"Your majesty," Tehr said softy, "You have nothing to apologize for.  I feel the burden of responsibility simply being the visible member of my house, not even the head of it.  The pressures on you..."  Tehr paused and realized he wasn't feeding her a line but being honest, "I simply can't imagine."<br/><br/>"Let us have a glass of wine, I'll tell you my thoughts, then if you wish to slip out of the corset, I shall massage you as much as you desire.  I'm afraid you're stuck with me for a few hours at least.  Don't forget, the pretense for leaving the ball was that you and I left together, it wouldn't do for either of us to be seen again tonight.  It would positively generate scads of gossip."  Tehr laughed, letting her know that he was just teasing.  Though in a way he was serious, he had planned on spending as much time in her presence tonight, and possibly the next morning, as he could.  They'd played the dance of seduction for days now, going back to the hunt, and he was hoping to bring the dance to a close tonight.<br/><br/>He took up a glass of wine and said, "Right, so business first, then pleasure.  I'm sure what I'm going to say to you will be no surprise, but I want you to hear it from my lips.  I don't trust house Dale.  I think they are working against you directly.  Worse off, I think they may be involved in a conspiracy along with the church to bring about a coup, or at least, a change in who sits on the throne.  They have been over the last months forcing out smaller houses that won't join with them.  They toe the line of the church, and most damning, I've now heard reports about shipments of metal ore gone missing from their ships.  Ore that ended up in the hands of mercenaries in the form of weapons.  Couple this with the fact that the town guard is now starting to wear the livery of Dale, and it seems like they are setting the stage for a revolution."<br/><br/>He sipped his wine and said, "All the more reason why loyal members of the court like Wynt and Saari, houses that respect the old ways and respect the rule of a strong woman like yourself, need every advantage.  Why I asked you to let House Saari have a fair bid at the control of the cities ports tomorrow.  I had my maid send a letter to their home, telling them to make sure they are at court early tomorrow to petition for control.  With the rumors of all the missing shipments from house Dale lately, it should be a no brainer."<br/><br/>"There is...."  Tehr paused wincing slightly, this was going to feel slightly uncomfortable to ask, "...one more thing of a personal nature.   There is an old manner house in Londinium.  I learned that it belonged to a wealthy merchant who passed with no heirs.  So the control of the home went to the crown.  Well, this estate is growing dilapidated due to neglect.  I would request that you grant it to House Wynt, so that I may restore it, and live there with my sister and servants.  It will of course generate income via taxes, create less of an eyesore in the wealthy neighborhoods, and most importantly, show that you reward loyalty to those nobles who follow you.  Since everyone assumes I serve you in varying regards anyways."<br/><br/>Tehr paused and waited for her response, accepting whatever judgements or thoughts she would have to say, and once the conversation was done, would suggest that if she wanted to lay on the chaise lounge near the fire, he'd remove her corset and begin to massage her.  Of course, he would not restrict his hand movements to just her neck and shoulders.  He would let his hands roam, working knots and kinks from her flesh anywhere she let his hands go.