Hello readers! I hope that last chapter gave you a bit of context for Henry's actions (that's the intention at least). Now you get a new POV to add to the conversation....Council Leader Avery Trenton. Surprised? This chapter will add a little twist to Henry's relationship with the Senmin and Avery's view on the events of the story is quite different from any you have seen yet...I am very curious to see what you think of it. This chapter is on the longer side but hopefully you will find the information contained within adds some  interesting complications to the story for some of our MCs...

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Avery

The hall echoed with the sound of their footsteps, those of Avery Trenton and the escort who lead him down the quiet passages of Prince Henry's Chestershire residence.Though Avery knew the castle was small for a member of the royal family, even as a man of considerable means he found the estate quite grand. He could not help but notice, however the unnatural stillness that seemed to pervade the residence. With the King still in Auresir, rumored to be ill and confined to his chambers, the majority of the royal staff had likely remained in the Capitol to care for their sovereign. Still, as they passed by room after unoccupied room, he found the lack of activity in such a grand home unnerving.

Instead of rooms filled with servants and gentry, a ghostly silence seemed to hover in the air, as if echoing the lack of activity that should have filled the lavish home. Perhaps the somber mood he felt was a sign of the Prince and his staff's vigil for the ailing King, Avery mused. But whatever the reason for the castle's current abandoned nature, he knew it was for the best. Avery's audience with the Prince was meant to be secret after all.

Avery had felt a certain smug sense of satisfaction, when the Nita's decision to comply with Henry Bastario's invitation to Salam Palace backfired over one year earlier. Fiona had been exceedingly determined to ignore the Council's reservations, and, on some level it had been vindicating to find that he had in fact been correct to assess that the Nita's lack of diplomacy skills coupled with the Prince's famed temper, were bound to clash.

While Avery had never had any particular issue with Manna Sayers, The current Nita was, to say the least, quite difficult. Fiona had a certain aloofness he did not like, and a noticeable contempt for the Council that he found infuriating. Unlike her predecessor, she seemed unable to correctly grasp her place in Senmin society. It was Fiona's job to cooperate with and serve the Council, not the other way around. Nita Amoral's decision to ignore the Council's recommendation to abstain from meeting with Henry Bastario was all too characteristic of her problematic tendency to act on her own.

When Fiona returned from her meeting with the Prince and gave her report to the Cainell Council, Avery immediately demanded that the Nita write a letter expressing both her gratitude for the Henry's invitation to the Capitol, and her contrition for any miscommunication they might have had during their time together. True to her obstinate nature Fiona had been resistant to even that sound advice, expressing the belief that such a message would only confirm in writing that she had something for which to apologize. The Nita maintained that they were best to leave the situation as it was.

"To admit our weakness to the Prince would be folly," she insisted. "Though our discourse was tense, I assure you, there was ultimately no offense committed for which we need apologize. Henry did not invite me to the palace to confer friendship upon our people. He wished to assess my strength. To show him that we are fearful of his potential rise will only serve as an admission of guilt and make us targets the moment he takes the throne."

The Council, however, had sided with Avery. Fiona had been granted the chance to obtain peace with the Crown in her own manner. She failed. The Nita was made to acquiesce to the Council's greater wisdom.

The note had been sent with great secrecy. King Fredrick had no knowledge that Fiona had been to the Capital after all. Using a shipment of goods from Fenwick, a Senmin trading colony just outside of Auresir, they had sent the note to the Prince directly. There had been no response.

When news broke that King Fredrick had taken to his bed stricken with a sudden, and serious illness, Avery was immediately concerned about what the future might hold fearful that Henry's silence been an indication he no longer wished to act as a friend to the Senmin people. But that was before he had received his own message from the Prince.

Council Leader Trenton,

In my meeting with Nita Fiona Amoral, I was exceedingly dismayed to find an unsettling amount of hostility towards the Bastario throne. Though I was indeed heartened to see her note of contrition appeared sincere, it is my hope now that you yourself would will be willing to speak with me. Together I believe we might be able to continue rectifying any misunderstandings that still exist between the Crown and the Senmin people. If you will agree, I ask that we meet at my estate in Chestershire as soon as you are able. 

The King's continued illness and confinement to his chambers within Salam Palace coupled with your own people's possible objections to such a meeting lead me to advise, for both of our sakes, that we keep the details of our correspondence secret, and away from the walls of the Capital City. A new day is dawning for our great Empire and it is my distinct hope that you will be a willing participant in the future leadership I intend to install once my place on the throne is secured. May the God's good grace shine favorably upon a future alliance between us.

Your Sovereign Prince,

Henry Philip Bastario

Avery was elated. In seeking audience with the leader of the Council of Elders, the Prince had acted as no other Erestian ruler in history had before and, in doing so, sent a clear message. Henry was dissatisfied with the Nita and would acknowledge the Council as official representatives of the Senmin. Avery had accepted the invitation immediately and set off for Chestershire within the week, claiming to have business in with a Council representative in the neighboring Senmin settlement of Brimington.

Avery reasoned it was worth the risk to meet with the Prince in secret. The Council was immensely wary of the imminent change in leadership that seemed to loom on the horizon. Some believed that the King would recover from his maladies, making overt support of the Prince appear potentially treasonous once Fredrick resumed his rule. Others hoped that rumors of an alternative heir would prove to have merit, claiming that Fredrick had named another to inherit the crown before his retirement from court.

But for his part, Avery had high hopes that Prince Henry might still prove a worthy ally in the end. The man had possessed the sense to circumvent the Nita and seek the friendship of the true leader of the Senmin after all. Himself. That alone was enough for Avery to look favorably on the Prince's aspirations to gain the throne from his father, as was ultimately his right. As he was escorted through the grand hall to the Prince's private study, the Avery was certain that he was finally on his way to achieving the level of status he had been made for.

The Prince was seated at a handsome mahogany desk when Avery entered the room, surrounded by row upon row of books that lined every wall. He was a young man, his face clean-shaven, his dark brown hair slicked back, giving him an overall appearance of severity. In spite of the rumors of the Prince's intelligence and strength, Avery realized he had not expected to sense quite so much confidence from the young inexperienced leader.

"May I present Mr. Avery Trenton," his escort announced.

The Prince rose in response and Avery removed his hat and bowed low, practically bursting with pride that the Prince had thought enough of his title to rise from his seat. He knew well from Fiona's account of her visit with Henry that the man had not extended her the same honor.

"Your Highness," he said, "I am humbled to be called before you in service to our great Empire."

"Mr. Trenton," the Prince replied, with a slight nod of his head. "I am so glad you agreed to join me here today." 

Avery noted the glimmer of a smile grace the Prince's lips. A good sign, he thought to himself, feeling his confidence growing.

"You will leave us now," Henry said, addressing the man who had led Avery to the study. "My honored guest and I are in need of privacy. Please see to it that we are not disturbed under any circumstances. It that clear?"

"Yes, your Highness," the man said with a deep bow.

Avery felt a mixed of elation and nerves as he heard the man leave the room, closing the heavy oak door behind him. He had always dreamed of the day he might granted the chance to meet with the leadership of the Empire, yet the reality of the situation felt surreal somehow. With the Prince's keen blue eyes trained upon him however, Avery was somewhat surprised to feel a slight tinge of anxiety he could not keep from creeping into his usual confidence.

The slight smile Avery had perceived in Henry's expression was gone now, and the intensity of his stare was unnerving. Among the Senmin, Avery was a leader respected above all others, but within the greater Empire, among the gentry of Erestia, he knew his power to be ultimately non-existent. The Senmin people were barely tolerated under the current throne. Now alone in Henry's presence, that reality of his limitations of power within the Erestia felt all the more tangible. Still, the Prince had invited him to speak for the Senmin, he reminded himself. It was a clear sign that the man recognized him as a leader worthy of note.

"Please sit," the Prince said, gesturing to a chair opposite his own.

Avery bowed again and waited for the Prince to regain his seat before he did the same. There was an awkward silence as the Prince continued to stare at him, unspeaking.

"I was humbled to imagine that your Highness would send direct correspondence to the Elder Council of the Senmin people," Avery said after a moment, hoping to bring the discourse between them to a start rather than face Henry's intense gaze in silence.

Henry nodded his head slightly. "I am heartened to hear you say so Sir. My father's recent, unfortunate illness has lead me to think deeply of what allegiances I have throughout the Empire as the prospect of my eventual rise to the throne becomes more tangible. I wish to assess which of the rulers within Erestia will serve as friends in support of my crown. The Nita seemed to have come from our meeting last year with a less than favorable impression of me I'm afraid."

God damn that stupid woman, Avery thought to himself, hearing the hardening of the Prince's tone. Fiona Amoral's inability to keep her mouth shut had nearly cost them the allegiance of a ruler who was truly interested in conversing with their people.

"My Lord," he answered carefully. "As a true representative of the Senmin people I ask that you please forgive Nita Amoral's conduct if it was in any way improper. In fact, it was I who insisted on the correspondence the Nita sent to your Highness reflecting her sincere regret for any offense she might have caused in the course of your meeting."

The Prince looked at him in surprise. "Is that so?" he asked with interest.

Avery nodded. "It is, Sire. Know that the Senmin are loyal subjects to your reign now and forever. In faith, the Council of Elders had initially advised the Nita not to come before you."

Henry frowned slightly. "Was my request not worth a presence with your leader?"

"No of course not," Avery responded quickly. Perhaps too quickly. The Prince's frown did not abate. "Of course you are worthy Highness," he corrected. "What I meant to say was." Avery felt a cold sweat beginning to break across his forehead as the words disappeared from his lips. He had not intended the comment as a slight of course, having wished only to explain that it was the Nita's propensity towards offense that had made him weary of their meeting. But under Henry's sharp gaze this simple explanation seemed to escape his mind entirely, replaced by a fear that he might have inadvertently caused offense. Avery swallowed and tried again.

"What I mean to say is, Fiona Amoral does not always think before she speaks. I only meant that..."

The Prince raised a hand to stop him. "Please, Mr. Trenton," he said, "no need for excuses. The Nita is a woman. She is by nature of an uncontrollable temperament. I assume that was your reasoning in cautioning her against coming before my presence."

"Yes Sire," he replied, breathing a grateful sigh of relief. "Precisely what I was trying to say." The man had more sense than he might have hoped

"But it is your job to keep her in line Council Leader is it not?" Henry continued. "To my understanding, that is the purpose for which the Senmin Council of Elders was created over seventy years ago after the death of Astar Tansy."

Avery tried to hide his surprise at the Prince's words. Fredrick had made a concerted effort to know as little as possible about the Senmin people. Even his father, King Grayson, for all of his tolerance of the Senmin's existence had expressed no interest in knowing anything at all of their people's governance. Yet Henry spoke of the Council's formation with a surprising confidence that suggested more than a passing knowledge.

"As I have mentioned in my correspondence, I have great plans for Erestia," the Prince said. "If you wish to be a part of the great Empire that will rise from the failures of my father I need to be assured that I have your complete allegiance."

Avery nodded. Though his words were promising, there was now something distinctly unsettling in the man's tone that made him feel ill at ease. Avery could not help but recognize danger he might face in pledging himself so fully to the Prince without the backing of his fellow Council members. Of course he was doing this for their sake. If he could gain the Prince's favor, the Senmin might finally be granted representation within the Empire once again. They could rise above the persecution that had been inflicted upon them for so long. It was worth the risk.

"Are you well, sir?" the Prince asked, his gaze sharpening slightly.

Avery felt his heart quicken at the comment. Had his discomfort been so visible as to gain the Prince's notice? "Of course Highness," he answered. "I was merely imagining the great discourtesy you were forced to endure at Nita Amoral's lack of obedience and regretting that more was not done to prevent such an unfortunate interaction."

Henry examined him a moment longer.

"You have no reason to worry," he replied. "I do indeed have faith that the Senmin will be loyal to my rule. Your mention of the Nita however does bring me to my true purpose in asking you here today."

"My Lord?"

"It has come to my attention, through sources unnamed, that you and your Council may be harboring certain dangerous secrets about your beloved leader from your people, and from the Crown."

Avery looked at the Prince with legitimate confusion, though the searching look on the Prince's face made him nervous. He had taken for granted that Henry had no ill intent in proposing their meeting, but suddenly his desire for secrecy seemed vaguely threatening.

"It's not true, Sire." Avery denied vehemently, hoping his growing anxiety was not evident in his tone. "Whoever your informant may be, they are mistaken. The Senmin have nothing to hide that is of any concern to the Crown. I assure you of that."

"Forgive me, sir," Henry replied evenly. "I did not intend my words to serve as an accusation. Though my sources are my own, the secret of which I speak pertains to events that occurred in the past. I am certain negligence in reporting is merely an oversight on your part."

Avery jumped at the offer of reprieve. "Of course my Lord. If, as you believe, my people, have kept anything of import from the Empire, be assured it was not our intent." Avery shifted uneasily in his seat. The illusion to an informant other than himself put him ill at ease. Were the Council to find that he had met with the Prince without consulting his fellow it would be difficult to explain. Avery had himself previously cautioned against forming an alliance with Fredrick's wayward son. He knew that he would first need to establish a guarantee of good will from Henry in addition to gaining some level of assurance that backing the Prince was indeed the safest course of action for the Senmin people. Without that, his relationship with Henry would seem to be inherently dangerous. Moreover, Avery's actions might be interpreted as self-serving, entirely motivated by a desire for personal advancement thus compromising his integrity as Council Leader.

"Is it true that, twelve years ago, Fiona Amoral conceived a child?" Henry asked.

Avery was stunned. Of all the topics of discussion he might have expected to hear raised by the Prince, the matter of Fiona's child was not one that would ever have crossed his mind, Even among the people of Gregorn and Cainell, there were not many who ever knew of Fiona's pregnancy. He had seen to that. Avery hesitated trying to decide how best to answer. It seemed foolish to deny the Prince's query. The Nita had indeed carried a child, that fact was not explicitly secret. Still, outside of Cainell Council none knew that Fiona's daughter had survived. Or did they? He could not believe that any among the Seven might be speaking with the Prince or his spies. Could the man simply be speculating? He'd only asked if a child had been conceived. More importantly, he could not imagine what significance Fiona's daughter might have to the Prince of the Empire.

"Mr. Trenton?"

"Yes, your Highness." Avery answered finally. "The Nita did carry a child. Some twelve years ago now."

"And the fate of that baby? Did she survive?"

Again Avery hesitated. To confirm the girl had lived was a direct breach of his own command that the Seven remain silent on the matter outside of their own inner circle. Of course the oath had connotations among the Senmin alone. The idea that he and the rest of the Seven had allowed the child of a Nita to live was one Avery had not wished publicized among their people. There were many of the Elder Council he knew might have condemned him for it, or worse, he feared there might be some who would forget the warnings of Astar's story and come to support Fiona's child as one who might inherit the position of Nita. It had been simpler for the girl to disappear. The oaths Manna and Fiona had sworn were never meant to travel beyond the inner circle of Senmin leadership and Karina Amoral was to be forgotten. Yet against his better judgment, Avery felt his head nodding slowly in response to the question, his eyes remaining fixed on the Prince to gage his reaction. Henry's face remained entirely unreadable.

"But Sire," Avery continued, "The child should be of no concern to you. She was dealt with long ago."

The Prince raised an eyebrow. "So it was indeed a female child?" he asked, with a small smile.

Avery felt his stomach drop with the realization that Henry had forced information from him against his will. But he still could not imagine why any of this might matter to the Prince. He continued to search Henry's face for any helpful hint as to the relevance of the information he sought. "Again Sire," Avery said, "I cannot see how the girl should be of any concern to the Crown."

The Prince frowned slightly. "I think it is mine to discern what does and does not concern me."

"Of course your Highness." There was no other response he might give. Avery knew he could not afford to insult the Prince as Fiona had done.

"I have read the Senmin's Great Book Avery Trenton and know your people's history," Henry continued. "Under what condition's did you allow the child to escape with its life?"

Avery very much wished he could tactfully steer the conversation to another topic. In coming to meet with Henry he had never imagined he might be forced to compromise Council secrets of such magnitude.

"Sire, for what reason do you have interest in Fiona's child?" he asked carefully.

Henry frowned. "Do I need a reason?"

"Respectfully your Highness, these are issues of Senmin security and affairs that are proprietary information among the highest of the Council of Elders."

Avery watched the man's frown deepening. "I asked you here, Mr. Trenton, because I believed you were willing to act for me in good faith of your allegiance. Will you deny me a piece of information that you yourself stated ' is of no concern?' "

Avery tried to think of an appropriate response. He had said too much to stop now, but he could not betray his own people, even for the Prince of the Empire.

"Please Sire," he said finally, "If I am to continue answering such questions I need some assurance that anything said within this room will remain privileged information. I want very much to serve you, but you must understand the compromising position I am in in speaking to you without the express ascent of my fellow councilmen."

The Prince nodded his head. "But of course Mr. Trenton. It is not my wish to that you come from our meeting here today with any discomfort. I assure you that, when it is in my power to do so, I will ensure you are rewarded for your loyalty. Your fellow Council members will not want for justification in your having agreed to speak candidly with me now."

Avery tried to make sense of the Prince's evasive words. Though the man claimed he wished for Avery to feel confidence in the benefit of their discourse, he could not help but recognize the lack of concrete promises the Prince seemed willing to make. Still, he had already taken a risk in answering the Prince's correspondence.

"I will tell you," Avery said, "that promises were extracted, and oaths made to ensure she was no threat. The child is nothing now."

"I see," Henry replied, leaning back slightly in his chair. When the Prince asked no more questions, Avery was grateful to have been spared further interrogation.

Neither said anything for a moment and Avery fought the urge to fidget under the gaze of the Prince, who seemed perfectly content to sit in unmoving silence. He tried to imagine what other surprises the man might have in store.

"Mr. Trenton, I must ask a favor of you," Henry said, mercifully breaking the silence between them.

Avery felt his breath catch in his throat as he waited for the Prince to continue. He hoped greatly that whatever this "favor" might be, would not force him to further compromise his integrity as the leader of the Elder Council in any way. It seemed impossible that he could reasonably refuse any request Henry might make.

"If it is within my capacity to grant it I will do so my lord," Avery answered with as much confidence as he could manage.

"I will share a very important bit of proprietary information, Mr. Trenton," The Prince said. "I hope I can trust you to keep it between us and tell no one else. My father is not a well man. It is likely that King Fredrick will be gone from this world before the week's end."

Avery could not hide his shock at hearing the Prince profess such a thing with so much certainty. Even more surprising, there was not an ounce of sorrow or regret in his features as he made the pronouncement of his father's imminent death.

"After my official coronation," Henry continued, ignoring Avery's reaction. "It is my intent to request that Nita Amoral return to the Capital for further negotiations between our two people."

"Sire?" Avery was certain he had misheard.

"You and your councilmen will encourage the Nita to accept that invitation and ensure that she complies with your wishes."

Avery stared at the man in disbelief.

"But why?"

"Mr. Trenton, let us be honest with each other," Henry answered. "While we both agree in the dubious ability of your people's female leadership, we must be realistic. The Nita has ruled the Senmin for hundreds of years."

Avery shook his head in denial. "No Sire. All of that changed with Astar Tansy. If you have read our great book, you know that to be true. The Nita's power is not what it was before the creation of the Elder Council." It was the truth after all. Surely the Prince agreed if he had sent for Avery in the first place

"I mean no disrespect sir," Henry answered. "Nor do I wish to call into question your sway among the your people as Council Leader, but you know, as well as I that, at present, we need at least an appearance of cooperation with the Nita if our people are to continue any sort of official dialogue."

Avery hesitated a moment before he grudgingly nodded his assent.

"I know it might be difficult, but I trust you can gain the Council's consent and convince the charming Fiona Amoral to comply with my request."

"Of course Highness," Avery managed to reply, hoping his frustration with the Prince's request was not too evident. "If that is your desire, I will see it done."

Henry smiled. "I am glad to have a man I can put my faith in," he said. Know that I will not forget it. Believe me when I tell you this, it is towards your success we are working, but for now, the Nita is still necessary."

Avery bowed his head. "It is my honor to serve you Highness," he replied. He was in no position to question the Prince. Not when the man seemed so certain of his course of action.

"I will send the correspondence as soon as it is proper to do so," Henry said, gesturing to the door.

"Thank you, Sire." Avery bowed his head once more as he stood. "I anxiously await our next correspondence." Though Avery felt at a loss to understand what had passed between them or why their discourse had ended so abruptly, the meeting was clearly over.

"Do not forget Council Leader," the Prince said. "Everything discussed in this room today must remain between us. I would hate to think that I was wrong in putting my faith in you. I am certain you realize that if I were to question your allegiance in any way, I would regrettably be forced to take action and rectify my mistake."

Avery felt a tingle of fear travel through his body at the man's word. The threat was undeniable.

"I assure you Highness, you have no reason to question my loyalty," he answered. "It is my one desire to see your position on high assured and the Senmin's place under your crown given favorable consideration."

The intensity of the Prince's stare relaxed slightly. "That is indeed my hope as well," Henry agreed. "May both of our people find favor with the God above in securing a bright future for Erestia."

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As Avery walked back to the stables he tried to dismiss the lingering frustration he had with the later part of his meeting with the Prince. Henry's inclination to have continued dealings with the Nita concerned him. Avery had hoped that the man might have been willing to deal with him exclusively. Despite his assertion otherwise, Henry's desire to meet again with Fiona seemed a clear indication that the Prince lacked faith in Avery's ability to bend the Senmin people to his will. Still, he thought to himself, Fiona was volatile, irrational, and exceedingly stubborn. No doubt she would, in short order, offend Henry irreparably. As it was at the Prince's own behest that she would be brought to the Capital, the blame for any malfeasance on her part could hardly be put on himself or the Council. In time Henry would see his mistake in forcing a relationship with the Nita and recognize the Council publicly as the official representatives of the Senmin to the Crown.

The thought brought a smile to his lips. To see Fiona destroy herself and at the same time bring him even greater power both among the Senmin and within the Empire was a pleasing prospect. And once the Nita was deemed an unsuitable representative by the Crown, there was little question to whose leadership the Senmin would fall.

With the Elder Council in control of the Senmin, their people's place within the Empire was bound to be assured. If the new King could not accept the Senmin practices, it would no longer matter. There were few who still followed the old ways with any sort of orthodoxy, fewer still who truly believed in the realm of the Fae. With the fall of the Nita, the Initiate's claims to power over the Senmin would also falter.

The people's only true connection with the Initiate, and cloisters of Sithrah was the link of the Nita. Without that, what were followers of the Initiate other than religious zealots pouring prayer and ritual to an unresponsive realm of imaginary beings? The inducted women would be reduced to folk healers and the Senmin faith would be reformed to accept God alone as their master. With such a change, the Kanjin would no longer have anything to fear.

The time the Initiate was ending, as it should have long ago, when Astar proved the dangers of women's magik. His own ancestor had seen the wayward Nita burn for her crimes and established the Council of Elders to guide the Senmin with their steady hand. His father had always made plain his belief that their people would never find peace and security within the greater Empire until every last remnant of the Initiate was wiped from their midst. Now Avery stood poised to see that dream realized. The Senmin people would rise under his leadership. It was God's plan. Avery was certain of it. As he rode back to Cainell, Avery felt his spirits greatly lifted. 

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So there you have it. Avery's perspective. What do you think? Hopefully his thoughts on the Nita and the Initiate are a bit more clear now. I know there is a fair amount of exposition in this chapter. Was that problematic? I really wanted the reader to be able to have a bit more incite into how the Council Leader sees the Nita and what he believes her true position is/how much power she holds ( or doesn't). As for Henry, what did you think of him here? My hope in adding the previous chapter was to give the reader a bit more incite into what might have been running through the Prince's mind during this scene ( something Avery seemed to be unable to figure out;-))

  The next chapter will toss in yet another twist to the story and further complicate things for a few characters....ready for Alex's POV? hehe. As always, thanks for reading!! and if you liked the chapter, please click the star. Every vote and comment means so much to me:-)