The Blood Rose smiled at Haloise, but was still unsettled by the original notion of leaving. Even Xaver’s confidence didn’t seem to soothe her much. But certainly she’d overcome the rebellion while Haloise was missing, so this was but another leap into developing her myriad of skills.

But Gavin was a different enemy altogether.

"I fully believe that we shall." Haloise said with a sense of confidence "And the mission I have dispatched you two in is critical to achieving our victory over Gavin."

"With the aid of the Doge of Venice our web of influence will span the world and it will be Gavin who will be cornered. This objective is critical and so there is no one I would trust more in seeing it done."

Xaver could sense Haloise’s pride in his Childer, his wife, but also a sense of confidence in having the Khabit to silently guard from threats unseen.

He could also sense Selene’s uncertainity. She did indeed possess the skills needed for the task her Sire had set before her, but still was shaken. The Mekhet observed both husband and wife carefully in this moment.

“It shall take time, but I will do everything in my power to ensure a favorable relationship with the Doge.” Selene echoed confidence but was still shaking at her core. But perhaps she just needed to believe in her own words to achieve their ultimate goals.

The Emperor carried a slight smile on his face before returning to his typical aloof expression.

"I spent some time centuries ago in that city, it is where I made my fortune, you may hear certain stories or rumors, some of which may have varying degrees truth. I do hope this experience does not besmirch my character to much." Haloise spoke in his typical somewhat distant and serious fashion.

"Well then I suppose it is time we set about our business, there is work to be done." Haloise spoke calmly. "I have made arrangements for you to make use of an old Haven of mine, it is recently renovated and has ample space to house both of you as well as any allies you wish to take as part of your entourage." He gestured for them to follow him to the door.

Xaver stood just before melding into the shadows, the gestures seemingly one in the same as he disappeared from the Giovannis’ sight but remained close to the Blood Rose.

The Prince followed after Haloise, nodding blindly as he told of the arrangements he’d reserved for the diplomatic mission ahead.

“How many should I be looking to have join us in this endeavor?”

Haloise carried the slightest smile as he made his way for the door.

"The Haven I have arranged for you can accommodate four other Kindred comfortably, how many you take and how many retainers you recruit during your mission I leave entirely in your discretion." He said as he stopped before the door.

"Ladies first." He said opening the door for her.

Prologue - Scene 2 - The Assembly

Selene followed by the Emperor made their way in to the main chamber of the hidden meeting area, lingering in the shadows was their hidden guardian. There were more people here now, Vampires, Ghouls, and Thralls all hededed the emperors summons. The Vampires from the other room were suronded by their own servents enacting the will of the Emperor. Haloise stood there as the puppet master pulling the strings that would lead to the undoing of his enemies.

Selene knew Xaver would follow closely. She looked for those that had been in the meeting, mainly Ulbrecht, Romeo and Nikolas. She wasn’t sure it was appropriate for her to be immediately beside Haloise as he was here as the Emperor and she was a young Queen.

Haloise leered out looking over the various means to his ends a sense of grim satisfaction nestled deep within him hidden away by an aloof facade.

"So are there any of them you intend to speak to? Or are you content with what you have at your disposal." Haloise spoke nearly on a whisper to Selene still standing at her side he cared little for what those in the room might think of such a thing, in the end who were they to him, who were they to judge him.

Selene was caught off guard, both by question and that Haloise lingered so close to her.

“Ah well... Ulbrecht was certainly interested in going and he’s been nothing but helpful since our first introduction.” She turned focusing her attention onto the Emperor, “Romeo I’ll leave here to see to city’s machinations... I was thinking perhaps of asking the knight from my court in France to join me. As for the... gathering here,” Selene gestured to the throng of kindred, ghouls and others, “I’d need to see someone interesting to consider them. I’d prefer a small but effective group.

Haloise carried a near expressionless grin on his face a mask he frequently wore in public that could almost be interpreted as malcontent but she knew better she could peer behind the mask and see the thoughts running through his mind, his requiem was a game and his moves were planed out several turns in advance.

"Wise decisions." He spoke, he was supportive of the idea even if his answer was somewhat shallow.

“And what of you?” Selene quickly flipped the question back on him, wondering if he was going to run in her circles or simply dismiss it altogether, “Certainly if you’ve determined Xaver’s task already, you have someone else to accompany you?”

She straightened her tight pencil shirt, already feeling some of the lesser beings leering at her.

"Indeed, I believe it to be critically important that he join you on this journey." Haloise spoke looking out over the numerous individuals he had called upon. "is there a hint of concern in your voice that I hear, perhaps you should have some more confidence in me."

Selene pouted, her lips pursed, "It's not you that I have doubts in... It's who or what our enemies may be scheming. We both know their minds are filled with nothing but deceit and their own desire for unopposed power."

"I think I can mange in spite of their duplicity." Haloise spoke with a hint of morbid humor "Truthfully yours is the most important mission, mine is symbolic of anything else. Your success will give us leverage against our rivals."

“Well, if that’s the case,” Selene said wit a hint of nervousness at the weight of Haloise’s words, “I should finish my preparations. I need to speak to Ulbrecht and a few others to be sure everyone else is set.”

A few moments passed and the Emperor was approached by one of his nameless servitors and in the midst of the commotion of the night Ulbrecht eventually approached his queen but keeping a respectful distance and a submissive expression.

"My queen, it would seem you have been given the most daunting of tasks, I have full confidence in your ability, there is no better diplomatic mind that I can think of." He spoke slowly but calmly.

Selene smiled at the Mekhet, “I think you may regard me too highly Ulbrecht.”

She glanced about the room, “Do you have anyone you’d recommend coming along for our venture?”

"My queen you radiate with a light that makes the luminous moon in the sky jealous and your charm is far more crafty then any I have ever experienced." He spoke with a humble sense of respect.

"In my humble opinion, exalted queen, I do not know what you will face, I feel it best to leave yourself flexible and take only those whose consultation you deem most necessary." His voice was respectful but it was obvious he wished to join his Queen in this venture.

“So if I only have you and the dragon Xaver to accompany me, I should be in good hands.” Selene blushed faintly at Ulbrecht’s words and sincerity.

"It would be my privilege to serve you my Queen." The Mekhet was clearly flattered when she spoke "I shall serve you to the best of my ability."

She smiled at the Mekhet, “I look forward to having you at my side. Is there anything I can do to help you prepare?”