Chapter 8: Changing Tempos

Jaden watched the milling people from the mezzanine of the banquet room. He imagined the members of the two courts as pawns in a game with more rules and loopholes than any board game.

Ah, the banquet room. A haven from the war where the nobles and highborn drank heavily and strutted about bedecked in their most elegant finery.

Sure, there were fewer guests, less variety in the food and the drinks of lesser and lesser vintage, but from all appearances, the courts continued on with life as usual. If you had only attended the endless soirées and balls, you would have a difficult time believing there was a war being fought outside the Ambassadorial Halls. More political deals and defeats happened in the ballroom’s revelry than in the Meeting Halls.

His assistant, Casper, joined him from the servant’s entrance. Had Jaden not known him since he was a young boy, he may have assumed the well-dressed older gentleman was a duke of a province or a lord of industry and not the right-hand man of a spymaster. “We have the support of a little over a quarter of the noble and highborn, with a little under a quarter against it.”

“That leaves half still undecided.” Jaden took a sip of a sweet alcoholic Elementi drink and once again thanked the moons that the Taj had catered this event. He hoped he would have more opportunities to sample their sweet, spicy and delicious variety of cuisine during the alliance talks.

“Taja Sihara Dayal, dottir of the Taj of the United Republics of Elementi accompanied by Sikar Sebastian Vaugen of the Etanian Republic of Elementi.” The doorman announced in a tired tone even though the event had only just begun.

Jaden watched Sihara flitted through the crowd, a natural diplomat. “Have we counted the ladies of the court in our tally?”

“The Mineralite women, yes.”

“Send out opinion ballots to the women of the Elementi court.”

Casper hesitated, “The added expense may not make a difference.”

“It does three things. One, it shows the Elementi women that the Mineralites do not treat them with disrespect as their own countryman do. Two, just because a woman does not have authority, does not mean she does not have political power and sway especially over her husband. And three, they may be more open and knowledgeable about the challenges we are facing and give us an advantage that no one else has.”

“Very well.” Casper scribbled a note in his little black book.

“Lord Ambassador Kern Calstein of Minerale accompanied by Lady Ambassador Vivica Calstein of Minerale.” The doorman offered a much more enthusiastic announcement of his parents.

“Do you wish to make another investment in maintaining their reputation?”

“Do I need to?”

Casper inclined his head, “I would recommend it.”

Jaden nodded. “I will not let lies impede progress. My father’s work on the alliance is more important than things he may or may not have done in the past as an archeologist.”

“Representative Rafael Kaur from the Etanian Republic of Elementi accompanied by Kamdara Lucia Kaur from the Etanian Republic of Elementi.” There was a momentary pause in conversation before Rafael and Kamdara Lucia were dismissed as unimportant.

“Rafael Kaur; democratically appointed people’s representative. Hard to sway with promises of power. We are not sure if he is a supporter or an opponent. We assume he will use the alliance to push his agenda of better rights for workers.”

“And the Kamdara?” Jaden set his empty glass down and gripped the edges of the trellis.

“The last born of a uninfluential family, she holds no obvious power over the court.” Casper took Jaden’s empty drink and handed it to a passing servant. “It is time we joined the crowd below. I was hoping Lady Josephine would join you sooner rather than later. She softens your image.”

“Trying to make me more approachable?”

“If possible, sir.”

Jaden descended the stairs and made his way towards Rafael. He offered his hand. “Representative Rafael.”

Rafael grasped his hand and grinned, “Ah, so the infamous Lord Jaden is the first one to give me a proper greeting. What do you think about that, dearest?”

The Kamdara sniffed, holding her handkerchief to her nose.

Rafael chuckled, “You know, your fellow countrymen do not speak highly of you.”

Bile rose in Jaden’s throat, but he clipped off a curt smile. “Oh?”

“I’ll tell you a secret.” Rafael looked both ways and leaned in, “I never take a noble’s word about someone’s character, if you know what I mean. I’ve felt the sting of a few gross exaggerations. I like to judge for myself.”

Jaden took an instant liking to the jovial representative, “And how do I fare in your judgment?”

“After all you have done for your people and mine? You fare quite well! Indeed, I see a fellow innovator.” Rafael punctuated his pronouncement with a hearty slap to the back which knocked the breath out of Jaden’s lungs. “You seem like a man with a strong sense of right and wrong. Not because you think you are superior, but because others have treated you just as poorly as, well, ‘the poor’.”

Rafael raised his eyebrows. “It’s amazing. The same people who treated me like I was nothing before, now greet me with smiles and gifts full well expecting me to forget the ‘unfortunate incidents’ in the past. The look on their faces when they realize I will not forget how they treat people they think are less significant and I am here to stir up trouble as to bring about actual change, well, those looks keep me going.”

Jaden laughed, “It is heartening to meet a person who compares our similarities rather than our differences.”

“Isn’t that the first rule of forging an understanding between two people?”

Jaden’s surprised must have registered on his face because Rafael chuckled.

“Your father isn’t the only one with a background in mediation. I got my start with negotiating better fairer work contracts with the Kamdars and the landlords for the farmers and industry workers.”

Jaden took the opportunity provided to ask about the alliance. “What challenges are we facing with this alliance talks? Another perspective is always helpful.”

“You aren’t going to get many complaints from the workers. We have been wondering why you don’t get your collective heads out of your…”

At this point, Kamdara Lucia swatted her husband’s shoulder.

Rafael offered a cheeky smile. “On the Elementi side, you are mostly dealing with generational grudges. There are two people you are going up against. Power sensitive highborns who don’t want to lose control over their land and money sensitive highborns who don’t want invest their money in a cause they don’t think they can win. Phrasing is important and so is a reassurance that things will get better. Plans on how we intend to win the war, showing them real-world examples of how it could work, would go a long way.”

“It’s good to know we have the support of the people.” Jaden accepted a small pastry from a passing server.

Kamdara Lucia spoke up, “A reminder that the Elementi highborn will have to go back and face angry workers if they do not agree to the alliance may help sway some lower highborn. I know a few highborn whose wives have complained about their husband’s precarious hold on their landlords.”

Jaden had to suppress the urge to turn to Casper and say ‘I told you so’. Lucia had much to offer the alliance and the network of women could hold much sway over the proceedings.

Rafael nodded, “If I had my wish, we would have the Peacekeepers do an audit of the estates. Something quiet, under the guise of something else. Because let me tell you, I’ve seen some scary things out there. Some people hoard resources in fear they will become scarce, therefore making the resource scarce. It could solve a lot of our problems if we knew the cards before they put them on the table.”

“Grand Admiral Gunter Ragös of Minerale accompanied by Lady Greta Veersea of Minerale.” The doorman announced the admiral of the Minerale armed forces and the strongest supporter of the formation of the alliance.

Casper tapped his shoulder.

Jaden smiled courteously, “Excuse me, my assistant trying to get my attention.”

“No, it’s fine! You should be glad he interrupted me. Once I get going, there is no stopping me.” Rafael shook his hand once more, “Thank you for hearing me out.”

Casper whispered to Jaden, “It would do you good to be seen speaking to Lord Gunter. We want those who support the alliance to feel noticed and important. Lady Greta is from a powerful province and is posed to inherit her mother’s position as the Duchess.”

Jaden grabbed a drink for Gunter and walked to where the admiral was standing. “Grand Admiral, a drink to fortify yourself for the coming battle.”

A glimmer of humor twinkled in the Admiral’s eye, and he accepted the straight glass of burr. “Many thanks. How fares the battle?”

“We have the support of a quarter of the noble and highborn, the stern disapproval of another quarter and about half that are undecided.”

“Then the odds are in our favor.” Lady Greta smiled, declining a drink from a passing server. “Just wait until we start the talks tomorrow, I’m sure those numbers will change for the better.”

“Any assistance or reassurances you can provide would be much appreciated.” Jaden addressed the both of them. “They give your word additional weight.”

“Lord Neron Harken, Duke of the Harken province.” The doorman announced.

“The Harken province is important and has the loyalty of many of the lesser provinces.” Casper noted. “We have yet to receive an answer on his support or dissent on the alliance.”

“He comes unaccompanied.” Lady Greta pointed out. “For a married man, that could be a sign of the weakness of his marriage or of his wife’s disapproval.”

Jaden noticed Taja Sihara leave her friend and stride with purpose to Lord Neron’s side. It was good to know he was not alone in the fight.

“Lady Josephine Ragös of Minerale, accompanied by Lord Ragös of Minerale.” The doorman announced.

Jaden took his leave of the couple and made his way over to where Lady Josephine and her father stood greeting the Taj and his wife.

“She is the second Mineralite, other than your father, to seek them out first.” Casper noted, a pleased tone creeping into his voice.

Jaden cleared his throat. “And who was the first?”

Casper replied with just a hint of dry humor. “Lady Emera.”

Figures.

Jaden waited for Josephine to finish speaking with the Taj before getting her attention, “Lady Josephine.”

Josephine turned at the sound of his voice and smiled. “Father, this is Lord Jaden Calstein, the son of the Lord Ambassador.”

Jaden shook Lord Ragös’ hand and almost winced at his strength.

“You can count on our support of the alliance. The king sees this as the best way for Minerale to make the long overdue exit out of this conflict.” Lord Ragös spoke loud enough for the Taj to hear him.

Something about Josephine’s smile and the look of approval her father gave him made him inwardly sigh. He would either have to propose or break it off now that things had gotten serious. His Scarlet Society had enough on their plates. He wouldn’t add the trouble of protecting another family.

The musicians tuned the instruments and played a refrain of the tune from one of the traditional Mineralite dances. A clever move, the first dance of the Elementi hosted soirée would be a Mineralite one.

“I should find your mother, I would upset her if I didn’t ask her to dance.” Lord Ragös patted his daughter’s hand.

“Shall we?” Jaden offered his hand.

Josephine shook her head, “Perhaps the next one? I could use a drink.”

Jaden raised an eyebrow, and they headed for the bar. “Family troubles?”

“No, thank the Creator. The workers representatives called an emergency meeting shortly before the start of the event. They intended on making us miss this event as some sort of power play. I thought it was sheer luck that Father was able to find a resolution so quickly, but it turns out he just agreed to all of their terms.” Josephine confided in a hushed voice.

Jaden ordered a drink with a name he couldn’t pronounce.

Josephine ordered a straight shot of burr.

“That bad?”

Josephine nodded, “It will be a miracle if we can make a profit next quarter.”

“Lord Jaden Calstein.” Emera spoke his name in a sultry voice. Her short black hair, pale skin and blue eyes marked her as a fine specimen of Mineralite genetic alteration. Beautiful as set forth by the fashions and fads of the Mineralite court.

“Lady Emera Wern.” Jaden inclined his head in a small bow. “I must introduce you to my companion, Lady Josephine Ragös.”

Josephine curtsied, but Emera offered her only a nod in return.

Jaden glanced at the crowd, “I haven’t seen your father, Lord Wern, recently. How is he doing these days?”

“Much better.” Emera smiled. Her silver dress glimmered in the light. “The doctor says he should recover within the year, but you’ll be seeing more of me.”

Doubtful, that dress doesn’t leave much to the imagination.

Emera waved off a servant offering drinks, “My father says I’ve done such a good job improving relations with his allies, he wouldn’t dream of taking me off the job.”

“Oh, that’s great news. I’ve always thought you were the best option.” Josephine admitted.

“I suppose I should get used to calling you Lady Wern.” Great, that made her the third most powerful woman in all of Minerale, right behind the queen and his mother, the Lady Ambassador. If he couldn’t stand the pressure to marry her now, just want till his family heard about this.

The musicians finished the first lively dance with a flourish and started up with a slow dance.

“They are preparing for the second dance. Might I steal your companion away Josephine?”

Jaden shook his head. He was not interested in being any closer to Lady Emera than he already was. “Forgive me, Lady Emera, but I have promised my first dance to Josephine, maybe the next one.”

Emera’s smile sharpened into something deadly and unkind, “Of course, I do not wish to cause a political misshape over a simple dance.”

Jaden led Josephine over to the dance floor. He moved to the music without a second thought. Jaden had experienced more than a little cultural shock after his father had to take over the position of the Lord Ambassador of Minerale. After his parents had sent him to that awful boarding school, the knowledge of how to act, what to do, how to speak, when to speak, and what to say had been burned into him. His manners were just an act, a theater play to which he had learned all the lines.

“We could be in trouble with Lady Emera over that move, you know.” Josephine frowned. “I’m not sure how much longer my reputation can handle being your shield against the desperate ladies of the court.”

“You have no idea how much I appreciate your help.” Jaden surveyed the dance area and noticed Sihara was speaking heatedly with Sebastian. He could not make out the words, but they were beginning to make a scene.

Josephine glanced in the direction he was looking, “Shall we go smooth over that argument before it ruins the evening?”

Jaden nodded. “We could offer to switch partners, so they have a moment to cool off.”

They danced towards the arguing couple. “Sikar, let’s not ruin this evening with an argument. Shall we trade partners?”

“You stay out of this, boy!” Sebastian turned toward Jaden with an accusatory finger. “I have had just about enough of your interfering!”

Jaden blinked. What in the Zephyr? “I do not know what you are talking about.”

Sebastian sneered. “I know what you are trying to do. Trying to get close to the Taj through his dottir.”

Jaden lowered his voice, “What I’m trying to do is make sure you don’t make a scene and ruin this nice evening for everyone.”

“Oh, right, like I’d believe that. You think you are so clever, don’t you? Well, you don’t fool me! Come with me, Sihara and we will finish this conversation privately.”

“I think I’d rather clear my head and get some fresh air.” Sihara’s voice trembled.

What had happened between the two of them?

Sebastian made a grab for her arm and she flinched.

Someone cleared their throat and Jaden turned to see the Taj. Thank the Creator, he had been seconds away from doing something he might regret later.

“I don’t know if you heard her, but I believe my dottir said she would like to get some fresh air. Why don’t you let the lady clear her head while I get you a drink, and we talk for a moment?” The Taj beckoned Sebastian to follow him.

Sihara made her exit onto one of the empty balconies adjutant to the banquet halls.

The Taj addressed the room, “Please continue in your festivities, this matter will be resolved privately.”

Sebastian followed the Taj with a defeated slump to his shoulders.

The musicians changed their tune to something upbeat and decidedly Elementi.

Jaden cleared his throat, “Shall we try another dance?”

Josephine shook her head and a strand of hair broke loose from her updo. “I’m not familiar with the Elementi dance. I should find something to eat and sit down for a bit. That burr isn’t sitting well with me.”

“Let’s find you a place to sit, and I’ll bring you a plateful of food.” As soon as she was settled, Jaden waited in line and filled the plate with salty seed crackers, a cupful of mild egg soup and a few savory cheese and herb biscuits. Satisfied he had taken care of her immediate needs, Jaden promised he would be back in time for the last dance.

“You should speak with Lord George, Duke of Kasel.” Casper appeared at his side in an instant like a phantom. It used to startle him, the way Casper would just be there whenever he needed him, but now it would be more surprising if he wasn’t there.

“He is the one that recently survived an assassination attempt, right?” Jaden scratched his chin. “Do we know who paid for the assassin?”

Casper tapped the cover of his book, “No, but we are close to learning their identity. It does not seem to be an Animalian sponsored attempt.”

Jaden waited until the man was alone. “Lord George.”

Lord George made a startled noise and almost spilled his drink. “Lord Jaden, what might I do for you?”

“I heard about the attempt on your life.” Jaden offered a sympathetic smile. “I’d be a little on edge, too.”

George scoffed, “I’m sure you’ve heard about it.”

Jaden put his hands up, “I had nothing to do with it.”

His eyes narrowed, and he pointed an angry finger in Jaden’s direction. “The attempt came an hour after I posted my answer to your ballot.”

“The office of the Lord Ambassador sent the ballot, and even I am not allowed to review the votes.”

George rolled his eyes. “I was undecided before, but if this is the way you and your father go about getting things done around here, you can be rest assured that I will not be signing the alliance.”

Jaden sighed. What he wouldn’t give for a shot of burr and a chance to start over. “If someone has made an attempt on your life and failed, your son may be their next target. He is off at the Peak Boarding School, isn’t he?”

George stood straighter and narrowed his eyes.

“It is a good school, I attended there myself. I send a substantial donation to the school, as many lords and counts do, to make sure it maintains a high quality education for our children.”

“Are you trying to threaten the safety of my son?” His voice deepened, and his face flushed.

Jaden shook his head, “I am not like the other Mineralite nobles. I would never threaten the life and safety of a child.”

George’s shoulders slumped. “What am I supposed to do about it? No one, not even a duke like me, has the funds to hire personal guards. I can only hope he will be safe in the stronghold of the mountains.”

“I have contacts inside the school that can ensure your son’s safety.” Jaden had him right where he wanted him. “No child should have to live in fear that an assassin might show up at their bedside.”

George said nothing for some time, just stared out the window at the sight of the twin moons. When he spoke, the words were barely above a whisper. “What do you need from me?”

“I need you to fight for your son’s future. For the future of all Mineralite children.” Jaden fought to keep his voice low. “Help me bridge the gap between us and the Elementi and fight for the alliance.”

George turned to look at Jaden, his face ashen. “And if we fail?”

“If we fail, your son still gets my protection as long as you promise you will fight against the Animalians,” Jaden paused, licking his dry lips, “And not join them.”

George put a hand over his heart, “I swear by the Creator, I will fight for the alliance and fight against the Animalians to my dying breath.”

Jaden smiled, “I will send a message to my contacts right away.”

“Thank you.” George grasped Jaden’s hand.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I loved writing this chapter from Jaden's perspective! It's interesting how people can see the same scene and make a different conclusion. 

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