• Closed • Looking forward

[Xander Andaris]

The door opened and Xander stepped out first, his feet landing on the cobbled ground outside the Duke's home. Reaching back and turning he proceeded to help his pregnant wife down from the carriage. Her condition was very obvious, not something that could be hidden even if they wanted too, however, they had no need to hide such a gift.

The young Baron's heart had begun to race now and the nerves he thought he had overcome returned, he had never met with someone who could make or break his dreams before. "Ready my love?" He whispered to her before turning again to face the building. The servant who had opened their door stood before them and bowed gracefully and respectfully. Xander bowed his own head slightly in acknowledgement of the action.

The servant gestured for them to follow him inside with few words and he did, taking Celeste's arm in his own and beginning the walk to the front door. Already open they moved straight in, a grand foyer met them but no grandfather. Instead they were lead around the corner and along a corridor to a room more private it seemed. Perhaps the old man liked to be away from the big rooms. "It is a nice place. You grew up here?"

Xander followed instruction and still holding Celeste moved inside the room. Contrary to what he had though it was a huge room cluttered and busy, tall and had a couple of large windows in the walls that looked out across their surroundings. "Thank you." Xander smiled to the servant and nodded his head as he retreated from the room.

Xander looked around the room then in more detail taking in the furniture it was some sort of study or reading room it seemed and he made note of this before his eyes finally came to rest on the Duke they were there to see. Standing by his desk with coffee mug in hand, clearly he was ready for them.

[Celeste Andaris]

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Celeste took Xander's hand and smiled at him, trying to reassure him as much as she could with that expression. Stepping down from the carriage carefully, she wondered what her husband was thinking. He looked nervous, worried, concerned. She understood all of those things, but this was not something that they could change so she nodded her head and smiled. "More than ready."

The servants, many of whom she knew, behaved in the way that was entirely appropriate and Celeste made sure to smile and be friendly, as she always was. It was important, so she believed, to maintain an appropriate distance from the staff but to do so in a friendly manner. Having observed a number of her elders and how they worked around their servants, it seemed the most sensible to Celeste. That way, she knew the staff and they knew her, which built up loyalty. However, she was always very clear about her role and theirs.

Arm in arm with her husband, Celeste turned her gaze to the house. It was, of course, beautiful. It was ostentatious in it's way, it made a statement. They were Andaris. Here, right here, was the beating heart of the Duchy. She walked with them, interested to see where they were being led and she was pleased to realise that it was grandfather's sitting room. He liked this room and, as a child, it had been here where they had visited with him. It was an interesting choice, she thought, for where he met her husband. Family. This room was about family.

She looked to her husband when he asked her about her childhood and she smiled and nodded. "A lot of it, yes. When my mother was still alive, we lived here. After she died, Father brought us here for extended periods." Grandfather had been one of the few people who could get through to Peake, after all. Peake had been absolutely convinced that their father had killed their mother. Their relationship was incredibly volatile, that father and son and somehow, being here with grandfather made it easier for all concerned.

"When we were little, if we had been particularly well behaved, or earned a treat, we would come in here and grandfather would read us a story," she said with a smile. Thomas Andaris was Duke, but as a child Celeste had not known more than he was her grandfather. Sometimes, that was an enviable position, she thought. But then, "every story had a lesson. He didn't tell us flights of fancy, rather he took the opportunity to teach us about life, about the world. Often, he would stop at different points and ask us, what we would do if we were this character or that one." He was not a man who was overly emotional, rarely demonstrative. He had been, though, a constant figure in her childhood.

At the opening of the door and their arrival in front of said Duke, Celeste turned and dropped a well-executed and appropriate curtsy, "Your grace," she said. As she rose, with a smile she looked at him and continued her greeting as she usually would. "Grandfather. It is good to see you. This is my husband." She said no more than that, there was no need to and Grandfather had no need or wish for unnecessary words.

[Djinn]

Thomas had, as always, woken with the dawn. Even as his arcs advanced, he found that the rigidity of his schedule afforded him the vitality to make it through the many breaks of the trial. A cup of hot and bitter coffee from the southern continent, imported at his request directly to the Duchy. The smell alone brought an earthiness to the room as the tendrils of steam swirled off the top of the ceramic mug emblazoned with the sigil of House Andaris, the Dragon. In his study, Thomas found the quiet and calm necessary to prepare himself for breaks of inane ramblings, desperate pleas and wave after wave of political enemy trying to make friends. For every wrinkle on his aged face, Thomas' stoicism had produced two for his opponents, and all of that composure began in this very study.

Rows and shelves of texts lined the room, cluttered but not unorganized. The room was astonishingly large, and even in its immense size, it seemed filled to the brim. As children, the Andaris' would often joke that the Rynmere University borrowed texts from Thomas for their collection, and in some cases, on some subjects, it was true. Thomas was perhaps the most knowledgeable politician in the entirety of the Rynmere province, and he'd taken the time when the children and grandchildren were younger to pass along that knowledge. After all, the Andaris name would carry on long after his bones were laid to rest, and if his only achievement was crafting the future generations to hold that name high in honour and nobility, than he could rest easily in his grave under the watch of the Seven. He'd watched many of them make mistakes, but none enough to ruin the family name. They were still elevated above the others, especially Burhan for Veljorn's rebellion and Venora for Alistair's accusations. Never would Thomas stand for such besmirching, and he'd spoken with the other dukes and duchesses about the integrity of the nation going forward. Cassander was but a boy, after all.

As Thomas awaited the arrival of his granddaughter and her new husband, though, he sipped the black coffee from the South. In front of him sat a book of stories, one whose spine was cracked and crumbling and whose cover was worn and faded. He ran a finger over the words, idly reading them and recalling the ideas he'd used when Celeste was a child. Thomas' invitation was more than a social call, and he wanted to ensure that Celeste and her husband understood the gravity of what was before them, before all of them, moving forward.

"Your Grace? A carriage has arrived from Drakengard." Thomas' eyes rose slowly from the text as his steward, Jahn, informed him of his granddaugher's arrival. He seemed every bit of his sixty-seven arcs in that moment, and when he nodded his confirmation of the knowledge, Jahn slipped wordlessly from the room. Thomas stood and gripped the ceramic mug in both hands, allowing the warmth to seep into his old bones from the material. The cool Vhalar air was blowing through an open window, as Thomas had ensured that he'd pulled out all the stops for this meeting. Clenching his jaw every two trills or so, he awaited the gracious knock and slow opening of the door. What he saw caused the warmth in his hands to spread, as Celeste confidently stepped through the door, Xander on her heels.

"My Lady. Granddaughter." Thomas' words were careful and measured, as they always were. Shrewd eyes fell on her husband, and Thomas offered a strong and aging hand to Xander. "Xander. Welcome to the family."

His features were inscrutable, a political tactic that had always given him an edge over those seeking to undo him with his emotion. He set the coffee cup down on the oaken desk, interlacing ten long fingers with each other and leaning back on the solid wood.

"May I offer you any refreshment? I know the trip from Astedia is not the longest, but still, niceties should be observed." From behind them, Jahn moved seamlessly to grab a pewter coffee press, turning to offer them the hot beverage. "Or perhaps a goblet of wine? I have a fine dry Venoran red." That had been a gift from Ebony for this very meeting, but he would not tell them that.

Tradition
Loyalty
Composure

[Xander Andaris]

Celeste may be surprised by Xander here, there were few times he would ever bow but now was one of them. As Celeste curtseyed he lowered into a bow at his waist, a sign of the respect he already had for the man he did not know. Xander had not even bowed like that when he met the king. "My Lord, it is a pleasure." Xander took the hand and gripped it in his own, fingers wrapping around the weathered hands of the older man.

Xander had his own political face that he had developed in his lifetime but his was less inscrutable or more passive and charming. His features relaxed and his stance comfortable yet alert. His hands behind his back as he listened to the refreshments offered. "Oh, no thank you, Although, I would be happy with a glass of water if possible?" Xander didn't much care for wine and he had already drank some coffee that morning, he was careful not drink too much of it.

He looked around the room casually taking in the many books, it was like being in a library. Xander did not rad much, only when he really needed too. He preferred to learn by doing and observing, actively learning was what Xander was better at but he could use books when necessary. It was interesting to see a room like it was, so big yet cluttered while at the same time seemingly tidy.

"We missed you at our wedding." Xander looked at the older man and smiled softly, showing it was not a complaint but an observation. "I suppose it comes with your job, time is something people take for granted." Xander new this himself yet he was lucky that he only had Astedia to take care of and with Celeste's help at that.

[Celeste Andaris]

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It was the smell of coffee.

That, Celeste decided, was what made it feel like home. The coffee her grandfather had brought in smelled slightly different to the coffee Xander had each morning. Grandfather's had a stronger scent, an undertone of bitter which gave it a sharp taste, deep and rich.She smiled and nodded. "Thank you, a coffee would be very welcome." She glanced at the bottle of Venoran red, but did not partake of it. In fairness, she had very mixed feelings about that particular house and their treatment of her and their family. Alistair calling off their engagement had embarrassed her and the family, yet Andraska Venora was a genuine friend to the young woman and she was pleased to call him so.

Grandfather called Xander by his first name only, not affording him the title even of 'my lord' and Xander called the Duke exactly that, my lord rather than 'your grace'. Celeste had a moment then, when she had a decision to make. Did she point out such to either of them or did she remain quiet and simply let them work it out for themselves? It was possible that they were showing each other some sort of respect by their informality, equally there were a hundred other possibilities. Celeste was, very much, who she was and so she said nothing; there was nothing to gain by doing so and, as an observer to whatever game they played, she was better watching until she understood it better. Xander bowed, though, and more than he had to the king. That pleased her.

"Indeed we did," she said, when Xander said that they had missed him at their wedding. "It was well attended." What did grandfather think of the letter they had sent, she wondered. The way in which they had conducted their wedding had been entirely traditional in many ways, but had not been the ostentatious show of wealth which noble weddings had become. Instead, they had chosen fourteen charities, two from each of the duchies and donated the money which the wedding would have cost to them. Having urged the king and the empress to do the same had been a decision they had made jointly, although Thomas Andaris would know his grand daughter's mind and it was very much exactly the kind of thing she would do.

However, he was correct, the social pleasantries must be adhered to and so, once she had her coffee, and had thanked Jahn politely, she spoke once more to her grandfather. "You look well, your Grace. It is good of you to give up your time to see us, I'm sure your duties continue to keep you busy." She didn't ask him why they were here, that would not be the thing to do. He would tell them, she was sure, when he chose to. Since he would do that only then and not one trill before, asking him would serve nothing. So, until Thomas Andaris decided it was time to do different, she was happy to make small talk. However, that small talk started with the simple truth. "It is always a pleasure to see you, grandfather. I do believe this room has grown more books somehow." How he managed to read them all, she did not know, yet it seemed very much that he did.

[Djinn]

Thomas had honed his perception over many arcs as the leader of his household, and he understood that Xander was playing a dangerous game with his words. Thomas was unsure whether the man's uncouth approach was one of defiance and disrespect, or general ignorance of the observance of niceties. Nonetheless, Thomas noted the briefest shadow flit across his granddaughter's face, and he gave an almost imperceptible nod in her direction. His approval was something not given lightly, but Celeste had grown into a shrewd woman, and her marriage to a Krome was a wondrous political move in securing assets for the family.

And, Thomas supposed, securing their assets and wealth for his own goals as well. Thomas was not so naïve as to believe that Xander had married Celeste for her beauty, which she had in abundance. Instead, it was likely that he had married her to acquire her name, and when Thomas passed the duchy, that too. It was a bright move, one that showed great promise in the young man. It reminded Thomas of himself when he was Xander's age, hungry for something larger and more expansive every day. Change, Thomas had wanted, and he would not be shocked if the young man before him wanted the same.

With a nod at Jahn, the Duke dismissed him to fetch Xander some water. Thomas himself reached out for the pewter coffee press and made a cup for Celeste, nudging her towards the cream and sugar, should she want it. The coffee was bitter and earthy, and while Thomas himself took nothing in his cup, he understood if Celeste wished to. A tight-smile, razor thin, followed back to Xander, whose water arrived promptly. Jahn looked to Thomas, and the Duke gave him a slight nod. Wordlessly again, Jahn slipped from the room. Thomas had allowed the question of their wedding hang in the air for a moment, before once again lacing his fingers in front of him.

"Yes, my apologies for my absence. There has been a series of pressing matters weighing on my conscience of late, and I decided it less dramatic to not attend. My true attention would not have been in the ceremony, which would be an affront to both your everlasting love and the Memory of the Seven. My sincerest congratulations, however."

He smiled again, hollow and thin. His age showed again, this time apparent to the both of them. Streaks of gray were making their way through his hair, and though his physique remained, he looked worn. The wrinkles around his eyes deepened as his mouth stretched into the tight smile.

"And here the formalities end. From this point, Xander, you may call me Thomas. Especially since your inability to observe my station has led you to incorrectly address me. Celeste, if Grandfather is most comfortable for you, I will permit it. Otherwise, Thomas." He took a large gulp of the hot liquid in his cup.

"Thank you for joining me this trial. I know the travel from Astedia to Andaris is not long, but so soon after your nuptials, I was not sure you'd answer my summons. The series of pressing matters I mentioned a moment ago, they are ever more evident, and will grow exponentially before this season is through. I am concerned for the standing of not just Andaris, but the Seven Families. The Venora debacle, coupled with the growing tensions between the commonry and the nobility and Cassander's-- ahem, King Cassander's, wedding to Emerson Sands... Rynmere is in peril as a province."

Thomas' voice was grave, each of his syllables properly punctuated and enunciated. He knew that the two would hang on the words, especially when he brought Cassander's name into it. It was a dangerous tactic to employ, because he knew the Council wouldn't allow him to share too much without the Ceremony having taken place. He stopped speaking and sipped his coffee again, the full aroma filling his nostrils.

"I have a plan of action, but it will not be pleasant for any of us. I believe the others are in agreement, as well. So we will move forward as I've advised. Celeste... Your time is now." His stone-grey eyes fell on her, but he kept a peripheral gaze on Xander. This was the true test, for both of them.

Tradition
Loyalty
Composure

[Xander Andaris]

Xander's water was quick to arrive and he allowed himself a small gulp of the cool liquid. It trickled down his throat refreshingly as he watched the other man show his granddaughter to the cream and sugar if she wanted it. It was when the man smiled his age really showed, wrinkles and worn skin stretching and appearing with the expression.

”I can assure you I meant no offence by my incorrect vocabulary, my background can be blamed there. I apologise.” The young noble had never been trained in etiquette or politics, everything he knew he had learned himself. Mostly through experience and trial and error had he reached the level he was at now, he was not as fortunate as all nobles.

Still Thomas continued and Xander listened closely. It felt like the man had already made judgements of Xander, possibly tainted by the incorrect use of “lord”. Xander hoped something so trivial did not bother the Duke but Xander knew many people who would take unnecessarily huge offence from it.

It was interesting what Thomas said, they were observations that he had also made and Celeste too. Rynmere was a shambles and had been since the civil war as far as Xander could tell. Being lead by a boy was not healthy for a kingdom like Rynmere, Xander knew this well.

”I’m sorry but if I may interject. I believe we would be in need of more information, an explanation of these plans.” Xander stepped closer to Celeste, disliking the feeling of being on the outside of whatever this was. ”I am sure Celeste already knows this and would have stated so herself but stepping forward blindly is a foolish move. If it would be as unpleasant as you say perhaps it would help if we knew what 'it’ was?”

Xander's eyebrow raised as he looked at the Duke before him. He knew full well his questions were straightforward but that was Xander, he believed in honesty and openness. He was crude in his actions by Southern standards perhaps but he was Northern through and through he conducted politics differently. ”I know my questions may be stupid but I'd rather they were said than left under the table.”

[Celeste Andaris]

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Lifting the cup to her lips, Celeste shook her head to the cream and sugar as she thanked her grandfather for the drink. Xander had water, as she could have predicted; he drank a limited amount of coffee and no alcohol. For him, control was important and he had grown up watching the results of excess; he would not allow himself to behave in the ways his father did. Still, Celeste could not and would not waste her attention here on considerations of the past. It was the present which she needed to be focused on, the here and now and these two men. Not to do so would make the possibility of a mis-step greater and she could not risk that.

Her grandfather spoke of why he did not come to their wedding, although he did not say anything at all with those words. It did not matter, not to her; he was the Duke, he was her grandfather and he was family. The slightest frown creased her brow as he said that he had things weighing on his conscience. "Thank you. Truly," was her only reply, though, and that to his congratulations. They were sincere, she did not doubt it and she was pleased at them. The worries he felt, though, caused an expression on his face and Celeste considered for the first time that her grandfather was aging. She knew it on an intellectual level, but it was with some surprise that she realised he looked older.

Then he spoke, explaining that this was where the discussion began. He picked Xander up on his use of the title and Celeste wondered at what he felt; was he amused, annoyed or none of the above? Yet, as he had been since her first memory, her grandfather was irrepressible and unreadable to the young Andaris. So, she attended carefully to his words. There was significance in there, she did not doubt. He did not casually use Cassander's name, only to excuse himself and add in his title. He gave them a timeline, speaking of this season and events moving quickly and then, he told them that he was not acting alone, but with others. She could only assume that the others were the Ducal Council. He told them a lot, an awful lot, without saying anything which could be used against him, should such be reported.

As was her way, Celeste was quiet for a moment after he had spoken and, in that silence, Xander spoke. He asked for clarification and he spoke in his usual manner. Straightforward, blunt and to the point, then he said that his question may be stupid. When he did that, Celeste put her coffee down and briefly placed her hand over his. She was here as his wife, as much as she was anything that was now what it was and the simple fact was, even if they hated each other it was their life. There was no such thing as divorce in Rynmere, as nobility they were permitted no other spouses. But they did not hate each other, far from it and that gesture was a clear message to both of the men in the room.

Then, she laced her fingers together as she thought about what her grandfather and her husband had said. "When I first went to Krome to meet Xander, I was struck by the differences in the place, the people." They had warned her, of course, before she went that the Northerners were different. However, she had not realised how much so until she had got there. "There are stereotypes, whispered insults about the Northern nobility. In some cases," his father first amongst them, sadly. What would Thomas Andaris say if he knew that Jersey Krome had attempted to rape her, she wondered. Did he know? She wouldn't be surprised, "I found them to be entirely accurate. Yet in my future husband I found a man with a drive and vision." And something of a tendency to be blunt, direct and straightforward, she considered but that probably didn't need saying. "The kind of vision I learned here, a long time ago."

Here, as a child, she had heard stories of the greatness of Rynmere. Of the honour and nobility of the ancient families, the importance of blood and a hundred other such things, specifically about the Andaris blood which flowed in her veins. Here, she had learned. She looked at her grandfather and smiled a slight smile. Her husband was indeed a little prone to blunt, but she would make no apology for him. He was who he was and frankly, they were stronger together because of it. Sometimes, blunt was needed and necessary.

"We had determined before we arrived that we would speak to you, grandfather, about our concerns for the Kingdom. Your words echo those concerns exactly, the problems that we see are the ones you identified and we were going to talk to you about a desire for action." Celeste appeared to be entirely relaxed, sitting comfortably with her hands clasped on her lap. Glancing at Xander, she spoke in disagreement with one thing he had said. Only one, and only one part of it but it was an important point. "You two are strangers and that complicates things for you both. Yet I can say to you both that I trust and believe in this man you have just met. For what my opinion is worth," a slight and wry smile lifted her lips at the last. "So, I must be clear that I would not consider myself stepping forward blindly, as my husband puts it. Yet he would be and I can only echo his sentiments. We are in agreement in principle, I have no doubt." She had none, it was true. Yet, in practice, she would like to know more.

However, there was another message to give, another reassurance and again, for them both. "If it is time for us to act, then the more informed those actions are, the more effective they are likely to be." They would act, she did not doubt and she wanted her grandfather to know that. If they could be involved in the unification of Rynmere, of a return to the traditional and appropriate rulership, of the concern for the commoner by nobility, then they would be. Yet, Xander was right in his question. The more they could know the better. How much that was, she did not know so she sat and waited to see what her grandfather had to say.

[Djinn]

Thomas chuckled, though it could have been passed off as him clearing his throat. The gall of Xander reminded him of himself, but considerably younger. He did not ascribe to the idea that the Krome were as wolfen as they'd lead others to believe, and having known many personally, Thomas could attest to their civility and responsibility of station. But they were, every man, woman and child, fierce and loyal. Every Krome he'd known was the type to swing the blade first, ask whether it was actually an enemy later. In some circumstances, that would be the proper course, and Xander would be a valuable ally to the Andaris clan. This was not that trial.

"We are hardly going in blind, Xander. On the contrary, we've done more than enough research. Rynmere is on the brink of ruin, and the Seven Families have encountered situations such as these before. It was before I was alive, but I've been informed of the measures taken. I need to know that the two of you are willing to do what is necessary to ensure the survival of Andaris and the province itself. Against all odds, against everything you hold dear... I need to know that you are willing to sacrifice everything to maintain the status quo, even if it means your lives."

The grave implications of Thomas' words hung in the air like a shroud, covering the meeting in death's pallor. He took another sip of his coffee before he set the heavy mug down and slowly walked around the massive and ornately carved desk before them. He opened a drawer and removed two rolled scrolls, both of fresh parchment. On the edges was a deep crimson wax, melted and resealed and stamped with the dragon of Andaris. Both scrolls were capped with brass caps emblazoned with the same logo. Thomas set them on the desk, and made his way back around. It seemed to Celeste and Xander than another ten deep wrinkles had joined the others, and his eyes had sunken another few centimetres into their sockets.

"You are quite right, Celeste. The issues in Rynmere are an immediate call to action, and it has always fallen to the families to regain control of the chaos. Through immense personal sacrifice, cleverness and luck, the seven families have managed to maintain this province for hundreds of arcs, and it's been on the backs of young nobles like yourselves who are willing to bring the fight to the chaos. I must say, I was unsure whether the two of you would be ready, but I think you just may be. Be cautioned, the both of you, that the road ahead is neither a glamourous nor an easy one. If that is understood, we shall proceed."

At their approval, Thomas nodded. He lifted the two scrolls, one in each hand, and held them so that both of the others could see the seals. It was Thomas' personal seal, not just the generic Andaris family seal, which meant the letters were of immense import. Just then, Jahn entered the room with a plate full of freshly baked scones, the scent of maple mingling with the coffee to create a truly tantalizing mixture. He set them on the table, wordlessly turning to look at Thomas. Thomas dismissed him with a polite nod, then inclined his head towards the pastries.

"Help yourselves, should you like. Jahn's scones are quite a treat." His smile was thin and strained. Holding the scrolls back up, he inhaled sharply before continuing.

"These letters are both addressed to King Cassander Renault, and they are both copies of the same document: my official abdication of the seat of Duke of Andaris. This means that the lands themselves will pass to Celeste, and by proxy, you as well, Xander. You two will become the Duke and Duchess in name and status, and will be set to rule Andaris with integrity. More than just a political office, though, this seat comes with responsibilities that reach beyond the public purview, and demands constant attention and vigilance to ensure that the house itself does not fall into ruin. You will come into a network that is already set up, and has been for five hundred arcs, but the choices you make will either bolster or shatter that network. Now is the time for you to decide, and I will only offer once before going to Odessa and her husband. Will the two of you, this trial, participate in the Ceremony?"

Thomas' steel eyes landed on Xander, then Celeste. A thin hand reached out and snaked a scone from the tray, and a bite was taken from the warm and delicious pastry. Chewing slowly, Thomas eyed them both, waiting for an affirmation before moving forward.

Tradition
Loyalty
Composure

[Xander Andaris]

Xander was not sure what to think as his grandfather in law spoke of what they would need to be willing to do. To lay down their lives for Rynmere and to be ready for a hard road ahead. Still Xander said nothing as the dark mood took over the room and he contemplated the implications of all this. He was not a genius but even he could tell that there was something more here, something the great houses had been discussing relating to the boy king.

"I understand, I have always been willing to give my life for this Kingdom, I have risked it already for Andaris but Rynmere has yet to receive my protection." The young Baron stepped closer to his wife, a hand resting gently on her back. "The life of a leader should be anything but glamorous, it falls to those in charge to make hard decisions, the ones others wish not to make. I am ready and so is Celeste to take on whatever responsibility you would entrust us with, the future will be bright when order and sense is restored to this nation." Xander looked at the scones on the table and picked one up, he was not much of a drinker but he would rarely say no to food.

He took a bite of the still warm baked confectionery, the texture perfect and the flavour enjoyable. He looked to Celeste for a brief moment, almost for a look of approval before stepping forward and with his spare hand taking the scroll. "You do us a great honour, handing your Duchy down to your young granddaughter and her stranger husband. I can assure you, this is not something you will regret." He then placed the scroll down on the table and waited for Celeste to join him and say her part.

Once she was by his side Xander came back to this ceremony, curiosity pumping through him as he considered what it might consist of.
"What does the ceremony consist of if I may ask?" The young wolf was still not 100% sure what he was getting himself in for on this exact trial. He had some idea of what the future trials would now hold, thew position of Duke was at his fingertips already but what came after that was to be seen. He knew that their own goal was Kingship but what was it that Thomas had planned, it was clear this was all predetermined by him so far.

"Finally, I would ask one more thing and I swear I mean no offence by it." Xander turned away for a second, pondering how to put the question but moving to, as he normally did, a straight forward approach. "Do you wish us to lead as we would deem right or in a manner you think right? I do not wish to be a puppet, I already think highly of you from just this meeting but politicians are good at deceiving and I do not wish to fall down a well I can't escape from."

Whether such concerns were warranted or not as a personal thing and whether one would take offence to such a worry was also personal. Xander meant no offence or to challenge Thomas' honour but to him it was not worth the risk of being trapped. The younger man only wished to fully understand his position and the truth of the role he was being presented.