The Queen inclined her head in agreement, reaching out to scoop up a flute of champagne that a servant held out for her on a tray. She held the glass a moment, sipping at it, as she continued to look out over her capital world.
"I would like to talk to you about dreams," she said at length. "I would like to purchase a planet from the Zoner people."
She watched his reaction, listening to his diplomatic answer, which was an expected refusal.
Smiling lightly she rested a hand on his upper arm, "surely, there is room for future negotiation. A Bretonian investment in... what was it again?" she frowned, "oh yes Gran Canaria... would mean greater prosperity for the people there. And we both know that your mutual... squatters? Would be easily dealt with by Bowex security forces, were it worth their while."
She patted his arm as she turned away, "but again, that is better left for a future discussion. For now I have need of your... unique position as a 'Neutral' party. This trouble in Snowdon, with our cousin Niklaus troubles me greatly. And perhaps... you could reach out to them with a cease fire proposal?"
The Queen kept her voice low, her eyes studying the men in the room about her. "You can understand that neither Bretonia nor Rheinland can afford to appear weak over this matter. And if such a proposal were to come from either house, it would be cause for the other house to declare victory... and each House has hawkish enemies that would pounce on any such perceived weakness."
She drained her glass, handing it off to a servant as she studied him.
"I am asking you to be the peace-maker that your reputation has crafted you into. If our lost Cousin, Charles, is stirring restlessly, then we have to be ready for him... I am sure you catch my meaning, there?"
![[Image: IeOloj2.png]](https://i.imgur.com/IeOloj2.png)