"My son," The emperor's voice rang through the meeting hall, one gray eye just slightly twitching, "What is this new hairstyle I see you've adopted?"
A heavy silence took over the room when Lailen spotted his youngest. Esali nervously glanced at his brother who stood rigid, head remaining bowed as the emperor's judging gaze traveled between his two sons. Esali could see his father looking for a reason to blame Yuen, as he so often did. Yuen was more than aware of this too and Esali caught another metal gray eye sneaking a glare at him. Where his fathers eyes were a hard cold iron, his brothers were sharp steel, sparkling and molten.
"Ah, you're majesty," Esali began with a light hearted chuckle, choosing to pretend to be oblivious, "how kind of you to take notice. It is quite fashionable in the Eastern Courts at the moment." A little lie. His fathers advisors may have some idea about the trends and happenings of the other courts but Lailen himself had not traveled outside of Kissian in hundreds of years. "It was only right to take on some of the local culture and customs. Successful diplomacy being a top priority when a liege of the Imperial court visits, of course. After all, we must set a proper example for all."
A flittering of whispers swept the hall for a brief moment, gazes teetering from the princes to the emperor and back. Esali would play down the seriousness of his missing braids while playing up the dedication towards the success of his fathers Impire.
Lailen did not miss the glances or whispers of his subjects and advisors, or the looks shared by his scheming sons. It was in these moments he felt his power slipping from his grasp and he cleared his throat with an angry cough. "Surely the future emperor would understand the importance of the braids of his lineage?"
Until recently Esali had in fact not known the importance of the silly braided and knotted pig-tail hairstyle. "Unfortunately your majesty, I was not aware of my ill actions until Chancellor Avin informed me otherwise. I believe my nursemaids and tutors failed to properly educate me on such matters."
The emperor frowned, cold eyes snapping to Yuen. "Has my eldest failed in setting an example of what is expected of royal family members."
There it was. The entrance to blame Yuen, who bobbed his head in another small bow. "Your majest-" He went to explain himself and Esali cut him off.
"Father, with all due respect, most of Yuens' days are spent attending to various affairs of the empire. You can not expect him to have taught me everything."
It was only Esali, heir to Lailen's throne, who could get away with disrupting the emperor, no less addressing him as father in the face of his subjects. Yuen would never. He squinted, frown still carved deep into his mouth, then rolled his eyes with an irritated sigh. "You are to regrow your hair, immediately. Only once your braids have reached past your shoulders, may you resume public affairs. Until then you are to stay in the palace."
Esali gave a showy bow, a flourishing gesture, kissing ass the best he could. "I am grateful for your understanding, your majesty."
The emperor huffed before snappily adding, "And you are to use no potions or aides."
"Yes, your majesty." Esail replied, hiding some of his disappointment. A quality potion or spell could regrow his hair in a matter of hours. Without help he estimated that he would be stuck in the palace for a month or so at least.
Advisor Skom, who sat to Lailen's right, wearing his usual scowl, spoke next. "I was more curious as to these diplomatic relations. You felt the need to adjust your appearance, surely you've brought back great news?" One eyebrow raised. Skom hadn't been to the eastern court in years, but for milenia their people had worn their hair long, female and male alike. Skom did not believe for a moment that Esali had been in the eastern courts. And his own brother, Avin, who stood at the prince's side serving as an alibi, was another cause for concern.
Yuen spared his brother a slightly longer glance, giving him an eye of encouragement. "Well I've managed to negotiate land exchanges between the Shimmering and Eastern courts. The Shimmering court has been requesting further lands to house a growing population of nymphs, primely in the Black Grove Forests possessed by the Imperial Court. I have managed to secure a contract which preserves imperial managed land while benefiting both of our dependencies. Furthermore, after spending much time with Queen Marella, we've put into motion projects to begin developing routes along unmapped segments of the portal rivers. Seeing as the eastern regions have been underdeveloped in terms of transport, the exploration of uncharted segments of the rivers and development of new Mapping Portals will better connect us, as well as enable faster travel between Kissian and other major cities." Esali had been slightly amused to find the eastern queen herself working in collaboration with Yuen. She'd agreed to even play a part in whatever little plan Yuen was weaving. This only amplified Esalis curiosity as to his brother's intentions.
"Mm, yes." Lailen rubbed his chin. "Chancellor Avin sent over the plans and budgets this morning. I'm interested to see how this infrastructure development benefits the Empire."
"With new ports and faster travel times it is a near guarantee for Kissian to experience an economic boost." Esali continued on, confidently pitching Yuens efforts as his own. "Especially considering the recent increase in demand for power crystals in growing remote areas of the twilight. Those crystal suppliers are located right here in our great city. A shortened transportation time and better refined delivery methods means better leverage in negotiations and an increase in profits. Which of course can then open the door to further development and expansion."
"And when exactly will the court begin to see a return, your highness? According to the budgets we received, the initial investment is quite substantial, with the imperial court covering up to seventy percent of the budget, but no projected dates were clarified in the reports." This came from Chel, the Imperial Treasurer.
"Generously, six to ten years." Esali clasped his hands behind his back. Playing such an active role within these meetings was very new for him and he'd quelled his nervousness thus far scratching at the pads of his fingers and the palms of his hands.
Advisor Skom scrunched his face. "That seems like a long time to wait for profits."
He let out a little sigh, only heard by Yuen, who quickly stepped in, a clear and direct voice cutting through the meeting. "What is ten, even twenty years to a fae who will live for thousands? Quality investments usually take time to see substantial gains, advisor Skom. It is to be expected."
"I must agree with his highness, Prince Yuen," Chimed in advisor Earna, head of urban and rural development. "A ten year project that will benefit the empire for millenia to come would be asinine not to pursue." A murmur of agreements waved down the hall.
"I am not saying it isn't." Skom rolled his eyes at the woman. "As servants to the Emperor and his empire I just believe it is our duty to explore all aspects and sides of a presentation."
"As advisors to the throne it is our duty not to let prosperity slip us by." Earna reiterated, words coming out in little hisses. Amongst the advisors she was of the few who were not fond of Skom. In fact, Earna downright disliked the fae and how he cawed into the Emperor's ear. She'd been one of the first of Yuens inner circle allies. Immediately seeing the potential in the young fae.
"The funding has already been approved." Lailen spoke with hints of song and command. He'd approved the project on his own. What familial obligation he lacked with Yuen he made up for with Esali. Even in moments where he felt his oldest pulling his authority out from under him, he still desired the best for his successor.
Chatter erupted amongst the advisors and court officials at the emperor's words. It was in his power to make such an executive decision but it was something that he rarely did, especially when it came to such costly endeavors. Unlike his predecessors, Lailen, born royal and apt to laze, was not necessarily known for his complete immersion in court affairs. Contrarily to many emperors before him, he had elected various representatives and advisors, delegates to handle most of the empire's affairs. The reality of which was quite costly. A reason why matters of the coin were heavily contested in these meetings. "Without the concession of the council?" "Bold." "Well it isn't like most of us were opposed." "It's the principle!" Little complaints whispered behind hands, nods of support, small concessions and analysis filled the room and were only ceased by Skom, "ENOUGH!" He hollered, bringing everyone to a silence.
Skom nodded to the emperor as everyone quieted down.
Lailen waved an index finger in the court's direction, then gave a nod to Skom. "My son will sit in my position some day, projects such as these will serve as testimonies to his capabilities and provide a strong foundation for his succession to the empire. If you are worried about the funds, do not fear your own paychecks are not in any danger."
"Your majesty, may I ask where the funds have come from?" Treasurer Chel asked after standing, hands folded in front of her in respect, giving a bow.
"Of course, Chel. I apologize for keeping such matters from you." Lailen's tone softened, his notes of song becoming warm on the edges.
A small grimace appeared momentarily on Yuens face, mirrored by Esali at his side. It was brief and unnoticed, the brothers schooling their distaste. Chel had been one of the newest members to the council, after their fathers last treasurer had 'retired' abruptly for unknown reasons. Lailen still had his secrets, little mysteries Yuen was constantly trying to find out. So far the most logical explanation was that Yuen had met with the treasurer and his father had found out and decided to clean house before his son could make another ally. Then again there were little whispers of the misuse of court funds on his behalf. Yuen was investigating.
His fathers new court treasurer, Chel, was an Imperial court native, her family holding mercantile businesses for generations. Raven haired and pink-skinned, she was pretty, young, good with finances, and her direct yet polite mannerisms had captured the attention of the emperor. After Misemi had successfully birthed Esali with the help of sprouting charms, Lailen had become even more interested in young wives and over the next twenty seven years he would take three more with varying success at producing children. However another son had yet to be born.
Chel was more than aware of Lailen's motives and desires. She came from a successful family, principled and influential. Aspects she valued more than being a concubine. So she maintained a monotonous politeness and never broke formality, despite the emperor's softened tone and luring songs. She was already seated once more, pulling forth paper and pen. Documents and budgets already lined and boxed, ready to be filled in with numbers and notes. "Please continue your majesty. I am ready to fill out the appropriate documentation."
"Pardon me, your majesty." Yuen interrupted, bowing deeply to his father. "My departure for Iseninai is within the hour. I must excuse myself."
"Mmm, yes." Lailen looked to his eldest, eyebrows raised, debating to berate him for interrupting. "Iseninai was mentioned yesterday. Visiting the mine?"
"Yes your majesty. It is time for its annual inspection. As you know, I've been performing these inspections for the last decade."
"Hmm yes, it's already that time of year again I see. Very well then," Lailen's eyes kept wandering back to Chel, little glimpses giving away his eagerness to speak with the woman. "Best head along then, you're dismissed."
Yuen gave another bow and turned on heel.
"Ah, oh, father, I need to speak to Yuen before he leaves." Esali went to follow Yuen but was stopped.
Lailen held up a hant, halting his youngest. "You need to be here to help treasurer Chel. Your brother will return in no time at all. You can ask him your questions then."
Esali fretted for a moment, eyes darting between his father and his retreating brother. He had wanted to talk to Yuen about his trip, his plans, his strange behavior and his secrets. What lies in Iseninai? Was he even traveling there? His brother continued on, exiting the hall, and Esali was left with his father and the council, Wyn waiting for him just outside the door.
With a quiet huff he turned back towards his father, "Permission to take a seat among the council, your majesty? I imagine this will take awhile."
Lailen nodded, waving about a hand and servants, who had been hidden behind curtains and walls, came forth in organized chaos, placing a chair to the emperor's left, setting down wine glasses, cups, bowls and silverware, A new place set at the table among the emperor's council.
With another waggle of a finger, teas, nectars, fruits, meats, cheese and bread were filling in the center of the table. The emperor clapped at their finale and the servants once more disappeared into the background. "Let us get into the finer details of today's meeting, then. We'll start with the new portal river development budget then move onto concerns with land management and the re-sectioning of the lower river districts."
Esali sat down, boredom and fatigue already ebbing at his psych to accompany bitter disappointment. He grabbed a glass, base crusted in gold, filled it with nectar and took a large drink.