The Scarlet Queen continued to engage the worried royal in lighthearted conversation, until he ceased the incessant wringing of his hands and his darting glances of paranoia. He was on edge until he was charmed to relax. Vail had always been disarming, an innate skill in her arsenal that was exponentially more effective when she aimed for it to be. All her efforts unraveled in an instant as the doors parted, opening to reveal the Monarch. A hush fell over the grand space, filling every square inch as if it had been claimed by an infinite nothingness until the sound of his footsteps drawing near echoed off the walls. Both Reds silenced turned their attention to the door where a being, clad in neutral tones made their way over to the sleek round table. It was difficult to ignore his lethal gait, though he carried himself with all the grace and dignity of a royal. Refined as he was, there was little difference between the Monarch and a lion; a majestic beast with a taste for blood.<br/><br/>As he inclined his head in acknowledgement, she did the same. The silent greeting was enough since the time for pleasantries had come and gone with the arrival of the Vampire. All parties had joined at the table, and Vail was eager to begin.<br/><br/>“We have all gathered here because we have a common interest. The races have not warred among one another for over a century, an accomplishment achieved by cooperation, compromise, and communication. Peace must be maintained at all costs.” She began, looking between the two males. “The recent terrorist attacks have been quite pointed, aimed at the Scarlets and the Vampires exclusively. It is likely too early to tell if they intend to threaten other factions, but I believe the message is clear enough to assume that this . . . Crimson terrorist group has a bone to pick with us. King Thomas, do you have any insight as to reason behind their methods?”<br/><br/>“I fear I do not. As you said, it is too early to tell if their violence will extend to other races. It is also too early to know if they are aware of the Pact and are acting out for that reason. We have gone to great lengths to keep our arrangement a secret. If there is a weak link in my camp, I will find them and have their heads. I can promise you, you have the Crimson nation’s full support in the effort of peace. This radical group does not represent our values.” He said, eyes pleading with them both for their approval.<br/><br/>Vail sighed and rested her back against her seat, a hint of disappointment upon her lovely features. She feigned it, of course. The King needed to do more than offer them promises, and she needed to inspire him to more action than words. “It is not me you need to convince. It is the people. They fear for the lives and the lives of their loved ones, they are questioning whether or not we are able to protect them. Surely you understand the<i>pressure</i>to know more and<i>do</i>more.”<br/><br/>Call it persuasion or manipulation, Vail was steering the conversation exactly where she wanted it to go.<br/><br/>“Of course. I understand completely. What would you propose?”<br/><br/>Vail looked to the Vampire, wondering if he planned to participate or if he was content to allow her to dictate the terms of their arrangements to bring the terrorists to justice.