Cordelia stood in silence, listening to the others talk, Ophelia in particular. She didn't have anything to add for now.

There was a reason why for so long Sylas had focused his energy on enchantments on not in diving deeper into the politics game. He was a man who liked control. He could control what he was doing but when other people were brought into the mix it was always messy. Now, however, it was time to change.

He did appreciate Ophelia's moves to work together, it was something and for now that was all they needed. It was too soon for much else. Hearts to heavy and emotions to high to successfully work at anything more conflicting. He gave her a nod and attempted a gentle smile but even smiling was unnatural for him and he wasn't sure how it would come across. "I'll begin work on something right away." The wall had been a good idea but it had taken too long to complete. Perhaps it was time to use an enchantment that would close their borders to unexpected visitors. The sooner the better.

He looked to his mother as she spoke and nodded thoughtfully in agreement. Terra Nova seemed to underestimate Arynn Frey and what they were capable of. Maybe it was time to prove them all wrong and show them why they had remained free from foreign attack in so long.

“The project is underway,” Ophelia said, though mentally making a note to assess just what meant. It wasn’t entirely clear to her just how far her husband had progressed, “But until we can be confident they are well-equipped, we cannot afford to gamble. It is not just the palace that needs security, the cities too. We cannot leave them vulnerable to better fortify ourselves.” Ophelia was gentle, pleading even, as she spoke to Kimora.

“Akagi has already allowed witches into Nevermere to train your peacekeepers,” Which was true. There were far more than just a few witch guards in Arynn Frey per the king’s request, “Providing more support to them would hasten the time when Arynnite troops could be sufficiently equipped to defend the kingdom and support would no longer be necessary.” Ophelia’s eyes were wide as she implored her mother-in-law.

“It is no weakness to depend on one’s allies. Nevermere has accepted your aid in fortifying Skia,” She indicated to Sylas, “Allow my brother to return the favor. I would much rather risk being seen as weak in the pursuit of strength than made a fool holding to pride alone.”

Ophelia hoped it would not come to her citing the failure of the wall in addition to the recent breach. To say that Arynn Frey was capable of defending itself at present without aid was, in her mind, out of touch with the present circumstances. There was too much they stood to lose. The Eldouir had already taken over one kingdom…who was to say they would not seek another with far greater appeal?

Sylas met his mother's eye and though his expression remained unchanged he did straighten his shoulders slightly. He was not overly thrilled with this situation either but if there was one thing that was true of Arynnites it was that time was not as rushed here as it was in other Kingdoms. When you lived so long there was little use for rushing decisions. Still, time would matter here. They must act before the threat was at their door once more.

He gave a brief nod as his mother finished speaking but said no more himself. Things needed to be done in order, and first was saying goodbye.