There was something definitely wrong with the King’s logic, Dominic was certain of it.
And not just because he didn’t want all the extra paperwork.
"So, you’re openly recognizing me as the son of the Dragon King, and naming me Stansia Province, and you think that will... reduce the problem with refugees?" Dominic asked carefully.
The King shook his head. "Not at all. We all saw the family portrait on the basement wall. It’s an open secret that you are the true Wavemates Prince, and you will be recorded that way in the Royal Register.
However, for the sake of the public peace, that will not be publicly acknowledged.
What I am saying is that with my dear Alexis as the Governess, you will be Governor of Stansia Province. Every Noble in the region will answer to the two of you. In effect, it will be an extension of the Duchy, without the right to financial consideration from the landholders outside the official Duchy."
Now it made more sense. If he got the whole province, he would get to tax the whole province, and then pass along the King’s share.
That would make Duke Wistover too powerful.
But the Governorship was a symbolic and military position. He would be responsible for keeping the peace, but wouldn’t get to tax the Nobles to pay for it, unless intervention was needed.
That would make Wistover the default gathering point for all Noble events in the Province, a Provincial Capital in all but name.
"I suspect that this role will e with some additional resources?" Dominic asked carefully.
"Indeed. From the able-bodied men of the Province, a Regiment will be raised. Ten thousand men at arms to keep security in Stansia until such time as the Crown deems the region to be stable."
Ten thousand soldiers, taken from the three major cities, Dominic assumed. Though, they might have officers appointed from other parts of Cygnia so that they didn’t end up with a Regiment personally loyal to Dominic instead of the Crown.
"As you wish, Your Majesty. I will do my best to see that the peace is kept in the Province.
If you have remendations for experienced advisors, I am open to them. I suspect that the Princess has much more experience in such matters than I do, and I will look into recruiting some of the Royal Paladins for the role if they are available."
Prince Alex patted Dominic on the shoulder. "You don’t see any issues with using Royal Paladins as advisors and Generals for the Governate?"
"I don’t see any major downsides. They have incredibly thorough knowledge of military tactics, political norms, and experience interacting with senior Nobility.
Out of everyone that I could choose, only the children of senior Nobles or the Royal Family would be better suited."
Prince Alex looked confused for a second, as if couldn’t quite prehend what Dominic thought the force was for. Then he realized that Dominic didn’t see them as symbolic, but as a form of mobile law enforcement.
That was a valid use for the Governor’s forces, but normally, they would be kept in the city unless there was an uprising.
It was the job of the other Nobles to control bandits and crime in their territory.
The Governor only had to maintain general order among the Nobility, according to his official duties.
Prince Alex shrugged at the King, who smiled at Dominic. "Alright, I believe that I have a remendation for you as an advisor on the station of Governor.
They’re a bit older, but with age es wisdom, I am told.
They will be dispatched along with the regiment, once it is assembled. Now, if you have other duties, you may see to them before we make the official announcement in the central courtyard in two hours time."
That was a very short notice appointment, and likely designed to put the other Kings off balance in whatever negotiations came next.
Which would make it imperative that Dominic got them all the protective statues before the announcement was made.
The closest was the Axbridge house, so Dominic went directly to the door guard with the protective statues in his hand.
"I have protective devices for the Royals. If they’re busy, just escort me to one of them and I will pass it over." Dominic explained.
"I will summon the Crown Prince."
That seemed to be protocol, Dominic noticed. Never straight to a flunky or to the King’s advisor, but to the Prince.
Fahad came down with a smile. "Dominic, I hear that you have good stuff for me. Did that crazy woman e up with a solution?"
Dominic nodded. "Indeed. Though, it’s not a cure. Should we speak inside?"
Prince Fahad brought him into the main room on the first floor, and Dominic handed over a pair of the statues.
"These should keep the curse from taking effect. It isn’t gone, just dormant most of the time. When the Royals got eager to divvy up territory, the Curse took them as being invaders.
It’s not like the curse is properly sentient, it just senses intention, you see?
But these statues should help remind it that you’re my guests, friends and allies. With that assurance, the Curse shouldn’t activate again, but in the future, there is still the chance that it might trigger.
I don’t know what the solution will be yet, but the King of Cygnia intends to make an announcement in a few hours.
I suspect that you will want to be there for it."
Prince Fahad nodded. "Thank you. I will pass the spare along to my King. Do you have more for the others?"
"One for every Royal who reacted during the meeting." Dominic confirmed.
"Then you had best get them distributed before your King is ready to make his speech. Any time there is a public declaration in front of the other Monarchs, it’s always a provocation.
That’s how it’s always been. They love nothing more than to show off in front of their rivals."
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