Cambria was going to be a tough nut to crack, but perhaps Princess Tara (or Odina, rather) was the right tool for the job. Hadrian was a cautious man—years of military service had taught him to be so—and wasn’t ready to send Odina into action until he was entirely sure she was prepared.

So, they had to start somewhere.

Hadrian received word that Odina was waiting for him, and after wrapping up his affairs, he made his way to his office to meet her. Upon arrival, he knocked once and then opened the door, not seeing it necessary to wait. His eyes fell first on Odina and then, with some surprise, to the child at her side.

“Well, hello there.” The statement, directed toward the child, came with a raised eyebrow before he redirected his gaze to Odina.

Hadrian watched the little girl speak with something between annoyance and bemusement. Either way, a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as she laid out her reasons for being there, and he did not interrupt her. He accepted the parchment, acknowledging the girl with a slight dip of his head.

"Your service is appreciated, Cadet Ellis, and your recommendations, accepted. If you wouldn’t mind,” Hadrian glanced at Odina, “I’d like to have a word with your mother. Alone.”

"Yes Commander, thank you sir," and Vekka exited without a second word or glance at her Mother. Odina shut the door behind her daughter, "Forgive her please Commander, she's spirited especially when it comes to me or her sister's but," Odina wore a soft smile, she was a tad bit more lady like over the years in Nevermere but Odina still had the edges of a Cambrian raised Nevermeran from the slight slouch in her shoulders and how she dressed, how she sometimes crossed her arms over her chest or working at the forge, "She means well. Thank you for seeing me Commander, you are a very busy man I hear....so, I'd like to know the plan, I think we know how the women of Cambria are going to react when I assume the position of Governor in Cambria. When they are told who I am after they have known me as...who I was."

Hadrian dipped his head. He knew a thing or two about raising a spirited child. Valeria had been mouthy at that age as well—something that Hadrian, for better or worse, had encouraged. He invited Odina to take a seat before taking one himself. When the conversation turned to Cambira, Hadrian’s face became more serious, assuming the commanding presence of his position.

“The transition is one that will be handled with the utmost care,” Hadrian started, “Isolde’s followers may not be the majority, but it is clear that they are a zealous and devoted few. Before an announcement is made to Cambria as a whole, we will need to secure the priestess’s allegiance, or…” Hadrian paused, choosing his next words carefully, “Arrange for her removal.” He smiled, moving on.

“You’ll have the full support of Nevermere’s military resources in order to ensure a smooth transition. Once we are confident the region is secure, an announcement of your true identity and future role will be made in whatever manner you see fit.”