“Because prior to Cass, there was Gallienus, and he only used his balls to think, and considering the way he managed his rule, it is clear they were very small. And prior to True, was Wilmer, and he didn’t have any balls at all.” Aramus then looked to True and said, “I hope you take no offense, my brother.”

“Would that one day I would find I am also of the Mer,” True muttered in answer, before he lifted his glass and drew in his own large measure of whiskey.

He heard chuckles about him, but he used his concentration to swallow.

“True,” Farah whispered.

He looked to her.

“I am not offended, sweetling,” he assured, and it was not a lie.

She studied him a moment before she nodded.

“Negotiations rather broke down after that,” Cass finished.

“Because you walked out of the room,” Aramus reported, smiling broadly at Cassius.

“Thus,” Ian entered the conversation, “I had the honor of sharing with Lord Felix that Cass is disbanding the feudal system and that, should he survive his term for treason against the crown, he will have no castle to return to. But regardless, in the now, he should endeavor to spend less time attempting to communicate with the AG in this ongoing conflict and more time trying to find someplace for his wife, sons and daughter to live for they’re soon to be turned out and their home made into an orphanage.”

“I’m certain that went over well,” Silence noted, her eyes twinkling, her wee monkey hiding in the fall of her hair at her shoulder.

“He not only damned Cassius and Elena’s line for eternity, but mine too,” Ian replied to Silence.

“Oh no, does he have magic in his blood?” Silence asked worriedly.

“There has not been any real magic in the royal lines of landed Triton since the Sky King clashed against the Fire King,” Jorie declared.

Everyone looked to him.

“They were both stout. Both mighty. Both had magic. And both fell in love with the same woman,” Jorie intoned. “She was an extraordinary beauty. Born,” he turned his eyes to True, “to the green.”

He looked about the room, saw he had everyone’s attention, and carried on.