Edmund paced as he awaited parliament. It was time for a meeting, one which he suspected no one would see coming. He knew they’d all think this was about the proposed laws he’d spoke of previously, those aimed for free education. The duke still wanted them figured on but not now. Now he had something much more important for the duchy’s future. Now it was time to speak about an heir to the throne.

Perhaps it was the fact that he and Madeline held such opposite opinions that had created this idea, manifesting inside him more as the weeks passed by. He had spoken with his niece by marriage, discovered the truths he had needed, and now was ready to reveal his plan to the most trusted of men he knew.

Viceroy Nathaniel, the man Edmund had appointed in charge during his own absences. A childhood friend, a loyal advisor, Nathaniel was the key to most of Edmund’s plans. He knew if Nathaniel agreed, the idea was valid, possible, and held enough merit to gain the duchy’s willful acceptance.

Marquess Adrian, the man Edmund had given Llyn to. Edmund respected this man and his just rulership, desiring to mimic some of the marquesate laws for Pemberton itself. Adrian had survived odds most other men would succumb to and had returned to an even more united land under his rule.

Warlord Samuel, the man Edmund shared so many similar military tactics with. He was a good man, holing steady to the loyalty given to the duke, and for that Edmund was always grateful.

Baroness Antoinette, the lady Edmund knew was as close to perfect as one could be yet she knew none of this. No one did. She had every quality he found enchanting though her latest anger towards him left him uncertain of where she stood now.

That was the whole of parliament, the other ranks still open. The plague had left only destruction in its path and Duke Edmund wanted to fill the gaps with only men who would be fitting. It called for careful screening, ensuring their loyalties lay with Edmund and the new path he forged for the duchy.

The huge table stretched across the length of the room, its formidable surface set with plentiful drinks and a light assortment of appetizer type foods. There was no one save for the duke himself permitted in the room. He had dismissed the attending servants and placed only the most trusted guard outside the heavy doors. The meetings were usually thus privately done but this time Edmund had taken every precaution that nothing would leave and no one uninvited would enter. It may raise suspicions but even then, the duke could use the guise of those poverty laws.

He drummed his knuckles along the wood as he settled into the seat of highest honor. Located at the far end, it was a station reserved for the duke. He was head of parliament after all but Edmund hadn’t ever behaved as anything but equal to those fellow members who gathered here. So far he had yet to enforce his overall power, seeking solutions that were mutually agreed upon. Here they were a group of men, and one woman now, who met as equals for the most part.
Edmund leaned back, filled his goblet with hearty ale but instead of gulping the fine liquid, he sipped it casually. His blood burned for the fuel but his mind conquered this time. This time there were lives involved, lives of people he loved. This time he needed to be fully aware and held firm to that. The ale was hardly touched.

Adrian was the first to arrive. He was wearing a black jacket with a rose red undershirt, and black breeches. He wore his ceremonial rapier and walked to the large doors which lead to the Parliament Room and the Duke's chamber. He greeted both of the guards who stepped to the side, allowing Adrian entrance.

As soon as he got in, he walked over to his seat, fourth on the Duke's right side, signifying that he was four ranks in nobility from the Duke. He nodded a greeting, and pouring some water from a pitcher into his goblet, he spoke.

"Edmund, what are we going to discuss during this meeting?"

Adrian glanced at his friend, voiding formailty until the others arrived, at which time he would be very formal. He gulped down some of the cold, clean water. It was refreshing. He had visited Victoria the last few days, discreetly. His mind was set on her.

Edmund peered over towards the doors as he heard them open. Marquess Adrian was the first to arrive. Wasn’t it predictable by now for the man was often times the most punctual of any of them? Edmund smiled at his friend, having only recently returned from visiting the marquesate of Llyn. His smile didn’t stay long however, knowing that Adrian was going to have a personal interest in the topic at hand. It would complicate matters for him Edmund knew. Edmund knew better than most the complications that came from ruling a duchy.
Nodding as Adrian served himself, Edmund appreciated the fact the noble never complained when the servants were absent. The duke preferred it that way, choosing to keep only those persons he invited to listen thus reducing the chance for later gossip.
“You know me well,” he said in tones of warm approval. Adrian hadn’t been fooled by the precautions Edmund had taken in gathering the parliament this time. The duke respected the fact that Adrian had recognized them and so he shifted in his seat, several documents resting in front of him atop the table. They were written histories of the Sherbourne family, accounting for names and birth dates, death rates and family illnesses. It had taken Edmund nearly a month to have them all discreetly found. He had spent hours pouring over them after talking to Lady Victoria, seeking out any possible loophole that may exist. He wanted to be prepared for the questions his parliament would have, the risks and benefits all weighed out beforehand.
“Adrian,” Edmund continued, “this meeting is going to affect us both on a personal level.” His gaze steadied with the marquess, glad he could warn the man before the arrival of others. Lowering his voice, Edmund informed his friend, “I will present material to decree Lady Victoria as heir to Pemberton throne.” There was no other way to say it, no other way to tell the reason for today’s meeting. Duke Edmund wanted to secure an heir to be crowned after his death, the threat of Madeline and her children too great a risk to him. Pemberton’s future depended on this. Edmund knew it and soon so would the rest of parliament.
After a moment’s pause, Edmund spoke very quietly,” She doesn’t know yet, my friend. She may have suspicions but I’ve not told anyone else.” Edmund knew once parliament agreed on his plan, presented it to the Council which Edmund could see no difficulty convincing based on Victoria’s family tree, then her life could very well become endangered. He knew Madeline may stop at nothing to keep the duchy within her own hands...absolutely nothing.

"If you say so."

The younger man laughed before grabbing a slice of break from on of the trays. He took a small bite from it and drank some of the water. He glanced towards the door, wondering how long it would take for the others to get here. He figured it would be a long day, so he took off his jacket and hung it on his seat. He ulso unbuckled his Rapier and put it on a wall hook.

"Ah....I wondered when that would come up."

Adrian ate some more of the bread, to keep himself from showing any forthright emotion. He glanced over at his friend. Was he truly worried about death already? He was a right healthy man, save for his drinking. He drank some more of the water before putting it down.

"And I suppose you invited her to sit in on this meeting to inform her?"

He stared at the table for the moment. Thinking of Victoria, with her deep green eyes and- No. This was a professional matter. He couldn't let his thoughts stray. He grabbed another piece of the bread and buttered it slightly, before eating a bit. He sighed before looking at his friend.

"Why are you concerned about a heir? You're a healthy man save for..."

He motioned towards the bottles of varied spirits around the table. He drained the cup of water, and refilled it, he kept it in his hands and looked at Edmund. He definately was not getting enough sleep or food.

Edmund was glad Adrian had accepted the news so well. He felt relieved the man had even already been wondering along the same lines. What the duke didn’t want to point out was the distinct danger involved. He didn’t quite smile, instead thinking of the reactions amongst the duchy once official word of this was released. There was concern evident upon his brow as well as a seriousness as he focused on the marquess.
“No, no, not this meeting,” Edmund replied, waving his hand in dismissal. He wanted to present the idea to parliament first, gain their mutual approval before moving on to Pemberton’s council. The council would be easy he surmised, simply proving Victoria’s place of birth within the Sherbourne family but that would wait until the lady herself had agreed with such plan. “She will be here next time and then we must discuss matters long overdue,” Edmund continued, thinking of the propositions he had recently dusted off and was bent on presenting and passing once again. “A little at a time,” he murmured quietly. He wanted to be certain this was the answer he’d been searching for and, of course, Lady Victoria must also think so. She would have to witness first-hand the dealings of parliament and stand by her own convictions, presenting them with confidence.
After a few silent minutes as Edmund heard Adrian munch his bread and the duke sipped his drink more, the marquess’s words almost echoed through the room. Edmund watched his friend’s sight travel to the goblet clutched within his hand. He sighed, setting it down onto the table with a resigned look. Edmund had skipped too many meals, drank far too much, and spent way too many hours squinting by candlelight over some parchment or another. He looked a decade older than he was yet his eyes had grown only kinder, more empathetic, his determination unwavering.
Releasing his sigh, the duke didn’t reply right away. Instead he glanced to the closest window, noting the clouds’ leisurely pace. “It isn’t so much my own concern,” he said openly, “but that of the duchy itself. I’ve no heirs Adrian nor will I now.” He smiled as he said it, picturing Catalina and her own children. She was his world beyond these doors. She was his happiness.
“I was spared in the plague. Who is to say I will be again?” he asked the question with a shrug. It was not worry but realization. “Madeline...” Edmund stalled before repeating, “Duchess Madeline would secure the throne.” The duke leaned in, almost whispering now. “Adrian, I can’t let that happen, not after we got this far. This far!” he exclaimed as he pounded his fist down onto the table. “There is so much to do... my life for Pemberton. Hasn’t that been the price all along? By God, I’m going to make sure this duchy gives everyone a chance of that price. A chance for their own life. And a chance for even greater accomplishments,” he finished, staring out the window again as if finding inspiration right there in the heavens.

Adrian smiled, the look of knowing in his eye. Edmund was in a position here, much tighter than between a rock and a hard place. It was between the duchy and Madeline. That was something Adrian would help Edmund get out of.

He glanced at his friend, realizing he was not the man he knew a month ago, but a man much, much stronger. He picked up his goblet and twirled it in his fingers. He picked up a grape and nibbled on it.

"You are right. Choosing someone to succeed you, however, is the least of your worries, my friend."

He drank from the freshly refiled goblet. It was refreshing. He was tired of alcohol, he drank it on during celebratory occasions. He looked towards to heavy oak doors, waiting for others to come in. It was odd, them taking this long.

He eyed Edmund with respect. He had conviction, and thats what they needed in this time of turmoil and uncertainty. He got up during Edmunds speech. His smile was wide now, and he walked over.

"That is what I want to hear, old friend. And I will support you, to my last living breath."

Adrian clasped Edmunds forearm, an ancient sign of respect in his culture. What they were called was lost to him, but he knew of their customs. He released his grip, and put his hand on the table.

"Today, we continue our work. After this time, it will be good to help you, Edmund."