An envoy arrives at the fortress to present gifts from the Queen Dowager to Prince Derek, who presides alone while his father and brothers are at war. The Chancellor's favored student brings ten chests and beauties to secure peace and to keep King Xavier in Northland. Other commanders call the offer insufficient and demand 15 northern cities, 100,000 laborers per year, 1,000 beauties, 100 chests of gold and silver, and that Ystravian royalty come here to acknowledge Father as king. Derek defers to consult. As he prepares to leave, someone asks, "Who are you discussing that with?