Grandstand

Louise helps Henrietta to her seat as she hopelessly sits and holds her face in her hands. The Princess had just attended a meeting to discuss the latest attack on Antomiers... Henrietta had wanted to immediately declare war against the rebels of Albion, but her attempts were all rebuffed by the Council, more specifically, General Gramont and his cronies.

Apparently, the reason they were unable to take 'such drastic actions' against the rebels was that there was no solid proof that the rebels were actually responsible. As Gramont's words stated, 'We do not know if it was the rebels, or the Loyalists that are responsible'.

Of course, this was a blatant lie, if not that, a disregard of the truth... Communications between the Royal family and Tristain had been cut off for a while now. The rebels had taken over every port on Albion and hidden many spies in ports of other countries. This made it impossible to open up talks with whoever was remaining on the Loyalist side.

Henrietta had argued that Tristain still had an alliance with Albion, but General Gramont rebuffed her again, stating "Our agreement dictates that we assist one another against outside threats. The civil war is an internal one, thus, we have no cause for action!".

She'd looked for her mother to take control of the situation, but she continued allowing these clearly corrupt nobles to abuse their positions and allow their closest ally to slowly perish. Henrietta's insistence on helping Albion had actually become a point of contention, the council stating that her feelings for her childhood friend, Prince Wardes, was getting in the way of her duties.

At that point, Henrietta couldn't bear it anymore and left the war room, for fear of her emotions getting the better of her and making her do something stupid... Like, behead that greedy, corrupt Gramont!

Louise wasn't unaffected by everything either, as the news they received also included mentions of her 'False Familiar', which stated that Michael had burnt down a large portion of the city prior to the terrorist attack. She didn't believe it for one second, as Michael was just a fifteen year old who'd be unwillingly forced into this world by her. He was younger than her! Yet they continue to pile on random crimes under his name.

She refused to believe that her familiar was the one responsible for the fire... Even if there was reportedly large orange snakes that matched the colour of her familiar's peculiar magic. It was very likely just lies to ruin her reputation further, indirectly harming the Princess as well due to their close relationship.

Louise sits beside Henrietta and wraps an arm around her shoulder, "Henri, don't worry... I'm sure we can fix this somehow."

Henrietta shakes her head, "No... There is nothing we can do. The Council refuse to act, and even if they do eventually decide to assist Albion, it'll be too late to save Prince Wales... I think that they are going to allow the country to destroy itself, before claiming the territory for Tristain..." she explains, knowing that Tristain would be in the best position for it, as well have the best cause due to the Albion royalties relationship with Tristain.

Louise frowns, her hatred of the council growing the more she learns of them. From her short time observing the meetings, it was very clear that each member had their own goals that they unashamedly pursue, even at the detriment of the kingdom as a whole. "P-perhaps you could dispatch some men secretly to assist Prince Wales?"

Henrietta shakes her head, "No... Any presence of the Tristain military in Albion would cause Gallia and Germania to start probing our territory. Antomiers was also our only city that had Airships capable of reaching Albion, without it, we'd need to use another country's to reach Albion..." she states, and it was obvious to both of them that sending your military into another country would only end in disaster, both politically and militarily.

Henrietta rests her head against Louise as a stray tear trails down her cheek, "M-my mother... She has opened talks with Germania... She intends to marry me to Emperor Albrecht III of Germania." she admits, spitting her to-be-husband's name with venom. The man had gained a reputation for being cruel during the elective period to decide the Emperor. He'd allegedly imprisoned any potentially harmful rival, while threatening their families.

Not to mention the fact that he was far, far older than she was. The only reason Albrecht was even agreeing to such a union was because of his interest in her. Tristain had nothing else to offer aside from her hand. It was with this understanding that her mother disregarded her wishes and proposed such a marriage anyway.

"N-no... Her Majesty would never do such a thing!" Louise stutters out, unwilling to believe that the Queen would be so uncaring.

Henrietta shakes her head, "It's true... There's nothing that can be done, but... Before it is made official I need to get a message to Prince Wales. I am going to send Sir Wardes to deliver it." she states, inwardly grimacing at Louise's scowl.

"Him!?" Louise quickly retorts, having made clear her dislike of the man many times... She and Wardes had been engaged at one point, but after hearing of her lack of magic, he'd broken it off and started a relationship with some lower Baroness.

She was tempted to announce her status as a void mage to rub it into his face of course, but Henrietta absolutely refused to allow such a thing. For very obvious reasons.

Henrietta nods, "Despite your dislike of Sir Wardes, he has proven himself to be very capable and loyal throughout the years he has served the crown. If anyone was suitable for such a task, it would be him... And before you ask, no, I will not allow you to carry the letter." she preemptively states, knowing that Louise was willing to throw herself into a fire if Henrietta truly asked for it.

"Hnnnn-n-n-n... Very well, Princess." Louise moodily says, crossing her arms and slouching in her chair.

Henrietta can only smile at her friend's antics, her previously depressive state improving minutely. "Let's forget politics for now... Why don't we head into town, just you and I?"

Louise's mini tantrum instantly ends as she brightly smiles, "Yes, Princess!"