Fic: The Wedding (3/4)
Relevant header information in Part 1
The strong winds had passed by morning, leaving a starkly cloudless sky behind for the assembly of the college in the afternoon. Elizabeth entered the chamber relying on years of practice to keep her face calm and composed. Inwardly she was hardly so sanguine. The past several days had been a blur of meetings with various factions within the college. Peter had run himself ragged keeping track of who was coming and going at any given time. Most of the nobles had expressed the same sets of concerns about the war and Atalan's role. Though she knew which course of action she wanted to take, she had assured them all that this matter was too great for her to decide without consulting the entire assembly and reaching a consensus.
Today she would see if her work had been enough to smooth the way for her plans.
Lord George called the college to order and Elizabeth sat down. As soon as the rustling of the others taking their seats had faded, she folded her hands in her lap. "My lords, you are all aware that our old enemy, the Goa'uld, have invaded our neighbor Caldora. Their intent can only be to conquer and enslave the Caldoran people. King Henry has sent an urgent request to us personally for aid. His doing so is a testament to precisely how bad the situation in Caldora must be." There was a grim round of smiles around the room. "We have called you together to discuss what Atalan's answer to this appeal should be."
She left it at that. Lord George had counseled her that the college would need to feel it had debated the point sufficiently before any agreement would be reached.
Lord Robert Kinsey rose immediately, to no one's surprise. "Majesty, my lords, it grieves me to hear of this wanton aggression. Many of us too well remember what the wars against the Goa'uld cost this nation."
Jack shot a look at Kinsey that made Elizabeth want to smile a little.
Kinsey turned to her. "I am certain that your Majesty wishes to offer some form of aid to Caldora, and this speaks highly of your Majesty's kind and compassionate heart. It is only natural to wish to help a friend, especially when one feels oneself indebted to that friend."
The subtle dig at Sir John's role in her court, buried as it was in the appearance of a compliment, was not lost on Elizabeth, but she nodded slightly.
"This is a situation which, as you all know, I have feared for some time. The Wraith prowl our coasts and now the Goa'uld are once more a threat. While I was regent, I did everything in my power to try to avoid placing Atalan into this difficult position, but my efforts appear to have been in vain."
All across the chamber, more than one pair of eyes were rolling at Kinsey's claims, but no one spoke.
"My feeling at this point, Majesty, is that we cannot afford to waste any of our own resources. While we may wish to provide support to Caldora, the fact is that while the Goa'uld are entangled there, it means we are safe from their ambitions. Were we to act, in any way, it would surely draw the attention of the Goa'uld to us. If we help Caldora, we risk drawing down the wrath of the Goa'uld on ourselves."
Kinsey sat down and Elizabeth exchanged a wry glance with Daniel. Kinsey was no fool. Other than the one jab at Elizabeth's youth and emotional volatility, he had chosen the strongest reasons against helping Caldora and framed his argument perfectly without any blustering or excess. Those reasons would be hard to overcome.
Lord Richard Woolsey stood up next. "Majesty, my lords, I must agree with Lord Robert. This seems to me to be the perfect time for us to strengthen our own defenses. Hadn't we better look to that task rather than sending supplies we can ill afford to lose to a nation which, while never an outright enemy of Atalan, has never been a friend?"
More murmurs of assent swept the hall. Jack had risen to his feet and Lord George recognized him, but he hesitated and then bowed his head. "Majesty, I yield to the Viscountess of Berwynn."
Everyone startled at that, murmuring and pointing. Though most of the college had heard of her return, few of them had seen Lady Sarah, as she had been keeping much out of view these last weeks. Elizabeth had not been sure she would even attend the session.
Sarah was indeed standing, her eyes fixed on Kinsey. But before she could open her mouth, Lord Bertram Samuels leapt from his chair. His face was alarmingly red and he appeared ready to explode. "Majesty, I protest the presence of this woman in this session! This lady was in the hands of the Goa'uld for ten years, and there is no way of knowing what her intentions here are."
Jack was back up and starting towards Samuels, every line of his body registering his fury while chaos erupted through the chamber. Some of the college shouted at Samuels, while others yelled in support. Daniel barely managed to restrain Jack and Lord George thundered for order.
Elizabeth stood abruptly, recalling their attention to her. She fixed Samuels with a dangerous look. "Lord Samuels, you will not burst out in such a fashion within this council again or we shall have you removed. You yourself witnessed Lady Sarah swearing her fealty to us and to Atalan. By birth and by blood, she has as much right to be present in this chamber as any one of us." She glared at the rest of the college. "This is a place for discussion and debate, not baseless and petty accusation. You would all do well to remember that."
Elizabeth had never let her temper slip before the entire assembly before, and the effect of her wrath was almost comical as the men obediently quieted. She settled herself for a moment before nodding. "Lady Sarah."
Sarah began to speak in a low, terrifying voice that nonetheless reached the farthest corner of the hall. "Lord Robert may make a valid point regarding the necessity of preserving resources to defend Atalan. I have not been present these last ten years to be able to form a judgment on our readiness for war. But then, you all know why I have not been here." She swept the men in the room with a cold look and few of them could meet her eyes for more than a moment, including Samuels. "There is no safety, for there is no limit to the ambitions of the Goa'uld. It will not matter to them whether Atalan sends aid to Caldora or not. In the end, their goal will not change: the destruction and plundering of this realm and the enslavement of her people. But if you sit idly by now and allow Caldora to be taken, you only strengthen the Goa'uld so that when they turn on Atalan, as they inevitably will, it will be that much harder to resist. No, my lord, hiding your face from the danger and praying to the ancestors that it will go away will not keep you safe. The Goa'uld must be resisted at every step, in every possible way, or all will be lost."
A collective shiver ran through the assembly, save for Samuels. Thankfully, Lord George hurriedly recognized Teyla before Samuels could gain his feet again.
The Countess of Athos rose gracefully from her seat to Elizabeth's immediate left, directly across from Daniel. Athos and Langford, being the two most important provinces in Atalan, had the privilege of surrounding the throne in the college chamber. "Majesty, my lords, Athos first wishes to offer thanks to the ancestors for the safe return of the Viscountess of Berwynn after her long absence." Teyla nodded gravely to Sarah, who returned the gesture. Nobody missed the dig at Samuels implied in her statement.
Teyla rested her hands on the wooden bar in front of her chair. Unlike the others in the college, she spoke as her father had, for her people rather than for herself. "Athos agrees with Berwynn that the Goa'uld threat is not one that we can afford to ignore. However, we also agree with Lord Robert that our nation's vital resources are too dear to be risked for anything other than a direct threat."
Gasps went up through the hall. Teyla, being close to Elizabeth, was assumed by many to be automatically on the monarch's side in any argument. To hear her say such a thing caused quite a shock. Elizabeth knew Teyla's keen mind too well, though, and she listened patiently.
"Athos has borne the brunt of the Wraith threat for these many years. Even now the Athosian people are preparing for their return, as the seas have cleared of ice and nothing stands to impede Wraith hunting parties from appearing again. Nothing, that is, but the two new ships in her Majesty's navy." Teyla now bowed her head to Elizabeth, who clamped down on a smile, suddenly understanding where Teyla was going with this. "It is through her Majesty's sheer will and determination that we now have two more ships to protect the coastline from the Wraith, with another two on their way. Our people will sleep safer this year than they have this past decade, thanks to her Majesty." A number of eyes turned to Kinsey at that rebuke, though he himself remained impassive. "I cannot believe that the queen would ever compromise the safety of her people for any reason."
Daniel took that as his cue and he stood. "Majesty, I agree with the honorable ladies of both Berwynn and Athos. Cowering and hiding will not make us stronger. It is true that our vital resources must be saved to protect our own people, but if there is any aid we can offer to Caldora that will not endanger Atalan's defenses, I believe it should be sent. Such a gesture will foster goodwill with Caldora, where turning our backs on them in such a dire moment would only ensure their enmity for generations to come. And it will show the Goa'uld that we have no intention of bowing to them in any way."
Jack stood immediately. Though his jaw still twitched in anger, he managed to speak with relative calm. "Indeed, Majesty, my lords, this is not only a matter between Atalan and Caldora. The Jaffa and Tok'ra will be watching our reaction closely, as will Doranda, Kelowna, and the other nations that are at risk from the Goa'uld. Even the Goa'uld lords in all their arrogance would hesitate in the face of all their principle enemies uniting against them."
A few others were vying for attention but Elizabeth held up her hand and Lord George nodded to her. "My lords, we have taken your counsel in these last days, as you know, and we are in full agreement with your concerns regarding our resources. We are grateful for the confidence expressed by the Countess of Athos, and rest assured we will continue to do our utmost to secure Atalan's coasts and borders. However, there is a road open to us that we believe will not risk any supply which Atalan cannot afford to lose and will express our support to Caldora. King Henry has specifically indicated Caldora is in dire need of salt, for the preserving of food supplies in order to secure the Caldoran people from starvation." She glanced at Jack, her voice dropping lower. "We have not ourself seen the outcome of war, but conquest by starving a people seems to us to be the act of a coward and a disgrace. Our responsibility as human beings says that we should do what lies in our power to alleviate such suffering."
She took a deep breath. Rather than risk an accusation, it would be easier to admit to what they already knew. "Many of you are doubtless aware that we have already set laborers to harvest salt from the ocean waters along the coastline. With the Goa'uld embroiled in Caldora, we appear to have the cushion of time to harvest enough salt for both ourselves and our neighbor. Atalan's resources would remain intact, and we would fulfill our obligations to our fellow people and our neighbor by sending this aid to Caldora."
Elizabeth hoped that it was agreement she was reading in the faces watching her expectantly. "What say you?"
*~*~*~*
Ten years of practice in the arts of concealment allowed Sarah to leave the college chamber with her head held high. Once the college had voted in support of the queen's suggestion and the meeting broke up, she swept through the men in the room as calmly as possible, pausing only to nod to the countess of Athos. She had only met the young lady once before, a few weeks ago when she came to visit the court, but her support in the debate had been a great comfort.
She had little idea of precisely where she was going. It was more important to appear as though she had a fixed destination in mind. Her years learning to move through Osiris' court without being harassed by the guards at every step had taught her as much. It was that hard-won freedom that had led, eventually, to her escape.
When she finally found an empty room she did not stop to discern who it belonged to, only walked to the window and finally allowed her shoulders to sag. She braced herself against the sill with one arm, drawing in the warm, moist spring air and waiting for the trembling in her limbs to cease.
As her nerves steadied, anger rose. As humiliating as Samuels' attack had been, the accusation of disloyalty was infuriating. If not for her, it could very well have been Atalan that was under invasion right now, not Caldora.
She wanted to tear Samuels' eyes from his head with her bare hands. How dare he? How dare he? The lazy, arrogant bastard had probably never so much as suffered a hangnail and he attacked her before the entire college? He had no right.
She was not aware of speaking the last words aloud until a voice behind her said softly, "No, he didn't."
She whirled around, growling in anger but stopped short.
Jack held up his hands, looking at her with a mixture of wariness and sympathy. "It is only me, Sarah."
"Oh," she subsided, embarrassed by her reaction.
He lowered his hands and came closer. "It's good that you're angry."
She looked at him, startled. Anger and arrogance were a way of life in a Goa'uld court. Any display of weakness was dangerous. She had reacted to his intrusion partly out of habit.
Jack touched her cheek lightly. "You can do something with anger, Sarah. Fear will only leave you paralyzed."
She nodded, taking his hand. "Jack..." She took a breath and composed herself. It had not escaped her attention that Jack had been ready to assault Samuels before the entire college for her sake. "Thank you."
His eyes lit up in amusement. "That was nothing."
"I meant for coming to my defense earlier," she huffed out, trying not to roll her eyes. "Or attempting to do so, at least."
She would have released her hold but he caught her hand instead. "Had it not been for Daniel's overdeveloped sense of decorum, I would have succeeded," he grumbled.
She raised an eyebrow. "And his sense of decorum is enough to restrain your temper?"
"He's stronger than he looks," Jack said ruefully.
She looked down at their intertwined fingers. Jack's thumb was rubbing across the back of her hand gently, and it made a rush of warmth go through her. It had been a very long time since anyone had been so careful with her.
When she looked back up, she recognized the shift in his expression. His eyes were dark and fixed on her lips and Sarah didn't resist when he pulled her closer and kissed her.
Both of them had forgotten that the door to the room was wide open, and it took a moment too long for them to realize someone had walked in on them.
Daniel. He stood as one frozen, staring uncomprehendingly at the two of them.
She owed Daniel nothing, certainly not any kind of fidelity, but his abrupt appearance was one shock too many for her today. Sarah jerked out of Jack's embrace, even though he resisted at first. Not looking at either of them, she fled for her own room.
*~*~*~*
Daniel's mind seemed to be moving at half-speed. He knew he had walked into his office and found his best friend and his former betrothed kissing each other, but it seemed to be taking an exceedingly long time for him to fully realize it.
Sarah fairly ran out of the room before he could gather himself. Jack looked at him with a hint of belligerence under his usual façade. "Daniel."
"Jack." The response came out automatically. He spoke before he could really consider what he was saying. "I was going to thank you for coming to Sarah's defense. But apparently she's already taken care of that?"
Jack's brown eyes flashed at him. "Be careful, Daniel."
Jack stalked out before anything else could be said. Daniel wondered if he was going to find Sarah or go off and brood.
He was still standing there several minutes later when Elizabeth's secretary appeared in the doorway. "My lord?"
As if pulling himself back from a great distance, Daniel said, "Yes, Peter?"
"Her Majesty would like to speak to you and her other advisors this evening after the bridal tea for Lady Laura."
Daniel nodded absently, but instead of leaving, Peter stepped into the room and closed the door.
"My lord, are you all right?"
Peter had served the house of Langford, as had his parents. His concern was understandable, but Daniel could not really reassure him. "I honestly don't know."
In all the years Daniel had known Jack, he had never seen the man look at any woman other than his wife. Loyalty was and always had been one of Jack's defining features. Since his wife's death, that had not changed. Finding Jack kissing anyone at all would have been a shock to his system.
Finding Jack kissing Sarah, though...
He didn't love her. He barely knew her. The strange, pre-existing tie of their arranged marriage had complicated an already complex situation, and Daniel still did not feel entirely comfortable with Sarah, even after a month had passed. He had known Jack was spending time with her and secretly he'd been relieved that Jack was doing what he could not manage himself. But Daniel had given as much credence to the rumors of a romance between them as he did to the rumors about himself and various ladies of the court, meaning none whatsoever.
Apparently for once court gossip had been correct.
Daniel leaned against his desk. Peter was still hovering uncertainly, which gave Daniel an idea. "Peter, what have you heard about Lady Sarah and Lord Jonathan?"
*~*~*~*
After the ladies had returned from Laura's bridal tea, Lord George was the first to arrive in Elizabeth's sitting room, bringing the papers brought by the Tok'ra messenger. Kate had granted him entrance and with a smile, bade him sit, and said that the queen would come in momentarily. She then left him and returned to Elizabeth's private chambers.
The missives that Jacob had sent to them were particularly intriguing. The Goa'uld had an excellent spy network, even if it was not as extensive as that of the Tok'ra, and the concept that they were unaware of the demise of one of their own spoke volumes at just how well Anubis was keeping it from them. George surmised that the warlord must have a literal chokehold on the routes in and out of their occupied territories. The one constant of the Goa'uld George had seen over the years was their tendency to fight amongst themselves. Anubis would know that as well. George sensed Jacob was right. This was a weakness they needed to exploit, but he was uncertain how to proceed.
Jack, Peter, and Daniel slowly trickled into the room. The queen's secretary bowed his head cordially, a gesture George returned, and immediately took a seat near the chair that was reserved for Elizabeth when they met in her sitting room. But George's eyes were drawn to the other two men. Neither of them so much as glanced in the other's direction, nor did they seat themselves next to each other, as they normally did. Jack's expression was closed and invited no queries into this sudden behavioral change and Daniel seemed no less troubled.
At that moment, Elizabeth stepped out of her private chamber and moved toward her chair, greeting them as all four of them stood up and bowed. Once everyone was seated once more, Elizabeth said, "I have given much thought to Sir Jacob's message since we received it and have come to the realization that there are few good options which we can work with. However, I believe I have discovered a solution, though I doubt any of you will be overjoyed to hear of it."
All four men glanced at one another worriedly. "Cousin?" Daniel inquired curiously.
George watched Elizabeth closely. Her expression was distinctly thoughtful, but determined. She gazed at each one of them in turn, seeming to gauge each of their reactions. After several moments, she spoke.
"The Goa'uld are fractious by nature, and the bonds that hold them together for this invasion are brittle at best," she told them. When they nodded, she continued. "By that logic, if the Goa'uld who are in Caldora are made aware that Anubis is maneuvering to expand his territory behind their backs, is it not possible that they would halt their invasion?"
George exchanged glances with Jack, who then answered, "Most likely. From what I can tell, part of their alliance was that a few of the warlords would remain behind to hold the territories and keep their slaves from going the way of the Jaffa, while the majority would direct the attacks."
Elizabeth nodded and then turned to George. "Which of the Goa'uld are with their armies?" she asked.
He looked down at the missives and quickly glanced through them. "Apophis, Ba'al, Bastet, Heru-ur, and Yu."
"She is?" Jack muttered. George rolled his eyes in response, Peter chuckled, and even Elizabeth smiled slightly. Daniel, however, remained impassive.
"I see," Elizabeth said after the brief moment of levity passed. "So, we do have at least some level of access."
George looked at her in surprise and everyone else in the room quickly fell silent. "Majesty?"
She stood up from her chair, as though she was utilizing every advantage she had, and her tall frame was indeed an asset when Elizabeth wished to make a point. "I am proposing that I send a message to Ba'al and inform him of what is happening behind his home borders," she told them simply.
No one said anything at first; they were all far too shocked. Their previous experiences with Ba'al had been unpleasant, to say the least, and George had been hopeful that neither Elizabeth nor any of the rest of them would never need be in contact with the warlord again. Especially Jack.
Jack. George turned to look at the other man and winced. Any and all traces of humor had vanished from his face, and his eyes had darkened considerably. He looked as though he was barely restraining himself from doing something rash.
"Majesty," George said before Jack could find his tongue, "is that at all wise? We have no way of knowing if our messengers will even be permitted to get anywhere near the lords' camps. And Ba'al -"
"If Ba'al hears that a message has come from the Queen of Atalan, he will hear it out," Elizabeth interrupted, her tone brooking no argument. "Most likely he will entertain some false hope as to the content of the message, and that hope will get our message read." She smiled bitterly, and for a moment none of them could reply. George sighed.
"Why?" They all turned in Jack's direction. "Why should we tell those serpents anything?" he demanded. "We're offering supplies to the Caldorans, the Tok'ra will probably offer up troops. What reason is there to tell them anything?" The animosity in his voice was unmistakable.
A part of George expected Elizabeth to slow down, to tread lightly at this point. She knew very well the reasons behind Jack's vicious hatred toward the Goa'uld, and Ba'al in particular. However, the queen did not follow his expectations.
"Any troops that the Tok'ra choose to provide will take weeks to assemble and deploy to Caldora, even if they take the shorter route through Atalan," she explained firmly. "Our salt supplies will help to keep the Caldorans from starving, but steps must be taken to remove the Goa'uld as quickly as possible."
Jack did not reply, but everyone could see the resentment that still smoldered in his expression. George could not conjure an immediate response.
Whatever had passed between Daniel and Jack, the duke of Langford now cast a long look at his old friend and turned to Elizabeth anxiously. "Cousin, surely there is another way…"
"Is there?" Elizabeth replied sharply. "I do not take pleasure in the idea of renewing contact with Ba'al, my lords, but it is to everyone's advantage to see the Goa'uld behind their own borders and squabbling amongst themselves rather than invading other countries. Especially when we ourselves may be the next ones on their list."
Daniel said nothing further. Elizabeth's plan, however distasteful they found it, had a high probability of succeeding. And she was right. The sooner the Goa'uld left Caldora, the safer everyone concerned would be.
*~*~*~*
As the sun began to set over the spires of the palace of Atlantis, Paul Davis fought the impulse to pace. The meeting of the college of lords had dispersed earlier that afternoon, but no word had been brought to him on their decision to assist Caldora or not. While forcing himself to remain seated in the plush chair near the window of his private chamber, he eyed the glass of brandy in his hand that he had been nursing for some time now.
"What options will we have, Walter," he asked quietly to the man who sat at the small table near to the window, "if the Atalanian lords force their queen to turn her back on us?"
Sir Walter Harriman was a quiet, unassuming man who spoke little more than was required him, and his manner made people feel comfortable about him and often they felt safe to speak more than they normally would around him. These were characteristics that served him well as King Henry's personal secretary.
Walter looked at him solemnly. "It is difficult to say, Ambassador. The Tok'ra would likely still assist us. Their hatred for the Goa'uld would allow for no less."
Paul nodded. "But many other nations, such as Iolan and the Jaffa, would follow the example of Atalan." He sighed. "Caldora would likely stand alone."
It was not a statement the other man could refute, so he said nothing. Paul didn't expect anything less. He heard several of his retainers moving about behind him, clearing off the table in preparation for the arrival of several servants, who would bring him and his people their evening meal.
When he heard a polite rap on the door, Paul did not turn, assuming that it was merely the servants. He heard one of his men open the door, and the murmur of voices.
"My lord? The Ladies Laura Cadman and Katherine Heightmeyer request to see you, with word from her Majesty," said one of them.
Paul's breath caught in his throat and he stood up from his chair. Setting his glass down, he hurriedly straightened his clothes and stepped out into the sitting room, where the queen's two ladies-in-waiting had been seated by his men. He barely noted that Walter followed close behind him.
Paul bowed to them and the women nodded graciously in return. "My ladies," he said as he seated themselves across from them, "I understand you have news for me."
"Yes, Ambassador," Lady Katherine replied. Tall and fair-haired, she was roughly around the queen's age, though she carried herself with a dignity well beyond her years. "Queen Elizabeth has given us the authority to inform you of the decision of the college. She apologizes for not informing you personally, but she is engaged in an urgent meeting with her advisors."
"The lords of the college have voted on the proposal to render assistance to Caldora," Lady Laura continued, her face solemn. Paul had not spent much time in her company, but he had heard reports that she was quite high-spirited in normal circumstances. "Their decision by the lawful vote was in your favor." She then offered him a tiny smile, and suddenly she seemed even younger to Paul's eyes.
But none of that mattered at the moment. His people were to receive the assistance of the Atalanians, and with that came the likeliness that many other nations would join them. Caldora was not alone. Paul leaned back, sighing in relief and closing his eyes.
For several moments, no one said anything as the two ladies seemed to recognize his need to collect himself before they continued. Finally, when Paul met their gazes, Lady Katherine spoke again.
"My lord, we have also been authorized to tell you that the first shipment of salt will be ready for departure within a week," she informed him. "We will need certain details from you before it departs."
The three of them delved into the particulars and the two ladies did not leave until well after the sun had vanished and the stars had appeared in the sky. By then, the dinner had long since arrived, but had been kept heated by the small candles that kept flames flickering underneath the various containers of food.
Tired but still slightly euphoric, Paul invited Walter to join him for a late meal. The unassuming man acquiesced after several moments of hedging. As they broke into the food, Paul could not help but marvel out loud, "I have to say I am surprised at just how much concerning the political and practical complexities of the situation were entrusted to two ladies-in-waiting."
Walter spread a small amount of butter on a roll. "If my understanding is correct, a queen of Atalan expects her ladies-in-waiting to act not as highly-ranked servants, but as her advisors. Lady Katherine and Lady Laura are highly respected throughout the palace."
Paul nodded. This was why his Majesty had been willing to part with his most trusted and valued aide. Walter could often easily decipher various intricacies that seemed unfathomable to Paul.
"Right now, there are at least two women who hold seats in the Atalanian college of lords," Walter continued. "And though it has been many generations since it last occurred, Atalan has been ruled directly by a queen on more than one occasion in the past."
Paul nodded. No woman had ever ruled Caldora on her own, but that history might change in the near future. King Henry's only surviving offspring was a grown daughter. . In the past, when faced with such circumstances, the throne had passed to the husband of the princess in question, but King Henry's daughter was as yet unmarried. Rumors were swirling through the Caldoran court that the princess was resistant to the idea of handing the crown over to any husband, and had in recent months been pointing to the example of Atalan to support her objections.
But that was a subject for another time. Right now, Paul had in his hands the means that might help spell out his country's salvation. Best he focus on that, and leave future problems alone for the moment.
*~*~*~*
John was expected shortly at Carson's bachelor dinner, so he knocked rather hurriedly on the door to the private rooms a few levels away from the royal chambers.
Lady Teyla smiled when she saw him, opening the door wider. "Sir John, come in."
He nodded his thanks, hoping that no one passing would see this and begin a new set of rumors about his romantic entanglements. He assumed Elizabeth probably had already told most of her advisors that he was intending to leave, but he wished to tell Teyla himself. He owed their friendship as much. "How are you, my lady?"
Teyla sat down at the small table with her usual grace. "Well enough. My people are busy with the spring planting, and I have a commission from the mayor of Hoff to arrange a meeting with the queen on his behalf, so that the rebuilding of the village may commence. Though I imagine recent events may affect our plans." She looked at him critically. "How are you?"
He fidgeted in the chair across from her. "I take it you have heard the news."
"That your exile has been rescinded?" He nodded. "I have heard rumors."
"They are true, for once," he said somewhat sourly. "My crime was pardoned and I am free to return."
He saw her eyebrow go up at the word "crime," and thinking he had no real reason to continue concealing it, he elaborated. "I interfered when a man was beating his wife. He was a member of the peerage, a powerful man, and he died from his injuries."
Cold fury flared in Teyla's eyes, but it was not directed at him. She refocused on the present. "But now the king of Caldora is in need of any able-bodied man to return to defend the realm against the Goa'uld," she said.
She regarded him for a moment. John shifted uncomfortably, well aware of Teyla's gift for seeing past a person's defenses. "And you will go," she concluded softly.
"There is more," he replied. "My cousin has written. My father is gravely ill."
She looked stricken for a moment. Teyla's own father had died not all that long ago, and John knew she of all people could sympathize with his situation. She spoke with uncharacteristic hesitation. "Is there any hope?"
John looked away, shaking his head. "I remained this long only for the wedding. I did not wish to leave without seeing Laura and Carson actually married." He managed to call up a smirk and Teyla grinned a little herself.
"Indeed, that is something I also am greatly looking forward to seeing," she chuckled.
She rose from her chair, as did he. She held out her hand. "I am expected in the queen's chambers, and I understand you have your own engagement to keep." He nodded, taking her hand and bowing slightly before taking his leave.
"Sir John?" He turned back.
They looked at each other for a moment, her face full of concern, and his own of gratitude. Teyla shook herself slightly and merely told him, "I expect you to save me at least one dance at the feast tomorrow."
He bowed again, and grinned at her as he left.
*~*~*~*
Laura's wedding day was a cool one, but the skies were clear. Jack glanced out of his window as he slowly finished donning his best uniform. Beckett's bachelor dinner had been a rather rowdy affair, and Jack had consumed more alcohol than he intended, merely attempting to keep up with Carson's father and brothers. The less said about the rest of the evening, the better.
There was a quiet knock on his door and he moved across the room to answer it. Jack supposed that it might be George wishing to go over the various tasks that he would be performing once he arrived along the borders of Neill. The older man was never one to allow time to pass in idleness, even on the day of one of their girls' wedding.
He opened the door, a greeting on his tongue, but when he saw who stood there, it promptly died.
"Jack," Daniel said quietly.
"Daniel."
Jack wondered irritably why this had to happen now as he allowed the other man inside his chamber. He had been expecting Daniel to show up with the intention of defending Sarah's honor, but was the duke really going to insist on dealing with this in the last hours before Laura's marriage? He didn't think she would appreciate them appearing before the entire assembly with bruises all over their faces.
However, Daniel did not appear overly confrontational. For the moment. Although that could be his own hangover working on him.
"Ready for the big day?" Daniel asked calmly enough, taking a seat in one of the chairs near the center of the room.
Jack shrugged. "As ready as I'll ever be. I would have been happy if all three of the girls had just stayed twelve so I wouldn't have to deal with this, but no such luck. You?"
"The same. And there are still two more weddings we'll have to sit through," he replied.
Yes, Jack was well aware of that. He could already guess as to just who Kate's groom might be. He did not have to be a genius of Samantha's caliber to know after what he had glimpsed just a few nights ago. And he didn't even want to think of who Elizabeth's husband could be. He had enough matters in his life right now that caused his head to ache; he didn't need to add another.
The silence that stretched out between them was not the usual comfortable one that both men were accustomed to. The events of the previous day still hung between them, until finally, Jack sighed. "All right, Daniel," he said impatiently, "if you have something you want to say, then say it."
To his credit, Daniel did not attempt to deny it. He stared at him for several moments, as though taking his measure, before finally responding. "Sarah and I never had any special attachment, Jack, so you needn't worry about me being jealous or anything so foolish as that," he stated. His gaze still remained unwavering. "However, I still feel the need to watch over her. I owe her that much."
Jack stared at him. "And are you implying that I would harm her?" he asked darkly.
Daniel shook his head. "Jack, if you were that type of man, I would never have allowed you anywhere near Sarah, or Elizabeth for that matter. I would never question your intentions, only your methods." Daniel took a deep breath, and then continued. "I am only saying… be careful. Sarah still has much healing to do, and I don't want anything or anyone to impede that."
Silence fell again over both of them for several moments, as Jack was not sure how to respond, until Daniel stood up. "I am to escort Elizabeth to be seated for the ceremony," he said, changing the subject. "I will see you there." Jack watched him move toward the door, and was surprised when he stopped just before he stepped out into the corridor.
"I spoke to Sarah last night," Daniel murmured. "Thank you for providing men to escort her back to Berwynn. It is a relief to know that she will be safe." And then he swept through the door, leaving Jack alone with much to consider.
*~*~*~*
Sarah gazed critically around her chamber and finally nodded in satisfaction. Despite the chaos reigning around the palace, she had been able to commandeer two servants to assist her in packing her new clothing and everything else she had managed to acquire during her time in Atlantis.
In her weeks in the royal palace, the queen had been kind enough to grant her permission to engage the royal seamstresses in attaining a new wardrobe that befitted her position as Viscountess of Berwynn. The group of women who worked for the queen and her ladies-in-waiting had been remarkably efficient and even delighted to have a project to work on, as their primary patrons, the queen and her ladies, were very careful with their clothing and did not often require their services.
There were a few trinkets that she had collected, and they had also been carefully packed. Sarah sighed. She was ready to depart in the morning from Atlantis to Berwynn, along with an escort raised by the Marquis of Neill himself.
Jack.
Slowly, she seated herself by the window. Daniel had apologized for his unexpected interruption of both her and Jack the day before, and she had forgiven him for it, but his shocked expression had raised a valid point in her own mind. She knew that whatever she and Jack might feel toward one another, neither of them were fully ready for any sort of serious courtship. Sarah still had to see if the remains of her old life before her enslavement could be forged in the new one she was attempting to build. Jack's duties to the military, to the queen, and his strange, tense relationship with his son did not leave much room for anything else at the moment.
There was a hesitant knock on the door that interrupted her thoughts. Startled, Sarah stood up and crossed the room. Opening it just slightly, she peered cautiously through the crack.
Jack stood there, dressed possibly in the finest clothes she had seen him in. Opening the door further, she asked, "Should you not be attending Lady Laura and Doctor Beckett's wedding ceremony?" She knew it was due to start any time now and his absence would be very noticeable.
He blinked, and then replied simply, "Good day to you too, my lady."
Much to her embarrassment, Sarah felt her cheeks warm. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Please, come in."
Jack stepped inside and she watched him take in the sight of the several chests that sat neatly in the corner, ready to be taken to pack horses when she made her departure. "I, ah, I just wished to say goodbye to you now, as I'll likely be gone from the palace myself early tomorrow," he told her after a moment.
Sarah nodded. "I see. Thank you, then. I would have hated to have missed you."
Several moments of silence passed between them before Jack spoke again. "Daniel came and spoke to me earlier."
"Did he apologize to you as well, then?" she asked, gesturing for him to sit down in a nearby chair while she returned to the window seat.
Jack's lips twitched. "Apologize isn't the word I'd use. He warned me, in his own special way, about dire consequences that I'd suffer if I did anything to hurt you. You do not lack for defenders, my lady."
Sarah smiled faintly. "I see." She looked down at her hands, and then forced herself to look back up at him. "I am glad to be going home at last," she told him. "I carried the memory of Berwynn with me for so long. It was sometimes the only link to sanity that I had…" She trailed off, her throat tightening and unable to say anything more.
Thankfully, Jack merely nodded. "I understand," he answered. Sarah wanted to object for a moment, thinking he could not understand unless he himself had experienced something similar, but before she could even open her mouth, it occurred to her that perhaps he had.
He paused, hesitating for a moment, and then continued by muttering something very quickly and quietly.
Sarah cocked her head. "I'm sorry?"
He cleared his throat, indicating just how uncomfortable he was, and repeated more slowly and more loudly, "I was wondering if I could have your permission to write to you while you are in Berwynn."
She blinked in surprise. He wished to write to her? That was unexpected, she supposed. But really, what did she know about the rules and procedures of courtship? She had never been courted before. Jack likely knew more about the subject than she did.
And truthfully, Sarah thought that she would like to hear from him. She had grown to enjoy his presence since her arrival, and had been dreading the loss of his company, even though she knew it was necessary.
Smiling hesitantly, she bowed her head, hoping that the renewed flush in her cheeks was not too obvious. "I would like that, my lord." The relief that flashed through his eyes was both amusing and endearing and Sarah could not help herself. "I think it should be interesting to receive your letters, since that you are always telling me that you are not good with words."
His indignant look only made her laugh.
The strong winds had passed by morning, leaving a starkly cloudless sky behind for the assembly of the college in the afternoon. Elizabeth entered the chamber relying on years of practice to keep her face calm and composed. Inwardly she was hardly so sanguine. The past several days had been a blur of meetings with various factions within the college. Peter had run himself ragged keeping track of who was coming and going at any given time. Most of the nobles had expressed the same sets of concerns about the war and Atalan's role. Though she knew which course of action she wanted to take, she had assured them all that this matter was too great for her to decide without consulting the entire assembly and reaching a consensus.
Today she would see if her work had been enough to smooth the way for her plans.
Lord George called the college to order and Elizabeth sat down. As soon as the rustling of the others taking their seats had faded, she folded her hands in her lap. "My lords, you are all aware that our old enemy, the Goa'uld, have invaded our neighbor Caldora. Their intent can only be to conquer and enslave the Caldoran people. King Henry has sent an urgent request to us personally for aid. His doing so is a testament to precisely how bad the situation in Caldora must be." There was a grim round of smiles around the room. "We have called you together to discuss what Atalan's answer to this appeal should be."
She left it at that. Lord George had counseled her that the college would need to feel it had debated the point sufficiently before any agreement would be reached.
Lord Robert Kinsey rose immediately, to no one's surprise. "Majesty, my lords, it grieves me to hear of this wanton aggression. Many of us too well remember what the wars against the Goa'uld cost this nation."
Jack shot a look at Kinsey that made Elizabeth want to smile a little.
Kinsey turned to her. "I am certain that your Majesty wishes to offer some form of aid to Caldora, and this speaks highly of your Majesty's kind and compassionate heart. It is only natural to wish to help a friend, especially when one feels oneself indebted to that friend."
The subtle dig at Sir John's role in her court, buried as it was in the appearance of a compliment, was not lost on Elizabeth, but she nodded slightly.
"This is a situation which, as you all know, I have feared for some time. The Wraith prowl our coasts and now the Goa'uld are once more a threat. While I was regent, I did everything in my power to try to avoid placing Atalan into this difficult position, but my efforts appear to have been in vain."
All across the chamber, more than one pair of eyes were rolling at Kinsey's claims, but no one spoke.
"My feeling at this point, Majesty, is that we cannot afford to waste any of our own resources. While we may wish to provide support to Caldora, the fact is that while the Goa'uld are entangled there, it means we are safe from their ambitions. Were we to act, in any way, it would surely draw the attention of the Goa'uld to us. If we help Caldora, we risk drawing down the wrath of the Goa'uld on ourselves."
Kinsey sat down and Elizabeth exchanged a wry glance with Daniel. Kinsey was no fool. Other than the one jab at Elizabeth's youth and emotional volatility, he had chosen the strongest reasons against helping Caldora and framed his argument perfectly without any blustering or excess. Those reasons would be hard to overcome.
Lord Richard Woolsey stood up next. "Majesty, my lords, I must agree with Lord Robert. This seems to me to be the perfect time for us to strengthen our own defenses. Hadn't we better look to that task rather than sending supplies we can ill afford to lose to a nation which, while never an outright enemy of Atalan, has never been a friend?"
More murmurs of assent swept the hall. Jack had risen to his feet and Lord George recognized him, but he hesitated and then bowed his head. "Majesty, I yield to the Viscountess of Berwynn."
Everyone startled at that, murmuring and pointing. Though most of the college had heard of her return, few of them had seen Lady Sarah, as she had been keeping much out of view these last weeks. Elizabeth had not been sure she would even attend the session.
Sarah was indeed standing, her eyes fixed on Kinsey. But before she could open her mouth, Lord Bertram Samuels leapt from his chair. His face was alarmingly red and he appeared ready to explode. "Majesty, I protest the presence of this woman in this session! This lady was in the hands of the Goa'uld for ten years, and there is no way of knowing what her intentions here are."
Jack was back up and starting towards Samuels, every line of his body registering his fury while chaos erupted through the chamber. Some of the college shouted at Samuels, while others yelled in support. Daniel barely managed to restrain Jack and Lord George thundered for order.
Elizabeth stood abruptly, recalling their attention to her. She fixed Samuels with a dangerous look. "Lord Samuels, you will not burst out in such a fashion within this council again or we shall have you removed. You yourself witnessed Lady Sarah swearing her fealty to us and to Atalan. By birth and by blood, she has as much right to be present in this chamber as any one of us." She glared at the rest of the college. "This is a place for discussion and debate, not baseless and petty accusation. You would all do well to remember that."
Elizabeth had never let her temper slip before the entire assembly before, and the effect of her wrath was almost comical as the men obediently quieted. She settled herself for a moment before nodding. "Lady Sarah."
Sarah began to speak in a low, terrifying voice that nonetheless reached the farthest corner of the hall. "Lord Robert may make a valid point regarding the necessity of preserving resources to defend Atalan. I have not been present these last ten years to be able to form a judgment on our readiness for war. But then, you all know why I have not been here." She swept the men in the room with a cold look and few of them could meet her eyes for more than a moment, including Samuels. "There is no safety, for there is no limit to the ambitions of the Goa'uld. It will not matter to them whether Atalan sends aid to Caldora or not. In the end, their goal will not change: the destruction and plundering of this realm and the enslavement of her people. But if you sit idly by now and allow Caldora to be taken, you only strengthen the Goa'uld so that when they turn on Atalan, as they inevitably will, it will be that much harder to resist. No, my lord, hiding your face from the danger and praying to the ancestors that it will go away will not keep you safe. The Goa'uld must be resisted at every step, in every possible way, or all will be lost."
A collective shiver ran through the assembly, save for Samuels. Thankfully, Lord George hurriedly recognized Teyla before Samuels could gain his feet again.
The Countess of Athos rose gracefully from her seat to Elizabeth's immediate left, directly across from Daniel. Athos and Langford, being the two most important provinces in Atalan, had the privilege of surrounding the throne in the college chamber. "Majesty, my lords, Athos first wishes to offer thanks to the ancestors for the safe return of the Viscountess of Berwynn after her long absence." Teyla nodded gravely to Sarah, who returned the gesture. Nobody missed the dig at Samuels implied in her statement.
Teyla rested her hands on the wooden bar in front of her chair. Unlike the others in the college, she spoke as her father had, for her people rather than for herself. "Athos agrees with Berwynn that the Goa'uld threat is not one that we can afford to ignore. However, we also agree with Lord Robert that our nation's vital resources are too dear to be risked for anything other than a direct threat."
Gasps went up through the hall. Teyla, being close to Elizabeth, was assumed by many to be automatically on the monarch's side in any argument. To hear her say such a thing caused quite a shock. Elizabeth knew Teyla's keen mind too well, though, and she listened patiently.
"Athos has borne the brunt of the Wraith threat for these many years. Even now the Athosian people are preparing for their return, as the seas have cleared of ice and nothing stands to impede Wraith hunting parties from appearing again. Nothing, that is, but the two new ships in her Majesty's navy." Teyla now bowed her head to Elizabeth, who clamped down on a smile, suddenly understanding where Teyla was going with this. "It is through her Majesty's sheer will and determination that we now have two more ships to protect the coastline from the Wraith, with another two on their way. Our people will sleep safer this year than they have this past decade, thanks to her Majesty." A number of eyes turned to Kinsey at that rebuke, though he himself remained impassive. "I cannot believe that the queen would ever compromise the safety of her people for any reason."
Daniel took that as his cue and he stood. "Majesty, I agree with the honorable ladies of both Berwynn and Athos. Cowering and hiding will not make us stronger. It is true that our vital resources must be saved to protect our own people, but if there is any aid we can offer to Caldora that will not endanger Atalan's defenses, I believe it should be sent. Such a gesture will foster goodwill with Caldora, where turning our backs on them in such a dire moment would only ensure their enmity for generations to come. And it will show the Goa'uld that we have no intention of bowing to them in any way."
Jack stood immediately. Though his jaw still twitched in anger, he managed to speak with relative calm. "Indeed, Majesty, my lords, this is not only a matter between Atalan and Caldora. The Jaffa and Tok'ra will be watching our reaction closely, as will Doranda, Kelowna, and the other nations that are at risk from the Goa'uld. Even the Goa'uld lords in all their arrogance would hesitate in the face of all their principle enemies uniting against them."
A few others were vying for attention but Elizabeth held up her hand and Lord George nodded to her. "My lords, we have taken your counsel in these last days, as you know, and we are in full agreement with your concerns regarding our resources. We are grateful for the confidence expressed by the Countess of Athos, and rest assured we will continue to do our utmost to secure Atalan's coasts and borders. However, there is a road open to us that we believe will not risk any supply which Atalan cannot afford to lose and will express our support to Caldora. King Henry has specifically indicated Caldora is in dire need of salt, for the preserving of food supplies in order to secure the Caldoran people from starvation." She glanced at Jack, her voice dropping lower. "We have not ourself seen the outcome of war, but conquest by starving a people seems to us to be the act of a coward and a disgrace. Our responsibility as human beings says that we should do what lies in our power to alleviate such suffering."
She took a deep breath. Rather than risk an accusation, it would be easier to admit to what they already knew. "Many of you are doubtless aware that we have already set laborers to harvest salt from the ocean waters along the coastline. With the Goa'uld embroiled in Caldora, we appear to have the cushion of time to harvest enough salt for both ourselves and our neighbor. Atalan's resources would remain intact, and we would fulfill our obligations to our fellow people and our neighbor by sending this aid to Caldora."
Elizabeth hoped that it was agreement she was reading in the faces watching her expectantly. "What say you?"
*~*~*~*
Ten years of practice in the arts of concealment allowed Sarah to leave the college chamber with her head held high. Once the college had voted in support of the queen's suggestion and the meeting broke up, she swept through the men in the room as calmly as possible, pausing only to nod to the countess of Athos. She had only met the young lady once before, a few weeks ago when she came to visit the court, but her support in the debate had been a great comfort.
She had little idea of precisely where she was going. It was more important to appear as though she had a fixed destination in mind. Her years learning to move through Osiris' court without being harassed by the guards at every step had taught her as much. It was that hard-won freedom that had led, eventually, to her escape.
When she finally found an empty room she did not stop to discern who it belonged to, only walked to the window and finally allowed her shoulders to sag. She braced herself against the sill with one arm, drawing in the warm, moist spring air and waiting for the trembling in her limbs to cease.
As her nerves steadied, anger rose. As humiliating as Samuels' attack had been, the accusation of disloyalty was infuriating. If not for her, it could very well have been Atalan that was under invasion right now, not Caldora.
She wanted to tear Samuels' eyes from his head with her bare hands. How dare he? How dare he? The lazy, arrogant bastard had probably never so much as suffered a hangnail and he attacked her before the entire college? He had no right.
She was not aware of speaking the last words aloud until a voice behind her said softly, "No, he didn't."
She whirled around, growling in anger but stopped short.
Jack held up his hands, looking at her with a mixture of wariness and sympathy. "It is only me, Sarah."
"Oh," she subsided, embarrassed by her reaction.
He lowered his hands and came closer. "It's good that you're angry."
She looked at him, startled. Anger and arrogance were a way of life in a Goa'uld court. Any display of weakness was dangerous. She had reacted to his intrusion partly out of habit.
Jack touched her cheek lightly. "You can do something with anger, Sarah. Fear will only leave you paralyzed."
She nodded, taking his hand. "Jack..." She took a breath and composed herself. It had not escaped her attention that Jack had been ready to assault Samuels before the entire college for her sake. "Thank you."
His eyes lit up in amusement. "That was nothing."
"I meant for coming to my defense earlier," she huffed out, trying not to roll her eyes. "Or attempting to do so, at least."
She would have released her hold but he caught her hand instead. "Had it not been for Daniel's overdeveloped sense of decorum, I would have succeeded," he grumbled.
She raised an eyebrow. "And his sense of decorum is enough to restrain your temper?"
"He's stronger than he looks," Jack said ruefully.
She looked down at their intertwined fingers. Jack's thumb was rubbing across the back of her hand gently, and it made a rush of warmth go through her. It had been a very long time since anyone had been so careful with her.
When she looked back up, she recognized the shift in his expression. His eyes were dark and fixed on her lips and Sarah didn't resist when he pulled her closer and kissed her.
Both of them had forgotten that the door to the room was wide open, and it took a moment too long for them to realize someone had walked in on them.
Daniel. He stood as one frozen, staring uncomprehendingly at the two of them.
She owed Daniel nothing, certainly not any kind of fidelity, but his abrupt appearance was one shock too many for her today. Sarah jerked out of Jack's embrace, even though he resisted at first. Not looking at either of them, she fled for her own room.
*~*~*~*
Daniel's mind seemed to be moving at half-speed. He knew he had walked into his office and found his best friend and his former betrothed kissing each other, but it seemed to be taking an exceedingly long time for him to fully realize it.
Sarah fairly ran out of the room before he could gather himself. Jack looked at him with a hint of belligerence under his usual façade. "Daniel."
"Jack." The response came out automatically. He spoke before he could really consider what he was saying. "I was going to thank you for coming to Sarah's defense. But apparently she's already taken care of that?"
Jack's brown eyes flashed at him. "Be careful, Daniel."
Jack stalked out before anything else could be said. Daniel wondered if he was going to find Sarah or go off and brood.
He was still standing there several minutes later when Elizabeth's secretary appeared in the doorway. "My lord?"
As if pulling himself back from a great distance, Daniel said, "Yes, Peter?"
"Her Majesty would like to speak to you and her other advisors this evening after the bridal tea for Lady Laura."
Daniel nodded absently, but instead of leaving, Peter stepped into the room and closed the door.
"My lord, are you all right?"
Peter had served the house of Langford, as had his parents. His concern was understandable, but Daniel could not really reassure him. "I honestly don't know."
In all the years Daniel had known Jack, he had never seen the man look at any woman other than his wife. Loyalty was and always had been one of Jack's defining features. Since his wife's death, that had not changed. Finding Jack kissing anyone at all would have been a shock to his system.
Finding Jack kissing Sarah, though...
He didn't love her. He barely knew her. The strange, pre-existing tie of their arranged marriage had complicated an already complex situation, and Daniel still did not feel entirely comfortable with Sarah, even after a month had passed. He had known Jack was spending time with her and secretly he'd been relieved that Jack was doing what he could not manage himself. But Daniel had given as much credence to the rumors of a romance between them as he did to the rumors about himself and various ladies of the court, meaning none whatsoever.
Apparently for once court gossip had been correct.
Daniel leaned against his desk. Peter was still hovering uncertainly, which gave Daniel an idea. "Peter, what have you heard about Lady Sarah and Lord Jonathan?"
*~*~*~*
After the ladies had returned from Laura's bridal tea, Lord George was the first to arrive in Elizabeth's sitting room, bringing the papers brought by the Tok'ra messenger. Kate had granted him entrance and with a smile, bade him sit, and said that the queen would come in momentarily. She then left him and returned to Elizabeth's private chambers.
The missives that Jacob had sent to them were particularly intriguing. The Goa'uld had an excellent spy network, even if it was not as extensive as that of the Tok'ra, and the concept that they were unaware of the demise of one of their own spoke volumes at just how well Anubis was keeping it from them. George surmised that the warlord must have a literal chokehold on the routes in and out of their occupied territories. The one constant of the Goa'uld George had seen over the years was their tendency to fight amongst themselves. Anubis would know that as well. George sensed Jacob was right. This was a weakness they needed to exploit, but he was uncertain how to proceed.
Jack, Peter, and Daniel slowly trickled into the room. The queen's secretary bowed his head cordially, a gesture George returned, and immediately took a seat near the chair that was reserved for Elizabeth when they met in her sitting room. But George's eyes were drawn to the other two men. Neither of them so much as glanced in the other's direction, nor did they seat themselves next to each other, as they normally did. Jack's expression was closed and invited no queries into this sudden behavioral change and Daniel seemed no less troubled.
At that moment, Elizabeth stepped out of her private chamber and moved toward her chair, greeting them as all four of them stood up and bowed. Once everyone was seated once more, Elizabeth said, "I have given much thought to Sir Jacob's message since we received it and have come to the realization that there are few good options which we can work with. However, I believe I have discovered a solution, though I doubt any of you will be overjoyed to hear of it."
All four men glanced at one another worriedly. "Cousin?" Daniel inquired curiously.
George watched Elizabeth closely. Her expression was distinctly thoughtful, but determined. She gazed at each one of them in turn, seeming to gauge each of their reactions. After several moments, she spoke.
"The Goa'uld are fractious by nature, and the bonds that hold them together for this invasion are brittle at best," she told them. When they nodded, she continued. "By that logic, if the Goa'uld who are in Caldora are made aware that Anubis is maneuvering to expand his territory behind their backs, is it not possible that they would halt their invasion?"
George exchanged glances with Jack, who then answered, "Most likely. From what I can tell, part of their alliance was that a few of the warlords would remain behind to hold the territories and keep their slaves from going the way of the Jaffa, while the majority would direct the attacks."
Elizabeth nodded and then turned to George. "Which of the Goa'uld are with their armies?" she asked.
He looked down at the missives and quickly glanced through them. "Apophis, Ba'al, Bastet, Heru-ur, and Yu."
"She is?" Jack muttered. George rolled his eyes in response, Peter chuckled, and even Elizabeth smiled slightly. Daniel, however, remained impassive.
"I see," Elizabeth said after the brief moment of levity passed. "So, we do have at least some level of access."
George looked at her in surprise and everyone else in the room quickly fell silent. "Majesty?"
She stood up from her chair, as though she was utilizing every advantage she had, and her tall frame was indeed an asset when Elizabeth wished to make a point. "I am proposing that I send a message to Ba'al and inform him of what is happening behind his home borders," she told them simply.
No one said anything at first; they were all far too shocked. Their previous experiences with Ba'al had been unpleasant, to say the least, and George had been hopeful that neither Elizabeth nor any of the rest of them would never need be in contact with the warlord again. Especially Jack.
Jack. George turned to look at the other man and winced. Any and all traces of humor had vanished from his face, and his eyes had darkened considerably. He looked as though he was barely restraining himself from doing something rash.
"Majesty," George said before Jack could find his tongue, "is that at all wise? We have no way of knowing if our messengers will even be permitted to get anywhere near the lords' camps. And Ba'al -"
"If Ba'al hears that a message has come from the Queen of Atalan, he will hear it out," Elizabeth interrupted, her tone brooking no argument. "Most likely he will entertain some false hope as to the content of the message, and that hope will get our message read." She smiled bitterly, and for a moment none of them could reply. George sighed.
"Why?" They all turned in Jack's direction. "Why should we tell those serpents anything?" he demanded. "We're offering supplies to the Caldorans, the Tok'ra will probably offer up troops. What reason is there to tell them anything?" The animosity in his voice was unmistakable.
A part of George expected Elizabeth to slow down, to tread lightly at this point. She knew very well the reasons behind Jack's vicious hatred toward the Goa'uld, and Ba'al in particular. However, the queen did not follow his expectations.
"Any troops that the Tok'ra choose to provide will take weeks to assemble and deploy to Caldora, even if they take the shorter route through Atalan," she explained firmly. "Our salt supplies will help to keep the Caldorans from starving, but steps must be taken to remove the Goa'uld as quickly as possible."
Jack did not reply, but everyone could see the resentment that still smoldered in his expression. George could not conjure an immediate response.
Whatever had passed between Daniel and Jack, the duke of Langford now cast a long look at his old friend and turned to Elizabeth anxiously. "Cousin, surely there is another way…"
"Is there?" Elizabeth replied sharply. "I do not take pleasure in the idea of renewing contact with Ba'al, my lords, but it is to everyone's advantage to see the Goa'uld behind their own borders and squabbling amongst themselves rather than invading other countries. Especially when we ourselves may be the next ones on their list."
Daniel said nothing further. Elizabeth's plan, however distasteful they found it, had a high probability of succeeding. And she was right. The sooner the Goa'uld left Caldora, the safer everyone concerned would be.
*~*~*~*
As the sun began to set over the spires of the palace of Atlantis, Paul Davis fought the impulse to pace. The meeting of the college of lords had dispersed earlier that afternoon, but no word had been brought to him on their decision to assist Caldora or not. While forcing himself to remain seated in the plush chair near the window of his private chamber, he eyed the glass of brandy in his hand that he had been nursing for some time now.
"What options will we have, Walter," he asked quietly to the man who sat at the small table near to the window, "if the Atalanian lords force their queen to turn her back on us?"
Sir Walter Harriman was a quiet, unassuming man who spoke little more than was required him, and his manner made people feel comfortable about him and often they felt safe to speak more than they normally would around him. These were characteristics that served him well as King Henry's personal secretary.
Walter looked at him solemnly. "It is difficult to say, Ambassador. The Tok'ra would likely still assist us. Their hatred for the Goa'uld would allow for no less."
Paul nodded. "But many other nations, such as Iolan and the Jaffa, would follow the example of Atalan." He sighed. "Caldora would likely stand alone."
It was not a statement the other man could refute, so he said nothing. Paul didn't expect anything less. He heard several of his retainers moving about behind him, clearing off the table in preparation for the arrival of several servants, who would bring him and his people their evening meal.
When he heard a polite rap on the door, Paul did not turn, assuming that it was merely the servants. He heard one of his men open the door, and the murmur of voices.
"My lord? The Ladies Laura Cadman and Katherine Heightmeyer request to see you, with word from her Majesty," said one of them.
Paul's breath caught in his throat and he stood up from his chair. Setting his glass down, he hurriedly straightened his clothes and stepped out into the sitting room, where the queen's two ladies-in-waiting had been seated by his men. He barely noted that Walter followed close behind him.
Paul bowed to them and the women nodded graciously in return. "My ladies," he said as he seated themselves across from them, "I understand you have news for me."
"Yes, Ambassador," Lady Katherine replied. Tall and fair-haired, she was roughly around the queen's age, though she carried herself with a dignity well beyond her years. "Queen Elizabeth has given us the authority to inform you of the decision of the college. She apologizes for not informing you personally, but she is engaged in an urgent meeting with her advisors."
"The lords of the college have voted on the proposal to render assistance to Caldora," Lady Laura continued, her face solemn. Paul had not spent much time in her company, but he had heard reports that she was quite high-spirited in normal circumstances. "Their decision by the lawful vote was in your favor." She then offered him a tiny smile, and suddenly she seemed even younger to Paul's eyes.
But none of that mattered at the moment. His people were to receive the assistance of the Atalanians, and with that came the likeliness that many other nations would join them. Caldora was not alone. Paul leaned back, sighing in relief and closing his eyes.
For several moments, no one said anything as the two ladies seemed to recognize his need to collect himself before they continued. Finally, when Paul met their gazes, Lady Katherine spoke again.
"My lord, we have also been authorized to tell you that the first shipment of salt will be ready for departure within a week," she informed him. "We will need certain details from you before it departs."
The three of them delved into the particulars and the two ladies did not leave until well after the sun had vanished and the stars had appeared in the sky. By then, the dinner had long since arrived, but had been kept heated by the small candles that kept flames flickering underneath the various containers of food.
Tired but still slightly euphoric, Paul invited Walter to join him for a late meal. The unassuming man acquiesced after several moments of hedging. As they broke into the food, Paul could not help but marvel out loud, "I have to say I am surprised at just how much concerning the political and practical complexities of the situation were entrusted to two ladies-in-waiting."
Walter spread a small amount of butter on a roll. "If my understanding is correct, a queen of Atalan expects her ladies-in-waiting to act not as highly-ranked servants, but as her advisors. Lady Katherine and Lady Laura are highly respected throughout the palace."
Paul nodded. This was why his Majesty had been willing to part with his most trusted and valued aide. Walter could often easily decipher various intricacies that seemed unfathomable to Paul.
"Right now, there are at least two women who hold seats in the Atalanian college of lords," Walter continued. "And though it has been many generations since it last occurred, Atalan has been ruled directly by a queen on more than one occasion in the past."
Paul nodded. No woman had ever ruled Caldora on her own, but that history might change in the near future. King Henry's only surviving offspring was a grown daughter. . In the past, when faced with such circumstances, the throne had passed to the husband of the princess in question, but King Henry's daughter was as yet unmarried. Rumors were swirling through the Caldoran court that the princess was resistant to the idea of handing the crown over to any husband, and had in recent months been pointing to the example of Atalan to support her objections.
But that was a subject for another time. Right now, Paul had in his hands the means that might help spell out his country's salvation. Best he focus on that, and leave future problems alone for the moment.
*~*~*~*
John was expected shortly at Carson's bachelor dinner, so he knocked rather hurriedly on the door to the private rooms a few levels away from the royal chambers.
Lady Teyla smiled when she saw him, opening the door wider. "Sir John, come in."
He nodded his thanks, hoping that no one passing would see this and begin a new set of rumors about his romantic entanglements. He assumed Elizabeth probably had already told most of her advisors that he was intending to leave, but he wished to tell Teyla himself. He owed their friendship as much. "How are you, my lady?"
Teyla sat down at the small table with her usual grace. "Well enough. My people are busy with the spring planting, and I have a commission from the mayor of Hoff to arrange a meeting with the queen on his behalf, so that the rebuilding of the village may commence. Though I imagine recent events may affect our plans." She looked at him critically. "How are you?"
He fidgeted in the chair across from her. "I take it you have heard the news."
"That your exile has been rescinded?" He nodded. "I have heard rumors."
"They are true, for once," he said somewhat sourly. "My crime was pardoned and I am free to return."
He saw her eyebrow go up at the word "crime," and thinking he had no real reason to continue concealing it, he elaborated. "I interfered when a man was beating his wife. He was a member of the peerage, a powerful man, and he died from his injuries."
Cold fury flared in Teyla's eyes, but it was not directed at him. She refocused on the present. "But now the king of Caldora is in need of any able-bodied man to return to defend the realm against the Goa'uld," she said.
She regarded him for a moment. John shifted uncomfortably, well aware of Teyla's gift for seeing past a person's defenses. "And you will go," she concluded softly.
"There is more," he replied. "My cousin has written. My father is gravely ill."
She looked stricken for a moment. Teyla's own father had died not all that long ago, and John knew she of all people could sympathize with his situation. She spoke with uncharacteristic hesitation. "Is there any hope?"
John looked away, shaking his head. "I remained this long only for the wedding. I did not wish to leave without seeing Laura and Carson actually married." He managed to call up a smirk and Teyla grinned a little herself.
"Indeed, that is something I also am greatly looking forward to seeing," she chuckled.
She rose from her chair, as did he. She held out her hand. "I am expected in the queen's chambers, and I understand you have your own engagement to keep." He nodded, taking her hand and bowing slightly before taking his leave.
"Sir John?" He turned back.
They looked at each other for a moment, her face full of concern, and his own of gratitude. Teyla shook herself slightly and merely told him, "I expect you to save me at least one dance at the feast tomorrow."
He bowed again, and grinned at her as he left.
*~*~*~*
Laura's wedding day was a cool one, but the skies were clear. Jack glanced out of his window as he slowly finished donning his best uniform. Beckett's bachelor dinner had been a rather rowdy affair, and Jack had consumed more alcohol than he intended, merely attempting to keep up with Carson's father and brothers. The less said about the rest of the evening, the better.
There was a quiet knock on his door and he moved across the room to answer it. Jack supposed that it might be George wishing to go over the various tasks that he would be performing once he arrived along the borders of Neill. The older man was never one to allow time to pass in idleness, even on the day of one of their girls' wedding.
He opened the door, a greeting on his tongue, but when he saw who stood there, it promptly died.
"Jack," Daniel said quietly.
"Daniel."
Jack wondered irritably why this had to happen now as he allowed the other man inside his chamber. He had been expecting Daniel to show up with the intention of defending Sarah's honor, but was the duke really going to insist on dealing with this in the last hours before Laura's marriage? He didn't think she would appreciate them appearing before the entire assembly with bruises all over their faces.
However, Daniel did not appear overly confrontational. For the moment. Although that could be his own hangover working on him.
"Ready for the big day?" Daniel asked calmly enough, taking a seat in one of the chairs near the center of the room.
Jack shrugged. "As ready as I'll ever be. I would have been happy if all three of the girls had just stayed twelve so I wouldn't have to deal with this, but no such luck. You?"
"The same. And there are still two more weddings we'll have to sit through," he replied.
Yes, Jack was well aware of that. He could already guess as to just who Kate's groom might be. He did not have to be a genius of Samantha's caliber to know after what he had glimpsed just a few nights ago. And he didn't even want to think of who Elizabeth's husband could be. He had enough matters in his life right now that caused his head to ache; he didn't need to add another.
The silence that stretched out between them was not the usual comfortable one that both men were accustomed to. The events of the previous day still hung between them, until finally, Jack sighed. "All right, Daniel," he said impatiently, "if you have something you want to say, then say it."
To his credit, Daniel did not attempt to deny it. He stared at him for several moments, as though taking his measure, before finally responding. "Sarah and I never had any special attachment, Jack, so you needn't worry about me being jealous or anything so foolish as that," he stated. His gaze still remained unwavering. "However, I still feel the need to watch over her. I owe her that much."
Jack stared at him. "And are you implying that I would harm her?" he asked darkly.
Daniel shook his head. "Jack, if you were that type of man, I would never have allowed you anywhere near Sarah, or Elizabeth for that matter. I would never question your intentions, only your methods." Daniel took a deep breath, and then continued. "I am only saying… be careful. Sarah still has much healing to do, and I don't want anything or anyone to impede that."
Silence fell again over both of them for several moments, as Jack was not sure how to respond, until Daniel stood up. "I am to escort Elizabeth to be seated for the ceremony," he said, changing the subject. "I will see you there." Jack watched him move toward the door, and was surprised when he stopped just before he stepped out into the corridor.
"I spoke to Sarah last night," Daniel murmured. "Thank you for providing men to escort her back to Berwynn. It is a relief to know that she will be safe." And then he swept through the door, leaving Jack alone with much to consider.
*~*~*~*
Sarah gazed critically around her chamber and finally nodded in satisfaction. Despite the chaos reigning around the palace, she had been able to commandeer two servants to assist her in packing her new clothing and everything else she had managed to acquire during her time in Atlantis.
In her weeks in the royal palace, the queen had been kind enough to grant her permission to engage the royal seamstresses in attaining a new wardrobe that befitted her position as Viscountess of Berwynn. The group of women who worked for the queen and her ladies-in-waiting had been remarkably efficient and even delighted to have a project to work on, as their primary patrons, the queen and her ladies, were very careful with their clothing and did not often require their services.
There were a few trinkets that she had collected, and they had also been carefully packed. Sarah sighed. She was ready to depart in the morning from Atlantis to Berwynn, along with an escort raised by the Marquis of Neill himself.
Jack.
Slowly, she seated herself by the window. Daniel had apologized for his unexpected interruption of both her and Jack the day before, and she had forgiven him for it, but his shocked expression had raised a valid point in her own mind. She knew that whatever she and Jack might feel toward one another, neither of them were fully ready for any sort of serious courtship. Sarah still had to see if the remains of her old life before her enslavement could be forged in the new one she was attempting to build. Jack's duties to the military, to the queen, and his strange, tense relationship with his son did not leave much room for anything else at the moment.
There was a hesitant knock on the door that interrupted her thoughts. Startled, Sarah stood up and crossed the room. Opening it just slightly, she peered cautiously through the crack.
Jack stood there, dressed possibly in the finest clothes she had seen him in. Opening the door further, she asked, "Should you not be attending Lady Laura and Doctor Beckett's wedding ceremony?" She knew it was due to start any time now and his absence would be very noticeable.
He blinked, and then replied simply, "Good day to you too, my lady."
Much to her embarrassment, Sarah felt her cheeks warm. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Please, come in."
Jack stepped inside and she watched him take in the sight of the several chests that sat neatly in the corner, ready to be taken to pack horses when she made her departure. "I, ah, I just wished to say goodbye to you now, as I'll likely be gone from the palace myself early tomorrow," he told her after a moment.
Sarah nodded. "I see. Thank you, then. I would have hated to have missed you."
Several moments of silence passed between them before Jack spoke again. "Daniel came and spoke to me earlier."
"Did he apologize to you as well, then?" she asked, gesturing for him to sit down in a nearby chair while she returned to the window seat.
Jack's lips twitched. "Apologize isn't the word I'd use. He warned me, in his own special way, about dire consequences that I'd suffer if I did anything to hurt you. You do not lack for defenders, my lady."
Sarah smiled faintly. "I see." She looked down at her hands, and then forced herself to look back up at him. "I am glad to be going home at last," she told him. "I carried the memory of Berwynn with me for so long. It was sometimes the only link to sanity that I had…" She trailed off, her throat tightening and unable to say anything more.
Thankfully, Jack merely nodded. "I understand," he answered. Sarah wanted to object for a moment, thinking he could not understand unless he himself had experienced something similar, but before she could even open her mouth, it occurred to her that perhaps he had.
He paused, hesitating for a moment, and then continued by muttering something very quickly and quietly.
Sarah cocked her head. "I'm sorry?"
He cleared his throat, indicating just how uncomfortable he was, and repeated more slowly and more loudly, "I was wondering if I could have your permission to write to you while you are in Berwynn."
She blinked in surprise. He wished to write to her? That was unexpected, she supposed. But really, what did she know about the rules and procedures of courtship? She had never been courted before. Jack likely knew more about the subject than she did.
And truthfully, Sarah thought that she would like to hear from him. She had grown to enjoy his presence since her arrival, and had been dreading the loss of his company, even though she knew it was necessary.
Smiling hesitantly, she bowed her head, hoping that the renewed flush in her cheeks was not too obvious. "I would like that, my lord." The relief that flashed through his eyes was both amusing and endearing and Sarah could not help herself. "I think it should be interesting to receive your letters, since that you are always telling me that you are not good with words."
His indignant look only made her laugh.