Insist that the guards remain

"My Kingsguard may be trusted with even the most private information," you say. Now it's Alayna's turn to be put on the spot; for her to insist that the guards leave would be tanatmount to admitting that her own people could NOT be trusted.

If Alayna is at all discomforted, however, she shows no sign. "As you wish," she says simply.

"With your permission, Sire, I will take my leave," Duncan says softly. You nod to him, and he and General Ferdinand exit, along with Theresa. Trina and Sir Calloway take up their positions at opposite sides of the tent, forming a diamond shape between themselves, the entrance, and the throne.

Alayna visibly relaxes as the others exit. "Mmm, I really do prefer meetings when the advisors aren't present," she says, in a much more conversational tone. "Everything has to be so formal in front of them, and one feels as though one's every word is being taken down for careful analysis later. Would you care for wine, King Xavier?"

"Please," you respond.

Alayna pours two goblets from a bottle standing nearby, and offers you one. "To your Kingdom's anniversary," she suggests.

You tap cups, and drink. It is a white wine, somehow cold and refreshing even though the day is already growing warm; she must have had snow brought down from the mountains to chill the bottle.

"You and I have something in common," Alayna says. "I am aware that you were not born of royal blood... an apprentice to a carpenter?"

"A blacksmith," you correct her.

"Yes, of course. As for myself, I also cannot lay claim to the title of Queen by birth. Nobility, that I may truthfully assert - my grandfather was a Duke, and though his house fell upon difficult times and he lost his influence, the title is still my birthright... or rather, it was, before he fell out of favor with the King. Since I did not see fit to bow to any other King or Queen once I came of age, I saw no reason why I might not claim that title as legitimately as the first monarch of any house; and in any event, I felt that 'Alyana, the Warrior Duchess' simply did not inspire the necessary awe and reverence. Most of my people assume that I am indeed the daughter of royalty, and I find it useful not to deny it. You, on the other hand... it is well known that you were a commoner one day and a King the next, placed on the throne essentially by sheer chance. They call me the Unbloodied... do you know that they call you the People's King?"

"I am pleased to hear it," you say. "I would like to believe that it is a fitting title."

"It is also said that you know nothing of how to rule a kingdom, and that it is your advisors who really make all the decisions while you smile and wave to the common folk."

"It is said that you ride into battle stark naked," you counter, "and that anyone who touches your hair bursts into flame."

Alayna laughs, and it seems genuine, not an affectation. "Well, the first part is completely false," she says, slumping back on the throne and letting her robe drop. She is clearly wearing nothing underneath it, and you can't help but gulp your last sip of wine as her naked breasts unexpectedly come into view. "Boots are more or less necessary when riding, after all."

You do your best to remain composed, quite certain that this is some kind of test - or at the very least, an attempt to distract you. "It is also doubtless true that I lack some of the finer skills befitting a King," you admit. "For instance, I completely missed an opportunity just now to demonstrate my courage and self-reliance when I refused to dismiss my guard. I'm sure a more experienced King would have taken advantage of that."

"Point taken," Alayna nods, and flips her robe closed once again. "I wanted to see how you, as a man, would react to the insinuation that you needed a woman to protect you - from another woman, no less. But it was a rather obvious ploy... forgive me for being so crude. In return, I'll forgive you for staring at my breasts while I had my robe open."

"As you say, Alayna, I am a man as well as a King," you say to her.

"Hm... 'Alayna.' Are we on such friendly terms, Xavier? No titles, no pomp and circumstance?"

"As a commoner, I grew accustomed to a degree of informality in my dealings with others," you say. "Sometimes, especially when I feel comfortable in the present company, I confess that I find myself slipping into old habits. Perhaps at times like these, Alayna, we could adopt a straightforward and honest manner which does not hide behind affectations? I would certainly find it refreshing, and if I may be so bold, I imagine such an attitude comes more naturally to you as well."

She smiles. "I have a feeling you and I are going to get along very well indeed," she says. "Tell me one more thing, since we're being so honest with each other: Did you bring along the sole female member of your Kingsguard in order to impress me?"

"Lady Trina is a decorated and highly-valued member of my guard," you say. "She has single-handedly saved my life on at least one occasion, and to have her at my side is to know that I have a loyal, quick-thinking, and uncommonly skilled warrior who stands ready to put her life on the line at a moment's notice. That having been said... yes, I hoped she would impress you."

Alayna looks over at Trina, her expression as if she were sizing up a line of new recruits. "It worked," she says simply.

"Then allow me to introduce you formally," you say. "Queen Alayna, the Unbloodied and Undefeated, may I present Lady Trina Sarawynn of the Elyssian Kingsguard, Sworn Protector of the Crown."

"Your Majesty," Trina says, bowing low but keeping her eyes turned upward.

"I am honored to meet you, Lady Trina," Alayna says. "Well, Xavier, as much as I've enjoyed our visit - and please know that I have enjoyed it much more than I anticipated - I'm sure you have a great deal to do this morning, many guests to meet with. There are some important matters which we should discuss, but I am loath to potentially ruin what has been such a pleasant first encounter. If you need to take your leave, of course I understand completely, and I will look forward to seeing you at the castle feast tonight."