18 Broken Exchanges (1/2)

In a rare occurrence, Lady Ilse forced herself to rein in her initial reactions after hearing the Lord General's words. Surprise or anger, no matter how justified, would have no place here if it came from her. Swallowing, she instead showed a smile that did not reach her wide-open eyes.

”How strange,” she said. ”I cannot see how she would not want it as much as we all do – like you, she must be wanting it even more. It wasn't only a Prince or a General she lost, Dieter was her brother first and foremost. Did the Queen say in her own words that there will be no war?”

Lord Alfwin met the Lady's intent stare for a moment then looked away.

”It is only court speculation,” he answered. ”The Queen's been rejecting every draft of the declaration. I… I've only just arrived from my domain, Lady Ilse. I heard this rumor after I had just seen my son…” The man paused. Just when Lady Ilse thought he might not continue, he rubbed tiredly at his face while leaning back in his chair, as close as he was going to come to letting go of himself. ”Forgive me, I was not meaning to criticize or confront the Queen. I read the last draft – it looked sound to me. I only wanted a direct clarification of her reasons for not approving it.”

Lady Ilse shook her head. ”You know there's nothing to forgive, Lord General. Now I rather suspect she is merely waiting to hear input from you.” After considering for a moment, she asked, ”Will you please let me talk to her first?”

It was a question that only had one answer. Lord Alfwin nodded, then he sighed and rubbed his face again. ”That might be for the best.”

”Thank you,” Lady Ilse replied, the picture of graciousness as she next inquired if the Lord had already sent for refreshments. She told her maid to order a cart for them when the man simply shook his head. Before the tea and light snacks arrived, she broached the thorny topic of where his wife was at the moment.

'Who was she with when her husband is here?' she nearly went ahead and asked.

She was extremely glad she didn't when Lord Alfwin answered, ”With Lothar.”

After a respectful pause during which she also wrestled with her sympathetic feelings, Lady Ilse asked after his second child's readiness to assume the eldest's vacated position.

With a little more life behind his eyes, the Lord General nodded. ”Sieglind is equal to the challenge.”

”Sieglind?” said Lady Ilse. ”A daughter? Forgive me, Lord General, I thought your second child is also a son.”

”Theodar. He and his sister are twins. My daughter was born first.”

As Lady Ilse was expressing her understanding, their refreshments arrived. By silent and mutual accord, the man and woman used this as an excuse to suspend further conversation.

Freed to think on the subject, Lady Ilse wondered: what in the world were both her nieces doing? The younger had seemed intent to throw away her life a few days ago, now the elder, who should be exponentially more sensible, seemed intent to throw away her power. The Lady doubted that that was really Queen Heloise's goal, but her apparent refusal to put an official seal to the highly anticipated declaration of war would lead anyone to think so.

For more than a decade, the Queen had been sitting on the throne. In that time, her people had very rarely seen her step a toe out of line – in any matter. She had thus far been the embodiment of a careful ruler, and the biggest complaint her critics had of her was this same carefulness: she'd usually take her time before coming to an important decision, and it was only after consulting with everyone whose opinions on a given issue would have weight.

To actually dally about making a decision about THIS war… as far as everyone else was concerned, it was never a question of whether it would happen or not, it was a question of how soon.

When her people were clamoring as one for the same thing and she refuses…

Whatever her reasons might be, nothing would be good enough. Even Lady Ilse thought so, though of course, she'd stand behind her niece whatever happens. Of course.

She let out an audible sigh when an attendant arrived, announcing that the Queen would now see the next person.

”My deepest sympathies once again, Lord General,” she said as she stood.

Also standing, the man murmured with a parting bow, ”Lady.”

If he raised his head again afterwards, Lady Ilse did not see it.

***