Chapter Text
“I feel the need to say that you two shall not be able to fight anymore. What you did today was alright but no more of it. Intimidation is out of the way so now it’s time to be persuasive. Jonathon, you can hang out there and join in more for no more than your body can sweat. Katherine, if you are to be there, there will be no training from you while others are there. Late at night go all out you two,” King Leyton lectured his children. Not mad at them and their stunt, but he needed to make sure they understood what was expected of them going forward. “When King Sourchire and his son get here, you are to act weak Katherine. You can hold and use a sword, but any man can beat you easily. Jonathan, you are not to reveal any secret skills. Observe how they fight and copy, only tweaking enough so that it is natural to you. We are here to persuade and that is it. To persuade we seem weak yet willful to the opposing party, and intimidating to your own. See you at dinner.”
“Did we mess up?” Jonathon asks hesitantly once their father was far enough away.
“No. We just have to be very careful going forwards. Appearances are everything once King Sourchire arrives,” Katherine explains before biding her brother farewell as she goes to get ready for dinner. Enjoying her shower, she drys her body off, debating on which outfit to choose before deciding on an ice blue to white dress with lace around her collars and neck with the back mostly open.
Drying her hair, she pulled it back into a simple side braid, jewelry being put back on as she slipped some heeled boots on as well. Admiring herself in the mirror, she made sure everything was as it should be before deciding to make her way towards the dining hall, hoping she wouldn’t get lost in the process.
Looking as if she were gliding, it wasn’t long before she made it to the dining hall, opening the doors, she saw everyone there except her brother and Tommy. Smiling, she went and sat in the empty seat beside Wilbur giving him a small greeting as conversation resumed.
“You look beautiful tonight Princess,” Wilbur compliments gently, handing her a full glass of red wine.
“Thank you Wilbur, you look quite excellent yourself,” Katherine returns the compliment, taking the drink from his hands as she gives him a gentle smile. Smelling the wine, Katherine takes a small sip, enjoying the alcoholic beverage she didn’t get to enjoy often because of their arctic living space.
“Sorry for being a little late,” Johnathon apologizes as he walks in with Tommy who had a smile on his face.
“Quite alright, let’s get started then,” King Philza spoke up, clapping his hands together as servants brought out the food for everyone to enjoy. “Because you guys don’t get to enjoy plants very often, we decided to showcase our wonderful crops so I hope you enjoy.”
Sneaking a glance at Tommy, Katherine stiffened her giggle at the disgusted look on his face, clearly not happy about all the plants and crops that were a part of this meal. Thanking the servant, Katherine gave her thanks (along with her brother) before everyone dug in, some caring more about appearances then others. Tommy and her brother for example didn’t care while King Leyton and Katherine took it a little more slowly. Small chat was made as everyone continued to eat. It was clear that King Philza and his wife were tense, probably thinking about tomorrow and how it would go with King Sourchire’s arrival. “Once again, I thank you for coming and supporting us King Leyton.”
“Of course. We may not be ready for a war, but I am always up to debate, especially with a foolish king,” King Leyton responds, as the atmosphere in the room turned cold. Tommy even stopped mid bit when he heard him call King Sourchire foolish. Grimacing, King Philza tried to ignore the last comment, hoping he would never be called foolish by King Leyton.
Conversation died out after that as everyone just wanted to finish eating quickly. The only one unaffected was obviously King Leyton as he went on like nothing had happened. Once everyone was done, thanks were said once again before King Philza announced when King Sourchire should arrive, “Based on the little information given, King Sourchire should be arriving around noon with his son and whoever else he chose to escort him.”
“We will be there to greet him,” King Leyton announced before standing up and leaving to stay holed up in his room all evening, writing down random stuff in his notebook.
King Philza watched as his fellow king left the room, it was undeniable that King Leyton was intimidating. Philza prided himself in his ability to listen to reason and stay calm, but even he found himself shaking a little whenever King Leyton spoke. The cold voice and ability to speak his opinion without falter was something Philza envied.
“Thank you for dinner. Tell the chefs that it was excellent,” Katherine complimented, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere her father left.
“Yeah! It was delicious,” Jonathon added. He wasn’t trying to ease the air like his sister, he was just trying to be polite. Smiling, King Philza had never been more grateful for the princess, “I will be sure to pass the information onto the chefs. Feel free to roam around until later, if you need help finding anything I’m sure one of my sons will be happy to help.” Standing up and curtseying, Katherine was already dreading tomorrow, “Thank you. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I would like to spend some time in the library.”
“I can lead you there,” Technoblade spoke up, quickly standing up from his chair as he walked over to the princess, looping his arm with hers as they exited the room, never once looking back.
The walk was short and the library was massive. Taking a look around, Katherine smiled at all the books of all different sizes. Some more worn than others. Unhooking her arm, Katherine walked over to the first shelf, running her fingers over the spines of the books as she read the titles. “The books seem to be well taken care of,” she comments, pulling out a book of spells to flip through.
“Thank you.” Shocked, but not showing it, Katherine looks at Techno from the side of her eye instead opting to just nod to show that she had heard his thanks.
“Spells?” Techno asks, feeling a weird urge to make conversation. Maybe it was because he knew nothing of her and he wasn’t used to that. Her body language confused him and he was sure she knew that.
“I drabble in magic,” was her answer. Tired from keeping her composure all day, Katherine really wasn’t in the mood for conversation but she also didn’t want to be rude.
Continuing to turn the pages, she awaited Techno’s response, “Don’t you need special lineage to do magic?”
Internally rolling her eyes, Katherine really didn’t want to explain the entire story, “You would be correct. However I am a special case due to circumstances with the Guardians when I was young.”
“I see. Enjoy your time.” She couldn’t tell if he could sense her discomfort or if he was just done talking, but whatever the reason, she was thankful. Sitting down next to a fireplace, she continued flipping through the spell book, stopping every now and then to examine the spell until the wee hours of the night. Hearing a clock ding one, Katherine decided it was time to head to bed and prepare herself for tomorrow. Dealing with King Sourchire would not be fun and she knew she would need all the sleep possible.
~~~
“You almost ready?” Katherine hears Jonathon call out to her from outside her door. They had just gotten news that King Sourchire would be here in 30 minutes time, meaning everyone was making sure they were presentable and ready to greet him.
“Almost. I’ll be out in a few,” She calls back as she finishes up her hair. Annoyed, she added a few finished touches to her hair which was pulled up into a loose fancy medium height ponytail. Katherine always regretted making her hair wavy, but knew it would pay off in her first impression. Lifting her necklace up from it’s hidden place, she puts it on, cringing at all the diamonds glistening on her neck. It wasn’t that she hated jewelry, just this specific necklace always made her cringe. Giving one last look in the mirror, Katherine deemed her appearance worthy and headed out, meeting up with Wilbur in the hallway.
“Hello Wilbur.”
“H-hello,” Wilbur stuttered out, shocked at her ethereal appearance. He thought she was beautiful last night, but today definitely took the cake. Even more expensive jewelry was adorned on her body as her extravagant makeup highlighted all the right features. Her dress gripped her body perfectly and Wilbur couldn’t help but stare. He didn’t want to, but his eyes wandered, trying to take in her appearance as quickly as possible. “You look stunning today Princess. Words cannot describe your beauty,” He complimented, dressing his words up a little but still meaning everything that came out of his mouth.
Internally grimacing Katherine smiled, “Thank you Prince Wilbur.” Feeling no need for more conversation (Wilbur could barely form words around her) they continued on in silence before meeting up with the others outside the castle. King Leyton smiled at his daughter, genuine in his feelings for once. Jonathon was tempted to whistle but knew it wasn’t appropriate in this context.
Technoblade was shocked. Katherine didn’t look real to him and he was suddenly self conscious of his pig features. He never thought about his looks before, but standing next to Katherine made him reevaluate.
He wanted to say more but a fancy carriage was fast approaching. In just a few seconds, the carriage was right in front of them and a servant was opening the door. King Sourchire walked out in his kingly robes, his son behind him.
“Greetings King Sourchire!” King Philza greeted as King Leyton just stayed quiet.
“King Philza,” he responds, voice cold and uninterested, “Thank you for taking up my invite. I see King Nuvare is here as well.” He was almost snarling as he said that last sentence.
“King Leyton is fine. My daughter Katherine, and my son Jonathon.” King Leyton stayed stone faced, not reacting to King Sourchire’s rude greeting.
Scoffing, King Sourchire turned to his son, “Clay Sourchire. Are we ready to begin?”
“Yes. Let us lead you to the debate room.” Philza led the way as everyone followed, the only ones who were still composed were Katherine and King Leyton, the others were also nervous, even the infamous Technoblade.
As everyone sat down, Techno felt disgusted as King Sourchire’s eyes were trained on Katherine, or more specifically, her body. He wanted to tell him off but knew he couldn’t, so he imagined murdering the king in many bloody ways to keep himself sane.
“The reason I called for this meeting is I’m afraid for my kingdom. Some recent cases of Endermen attacking my people have come up and I wish for you to exile all non human creatures of your country,” King Sourchire spoke like he was simply asking for an extra sugar in his tea, not for thousands of people to be without a home.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
“And why not? I am simply asking for a small favour so that my country will be better protected.”
“Do you say the same for me?” King Leyton asks suddenly, his voice commanding as he stared right into King Sourchire’s eyes.
“Pardon me?”
“If I was in King Philza’s position, would you come knocking on my door, asking me to exile half my people because you said so?”
“I am simply looking out for my country.”
King Leyton continued to stare him down, “And would you be asking the same of me? You come asking King Philza to change yet refuse to answer my question. Why is that?”
Narrowing his eyes and huffing, King Sourchire finally thought of a good response, “King Philza’s country is close to my own. The disgusting creatures from your land won’t make it to mine so I have no reason to worry.”
Without missing a beat, King Leyton responds, almost as if he was expecting that argument, “Who says one day we won’t be close? Land changes and if we find ourselves within a day’s travel of each other, would you come bearing the same request?”
“That would be in the future when things are different,” it was clear King Sourchire was avoiding answering the question.
“A refusal to answer is admittance to the worst case scenario,” Jonathon piped in, shocking Katherine a little.
“So my lack of answer is….?”
“You wouldn’t say the same thing to my father.” Jonathon was confident in his statement, making Katherine (and their father) proud.
Scowling, King Sourchire did not like the way this was going, “And you have come to this conclusion how?”
“I believe this is a mixture of you believing King Philza to be weak, and my father to be too strong. Target the weak, grow your power, and knock the strong down. That is your plan.” Jonathan basically ignored King Sourchire’s question, going off on his own little tangent instead.
Seeing the speechlessness on King Sourchire’s face, Katherine was proud. Her brother found his way of reasoning. While her father preferred playing with his victims and manipulating them so that they boxed themselves into a corner themselves, Jonathan seemed to be forceful in his debates, forcing them into a corner with his flawlessly delivered statements. The lack of hesitation and certainty in his voice was perfect for cornering someone.
“I see no reason for this conversation to continue further in that direction. Instead, I’d like to talk about forming some treaty’s, maybe with some marriage,” King Sourchire looked right at Katherine as he said this, eyes trailing up and down as she stared into his soul. “Your daughter must be of marriageing age if I’m not mistaken?”
“She is 19,” King Leyton responded, daring the king to continue talking. But as King Leyton said before, King Sourchire was foolish, and in this case, greedy as well.
“So young yet so mature. A perfect bride. I’m surprised someone hasn’t snatched her up yet. Have you not gotten any offers from neighbouring kingdoms?”
“Oh plenty. But I believe that she can choose to marry whoever she wants. I will not force her to marry someone, her freedom is hers,” King Leyton’s voice was as cold as ice as he stared into King Sourchire’s eyes, looking deep into his fellow King’s soul almost as if he could read minds.
“Do you not wish to strengthen bonds between your fellow kings?” King Sourchire continued to challenge King Leyton, his foolishness shining through as he didn’t know when to shut up.
“Not at the expense of my children. You challenge their freedom and choice, you are challenging not just me, but my entire country. Now I suggest you stop talking.”
Finally having gotten the message, King Sourchire shuts up, glancing to his son almost as if seeking reassurance. “I see. I still have my concerns about my country but I don’t believe that we will come to an agreement today.”
King Philza nodded before adding his two cents, “We should still talk though. As much time as we have, it is still limited.”
Agreements ran through everyone as the conversation began, arguments going in circles as no progress was made.
~~~
Untying her hair, Katherine heard a knock on her door, “Come in.” Being able to see the door in her mirror, she didn’t turn her body as Clay entered her room. Shocked, but hiding it, she decided to turn and greet him as she had not talked to him in private before.
“Hello Prince Clay,” she greets with a smile, continuing to undo her hair.
“Just Clay is fine,” he gives her a small nod with a smile, “I’d like to apologize for my father.”
Hiding her scowl, Katherine knew he meant no harm but it still annoyed her, “No need to apologize. If it’s not from him I don’t want it.” Turning away, she knew she was being a little rude but she was tired. Mentally exhausted. Sitting there being stared at like some kind of prize while she is unable to do anything tired her out. She thought she was going to be alone for the next couple of hours to relax, but apparently that isn't the case.
Walking up so that he was standing closer to her, Katherine wasn’t sure if Clay was dense or bright. Aware of his actions and her feelings or unaware. “I see where you’re coming from but I’d still like to apologize. Hopefully tomorrow will go better.” Letting out a sigh, Katherine closed her eyes for just a second, wishing she was anywhere but here, “Thank you. I appreciate it but he will not back down until he gets what he wants or declares war.”
Raising an eyebrow, Clay seems to be either impressed or surprised, “You figure that based on what?”
“His personality. He is foolish and headstrong, stopping at nothing for what he wants even if it destroys everything else.”
“I’m surprised you discovered that so quickly.”
Done with walking on eggshells, her mind was tired but yet clear, she knew exactly what she was doing when she dropped her lady act, “I may act and speak like a lady but do not treat me like one. I will destroy your father before anything he can dream of becomes a reality. His mind is corrupted,” as she finished talking, the last of her hair was pulled out of it’s updo, falling down around her shoulders as her eyes were cold as steel, mirroring her fathers in their intensity.
“He is corrupted. Do you need me to do anything to help?”
Grinning, Katherine liked Clay already, “No offence but as great as you seem, I don’t trust you yet. And I’ll be fine on my own.”
“I bet you will. Can I hang out for a bit?”
“Be my guest.” Since her hair was now down, she moved onto taking off her makeup. It was a lot quicker to take off her makeup then take down her hair so in just a few minutes her face was clean and she felt free, except for the dress.
Seeing her leave into the bathroom, Clay smiled to himself. He didn’t have any expectations when it came to the princess, yet she exceeded them all. He was already impressed with how composed she stayed throughout the entire meeting, yet he comes to talk to her and she shows him a completely different side. A warrior’s side. The side that lets her stay composed because she knows that even if her peers fail her, she can pick up the slack.
Originally when his father said he had to join him for this meeting he was dreading it. He knew his father was corrupt and greedy, so he was not looking forward to having to listen to him argue for hours on end but meeting Katherine made it all worth it. King Leyton also intrigued Clay. He was a powerful king, but one with unique beliefs and actions. Letting a daughter pick their husband was rare enough as it is, but practically unheard of for royalty. He definitely wanted to get to know her better now.