<span style="font-family:Amaranth">She did not miss the tightening of the Monarch’s fist, how he seemed to barely bite his tongue at their exchange. As he went on to address them both, her head canted intrigued and surprised by his assessment of the events that had transpired. While the Crimsons were wholly mortal, the Scarlets were also human—anomalous beings born of an ancient cataclysm that imbued them with unique abilities that set them apart. The relations with the Crimsons had always been friendly in nature despite their differences, and while she understood the Vampire’s assumption, she disagreed that fear was the root of the rising tensions. Vail allowed him to voice his opinions as he had allowed her to do so, waiting and intently listening while he spoke to the Crimson King. <br/>
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“As thoroughly as they can be after the trail of their destruction has gone cold. I don’t believe any further investigation will bear fruitful results, not to imply that we should suspend our efforts.” For a moment, she was silent while she gathered her thoughts. “It would be possible to bait them.”<br/>
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“A trap?” King Thomas said, his interest piqued.<br/>
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“In plain sight, disguised by an ordinary, age old event.” Vail nodded. “The Omni Games are a week away. All the races will gather at the coliseum in Attleboro in celebration of years of unity. The Council spoke of suspending the event, postponing it until further notice, but I believe it would be an opportunity for extremist activity. My Lord, I understand you believe that the terrorist group is nothing more than an organization of mortals hell bent on obtaining power, but I think this could be something more. At the very least, continuing the tradition of the Games would rule out a multitude of possibilities, reveal motivations and intentions should they strike.”<br/>
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“It is risky.” King Thomas sighed, stroking the stubble on his chin as he considered what the young queen proposed. Though the royal was initially excited at the idea of a trap, he was visibly concerned—and rightfully so. If they were wrong, and the Crimson terrorist group actually <i>was</i> a threat to other factions, there would be an entire arena of sitting ducks, ripe for the picking. He looked to the Monarch, unable to decide one way or another how he planned to cast his vote. Understandably, he would be a target himself and gaining the ire of beings far more powerful than he was not something he was all that willing to do. A vast nation of mortals, outnumbering many of the other populations, would only get him so far in a war.<br/>
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War was something immortal beings resorted to often. Their lives were far more durable and death did not come easily for most. <br/>
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“Security will be doubled, searches will be mandatory, there will be checkpoints, wards, charms . . . whatever we can to ensure the safety of those in attendance as well as ourselves. Truly, it will be the only way we can convince the Council to reverse their decision. I would give you both time to think on the idea, but with all the measures required of an operation such as this time is of the essence.” Vail sat forward a bit, mainly pressing the King for a response. His indecisiveness could be infuriating, but she was patient while he pondered. The Monarch, on the other hand . . . She could not anticipate how he would express his favor or otherwise. She <i>did</i> know that if he supported her plan, the Crimson King would fall in line. He would never go against the grain.<br/>
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