Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 11:39:21 GMT -5
Fueled by the letter he received from Lady Maricela with the painting she had done of Shelbourne, Reed decided to take a chance and reach out to Dante Sandoval for a meeting. Too much had gone on for him not to notice that there was a definite air of danger in the winds where the Deverauxs were concerned. Attacks in his own region aimed at both Deveraux and Romanov made the Gardiner duke uneasy and wondering if his family was next. While he had taken his oath to the King, Reed also was trying to stay neutral until he had a better idea of what was going on.
He was not necessarily looking to change sides or choose them, though that probably would come down the line for him eventually. For now, he wanted information and trade agreements to keep Shelbourne prosperous, his family protected. If that meant engaging with the Sandovals, then he saw no problems with it, especially since having Vasile bracketed might help to keep the troubles in check. He did not want them spilling over into his region if he could help it.
A note requesting a meeting at one of the inns was sent to Lord Dante's attention. Reed set it for the morning, preferring the early hours of the day when his mind was the clearest and his time was his own. Afternoons were often reserved for family members and their needs, preparations to attend court and enter the forth-coming social whirl that was about to begin. With such a large family, Reed had plenty to keep him busy!
A private parlor was reserved for the meeting and that was where Reed waited for Dante to join him. He was dressed in a loose-fitting and light-weight tunic out of consideration for the day, still summer warm, but looking like the duke he was. Refreshments of a liquid nature were waiting for the men as well. He stood by the window, hands on the sill as he looked out over the city. It had been a long time since he'd engaged in these talks and meetings. Maybe too long, but it was time to step up and get himself into the thick of things. Gardiner and Shelbourne demanded it of him.