Alexander right after Argine's return (when he's sulking like a whipped puppy)

[livebytheclub]

[Alexander is furious. No word, no assistance for three months, then his queen returns and undermines or countermands everything he's worked for. The nerve! Some of that attention would have been nice when he was thrown to the political wolves with no experience or support! He's not a man prone to violence - not spontaneous, emotional violence at

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[diamonds4her]

[Noelle, for whatever reason, but probably for the sole purpose of seeing him again, happened to walk through the amphitheater.

And sees him, drinking and looking a bit disgruntled as she would put it.

She approaches him, smiling, but looking a bit worried at the same time.]

Good evening, Alexander.
[She hesitates.] How are you?

[livebytheclub]

[He turns and blinks at her a few times. When he replies, it's with arms spread wide, turning at the waist to face her, raising the bottle in one hand. His words are loud and drawn out, like a greeting meant to be seen from across a room]

"Noelllllle! So good to see you, m'lay-dee. Come. Have a drink."

[diamonds4her]

[She was very surprised, guessing from his speech and demeanor that he was no longer completely sober.]

It is nice to see you, too. And - I thank you for the kind offer, but I... don't usually drink. [Because she gets too drunk too quickly.]

Is... is everything all right?

[livebytheclub]

[He slumps back, hunching over his knees]

"Oh just same thing as always. Nobody wants a soldier's advice. Damned sure nobody wants a solder to lead like one."

[He takes another drink]

[diamonds4her]

[She sits down beside him.]

What makes you think that?

[And she looks at the bottle with some concern.] You probably shouldn't... I mean...

[livebytheclub]

[He sighs and musters his concentration. He puts the bottle down to reassure her, although he has no intention of leaving it there]

"Argine's back. She shows up and goes to counter- countermanding everything I been trying to do for us...

3 months, no word, now it's all what she thinks is best."

[diamonds4her]

[Not if she has any input in this. She thinks you are drunk enough, Alexander.]

Why? And what exactly is she trying to change back now?

[livebytheclub]

[He shrugs, looking bleak. It's more a gesture with his hands than his shoulders in this case]

"Same as everyone else. Not everyone's a soldier, can't make people stronger, blah blah blah. Nobody cares if we're weak but me."

[diamonds4her]

I believe this might be because of the late King Andrew. He never saw any of such preparation as a necessity. [And everybody saw where that got him, but she won't say that out loud.]

[livebytheclub]

[Alexander will]

"Yeah and we saw where that got him...but no, she dressed me down like a cadet when I said something about 'Andrew's way.' Apparently it was her way too and it's still going to be her way.

After 3 months of leaving me to the wolves, you'd think she'd be a little more open minded."

[diamonds4her]

You will have to convince her, then. [Positive thinking is something he seems to need right now.]

She has been gone, she has been ill... All the changes might appear confusing to her, even! It could be that she just needs time to get used to the thought...

[livebytheclub]

[He laughs and reaches for the bottle]

"I think she caught on just fine."

[diamonds4her]

[Noelle tries to get the bottle before he can.]

Maybe.

But you hardly seemed to be the type to give up so early.

[livebytheclub]

[Damn it. She's right. Why is he acting like this? 3 months without a direct superior and he's already spoiled out of working under criticism?]

"...Maybe."

[diamonds4her]

Not just maybe. You're the King now, just as much as she is the Queen - so you have the same rights, and, to a degree, similar goals. Make her see your way is better than Andrew's ever was!

[livebytheclub]

[She's giving him very dangerous advice. But he hears it and likes it to a degree. More than that, he likes someone having confidence in him. He looks over at her a bit unsteadily]

"Wanna go somewhere?"