Ashton debated leaving early... but he'd already made a show of force. If he acted petulant or arrogant it would negate all his efforts, as well as his future plans. Controlling exactly how much of his ascension to show had strained his mana channels more than he'd expected, but he couldn't use any enchantments to hide his appearance with the priests constantly examining him.
Ashton continued to eat his buttered fish while all three priests weren't even trying to hide their interest. When the topic of the elves came up Randal brought up the story of the elves calling Ashton a spirit.
"Of course, the elves would come to check on one such as yourself Lord Reece, perhaps I might invite you to tea before they arrive. While I have theoretical knowledge, I have never used Fae Common in speech outside of class." Bodin offered. Getting closer to the young beast was now their top priority, once he grew he would be far less likely to remain. For any beast to have entered the empire was no doubt a blessing from the ancestor dragon.
Ashton glanced up, "I will set time aside in two days for tea in the imperial garden," Ashton confirmed then sipped the dragon awful wine, this should give him enough time to make last minute adjustments to his plans.
"If you would like my lord, I have a humble talent in healing, might I offer to take a look?" Promise offered holding a hand over her chest to draw attention to her sigil and dragon fang. When the young man looked over his wine she almost swore he could see past her enchanted veil directly into her eyes.
"I accept the sentiment, but you would die from the effort. If after my... Ember arrives, and you make the offer again I might be willing to let you watch." Ashton informed nonchalantly. This should be enough to keep them interested but hesitant. Yes, he was a young beast, un-ascended, but he had his own faithful who knew who, and where he was.
Promise was startled, but she bowed her head, "Any teachings are always welcome," She acquiesced gripping her dragon fang. They would have to move quickly, the beast was young, replacing faithful wasn't as hard. Beasts were beasts because they could be tamed.
Ashton glanced at the fang but didn't say anything. While he could argue holding a dragon fang in his presence was a great insult, there was no need to be petty. Besides Ashton would need a little more support before the empire realized what exactly they had abducted to the capital.
There were common topics regarding the tribute banquet held, surprisingly Lucian and Bodin had civil if curt conversation.
"We would be honored to also welcome the delegations at your side your Majesty. We have also prepared a gift for Crown Prince Serafin." Bodin explained with a kind smile to the child. It had been incredibly vexing to not have any of the royal or imperial children tested for ascension, but if Ashton could be tempted there wouldn't be any need. A young beast would not be as resilient as the ancestor dragon. They only needed a silver of trust... and a good opportunity.
"We would be honored; His Majesty has graciously allowed me to oversee any preparations you might need your Holiness," Charmaine offered with a genuine smile. One of the few disagreements she and Lucian had were about allowing the children to undergo the initiation. Charmaine understood it was harsh, but steel swords could only be forged under a hammer and in fire.
"We will be in your care then your majesty, would you be willing to have a small ceremony for Crown Prince Serafin to accept our blessings and gift?" Bodin asked glancing at the young crown prince. Using the empress as a segway into the imperial family would have to be enough for now. Though the crown prince was no longer the main focus for the empire's future, he would be emperor one day and religious loyalty could be slowly cultivated.
Serafin forced a smile but didn't answer as his mother patted his knee. He didn't really miss having to kneel hours at a time in the chapel but... that might be in his future again.
Charmaine hesitated but when Lucian pretended not to hear she gave a beaming smile, "We would be in your debt, is there anything you would like us to prepare beforehand?"
Bodin glanced to Promise, "Perhaps the young princesses and prince could attend, it would show great comradery to have them chant along with the blessings." Bodin explained waving to Promise.
Promise held her hand over her chest giving a slight bow, "I would be honored to help them learning the blessings for Crown Prince Serafin, and to assist in Serafin's formal speech." She added in a delicately soft voice.
Ashton sipped on his wine to hide his Freudian slip of a smile, Serafin looked as if he'd swallowed a frog.
"That would be lovely, hopefully young prince Wyatt will not be too great a burden, but I will also help him practice." Concubine Lasvill promised as she helped her son eat some vegetable mush. She had been making appearances as a potential priestess since she was seven years old. It was no secret she was one of the few nobles who spoke fluent ancient Smyrnaean.
Bodin smiled, "Your Majesty, traditionally both parents would also participate in the blessings, but we will of course defer to your judgement." Bodin wanted to see just how accommodating the emperor would be. Depending on the Emperor's attitude, perhaps they church could increase the wedge between the young beast and emperor at the same time.
Ashton almost wanted to keep score the for hidden jabs bouncing around the table as they ate. If Lucian said his word was more important than the Pope's regarding blessings rumors of a holy civil war might be right around the corner.
Of course, the recent purge already had nearly caused a civil war. Only Lucian's ruthlessness had quelled such discontent to minor skirmishes. The rebels had been hiding away since then. With all the internal strife, other countries had been able to regroup. Despite most countries understandable hatred of the Lindorm faith, not reciprocating any kind of blessing was seen as just as barbaric. Truly, a no win situation.
With all the internal and external threats, the Empire could not afford to make any more enemies, which is partially why Ashton didn't understand why Lucian had basically let the church out of exile.
Not to mention... Lucian had to know how the imperial children were treated by the faithful. A new faith would be the best move for the empire... but dragons were not exactly the smartest of creatures. Often taking several hundred years to be considered wise.
Lucian looked up, "Of course We will be doing our part to support Serafin's position as crown prince."
Ashton was mildly impressed with Lucian's quick wit to deflect. Whilst it was unwise to be at such indisputable odds with the spiritual leaders of a nation. No matter how ruthless Lucian was, he alone as emperor could not ensure his preferred successor took the throne. He needed support from more than just the nobles if he didn't want Serafin to be forced to follow in his own footsteps. Though if Bodin continued to push, he might find himself headless should another purge occur.
Bodin's smile became even more benevolent as he turned to Lord Reece, "Perhaps you would be willing to participate Lord Reece?" If Lucian wanted to use force to push everyone down, eventually he would have no one to lean on.
Ashton glanced up disinterestedly, "I am not one to participate in other's blessings. If I decide to give one, it would be separate."
Bodin hesitated, "I understand, many blessings are spur of the moment. The offer stands of course, and perhaps you might look over Crown Prince Serafin's speech." He offered regaining his smile. Bodin had to make openings so they could meet more often. Familiarity breeds fondness, and beasts were highly susceptible to coaxing.
"I doubt Serafin would appreciate how strictly I would critique his pronunciation." Ashton remarked in fluent Smyrnaean instead of common. Ashton refused to grace the priests with his full attention as he waved for another helping.
"Your pronunciation is beautiful, may I ask who taught you Lord Reece?" Bodin asked with just a hint of enthusiasm, an aloof beast would have few followers but they were usually more favored. A young, smart, arrogant beast had taken care to be well received by his faithful. It was vexing to know at least one of his followers had to be a high priest since only the churches or higher nobility taught how to read, write, and speak languages other than common.
"I am well versed in many formal speeches," Ashton informed using Adarian. While they were no longer the reigning power, they were only second to the Empire. Bodin was starting to get on his nerves... or it was the hundreds of souls so densely packed that were irritating him. Every time Ashton looked at the three, it was like trying to read tiny, upside-down script through water that a child was constantly agitating.
Bodin and Wilbert were taken aback, typically only priests or royalty learned more than their own national language. Wilbert was well versed in Adarian, it even predated the Empire and he'd had to study four years before his speech was considered passible.
"You are a man of many talents; you speak as if you were an Adarian high priest." Wilbert commented respectfully. If they could learn which languages the young beast knew, they could narrow down who the potential faithful were. From there they could learn where this beast had come from and why he'd come to the empire.
Ashton spared Wilbert a glance, "I do make the effort to not shame the followers of my faith."
Wilbert tensed, while the statement had been impartial... it could also be a criticism of his only passible articulations.
"Perhaps you could help critique us all." Bodin offered noticing the distinct difference in enunciation. While he'd understood the meaning of the sentence, he could not distinguish each word. If the beast wanted them to bow at his feet and beg for teachings... he would indulge in praise that could be their way to endear themselves to him.
"Lord Ashton has always been gracious with his time and knowledge, but please remember even Lord Ashton is but one man with many responsibilities." Sebastian commented as the food was taken away as after dinner tea was brought out. Sebastian may not understand why the pope was trying to butter the young lord up, but he could call them out for their audacity.
Bodin glanced to Sebastian with a smile, "Of course, I was presumptuous." Had the beast responded as such, it would be considered an insult to dismiss a hosting faith so prominently. For the sake of keeping the peace, the beast would have been forced to accept.
Ashton accepted the lemon tea and added almost a full teaspoon of honey. Jaxon was eyeing the Pope with relief, "Lord Darnings, you look as if I am a beast ready to eat the young faithful." Ashton commented without looking up.
Jaxon tensed, "Of course not Lord Reece, I am merely in awe of tonight's company." As much as he would enjoy seeing every church burnt to their foundations, if the pope and Ashton went at each other's throats so publicly it would do the empire no good. Eventually Lucian would be forced to defend the priests; Jaxon was sure Lucian would rather cut his own tongue out; or to dismiss the pope. Either action would only encourage the rebels to publicly condemn Lucian on behalf of the faithful.
Ashton only raised a brow but didn't comment further. Perhaps Jaxon was equally oblivious... clearly his expectations had been too high. The screams of the damned souls were starting to ring in his ears. Ashton focused on his tea to keep the room from spinning.
Concubine Lasvill gave a beaming smile, "Your Holiness, is there anything in particular you would like us to prepare? We have already sent for some priests from my father's estate to assist in the chapel."
"That is lovely to hear, for now we are unsure; but if we think of anything, we will keep your gracious offer in mind." Bodin promised with a nod. Bodin decided a small retreat was in order, this beast was still too wary to be coaxed. Not to mention, Duke Carlos's interruption was an explicate warning for the faithful to not overstep. Reece's had to respect the local faith, but they were never forced to participate.
"Are there any adjustments your majesties would like us to keep in mind for greeting the delegations, as this will be our first tribute giving blessings, we appreciate any guidance." Promise added as she lifted her veil just enough to sip on her rose tea.
Lucian glanced them over, "We are sure Charmaine will be able to answer any questions for the Faith." Bodin nodded as he almost belatedly looked over to Lord Reece.
"Is there anything we can do to assist you Lord Reece?" Bodin inquired also mixing a bit of honey into his tea. Ashton's glance toward the fang and sword had not gone unnoticed, it wasn't exactly a friendly gaze either.
Ashton kept his polite smile, "I am as content as humanly possible for now." The longer they spoke, the more agitated the souls became. Many were leaving the priests to entangle with Lucian and even himself.
"Is there anything you believe I should prepare for the Elven blessings?" Bodin asked hoping to get some information or hints he could start investigating. If they could not request assistance for their respective faiths, then using the fae as a common topic should be acceptable.
Ashton raised a brow at the question, "The Fae delegations typically receive the highest honors." Ashton kept his tone polite, but his answer was conspicuously curt.
"Lord Reece, I was informed earlier today your items were ready for pick up, perhaps I could deliver them after morning court?" Sebastian asked drawing attention away from the topic of elves.
Ashton let his smile become more natural, "I would appreciate the assistance, if Calix is available, I might have an errand or two to request." Ashton added glancing over the mostly silent nobles.
"I was not aware you had become so close to the Carlos Dutchy, to call the eldest grandson by name." Randal commented eyeing Sebastian and Ashton. Even in private settings, referring to the younger generation by their first name was either a deliberate show of authority, or proof of friendship.
Ashton glanced over Randal, "Well, having to kill off inquisitive rats is not exactly a way to endear yourself to me. The smell of burnt flesh tends to linger."
The entire table tensed, during Ashton's first day three people had attempted to enter the eastern palace, the moment they had snuck into a second story window they had been sliced into a dozen pieces and tossed back out the window. Then as their remains touched the ground, they burst into flames leaving an awful stench for over an hour.
Randal glared, "What are you implying?" Randal snarled indignantly. He had not ordered anyone into the eastern palace, if Ashton wanted to frame him, it would take more than words.
Ashton sipped his tea with a smile, "Kokono." Suddenly another golem walked out of the closest wall to Randal, no one moved as the golem reached over Randal's shoulder to drop three bloody broaches beside his tea plate. Kokono then sank into the ground. "Do they look familiar?" Ashton inquired lightly.
Everyone was staring at the broaches; Randal was so pale he looked as if he would become a ghost. "What is the meaning of this?" Randal demanded through gritted teeth.
Ashton let a predatory smile slowly spread, "Kokono took those broaches from the bodies before they were burned, perhaps you should look into them." While Randal himself may not have given the orders, those broaches were personally designed to resemble a flower. Not just any flower, a four petaled herb that only grew on where there were bodies decomposed in large concentrations. Randal had found the mass grave after he reclaimed the duchy.
After nearly twenty years, Randal carefully excavated the remains for a proper burial. Of the near two hundred bodies there had been little more than bone. Bone, and only two flowers to mark the deceased. Since then, only oath bound death assassins of the Hammer duchy had been allowed to wear the broaches, and only after they had taken at least a hundred lives.
Randal carefully picked up each broach, only he and two others were allowed to command these death assassins... since he'd been a duke less than fifty such men had been cultivated. He carefully turned them over in his palm, on each broach was a mark he personally carved. Randal closed his eyes placing the broaches in his inner pocket.
Charmaine kept her smile up, but her hand trembled as she took a sip of tea, there had been nothing left of the bodies. Several servants had requested to not have to go near the eastern palace again, some were even having nightmares.
"I enjoyed the meal, it was... enlightening. As I have evening plans, I will take my leave." Ashton informed standing up. The servants started to tremble as the golems fell into step behind him.
After Ashton returned, he went over the interactions in his head again looking for anything that might be used against him. While he'd planned to wait revealing Randal's rats, but the man was persistently making snide comments and inuendoes. Perhaps revealing Randal's tail early would help distract the church.