They'll cross the border, and just because they're being used as pawns doesn't mean they're choosing to be so. There'll be innocents who just want to worship freely among them.
[ He sighs and tenses again a little. It's safe for now, but- ugh.
The book, though. The book is interesting. He takes it, opening it and looking over Dracula's writing. 20-B refers to a list later in the book, a list of peoples who Trantoul might demand in an exchange, and when he checks that-
There are other names there, of course. Political dissidents living among groups like the speakers who they'd see returned for trial. Prisoners who fled across the border. But there at the top of the list - Trevor Belmont.
To his credit, he doesn't react at all as he reads it. ]
I suppose that if you had a way of telling the innocents from the spies, you would have told our Lord long before now.
[ More names. Some he knows, others he doesn't. He scans over it before closing the book for the moment. He can read this without Theodora in the room. He doesn't need to waste her time like this. ]
What do- [ Another sigh, this one longer and heavier. ] -what do you think they will do, if they judge him to be more merciful than his father? I can't advise him to execute people I suspect to be innocent just because they got caught up in this. But if continuing his father's policies is the only way to keep him safe...
[Theodora's face finally grows serious. It was going to come to this question eventually, but even she didn't expect it to be so quick. So, with a noise of sympathy, she gives the truth.]
The long game will be to make incursions in already tense filled areas and start a few skirmishes to either take areas they believe should be theirs, or use those to start a longer war if Dracula remains away longer. This all predicates itself on Faerie's time not aligning correctly with our own.
The medium game will be to convert, and so if the Prince does nothing about the matter, Dracula will hvae to and it will be a bloodier spectacle - made worse by Her Majesty's return and the knowledge she'd be appalled by the action.
Short game? That's just to judge him. It's likely that if he maintains all of Dracula's policies, then our neighbors will not be inclined to play their longer games. Or if they are, they'll wait a little.
[It's unpleasant.]
Belmont, we all know the Prince isn't inclined to carry out these policies, Dracula included. It was one of the things we discussed at the outset of this quest, and he only did it because to appoint anyone who wasn't blood was to invite real revolution. The best thing I can advise right now is to create a small investigative group that keeps an eye on these things and can funnel trials through the courts in order to do more routine executions that have no need for royal interference.
[ That's the major takeaway from this. It shouldn't be, but so many things that should not be are. His face shouldn't light up as much as it does, especially considering the task he's setting himself. All that matters is that the work is carried out. ]
He need not even know, unless the matter gets out of hand.
[ And shit again, because he shoudn't be swearing at the ambassador. Oops. ]
-you didn't hear that.
[ Nailed it. He takes a deep breath, looks at the closer book, then pushes it to one side. ]
If he needs to know, then Dracula's policies will be coming to an end. We replace them with exile and a brand. Execution will be the punishment dealt only to those who are found to be already branded when caught.
And you tell them this upon your return. Let them know that we don't consider our Prince's mercy a weakness to be hidden.
[Theodora considers all of this. But her response is not to any of Trevor's proposals, but to something she doubts he's considered before.]
Belmont. I am sure you have already given extensive thought to what this position will demand of the Prince. But have you thought about what it is going to demand of you, and turn you into? Especially this one?
[ This is absolutely not something he has considered before, nor something he ever expected anyone else to bring up. he's not quite sure how to respond at first. ]
It doesn't really matter. Not enough to waste time thinking about. I won't say that I'm eager to see my homeland go to war, or that I'm happy to hurt people who much just be fools being played. But I'm already a Belmont. Nothing will turn me into anything else.
[So no, he didn't. Theodora's serious face morphs into something softer, and she leans forward a little, placing her hand on the desk. It's a gesture, asking for Trevor to do the same. Nearly maternal.]
It does matter. You'll have to live with yourself and the decisions you make in this position, and what it turns you into. [More to the point:] You're trying to be his emotional bodyguard. That's admirable. Romantic, even. But you have to do the same for yourself. Take that from someone with a few centuries of experience.
[ ...okay so maybe not all his people share a bed with him, even if he hasn't done that in a while. And probably not all his people get weird boners about him. BUT STILL. ]
It would be entirely inappropriate to feel otherwise. Inappropriate, and distracting, and- ugh.
[ He's getting flustered, which is new. He's usually good at thinking on his feet, but Theodora is particularly skilled at getting under people's skin. It's normally a powerful asset, but turned on him it's just uncomfortable. ]
[Theodora sighs, and she withdraws her hand finally. Her eyes close, and when she breathes out, she actually sounds close to her age.]
Trevor, for this job, you can't let emotions in. It's like hunting - just cold calculation. That's the only thing it can be. Trust me when I say I know what I'm talking about.
[As for the rest, her emerald green eyes meet Trevor's.]
You'll find the balance. But you can't keep secrets from him. Matters of state are more important. Every time. And the king must know all matters of state. Especially the bad matters.
[ Please let it be about the executions, and not about 'you have to tell the prince you want to bone him'. Please. ]
I'll keep him aware, if you think that's the best way. But- if something needs to be done that would violate her highness' wishes, it isn't done by his hands unless necessary.
[ That's 'never'. No. Alucard doesn't need to know. It'd horrify him to know that every time he turned to him for comfort, Trevor was practically getting off on it. He's been more distant now as a result, and- that's best. He should keep doing that. ]
This is all I needed of you. Unless you have other business, I'll let you go. The castle has seen to your usual room.
[ There's a pause, as if he meant to say something more, but he just shakes his head. ]
[Theodora has enough grace to hide her doubts, but she does look a little put off otherwise. She smiles at him though, and as she stands, there's a better idea on her lips:]
Knowing your family, you haven't eaten yet. I take normal food to put my former countrymen at ease, so why don't you take fifteen minutes and humor me by at least picking at something?
[It's not exactly a request, and not a demand.
Alucard's day is quiet. Mostly full of reading reports from various parts of Wallachia. Taking notes about their troubles and who he needs to talk to about fixing them. All is well until he reaches the bottom of the pile and---
--fuck.
He reads his father's farewell letter. Carefully.
Then declares himself done with business for the day and retreats to his room. Throws crown aside, bundles himself up as best he can, and makes it clear he's to be left alone for the night save truly urgent business. It's information that reaches Trevor's ears in due course, but closer to morning.]
He does pick at the food, in that way that somehow morphs into eating as quickly as possible. It had been a day or so since he made the time. When he's done, the castle tries to lead him to Alucard's quarters and he takes the wrong door until it actually lets him to a study. He gets the news that something is wrong and that Alucard has asked to be left alone, eventually, and he knows that doesn't apply to him and keeps working.
Eventually, the castle rearranges itself to force him into Alucard's room. Because of course it does. He doesn't know if Alucard's awake, and he doesn't check. The crown is on the floor, so he picks it up to return it to its place. ]
[ He sets the crown down, then goes to his chair. It's close enough to the bed that if both of them reach out their arms he can touch Alucard's hand, and that's the only contact they've really had recently. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ He sighs and tenses again a little. It's safe for now, but- ugh.
The book, though. The book is interesting. He takes it, opening it and looking over Dracula's writing. 20-B refers to a list later in the book, a list of peoples who Trantoul might demand in an exchange, and when he checks that-
There are other names there, of course. Political dissidents living among groups like the speakers who they'd see returned for trial. Prisoners who fled across the border. But there at the top of the list - Trevor Belmont.
To his credit, he doesn't react at all as he reads it. ]
I suppose that if you had a way of telling the innocents from the spies, you would have told our Lord long before now.
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[Theodora watches as Trevor leafs through the book. Hums softly. Lets him read because some of the things in there are a little personal. Raw.
That he doesn't react is absolutely commendable.]
Check the appendix for scenario 20, the list of likely suspects is there, along with their identities.
[She smiles, satisfied.]
We did try and anticipate.
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[ More names. Some he knows, others he doesn't. He scans over it before closing the book for the moment. He can read this without Theodora in the room. He doesn't need to waste her time like this. ]
What do- [ Another sigh, this one longer and heavier. ] -what do you think they will do, if they judge him to be more merciful than his father? I can't advise him to execute people I suspect to be innocent just because they got caught up in this. But if continuing his father's policies is the only way to keep him safe...
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The long game will be to make incursions in already tense filled areas and start a few skirmishes to either take areas they believe should be theirs, or use those to start a longer war if Dracula remains away longer. This all predicates itself on Faerie's time not aligning correctly with our own.
The medium game will be to convert, and so if the Prince does nothing about the matter, Dracula will hvae to and it will be a bloodier spectacle - made worse by Her Majesty's return and the knowledge she'd be appalled by the action.
Short game? That's just to judge him. It's likely that if he maintains all of Dracula's policies, then our neighbors will not be inclined to play their longer games. Or if they are, they'll wait a little.
[It's unpleasant.]
Belmont, we all know the Prince isn't inclined to carry out these policies, Dracula included. It was one of the things we discussed at the outset of this quest, and he only did it because to appoint anyone who wasn't blood was to invite real revolution. The best thing I can advise right now is to create a small investigative group that keeps an eye on these things and can funnel trials through the courts in order to do more routine executions that have no need for royal interference.
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[ That's the major takeaway from this. It shouldn't be, but so many things that should not be are. His face shouldn't light up as much as it does, especially considering the task he's setting himself. All that matters is that the work is carried out. ]
He need not even know, unless the matter gets out of hand.
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[Theodora is firm on that.]
He cannot be ignorant of anything in this kingdom.
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[ And shit again, because he shoudn't be swearing at the ambassador. Oops. ]
-you didn't hear that.
[ Nailed it. He takes a deep breath, looks at the closer book, then pushes it to one side. ]
If he needs to know, then Dracula's policies will be coming to an end. We replace them with exile and a brand. Execution will be the punishment dealt only to those who are found to be already branded when caught.
And you tell them this upon your return. Let them know that we don't consider our Prince's mercy a weakness to be hidden.
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[Theodora considers all of this. But her response is not to any of Trevor's proposals, but to something she doubts he's considered before.]
Belmont. I am sure you have already given extensive thought to what this position will demand of the Prince. But have you thought about what it is going to demand of you, and turn you into? Especially this one?
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[ This is absolutely not something he has considered before, nor something he ever expected anyone else to bring up. he's not quite sure how to respond at first. ]
It doesn't really matter. Not enough to waste time thinking about. I won't say that I'm eager to see my homeland go to war, or that I'm happy to hurt people who much just be fools being played. But I'm already a Belmont. Nothing will turn me into anything else.
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It does matter. You'll have to live with yourself and the decisions you make in this position, and what it turns you into. [More to the point:] You're trying to be his emotional bodyguard. That's admirable. Romantic, even. But you have to do the same for yourself. Take that from someone with a few centuries of experience.
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[ He grumbles, but there's no heart in it and he does place his hand onto the table. Not on hers, but near. ]
I- [ wait what. ] ...romantic?!
[ What the fuck what the fuck what the fuck he's never been called out like this before!!! ]
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[She pats his hand very gently before--oh.
Sorry Trevor, she doesn't mean to laugh but it happens anyway.]
It's fairly obvious that you have romantic feelings towards Adrian. At least to me.
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[ ...okay so maybe not all his people share a bed with him, even if he hasn't done that in a while. And probably not all his people get weird boners about him. BUT STILL. ]
It would be entirely inappropriate to feel otherwise. Inappropriate, and distracting, and- ugh.
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[THEODORA STOP SOUNDING SO CASUAL ABOUT THIS.]
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[ What the fuck first he's being called out and now THIS. Why is she like this. How did he lose control of this situation so badly??? ]
-It makes no difference. I don't mean to let it interfere with my work.
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It already is though.
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[ He's getting flustered, which is new. He's usually good at thinking on his feet, but Theodora is particularly skilled at getting under people's skin. It's normally a powerful asset, but turned on him it's just uncomfortable. ]
I won't let it. It's fine.
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Trevor, for this job, you can't let emotions in. It's like hunting - just cold calculation. That's the only thing it can be. Trust me when I say I know what I'm talking about.
[As for the rest, her emerald green eyes meet Trevor's.]
You'll find the balance. But you can't keep secrets from him. Matters of state are more important. Every time. And the king must know all matters of state. Especially the bad matters.
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[ Please let it be about the executions, and not about 'you have to tell the prince you want to bone him'. Please. ]
I'll keep him aware, if you think that's the best way. But- if something needs to be done that would violate her highness' wishes, it isn't done by his hands unless necessary.
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I do think you should address that as well, but later. [She smiles softly.]
And that is a fair compromise.
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[ That's 'never'. No. Alucard doesn't need to know. It'd horrify him to know that every time he turned to him for comfort, Trevor was practically getting off on it. He's been more distant now as a result, and- that's best. He should keep doing that. ]
This is all I needed of you. Unless you have other business, I'll let you go. The castle has seen to your usual room.
[ There's a pause, as if he meant to say something more, but he just shakes his head. ]
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Knowing your family, you haven't eaten yet. I take normal food to put my former countrymen at ease, so why don't you take fifteen minutes and humor me by at least picking at something?
[It's not exactly a request, and not a demand.
Alucard's day is quiet. Mostly full of reading reports from various parts of Wallachia. Taking notes about their troubles and who he needs to talk to about fixing them. All is well until he reaches the bottom of the pile and---
--fuck.
He reads his father's farewell letter. Carefully.
Then declares himself done with business for the day and retreats to his room. Throws crown aside, bundles himself up as best he can, and makes it clear he's to be left alone for the night save truly urgent business. It's information that reaches Trevor's ears in due course, but closer to morning.]
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He does pick at the food, in that way that somehow morphs into eating as quickly as possible. It had been a day or so since he made the time. When he's done, the castle tries to lead him to Alucard's quarters and he takes the wrong door until it actually lets him to a study. He gets the news that something is wrong and that Alucard has asked to be left alone, eventually, and he knows that doesn't apply to him and keeps working.
Eventually, the castle rearranges itself to force him into Alucard's room. Because of course it does. He doesn't know if Alucard's awake, and he doesn't check. The crown is on the floor, so he picks it up to return it to its place. ]
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When he speaks, his voice is so very thick and weary.]
Trevor?
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[ He sets the crown down, then goes to his chair. It's close enough to the bed that if both of them reach out their arms he can touch Alucard's hand, and that's the only contact they've really had recently. ]
What happened?
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