An Alliance - on Her terms ...

[DeliciousMaiden]

Closed for LordUsagi

Talia sipped at the glass, hardly noticing the effervescence of the vintage champagne with which she had been recently topped up. She walked to the window of the room that had been hastily refurbished to form the function of departure lounge for the highest dignitary of the Haskilian Cluster. She allowed a frown to furrow her brow momentarily as she took in the sight of the space ship docked beneath her vantage point. The external appearance did not promise much, yet it was a distinct improvement on the ship her advisers had initially recommended she use for her first visit to her fiance's planet. She had NO intention in travelling in a military ship no matter how secure it may be!

Smirking as she looked down at the glinting stone which adorned her finger, Talia turned it from side to side watching as the light caught on the multiple facets causing golden hues to refract from their surface. The stone was much prized in Satya, being the rarest and most costly of the gems and minerals mined on that planet. Talia knew much about the natual resources and the political organisation of the country, but this was her first journey to explore the planet of which she would become Queen. Not for the first time that day, Talia turned the weighty stone around her fine finger resisting the urge to remove the cumbersome object and noted with amusement the parallel between that pledge of marriage and the man who had offered it: His 'removal' too would be timely if things went according to her plans …

Turning in response to the entrance of an unfamiliar man, she met his arrival with a stern look.

”Your Supreme Highness … “

He addressed her obsequiously, drawing a nod of approval even as she watched him squirm anticipating bad news before he delivered it. For long moments she endured his garbled explanations which amounted to yet another delay as her security were insisting on upgrading the armoury of the space ship and briefing Captain and crew on their 'body guarding' responsibilities. On and on he continued until her patience snapped.

” … Enough!”

The single word accompanied with the gesture stopped the man in his tracks.

”These repeated delays put my person at risk more than any shortcoming of the ship that was agreed to be suitable even given that the journey be of such length into unfamiliar territory.”

Her eyes raked over the now mute individual before her.

”All I care about is that my quarters are … acceptable … “

She almost sighed having low expectations as to the level of comfort to be offered her.

” … and that I am adequately attended and my … basic needs … met.”

She took her eyes from the man and glanced around impatiently, seeking the entourage who seemed to have disappeared, allegedly to 'sort things out' after the first delay. Time enough had passed to ensure all was in order and she did not intend to wait around any longer. This visit, though planned many months ago as part of her 'strategy' had been sprung upon her governors and presented as an impulsive visit to the planet their territories were soon to be allied with. She had arranged to make a timely departure and so make it impossible for her fiance to be forewarned of her imminent arrival. This advantage would completely slip away from her if she did not take action. Drawing herself up to her full 5 ft 8 height Talia addressed the man before her.

”I am Her Supreme Highness Natalia, Princess Royal of the Haskilian Cluster and I demand to be escorted aboard MY vessel and that we depart for Satya immediately!”

The command brooked no refusal.

” … Now is that quite clear?”

 

[LordUsagi]

Deekon Tol looked at the woman who was not for all purposes his owner. It was not slavery, that had long since been abolished in the civilized arm of the galaxy. But his instructions had been clear and some one like himself who understood politics and diplomacy could see it for what it was. The Haskilian royal family had made it quite clear. He was to accompany the Princess on her journey to meet her fiancé and was to educate her in politics and diplomacy. In return he would be well enough compensated that after he tour was finished he would be able to retire and live the good life. But there was a catch, the Princess’ word was law and he was to see to her every whim without question.

Now he stood before the Princess and her ire knowing that things were not fully prepared and they still needed a few hours before they should depart, or at least according to the captain of the ship and the man who had introduced himself as the head of her security detail. Neither of them had wanted to deal with the Princess and had sent Deekon, the diplomatic expert to explain the situation. It had only been a few minutes into said explanation that Talia had voiced her disapproval.
It seemed that a lot of the stories he had heard about the Princess were true. She was demanding and expected her way all the time. She definitely seemed to have an intelligence that matched her striking beauty.

“I am … sorry … your highness,” he stammered not knowing which would be the best possible course of action to take.
Would it help laying the blame on the dock workers who had refused to move the supplies from the original ship while extra pay had been negotiated.
Was it the fault of her various handmaidens and retainers that had insisted the quarters that were being prepared would not suffice for the Princess’ needs, although Deekon suspected they were ensuring their own comforts were catered for as well.
He had been hired by her family to tutor her in politics and ensure she was capable of helping guide the most powerful alliance in this galactic arm, now he had hoped he was making the right diplomatic call.

The Princess did not care for the those beneath her so if he outed the dockworkers she would be merciless in retribution, if the rumours about her were true.
He had already experienced her dealings with her retainers when he had come across one of her handmaidens crying earlier.

He bowed deeply, “the delay was all my fault, I wanted to ensure that your comforts were sufficient to make both your journey and my lessons at least bearable.”

He straightened his posture and met her eyes, looking directly enough to show adequate respect but not staring as if to seem defiant.

“Now if you will follow me, I will take you to your quarters so you can settle in.”

He smiled briefly, “we will depart within the hour.”
It was a pleasant smile, not to broad as to be toothy but enough to dimple his experienced face. Although approaching middle age and an academic Deekon was still trim and fit that had been a result of his earlier years of military service.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Her Supreme Highness Natalia, Princess Royal of the Haskilian Cluster

“I am … sorry … your highness,”

Talia turned her back on him, wearing of apologies and not wanting to hear a catalogue of excuses.

“ … the delay was all my fault, I wanted to ensure that your comforts were sufficient to make both your journey and my lessons at least bearable.”

She turned at those words not having expected the man before her to take the blame, yet there was an anger she kept in check as she watched him She eyed him as he straightened up from his deep bow. His eyes did not evade hers and his offer for her to follow him and assurance that they would leave within the hour rankled causing her ire to overflow.

”And who exactly do you think YOU are?”

Her voice was dangerously soft as she fixed him with her hardest stare.

”You assume to impose your views upon what you believe my comforts might be, you assume to precede me to MY ship and you dare to inform me of when you believe we might depart!?!?”

She put down the glass still held in her hand and took a step towards the man before her assessing him quietly.

”Have a care Deekon Tol.”

Her voice was heavy with warning.

”Your role is to provide me with information and advice when and if I choose to ask.”

Her voice raised slightly as she continued.

”Academic you may be, but do not make the mistake of considering that I am a child to be schooled … “

The anger in her face turned to a predatory smile as her voice dropped once more.

” … or it will be YOU who will be subjected to lessons … lessons it would seem you are well in need of … “

She held the man's gaze for long seconds.

”We have wasted enough time .?”

Sweeping past him, she gave the curt instruction:

”Open!”

The door opened outwards, two guards who had been posted outside falling into line behind her one to the left, one to the right.

”My guards will accompany me to my quarters and you … “

She addressed Deekon.

”Go fetch the Captain to me. I refuse to speculate about departure times with any other but the man authorised to make that decision.”

Talia kept her face impassive as she swept onwards leaving Deekon to follow her command.

To the causal observer it would seem that the academic had escaped relatively unscathed, however Talia had already determined to mete out her own brand of 'punishment' which would not only show Deekon his place, but that there were real consequences to insulting Royalty!

Besides … if nothing else, it would make the journey tolerable and afford Talia an interesting diversion …

 

[LordUsagi]

"Shit," Deekon muttered under his breath as he watched her depart.
That had certainly not gone as he planned and now he had upset the Princess even more. As hard as he tried he could not help himself from admiring the shapely form that hastened through the door with her two guards in tow. For a brief moment he envied her fiancé, but it was only a brief moment until the memories of what had just happened returned to him.

She did not understand he had not presumed anything; he had taken control of the situation because no one else had the slightest inclination to be responsible for getting the expedition underway. Her retainers had no authority and only seemed interested in making sure her quarters were set up just right. They had even been angered when Deekon had suggested they rather stow her clothing for expedience’s sake instead of making sure everything was packed away 'correctly'. ‘The Princess’ room was to be just right’ was what he had been told and he was to leave them to do their duty. He was not to question anything, especially the chest marked PRIVATE.
Her personal guard seemed less than keen to get the expedition underway, but Deekon suspected that was due to the fact that they would be sent home once Talia fell under the protection of the Prince Regent of Satya. Those pretty boys certainly did not look forward to real soldiering.
But it was the captain who was most reluctant to initiate the journey. That was understandable considering they would be a non military vessel, traversing through dangerous space with a high valued cargo. Now he Deekon was to go and bring that same man before the Princess who was already tiring of excuses.

Setting out to find the captain he touched his hand to his ear he activated the secured comlink. He had promised to warn the handmaiden that he had encountered earlier when the Princess was boarding. She had insisted that it was imperative they be prepared for her arrival.

Deekon had arrived 30 minutes later outside the Talia’s quarters with the reluctant captain following sheepishly behind. He studied the two impressive guards that lined the side of her door, they certainly were comely and for a brief moment he wondered if the rumours about the Princess were true. There had been many such about the Princess Royal Natalia, that she could be very cruel. And that the reason all her guardsmen were so striking was that she used them as entertainment for her and her loyal retainers.
Please inform the Princess that Captain Maaks has arrived as summoned. He hardly had to wait more than a minute before they were ushered into Talia’s quarters. Deekon’s eyes briefly caught the handmaiden mouthing a ‘Thank you’

“Your Supreme Highness,” the diplomat said lowering himself to one knee in a sign of supplication. The stern look he gave the captain next to him was enough to prompt the cause of the delays to follow suit and also drop to one knee.
“Please know that it is only my intention to ensure you prompt departure on your journey. I apologise should I have overstepped my bounds and know that it is my intent to obey your every command without question.”
He looked up at her without rising, “I have bought Captain Maaks as you requested, and the Captain ensures us that we will leave within the hour.”
That prompted the captain to look up.
Touching his thick, cut lip he spoke softly, “that is correct your highness, we are ready to depart.”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Her Supreme Highness Natalia, Princess Royal of the Haskilian Cluster

Her quarters were tolerable. In fact, they exceeded the low expectations Talia had held before boarding. Delayed though they had been at least she could content herself that the time had been to good use. Silently she paced the space as her retainers looked on.

”Everything seems in order … “

She concluded hiding her amusement at the united relief of her entourage. To a stranger this might seem like scant praise indeed, but to those who knew her it was as much approbation as they could expect given the circumstances.

Her guards posted outside as was customary, Talia dismissed all except the little handmaiden she had recently acquired. In truth she had thought long and hard about whether she be chosen to accompany her Mistress on the journey, but the child had a sweet vulnerability which would either be moulded to please Talia or, the girl would find herself a gift to the Prince Regent …

”See that my cloak be stowed … “

She issued the instruction dropping the heavy fabric without a second glance.

” … and have my usual tisane prepared … “

She added as she seated herself upon the chaise longue with a weary sigh.

”Ma'am … “

It was one of her guard. He had been given leave to enter to inform her of the Captain's arrival. She nodded and smoothed her black bodice as the two men entered.

“Your Supreme Highness,”

She remained seated as the academic sank to one knee and did not miss the prompt for the Captain to do the same. Talia ignored the Captain who remained silent as Deekon continued.

“Please know that it is only my intention to ensure you prompt departure on your journey. I apologise should I have overstepped my bounds and know that it is my intent to obey your every command without question.”

A smile quirked as Talia realised approvingly that he was a quick learner.
Her expression however was impassive as his eyes met hers once more.

“I have bought Captain Maaks as you requested, and the Captain ensures us that we will leave within the hour.”

Talia focused on the second man who confirmed the arrangements.

“... that is correct your highness, we are ready to depart.”

Making a brief assessment of this new man, she found him lacking. Heaven help them if they ran into trouble, she thought fleetingly. Captain he may be, but she could see little of leadership quality about him.

”Then I suggest we do so, Captain … “

The last word was heavy with irony.

”You may leave.”

Thus after having to have been dragged all the way to her quarters, she dismissed him with no further word.

”Not you … not yet … “

The words were directed at Deekon.

She awaited the Captain's departure so that again the two were alone.

”That man is an idiot... “

She muttered, the comment deliberately audible daring him to contradict her.

”I will not be wearied by his presence during this voyage. From now on you will personally deal with any communication between myself and the Captain... “

She instructed and gestured with her hand that she should leave him.
Waiting until he had moved towards the door she said softly.

”... A word of advice Deekon.... “

She had his attention again and again her eyes seemed to search his.

” … a kind heart is an admirable quality to have … but if you choose loyalty to a handmaiden over loyalty to Your Princess, then be assured she will not thank you … for it is she who will suffer for your folly … “

She watched the words sink in even as the girl in question entered with her Mistress's drink.

”Ah … Saf … “

Amused that the girl seemed shocked at Talia's use of her given name, she eased back and watched the two with cat-like scrutiny.

”Come, Deekon, tell me of some of the planets we shall pass during the first part of our journey … “

She invited indicating he draw up a footstool and be seated.

”Saf will get you your drink of choice whilst you do so … “

She informed him sipping at the steaming cup in her hands.

”Just as I like it … “

She gave the girl rare praise.
She was sure Deekon would draw his own conclusions …
Whatever it took, any alliance that was not conducive to Talia's plans would be instantly nipped in the bud.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

 

[LordUsagi]

Deekon the Academic

Deekon sighed visibly that Talia had not noticed, or seemed not to care that he had struck Captain Maaks. He had regretted doing it, but only once he realised the Princess might take offense to his actions, but as she said the man was an idiot.
"Saf, I will have a Secilon Tea," he took the seat offered by the Princess.
His etiquette had been impeccable, it would not do to not use the girls name now that Talia had already addressed her such. To do so would imply that he was above Talia's station that he could address her servants more casually than the Princess herself. And to address her in what he considered personally the polite turn of phrase as 'my Lady' would be bestowing some form of worth to her when her own mistress had not. He wondered if it had been a test from Talia, no he knew it was, the Princess Royal was a very intelligent girl.
Deekon had also picked up the significance of her seating him on a footstool, that spoke for itself, but also it was uncomfortable and made sure he was looking up at her all the time.
"Please do not punish her Your Supreme Highness," he said when Saf had left their presence. "There is no alliance..."
There was no excuse, he had just felt sorry for the girl and she was pretty, thus he had felt inclined to show her a kindness.
"There was no exchange of term, I gave help unsolicited. I will accept any punishment you feel necessary for the both of us."
After all what could the Princess really do to him, perhaps dock some of the pay she was no doubt aware of that he was receiving from her family.
He looked up at her trying hard to keep his eyes from wandering over the shapely legs that adorned the couch she lounged on. Now that she had removed the heavy red cloak she had been wearing while waiting to board, he saw her truly for the first time. The black material that covered them seemed to almost be a second skin and he could not help but notice her well formed breasts that were contained flawlessly by the black corset she wore.
He was waiting nervously for her reply when Saf returned with his drink. He took it from the girl without hardly moving his eyes from observing the Princess before him.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Her Supreme Highness Natalia, Princess Royal of the Haskilian Cluster

"Saf, I will have a Secilon Tea,"

Talia watched the girl leave and turned towards the academic, her face again impassive as he addressed her.

"Please do not punish her Your Supreme Highness. There is no alliance....
There was no exchange of term, I gave help unsolicited. I will accept any punishment you feel necessary for the both of us."

Talia made no response to his pleas.
The silence stretching between them until Saf returned with the drink which was served in silence, the girl turning to leave.

”Saffron...”

The girl turned instantly assuming she was being called upon to take up the cup Talia had set aside, yet she was instantly alerted to the change in her Mistress's demeanour.

”Report to Adjutant Massi. I no longer require your services. I will discuss the situation with him shortly and advise him of action to be taken.”

The girl fled, her look one of terror.
Talia turned her gaze upon Deekon, daring him to take the girl's part.

”I believe I directed you to tell me something of the planets we are soon to pass.”

She told him cooly.

”It would pay you to listen carefully to my orders as you profess to wish to obey them. As to the girl … “

She sighed wearily.

”In speaking for her rather than doing as your Princess ordered clearly shows where your loyalty lies … and so … as I said… it will be she who suffers for your decision … “

She let her words sink in.

”Now, do as I command, or leave me until you feel capable of fulfilling your role and providing me with the information I seek ... ”

She lithely rose to her feet and crossed the room, heading toward the vanity unit removing the weighty engagement ring and casting it carelessly down upon the surface.

"So ... ?"

She prompted demanding his response.

 

[LordUsagi]

Deekon the Academic

Deekon realised that any further discussion on the matter would probably make Saffron's predicament worse. Though he felt a painful amount of guilt for what had happened.
He quickly rose ungainly to his feet. It was considered bad form to remain seated while royalty were standing.
"The first planet of significance we will encounter is Argon," he studied her perfect form from behind. The admiration almost causing him to smile before he realised she would be able to notice in the mirror. She was very observant as already demonstrated and it would not do to let his eyes linger too long on her.
"Although I doubt we will have much need for anything besides a refueling stop. The planet is run by mining concerns and although produces a fair amount of the Cluster's wealth, it is not fit for someone as esteemed as yourself."
He took note of the casual way she handled her ring and this confirmed his thoughts that she was not keen on this marriage. Although it made him wonder why she was so eager to make this trip.
"More significant would be the Secilon, where this tea originated, " he indicated to the cup in his hand which now held a bitter taste.
"Secilon is interesting in that at is one of the few planets that still allow slavery, and its breading pens are famous for the quality of male they produce. In fact they for the core of most of the Cluster's military ground units."
He cleared his throat, "in fact the tattoos on your personal guard would indicate they are recruited from the slave pens, though such usually constitute front line ground forces that make use of their physical strength."
Deekon smiled softly. He had encountered such troops during his days in the military and for all their strength they were not good soldiers and easily bested.
"Should Your Highness wish to stop over there, the comforts will be tolerable, but showing such favour to the slavers would not be politically prudent, especially considering the rising anti slavery feeling within Satya."
Deekon could not take it anymore, "Your Supreme Highness, may I speak freely?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Her Supreme Highness Natalia, Princess Royal of the Haskilian Cluster

"The first planet of significance we will encounter is Argon,"

The fact that she was pleased by his decision to belatedly follow her instructions was reinforced by the admiring looks he cast in her direction as she stood with her back to him.

"Although I doubt we will have much need for anything besides a refueling stop. The planet is run by mining concerns and although produces a fair amount of the Cluster's wealth, it is not fit for someone as esteemed as yourself."

The fact he had obeyed and was stood respectfully behind her made Talia uncharacteristically tolerant. She refrained from pointing out only SHE would judge if a planet were fit for her or not, deciding that the motives for his comment were acceptable, though he had yet to learn that in all things Talia was the decision maker and he merely the supplier of information.

"More significant would be the Secilon, where this tea originated.”

She turned as he indicated the now half-empty cup.

”Secilon is interesting in that at is one of the few planets that still allow slavery, and its breeding pens are famous for the quality of male they produce. In fact they for the core of most of the Cluster's military ground units.
In fact the tattoos on your personal guard would indicate they are recruited from the slave pens, though such usually constitute front line ground forces that make use of their physical strength."

She was surprised that an academic knew of the rituals of the slave planet as she termed it.

"Should Your Highness wish to stop over there, the comforts will be tolerable, but showing such favour to the slavers would not be politically prudent, especially considering the rising anti slavery feeling within Satya."

She frowned, not in displeasure at his advice, irrelevant and presumptuous though it was, but at the mention of the anti-slave movement. So far he had told her nothing new, in fact she wondered that he felt that she had to be informed about planets that belonged to her, however if he had detailed knowledge about this movement it might prove very useful.

"Your Supreme Highness, may I speak freely?"

His words drew her from her thoughts but though irritated she seemed to consider his question reasonably.

”No.”

She told him without hostility.

”Free speech around me is a right rarely bestowed and to be earned by exemplary service..”

Yet she was curious as to what could be on his mind which was significant enough for him to jeopardise the first positive interaction they had shared since their meeting.

”However … you may speak your mind if you wish … but I advise you to choose your words carefully … “

Perhaps once she had heard him out, he would finally focus upon the reason he had been sent with her entourage...

 

[LordUsagi]

Deekon the Academic

Deekon shook his head.
"My apologies Your Supreme Highness I have taken enough of your time with my uncalled for lessons."
He looked her in the eyes.
"Should you require any specific information, I do have a wealth of knowledge about the area we will be passing through."
He studied her for a moment, wondering if she had realised that he had intended to beg once again for Saffron.
But he now realised she grew weary of that subject, she was in control of the encounter, and in fact he wondered if she could perhaps teach him a lesson or two about dealing with potential alliances.
He wanted nothing more than to get out of her quarters but felt so drawn in by this woman and her astonishing beauty and intelligence. He wanted to spend as much time as possible with her to admire it even if it meant facing her wrath.
Again he had to consciously stop his gaze from drifting too low while he though about how radiant she was.
"As I was saying the anti-slave movement has taken a strong foothold in Satya and if my contacts withing the Satyan Academic council are to be believed it seems there is a strong contingent of nobles and business enterprises that appose your marriage."