Editing A word with the King.

'''Michael James Watson'''

As the Rabsen say a fond farewell out side the small west Arden town Alex makes her way through a small collection of buildings on a road leading to the East Arden middle road..
 One is a well designed stone manor house with a familiar fave. Sgt, Gavin stands before it, smoking a churchwarden pipe. Seeing Alex riding he waves and walks to the road 
"Warden Alexandra!  You have a meeting in back.  Scilly and I will chat for awhile.  I have a couple of carrots for him.  Congratulations
 on the office.  Head on back."
(insert comment s to Gavin and ill add them.)
Coming around the back she sees a fair sized pool. A bistro table sits to one side.  Random sits at the table.  On it are several glasses, one he fills when he sees Alex.  There is a Cathedral games board, A leather messenger's packet. There is a .75call recoiless pistol of a kind she has seen Benedict wear. Its in a holster on a belt with several magazine pouches.
"Alex!!! So glad you could make the scene before we left!"
She notices that Vialle is swimming laps in the pool.
He pushes a glass over, "Its a strong Jal red wine. I'm supporting local business you know..so....been doing anything interesting? "

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

To Sgt. Gavin she first looks surprised then she smiles and inclines her head.
"Ah so Caine was not lying alright. Good to see you as well. And thank you, for as long as the station stays with me."
She says with a wink.
Dismounting from Scully she pats his neck and gives an ear scratch before leavin him with Sgt Gavin.
She can't help but straightening her clothes. As she walks to the back.
Her eyes dart quickly from the table the things on it. To Queen Vialle swimming then back to Random.
Her etiquette makes her stay standing.
She does take a step.closer when the glass is offered.
But first of course a bow of her head to her King.
"Hello, yes, uhm good to see you as well. "
A slight awkward smile
"What i have been up to... well you might have been informed about the mess in Beasthold. Or of Beasthold in general. I just returned from guiding the Rabsan caravan to have them arrive sooner."
She hopes her three young dragons behave and keeps them near her.
"Heard you were not to happy with my promotion. Figured i needed to see you to talk about that."
Alex exhales a long breath noticing she is rambling again.

'''Michael James Watson'''

He sees her look to Vialle. " I can't keep her from jumping in every bit of standing water we pass. Morganthe was like that too. Must be a Rebma thing.. Sit, sit...its just family here. I know you grew up around the CCC and in the elites, but if you had attended the royal rights course you would know: formality is for court functions, public events, reprimands, and executions. Otherwise its polite behavior and first names. The leather satchel is yours . so..sit, have a drink, look in the satchel, before we go on."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex rubs her arm and then nods and sits.
"Yes, i know, still it is now and then weird. Slowly but surely getting used to it. Calling Caine an uncle, Brand father.... quite a culture shock from with what i grew up. Though it all makes sense now. "
A soft chuckle follows.
At the remark of Vialle, Alex smiles
"Well we all have certain loves we cannot resist i suppose. "
Taking the leather satchel she looks inside it while picking up the glass with her other hand and taking a sip.
"Oh i wanted to ask something about the royal rights as well. But later."
Alex then looks at the contents in the satchel

'''Michael James Watson'''

the satchel is a common item used by messengers and for official papers. This one is well made with her device on it. In it she finds two documents. One is a commission for Second Warden for a term of 5 years. Its signed by Random and Duncan.
The second is a letter patent for a fief in Amber. It specifies 5000 acres but gives no location nor a name for the property.
Random says," Most family have a place. A fief someplace. 5000 acres isn't big but its yours. Build, farm, ignore. Build a few hamlets. Raise horses, whatever. When you find the land contact the royal office and they'll help set it up. Don't go crazy with it. You probably have royal papers: patent at arms, your Elite assignment papers. Put them in with these others. The satchel can be summoned to hand by me or by you."
He sets up the cathedral game. Alex knows it from Rasak.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Looking over the paper she smiles.
"Thank you, Sir. Uhm Random. Honestly i do not need much and i doubt my mother would like it if i would be even less home. As she says Bright Edge will always be my first home. And it does feel that way.
And for the assignment as Second Warden. Thank you for your trust. I won't let you down. As you might have heard i take my duty very seriously."
She says the last with a proud smile.
As Random sets up the game Alex sips again from her glass.
"I will add all my other papers in there which are of importance.
It is amusing to think you knew, Julian knew, i think Benedict as well? And here i had the biggest goal in life to be a protective elite or ranger."
She waits for the first move of Random.
"I had a question about the Royal Rights. Now the rank of Second Warden is established.
I feel even if i did the course. And followed classes in Fantalin, i did it with previous goals in mind. Knowing what i know now. Perhaps i should revisit some lessons and knowledge. "
Looking up at Random.
"Would you agree?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

He does a quick conjure and produces 2 krd decks. " I hear you are learning trump art. Take a couple decks. Everyone has a couple. Put a couple place trumps and a couple people trump in your Patten satchel. Since you can summon it having a few cards in it makes sense.*
He plays a piece on the board. "As for your progeny, I have something of a mania about knowing such things. Comes with the job. Tell your mother to tell you your complete progeny or else I will. It would be better coming from her. "
"And for the Royal Rights course. Few of us grew up here. You have the advantage on most of us for that. I suggest hiring a tutor for Fantalin courses. Dean Aries can help with that. Sit through them someplace like Rasak. I put a card to the Cottage at Rasak. Its sort of a private retreat on the planet. Feel free to visit there. The time ratio is favorable."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex nods and smiles seeing the trumps.
"Thank you, Sir! That is a smart one. I'll do so. I have been also working on some trumps of my own. And Brand had told me that i can even use different power sources to fuel them. But not to test that out yet, first things first."
When she hears about her progeny a slight frown comes to her face and she studies Random his face for a while. Then studies the board and plays her first move. Seeing if just like with poker her insight with warfare will help here.
After her move she speaks a bit more serious.
"You make it sound as if there is alot to tell, or something pressing. That has me a bit worried, i'll be honest. But as i was planning to first visit mom i'll ask her. Have to.go there to get my papers anyway."
After a deep breath she lets the worried look go and takes a sip of the drink and slowly her familiar smile appears again. It is not a worry for now and if it was something very important she will learn it in good time.
"Ah that is brilliant yes, if i can indeed go to Rasak to study with the tutor it will barely interfere with my duties as second Warden. Thank you si... uhm.. Random"
A bigger smile after that.
"So have you met your shade version Jax yet?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

Random shakes his head, "Nothing pressing on your progeny or anything sinister. And surprisingly its an issue on your mother's side not a problem of Brand's. Don't worry."
He plays a few more pieces.
"Jax....no, I sent Caine to meet him. Its strange. Before patternfall I had only run across myself a few times. But I'm young compared to my siblings like Corwin, or Caine. Certainly a lot younger the Benedict and the First Brood. I didn't do a lot of esoteric shadow shifting and wasn't interested in it. Benedict made quite an effort at it, gathering as I understand, a large number of him selves together for strategy and tactics conferences. Caine did much the same in creating his spy network. Many Caines ended up having the same job,spymaster, and knowing each other worked for them. Eric hated the concept but I understand that he told Julian once that since no one was a better fighter then he was the only time he faced a challenge was fighting himself. "
He chuckles," Of course we all met a shadow of ourselves when the Royal family of Agolith Amber arrived in our shadow. That was bizarre as heck. Before your time."
"Caine tells me this Jax followed one of the spikes here. Clever bastard. Ill be meeting him later today, here. This, by the way, is one of my manor houses. I always liked Jal. Less high pressure people then in the capital."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Listening Alex smiles.
A few things she already knew of course. But having them told by someone else makes it always an extra enjoyable thing.
She had waved the progeny part aside with a smile. When Random said don't worry.
"Ah yes and from Brand's side i already have a grandmother to be watchful for. But i won't worry. Though i will ask mom."
She says with a light chuckle.
"Ah yes Jax had taken the spike from here and followed it back. Kind of the reverse thing we did with finding Beasthold. It was quite the effort if i have to believe him.
Happy my shade Xandra had already left... not that she is bad. She is just... a spicier version of me. And was kind of pissy when she learned i was of a higher order then she. "
A soft chuckle she nods
"Arlo had told me about Agolith and his dislike was clear. Before my time but alot is recorded and it seems i spent alot of time with my nose in books. Or listening to stories."
When Random talks about his manor house she looks around appreciative again with a broad smile.
"I can imagine, and a weight that would be on your and the Queens shoulders socially would be tiring i am sure. Good to have a low pressure home."
After a few moves Alex reminds herself.
"Oh right. I took the spike from Jax when i ran into him. Suppose have to plant that thing back.
I am still not happy with the whole spikes being dropped off here because other shades don't want to play along. But i can also understand they do, on the other side. "
Looking at her little pseudo dragons she is thoughtful.
"But as i understand my part in it is done, i found it, called in for help from those more capable. And walked an enraged pattern and survived."

'''Michael James Watson'''

"Doria, your cousin, found the Agoliths. Its not public knowledge but she brought agolith Doria to Amber. Then later Agolith Doria brought the whole royal family. Lovely psycopath, your cousin. Having two of her around was hard on our nerves and hard on the furniture."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

"Doria sister of Desri if i'm correct. Seen Desri. Never seen Doria. "
Alex makes another move. She is starting to feel more at ease and dares to focus more on the game.
With her eyes focused on what she is doing but a sly smile on her lips Alex says.
"Yeah psychopathic behavior it happens in big families i suppose... aren't you happy that i don't take that much after my sister? "
As she makes the half joke the memories of Tazilwere do rush back and her hand moves to her chest where the sensation always starts when she uses the Abyssal mark.
To hide that movement she quickly flicks her fingers through her hair and puts up a smile again.
"But it does explain the loads of extra furniture in the storage." She adds with a slight chuckle

'''Michael James Watson'''

"Doria...imagine Benedict if he was a girl, painted by frazatta, 5'7, strong enough to ko a trex, a sword fighter as good as as any Elite but her primary powers are in magic. Her warfare talents let her build 3 empires. Her endurance and magic kept her alive while buried alive for 500 years.
"And her sister is more batshit crazy."
"The sisters she didn't grow up with are Maylon Hendrake, a total nutjob even by chaos standards, and Yalla Ganth, who is too young to know if she is crazy.....hmmm that gives me an idea"
"As for being as crazy as Laravala, you're young. Give it time.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex listens to Random his describing Doria now and then she raises a brow but just continues to play and listen.
"Alright well perhaps good Desri us busy doing other things.
She was a bit weird. "
At the name Maylon and Yalla, Alex thinks for a moment.
"Maylon is the ambassador to Chaos currently no?
Yalla Ganth haven't heard of her. But perhaps if she is raised somewhere else outside the reach of her sisters she might end up more okey...ish."
After the remark about her and Laravella she frowns and looks up shocked and slightly insulted but the look quickly fades.
"I am nothing like her. She was raised to this insanity. I think even time won't have me reach that state of insanity. Or blind love for our father. I might come over as gullible or naive but i am not blind to the things which can corrupt."
She takes a longer sip and lets out a soft sigh
"My apologies, i didn't mean to react that way, it is a me problem. Since it is public knowledge Brand is my father i have the feeling people look at me differently not only being of the family but also to whom i am related.... kind of the sins of the father idea, and noone really knows what way i am going and i haven't proven myself as of yet oike my older brothers..... "
With that she fully maybe a bit to mcuh focusses on the game again.

'''Michael James Watson'''

Random laughs, "For the record, most of us go through a crazy phase. Don't worry. You'll have time to recover. As for Yalla, SHe's ok. the Ganth family are Amber natives. The who Benedict/ Lintra mess is a big clusterfrak of CHaos. but out of it we got Doria, Desri, Yalla, Merlin, Despil, Jurt, "he snickers at Jurt, " as well as Vek, and Shaz Far. Vance has Voya. Its complicated. Anyway.. i could go on. "
He resets the board and starts again.
"Look, I have a bunch of people at Beasthold making it messy. What did you think of theirgueen Deirdre?

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex smiles at Random his light hearted reaction putting her at ease.
"Well that does say alot about the family if everybody has their crazy period.
As long as it is not sisterly crazy in my case or xenophobic frigid crazy.... i'll manage. "
Alex looks at her three dragons probably resting in her bag or on her shoulders.
"Beasthold hm yes. It is a mess. Thinking about it one bound to happen though. Even heard Finndo is involved with the pattern there now.
Queen Deirdre. "
Alex pauses and thinks weighing her words.
"I have not known the Deirdre here of course only from stories from mom, so i have no comparison. But i do sense she is a just ruler. But very fed up with being used. Or well her shade and place being used like this.
To my understanding it were several Oberons creating this enraged pattern near a woven Logrus. Sure to direct the stream of creatures but i wonder if it did not make it all worse. And i have the feeling Queen Deirdre is getting fed up with the pulling of strings.
Now a young Amberite found them brought in more people who laid claim sort of on this pattern."
Alex pauses and thinks.
"For the just and brilliant woman she is, my gut feeling says that by now she is being pushed in corners. And we all know what creatures do when backed in a corner and threathened to losing control."

'''Michael James Watson'''

he nods, "To clearify, the Oberons you speak of didn't create the pattern there. The pattern of Amber that Dworkin created casts many shadows. One might say infinite shadows in infinite descriptions. When it was created it cast many shadows immediatly; Rebma, Fantalin, Diaga, Tazilwere, and a host of others. In time most of these are calmed. Some didn't. The Fantalin one ks still wild but its in the Hall of Treasures which is where all thep atterns and squiggles like to show off by sending a version of themselves there. Beasthold has been angry since the creation. The Oberons figured out how to deal with the beast flow. They couldn't figure out how to calm it. Finndo is working on that now. "
He pushes the fire arm over. "Thats yours. As long as you are Second Warden you are on the Gun List. The ammo works in Amber. Rank has its privileges. 800 rounds. If you need more requisition it. Don't give it to anyone else."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex nods she looks at the firearm hessitates a moment realizing this fires in Amber, but then takes the gun. Feeling the weight in her hand and checking the state of it. She puts it quickly back in the holster though.
"Right. And to keep a hold on the stream of monsters the iron spikes have been created to be left in shadow that lure certain streams of beasthold to it. To have them deal with a portion of the creatures.
But some are not playing along anymore. Which causes more creatures to pop up elsewhere. Like here in our Arden.
So far nothing we can't handle, but... it should not draw our focus completely."
Alex then stops talking thinking about how herbwalk was where she had worn the jewel without focusing on it
"Yeah Arlo had a plan but it didn't work i guess. After i walked it with the jewel i got send through shadow to a very loud festival. With these three in my pockets."
She gestures to her three pseudodragons.

'''Michael James Watson'''

 Random nods and extends a hand, the blue lands on its, sniffing, lightly chewing on it.
"Nice. Fiona had some psuedodragons once. Well trained, friendly. Good companions. I think Gerard had some too but that was before my time. "
Finishing his wine and rethinking pouring more.
"As for the Beasthold spikes.. I don't mind a few more beasts in Arden and I understand why Julian didn't press the matter. But.. maybe the people pulling their spikes need to know that burden sharing is caring."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex laughs at the last remark.
"Yes well i doubt that will stop some of them to pull their spikes out and toss it in the stream. But i do agree
They should at least be informed. "
She nods to the blue one on Random's hand.
"That is Toril, the red one is Tandie and this white one is Teague.
They are very young but have already very strong personalities.. Tandie here decided he wanted to boast against Scully... "
She sips the last of her wine and nods
"But what do you suggest? With the spikes? Leave it and see what happens in Beasthold. If Finndo can stop somethings or go to the shadows and kindly inform them to stop being so pissy and pull their own weight?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

Random chuckles, "Finndo isn't the 'Go talk to them' kind of guy. Terrible interpersonal skills and no poker face. Hes more the 'Im here, don't get in my way or ill turn you into a newt.' guy. If Finndo can figure out how to get it at least to wild we won't have the beast problem. Though, it clearly likes us. So far everyone who has walked it got animal companions. Thats worth the trip. Im a little worried about trying it myself for a number of reasons.. Im king, first, and it knows it. Secondly it seems to have a nasty sense of humor and whimsy. Duncan got a Dragon, Agrom got a Targ. You got psuedo dragons... Finndo got a trio of chihuahuas. I'm not certain Finndo won't just kill them. But it might piss off the pattern he is trying to woo."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex laughs
"Well never met Finndo but what i have heard from him, yeah that kind of comes down to how you describe him. There is alot of directness i this family and i notice the older more direct.. Osric just pushed me on the primal pattern under the explanation that its an baptism or an execution... fun times...
But it worked out and Dworkin was as nice to give me a trump deck."
Alex holds up some meat for the dragons so they can snatch it up in flight if they are hungry.
"Yes Duncan got a green dragon and flew off with it. Agrom a Targ... no clue what Targs are. I'll look it up. And Finndo... chihuahuas... well they are vicious little dogs.
I can imagine the curiosity is there to try. But i understand your reasoning.
We can just wait see if Finndo can woo the pattern into just being wild instead of enraged.
Is there else someone who would be able to travel along the shades and at least discuss the matter without immediately shoving the spikes up their rear ends?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

"Finndo was king of Amber for a hundred years. He treats me as if i am a newcomer, not someone who has been king for 88 years. But he is moderately loyal. He says the pattern is barfing out animals but isn't tossing them around shadow. Its the spikes that lure the beasts out of the realm. He is of the opinion there are two differant problems. One is the barfing pattern and the other the Spikes creating the trail of monsters. But they are separate problems. He isn't interested in the spikey one of course.. At this point, neither am I. Lets have your rangers handle the incoming beasts.. Though...."
He makes a snarky smile.
"I did a big favor recently for one of your cousins. She is on the hook to me for it. She refused military service initially but i told her that a term in the military would clear the debt. She has personal reasons for not wanting to be any part of Benedict's military and Gerard's navy. She has mostly been traveling in shadow. She did however take 10 years at Fantalin, and is a junior professor there. She would be an excellent tutor in Royal Rights... and...a 3 year tour with the rangers would do her well. She is a bit of a city girl and a book worm. Let me order her to tutor you, and you can giver her a bit of survival edge? Sound reasonable?"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Thinking a moment about Random his words about the enraged and barfing pattern and the spikes she then nods
"Well so far we can handle it yes, it is just a slight annoyance but to be fair. those groups of warstags and horde of bugbears or orcs are good tactical practise and as long as we do not have to help out with the trouble up north. "
She pauses for a moment not knowing if she was even allowed to know that. she then continues
"We can handle whatever the spikes bring so far. and i've made a trump of Beasthold. if it works of course. and i can always toss some foreign spikes back to them. My theory is they'll end up where they belong again anyway. "
Hearing about the cousin who doesn't want militairy service she smiles.
"Sounds like a smart individual. I wouldn't want to join the navy either... to wet.. to much water. "
She shivers
"Militairy to much orders and death. but us rangers we are a fun loving bunch climbing trees, camping out. Roasting marshmallows above a fire. Drinking and singing. And of course riding days on end in the saddle to protect the borders of Arden. But fun."
She has a silly grin on her face, as she is of course joking.
"That sounds like a plan, i also have Hannah Hale who is following me and i am trying to guide to get a better name for herself. See if we can bury that childhood rivalry. So what is her name? and when would she be able to join? I first have to get to mom, get my papers to add to the satchel which are in Bright Edge. Have to pick up Karieeena who is probably quite annoyed the enraged pattern spitted me out where i couldn't reach anyone. And then i'll be back in Arden."

'''Michael James Watson'''

"Her name is Yalla Ganth and she is ready whenever i call in the chip she owes me. She comes with her own bright shiny Elite, Dorna ag Brolic. Take them both. As for Hannah Hale, she is a bit of a problem. Her father, is Fire Marshal of Amber but has some serious family issues. Swearing Hannah into the Rangers is your call, but at some point Benedict will complain to you about the whole thing. He is no fan of the Hales."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex nods
"Ah one of the sisters you had talked about. So she is a descendant of Benedict right?
But of course if that helps her and in turn can help me i see no harm. "
Alex then laughs
"Oh Hannah is not yet there to be sworn into the Rangers. She first needs to toughen up more. That is clear from the travel to beasthold so far. But i let her tag alonv to get more tough and get more experience so one day she can prove herself. Perhaps even surprise Benedict... though that might need a whole lot of training and experience."
A slight shrug.
"Do not get me wrong i respect Benedict to no end. But.... he does not dictate who i keep around me. I think so far only my mother and you have placed suggestions for that to which i decide to listen."
She smiles wide.
"But sounds fun. A mutual understanding of tutoring eachother."

'''Michael James Watson'''

"In the end, Benedict is the Marshal of Amber. However, in working order The Army is Benedict's, the Navy is Gerard's, the Rangers are Duncans, Star Fleet is Vance's. Flora deals with the Golden Circle dignitaries. Bleys oddly enough as come to deal with the nobility. Dalt deals with our diplomatic corps. While technically you report to Ben, for all practical terms you report to Duncan then me. If Ben wants to get in a pissing match with any of his subordinates, its my lap that gets wet. "

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex smiles her typical warm smile.
"I will not try and get in a pissing match with Benedict. He'll win anyway and then your lap gets wet for no reason. Other then bad feelings between some. "
Thinking about Dalt now dealing with a diplomatic corps on a freaking Pegasus just makes Alex laugh... it was a funny image...
She takes her sketching book and notes it down as a reminder to draw later.
Alex then looks up at Random again.
"Sorry funny thought had to note it down.
But Benedict can relax i am not swearing Hannah in to the Rangers just yet. It's not my call anyway i have to run that by Duncan and he and i both agree she needs some more ease in real combat.
Don't get me wrong the CCC has always a part of my heart but it is not real battle like a horde of enemies running over the slope of a hill to dessimate your troops... or well have that intend. "
Alex looks at her sketchbook for a moment then she asks a bit more serious tone.
"Is Brand still behaving? How far does his freedom reach is it known by now?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

"Brand... I have learned more of his time in the Abyss and his dealings in Chaos. Vance has told me a lot about the land of the Abyss and between Bleys, Fiona, Jurt, Despil, Vek, and of all people, Maylon, i've learned a lot more about Chaos. I am giving Brand a bit of leeway. He has free movement on the castle grounds in general and day passes for the city. He needs to spend 4 hours a day in his cell for appearance sake. I would let him go but there are a lot of people who want to kill him and devoting that much of the army to defending him would be a problem. I did have a suggestion i am considering. Aries Colbresi has suggested letting Brand come to Thelusa and be a guest lecturer at Fantalin. The University of Fantalin is practically a kingdom of its own and that would give him a lot of space. Also, for tricky reasons, its also one of the most defended places in the universe. Guest lecturer... What would his lecture be called? How to destroy universes and influence people? Traveloug of Hellscapes of the Abyss? Vivisection for fun and profit?"
He deals out a hand of poker, no chips, as if he didn't realize he did it. (4 pip in poker-card tricks)

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex looks as Random deals she smiles slightly.
"Hm Caine and Jax recently taught me that Poker is also a game of tactics and warfare. "
Alex mindlessly scribbles a bit in her sketchbook. Thinking about the Abyss or what she heard about it and the mark she caries.
"So just a blunt question because i feel you could appreciate that, since you are pretty accepting of my father, and about your idea of letting him lecture in Fantalin would be fantastic i think he'll love that. He is a teacher type.
But... can i assume you are not one of those that look at me with suspicion due to me being a daughter of Brand? Or having that Abyssal Mark? "
She looks a bit embarrassed to ask then quickly adds.
"I just need to know for my own peace of mind."

'''Michael James Watson'''

He starts to deal another hand then stops. Picking up the cards he goes through a series of shuffles and flourishes, moving the Ace around, showing fancy shuffles. He deals out 5 hands, turns them all over for 5 Full House. Picks them up, shuffles, deals again, the same 5 full houses. He does it again with the reverse of the 3 and 2 of a kind. deals out 4 sets of 4 of a kind. Deals out 4 royal flushes., mixed with a lot of fancy card moves. He shows his 4 pips of card skills.
Looking up he says, "Everything is a game of tactics and warfare."
He starts setting up a house of cards.
"Blunt question.....ok. I don't have a problem with Brand being your dad. I have a problem with Fres Mira being your mother."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex looks almost mesmerized at the card tricks staring at his hand movements.
Then as he sets up the cardhouse she smiles until he mentions her mother. Her face changes to an almost school. Her eyes go dead cold.
The only one holding a higher loyalty with Alex than Amber is her mother.
She takes a moment to compose herself again. Take a deep breath and in an as calm voice as she can muster.
"Pray tell why are you not happy with my mother? "

'''Michael James Watson'''

He leans back, thinks carefully. Cautious.
"Alexandra, I don't want to tell her secret. But frankly she will equivocate wildly if you ask. She will say her people are not to blame. That her family is irrelevant since they no longer really exist. That her world no longer exists. But that the shadow of her birth is gone does not change the fact that its principal construct still exists, that several of her brothers and sisters exist. She has stayed in Amber for millennia to stay away from them. They can not reach Amber because they are of a lower shade and the method she was brought here did not break the covenant that would allow anyone of her shade to come here. Dierdre was involved in everything that happened in Fres's shade and the two of them barely escaped execution by Oberon. "
He sips his wine.
"I don't hold the sins of the mother against you. I have known Fres a long time. Personally, she is great. She was a baby sitter for many of my siblings and her time in Amber made her a lot of devoted friends and allies. But as king i have to remember that there is a big problem connected to her and her identity. So.... do you want me to break your mothers secret to you or do you want to hear it from your mother?"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex keeps her frown on her face. She starts to curl her finger in her curls thinking...
She keeps her eyes on Random watching him. That way she stays silent for a few moments.
Then she lowers her eyes and sighs.
"No, i respect my mother to much. I will ask her first. But i will tell her that if it won't vome from her i will seek the knowledge elsewhere. "
Slowly her drawing hand starts to scribble again.
Her eyes move back up and looks straight at Random.
"For me my mother her past or ancestry doesn't matter. She is my mother and i am loyal and devoted to her.... in a healthy way.
And yes i love Amber and its people, and i will always stay loyal to Amber its people and the Crown. But know that my mother is at the same level. "
Alex chuckles awkwardly
"Alright that sounded dramatic, but you get the gist right? I will never bring harm to Amber, but neither to my mother."

'''Michael James Watson'''

He smiles, "Good. I'll be equally clear. Fres is no threat to Amber. She has served Amber a very long time. Both officially and unofficially. My objection to her comes from Oberon who believes that her siblings and their construct will someday seek her and Amber out and he didn't know what would happen if they came to Amber, bringing their construct with them. If she left Amber, then returned, anyone from her shade level could reach here. ITs why she hasn't left this planet in all that time. You were born here. Your coming and going does not give them access unless you bring them. Thats it. Now.. I am going to grab that moist tart in the water and get back on the road. Go take your command." He nods a dismissal.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex stands up after the dismissal and inclines her head.
"Yes sir, Thank you. Happy to hear that it is not as grave as it sounded at first. Well at least you know where my loyalties lay. "
She says with a wink. Then inclines her head to the queen.
"Good travels to you both, safe journey"
She then turns and walks back to where probably Sgt. Gavin still has Scully, hoping he didn't eat himself in a stupor with carrots.