<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0080FF"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;">House of D'Aries</span><br/><span style="font-size: 130%; line-height: 116%;">Castle Asture</span></span><br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/Galvin_Fugazi/4d346bf9-c817-405c-b853-1d680fc1dba7_zps5271719f.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;">Lord Alexander D'Aries</span></span></div><br/><br/>Marina made some good points, but Alexander was sure that when it came to Kings and Queens, you couldn't very much become one if you were to take into consideration the feelings of the current holders. If so, power would never switch hands. The Kingdom wasn't necessarily in discontent, but there were others who wanted the throne just as badly, if not more so than Alexander. In his way of thinking, if any should take the throne, why not him? He wasn't unfair--just a little cocky. Besides, he thought it was time for Erathia to expand and they couldn't very well do it with a soft-voiced Queen. She held herself well, spoke firmly, but still--she seemed like she was far too kind to remain in place for very long. Then again, she had the Reeve and the cold Lady Amena at her side. Those two would make up for whatever she lacked, and Alexander very well knew it.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Yes, many of the houses desire to take the throne. It's not surprising really. Many of them like war, they enjoy a good fight. There are some, like Sir Robert and Sir Damian who know nothing but battle, and sitting for so long has made them restless. I am sure they both realize the danger they are in now that the King is ill. Levonshire and Eastshire are full of houses that want Ravenshire land, and they will try to get it. I imagine there are many more situations like that,"</span>Alexander didn't have to say anything to Marina about her own land being in danger from other houses. She likely very well knew it already. The woman was smart, or else she would not be out in Ipale representing her house. Whether she realized it or not, she was making a statement that she was the Lady of her land and it would stay that way. Alexander was glad for it. He would hate for Marina to lose her lands to some other house, especially since none of the nobles around Erathia deserved anymore power than they had, at least in his opinion. They were all thankless, spoiled brutes with no other thought than to take and exploit. Oh sure, there were a few exceptions, but for the most part no one had full innocence in their heart.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"You aren't distracting me, by the way. I have nothing else I have planned to do, other than participate in the tournament. After all, it isn't often you get permission to throw your enemies off a horse without the risk of a war,"</span>he said, taking a gulp of his ale. Damn, Ipale had some of the finest foods and ales. It made him very much want to improve his own land's production.