Sergeant Newton caught up with the Emperor. "Emperor Markus sorry to disturb you, but I am taking duties over for Captain Aos until he returns. A guard was supposed to inform you that General Casaras is currently MIA after a recent ambush. Also Captain Aos has lead the 7th towards the town and should be at the town by now, now I will return to my duties as acting Captain." Informed Newton as he bowed and ran off.

[Nuridia]

Elena curtsied to the Prince and greeted him. "Good to meet you Prince Derek." "This is my first time ever seeing a real griffon, it's actually pretty cool to see one up close." Wanda turned to Derek and saw that he looked pretty nervous when greeting Marcus. "It's cool Derek, my brother's not one of those stuffy tyrants worried about protocol." the princess assured him. "You're not going to lose your head if you make a mistake, Marcus is a good guy." Wanda said, peeling a slice of ham onto a piece of bread in her pack and eating it without a care in the world. Elenya chuckled a bit. "Well she's right, protocol is nonexistent here." "She may be a princess but she eats like a dragon, no wonder she's still unmarried." the half elf joked. Wanda pouted a little bit. "What's that supposed to mean?" the princess countered, her mouth still pretty full. Elenya took in the features of this redheaded prince when he landed before them and noticed he was looking at her as well. A half-elf just like her, but his parents were human. Only one way that happened then, but Elenya knew the harassment that a half elf sometimes went through, especially if they were illegitimate and the result of an affair so she chose to say nothing because she went through some of that although her parents were married when she was born.

[Sempans]

Prince Derek nodded towards Elenya, once more getting on one knee, putting his arm over it. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Elenya," Derek said with a smile. He attempted to hide his smile and inner chuckling as the two girls made banter with each other,though it did ease him quite well. When Marcus mentioned that he should walk the city with the group, he nodded, before turning to Aros. "Aros, could you please stay with the party, make sure the griffons get appropriated, and make sure everything is settled on this end," he said, smiling widely. Aros looked at Derek, nervous, but knowing it wouldn't be in his place to intervene. "Of course, Prince Derek," Aros said, turning to the party and moving. "My, they do grow fast, humans," he thought with nostalgia.

Prince Derek looked around the city, eyes taking in the site of the grandeur of the city. While he did prefer the earthen stone and clay of his own desert land, as well as the flora, he still enjoyed the more temperate climate and plants. His tanned skin shone in the early noon sun, as he turned to Marcus. "Well, Emperor Marcus, several points. First is the issue in general. The entire Empire is feeling unrest, from the Icy Sea to the Pearly Ocean, and from the Western to the Trackless. Rordas especially is becoming unruly, and we have been getting reports, especially from the inner parts of Ezramor, that there have been sightings of creatures of old. Then, there is the issue of the terrorist Mu'tamid Abdulrashid, who has taken over several small cities to the East of Sefmar. We have been getting some refugees who have escaped fro the area telling of great atrocities committed in the name of religion. I came to you to ask what you are doing to quell the overall unrest of the kingdom, what you plan on doing when it comes to Mu'tamid, as he has attacked the Empire itself on occasion, and how the Monarchy of Sefmar and its power can be used to help?" Prince Derek said all of this as they continued walking, making sure to label all essential points.

[Tomia]

Marcus chuckled at Elenya's comment about Wanda. "Well she's not wrong sis. You do have quite the appetite."He joked to Wanda. "My sister is right though Prince Derek. You can speak freely here." As they walked through the city he listened to Derek speak. "I understand your concerns Prince Derek. I will not lie to you, these are troubling times. I know of the problems your people face against the terrorist Mu'tamid, and you should know that you do not stand alone. Your family and people have the full support of the Empire. I have already sent orders to General Symra, the commander of the Sefmar Imperial garrison, to coordinate efforts with your family to capture this traitor. If necessary I will send reinforcements south as well. As for these rumors of the old creatures returning, I have men investigating it but I feel we should not cause panic over what are now just rumors. I fear I can't afford to waste men and resources on a problem that I am not yet sure exists. You're concern for Roras is legitimate. I fear the unrest there is nearly at a boiling point. I am planning to send an imperial envoy there soon to investigate the situation and coordinate with King Damal. I fear the small folk there are being mislead by power hungry traitors. I hope to avoid as much bloodshed as possible, but treason can't be tolerated." While Marcus hated the idea of war, and fighting his own people, but it was his duty to preserve the empire, and he knew he would have to be strong to do that. When Sergeant Newton approached the emperor listened to his report and sighed it was not good news to hear that General Casario was missing. He continued walking with the group when Sergeant Newton ran off again.
As the soldiers approached the villagers formed around each other and raised their motley assortment of weapons. Ready to fight for their homes. "We'll never bow to soldiers again!" The leader of the group called out, and the villagers shouted in agreement.

[New Roman Empire]

"Men arrest the leader of this revolt. Do not attack unlessbyou are attacked first. Anyone who strikes will be arrested and will never see the sun light until you are judged by the law." Barked Aos as he and the men pushed through the crowed and grabbed the leader of the revolt and started to drag him away as the soldiers and farmers started to fight. Of course the soldiers only injured them and not killing.

[Kuhlfros]

Jethro continued on his way to the capital and King Damal's castle, but he was on horseback now...a stolen steed of a Hedge-Knight who now is stuck under a hedge, with only food and sword, as Jethro had stolen the rest, Jethro tended to avoid the eyes of too many people and tried to be as quiet and inconspicuous as possible, but then Jethro caught up a glance of eyes staring at him from the forest next to the road, Jethro immediately stopped and stared into the deep woodlands for several minutes before putting his head down, and urging his horse forward again, this time his eyes hidden beneath his hood, were trained against the dark forest for any other suspicious sighting like before.

[Tomia]

The villagers attacked Aos' men as the battle ensued. However the rioters were greatly outmatched and soon dropped their weapons and began to scatter and flee. Meanwhile Damal was in his castle going over reports, especially of a riot going on in the small town of Hamtel. Filthy peasants, they could never seem to leave well enough along. They owed him their loyalty, he was their king. Couldn't they see that order is more important than anything?
Alder
Alder was shocked as he saw hundreds of rebels come out of the trees. He hadn't even noticed them before. They were clearly mostly farmers and villagers, but there were so many of them. Alder knew there's were those who stood against his father, but he never imagined so many of them. He turned to the leader once more. "Who are you?" He asked. "My name is Marik Ultir." The man said to Alder. Alder understood the ancient language, as all highborn men and women did. It served as a class distinction between the nobles and the lower classes. His name meant "Marik, the avenger." "So what, you think you are a descendant of Emperor?" "No, I claim no royal blood. As Marik did not. I was long but a simple farmer like he was, but now the god's have given me a purpose." "What purpose?" Alder asked. "To avenge those made to suffer at the tyrants, as to restore this land to its former glory. And I won't rest until all who are responsible for the suffering of our people are dead."

[New Roman Empire]

Aos tied the leader of the rabble up and had ten men guard him while the rest of the 7th walked through the town. Aos turned around and saw Alexa who had her needles out, Aos was curious on how those things would work in combat when a man with a broadsword stepped out of the shadows. She jumped on the man and stuck her needles in and slowly made more jabs until the man fell. She bent down and checked the man and nodded then rejoined Aos, "well, I thought those needles would be useless in battle but I have been wrong before and I was wrong again. Now lets go check the jail and see if we can find more of the guards and soldiers. You soldier take this message to King Damal, and inform him this riot is an Imperial army matter and he is to subdue all rioting with nonlethal force if possible, actually use a messenger bird we are done here and I don't want to be here any longer than we have to," Ordered Aos as a soldier nodded and ran off to his horse and got a messenger bird which flew towards the palace of King Damal. Aos entered the jail first to see forty men in the cells of the jail all were soldiers and guards, they were quickly let out and weapons returned to them. "Well I hope you boys learned your lesson about how to fight. Next time you might not be so lucky, well the rioting is over with so you are to return to your posts." Barked Aos as the 7th mounted their horses and started to ride back to the capital. Aos had ordered a group of guards from the capital to be sent out here but it would take a day for them to get to the village. One man had died in the 7th when he got surrounded by the villagers, one death to put down a revolt was weird. But they had been lucky that it was just farmers and not a more organized force. But several men did get injured in the fighting, but nothing that would kill them or infringe them from doing their duty.

"Captain Aos, some of the men are talking about what happened back there. The rumors of your leadership are true, many of the boys were hoping you would stay in charge of the 7th. But with you being the Captain of the Royal guard, I don't think the 7th could be assigned to you with out the approval of the Emperor. Many of the boys here would gladly speak up if you wont, but I wont disturb you anymore." Informed Lieutenant Grim as he fell back in in line with the rest of the 7th.

[Sempans]

Marcus chuckled at Elenya's comment about Wanda. "Well she's not wrong sis. You do have quite the appetite."He joked to Wanda. "My sister is right though Prince Derek. You can speak freely here." As they walked through the city he listened to Derek speak. "I understand your concerns Prince Derek. I will not lie to you, these are troubling times. I know of the problems your people face against the terrorist Mu'tamid, and you should know that you do not stand alone. Your family and people have the full support of the Empire. I have already sent orders to General Symra, the commander of the Sefmar Imperial garrison, to coordinate efforts with your family to capture this traitor. If necessary I will send reinforcements south as well. As for these rumors of the old creatures returning, I have men investigating it but I feel we should not cause panic over what are now just rumors. I fear I can't afford to waste men and resources on a problem that I am not yet sure exists. You're concern for Roras is legitimate. I fear the unrest there is nearly at a boiling point. I am planning to send an imperial envoy there soon to investigate the situation and coordinate with King Damal. I fear the small folk there are being mislead by power hungry traitors. I hope to avoid as much bloodshed as possible, but treason can't be tolerated." While Marcus hated the idea of war, and fighting his own people, but it was his duty to preserve the empire, and he knew he would have to be strong to do that. When Sergeant Newton approached the emperor listened to his report and sighed it was not good news to hear that General Casario was missing. He continued walking with the group when Sergeant Newton ran off again.

Prince Derek nodded at what Marcus was saying. He was glad to here that they would have the full support of the Empire against Mu'tamid, and was ecstatic to hear that plans were already underway. He could understand the Emperors point on the creatures, though he was still wary on the issue. It seemed like to many incidents had been happening for it to still be labelled "unsure" in existence. He would send a message later to Symra, see if they could maybe send some reinforcement to the border of Sefmar and Ezramor. He sighed as Marcus went over Roras. It didn't look good from any perspective, though he was glad that the two provinces were on opposite sides of the map.

After the Sergeant left and they continued walking, Derek cleared his throat. "Well, I'm glad that things are already being set into motion to attempt to alleviate some of the unrest of society. It brings me great comfort. Thank you Emperor Marcus," he said highly, eyes gazing at the retreating Seargent....

[Tomia]

Marcus smiled at Derek. "No need to thank me Prince Derek. It is my duty after all. I am glad to see your visit here was not wasted. Unfortunately, I will soon have to return to my duties so I will not be able to entertain much longer. You are welcome to stay at the palace tonight though. But if you wish to return home to settle issues there I would understand. It is up to you." Marcus said as they walked closer to Elenya's mother's home.
Damal
As Damal was spending time with his Emila he received a letter that did not make him happy. It seemed that the captain of the Emperor's guard had entered Roras and put down the revolt in the small town of Hamtel. Not only that, he had the audacity to order the king of Roras to deal with the riot in a none lethal way. This could of course, not be tolerated. Damal then set to writing the emperor quickly, informing him of the situation and requesting a response. Damal would be sure to make an example of these rioters. He sent the letter off and went to prepare a company of men to head for Hamtel.
Alder
Alder continued to listen to the man who called himself Marik, and his men who gold him horror stories about the suffering caused to them by royal and imperial soldiers. Alder grew infuriated at his father, and very curious about this man who led this group. "Before, you said you needed my help. Why?" The man looked at Alder. "You're father is a horrible king, but you're family is the rightful rulers of this land. I am no king, no lawmaker. I do not seek your father's throne. So I want you to. The people would follow, rise up if you gave the word." Alder was shocked by this. "You want me to be king? To rise against my family? Look I know my father isn't a good ruler, but I'm not sure I can do that." Marik simply looked in his eyes. "Maybe you're not the man I thought you were then."

[Nuridia]

As Wanda and Elenya heard her brother and the foreign prince talk, they merely walked behind with Sorcha walking behind them. She was surprisingly light on her feel for a dragon, Marcus was pretty good with diplomacy. But war was another thing, it was nasty, horribly bloody and expensive. The whole imperial family wanted to avoid it if they could so Wanda tried to do her part to help alleviate some of the problems in the capital and Elenya also assisted of course. While Marcus was busy with state matters, the princess and the court musician helped tend to the people. What concerned them all the most was the situation in Roras,it kept getting worse and worse and the king and crown prince were utterly useless and turning it into a dictatorship.

[Tomia]

Marcus continued walking with Prince Derek, realizing that Wanda, her dragon, and Elenya had fallen back a little while Marcus and the Prince were speaking about business. He slowed down so they were all even again. "Sorry for leaving you out ladies. Unfortunately Imperial business never seems to rest. I'll have to return to palace soon. I can't avoid starting the day forever." He said as they walked towards Elenya's mother's home. Marcus dreaded doing his duties but he knew there were reports to look over and letters to answer. Also he was glad Elenya offered to help him. Her company would certainly make it more enjoyable.

[New Roman Empire]

Aos had become tired of riding back to the capital, he gave the signal to stop and mumbled a few words. Then a beam of blue light came down and a few seconds later they were all back in the barracks of the capital. "Dismissed 7th, take this man to the dungeon and I will inform the Emperor of my arrival now." Ordered Aos as he rode his horse to the stable and then he walked up to the castle gate when he was informed by Sergeant Newton that Markus was visiting someone and hadn't returned Aos decided to wait at gate.

[Sempans]

As they slowed down and Marcus said a word to the Ladies, Derek thought about the offer to stay. He felt like he should head home, now that he got the information he needed...but he would also like to spend a bit more time in this part of the Empire, maybe see a bit more of the palace. Also, his men were tired and so were the griffons. "I believe, if it is no burden to you Emperor, that I should stay the night. My men and griffons are tired, and I would believe it best if we had a nice nights rest. I can send the information ahead by other means." He said.

[Nuridia]

Wanda and Elenya were walking with Marcus down the streets of the capital. "I'm sorry that imperial business weighs you down, but Wanda and I will help you all we can and you know it." "The empress dowager will help you too, of course she loves you being your mother after all." Elenya said as they finally arrived to the base of a hill, climbed it and walked through the woods until they came to a house that was a queer mix of elvish and human architecture. "Mother, are you here?" Elenya asked, rapping on the door.

[Tomia]

Marcus nodded to Derek. "Very well my prince. You and your men are welcome to stay the night." Marcus nodded to Elenya. "You're right Enna, and I am grateful to have the family and friends I do. You make it much easier for me. I didn't mean to complain, I know it is my duty and I am well off because of it." He followed Elenya into the woods until they reached her mother's house. Marcus had visited it many times in his youth. He always enjoyed the mixed elven and human designed. He waited with Elenya for the door to open.

[Sempans]

Prince Derek nodded as they moved forward. They were in a forestry part now, and were in front of a house. It had very interesting architecture, that seemed to include the positives of human and Elvish culture. He turned to the musician, Elenya. It was probably her abode, or her parents. " This should be intriguing," he thought.

[Nuridia]

"Elenya?" "About time, it's been quite a while." The door finally opened and out stepped a tall and beautiful elf with cream colored hair and sea colored eyes. She had pointed ears and wore a turquoise gown decorated with many magical amulets. Also, she seemed to radiate magic from her very aura. "Greetings, mameth" Elenya said, using the elvish word for mother. "This is my mother, the elf sorceress Celene." 'Has father returned yet?" Elenya asked. Celene sighed. "No, he's still at sea." "And you're still unmarried." The full blooded elf playfully poked her daughter in the ribs with a long fingernail. "Mother!" Elenya whined indignantly. "You're twenty two, you may be long lived but you're not an immortal so don't waste your youth child." "I want grandchildren, and you always told me you wanted a son named Elladon and a daughter named Lorelei, or Zoraya." "Those are elvish names." Wanda pointed out. She always liked elvish names, they were so whispy and beautiful. Celene curtsied to the emperor. "Your majesty, it's so good to see you again." "You too Princess Wanda." "Why aren't you married yet either, I know your brother is busy but the duty of an emperor and a brother is to find his sister a good match." "You're sixteen and there are plenty available monarchs and crown princes of these provinces, you should be a queen by now.""But you are heir at least until Marcus has children himself so I can see where he'd be picky about suitors." Wanda merely blushed at Celene's words and said nothing. Celene then caught sight of prince Derek. "Another half elf, brilliant!" she told Elenya "Is this going to be your husband, the child of two half elves always come out either fully human or fully elven you know." "Mother, stop!" Elenya hissed. "I just met him, he's not my fiance." she said about Derek.