Ashton had to send the servants away so he could bathe by himself, and really... rose petals? He quickly washed by dipping a towel into the water to wipe his body while debating his options; they were staying at least one night. If they stayed longer, he might be able to go to the market in town and buy some mana stones. If he could be relatively alone, he could sell some enchanted quartz for several dozen gold because no one other than the user would sense them, while risky few would think twice of a hooded man selling wares with a guard.
Leonard was sipping on warm tea while he pondered the quandary his emperor had found himself in, their first meeting would have gone much better had Ashton not recognized him, but there were dozens of portraits of Lucian throughout the empire. Anyone with half a brain would be able to identify the monarchs of several kingdoms. Then again... Lucian had never been known for his tact, "Your majesty, you should loosen your grip on him, he's had no breathing room since you showed up unannounced at his doorstep almost two months ago. He's still young and hardheaded, it's better to coax him slowly." Leonard explained once again.
"How exactly do We loosen the reins without him escaping? He's ready to run at the slightest opening." Lucian demanded exasperatedly. They had been at this impasse for several minutes already.
"Your majesty, consider him a defeated territory, he's already been forced to submit and is resentful. You have to convince him this is for his own good, not pillage and salt what little is left of his home that you've already half burnt to the ground. You both know he's living at your mercy, but you want something from him, he's suspicious of what you want. Best case senecio he agrees and admits all his truths, if not we have to pry them out of him, ensuring any relationship will continue to be forced." Leonard tried to make examples Lucian could relate to.
Before Lucian could retort there was a knock on the door, Lucian composed himself then continued to sip on the tea. Leonard then called to allow the servant in, who stated Ashton would like to meet with him prior to dinner if time permitted. Leonard agreed to meet with him in half an hour.
Lucian eyed the older man, "We thought you weren't close."
Leonard gave a foxy smile, "Your majesty, this will be your chance. Ashton is clearly going to ask for some favor, agreeing will at least ease tensions."
"Or he's plotting his escape." Lucian snorted. Leonard didn't look amused, then sighed.
"It will most likely be a combination, just remember we need to give just as much as we take." Leonard reminded as he changed coats for the occasion.
Ashton wasn't surprised the Marquis was willing to see him, he was a little surprised to see Lucian already waiting. He gave a courtly bao, "Thank you for your time, Lord Silas, please excuse my discourtesy." Ashton greeting formally.
Leonard deliberately stood leading Ashton into the room to sit on the sofa so all three would have their own seat as if they were equals, "No no, truly young master Ashton, I overstepped, hopefully you come to see us as close as family in the future. Please feel free to speak as an equal when we are alone." He then waved all the servants out, making the effort to pour the tea himself.
Ashton accepted the tea, foxy politicians were the easiest to speak to, and the most likely to set traps. Marquis Silas was hinting they could be as close as family... either they were setting up a distant noble identity... or hoping to join through marriage. "Your graciousness is overwhelming for a mere farmer boy."
Leonard let out a boisterous laugh, "No need to be humble, I was even hoping to employ you as an advisor when you arrived, to see you with his Majesty now, perhaps I should set up some good will now. I have a daughter close to your age, perhaps you will become acquainted." Leonard hinted, Ashton met his eyes over the steaming tea clearly understanding the implication.
So... marrying in after some great boon the marquis house. If they only became acquainted nothing was set in stone, but he'd also have a reason to be affiliated with the Marquis when he went to the capital. Lucian didn't seem to understand the implications and he wasn't really in the mood to have such talks today. "I would of course be honored to meet her ladyship, unfortunately I came... for a personal favor."
Leonard perked up, he wasn't expecting Ashton to be so eager, "How rude of me, please, I owe you much from the Florence incidents. How can I help you young master Ashton?" He asked with a quick glance at Lucian whose stormy eyes belied this calm exterior.
Ashton glanced at Lucian as well, then glanced at his tea as he slowly tilted the cup enough to stir the contents, "I was wondering how long we would be in your care."
Leonard narrowed his eyes, Ashton was delaying. Perhaps he should have insisted Lucian hide, "Since my son has been gone so long, I had hoped to delay his majesty at least three days before accompanying everyone to the capital." He offered as Ashton continued to lightly stir the tea.
"Ah, then hopefully my request won't be too much of an imposition." Ashton continued as his hackles raised internally. If the Marquis was joining them on the way to the capital there would be even more eyes, though the traveling might be easier.
"Feel free to speak, anything within my power is at your disposal." Leonard prompted sending a glance to Lucian to remain calm.
"I heard the winter market in the Silas territory rivaled that of even the capital. While I know you planned an extravagant feast in welcome, perhaps I could see the night market." Ashton explained, "With a guard of yours of course, since I have never been more than a few hours from Palmer I would be rather embarrassed to ... accidently lose my way back." He added with just the smallest hint of displeasure to his voice.
Leonard had to stop Lucian from jumping up with a sharp glare, while rude it got his point across. "Of course, I am honored you've heard of our winter market. Perhaps tomorrow after a good meal and resting in a comfortable bed would be better?"
Ashton's eyes cooled ever so slightly, "I would prefer to go tonight." Ashton then put his tea down and put on a brilliant smile, "Previously my parents would take me to our local winter market, selfishly I would like to keep the tradition."
Leonard jolted, he didn't know if that was true but it would make denying the request awkward. "Then why don't we eat early then I can personally show you around after a light dinner?" Ashton's smile faded as he glanced at Lucian then back at himself.
"Just a guard from the estate would be more than enough, I would prefer to walk around discreetly. Maybe try out your famous market snow cones." Ashton countered as he finally took a sip of his tea.
"No." Lucian didn't bother to hear the rest. Both Leonard and Ashton jolted from his cold outburst.
Ashton didn't look up, "I could make an oath to a mage to not run and return no later than an hour after night market closes."
"We can go tomorrow, with Our personal guards as escort." Lucian declared standing up and staring Ashton down.
Ashton kept tight control of his displeasure, this close to Lucian the shadowy figures screaming were grating on his nerves to say the least. "Surely the Marquis's men are adequate enough to guard a prisoner for a few hours." The more riled Lucian was, the more excited the cursed figures became. If they could interact with the living, no doubt Lucian would be reduced to minced meat in seconds.
Lucian threw the cup to the side, "Not today."
Ashton closed his eyes, then took a deep breath before setting the cup down gently. He then stood with a courtly bao to both, "Please excuse me your majesty, my lord. I am suddenly indisposed so will return to my room to rest." he didn't wait to be dismissed, he abruptly turned walking as quickly as possible to his room. He wanted to slam the door but... it wouldn't help. Best to remove himself from Lucian's presence, as well as those cursed ones.
"Your majesty!" Leonard cried exasperatedly after Ashton had fled the room, Lucian was also heaving from anger. Leonard simply sighed falling back against his seat, "Did we not just speak about this your majesty?"
Lucian glared at Leonard, "He was clearly trying to escape!" He roared, then hesitated as Leonard just looked disappointed.
"Your majesty... he's barely more than a child. He offered to make an oath to return and bring a guard of my choice, he didn't want to eat with us. You are pushing him deeper and deeper into a corner, eventually he won't have a choice but to attack or escape. At least he was willing to negotiate." Leonard explained as he rang a bell to call servants in to clean up the mess.
At the dinner table there was a conspicuously empty seat, especially set aside for Ashton. The same seat which should have been reserved for the host beside his majesty, eventually a servant came down to nervously explained Young Master Ashton intended to turn in early after such a long day.
Lucian's hand gripping his glass had blood vessels pulsing as he turned his gaze on Leonard who waved the servant boy away then nodded for the rest of the servants to serve the feast.
Leonard refused to acknowledge Lucian's glowers as he continued to play host. There was one guard in particular who looked especially uncomfortable, Hogarth. Damian had given him a brief explanation of their travels and really, damage control was too late at this point.
Leonard called for Hogarth to meet him in his study after dinner. "Have you noticed anything suspicious or abnormal about Ashton during your travels?" he asked smiling as servants poured tea.
Hogarth shook his head, "He... seems well-educated but nothing suspicious." He explained, not that he'd managed more than a few short sentences with the boy.
Leonard questioned Hogarth for another half an hour before letting him return to his room to rest before Hogarth returned to Kodiak city. He leaned back and pondered his options, if Lucian wouldn't soften his stance there really wasn't much he could do. Ashton would either be forced to submit or flee.