Conseil du Royaume

[Braden]

Henri looks to stand but clearly cannot, all colour has left his cheeks and a visible tear is in his eye. Steeling himself it manages to stand, just, and looks to his retainers. A cup of wine is given him, each retainer also garners a similar one. Henri raises his cup…

I pray my father, our King, greatest of any to have been gifted to our nation, finds a welcome embrace with my mother.

To his memory I say I know him as Philip the Builder, Philip the Unifier for we are now a unified nation under God. Also to this I now know him as Philip the Peaceful.

Peace has been attained! I thank and honour my fathers memory with that…what better lasting legacy could a man provide than security for his family? None I say, and to have done so without draining the Kingdoms funds at all…is another legacy of prudent management.

I say I also know him as Philip the Father and I loved him as a son should.

Hail Philip, King! God welcomes you!

Henri raises his cup and drinks…the call “God welcomes you!” is taken by Henri’s retainers and they also drink. Henri turns to Louis and raises his cup once more.

Hail Louis, King! May God guide you!

again, the ritual is repeated amongst the men of Lorraine but now empty the cups are raised high and thrown to the ground to smash into a multitude of pottery shards, then Henri bows to Louis before speaking again.

Brother and King, I salute you. Your fearlessness in combat is legendary and rightly so. I bow to thee as loyal subject and Prince.