" The one person she wanted to prove herself to is her father. "

He began walking north.

" And he is dead, so of course she feels that way. Proving herself to a bunch of pointless nobles is a waste of time and energy. Especially since they will mindlessly follow her, no matter what. "

Lowell Brichalles
"The late Emperor was a noble man when it came to his rule for sure. But as far as his.." He coughed as he followed.
"..Personal relations, I've heard the rumors and I won't speak much of them. I can only imagine the pain of dealing with such an absent man would bring to his own lineage.
And the noble court does what it tends to do. It is universal.
Find a suitor or risk losing your land and power.
If the possibility of marrying upwards exists, like vultures, these men will do so.
As it has always been and always will. Their concerns for the Empress are valid, but she still remains young and I don't see her as the type to be bought or wooed so very easily."

" Agreed. Shes most definitely not the type to do so. Although i cannot help but...worry...about the future emperor, whoever he may be. And whether or not he will follow in his predecessors footsteps or stay devoted to the Empress. Because at the moment, that is her biggest concern. "

Lowell Brichalles
"If. There is one. I suppose in a way we've been tasked with protecting her own throne at this rate. Never thought I'd be the one to play hero for anything." He chuckled.
"If such a man tried to dare take her hand, I'm not sure I would be able to stay my sword arm or my temper. She is a wise woman, I'd rather not see her become some pampered pig's trophy out of need for an heir..
..How much longer is our walk?"

" at least another hour or so.
We should be grateful the late emperor didn't assign his brothers territory near the borders, like their father wanted to do. "

Lowell Brichalles
He bristled slightly at the thought of trying to keep himself entertained in conversation for another hour. But he relented as he kept walking.
It wasn't as much of a chore as he had expected. It had been pleasant. At least he assumed, anyways. He could never quite get a read on Gallagher in any sort of fashion and he considered himself decent enough at reading people.

"I expect that would have posed a set of logistical problems for sure. And I suppose it would have been far easier for him to dispose of the Empress if the whim ever compelled him.
What forced his hand? I expect these two have had.. somewhat of an estranged relationship from the sounds of things."

" Even I am unsure. However, from the looks of things, it seems he has been...plotting this for awhile. He most likely thought the late emperors life would not end so quickly.

If Diana was not around, i'm sure he would still be the one on the throne. "

Lowell Brichalles
"So the rumor about her murdering him is true then? Despicable rat of a woman." He gave a surprisingly inhuman snarl at that.

"She is extremely fortunate to have been wise enough not to leave her name to me initially, otherwise she would have been the one eating the end of a sword. The price on her head is far more coin than any job she could ever hope to give out."

" Going after her would not help. Her fathers influence on the imperial court was enough to call off all accusations of murdering the late emperor. "

He shook his head.

" If you went after her head, there is no telling what Duke Macelio would do. "

Lowell Brichalles
He steadied his temper with a deep breath.

"I am well aware. That is what makes this situation so frustrating for me. I have no chance at revenge for her using my own occupation against me.
My reputation is tarnished enough by fear of the murderous beast I've become, but if it was known publically that I attempted to take payment from her, I have no doubt I would have no chance at regaining it at all."