Augustus did not answer at first. He stared at the spot where the queen had stood, both bewildered and fuming. Furious, was how he wanted to respond. Dismayed, embarrassed, and…apprehensive. The meeting had done nothing to assuage his fears that the queen was not acting with the strength and decisiveness required. In fact, it had only exacerbated them.

“We have a difficult task ahead of us,” Augustus eventually said, turning to Scout and Tybalt (should he still be there), “And I fear that in climbing this mountain, the queen has chosen a path that will not bring us over it.”

It was a charitable way of saying he disagreed, couched in metaphor. The prince would then turn to Tybalt. “The queen will work with the Arynnnites to arrange the Eldouir’s trial, but beyond that, I remain unclear as to what our marching orders are. As far as I’m concerned, maintaining law and order is our primary responsibility.” He started to pace, as was his habit.

“Any non-essential nobles at the palace should be asked to return to their estates. If the Eldouir were to make an attack, it wouldn’t do for the palace to be filled with them. As for Allemeade Keep, the gifted should be encouraged to flock there. If they are in one place, they can be monitored…particularly by your men. As for the rest…” Augustus paused, turning to both Scout and Tybalt.

“The queen is offering safe harbor to the gifted in Nevermere. I maintain that the gifted are a problem of Lorendale, not a thing to be made a Nevermerean asset. I ask that the Legionnaire patrol the countryside with collars at the ready. Between Lorendale and Nevermere. If gifted are found making the passage to Rainecourt Keep…they should be redirected to Allemeade Keep or apprehended. Make whatever excuses you need to—manufacture whatever crimes. The gifted stay in Lorendale until we can set things right…but do so quietly.”

The queen is young. Augustus hadn’t stopped to realize just how often he’d uttered those same words to give reasoning or excuse. He supposed he was guilty in that regard. She’d been a good ruler in times of peace, but it is in times of strife that one’s leadership is truly tested. This was Iliana’s moment…and, Augustus thought, perhaps his as well. Him, and the others in this room.

Augutustus looked at Scout first, and I doubt she’d see the shadow of dissapointment in his features. He thought to say something, pausing, but did not. He turned to Tybalt instead, softening.

“We are not traitors, commander. The king had deputized me to provide for the kingdom’s security during her illness. That authority has not been revoked, nor her illness overcome. I am acting within the power and according to the task that was given to me. If the queen does not like how it is done, I will take full responsibility. Until then, she needn’t be involved in this matter. Her focus must be on the Eldouir trial.” Augustus started pacing again.

“Your plan is a sound one, commander. I had an agreeable meeting with the Allemeade, but you are the most trusted face. He seems a reasonable man—perhaps he will see the wisdom in this.” He scratched his beard.

“Simon Mikaels is not a fugitive on the run. He had skilled troops that go unused…I will send word. They should be absorbed into the Legioniarre and paid accordingly.”

Augustus nodded. He agreed: there was no choice. Augustus had power, power that could be put uselessly to the side when he knew what needed to be done. Or, he could step into the authority he’d been given by birth, and act in the best interests of his kingdom—consequences be damned.

“Honesty makes for true allies,” Augustus said, “We should be candid with him. From our last conversation, it seemed he too thought gifteds should remain in Lorendale and not be scared from their homes. He agreed to have the Keep visited by the crown. I had thought to go myself with Florina Bellerose, who has recently been invited to take up the position of advisor of gifted. However, perhaps it would be best if you accompanied Lady Belrose instead. Have a frank discussion with him.” He frowned a little, thinking about the offer of the troops, before nodding.

“Let’s keep them among those Marshals we can trust. I’d like the bulk of them to be absorbed by the Zak Army, if your wife is agreeable.” He then looked at Scout Kane. Though his gaze was still sharp, his words were gentle.

“Lady Kane, you needn’t stay if these are matters you’d rather not involve yourself with. I would understand.” Whether he would or not, however, was unclear. It was also entirely possible that the question was a sort of a test—it had that air about it.

“Agreed,” Augustus nodded, “I will call for Countess Belrose in short order so you two can made ready. I’ll send word to Remiel Allemeade, and inform him you’ll be arriving in two days’ time. There’s one other that I will send with you, though I shall have to determine whether or not she will be agreeable.” Augustus himself hadn’t settled on it just yet. He would have to see.

“I am happy to provide resources to Allemeade Keep to expand in whatever way the Marquis sees fit, so long as he remains cooperative.” Augusts said, “As for Duke Mikael’s forces…I believe it is precisely that reason Felicity Zane is a suitable home for them. They will have just been stripped of their employer. If they have anti-gifted inclinations, best to change their environment by degrees. So long as your wife is ready, I believe her evident…skepticism for gifteds will build the trust needed for their reassignment to be successful.”

The prince, of course, had other reasons but he kept them to himself at present.