Special Envoys

King Hans and Queen Elesha of Rubicund stepped into the royal parlour side by side. They were greeted by Baron Axel de Rothschild, from the Kingdom of Smaragd. He was a tall gentleman with blonde curly hair and bright hazel brown eyes, strikingly handsome features and a friendly smile. He smiled when he saw Queen Elesha recognising her after a long time. He had glimpses of her when he used to follow his father to the Weiss Court but it had been years since he had last laid eyes on her.

"Your Majesty's, it is an honour to be welcomed into the Court of Rubicund. Special Congratulations on your recent nuptials." Greeted the baron with a warm smile, King Anton and Queen Heidi send their warm regards and wish you a most harmonious union as husband and wife."

"Thank you, Baron Axel de Rothschild it is our pleasure to have you here this afternoon. Please let us proceed to the dining hall where we can discuss matters over a meal."

Queen Elesha sat on the left side of King Hans and the Baron was invited to sit on the right side.

"Queen Elesha I must say you are a beauty to be envied the rumours don't do you enough justice," said the baron.

"You are kind as you are wise, Baron," she said in reply.

"We are looking forward to continuing peaceful and prosperous relations with the Kingdom of Smaragd, as you have long been a support to both our nations without getting involved in the bloody war, a feat that is truly admirable," said King King Hans.

"I believe so, our king wishes the same as he cares very much for the people, I am proud to say this in light of your union Your Majesty's may this usher in a new glorious era for all of us," replied the baron.

Conversation and Queen Elesha listened politely taking in as much as she could as the king and the baron discussed trade and the exchange of workmanship and craftsmanship on ships and other business matters that were conducted between both kingdoms. As dessert was brought in and they ate the Black Forest cake that was served with red cherries, and cream. The baron suddenly remarked, "I had heard of the news that you were nearly poisoned, Your Majesty I send my sincerest hopes of recovery that your sister will be healed soon."

"Yes, it was a sudden incident that endangered my beloved sister's life. Which is why Axel, I was wondering if Smaragd, could offer assistance in being alert and catching anyone who could oppose our union so strongly to see me dead."

"The Kingdom of Smaragd will help anyway we can, Your Majesty."

"Is it safe to say that you could be considered an ally to the Kingdom of Rubicund and the Kingdom of Weiss?"

"That is exactly the same vision our king wanted for us, Your Majesty's I shall be glad to write to him and let him know you consider him an ally, against any other potential enemies you may have in future."

"I don't mean to pry Axel but I must ask out of curiosity, though you need not indulge me if it would put you in a difficult position."

"I am curious Your Majesty, do ask and I shall do my best to answer." He said observing her cautiously wondering what she wanted to know from him.

"How are relations between the Kingdom of Smaragd and the Kingdom of Blau?"

At this the baron's smile dropped and he looked at her tensely, "I'm afraid they are strained at best, Your Majesty for reasons I'm not sure if I should divulge, best if you had an audience with King Anton and Queen Heidi."

"You need not say more Axel, we shall formally invite King Anton and Queen Heidi for a ball that is to be held soon and if the news is true it shall be held at the grand mansion of Lady Summerset. It is to take place in two weeks. I shall write a letter and put forward an invitation for you, and the King and Queen of Smaragd. I am sure she will be ecstatic to have all of you in attendance."

"Sounds splendid, Your Majesty, I look forward to the event."

Queen Elesha later pondered that evening on what the envoy had said. She sipped at her teacup and looked through the letters that had been addressed to her. She had received one from her father and one from Mrs.Weber her informant positioned in Blau. She opened the one from Mrs.Weber first it read:

Greetings Your Majesty,

Hope all is well, I have rather stale news, I have found myself work at the household of the Walden Duke of Westphalia. The reason for choosing this household is because of the fact that his daughter Lady Clara Fischer was the our king's lover and childhood friend. I do not know if I can find anything substantial but I will do my best.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs.Weber

This was news to Queen Elesha she had not heard, Hans say anything of a Lady Clara. She would probably have to pry this from him when he was least on his guard around her. She smiled and touched her stomach, a baby was going to be born. She wanted to make sure that the world this baby was born into was safe and peaceful. She opened the next letter and was a little worried at the contents. The letter was addressed to her from her father. It read:

My Dearest Daughter,

It brings me joy to hear that your position as queen still stands and you are making us proud. You need not worry that your life has been endangered, for as we speak, I am sending in reinforcements from Weiss to aid you on your search for the killer. I am also sending out our special Envoys to represent us in kingdoms near and far. The world is now a much more peaceful place and Weiss should strive to make more friends and allies. I have positioned one in Rubicund who has been instructed to aid you in politics and economics as best as he can. He is due to arrive tomorrow with his family to serve at your court. I wish you a long and happy reign my daughter.

All my love,

Your Father.

King Theodore Wright, the Kingdom of Weiss.