#anywhere

She raises a brow. "To be honest, I wasn't quite clear about that, after having been directed to provide a specially constructed suite and access to wi-fi."

The Duke says "The one area the heir is currently useful is his computer skills. Believe it or not, you may find his work there promising. Have you asked him?"

"I have tried. I do not follow his words past the first sentence or so," she admits. "But you are telling me I will not earn your ire if I curtail his access to his devices?"

The Duke ponders "As a means to insist he take his lessons in defense and rulership? No.. You would not earn my ire. But you should let him have sometime for his craft once he DOES comply. It would be like denying your Dame Agincourt her work in her workshop"

"Good luck getting a pair on that one though when it comes to combat" The Duchess sighs

"I would not restrain him from crafting entirely. That would be unnecessarily cruel." Then a wry grin to the Duchess. "I might have to find a pair and staple them on him."

"It is true" the Duke says with frustration, "The boy seems almost.. un sidhe ish on the battle field. When I tried to teach him sword and shield he soon dropped the sword, and ..cowered under the shield yellinng 'I surrender, I surrender' I..." The Duke shakes his head "I was embarrased to be on nthe same ground with him"

"Then I don't need to describe his first lesson with staff. It was pretty much the same." She frowns and mutters, "I am kicking myself for not having selected a new heir as soon as Derynwydd took her own hold."

"You wouldn't have" The Duke says "And It is not hard to guess why. You would worry it might insult her to 'replace' her so quickly. Further, you clearly wish your husband to take over if need be but find him reluctant. We are both warriors, if of Differennt houses. While he is no the one you want, the Duchess and I have done you a favor by taking blame for your new heir being thrust upon you. Cold comfort I'm sure"

A frown. "Chilly, indeed. I do not like him," she says bluntly. "This has soured my rule. While I wished to make my barony strong and have a suitable heir from among its people when the time came, now I must instead find some way to ready them to accept one who is unwilling to rule."

"think of it as confidence in your ability to make lemonade out of a lemon" The Duchess smiles a bit "Come, Baroness. You do not shrink from a challenge."

"Nor do I appreciate an insult, and while it may not have been her majesty's intent to do so, that is the effect. I resent this, your graces. But I understand it was not your decision, nor was it some punishment for losing your preferred Regent at my hold. Thank you for your time." She tosses back the rest of her wine.

"HOLD"

The Gwydion rises, and says "I dispute that this is insult. Rather, it is a sign of our confidence in you and your hold. You do not have to like it, but do not mistake it."

Coradel stops at the order and regards him. After a moment, she nods acquiescence. "As you say, your grace. But I wonder how you would feel in my position."

"Frustrated," he says "And perhaps resentful. " A look to his wife

"I confess," She admits, stirring a finger on her glass "I might be insulted at first. But this is how it works for all in authority at times, Baronness. We yield to the Queen even if we feel she imposes too strongly, she does like wise with the High King. And you will impose on knights in your service even if they disagree. Moments where choice is reduces is inevitable. If I may? You feel your people are being treated unfairly. Not just yourself?"

"I think that may be what my legacy eventually amounts to, in this case, you grace. And not by my own choice."

"Then know this... We are both seelie, and we do repay our debts. Think of how we can provide for you, and your people, beyond the heir. It is not unreasonalbe of you to use this to your and their advantage" She says "And, think like a Fiona. If he is your heir, then you may arrange things for him yes? Perhaps even introduce young ladies in his life that might motivate him? or even share rule should love blossom?"

The Gwydion frowns "Aye, that is another matter. If you wish... you may collect 'the spare' , one of your choosing. Either to be by his side if love blooms, or... to share the wheel as your counts do"

Coradel can't help it; a bark of laughter escapes her at the Countess's words. "Your pardon, your grace, but...him? It may take an army of satyrs all working in harmony to arouse a spark of romantic passion from him. But I will see what I can do."

And then more seriously, a nod to the Count. "Understood, your grace."

A tone of resignation to the task.

The Duke nods "Do you wish supper or even a night to stay here?"

"You are kind to offer, your grace, but I must return. I have much work ahead of me. If you will excuse me?"

"Of course" they both say and motion that she may go , but the Duchess says "Keep us posted if you need personel or the like"

"Thank you," she replies with a deep curtsey, and then she departs at a carefully sedate pace.

Her heart, however, is stomping.

Oh she's radiant in her restrained passions.

(End scene)