#fenixtj

"AND she's staying her for a while. And I think I'm staying here..."

Jessica nods. "She's welcome to, if she likes. Pending more information."

"I am glad to hear it. I made some inquires" he says trying not to blink as the satyress girl seems to have broken a bit. Then he says "Countess Jessica, Eleanor, the area Eleanor came from... it's not safe for her. Indeed, a certain baroness, without being direct, hinted that while she found Eleanor a wonderful young lady, she might propser here where her prosperity would be more in question there. A few affects are being mailed her now."

"...I can't go back?"

"It is my belief that to send you back would put you in far more danger than even the darkest street of this city" he says then looks to Jessica to see her reaction

Very grave, indeed.

"Your grace?" Dame Ash says "this.. the Countess De Violette is still a girl.. this news is, abrupt. She may need to withdraw to contemplate it."

Protective, concerned, and offering. however, Eleanor IS sidhe and... that has a power.

Ariel suddenly forgets there is a pretty boy there... she only knows her friend got bad news! And she hugs Ellie

Jessica certainly respects needing to have private time to think.

Ellie is... quite still.

"...May I go to my room, please?"

Jessica nods to the Duke; his call.

"Of course" he says "Ariel, would you escort her?"

"Was going to anyway" Ariel blurts . Oh dear. DeBukes and nobles

The Duke raises a brow, but nods

After the two childings are gone, The Duke says "Jessica, is Dame Ash in your confidence?"

The Grand Dame is experienced enough not to take insult and awaits the answer

"She is."

"Then , if I may, Countess... I think that Da'an lead that girl here... and I do not think her rank is coincidence "

Jessica goes still, then nods. "Dame, please excuse us. Your Grace, will you join me on a walk?"

"Of course," Dame Ash bows

And withdraws

The Duke begins to walk with her "I apologize if this was too much at once, but in my experience most trolls prefer direct. It's not how I was trained, but I try to adapt to whom I am speaking to."

"I appreciate that. How do you want this done?" Evenly.

"That's up to you," he says "I think there are advantages to you declaring her your heir openly, but I understand how you might feel differently and want to keep it on the quiet, but folks will put two and two together. The Unseelie houses will be livid, of course. Shut out more than ever. I find myself able to bear their complaints with fortitude"

"My heir?"

"Of course," he says "What did you think I meant when I said her title was no coincidence?"

"I thought you were replacing me." Directly. Well. He knows to expect it.

He knows to expect the bluntness, but WHAT she says stuns him, "And risk a revolution or a riot? Nevermind angering House Gwydion even further? Nevermind removing one of the most successful nobles under me and replacing her with a scared young girl who is utterly upended? I did not think you thought me so thick"

"No insult intended, Your Grace! Of course you'd give her a Regent and guidance and support."

"Jessica, if you want to take your bows and take a well deserved rest and put down the crown we've pressed hard against you, I understand, and I will give you full honors for it. But no , my plan was that the girl would be your heir , allowing her to learn the ropes and giving you the chance to impress upon her your own values, or leave to others for rearing while she found haven here. Either way. " A stop "Did you want me to release you?"

A long pause. "No. Not now. I couldn't walk away now."

"Well, what do you think of her as your heir? Just to make sure we are on the same page?"

"She only arrived today. I've had.... a conversation and a half with her? On the face of it, Your Grace, yes. It's your call."

"It is, but i would have your initial reaction, and yes I understand that that will change as you grow to know her better."

"She seems a charming childling. She has certainly been through quite a lot.

A nod "Understand, if she is your heir, and you find she is not worthy of that, you may select another heir. This is not some situation where blood elevates someone to a crown even if they are stupid or cruel. Further, you are young yourself... you could rule for decades and well I would think or you could abdicate with no shame in a few years when you she think she is ready. But you can pick another heir. It has political ramfications, but our system is not a suicide pact"

The troll nods slowly.

"She will have an uphill battle here."

"Yes." he nods "But then, she might have an uphill battle anywhere."

"You know the history of this place; they will not welcome a Sidhe ruler, no matter the House."

"Before Rathbone, there was a Fiona ruler. "

"And she was well-liked. But that was many years ago."

"And Eleanor is not Fiona."

"No, she's Beaumayn.. and they are allies to Liam as much if not more than Fiona. My next best choice to a Liam if I wish to do right by my House. You may call that selfish, but it is something I must take into account. if you have another you see as more suited to an heir, please, tell me of him or her?"

"I had not thought of an heir at all, Your Grace."

"Yes. Well, given you thought I was sacking you, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised" He muses

"Jessica, I don't mean to deny you anything, but.. well, da'an seems at play here don't you think?"

"I am not surprised by your suggestion, Your Grace."