24 Knarendon VI

Calluna sat down in a comfortable chair within Governor Penrose's office and waited for the man himself to arrive. She had felt in her gut that it would go according to plan, but she'd prepared herself for the worst as well. If he denied her, there were other things to be done.

She sipped water from a glass that had been given to her by one of the maids. It had completely slipped her mind, but she had become very dehydrated in this world. As Romy, it had been part of her routine to drink tea and water often.

After ten minutes of waiting in silence, the creaking of the door announced Governor Penrose's arrival.

Rhys Penrose looked a lot like his son. He had the white hair and piercing blue eyes, even his build; but despite all of their similarities, his features harbored none of the softness that Wesley's did.

"Your Highness," he made a shallow bow, "and Captain."

"It's nice to see you again, Governor Penrose," Calluna greeted with a smile.

"The pleasure is mine. What can I do for you?" He asked curtly.

"I'm sure you've already guessed our reasons for coming here," she looked him directly in the eye with confidence. "I'd like your support for my coronation."

The man grimaced. "That… I don't think that's something I'm willing to do. I believe that only men can be real kings."

"Why is that?" Calluna quipped, causing Vincenzo to stifle a chuckle.

"What? Men have always been kings, women the queens. I believe following tradition is better; and besides that, men are just stronger."

She felt a headache begin to tug at the back of her skull. "Physically men are very different, yes. They have also, historically, been the catalyst for many political triumphs. I hate to inform you, Governor, but those two things aren't mutually exclusive. That's an archaic and outdated way of thinking."

He rolled his eyes. "Is it really archaic, or are you searching for excuses while trying to fill shoes far too big for you? Why not just let your little brother become king and have the magistrates take care of it. Your goal makes no sense."

"Is me being a woman really the problem, or are you too bitter and immature to see what I am trying to do here? I've done nothing but work hard since the incident, all of my efforts out of pure love for my baby brother. Have you never desired to do anything for someone besides yourself? Selfishness is a disgusting yet common trait amongst politicians, and it seems you're no different."

Governor Penrose shot up from his seat and raised his voice, face reddening with rage. "How dare you speak to me like that, you insolent, spoiled brat! I doubt anyone would support you with an attitude like that. Just because you're a princess you think you can do whatever you want. Even become the king!"

Calluna returned his glare, her cherry lips tugging upward in a satirical grin. "You preach insolence, then talk to your future sovereign in such a way. You're lucky I haven't just cut off your fingers and replaced you."

The man was clearly taken aback by her threats and confidence, his icy blue eyes darkened with frustration. He bit his lip to prevent himself from losing his temper any further, and looked at her from beneath his thick, white lashes. "How would myself and this city I take care of even benefit from this endorsement?"

"If you hadn't thrown a tantrum in the middle of our discussion, you would have known that already," she spat. "I wanted to offer you a deal of sorts."

His brow twitched. "The details of this agreement are..?"

"You give me your written endorsement and I, Crown Prince Calluna of Killia, will put your son directly into our Royal Court of Alchemists. He won't have to take any tests, and will serve as the King's favored alchemist. What do you say?"

Vincenzo stiffened a bit in surprise at her side, and it was then that she realized she had forgotten to mention that to him before the meeting.

'Oops.'

The governor's contemplation was obvious by his knit brows. He was clearly unsure of what to do, and remained silent as he thought about it. Calluna took the opportunity to talk the deal up to him in a way his self-centered brain would understand.

"Having your son be a Royal Alchemist would make you look very successful, Governor Penrose. Two outstanding sons becoming achievers of admirable positions for our country."

"I… suppose you're right." The man responded quietly. "When would you take him?"

"I would like to take him as soon as we leave Knarendon this evening. He will be accompanying us for the rest of the tour, then return to the capital with us then."

He frowned and wrinkles appeared on his forehead. Calluna nearly laughed at how obviously distraught he was, but kept her composure. She'd have plenty of time to make fun of him with Guinevere and the others later.

"Fine."

"Good." She nodded to Vincenzo, who immediately brought out the paperwork and a pen.

Governor Penrose looked as though he was incredibly annoyed by her confidence, but somewhere in that gaze was an emotion similar to admiration. Calluna stood from her seat at the table and exited the room, leaving Vincenzo to do the legwork.

Once she stepped out of the door, she immediately spotted a very anxious-looking Wesley leaning against the wall behind a decorative plant. She approached him and peaked around one of the large green leaves, "Hey there. Why are you hiding?"

Wesley startled at the sound of her voice, but quickly regained his composure. He reached a pale hand up to the bridge of his nose to reposition his glasses, then smiled nervously. "Not hiding, just worried. How did it go?"

"He said yes."

He released a massive sigh when he heard of his father's verdict. "I really wasn't sure how it was going to go. I should have known you can do anything if you put your mind to it."

"Ah… well, don't be too proud of me. I may have lost my temper at him briefly and threatened to cut off his fingers and find a new governor," she replied with a dry laugh.

Wesley snorted, his lips opening into a toothy grin, "No wonder he said yes! I doubt he knows what to think of a strong woman, you probably really scared him."

"He deserved it, so I don't care," Calluna answered indignantly. "Did you pack your things?"

"I did. I grabbed enough for the tour; we can arrange transportation for my other things once we return to Castle Newleigh," he said softly. His eyes were clear and full of genuine excitement that made Calluna feel fulfilled.

"Good. We leave as soon as the governor is done with the signing."