[Pregame, Morning] Family Breakfast

[Zeno Thul]

He nods at that, then makes his first point. "More children is more potential political marriages in the future. When the Panteer children have children of their own, it would be better for us to have children of the same age. Ones that could be raised as friends from childhood to create a stronger bond. As long as the Queen is around play dates and group outings with those children would be much easier," he says, making a first argument. "We could put off more children until we learn of pregnancy of either the prince or princess."

She knows that this isn't his primary motivation. He seems to genuinely enjoy being a father more than anything, and is happy to have the twins if nothing else. But he's also not above strengthening the house through such children. It had taken basically no convincing to get him on board with a political marriage after all. Familial duty was inherent in him.

[Ziandra Thul]

“If the Queen makes the right decision and names Jameela as the heir we are sitting in a real strong position, then sure we can have another baby,” she responded.

[Zeno Thul]

It felt like she was using children as an incentive rather than discussing the prospect. But the machinations of the court were so far beyond the capability of one person having an impact that it was rolling dice more than influencing the outcome. So it was fickle fate that would decide whether or not he would have another child, in his mind.

"Then we will see what we can do," he says with a nod. "Did you want me to help out with the Syrush killik issue as well? It can't hurt to have another house looking at us favorably and I've heard it's gotten relatively bad for them."

[Ziandra Thul]

"I just assumed you would put that strength and training to use as you see best," she teased placing a loving hand on his strong arms.

"But yes, you read my mind as usual."

[Zeno Thul]

"I'll see what I can do. It's been a while since I've been hunting, and I hear they're more cunning than most animals. So it should be more of a challenge," he says with a nod.

"Are you aware of any other issues with smaller houses that I might be able to help with?"

He had consciously started avoiding using the phrases lesser, weaker or poorer when referring to other houses. He was trying to train himself to prefer less potentially insulting terms like smaller house or remote house. With more frequent and regular public appearances it was more important for him to avoid giving reasons for people to be offended. His direct and insulting way of speaking to people in the past did not fare well among Alderaanian politicians and nobles. It didn't make him more eloquent, but it did make him less offensive. And his appearance tended to be offensive enough for most of them.

[Ziandra Thul]

"Speak with Xero, he handles those kinds of matters," she responded.

"You know the one with the mask... or whatever that is."

[Zeno Thul]

"Alright. And for the events and parties of the festival itself, I've got a list of all my expected appearances," he takes her hand in his. "You know I'll do my best to represent us properly. I'll try and be more present and active this year. I know it's more important than previous years and you've put a lot of effort in to give us greater opportunities. You know I don't think as many steps ahead as you do and I'm better at living in the moment, so do let me know when you need me in position for any moves you make."

He had come to understand over the years, with both Zash and Ziandra, that he was not an architect. He was the hammer they wielded when it came time to build. Once he had learned to accept that lesson he gained a much greater clarity of purpose. And he suspected that when he had that realization was when Ziandra truly came to appreciate him as more than just a political end. He hadn't given up ambition... he had simply made his ambition about those he served rather than himself.

[Ziandra Thul]

“You are always the first to know,” she said softly. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it gives me confidence that you can handle things when I am indisposed with business. Not everyone has so reliable a spouse.”

“Just make sure the girls don’t stay up late,” she teased.

[Zeno Thul]

"I'll definitely do my best to ensure a prompt bed time," he says with a smile.

[Ziandra Thul]

She kissed his cheek and said, "I need to get ready, date night tonight after my many meetings."

[Zeno Thul]

"I look forward to it," he says with a nod. "They started bottling wine from last year's harvest to make room in the barrels for this years. So we get to taste that tonight."

One of his pet projects when he got here had been to oversee the vineyards. Wine was an important part of Alderaanian culture and economy. Other houses tried to wedge them out of the market, but Thul had the benefit of Imperial buyers that the other houses couldn't stop. And little by little they were working their way back into the Republic market each year. She would know he took a bit of pride in that, but he didn't know how much she probably did to help that along.