Chapter 46
Chapter
Forty-Six
“We appreciate the increased protection that you are offering our people, Grand Shield,” Gerard said. “But that does not change the fact that we still wish to have our own guards for protection.”
Grand Shield Dahlia smiled, thin and tight. “And whilst that is understandable, the number of guards you are requesting is just not feasible.” She rested her tightly clasped hands on the desk. “Especially since we have already allowed so many of your guards within the White Monastery.”
Her voice was calm, but lurking beneath, Gerard could hear the desire to snap at him as if he were one of her warrior doves.
The grand shield sat opposite him and Senta in a small meeting room. She dressed as usual in her armour with a beige surcoat hanging over it. On the surcoat, a white dove had been sewn.
Gerard completely understood the grand shield’s position. And if he trusted the ability of the warrior doves to protect and defend the Draconians, he might acquiesce.
But warrior doves were part of a monastic order committed to peace. They were used for escorting monks out in the world and stopping common bandits. They were not prepared for serious threats. Gerard would not put his people’s safety in their hands.
Nothing had preceded Senta and Gerard’s decision to increase security.
But since the identity of the co-conspirator still had not been discovered and there appeared to be no solid leads, the two had grown steadily uneasier.
And in Gerard’s experience, having your own people with swords tended to make that unease decrease.
Unsurprisingly, the grand shield took issue with them wanting more Draconian guards in the monastery.
She’d been displeased with the number he’d brought in immediately after the attack on Onyx and Luther. But she’d not protested then. After all, their brother had almost been killed. Now it seemed she’d reached the limit of her tolerance.
Gerard would no doubt do the same in her position. He’d not want someone else’s guards wandering the Castle of the Dragons. He’d definitely put up a fight over such a suggestion.
But Gerard needed to protect his family and all Draconians. And also Elias. And if that meant pissing off the grand shield and insulting her monks with swords, so be it.
At present, he felt his father was well protected. That was the most important thing. The rooms provided for the royal family, nobles, dignitaries, and ambassadors were also adequately protected. But now he and Senta wanted guards protecting specific individuals, such as himself and his siblings.
“I understand that we are putting you in a difficult position, Grand Shield. But this is something that is very important to us. And whilst I know you are doing everything to determine who is working against the peace treaty, the reality is that you have failed to uncover them.”
Her face did not change, but she drew herself up.
“As such, we do not feel safe here.” Gerard paused. “There has already been an attack on the king and the queen consort here at the White Monastery.”
“Since then we have doubled the number of warrior monks in the upper monastery,” the grand shield said.
Gerard nodded. “And we appreciate that. Still, it is my responsibility to protect all Draconians here. At present, I am uncertain if it is wise for King Alaric and the queen consort to remain at the White Monastery if I cannot ensure their total safety. If they leave that could cause complications for the peace treaty.”
Gerard paused, letting the words sink in. It was a low blow. Creating this peace treaty meant everything to the monks.
After several moments, Gerard spoke, “How about we increase the numbers by half of what I suggested?”
Her lips puckered.
“We will not have them randomly roaming the White Monastery. As we agreed upon previously, they will just be in the upper monastery and just around or within the quarters from those from Draconia. The only thing that is new is that we will also have guards escorting and protecting certain individuals when they leave their quarters.”
Honestly, Gerard would like his guards protecting every entrance and every passageway, and patrolling every corner of the White Monastery, the upper, middle, lower, and outer sections. But he knew better than to push that hard.
After all, that would end up looking like a Draconian invasion.
And considering the war had been started by such an event, he thought it best to avoid that.
The other kingdoms would almost definitely take offence if Draconian guards started roaming every inch of the White Monastery, especially near their quarters.
The grand shield’s hazel eyes narrowed. For several moments she didn’t speak. Finally she nodded. “All right.”
“Thank you,” Gerard said.
They discussed and debated for a few more minutes. But finally the meeting drew to an end with everyone somewhat satisfied and somewhat dissatisfied. The grand shield departed. Two warrior doves followed her out.
“That was a dirty trick, suggesting the peace treaty might not be completed if she didn’t approve more Draconian guards,” Senta said.
Gerard stood and stretched his neck. “I know. Especially because Father isn’t leaving this monastery without a completed peace treaty. But needs must.”
Senta collected the papers on the table. “We need to head off soon if we’re going to fly and dine with the grand dragon warrior tonight.”
Their aunt, the current grand dragon warrior, wanted to have a meeting with him and Senta, so she had requested that they come and dine with her in Draconia.
Even though it was Gerard, with Senta’s assistance, who was in charge of security at the peace assembly, the grand dragon warrior wanted regular updates.
At least they could report that they’d gotten the grand shield to agree to an increase in Draconian guards.
They’d also need to discuss transporting them from Draconia to the White Monastery in the coming days.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Enter,” Senta called out.
A servant in Draconian livery came forward. “A letter arrived for you, Your Highnesses.”
“Thank you.” Senta took the letter.
The servant bowed and left.
She glanced at the scrawl on the front. “It’s from the grand dragon warrior.” She broke the seal and opened the letter. Her eyes scanned the writing. “Well, looks like we are not flying off to Draconia tonight.”
“No?”
Her brows furrowed. “Apparently something has come up that she needs to deal with urgently. She requests us to come tomorrow and to write if we cannot.”
Gerard thought for a moment. “Tomorrow works for me.”
“Me too. So we are free tonight.” She grinned. “I know what I’m going to do.” She strolled towards the door.
His lip tugged into a smile. “What’s that?” he asked, although he could guess.
“My wife.” She waggled her brows. “Did you know she can make vines grow? It can be very fun.”
Gerard chuckled. “I will ask no more questions and just wish you an enjoyable evening.”
She laughed. “You too! Enjoy your time with Elias.”
“I will.”
As long as Elias had finished with Colette. That morning, Elias had said he’d plan to spend the day educating Colette. But surely he would be done by now. How much was there for Elias to teach her about the ways of court?
Although, honestly, Gerard wasn’t too sure exactly what that entailed.
He strode down the corridor. He passed servants and warrior doves on duty.
“Just fuck off and leave me be!” a female voice yelled, echoing down the corridor.