Chapter 4: Iron in the blood - part 2

[al-shairan.livejournal.com]

The next day

The feast went well, all things considered, and Lord Valour seems to have made a good impression - except on the Dians, of course, but that cannot be helped. I am worried that one day their antagonism will come to open conflict, but I'm not sure how to diffuse that... I would like to speak with my aunt, but after my Council meeting this morning Valour was called away with news that Mia was once again unwell after her brief improvement last night, and so I don't want to disturb her.

The Council meeting brought me plenty to think about, in any case. We received a remarkable letter from Ladon, requesting that they may send us a diplomatic mission. We have not had diplomatic relations with Ladon in generations. It would be no bad thing, in my opinion, to find a way for our countries to cooperate, particularly with winter coming. Further economic opportunities through trade would be invaluable in a hard season. I'm not stupid, though; I know that Ladonites are a dangerous, tricky people, and their abominable faith is rightly disliked by our populace. I have made it known to my Council that I'm in favour of a small party being given diplomatic passes into the country, but I know they will wrangle for days about the details.

I go out into the Rose Garden, where the late season blooms are faintly frosted with ice, although the frost has melted off the grass under the noon sun. It's not quite cold enough yet for the ice to stay, but I think in mere weeks there'll be snow on the ground.