[b]June Bellicose and Siris Burke enter the trhone room hall. The Princess, rather than being seated where she normally rules the valley greets June at the door with a backhanded smack. The crack of the slap makes the Aegises cringe.[/b] "What in the [i]bloody hell[/i] was that for?! Gahh!..." "Miss Bellicose, you have tested my patience far too much for the brief time you've been gone. There are members of the courts who would have you hung for desertion and matters of the like nature." "But, but... F-forgive me, Milady... I never should've stepped out of line." [b]Despite her personality, June's voice is found to be admirably sincere.[/b] "So then, the deed is done, Milady. Their fleet wasn't as crippled as we wanted to leave it, but Raime is no longer a threat. They've already dispatched messengers to negotiate a surrender." "Is that so? What of Luciana? She was the next in line for Guardsmenship: her input is most valued by me." "So long as we give her the means to work, she doesn't wish to be bothered. My men tell me she occasionally does some extracurricular gardening out by the gates. Other then that, she just keeps wor--" [b]Knock knock. Through the closed door a feminine and metallic voice can be heard.[/b] "Oh, heavens, he's back." "Time is short, my followers. Siris, rendezvous with Clarke in Nimbion; let us see what the Raimeans have to offer us." "At once, Milady." "June, travel to the shantytown that calls itself Old Perth Varcoe. You will be a most welcome sight, but we cannot afford to remain divided. And take care not to convey ill tidings." "Y-yes, Milady..." [b]The Chamion and The Violet Lady exit the throne room with an air of happiness and a bright imprint of the back of a hand, respectively. The Princess draws a long sigh to destress before she reseats herself on her throne.[/b] "You may enter."