Private A Mother's Duty

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Rowena had been dreaming of this moment for many years. At first the very idea of it had seemed out of reach, and yet by chance or some miracle, it all began to become a reality. One bit of good news soon was quickly followed by another, and another, and another. And soon enough she was set to get everything that she had ever wanted! It was as though it was all meant to be; a future foretold in some prophecy. Of course that was just silly nonsense. Rowena knew how to play her cards right, to play the long game and most importantly; to remain patient.

Now here she stood, waiting outside of the very room that she was to meet with Adron Malvern , the King of Illyria. As always she was dressed to impress, with jewelry to match, her hair perfectly laid out, make-up beautifully applied and with the right amount of perfume. The whole conversation that is set to happen had been played out and rehearsed in her mind over and over again for days. She had cards to play in her hand, and all that he needed to do was to fold and accept. And if what her daughter had told her was true, there was no way that Adron would say no to having Saraya Arenais as his own, now would he? Yet even if he wasn't as enamored with her daughter as they both suspected, Rowena still had cards to play that would surely entice the King into accepting her proposal.

It was all going to be perfect.

Rowena was going to walk in a mere commoner, and walk out as something much, much more.

 

[Adron Malvern]

MOTHERHOOD AND KINGHOOD​

Tags: Rowena Arenais ​

Time was the currency of the realm and the King spent his currency very wisely.

After a night that the King could only describe as magical, he had been contacted by a member of the Arenais throne. Although she was but a connection to the throne, her station in their family offered her the right and honor to meet with the King. Her request was processed at an expedited rate and only days later she was set to arrive on Illyria. The planet was made available to her and with her presence came the hospitality of a King. She'd enjoyed fine dinners and drinks since her arrival and a lofty guest room within the palace as the King's personal guest.

However the time for relaxation and enjoyment had fast come to an end when she was alerted that she would meet with the King on the third morning of her stay. Rather than meet in the throne room, the King had decided a more private venue was in order. Private being relative, of course. He stood in the meeting room flanked by a number of his most faithful retainers. Chancellor of the Aegis, Baron Orion was chief among these retainers, standing stoically behind his King with a passive interest. A number of assorted lords and ladies joined them, yet it was still far less than if they had met under the watchful eyes of the High Court, as was tradition.

Lady Arenais was escorted in by an armored knight of Le Garde Des Rois who announced her presence as the doors came open. "Lady Rowena of House Arenais of Mnemosyne." The man stated in a clear, rehearsed tone. The King stood with a proud stance, those amethyst eyes gazing out at the woman with his usual harsh gaze. Still, his tone was silver and wine as it always was. "Lady Arenais. Welcome to Illyria." He nodded his head respectfully towards the woman as the armored Knight pulled her chair out for her.

"Please, have a seat. Can I interest you in a fine Illyrian spiced wine?" He offered, holding a hand out towards a young servant who stepped forward with a bottle of gold and amethyst designs. "Made in Azurine City it is the finest in the galaxy." He assured her before taking a seat. Without command another servant offered the King a glass of wine in a fine crystal flute.

"Now then, why have you requested this audience?" He asked, bringing the flute to his lips as he awaited her answer.​

 

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It was time. Inwardly her heart pounded hard and fast for a few seconds until she managed to calm it down, almost like hitting a switch. She had trained herself for this moment for most of her life and was quite skilled at putting herself forward as a woman of high stature. Every movement, breath and poise was planned and calculated. She knew how dangerous it was to reveal any of her own personal feelings or thoughts to members of the Court or the King. Such divulgence would only give them weaknesses to exploit and that was the last thing that she needed. Rowena was no pawn in anyone's game. She was a player.

Saraya Arenais on the other hand was a pawn, but only for a time. That is if her daughter remembered her lessons and executed them well.

There was a hope that with not meeting inside of the Throne Room that outside of guards, she would have an audience alone with Adron Malvern . But that hope was quickly dashed as soon as she was escorted in and announced. Her eyes flickered to all of the Lords and Ladies in attendance soon after she gave a polite curtsy and bow of her head. All of her disappointment was well hidden, and instead Rowena kept all of her attention on the King. "Your Majeste, thank you for having me. The hospitality that I have received upon my arrival has been most gracious and appreciated. My husband wishes to pass along his regrets at being unable to attend, as business has him on the far reaches of the Galaxy." That of course was a lie. Bastin Arenais was never very good at biting his tongue and maintaining such a formal disposition. He had his moments, but they were easily lost as well for he was far too outspoken when it came to anything that he was passionate about. Like his hatred of his late brother Veiere.

Rowena approached and took a seat, nodding her head to the offer of the wine. She crossed her feet at the ankles and tucked them underneath her chair, maintaining the air of perfect poise. Everyone else in the room was forgotten for the time being as she answered the King's inquiry. "It has been brought to my attention that you and my daughter, Saraya shared a 'magical encounter' as she so eloquently put it. I am here to tell you that should you wish to pursue her, both myself and my husband hold no objections to it. In fact...." She paused for a moment to sip her wine. "...I think that such an alliance would do well for both Illyria and Mnemosyne. Wouldn't you agree?"

 

[Adron Malvern]

Adron Malvern was many things however he was no fool. He did not attempt to delude himself or carry on delusions of grandeur. When dancing with Saraya Arenais at the mascaraed he had made the woman aware of a single truth. He fancied her. With that knowledge applied to the matriarch of the House? Well, what else could come from such a fantastical night but a proposal of the sort that Rowena spoke. His personal feelings aside, he remained silent as the woman gave her suggestion, yet quickly the King's eyes turned to the older man who loomed over his shoulder. Chancellor Orion did not seem convinced and his tone suggested as much when he spoke.

"And why, should his majeste take your daughters hand when there are several worlds, more prominent than yours that would offer the same alliance?" The Chancellor asked with some curiosity. The Chancellor had never been a large fan of the old Queen, mainly because with their marriage came no titles or luxuries and when the love faded there was absolutely no gain for the world of Illyria. The King exhaled softly, wishing such affairs could be kept to privacy, but he understood more than most the need for the intrusions.

The King held a hand up to silence the Chancellor before turning his eyes to Rowena. "Direct and curt he may be, but Baron Orion has a point. If i am to marry again, which i must, it must show promise for my world. You are not a Queen and your daughter is only barely a Princess. Why should i take her into my court?" He asked with a pointed gaze set upon the woman before him. Still, within his heart he did hope the woman had a decent response. It would be a lie to say he did not yearn for Saraya, but he must remain steadfast in the devotion to his own Crown.

"I can agree that an alliance with your world would benefit Illyria. However so would an alliance with Naboo, Alderaan, and five dozen other worlds." He said.

Rowena Arenais

 

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Rowena's pleasant smile never faded as the Baron interceded with his question. It was a question that was to be expected and Adron Malvern was very quick to add to it. But neither were setbacks or roadblocks for her to overcome, either, for she had already prepared for her answer.

"I am but two steps away from being Queen, should tragedy befall my nephew and neice like it had with their parents. And my dear daughter is my heir. We are not as far away from ruling Mnemosyne and the other worlds under House Arenais' influence as you might think.

Yes my sister and brother-in-law did disban the Monarchy on Commenor, but are we entirely certain that they had? Some time after joining the Silvers and gaining authority in their government, my brother-in-law had them move their Capital from Kashyyyk to Commenor. And then we come across a somewhat hidden Monarchy on Mnemosyne, and who knows what other secrets lay hidden....

Your Majeste, members of the Court, House Arenais still maintains plenty of influence and power over multiple worlds. You would be gaining much over such a marriage alliance. And I would be the proud Mother of a very happy daughter."

 

[Adron Malvern]

Rowena's words were very well thought out. So much so that the King had fallen silent following her words. He held a hand to his lips in a moment of contemplation. A noble woman stepped forward, clearing her throat as her hawk-like eyes gazed out to the woman before them. "And how is the young Princesses health?" She asked with a curt demeanor, as equally curt as the Chancellors. "On Illyria much is in the hands of the crowned heir and it will be the duty of any and all Queen-Consorts to produce that heir."

"Will there be any troubles in this regard?" The woman demanded, also causing Adron to raised a hand so that the Lady of House Arenais may speak in response to the question.

The King clasped his hands together before speaking once more. Following Rowena's answer he did have some thoughts of his own. He did not care to bring up the relationship between he and Veiere Arenais, though a thought did occur. "Commenor." he said simply, his lips curling into a knowing smile. He had served as an advisor to the late Lady Kay for a time and she had even offered him sanctuary when the Galactic Empire drifted into a state of madness and civil war.

Three planets Royal lines. Even if Commenor did not acknowledge the crown it once held loyalty to, there would likely be some who clung to the ancient traditions. Could Adron turn this into a path to where House Malvern held prominence in three exceptionally advanced worlds? Marrying Saraya would ensure his voice held merit on Mnemosyne but the Lady Rowena was correct, there were several avenues of benefit for House Malvern. "You are wise and well spoken Lady Arenais and I appreciate this in you." He said, before leaning back against his chair. Yes, the woman was very well versed in the art of politics and that caused the King's lips to curl into a smile.

"If such a union were to occur then that would make you my mother by marriage. Such hard work could not be overlooked in that case and I wonder...is there any gift you would have me bestow upon you? For bringing forth to me my one true Queen?" He asked.

Rowena Arenais

 

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Rowena sipped her wine after speaking, her calm expression remaining as the Lady brought up her questions. Creating an heir was the duty of a Queen or any Princess, and Rowena had done her part. She bore no son however, yet there was still a little time left for her to do so if her husband so desired it.

But such thoughts were quickly put off for another time.

"My Lady I can assure you that my daughter's health is one of the best. I raised her well, afterall. And I do believe that the only trouble that could arise of my daughter not producing an heir, would be if His Majeste decides to not lay with her at all..." Of course she knew that there was little chance of that happening. Promiscuity was more common than not. And there was little chance that Saraya Arenais would turn Adron Malvern down.

Rowena allowed herself another sip of her wine as the King sat in contemplation. He had many people at his back, while she had arrived alone. Such was the strength of her character and her belief that she'd win this day.

At his compliment, Rowena bowed her head, pleased that her efforts were noticed by someone else other than her own family. Yet what the King offered up next came at a surprise and for a split second that look of surprise was visible before she contained it and gave her response. "I would be honoured to take up the responsibilities in being your Mother, however I doubt that you would be needing me as much as my daughter would. Especially when she is with child. As such, I do believe that an Estate nearby should suffice so that I may be there to support her and help her during such a time." Travelling back and forth between Mnemosyne and Illyria just wouldn't be practical. And this way, she could keep an eye on things here and further progress her own goals.

So far everything was going in her favour.

 

[Adron Malvern]

An estate? The concept was not foreign. Of course estates on Illyria were all considered governed lands so the task of granting the woman lands and title was a simple one. Was that the cost of her daughters hand? A few hundred miles and some duracrete and paint? The thought brought a knowing smile to the man's lips. He could not help but let out a small laugh, a laugh that the members of his Court glanced down at curiously.

"Your...Majeste?" Lord Orion questioned, however the King turned his eyes to the man with a dismissing wave. "I've made my decision and the High Court will honor it." The tone was harsh and pointed in such a way that every member of the Court nodded in the affirmative to show their understanding. His eyes then turned back to Rowena. "I do not believe anything happens absent purpose and reason. Your daughter has caught my eye and her mother has impressed me. She is of noble blood and I do not sense treachery within her." His hands came down on either side of the chair he sat in as he spoke his final words.

"I will marry Saraya Arenais and she will become the Queen of Illyria. That is my decision." He told Rowena directly. The man rose from his chair, causing the members of the Court to take a step back as he continued to speak. "The Houses of Malvern and Arenais will be joined and together we shall see that Illyria, Mnemosyne, and every other world under our influence is guided into a new age of power and prosperity." He said before turning Rowena and closing the steps between them. He held a hand out to the woman, speaking lowly as he did. "And you will host a great deal of power yourself. Well played, my lady." He complimented her.

Rowena Arenais

 

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Her request more than likely appeared small, but Rowena knew that she had far more to gain than a building and some lands in exchange for marrying her daughter off to Adron Malvern . Being the Mother of a Queen and Mother-in-law to a King was a prestigeous position that would grant her far more than lands and titles.

'If only my parents could see me now' she thought, for no doubt they would be pleased with her successful efforts at once more returning their family back into power after hundreds of years.

But first there needed to be a wedding and an heir to be born.

Rowena bowed her head with a pleasant smile as she placed her hand into Adron's. "My Sara dear will be overjoyed with the news, Your Majeste. We'll have much to plan and prepare for the upcoming celebrations." Oh yes there'll be much to do. And of course some shopping! "Prosperity will be increased for us all."

 

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Rowena got to her feet, slipping her hand out from Adron Malvern 's as it wasn't for her to touch the man for long. Even if the hand was offered and he was set to become her son-in-law. She turned to the other members of the Court and bowed her head to them. "I look forward to working with you all in the future. Thank you again for meeting with me." And with a final nod of her head, she turned and walked out. Only a small smile was seen on her face, but it did little to hide how she felt from within. She was proud of herself of course, and proud of her daughter.

Now to pass along the news.