King Theodore was always doing work in one form or another. Most individuals think a king spends all his time being pampered and spoiled, but Theo wasn’t like most kings. He took his duty seriously and though he lived as was expected a royal of his wealth and stature, he did not spend all his time galavanting about. He went over every detail that had been set into motion for the feasts and preparations and accommodations. He’d already read through all these papers before, but since he had not been able to sleep the night before he’d read them again just to make sure there was nothing out of place that could reflect badly upon himself or his court.<br/><br/>Of course there was nothing. Nothing but the usual gossip, intrigue and ploys that is. The accommodations and preparations were all in perfect order. He would have to make sure to thank his stewart for that. The man had a knack for these sorts of thing. Surely it would be appropriate to send the man a gift worthy of his achievements and loyalty. One always rewards servants for their work. It was this line of thought that brought Theo to thinking of the gifts he would be receiving today and the ones his beloved Queen would receive from him. A devilish smile curved his features. These items had been particularly hard to acquire. He felt distinctly proud of what he’d achieved this year. The others gifts he would receive he would have to weigh carefully. They would not be so easy to send gifts back to. Everything at the point would be a consideration in the status of the individual or holdings sending the gifts. Weather he would accept them or weather he would send something of slightly higher value or much higher value. Every gift he received had a price tag in the politics of the court. The tactics of this little adventures was enough to lift his otherwise low spirits. He always did enjoy a good game of politics before breakfast.<br/><br/>Leaning back in his chair he looked away from the papers he’d been reviewing and towards the door to his chamber where his valet stood waiting at the side of his desk, “Let it be known I am awake,” he said to the man. It wouldn’t do to let them think him still in bed, after all he was no where such. He hadn’t been all night as a mater of fact. Rising from the chair he walked over to the window and looked out into the cold morning. He was just about to look down upon the rest of the castle when he heard his door open and turned to face it.<br/><br/>Walking towards him holding his gift was the love of his life, his queen, Beatrice. Gazing upon her was like gazing into the sun. He felt his face break into a smile as she spoke. He loved the sound of her voice most of all. Especially when she sang. Her words were formal as was her gesture. Even if she broke tradition by being here. He took the gift gingerly from her hands and felt his face heat up with delight like a child. It was stunning. The sword he held in his hands was beyond perfection. It was exquisite and it took his breath away. He felt the weight of it in his hand as he gave it a slight twirl. It’s weight and balance were prefect for him and he laughed as he held it out to the side in order to draw Beatrice into a light embrace so he could kiss her.<br/><br/>“Your gift pleases me greatly my Queen,” he said with a radiant smile as he broke the kiss and laid the blade down on his desk so he could pick up the gift he had gotten her, his hands held the box towards her. Within when she opened it would be a set of scrolls from the library in Alexandria and set atop them a harp hand carved by the finest craftsman he could find. Set with expensive jewels, but made so it could be played as a true instrument. A rich wood finish with gold trim and perfectly tuned.<br/><br/>He always made a point to make sure that his queen would get her gift first before any of his other subjects received their response to his approval or not of their gifts. This year was no difference. He spoke softly as he held out the box towards her in response to the formal part of the day, “I wish thee a year of peace, health and prosperity my queen, I accept your gift and hope you find this token of my appreciation a worthy response.”<br/><br/>Soon the other gifts would begin to arrive. Those from within his close court and those from the guests residing within is halls. As well as later on those from further out in the kingdom and sometimes even from allies further away depending on the year and their need of his alliance. He’d done similar things with his allies sending out gifts to the follow kings he desired to keep a close alliance with. It was after all a dance of politics.