Small Favors

[Syren de Winter]

She was pregnant. The news had come a few days ago, when she'd gone to see one of the older women who acted as a healer for the kingdom because she had been feeling ill. She and Viktor had been pleased with the news, and while she was excited, over the last few days, it had made her realize how much she missed her own family. Most notably, her mother. It had been hard enough on her wedding day, without her mother there to reassure her and help her get ready as she had on the night of her coming out ball... the ball she had never attended. She knew that her mother would be excited to learn the news of her unborn grandchild, and she hoped the child would soften the news of her marriage to the Winter King. She just had to convince her husband to let her send the message.

She was so sure that her mother would be so eager to meet her grandchild, she would be willing to forgive Viktor for his machinations so they could have peace, and maybe become a proper family. Her father was gone... but that had not been Viktor's doing, but that of an unknown enemy from the High Mountains, and she felt certain they should unite against that foe, rather than feuding over an act she had already forgiven him for. Syren had forgiven him for kidnapping her, so she saw no reason why her mother shouldn't also. Especially now that there was a child in question!

Convincing Viktor to let her send a messenger to her mother would be the only problem. One that she was going to solve... today. Smoothing her hair in the mirror, she set out to find her husband, heading to the throne room where he should be doing king-ly things. She entered quietly, glancing around at the others present in the room, wondering if he was doing something important. -'Is this important? Or can you send them all away?'- She asked in his mind to avoid interrupting...whatever was going on, and when she caught his eye, she bit her lip and winked suggestively.

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[Viktor de Winter]

Viktor stood at the table; and looked down over the map of Olindia; while the messenger spoke of what had been happening. The news was not pleasant. Summer Land was no longer Sybbyl de Bors' to rule. No one was coming for Syren; because his mother has lost faith in the people and they let the former king's bastard son take over. Welcomed him; was how the news claimed it to be. Looking up at the messenger; Viktor just stared at him; not having seen this coming. "The king had a son?" Since fucking when? YEARS apparently!

There was a moment of stunned silence; and then Syren entered. 'Is this important? Or can you send them all away?' Turning to look at her; he wondered if he should tell her. Looking back toward his men he noticed they were already walking toward the door. Cowardly bastards just abandoned their king!

Turning to look back at her; he gestured for her to enter. "Now is fine. Did you need something?" He asked; not quite his normal self int he face of the news and having to break the news to his wife.

[Syren de Winter]

Viktor didn't need to say a word before the men started to move towards the door, which suited her just fine. When he gestured her forward, she smiled and traipsed forward until she was standing in front of him. "Yes," she answered with a nod, then reached her hand up to his chest to push him down into his chair, and then she dropped down into his lap, her hands lighting on his shoulders while her lips sought his.

"I need you," she murmured against his lips, looking into his eyes with a playful, amorous look. She had learned quickly since they'd been married that the best way to get Viktor to do as she wanted was to make him happy before she asked, and the best way to make him happy was with sex! She didn't even glance at the table with the map, since that didn't concern her at the moment; she never paid attention to the details of war, since she only wanted it to stop.

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[Viktor de Winter]

His wife walked over and put her hands on his shoulders; pushing him into the chair and; beginning what any man in his rightful mind would be pleased with. He knew this was her way of bending him to her will; and on any normal day; or night; he'd enjoy the efforts and give her what she wanted in order to please her. Today however; he knew that if he let this happen; before he told her of her mother then she would attempt to bend something besides his willpower.

Pulling his head back from the kiss; to come to rest on the head of the chair; Viktor used very ounce of will power to keep from pushing her skirt higher. His words where teasing; but his voice was not quite as light as he tried to force it out. "Bloody hell woman; you'll be the death of me. Just ask for what you want; you know I will grant you anything." He wanted to know so he could give it to her and soften the blow of what he had to tell her next. That her mother was lost to her. His hand moved up to rest on her belly; thinking of the child there and knowing that this news would not be easy on either of them.

[Syren de Winter]

Syren quite liked this part of convincing Viktor to do as she wished; when he pulled away from her kiss, her hand went to pull down the collar of his shirt so she could kiss his neck instead, but his words stopped her cold. She pulled back away from him, looking scandalized, hurt and a little bit guilty. "So now when I seduce you, you're just going to assume I want something?" It was a pretty fair assessment, but even so... she'd have to start seducing him when she didn't want things, just to keep him guessing.

"I want to tell my mother about the baby." She admitted, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him her best pleading eyes. "She'll be so happy she'll be willing to make peace so she can meet her grandchild! And if we have a son, he'll be the heir to the kingdom anyway, so you don't need to defeat Summer Land, you'll have your hold on the throne." She reasoned optimistically, it all made such perfect sense, and it would mean that the people wouldn't need to suffer war anymore. "Will you let me send her a message?"

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[Viktor de Winter]

"Little Mage; you walk into the room; send my men running and push me into a chair without a word of warning." His tone was lighter for a moment; "You want something." Then she told him what and the light tone faded. Bloody hell; the timing. Lifting her into his arms; he stood and lowered he feet to the ground. "It's not a wise time for letters; or messengers." There was too much unknown. Who the hell his brother of her's was; what sort of man was he; what was his plans! Would he come at Winter Land? What would he do?

"A messenger has come from the south." He knew he had to tell her of the news; so he put his hand on her back and urged her toward the map. "Does the name Merek sound familiar to you?" He asked; pulling a map closer that looked like it had mapped out a battle. It showed the victor of the battle had claimed the castle. It was not a good map; so she might not know it was Summer Land; but he needed to know what she knew. "Did you father ever speak the name? Or did you know the man?"

[Syren de Winter]

She got confused when he lifted her up, only to put her on her feet, and then she frowned when he told her no. She folded her arms over her chest and pouted. "See, this is why I have to seduce you first!" She said, this would have gone so much better if he were all sleepy and agreeable and unable to string a proper thought together. Sure, he said he'd give her anything but then- her thoughts stopped abruptly when he drew her attention to the map, and told her of a messenger.

"No," she answered when he asked if she knew the name Merek. She had never heard of anyone called that, was he some lesser noble who was making trouble? She looked down at a map of what could have been Summer Land, but she wasn't quite certain, although she had no idea what the little markers on it meant. Battle had never been her concern. "No, why would my father speak of him? Who is he?" She had never heard of this 'Merek' before, and she wondered why Viktor was asking her. "What does this mean?" She gestured to the map, clearly not understanding what he was showing her.

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[Viktor de Winter]

"It is a map of the battles that took place." The ones that won this Merek the capital; and in turn the kingdom of Summer Land. Viktor wasn't sure how to tell her; but he knew putting it off would not end well with her temper. "From the news that was just delivered; the man goes by Merek de Bors; and claims to be your father's son." Her brother; and heir to his father's kingdom. He took it by force; but from the news there wasn't much of a fight put up. Her mother was a Mage; and had nearly crippled the kingdom in a short time by caring for nothing but the endless failures to get her daughter back. They'd welcome the son of their former king. The peace he hoped he'd bring.

Viktor didn't see it that way. He knew how to take a kingdom; and Merek had played the game well. He won the people first; then sought the crown. "He has taken the castle of Summer Land;" He told her more after a long pause to give her a moment to take in the news. "And claimed the title of King for himself." And because he knew her first questions; "Tis said your mother is alive; and still in the castle." But not in what manner; just that she was not a prisoner; or hostage.

[Syren de Winter]

Looking at the map as he explained, it began to make sense. Merek...de Bors?! Who was this man who dared to claim kin to- WHAT?! Her father's son? "That's not possible." She said quickly, and angrily. Her father didn't have any sons! Not any legitimate... her mind stopped for a moment, and she felt a little faint. She reached out and braced one hand against the table to steady herself, both physically and mentally. She couldn't believe it. Her father had an affair?! No. That couldn't be true! This man was lying. He must be lying, it was the only explanation. She set her jaw angrily as Viktor told her that he'd taken the castle.

She breathed a sigh of relief that her mother seemed to be safe, but knowing that only made her focus on the fact that someone had taken her kingdom, someone who was the rightful heir, and it made her angry. "Whoever this 'Merek' is, he is not my brother and he is not the rightful king." It didn't occur to Syren that it wouldn't matter to her people; of course they would want their legitimate king!

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[Viktor de Winter]

"Enough of the people in Summer Land believe he is the son of your father; and have aligned their selves with him. The map is of the battle fought; he had to have others supporting him. He was welcomed; Syren. There had to be some in your father's rule that knew of his son." He wanted to make sure she knew everything; so that she did not blind herself to the truth. This Merek might not have been raised her kin; but he had the blood of the former king.

"There is no rightful king until you give birth to a son." Until then it was her heir or her father's bloodline who had claim. A woman might not be able to take control but he was her husband now. He could take it; and save it for a son. Be it this child or the next. "Until we know what manner of a man this Merek is; we can send no letters." Not even to comfort a worried mother.

[Syren de Winter]

What?! Her people...actually believed his lies? He was welcomed? Syren was clearly distressed by this news, especially by what he was insisting. Her father had a son that he'd never told her about? Did her mother know? Who was it that knew, that was supporting his treason? "Are you sure?" She knew he wouldn't tell her otherwise, but she had to ask. It was bad enough that she had to learn that her people had betrayed her, but now she also had to learn that her father was human. It was too much.

Syren pushed away from the table and clung to Viktor's shirt, burying her face in his chest. Their son would be the rightful king, but now they would have to fight someone for his throne? She had always thought that once they sent word of their marriage and child, peace would be immediate, and they would unite both kingdoms. But that seemed not to be the case. She didn't know what to do or say about what he said, so she squeezed her eyes shut and tried to pretend that everything she'd wanted wasn't crashing down around her... again.

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[Viktor de Winter]

"I know only what the messenger came to tell us; and with news of his magnitude there would be no way to hide the lies." It had also come from a trusted source; as there was a man still in Summer Land doing jobs like Viktor had done; and he served as a source of trusted information. In return; Viktor gave him things to trade. The wood from the trees up north served as valuable in the lower regions because it was darker; something different then the lighter colored wood in the Sea Lands or south.

His thoughts were distracted when she moved to his arm; and he held her to him. Viktor hated to see her like this; but wasn't sure what he could do besides promise to see her mother out one day. If the mother had not in fact welcomed the new king in order to better get her daughter back. "What would have of me; Syren?" He asked; knowing that until they knew more he could not offer to get her mother and even attempt to bring her here. He had seen her mother; the trip would be hard on her. She might not make it. Instead he would have to see about arranging to get her to the sea. This he would do for his wife.

[Syren de Winter]

She wasn't going to cry. She pushed back the urge and squeezed her eyes shut to force back the tears. Queens didn't cry; they dealt with their problems. She wasn't going to cry. After a moment collecting herself, she pulled back from Viktor's embrace, her eyes determined instead of hurt. This lying bastard might have stolen her throne, but she was going to get it back. "I still think we should send word to my mother. She must still have friends amongst the nobles, or this Merek would have executed her. She can spread word that I am with child, garner support for the legitimate heir. There must still be those who care for such things."

If her mother wasn't safe in Summer Land, Syren was sure she would have left; and while it would be risky to play politics against the reigning king, Syren was also sure her mother would want to help her however she could. Sybbyl de Bors was smart and strong, and Syren had always had faith in her ability to do anything. She doubted her mother was at all happy about this new king swooping in to steal her own child's throne. They should have sent word when they married; then peace could have been established then, and Merek would never have had this chance.

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[Viktor de Winter]

Viktor felt her move back; and he kept his hands on her shoulders to keep her from going too far. This was much to take in; and he did not want her trying to keep things from him. That was how she got herself into trouble. She had not done so since their marriage--that he knew about--and he rather keep it that way. News was bound to slip of her pet dragon; and her gifts. Eventually someone would come. He could not keep her safe if she was trying to do something foolish.

Like send a letter to her mother; who was under the new king's roof. "Any news sent to you mother could be read by this Merek. I rather him not know everything; until we are sure of him. What if your mother made this deal; allowed him to come in easier; in effort to get you back? When he comes; I can best defeat him here; and we can claim Summer Land." Or if he held her mother; and forced her to talk; and learned of her gifts and pet dragon; then he did not want Merek to know; she was carrying a child; and had something to loose.

[Syren de Winter]

"I don't like this." She told him, frowning at his arguments. It was all based on the lie that she was still a prisoner here, and she didn't like letting her mother believe that. Technically, she was still a prisoner since Viktor wouldn't exactly let her leave now, but she was also here willingly. "We should have sent word months ago, when we first got married. Then she wouldn't have had the need to make any deals, if she knew I was no longer a prisoner here. Keeping secrets has only made things more difficult."

And they didn't know what trouble deception would heap on them next, if they continued to lie to everyone, let them think she was here against her will. "And what's to say he will come here at all? He's already taken the kingdom, if he wishes to keep it then bringing back the legitimate daughter of the king hardly seems wise. Perhaps he'll just assume I'm dead, or soon will be, and will instead focus on solidifying his position and gathering his forces. Your plan will fall apart if he takes the time to rebuild the army." His plan depended on others attacking them, and if they didn't, then they got nowhere. That wasn't what Syren wanted.

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[Viktor de Winter]

"The people of Summer Land love you; he will come." This he knew; because he the man wanted favor with the people he just took over; then he would need to continue in their favor. Unless the people would rather give up their stolen princess; in order to not see further lost. If that was the case; he would enjoy taking them over.

His plans were still to own Summer Land; but he had once just wanted it for the warmth; to get out of this fucking cold. Now he wanted it for his wife; and his kid. "It would be wise to wait; to see what sort of man he is before he give him anything to use." Such as her new state of wedded bliss; or the child she would bring. Which if a son; would be a heir and a threat to this Merek's rule. A Reason for him to want her dead.

[Syren de Winter]

"The people of Summer Land love their husbands and sons who they are sending here to die, more." Would they choose to get a princess back who they heard was kind and sweet and beautiful; or to keep the men they loved close? If Merek had already been welcomed to the castle, then she supposed they had already chosen the latter. "They don't even know that I'm still alive."

He still thought it was best to wait, and Syren frowned, biting her lip. She wasn't so sure. "If we wait, he may solidify his position as king. My people will think I've just left them for a new kingdom if we wait too long." That wasn't how Syren saw it; she had always intended this union to bring Summer Land and Winter Land together, not to sow further dissent. If she let his claim on her throne go unchallenged, it would seem as though she had chosen this kingdom over her own. Like she had abandoned her people.

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[Viktor de Winter]

Viktor stepped back; and turned to walk; and sit back in his chair. His hand ran over his face; before he dropped with with a sigh. He understood what she wanted; and why she wanted it. Just as he saw the risk in doing so. If this Merek was an underhanded man; he could send someone after her; and even if they never got close they could take the news of her pet; and abilities back to Summer Land. If news spread that she held power with dragons; then she'd be a target.

He could protect her from an army; but what happened to her father proved that not everyone acted with whole armies--what he had done to her; kidnapping her; had proven this! He could not protect her if he did not know who or what would come--and when it could come! "I cannot risk you; either of you." He told her; knowing he was weakening to her cause; as he always did; but still not liking the risk. Merek was an unknown; and for a man who liked control; and knowing what people would do; Viktor hated the unknown.

[Syren de Winter]

Syren followed him back to his chair, sitting down in his lap, she brushed his hair out of his eyes affectionately. She knew that he didn't want to take unnecessary risks, but some risks were necessary. "We don't have to tell my mother everything. Just that we're married, and I'm with child." She rested her hand on the barely perceptible baby bump, still so little that at a glance one wouldn't even suspect she carried a child. It could be a short message, she needn't know how Syren's magic had manifested.

"I can write the letter in a cipher... a code, that only my mother would be able to decipher. It would reduce the danger of anyone else learning the truth, and I know she wouldn't betray us." She had no doubt that her mother would be on their side, she need only let her know what was going on, and she had no doubt that whatever deal she might have made with Merek, or whatever hold he had on her, would be dissolved. She trusted her mother more than anything.

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[Viktor de Winter]

He adjusted his arms; when his wife crawled into his lap; clearly trying to pull him toward her thinking. Before he grew close to her; he would have been more willing to use her as bait; he HAD used her as bait! Now he did wish to see any harm come to either of them. Yet he knew that something had to be done; and by delaying they would allow Merek's hold on Summer Land to grow. It must be cut out before the weed dug deep.

He took a deep breath; and let it out loudly; clearly indicating his reluctant agreeal to her plan. "And you mother would be able to understand such a message?" He wanted the details of this plan before they began it; and he wanted to know exactly what they would be telling her mother; and thus everyone there if the news escaped. "And no other?"