Autumn Lancaster
Foreign Princess
-> Agitated, negotiating
She took a lady-like bite out of her breakfast, making no unnecessary noises while the Advisors talked. A look of disgust crossed her face as they talked of raising the taxes, but it was fleeting. Autumn couldn't afford to me openly ungraceful. She needed to keep up her warm, innocent little facade. As a representative of a neighboring country, she wasn't expected to comment on a matter such as this country's taxes, but it still angered her how these people were clawing at the pockets of a country that had once been a glorious and thriving thing. Now, it was only a shadow of its former self. What were they expecting, anyway? Did they really not think that the people would not revolt? Money could only keep peace for so long.
When Ren rose and gave his speech, however, she could not help but admire. Admire at his stupidity, that is! What was he doing? Asking for a death sentence? Autumn looked around, seeing to how the Advisors would react. Obviously, they wouldn't be pleased. Thomani, one of the lead Advisors, looked ready to murder the King with his own hands. Not good. she thought, and on a whim, stood up. Her commoners clothes made the few women present snicker. However, her proud presence silenced the obnoxious whispers of the court.
"I agree with Ren on this. If this country has a revolt, it would affect my country as well. We wouldn't want to risk traders getting caught up in the mess, and if I'm correct, your country needs our ores, does it not? Bad for both of us." Autumn shook her head slightly, as if saying 'that won't do'. It was a threat disguised as a fact. Autumn's country was primarily desert, with large mountains and forests that ran through its borders. The hot climate was unsuitable for most, but the country still thrived. Why? Because of all it's resources. It grew quickly in power and wealth. It was not a forgiving place, that seemingly barren country. But for traders and merchants who knew the routes and land, there was money to be had.
If there was one thing Autumn's country did well, it was trade. They didn't need to depend upon one country for income because there were always buyers. 'Bad for both of us' meant 'Bad for you'. Autumn smiled warmly at the advisors who threw her venomous glances. Hate me all you want, but many of you here depend on my country's approval for your little fun and games.
She reminded herself to check her food for poisons this evening.
The Advisors
The Advisors bittered at the King's statement. How dare he! He was but a puppet, and he actually dared to make a suggestions? Ha! That boy had a death wish! They darkened when the princess spoke up. It was obvious she was siding with the puppet King, trying to save his hide. However, both of them had a point, not that the Advisors would ever admit to it. Thomani had overpriced the tax, but they would never admit to that either. Unlike the other Advisors who kept their cool, Thomani was openly glaring at the King. "And what would you know of revolution, my King?"
The other advisors gave no reaction, but within themselves, they were already planning how to punish Thomani for his loose tongue. There were quite a few nobles present here that did not side with their beliefs, and that would only lead to... complications. Another head Advisor stood up. Once Thomani was finished, Curain spoke, "I propose to raise the tax to 26g then, your Majesty." Curain, unlike Thomani, was not hot-headed and egoistic. Instead, he went around everything in a cool-headed manner. The only similarity between him and Thomani was their greed. Greed was a shared trait among all advisors, and it ran strong.
[more novels, yaaay.]
.png)
