45 The End Of A Meeting

A taut silence drew within the room as both the King of Spades and the Queen of Hearts settled back into their seats, drawing an end to their conversation—and a conversation it was, back and forth without any heed or regard for the other Royals and people that were present in the room.

Before finally someone spoke up, "Ah, His Majesty of Diamonds, it seems that you'll have to agree with the trade agreement or else have the short end of the stick now, wouldn't you?" Out of all the people present in the room, it turned out to be King Ivan Nordskov of Clover that spoke up, a gleam of enjoyment in his eyes as he glanced at the other Ruler.

Choosing to say such provoking words and kidding the King of Diamonds at that? Perhaps only someone of the man's stature could do it without any hindrance. Despite the Kingdom of Hearts being known for holding more passionate people, it held no color under the fact that the Kingdom of Clover… recklessness was apparent with them. Foolhardy with their penchant for luck.

"Do I absolutely have to follow the decision of everyone in this room? I don't see why I have to do such a thing, but nevertheless, I suppose I'll allow for it, I'll put my faith in the King of Hearts ability to handle this new trade agreement." Francis le Diamant managed to keep his face relaxed, only a small amount of irritation apparent on his visage. Needless to say, King Nordskov was pushing his luck at this conversation. Few more playful remarks might get them into more trouble than they were willing to pay for.

"Enough said then, I'm glad that we've all managed to come to a conclusion." The King of Hearts, Alexander Hartsmichdt intervened at last, drawing the conversation to its near end. There wouldn't be any good to this agreement if all four Kingdoms would come into bad terms because of how two Kings were starting to get on each other's nerves. His gaze fleeted for a moment towards the King of Spades, Alfred Villeuce who seemed content to sit around. Patience was a virtue indeed. "Thank you for your trust in me." He added at the end with a smile as he nodded towards Francis le Diamant.

Fastidious and fakes smiles were exchanged between everyone within the room. Perhaps it was due to their differing temperaments and interests of each party but as it all came to the meeting's climax, perhaps almost everyone of them were eager for it to end.

Given the opportunity before them to say something more, Alexander Hartsmichdt thought it was a good chance for everyone to take a break as well, perhaps instead of entertaining them—"As the copies of the agreement have already been distributed and the briefness of this meeting may have not allowed everyone for it to fully review the paper. If everyone would wish to take the time to go over it before signing it, let's meet later for lunch. Arriving just yesterday might probably still be taxing on your bodies as well."

"How gracious of you, Your Majesty of Hearts. I'd like to take up on the offer as well, it seems like my King and I have much to be discussed." The Queen of Diamonds spoke up, finally gathering the attention of everyone within this room. 

If only for a moment.

Judging by their expressions, it left a bitter taste on Jeanne la Monique's mouth. It was as if everyone had forgotten that she was in the same room as them. The King of Hearts shouldn't have offered to let the other Queens convene in the room if it were only the Queen of Hearts that the other Kings paid attention to.

Kindly inclining his head, the King of Hearts managed a smile and bowed, "By all means, take your time, Your Majesty."

Lying to herself was something that the Queen of Diamonds didn't do as she pursed her lips and watched the man bow ever so respectfully towards her. She'd begrudgingly forgive this once for being negligent, if she were to actually assess it though—she could put in the blame with the Queen of Hearts herself.

Maybe she was pushing it but she was still annoyed.

Needless to say, it was there that everyone voiced their agreement of taking some time off and the discussion in the Royal Conference Room had finally ended. It didn't take long for the Kings and their assistants to take their leave.

Only the Queen of Hearts stayed with her King and even then, the two of them were still accompanied by Prime Minister Blyke Edelweiss. 

Politeness. At this moment, she had to treat him with at least some respect—it would at least let her leave quickly without any kind of headache. "Now that the meeting has been adjourned, I shall also take my leave, Your Majesty." She couldn't remember the last time they were in the same room with not a lot of people, but it probably had been during the time that she had told him off after the necklace incident… and no, it hadn't been that. The King of Hearts had returned later in the evening that time, intruding in her chambers as he returned the necklace given by the King of Diamonds.

"Quintessential as always, Your Majesty." Alexander Hartsmichdt inclined his head, his tone this time was polite and well-mannered, even stiff. He looked up and gave her a courteous smile, "Thank you for coming and assisting me for this event. I will no longer take up much of your time." It seemed like the King wasn't trying to get 'closer' to her this time, unlike their previous encounters.

Rosalyn Lockhart pursed her lips for a moment before curtsying in front of the King, "My gratitude to you then, Your Majesty." 

Standing up after that time, she then took her leave and left the King with his Prime Minister.

Truth be told, she had been perplexed with his sudden thoughtful, affable and even straightforward behavior towards her: Joining her for tea with Catherine Duke, bringing her food when she feigned sickness as an excuse, resuscitating her when she had drowned at the lake, and then confronting her afterwards with direct and even reproachful words.

Understanding the meaning behind those actions gave her a headache. Seeing him return to treating her with a considerable distance and taking up their roles and duties as King and Queen was much comfortable for her.

Visceral instances like this one, she wasn't so used to it at all.

"Well... I'll worry about this for another time." She muttered to herself as she ventured through the corridors once more. Her priority of the day was befriending the Hatter, other things were to be placed aside.