Devil in the details

<< With Amarra gone from the palace the Baron sets to work. His servants are sent to the various cities to speak with those people who operate his more legal businesses around the island, gathering the necessary ingredients for a large scale party. As his preparations continue he sets the second half of his plan into motion, sending out invitations to a large number of people, at lest a hundred, of varying social classes, even going so far as to bring the homeless to the palace and put them in the empty royal rooms for the nights while they await the date of the grand event.>>

Ava was leaning against the wall, her arms folded. The most obvious factor, was that she was now back to her hour glass curves. The dress she wore, low cut and tight that held a complimentary feel. Her silken red hair hung in beautiful waves across and past her shoulders. Emerald green eyes shine with predatory delight and mischief.

Clearing her throat, she finally confronted her husband. "My goodness, dear. You DO seem rather busy this evening...I am assuming you have something romantic planned for us." Her tone was full of jest and amusement, her eyebrow raised as her red lips danced into a smirk.

<< Vlad waves to a group of servants as they pass, motioning them to take a gathered group of homeless citizens toward the baths>>

I have something planned dear, but I can assure you it in no way involves romance...or even you for that matter. Now, why are you here and what did you do with the spawn you were carrying?

"I am here to keep an eye on you, because clearly your wraith brother has allowed you to slip under a rock and disappear. Furthermore, I am here to keep you entertained, so simply drink in my beauty and presence and enjoy it." Ava folded her arms and smirked, her head tilting to one side as her emerald hues danced.

The smile faded as Vladamir mentioned the child. "Ah...the newborn was taken away from me already. I didn't even know what sex it was. Your precious snow Queen was all too eager to have it, I'm afraid. How amusing? A child...raising a child."

<< Vlad waves a hand at her when she mentions the new brat going to the Queen as he turns and snarls harsh orders to one of the passing servants who is ushering a group of peasants past>>

Well and good then, she has her prize, we have our freedom, and all the world is at peace....until the next time Jaric decides to go on a rampage and make everyone as miserable as he is.

As for the entertainment, I already have that matter covered dear, as I said, you truly have no need to be here for this event.

Ava didn't want to feel unwanted and she pouted "How could I possibly not be wanted?" then, noticing all the peasants wandering about she added "What are you doing? Don't let those scruffy things get anywhere near MY bath house. Get them out of here, they smell and their poverty offends me."

<< Vlad turns and barks orders to a servant in a tongue not native to Aegis before turning back to Ava>>

The smell and poverty is exactly why they are here my dear. You see, as part of the original contract I was granted the right to keep all holdings that were mine before the surrender. Now, if you were to look in the hall of records, the royal palace in Merriddia will show a title of ownership, in my name.

So, these fine folks you see being treated to a warm bath, a hot meal, and new clothes are my new staff. One must maintain a certain level of appearance when they own a castle in the former heart of a kingdom.

Ava gasped and jumped into the air. "Oh yes!! How absolutely wonderful!! Well then, if they are here to serve us then by all means get them clean." Her emerald eyes shone with delight and she flung her arms around his neck, planting a kss upon his cheek and leaving a lipstick mark. "I can really come home? I can't believe it!"

<< Vlad rolls his eyes as she responds like a school girl getting a new puppy>>

Yes, yes...now do try and contain yourself in front of my new help. You see dear, by using the homeless and displaced from the war we claim a humanitarian effort. As for the house, there is, in the archives, a title of ownership for this palace in my name, one I placed there long before the signing of the treaty which allows me to keep all of my personal holdings after the takeover...including this house.

<< He looks past her, barking out orders again in a foreign tongue to another of the more well dressed staff as they pass>>

And on top of it all, by giving them a place to live and feeding them I remove the need to pay them a wage. Everyone wins, and I save money.

Ava's eyes shone with delight and mischief. Suddenly her day felt oh-so much better and she couldn't wait to get started on transforming her former home back to it's old glory. She stepped back and twirled with her arms outstretched. "Yippppppeeeeeeeeeee! Oh Vladamir! You did it. You truly did it. Now I can come home and never have to think about living anywhere else again. Lets celebrate when we're ready! Let's hold a ball and invite anyone willing to visit!"