The Kingdom of Ice

[SnowWolf1118]

[Question: In regards to Arcadius using Annabelle's special services, do you want her to become pregnant or not? She doesn't use contraceptives during mating season for earlier stated reasons, so it's your choice.]

Justine couldn't stop her stubby tail from wiggly when she saw how much her words affected Lady Abigail. She was only repeating what she was taught, but it had more of a profound affect than she ever imagined. Her mother would be proud of her. "Keep your courage close, my lady. Keep her close and keep her kind. She will guide you through the darkest times," said Justine before she looked at Miguel once more. He wasn't her courage, she understood that, but he was the goal she had given up in hopes of becoming more courageous. Seek new avenues and grow into an adult her family could be proud of.

However, no matter the case, it was about time for them to leave. She had been neglecting her cleaning duties and Miguel his own duties. "Stay well, Lady Born to Beauty. We must depart. I have to continue cleaning and Miguel has his own work to do. Right?" she asked him.

Bera let her ladies-in-waiting dress her and style her hair. She dismissed jewels she thought inappropriate for her gown and approved on the perfume selected for today's events. It was a tedious process that required she appear absolutely perfect, and of course she could not help, but sneak a glance at her husband with her vanity mirror. His rippling muscles were hid by his clothing. It was a sorry sight, truly. Artwork such as her husband and herself should not be hidden, but openly admired by all.

Eden chortled, amused by the guard's cautious reply. He did not know her well enough at all. Then again, she never made a point in fraternizing with guards, especially of the male variety. Laughing, she shook her head before speaking again. "Worry not, Steady as the Ice, you may choose one of my guards closer to your age. Riptide, Tremble, or Plucked Feather are all near or at your age." The princess motioned for the three she-bears she named to step forward. Each was more massive than the last, a tribute of their physical prowess and dedication. She thought James would not survive a fight with any of them, but it would still be a good match.

Then, when Eden's laughter faded away, she managed to add one last thing to remind James of his place among the guards. "Besides, I have no authority on the matter of capital punishment nor termination of employment. Only Their Majesties do, and Her Majesty would hate to lose you. From her glances, I expect you'll become her favorite new toy once Hollowed Oak tires out." She watched was the captain of the guard's expression darken. Good. She managed to hit a nerve.

Humbert had nothing to say. Eden's words were true, but he would be sure never to let James fall victim to Her Majesty's clutches. It was a resolution he decided at that moment, watching as the apprentices finally tired themselves out and waited for the adults to make their decision. "Lunch break will start soon, so all of you, go clean yourselves. A special match will commence once you return," Hum announced, much to the delight of the apprentices and the little princesses.

Armel  

[Loiiypop-chan]

[I would be fine if she did, it would make Amaya and Justine indirect siblings (as well as all of Annabelle's children) and it would be nice for her to have more family in the kingdom. Son or daughter? ]

"You are very wise for your age." Abigail replied, hoping she could raise her Amaya as well as Justine's mother had raised her. "But yes, you should both be going. I don't want either of you to face any scolding on my accord. Thank you very much for the visit." She felt renewed after spending time around bears she didn't fear or hate. Her soul felt lighter. "May you both stay well." With that she watched them leave, then returned to listening at the door for her husband's unfortunate return.

Miguel nodded. They did have work to do, and he was worried they'd already left too much to the rest of his family. "Say 'Hi' to Amaya for us when she wakes up!" He called over his shoulder as he headed back out of the chamber, towards the kitchen.

After Nanuq was dressed, he rotated his arms around, testing the fabric. Depending on how good his performance was later, this garment was likely being worn for the last time. But it was no matter, he could easily get more. He moves to place his hands on his wife's shoulder, standing behind her, and a toothy grin showed on his face. "You look ravishing, my wife."

James tried his hardest to show no reaction at Lady Eden's comment. He had no love who would be bothered by Her Majesties affections and demand, and no one who's heart he pined for himself. Being useful to the crown, however they desired, was his job. And even the King would not care about this information, he had many lovers himself. Still, the thought did make James's hair stand on end. He hadn't noticed her gaze. He suddenly felt a wave of sympathy for Humbert.

Sizing up his opponents, most larger then him, James thought he may as well put on a show for Lady Eden. "Plucked Feather, would you honour me by being my opponent?" He asked politely.  

[SnowWolf1118]

[It would be nice for them to be indirect siblings. However, Annabelle would never let those cubs (I'm thinking of sons, because that's what Arcadius wanted from Abigail, but of course it's the hulking maid who gives him sons) meet Amaya. Propriety comes first for Annabelle, and she does not wish to upset the balance. Also, for her, she does not wish for her cubs to think they have a right to their father's name and wealth because they are sons; or let Arcadius' family think they have a right to his only sons.]

Once Justine parted ways with Lady Abigail and Miguel, she quickly finished the rooms assigned to her and her mother for the day. She was in luck. None of the nobles had returned to their rooms yet despite the midday court gathering. In another hour or so, the nobles would be gathered to discuss trade, treaties, and other miscellaneous oddities of the kingdom. She didn't understand exactly what went into running the kingdom, but she knew Their Majesties did a great job running the kingdom of blessed bears. Justine remembered the older bears saying something about gross wealth being its highest in more than a hundred years. She wondered what it meant, but didn't think too much of it. All that mattered to her right now was that she didn't meet any angry nobles.

And speaking of nobles, Justine spotted her favorite one sitting against the wall. "Hey, Sunshine," she said, speaking softly as she nuzzled his cheek.

Armel jerked when Justine suddenly appeared beside him; and immediately the resolve he had made melted away because he could never hide anything from her and he never wanted to hide his secrets and doubts from one of the first bears he could be open his heart to. Which made it more painful for him overall. "Hey, Wildfire. Finished your work for this morning?" he asked. She gave him a look that spoke more than he could on his own.

And from that point, they delved deep into a conversation about their morning and worries and doubts until it was time for them to part once again. Despite everything, he could not separate himself from the servants. With them, he felt safety he never knew before.

Bera lovingly gazed at her reflection in the body-length mirror, finding herself ravishing to see. Though fully clothed, from her neck to her toes, Bera could entice anyone with a mere look. And she knew it, if her husband's words were anything to go by. "You have my thanks, my husband. And you appear tantalizing," she said as she licked her full-red lips. She would take him down if they did not have to appear in court this afternoon.

But alas, they had to depart from their shared chamber. "Come, let us proceed to court. I wish to see the attire of our noble subjects, and cubs." The appearance of the court reflected the appearance of the rulers, and Bera aimed for nothing less than perfection. All the court ladies knew the outfit she was expected to wear today; and all the court lords knew what His Majesty would wear. None could clash with their wardrobe nor outshine them. Their cubs would dress reflecting their attire, or they did not attend the meeting at all.

"Of course, Sir Steady as Ice," said Plucked Feather, her voice smooth and confident, as one would expected of her body guards. Eden smiled as Plucked Feather stood part from her gathered guards and dipped her head to Sir James. "However, it must be after the apprentices have had their midday meal, and after today's midday court meeting?"
"I will not attend such dribble," Eden said, huffing like a spoiled cub. But why should she attend such a farce when she herself did not live at the court most of the time? She only had to worry about protecting her cubs and her own life. That was it.

Humbert sighed at the mention of the meeting. It had entirely slipped his mind. Unlike Princess Eden, he had no choice, but to attend as part of the ranked guards. "I must attend the meeting. Broken Wing will be covering this group for the rest of their session. Sorry." This also meant he had to wear his decorated uniform instead of remaining in his bear form. It was more comfortable, and far less freezing, to be a polar bear than a human even in the spring weather.  

[Loiiypop-chan]

[ That's fine, even with them never meeting the family connection is nice. And HA, how ironic for Arcadius that his illegitimate heir be a son! It would give him another reason to resent Abigail and Amaya, if I did not think he was too stupid and self absorbed to realize he fathered the cub(s). ]

Miguel hurried to the kitchen, looking sheepish at some of the glares and comments about him slacking his work. "Sorry! Sorry!" He called to all as he hurried back to his work. He made sure to put extra effort in and declared that he would take over the last hour of everyone's work tonight, wanting to make it up to all of them. After that everyone was all smiles, thinking of how they would get to stop their chores an hour early, and he was trying not to think of how many extra hours of work into the night he had just agreed to.

Abiagil loathed to wake Amaya up for something as boringly political as a Court Meeting. Disturbing her daughters peaceful slumber to bring back into this harsh reality from her dreams seemed like a crime, even if it did allow her mother to watch the miracle that was her child.

Gently, to make the awaking as peaceful as possible, she nudged her daughter awake. "Amaya, my beauty," she called sweetly, "come now, wake up. We have somewhere we must go."

As he daughter woke she smiled and hugged her mother, once they were both in human form. Her daughter asked her all sorts of questions about where they were going, and Abigail instructed her on how she was to behave. In truth she wanted her precious daughter no where near these people, but they gave her no choice.

So she dolled Amaya up in pretty clothes and brushed her hair until it shone, intricately braiding parts of it up. For herself she chose a gown more fitting for a woman, and piled her hair up modestly. She didn't have a hope of upstaging Her Highness even if she wanted to, but Arcadius would be mad if she wasn't looking beautiful to properly represent what she was for him. Eye candy, a noble name, and a symbol of his charity, showing his wife with expensive clothes.

Once she stepped out of the den, she saw that unfortunately her husband was there waiting, raking a bone chilling look over her and a disapproving one over their daughter.

Nanuq nodded his agreement to his wife, and held out an arm to her, ready to escort her at his side for their grand entrance.

James dipped his head in accent. "Of course, whenever you are ready." He replied formally. James would not be attending the meeting, and so he said to the others, "I will continue my rounds I'm been neglecting, and I will stop back here soon." With that he dipped his head once more, and headed out.  

[SnowWolf1118]

[True that, and Amaya may or may not discover their existence through unintended slips of the tongue by any individuals who know of the existence of her secret brothers (I think Annabelle will end up having four rambunctious sons {to be spiteful towards Arcadius} who are like Jabberwocky, to put it bluntly). And it would be ironic, which is why I thought it only appropriate. Oh god, you mean Arcadius wouldn't realize it?! Is he THAT full of himself?!]

Justine was humming to herself as she helped Collette mend the hem of her dress, a task her sister greatly enjoyed. Her sister often became distracted while they hemmed, pointing out designs a flower border would look pretty along the hemline. Justine indulged her sister until their mother returned with fur pristine and devoid of any outside scents. 'Mama!" both of them shouted, discarding the dress and rushing toward their hulking mother.

The two of them bombarded Annabelle with more questions faster than she could respond. In the end, though, Annabelle just chuckled and pulled them in close, nuzzling their cheeks and giving them sweet love. "My darling cubs, fret not, worry not, for I shall always remain strong. Nothing that brute does can break me."
"You promise, Mama? Swear on your life?"
"Do not promise us, falsehoods, Mama. We shall be more than a bit disappointed," added Collette, pouting with her pretty face.
But again Annabelle chuckled. "No bear is strong enough to break my spirit." And then the three of them returned to the mending once again.

Dmitri approached Miguel as his friend hurried back to his work. He kept his gait slow and serene, like his mindset. "Welcome back, Miguel. How have you fairing today? Nothing to cause worry or sorrow?" asked the younger bear as he wiped his hands with a rag. He had been working on prepping tonight's dinner for Lord Άρκτοφόνος's family. The lord only have sons, not a single daughter to his name, and the amount of food they consumed on a daily basis was proof enough. After three wives and five mistresses, Annabelle had told him that the lord should have had a daughter by now, but as the First would have it, he remained the father of strapping lads. However, Dmitri did not think Lord Άρκτοφόνος's sons were that handsome, but then again, he was barely out of his cub years and not yet mature enough to appreciate adult behaviors.

Humbert sighed again, envious of James' situation. "Stay safe!" Hum called after his former student before turning his gaze back to his students who were picking up their belongings and scattered clothing before washing up for lunch. To be young like them again would be enjoyable. And to be able to remain with them would be a blessing. Unfortunately, he did not have the luxury, like some bears did.

Eyeing Princess Eden, Humbert gave her a stern look and warning before his departure. "Don't cause Broken Wing any trouble." And with that, he walked out of the training chamber to his quarters where his uniform awaited him.

Armel stood in aligned with his brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces, and nephews before the court. Behind each of them were small thrones befitting royals, but of course they paled in comparison to those of Their Majesties. And of course the thrones could easily be removed from the massive chamber should anything happen to the gathered princes and princesses while Their Majesties' thrones could not possibly be moved. However, despite all that, Armel did enjoy the beautiful designs carved into the wooden thrones.

Unfortunately, Armel had little time to dwell on the most soothing things in life for he had to survive today's meeting. He surveyed the gathered bears and determined keeping his gaze blank and straight ahead and his mouth sealed shut were his best options. As a cub, he had no reason to speak here at all. He knew nothing of the intricate details of trade and treaties, so he really had to sit and learn. He did know, however, that Dov and his other older brothers were training to handle such matters. Servants could simply not be trusted with their kingdom's economic health. I hope I will never have to learn such things. I would be content serving Their Majesties the most delicious food free of poison for the rest of my life. He thought as he prayed his sovereigns would continue to allow him to learn the skill of cooking.

Bera smiled up at her king as he escorted her to the meeting chamber. She enjoyed watching as all the gathered nobles, young and old alike, understood that they could never be seated until she and her king arrived. They all stood in the chamber, just waiting for the signal to sit, and of course she obliged them. Such good, obedient subjects, waiting for their sovereigns to command them.

Well, except for her two mistakes in life: Eden and Armel. Though the latter was present and in acceptable attire, the former was nowhere to be seen. Neither were her two granddaughters by the wench of a daughter. Eden was brainwashing her daughters to lesbianism, Bera was sure of it, just be their absence from today's meeting. At this age, the two little princesses needed to be exposed to the court life, yet her daughter neglected those duties. She would correct her daughter's behavior soon.

Then she had Armel to ponder over. The pathetic cub was still galvanizing with the servants, yet he managed to maintain attendance at his lessons and improve every day. She severely disapproved of his familiar behavior with the servants, but that too would soon be corrected in a less severe manner than she planned for Eden. Still, she wished for the blemish Armel left on her name to vanish.

All these thoughts occurred in only a few heartbeats while she lovingly smiled up at her king. "Lead the way, my Nanuq," she said loud enough for the chamber to echo her words for all to hear.

Humbert stood beside his commander and the lieutenants of the guards as they waited for Their Majesties to arrive. It had been quite some time since he had last spoken to his commander after that night not so long ago, and now he did not exchange, but a few words with him.

The memory gave him chills when he recalled it; just like seeing the sight of the bear that caused all his nightmares and fears. When she walked into the chamber, Hum felt his heart drop and his sweat run cold. Fortune would have Her Majesty's gaze on her king and cubs rather than him today, and for that he was unbelievably relieved.

Eden  

[Loiiypop-chan]

[ Sounds good to me! Awww, so many cute sons! He probably would not realize it, at least not until someone pointed it out to his face. ]

Miguel looked up from his work to smile at Dmitri as he called out to him. "I'm alright." He replied with a smile. "I have lots of work to do to make up to everyone for slacking, but I don't mind." He really didn't mind too much, after seeing their happy faces. "And I'm glad we don't have to go to the meeting. Poor Melly is probably scared." He wishes he could be there if only to comfort his friend.

Arcadius looked over his wife and child and compared them to his King's. Clearly Queen Bera was more desirable then his wife in every way, but he knew he never had a hope of having her. His wife was beautiful at least, but his cub was where she had failed him in a way Bera had not failed her husband. His wife had given him a female cub, and for his first cub too! He still could hardly look at his daughter without feeling shame and anger well up in him.

Luckily for him, the one thing his daughter was good for, was that she had gotten her mother's good looks. He would marry her off to someone with high standing as soon as she was old enough.

Abigail kept an arm on her daughter's shoulder, a silent reminder of what she had told her. Keep silent and stay still. She hoped this could keep her daughter safe.

Amaya saw so many things she wanted to ask her mother about or point out, but she could tell her momma was stressed, so she stayed quiet like she was asked to.

James continued to walk the halls passing servants and common bears, but no nobles. They would all be busy right now, not roaming the halls.

Nanuq's eye slid over everyone gathered in the chamber as he and Bera entered. It was situations like this that he lived for. Watching them stand until his wife's command, knowing they would be forced to stand for day unless given permission to sit. Knowing that for the wrong look, or single wrong word, he could have anyone in the room killed and no one could stop him. Knowing he was more powerful then anyone in the room, save for maybe his wide. The power of it flooded him, and brought a chilling smile to his face.

Such was his exhilaration at this feeling, that he didn't notice his missing daughter or his disappointing son. Not that he paid them much mind anyways, rearing the cubs was Bera's job, and if one or two needed to be set straight, that was also her domain, save for the most extreme offences. He was sure she would handle it.

When Bera spoke he turned to her, and led her slowly to their thrones, so he could display her to everyone there. Make them envy what he had that they did not, and worship the sight of them both. Then, when they reached their thrones he released her, and sat back, knowing the two of them were the most relaxed in the room. You could almost feel the tension like a sharp claw pressing against the skin. "Well, let us begin everyone." He spoke, his strong voice easily filling the chamber.  

[SnowWolf1118]

[Yeah, and probably the only time Annabelle would have so many cubs at one time. She'll have to take three years to properly raise them. Wow, he really is dense. Well, hopefully he won't be long alive enough to realize those sons are his.]

Dmitri nodded as he listened to Miguel, frowning at the mention of Melly. Yes, the young prince would be frightened. He was not a bear of tedious, boring things that required sitting down and listening to the elders explain concepts and reports. Dmika knew, from watching the young bear cook, he was a hands-on learner. He enjoyed getting into the dirtiest tasks and practicing until he got the technique down, whether it be kneading bread or peeling vegetables. "Regardless of everything, it wasn't wise to take on everyone's work for tonight. Twenty bears finish closing duties tonight. That means you'll be doing twenty hours of work. Several of those bears, if not all, will definitely stay behind and finish their portion," he scolded his friend.

"Promising the impossible will never undo what has be done." As he spoke, Dmika began assisting Miguel with his work. If he was to scold his friend, he would at least assist him with a small portion of his work. Then he'd go eat his midday meal with the other apprentice chefs. "I believe that is what the midday meeting is like," he mused as he skinned a chicken, probably one purchased from a human village not too far from their kingdom. "I imagine several lords promising statistics or apologizing for not meeting their quota, yet it matters not to Their Majesties. Only results do. Do not promise to meet the impossible, but aim to fulfill what needs to be done." He placed the chicken skin in a pile for use in a different dish before he proceeded to gut the fowl. "Kind of like you and Justine," he said with a blank expression.

Bera felt like a divine goddess when Nanuq walked her to their thrones. Truly, he was the only bear for her. Had it been any other bear who had won her paw when she was of marriageable age, she would not be the queen she was today.

Beaming up at Nanuq as she took her seat, Bera watched as the rest of the court finally took their seats. "Thank you all for coming this afternoon," she said with the most sincere, most regal smile. "Today, we shall discuss our trade alliances, exports, imports, and latest projects. M'lords, please, proceed with your reports." Bera regally waved her hand at the lords in questioned as they scrambled to their feet, a radiant smile gracing her full lips. It as truly amusing to watch them.

Humbert, unlike the rest of the attendees, had to stand during the entire meeting, for however long it ran. He, the other ranked guards, and the younger guards, remained standing and on alert for any disturbances, or dangers.

Armel immediately knew when the lords in charge of the first reports stood to speak, that he stood little chance of remaining awake through the meeting. These lords were dry, monotone, and boring. He could already see his young nephews, barely toddlers in their human forms, were already nodding off. Probably time for their midday naps. Cubs that age need their sleep, he thought as he fought for consciousness. To stay awake, he decided to search for all the young cubs in the crowd. He counted each and every one he could see. Some were hidden under the folds of their mother's cloaks while others were resting against the bosoms' of their nurse maids, nursing thick, fat-filled milk needed for them to grow healthy and strong.

Eventually, Armel's gaze landed on the little daughter of Lord Arcadius. She was a small, sweet-looking cub. A pretty picture like her mother, Lady Abigail. Pity that she'll only live to be a pretty accessory for whatever pervert buys her hand from Lord Arcadius. He knew this was true for all noble daughters. His sisters, nieces, and cousins, they were nothing more than pawns used to create connections with the other noble families, to ensnare them in Her Majesty's clutches. It was brilliant, truly. By connecting all the families through common blood, it would give Her Majesty leverage to demand or do anything she desired. Of course, it also allowed His Majesty to request the presence of any daughter from those families that he wished to see, for the purpose of finding an appropriate bride or mistress for his male descendants. Their Majesties were brilliant rulers.

show spoilerhide spoiler

Eden

Justine

 

[Loiiypop-chan]

[Go momma Annabelle! He wont be, Abigail will take care of that rather soon actually. ]

Miguel nodded as Dmitri, hearing the sense in his words. "Sounds like you could outdo most of those Lord and Ladies." He whispered as he worked, plucking feathers from birds, then passing it Dmitri's way. "Though then you'd have to bear being around their Majesties ." He made a pretend gagging nose and chuckled to himself.

Hearing the comment about him and Justine sobered him up however, and he nodded. "You're right Dmitri," he smiled at his friend, "thank you."

Abigail looked down at her daughter to see if she was doing alright, and saw that she was looking more awake then most of the cubs here, due in all likelihood to her mother getting her to nap earlier. She would have liked to let her daughter nap through all this boring chit-chat, but she was sure her husband wouldn't like that, he would want his daughter to listen to the adults speak of things she didn't understand with dull dreary voices. She subtly stroked her hair, and pretended to be listening herself to the bears who spoke.

Amaya felt someone's eyes on her and she scanned the crowd. Her eyes caught the Prince-boy's eyes, looking at her. She stared back, not flinching back, nor challenging, just looking at him as he looked at her. What was he seeing in her, that was interesting him?

Nanuq had always found these reports by the Lords an exercise in patience. Mostly they were reports of failure. Why this one couldn't do what he said, here this one had stumbled into complications, or that one was experiencing a delay. Sometimes he just wanted to roar his anger and make them all quake in terror. But today this thoughts were on his wife and the impending events of this evening, so he barely even listened more then was his duty to, his mind on other matters.  

[SnowWolf1118]

[Yeah! And oh! Is it soon time?]

Dmitri gave Miguel a small, patient smile as he readily accepted the plucked chicken from him. It was interesting to watch how his words had the ability to brighten or dampen someone's mood, and though he did not take pleasure in acknowledging that, more often than not, the recipient of his mood-altering words was Miguel. "I know you are doing your best, Miguel," he said as he moved on to his next chicken, "so please forgive my rudeness. I didn't mean to ruin your mood." This time, his short-lived smile expressed his apology. "I must dull my tongue, or else I'll wind up in trouble." Methodically, he gutted out the chicken and piled it up with the rest. Dmitri definitely needed to dull his tongue, or stab it, if he ever spoke to a noble aside from Melly. These were strange thoughts for a four-year-old bear to have, but they did pass through his mind. He could wind up in serious trouble if he misspoke or angered the wrong noble. Or I can continue to speak as I do and simply gain a reputation for being blunt and honest. It would save trouble later on with other things... His mind wandered as he piled the chickens into a bowl for a commis to take them to the poultry dish station for the cuisiniers to make into stuffed roasted chicken or whatever else they decided.

"But still, I must know, how is it going with my sister? Have you made any progress yet?" Dmitri asked Miguel with a sly smile.

Armel was startled to see the little daughter of Lady Abigail and Lord Arcadius stare back at him, unwavering, unafraid. He had only mean to entertain himself during this dreadful meeting, yet here he sat, rigid, as the little girl stared at him. No. No. No. You mustn't think like this. She's just a baby. She probably is staring ahead without thinking... Yet as he continued to stare back at the little girl, Armel began believing the cub was purposely staring back at him. He wanted to turn his gaze away from her, but he should not have a reason to. I just should have looked away from the start. Now I have to keep staring right back at her, he glumly thought as he wished he could sink into his chair and disappear from sight.

But then a better thought came to mind. Or a stupider one. He'd figure it out by the end of the meeting. Sitting a bit straighter, Armel continued to stare back at the little cub, but this time, he crossed his eyes. He wanted to know with what this little cub would counter. It was silly, childish, but this could prove entertaining. Many of the nobles were bored and mindlessly staring at the three males speaking before them all. Their Majesties were listening with great patience to them. His siblings weren't paying attention to anything except the sounds of their own heartbeats, he was sure of it. No one was paying any mind to what he was doing. No one, except this little girl.

Humbert watched the gathered nobles rather than listen to the usual dribble of reports. He wanted to take a walk around the perimeter to keep his body and mind busy, but he knew he could not. It was imperative for him to remain stationary, so he did. However, his gaze continued to wander around the chamber until...it landed on Prince Armel. Hum's first instinct was to laugh, and he did, quickly suppressing it with his fist. He pretended to cough as he covertly gazed over at the prince. The commander gave him a "What the Hell" look, which he returned with an apologetic one, which was difficult because of Prince Armel. It was a ridiculous look on Prince Armel's face, eyes crossed like a fool...and so normal. Hum sometime forgot the prince was still a cub.

And the prince was unfortunately a cub of the king and queen, which was why Humbert's thoughts soon returned to their serious track. He gazed around the chamber again and noticed none of the nobles were paying Prince Armel any mind, which was good for the prince. As much as Hum wanted Prince Armel to remember his place as royalty, it did not mean he wished to see him harmed as punishment for his rebelliousness. Once he felt sure no one, not Their Majesties, not the nobles, not the commander and other guards, was watching Prince Armel, Hum decided it was a good idea to track down the target of the prince's silly face. Searching the crowd of drowsy faces, Hum located one alert face. It was Lady Amaya, the daughter of Lord Arcadius, staring back at Prince Armel.

At that moment, Humbert wanted to smile because Prince Armel was finally taking an interest in cubs his age, and none more prettier than Lady Amaya, if her mother was anyone to base the judgement off of. He was fully aware that both were still far too young for anything, but he knew that if Prince Armel and Lady Amaya grew close, they would make suitable marriage partners. And if not, at least Armel would be associating himself with those of his own rank and breed because once he began socializing with one noble cub, he would socialize with the others as well. It was how life worked after all. Then Hum would never have to worry about the prince getting into any serious or scandalous trouble again.

[What a foolish thought, Humbert. So foolish.]

Bera cut off the three nobles before her, tired of listening to their poorly formed excuses and disappointing results. "Enough. By next meeting, meet your quotas and cover this month's shortcomings as well. I expect a full report by next week's end." Sighing, the queen massaged the bridge of her nose before motioning for the next disappointment to step forward...until she opened her eyes and saw it was Lord Άρκτοφόνος. Now this male was never a disappointment, in anything. He had good looks that rivaled her husband, wealth, power, prestige, an interwoven family history with her own...and sons and grandsons. Many of them, all of whom were worthy of any daughter she may bear, or that her daughters and daughter-in-laws would bear. If her next litter went well, she would have a possible marriage partner for one of Lord Άρκτοφόνος's younger sons. She had managed to snare the most troublesome and high profile families thus far with her elder cubs, now she wanted to move onto wealth and strengthening old blood ties.

[~At the training grounds.~]

Eden finished eating her meal while her daughters finished teaching the apprentice guards how to braid their hair. It was enjoyable to watch her daughters be normal cubs around these cubs. At first, the males did not think females could spar with them, and of course they learned their lesson soon after, but they were still guarded after a few fights. Now, at their current time, the cubs had accepted her cubs like sisters. It was cute. The scene kept her thinking of visiting Dr. Sammi, which she badly wanted to do, but sadly the doctor claimed to have no time for her. So, entertaining herself with her daughters' amusement was the next best thing, and it was truly fun. She wished she had this kind of time as a cub when she was young. She promised never to let her daughters experience the same terrors she did when she was their age. Eden would never let them feel objectified or useless. They were her precious daughters. She'd protect them. She'd raise them knowing they were loved with whatever choice they decided. They could love males, females, both, or neither. They could have cubs or not. They could pursue anything they liked. She would not stop them. That was what she would do.
"Princess?" Eden turned to Plucked Feather, sitting hunched over her finished meal. "Sir Steady as the Ice is late."
Eden looked around and nodded. "Then you'll just have to warm up with Broken Pines in the meantime.~"
And the instructor in question flinched at hearing his name come out of her mouth. "No thanks. I'll pass." He put up a paw as if that could produce a barrier between them.
Eden smiled without warmth in her gaze, just to scare the guard. "And what exactly makes you think you can make that decision?"
"The captain said not to let you do as you please." The guard wasn't scared of her gaze nor her verbal threat, so Eden decided to give up on the idea.
She sighed and settled back down. "He's no fun at all."

Justine  

[Loiiypop-chan]

[Yep, soon!]

Miguel looked over at Dmitri quickly at his words. "No! Sometimes I need to hear that kind of thing." He rubbed a hand through his hair shyly. "I can be over-excitable. But you didn't ruin my mood, and you're help me!" He kept taking as he plucked, and slid another bird his friend's way. "And maybe around some Nobles that might be a good idea, but never around your family, not around me." He fixed Dimitri with a hard stare. "It makes you honest, and I know you wont hold back if I come to you for advice, that I can trust what you say. It's how you are." Miguel shrugged. "It's a part of you, I don't think you should change it."

Miguel looked away then and back to his work, but froze at Dmitri's question. He stayed like that for a minute then plucked at the neck chicken more fiercely. "I am lost with what to do. I don't want to offend her again by telling her my feelings until I think I'm worthy of her, but I'm worried if I wait to long without making them clear to her, she'll be gone." He explained. "She's beautiful and intelligent, and she could easily capture another bear's heart, and I would understand if she wanted someone else... but I'd still want her to know how I felt, in case she would choose me."

Amaya watched as the little Prince stared back at her. What is he doing? His eyes were crossed. Carefully Amaya glanced over at her father to see he was not paying her any mind, and slowly stuck her tongue out at the Prince for a second, a small smile on her face. The look on his face was so funny, she giggled gently. Her father looked down at her quickly and she sobered her expression quickly, her mother's hand on her shoulder tightening, until her father looked away. When he finally did, she looked back to the Prince, and smiled again.

Fear clenched Abigail's heart as he daughter giggled. Her Father didn't look pleased, and Abigail knew she would hear of it later, whatever the cause had been.

Nanqu only grew more annoyed as Lord Άρκτοφόνος approached them to give his report. He saw the way the Lord eyes up his wife. Most male bears did, they'd have to be blind or dim-witted not to desire her, but it was the approval of the male he sensed in his wife that truly irked him. If the Lord wasn't so valuable as an asset for their offspring, he would seriously consider dealing with him.

As he talked, the King tuned him out as well, only half acting at looking interesting.  

[SnowWolf1118]

Dmitri smiled as he listened to the avalanche reassurances Miguel told him and thanked his friend. "Ha, that's a relief. I was starting to worry." He laughed and continued to do his work. He was no actor. He lacked a poker face. Fortunately, he knew how to channel his doubts into appearing like relief. Words such as those Miguel spoke were...spoken with great bias. Sometimes, Dmika saw his words did hurt friends because he was blunt. So, as fond as he was of Miguel, Dmitri could not accept his words, but it did not mean he'd let Miguel know.

Instead, Dmitri continued to steer the conversation towards the predicament Miguel was in with Justine. "You think too much, Miguel." Dmika punctuated his words by violently ripping out the intestines of the chicken Miguel had passed to him. "If you fear she will be taken away by someone, tell her your feelings now. Rid yourself of those doubts and just tell her." He concentrating on skinning the chicken while formulating his next words. Remind Miguel he still had time? No. They had short lives, time was the enemy. "Anyways, that aside, Justine is four. She is not going to be taken by anyone for awhile, Miguel. Remember? And look, I talked to Melly about it-- and he knows Justine likes you, he said it was obvious the night you three met, so don't panic about it--but he says you two need to figure yourselves out, and that Justine is too young to be an object of your affection." Dmika figured that Melly was thinking of his own sisters and other noble daughters: Married off while very young to older males. "And I think he's right, but I would like you two to find happiness with each other." He tossed the chicken to the side and worked on the next one. He was almost finished with the poultry. Just a few more left.

Armel, for a brief moment, feared his decision was idiotic when Lady Amaya turned her gaze away from him, but it was not so. He realized she was being careful of her father, and he mentally scolded himself for only thinking of himself, of how Their Majesties would punish him if he caused a scene at this meeting. He had been selfish, but as he watched as the little girl turned back towards him and stuck her little pink tongue out and smiled at him, he felt his heart swell. He had given the little cub a pleasant memory for this dreadful meeting. And, if he could tell she had giggled, even if he could not hear it. I don't ever remember giggling at her age, he thought as he winked at the cub and smiled. Again, all this went unnoticed by the dull crowd.

Then a thought occurred to Armel as he thought of what else he could do to make Lady Amaya giggle again: I wonder if Kip giggles? I don't remember Justine and them mentioning it. The male cub was born the same day as little Lady Amaya, but he imagined he was smaller and weaker than most cubs. Annabelle had mentioned it before to him, but he did not know himself. After what happened with Miguel, he dared not visit the cub nor the cub's mother. He was afraid he would give cause for Their Majesties to kill Kip. His fondness for the servants needed to be staunched like a bleeding wound. He had made that decision today, but he was not a strong bear. He was useless.

Humbert heard Lady Amaya's faint giggle in the crowd. It was barely audible, drowned out by Lord Άρκτοφόνος's booming voice. However, he had heard the young cub's giggle and thought it was sweet the prince was trying to befriend the little cub. It would definitely please Lord Arcadius, and dampen his temper, that a royal had interest in his cub. Favor from the royal family meant favor for one's entire family.

Bera wished to scold her husband for his behavior upon Lord Άρκτοφόνος taking center stage at the meeting. It was not proper for royals to behave so slovenly before possible blood-ties. She only thanked her good fortune that all those gathered did not wish to be gathered, like her husband did. However, she would soon snap them out of their placidity after the next several speakers. For now, she contently listened as Lord Άρκτοφόνος confirmed securing trade treaties and tariffs with international organizations. It ensured their kingdom could have access to medicine, supplies, and other goods normally unavailable to them in their harsh environment.

Eden

Justine  

[Loiiypop-chan]

Miguel thought for a few minutes on what Dmitri had said. "He said she likes me?" He wondered aloud. He supposed he could see it, she was one of his very best friends and cared for him when he was injured out in the cold. And could it be as easy as Dmitri said? Could he really tell her, despite not feeling worthy of her how he felt? "I can tell her..."

Amaya saw the Prince wink at her and she smiled at him. Keeping her hand down near her hip, she rotated her wrist back and forth. A secret wave.

Nanqu couldn't help but feeling grudgingly approving as Lord Άρκτοφόνος continued on with his report. Unlike the others, he had actually accomplished the orders they gave him, and a few bonuses. He had to admit that he hated the bear as a rival male, but having him as a relative... no, he would still hate him, but it might be beneficial none-the-less.  

[SnowWolf1118]

Dmitri grabbed another chicken and began cleaning it while Miguel thought over what had been said. Surely, he would come to realize he needed to take action, just so he could stop the doubts and uncertainty from taking over. Yet Miguel always managed to surprise him. "...Really?! Is that all you've got to say?" Dmika tossed the chicken into his pile and threw his hands up in the air. He was a calm bear by nature, tranquil as his name, yet this was too much for a four year old.

Sighing, Dmitri placed his hands on his hips and firmly told Miguel his final thoughts on the manner. "Melly said she talks about you the way she talks about tapioca pudding, which she loves, so you put two and two together. She's still not mature enough for a romantic relationship, but you may as well let her properly know your feelings so she can decide once she's ready what she wants to do with her life." And with that, he returned to the last chicken and cleaned it in fuming silence. Honestly, Miguel was older than him by a few years. He needed to be more decisive. For everyone's sake, he needs to decide his course.

Armel felt his heart swell at the secret exchange he had created with Lady Amaya. She was only a toddler, but she was pleasant company nonetheless. Just a small smile makes me feel less anxious, he thought as he smiled back and returned the wave with a small one of his own. Lord Άρκτοφόνος was doing a great job of distracting everyone with his report, so Armel felt both he and Lady Amaya were safe from notice.

Humbert continued to watch the exchange between Prince Armel and Lady Amaya, finding elusive smiles from both cubs and secret hand waves between them. If the prince continued this behavior, he could reform himself into a proper noble and gain Their Majesties' approval.

Bera happily listened to Lord Άρκτοφόνος and applauded him once he finished his report. "As usual, you never fail the crown, Lord Άρκτοφόνος," she said as she held her hand out for him.
The lord readily obliged and approached her, kneeling on one knee before her. "I live to serve the crown, my queen," said the lord as his breath tickled the back of her hand before his lips grazed her skin. He truly was a fine specimen.

And Bera knew Nanuq knew so as well when Lord Άρκτοφόνος came over and knelled before him as well. Fine specimens knew how to keep alive after all. How else were they to survive?

[So, I was thinking we should time skip to the last issue of the meeting, and I was thinking the last issue should be...taxes. Specifically, taxes that the First's family has been avoiding or refusing to pay on the basis that it was their ancestor that allowed the all to live so comfortably. And other political garbage. What do you think?]

Eden was beginning to lose her patience as she waited for Sir James to return when she had an idea. "Rolling Stone, find Rubble if Steady as the Ice isn't here within the next ten minutes. He can spar with both of you. At the same time." Spiteful. Petty. Spoiled. Call her whatever, but she hated waiting on others.

Justine