Chapter V

"Your Highness, while I agree the risk of increasing the trade in emeralds and thyme may prove beneficial but there is a slight issue. The Elves don't have enough emerald mines and thyme is not widely used like basil and parsley. Emeralds although show a restrained taste, it would be better to bring in more diamonds and quartzes as they are currently best suited in the market." Those words definitely made Asteri's eyebrow raise. It was quite the profound statement the boy uttered. "Even if we make a demand for more diamonds and quartzes, what kind of reaction would you expect from the elves ?" Asteri questioned meeting him head on. The boy's eyes twinkled with a gleam making Asteri glad that he was doing this although he could see the confused look on the Duke who was struggling to keep up. "The elves would definitely be okay with the increase in the demand of the herbs as they know the market right now is high for them very well but in the case of the gems they will definitely barter with us with three things - Money, Land or Sea routes and finally Security. They will not use the first one unless they are in dire straits but I don't see that happening any time soon. They will definitely ask for our connections of trade on land and sea as they have a lot of contracts to fulfil and the third option will be the one they will definitely ask as they are near the Werewolves and it is an unstable treaty they share. The final result that can be proclaimed will be the fact that the second and third conditions will be the sealing factor that can help us definitely in the long run."

The Duke looked lost while the King, Aryen and Commander Giroldi looked astounded but Asteri's face was calm however his eyes had a maniacal gleam. This was exactly he had planned to deal with in the next round of negotiations. It reinforced the fact that this was what he was looking for. The boy was starting to look nervous and the rest were wondering what Asteri was thinking. Asteri took a sip and put the cup with a clink. He looked at the boy. "Heir Apparent Justin Dorian Fozia, I expect you at my office tomorrow at 8:30 am tomorrow. I look forward to working together." Asteri spoke with a smile on his face.

The boy looked stupefied and then collected himself. "Yes, Minister." he replied. Justin did not expect the Crown Prince to remember his name but he was pleased. The King nodded. "As much I would like to stay, I have a luncheon to attend with Ministers of Finance and Trade. Please excuse me." Everyone got up and bowed as the King shot a soft smile at Asteri who returned an equally soft smile. The Ducal lords bowed as did Commander Giroldi. The King left with Aryen in tow. "Your Highness, we will make our leave as well." The Duke bowed and left with Justin nodding his goodbye. Asteri nodded back. Once they left, he slumped further into the chair and gave a sigh of relief. He heard clink. He looked up to see Commander Giroldi pour a cup of tea for him and handed it over.

"You did quite well, Your Highness. I did not expect those kind of options. After our last diplomatic excursion with the Elves, I expected them to drain us." he commented. Asteri snorted while taking the cup. "They most certainly will try but I will definitely stop them, Cassian. How are you and Andros doing ?" Asteri asked sipping at the fragrant tea. He knew Cassian as he was his guard during the diplomatic excursion they took with the Elves. There were five 5 Imperial Commanders. Marquess Cassian Giroldi was in charge of the city and the Capital. The other four were in charge of the rest. The Imperial Commander of the North was Duke Reuben Gracias. The East had Earl Ryuu Song. The West has Count Phillippe Farza and the South was guarded by Viscount Markos Harakis. These were the core of the Imperial Army. He was acquainted with all of them thanks to his years of isolation.

"We are doing quite well, Your Highness. Andros is now an instructor at the Knight Academy in the Capital. We are currently looking for a place to hold the wedding." Cassian smiled. Andros Geramine is the second son of Baron Geramine and one of the knights that worked in Cassian's unit. Asteri smiled. He was fond of them as they had his back since day one. "Congratulations. If you need anything do let me know." Cassian nodded. "However, pardon my blunt tongue, you did not ask me to escort you for not finding your way. You wanted my opinion on something." Asteri cursed mentally. Cassian knew how to read him but he knew that it was to be expected.

Asteri sighed and looked at his cup. He stared at the surface gathering his thoughts. He looked at Cassian in the eye and spoke "What do you know about Captain Santos Miriam of the Third Regiment, Foreign Battalion Corps ?" Cassian was surprised at the question but considering the scene he walked in on earlier, he had feeling that it was not the first time they clashed. "He has got a good head on his shoulders and definitely good swordsmanship. He is a skilled knight and good at leading. He is also good at at strategy but if we are going to talk attitude wise, there is much to be desired. He is respectful yet brash, kind yet disinterested. He also is narrow minded. He doesn't have much social relations and focuses on training. I take it he is clashing against your orders ?" Cassian really hit the nail on the head. Asteri nodded. "It is the fifteenth time he has come and complained. I am at my wit's end. He also thinks that just because I refused to attend the Illorio Academy I am stupid and weak. Everyone knows that I tested out early to help Father in running the kingdom. It is like he sees what he wants to see." Asteri finally hit his head on the table ending the tirade.

Cassian was surprised that the Prince was holding so much in. He knew that the Prince was definitely good but he narrowed his eyes in thought at Captain Miriam's behaviour. An idea flashed in his head and he grinned. Asteri lifted his head to talk further but stopped when he saw the grin. He felt chills go down his spine. He had a feeling that he was not going to like this. "There is a rumour that is around that he worships a particular student who passed out of the Knight Academy getting the name Starfire. I am sure you are aware of what I am talking about, Your Highness ?" Cassian looked with a sly look. Asteri groaned. "Alright, you are asking me to play fire with fire ?" Cassian leaned against the table and nodded. Asteri looked contemplative. "Alright, I will think about it. You may leave." Asteri sighed. Cassian bowed and left. As he reached the entrance, he looked at the tired frame of the Prince. He knew how much the Prince sacrificed. He decided to have a word with the Captain and walked away.

Asteri looked up at the tree he was sitting under. Oak trees were always strong and unyielding. It was they were preferred by the Norse Gods. He swore to be an oak tree. He got up and went back to the study to do some paperwork. Dinner rolled around and Asteri was skipping along the hallways to the informal dining room for dinner. He couldn't wait to have dinner with his Papa. He entered the room to see his papa sitting at the table wearing glasses looking at a bunch of reports. He swept his gaze over him. He really missed his papa. He ran at full speed and hugged him. The King was startled but recognizing his son's scent, he hugged him back. "Had a productive day son ?" he asked. He felt his son nod and let go. Asteri took a seat next to him and began to talk about his day. Aryen served dinner and they spoke. All the servants were discreetly smiling and wiping tears at the joyous sight.

Asteri suddenly remembered the painting. He looked at Aryen who immediately paid attention. "Could you bring the canvas I left outside ?" Asteri asked sweetly. Aryen nodded and left Adonis raised an eyebrow. Asteri shook his head smiling but Adonis caught the nervousness. Aryen came in with two servants carrying a big canvas and placed it in front of them. Aryen removed the cloth and froze. Adonis looked at the painting and gasped. It was a painting of the three of them in his late wife's personal library reading fairy tales to his then two year old son.. He looked at Asteri to see his nervous. It hit him then. "Asteri, did you paint this ?" he asked with awe in his voice. Asteri nodded and hid his blushing face. Adonis was surprised but got up from his chair and walked over. He suddenly lifted Asteri and twirled him in the air surprising everyone. He pulled the boy close. "I absolutely love it. It is my favourite memory as well. Thank you my son" he said dropping a kiss on the forehead making the boy smile.

They spent the rest of the night talking and went to sleep. Adonis looked at the painting with a smile of remembrance. Calliope was beautiful, strong and spunky. She was definitely one not to back away from a challenge. Asteri captured her wonderfully. "Oh my love, you would be so proud of him." he whispered to the silent night. Aryen walked in with a letter in his hands. Adonis looked at the letter and took it. He opened it and read. It was from Commander Cassian Giroldi. He stated that he would take care of Captain Miriam. Adonis heaved a sigh of relief and handed it back to Aryen who promptly threw it into the fireplace to burn it.

"How many this time ?" Adonis asked. Aryen replied "Five letters for High Tea, 2 letters to the Savoy Club and one letter from General Miller. Among these three were from the noble faction and General Miller seems to be quite vitriol. However, there is an interesting one. It is from Heiress Daphne Swan. She seems to be asking for an alliance of sorts." Adonis nodded. "Give the rest expect for the three nobles and General Miller's. I trust my son." he said. Aryen nodded and left. The castle turned in for the night, peaceful at last.