Daenwen was silent for a moment. "My husband sent his son to Solitude in an attempt to make sure that the Reach's independence continues to exist in more than name, that they truly believe in their own strength and use it to justly rule themselves. Not possible if that Imperial bumboy Sven keeps trying to emphasize that for stability's sake, the Reach must remain partially under his control." The younger Bosmeri woman smiled. "Contrary to what those Nedic barbarians think, Valenwood and Elsweyr came into the fold of the Dominion not as vassals who were conquered, but as allies, equals who came to believe in the power, the vision and the justness of the Aldmeri cause. It is my sincerest hope that we can find a way to convince them to be a part of this..." She gestured around the chamber. "Miracle of good governance, grace and civilization."
"The Dominion and the Men of the Reach stood together once before," Aramith replied contemplatively, "Perhaps we two shall stand together in friendship and unity once more? Perhaps we shall indeed ..."
"Not at all," Carandial smiled, "a pleasure to play host to your majesty, as always." "If your Highness wishes to remain a while longer in the Isles, she is most welcome to return with me to Lillandril," Queen Aranalda offered.
"Then it shall be so," Aranalda declared merrily, "I shall retire from the Council at any rate," she said, turning to Aramith, "My Liege, Lillandril remains honour-bound to the cause."
Princess Ayre jolted awake. She was still sitting vigil by her father's side.
"Still alive, father. And after I went and sent for a clan meet and everything. Unorthodox of you..."
The teenager got up from her uncomfortable sitting position and picked up a long, thin dagger from a table.
"I'm sorry father, but you are suffering, and the Reach is suffering. I do this for the good of the Reach. For us. For the family."
She bowed down and kissed the old man on the forehead. For a brief second, she looked like she was fighting an inner struggle. Then her features hardened, and she planted the dagger in her father's chest.
"Rest in peace, father. Shor accept you by his side."
Because there's no fun to be found in being normal.