'I do not own RWBY. It was created by Monty Oum, and is owned by Roosterteeth.'

'This is rated "M" for mature audiences.'

Note: Here's chapter three, of my release heavy week! I'm always happy when I upload a new chapter, but for this story I'm always especially so… Quite honestly, I think that this story is my second favorite work of mine in terms of quality, setting, and reviewers.

On a side note, I'm looking for Beta-readers for every story I have… To my surprise, despite the mass call on Criminal Mastermind!, I've yet to receive a single follow up through PM about that… Really, it's surprising. So, if any of you guys are interested in becoming a beta for me, feel free to PM me about it!

Now, let's continue into the story!

One King To Rule Them All

Chapter IX

Wind rustled through his blond hair, and save for the sound of the now gathering crowd in the square, the approach of the white ship was quiet, and graceful. Elegant in every way, it glided across the waves as though on ice, the pleasant breeze filling the sails, propelling it to Jaune and his entourage.

The day his potential suitors would be arriving had always been in a part of his mind, but now? This close to the reality of it happening? Jaune couldn't help but feel nervous, and unbelievably excited.

After all, now there would be multiple women fighting for his attention, all of whom were hoping that he would wed and bed them. While Jaune would only be allowed to marry one, lest some change happen in the Church, at the very least that idea gave him a rather pleasant image in his mind's eye.

But as much as the King of Vale was excited, he was proud.

More specifically, proud of his nation. It had been a difficult year for the populace: A rebellion in the East caused Jaune's father to punish the lords still loyal as a proof of his absolute power, and in that same rebellion their king died.

Yet still, they'd endured.

Vale's citizens have lost a king, and gained a new one. The policies had shifted slightly, and now there was a progressive wind in the air. Not much had truly changed yet, but the people could tell that there was something coming, something new was in the air.

This moment was a large one for Jaune's people. They hadn't had a queen in nearly eighteen years, since Jaune's own mother died in the birth of his youngest sister. Now, all their prospective queens were about to arrive, and meet their own young bachelor.

A bachelor which had no previous obligations, no ties for marriage set by his father.

Everyone in the kingdom had been apart of Jaune and his advisor's own preparations for the suitors, whether they knew it or not. The efforts of the high council to grab, retain, and increase control on anyone who might fancy a power grab has led to the general stabilization of the Vale.

Well, for the very least as far as the nobility was concerned.

Furthermore the economy has shifted upwards, and the investments they were making were only just beginning. In a few months time, infrastructure was about to be improved and repaired following several announcements that would rock the kingdom this way and that…

He hoped, wished, and knew it would be for the better.

But the internal excitement among the people was far from the end of it. The King's own spy network reported that people in other countries of the world too, were heavily interested in what would happen in Vale. No longer were they a war machine of untold proportions, slaying left and right, invading and seizing treasures.

Vale was becoming a true nation worth being proud of.

It was becoming, and perhaps always had been, a clever, skilled country filled with the people who really kept it running; craftsmen, masons, farmers, carpenters, merchants, shepherds, servants, tailors, cobblers and everything of the like.

Jaune's policy was quickly becoming: "Stop invading."

Rather simple, but also apparently rather effective.

Jaune turned back to the sea, watching the graceful boat come to onwards with little hassle. The burly seamen shouted to one another, as ropes flew back and forth among the attendants and boat.

A golden sun beat down on him, as he stood there a few minutes longer for the boat to finally dock, and for a long railed gangplank to be slid to ground. He smelled some bread coming from his left, and the crowd which had assembled around his platoon of guardsmen cheered as the well-kept but not pristine boat came in gracefully. There would be several boats later in the day, and days after that, for the rest of the season, as they came from around the world, and yet this first woman would be the one he takes back personally.

Of all the sweeping changes he would one day make, choosing a Queen was entirely unique.

The suitors coming would be some of the absolute finest eligible maidens in the four Kingdoms, coming with finery and gifts. They would be coming with their high hopes, and ambitions, as well as the thoughts and plans of their families, almost each and every one of them having their own secret agenda for their want of him.

But, that was of course to be expected.

Some were invited out of nothing more than courtesy and for no reason but, others for very specific deals that still would not mean marriage, and others if only because it paid to have friends in high places. What places were higher than a king were only in the church, but those on the level just below would be essential one day.

While Jaune personally had no specific intention of marrying the daughter of a minor lord, or of a foreign dignitary, he figured inviting them would also be seen as a pleasant act of courtesy. Those from smaller families would be honored to even be invited for the possibility of marrying someone with his stature, and that would rack up favor.

Presuming of course that he didn't break their hearts all at once…

If he were his father, he would've taken a few as mistresses or concubines while the Queen toured, or was away from the palace… Or more often while he himself was touring the lands around his city, conquering, or hunting.

Thinking, if he were being entirely honest, that wasn't an entirely unpleasant thought…

Nonetheless, there were slightly more important things to attend to.

For example, greeting and rewarding the very first suitor to arrive from overseas.

Casting his gaze back towards the now bridged gap between the boat and the harbor, Jaune's eyes fell not upon the sea which was glittering in the sunlight, nor the white sails flying in the wind, but instead on the truly gorgeous woman he saw coming to his country.

A classical beauty in seemingly every sense but one, she held about her a refined and elegant quality that Jaune had never encountered before despite his usually rather esteemed company. The lady had a slim waist, over top a pair of gorgeously formed hips, and long, sexy legs. Her chest was what was considered the perfect size, smaller than Yang's but near the same size as Ruby's.

The only part of her not perfect in comparison to Jaune's understanding of classical beauty, was the hair. Rather than the blonde one would expect upon such a frame, her own hair was a platinum white, and long flowing down her back in a ponytail.

In the end it was the hair which reminded him of just who the girl with the icy-blue eyes was.

However let it not be said that Jaune would blame her for the multiple failures of her father. While Jacques Schnee may be a deceitful, snake of a man, who clawed and scraped his way to the top with his wife's father's company, Weiss Schnee, even should she act on his behalf, with his goals in her mind, was pure.

Weiss Schnee, it by all outward physical appearances, was perfect.

Save apparently, for a small, crooked and light scar over her left eye.

But if he was being entirely honest, the hair and the scar were the most endearing parts about her to him. Dealing with someone perfect was difficult, and with these reminders that she was undoubtedly a human, and mere mortal like himself, was completely comforting.

Jaune liked her.

Citizens of the sea-side town seemingly agreed with him, cheering and clapping at the sight of her. King of Vale smiled, both at their joy and at the fact that soon he would make contact with a lady of such amazing appearances.

A unit of guards took off from his side, but many were still left. They would escort her from the docks, to the town square just up the road, ensuring that the path was clear, and that her body would be shielded by any and all dangers.

Wouldn't want to cause a diplomatic incident now would we?

There were a few more, excited minutes, as Jaune grew increasingly pleased with the way things were going. The world had yet to explode, and terrorists had yet to appear from the shadows. All in all, it was a productive morning.

Eventually, she arrived.

Flanked by her own bodyguards and what appeared to be a personal manservant along with part of his own retinue, the crowd parted before her like the sea before a Titan, and she reached him. Curtsying, her white-gloved hands raised the light blue, slim dress from the ground.

"Lady Weiss Schnee, your majesty." Her voice was smooth and soft, with just an undertone of someone used to getting what they want. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you after such a long period of travel."

He couldn't help but remark on the unusual nature of her dress. Unlike Valean dresses, hers was more slim, and had less of a 'poof' to the bottom that was common in other noble ladies he spoke with often.

Jaune liked the style.

Nodding his head, he looked at her with a smile. "I assure you, the pleasure is all mine. Now, shall we continue on to the castle? After all, your prize is a few minutes in my company alone, which otherwise you would need to wait a little while for."

The woman smiled, but it didn't quite meet her eyes; something he was unfortunately too used to seeing among people with an agenda. "Well then, shall we?"

~oOo~ One King To Rule Them ~oOo~

For the most part the carriage ride was pleasant enough. Weiss couldn't seem to find any outstanding flaw's with the appearance of the man she had been sent to get to know, and he seemed to be decent with what he said.

Overall, her ranking of him was 'good'.

There wasn't a huge amount of things contributing against his score; his majesty's hair could use some improvement, as the scragliness betrayed the royal look he seemingly wanted. The way he carried himself could be improved. While it appeared that he took some pride in itself, he was different from others she'd met who had been full of themselves, and could certainly improve his posture the slightest amount.

Carriage jostling, they went over a small area of uneven road, before the thing bottomed out and the ride was smooth enough once more. While not perfect, the man seemed to have their protection in mind, and Weiss herself noted several improvements made to the carriage.

Something must've happened while she was at sea to make him reinforce a carriage like so.

No outstanding subjects were breached into in their relatively short carriage ride, the heavier things she was assuming he kept back because of courtesy. Rather instead they spoke of lighter matters, and King Jaune of Vale regaled her with stories of the surrounding countryside, and what industry occurred near here.

Unfortunately, none of this was particularly exciting.

Stifling herself from yawning with a great mental effort, she nodded in such ways as to be listening, when really it went in one year and out the other as she thought once more of why she was here. The odds of marrying him were low, and the objectives she was sent to complete were not much less difficult.

"... So, Lady Schnee, what are you here to accomplish? I'm curious; your father always wants to talk of this trade deal, or that trade deal. Will you be the same?" His royal majesty broke her out of her thoughts, and had she been paying even a little less attention she could've missed it.

Weiss had to admit the question was somewhat surprising, while everyone who was anyone should be and was aware than anyone they were dealing with had an agenda, rarely was it brought up so bluntly, and by someone of such standing!

"I-I'm afraid I don't know what you're implying." Every word that left her lips and was instantly regretted. There was no point to hiding anything, and the King would hardly like playing around.

Seeing the face he made at that she hastened to correct herself. "Well, I suppose that's not entirely correct. I apologize for denying it, but I was likely just caught off guard by the bluntness of the question."

"Naturally, it was put that way for a specific reason." King Jaune said across from her, stretching in the confines of the carriage. "You, specifically, are the first person from overseas to arrive in Vale, as per my instructions. Your reward, was alone time with me to speak of private matters, or simply to get to know me."

He didn't let her speak, but simply continued. "Of course, someone should be using this time to flirt, or deal, or genuinely get to know me as a person. Making conversation, that sort of thing. However, I've been talking for nearly half an hour now, and you yourself have not started a single strain of conversation."

"While this would be fine, it doesn't exactly reflect well on you as a potential candidate for Queen of Vale if you're unable to hold or have a conversation." In particular that comment stung, and as Weiss opened her mouth to politely disagree, he just continued.

She was rebutted for not speaking, and every time she tried she was interrupted.

Ironic, and annoying. Though the more she thought, the more she realized it was on purpose.

"Personally though, I must say that indeed, you are likely quite justified in what you're doing… After all, the only thing you're doing is remembering the instructions your father gave you, of what deal you must arrange, with either I or my Kingdom." Jaune finished, before leaving an opening for he to speak.

"My deepest apologies your ma-" Weiss began but even then he appeared to take problem with it.

"Oh please, cut it with that bullshit. I'm tired of being treated so courteously. While I hardly crave for people to disrespect me, or to be degraded and called terrible names, I would like you to call me Jaune, and treat me normally."

Raising an elegant eyebrow very quickly at that, Weiss was surprised. Everyone else of his stature that she had met before was hardly so dismissive of the titles they were given. They wanted the power, craved it.

Jaune it appears, was different. Whether that would be good or bad had yet to be seen.

"I'm sorry, Jaune." Weiss said, the word feeling strange on her lips but after saying it the first time it grew on her, and replaying it in her mind she found more comfort with it. "Please, call me Weiss then."

At that he broke out with a huge, breathtaking grin that lit up his features and instantly made him a magnitude more handsome. Grins were rare at her home, and seeing one so freely, for such a small gesture was remarkably satisfying to her, and Weiss felt the warmth he radiated from that smile seep through her, until her delicate lips too were smiling.

"Very well then Weiss." Rolling her name off his tongue, he smiled again as it came out, before stretching his hand across from himself to her. "It is a pleasure to meet you, after such a long period of travel."

Weiss remarked at his wit, as he used the same line she had earlier, while referring to the carriage ride instead of the boat ride. Finally, it seems he felt he met her. Not Lady Schnee, second born to Lord Jacques Schnee.

But instead, he felt he met Weiss.

That too worked in reverse. She, rather than meeting King Jaune of Vale, met Jaune.

Moving her far daintier hand across to rest in his own hand, she felt the rough skin formed in the palm, thinking about how recent it must be. Surely someone like him must be pamper- Weiss internally shut down that thought; he was human, like her. Not some pampered god.

"I assure you, the pleasure is all mine."

Shaking her hand, Jaune let go and leaned back into his side of the carriage, before looking at her. "So, Weiss, tell me about yourself. Have you got any hobbies? Or rather, what do you like to do?"

There was a few moments where she was left to consider her answer, and unfortunately she found herself a bit stumped. It was not as though she lacked things she was good at, as she excelled at almost everything thrown at her, but could she really say she enjoyed success?

Can success even be enjoyed?

"I'm not sure, actually." Weiss spoke, looking for his reaction to her words, even as she continued. His approval was already of importance to her, not because he was a potential suitor, but because he was him.

Rather quickly had some sort of bond formed.

"Nearly everything I do I am good at, and everything I am taught I retain, and excel at… But I suppose I've never truly had much leisure time." That was not incorrect… "Which I suppose isn't a great thing, yet unfortunately that's simply the way things are."

The high-stress lifestyle of a second-born daughter left little time for rest or relaxation, and if she wanted to have any hope in hell to compete with her brother for her father's affections, only perfection was allowed.

Whitley had it all given to him with a smile. Her father was by no means a nice man, and most certainly was not a good man. Even if you were not apart of the family, it was obvious that Jacques married in for money, and saw his own wife's sole purpose as to provide heirs for him.

Despicable.

"Well, we'll have plenty of time to remedy that when we're back at the castle I hope!" Jaune said, rubbing his hands together like an excited child. "This has been long in the making, we've been very busy preparing for the arrival of every suitor, and ensuring that they would live here in comfort and luxury."

A eyebrow was raised at that, if only because luxury in Vale could very well be different from the Atlesian comfort she was used to in her small amounts of down time.

"Please don't look at me with such surprise Weiss…" He said clearly exaggerating her small look, but it wasn't unpleasant. "While I'm sure our global reputation is still quite scarred, I can assure you that under my reign we will be hardly so warmongering."

Gazing out the reinforced window to the farmland outside, the King of Vale viewed upon the lands of which were all his with fondness. "Valeans are tired of warmongering, I think. We are a bright, colourful people. Perhaps not quite as colourful as Vacuo, but we have a pleasant country, and generally progressive people."

"We are a country of craftsmen, farmers, and traders… Of women , and men. Of faunus and humans. We are a country of living, breathing people… And I think it's time that I make my best efforts as King to remind the world of that."

It was a noble goal, and she found herself impressed.

Already the world was figuring that King Jaune would not be a war-monger like his father, but hearing it from the man himself was oddly comforting. To know that he seemed to have such ambitions that didn't involve conquering neighbors, and instead involved simply bringing his country up to speed and onto the world stage was a good thing.

~oOo~ One King To Rule Them All ~oOo~

Arriving with someone he considered a new friend, Jaune exited the carriage before holding out a hand for Weiss to take. Grasping his hand, she stepped out and off of the carriage into the stones of the inner courtyard. Nodding to her, Jaune turned back to the guards which had approached upon his arrival.

Just as he was about to speak, and let them know to take them to her room, before giving a tour of the grounds, one of them bowed and began speaking. "Your majesty, there are a few other suitors from your own Kingdom which have arrived. Hand Ozpin has had them moved to their rooms, and one specifically would like to speak with you… Another, Ozpin would like to speak with you about."

"Who?"

"One Lady Scarlatina, your majesty. If you would like we may escort you to her room, or have her brought to speak with you at your convenience." That was a nice offer of them, and Jaune figured it was best to be courteous to those that were here to romance him.

He'd meet with her, and quite happily.

Turning on his heel back towards the Atlesian lady, Jaune pursed his lips. "I apologize deeply, Weiss, however I must make my leave to attend to some other matters, as you no doubt have heard. I will have some servants take you and your baggage to your room."

Weiss gave a little smile towards him. "It is no inconvenience your majesty. Have a wonderful evening."

Looking at the sky, Jaune saw that time had flown by. Already, it was becoming slightly darker, as the sun sunk below the horizon casting orange and red light upon the clouds. They lazilly floated by, free as birds, on a gentle breeze.

"You as well, Weiss." Continuing with the first name calling she had permitted him to do, Jaune took another moment to recount their afternoon together. After their brief awkwardness in the carriage, they managed to carry on a conversation.

Perhaps not all hope was lost for him yet.

Leaving it at that, Jaune moved with his guards without the white haired woman, and began heading through the twisting, complex corridors of the place which he inhabited. Had he not grown up here, he would most certainly have been lost.

In fact, a few times every year a servant went missing, and was found later, half starved down some side corridor that was kept clean, but not particularly maintained. They from that point were given a stationary position, or always given a buddy.

You know, to eat in the event of an emergency.

Emerging into the bottom floor of one of the towers, Jaune and his escort climbed the stairs towards the room of which this Lady Scarlatina was apparently inhabiting, before they knocked on the door for him. Opening the door in fifteen or so seconds, the wooden portal revealed a girl not much older than he.

With fair skin, and brown hair, she wasn't a bad looking woman. Perhaps a slight amount too tall to others, she seemed to be of a decent height for himself when speaking. Noting what was actually quite a nice frame, Jaune took a moment before gazing up past her brown eyes and towards the brown bunny ears on her head.

It was not often there was a faunus Lord or Lady within the castle walls here, and not just a servant who was faunus, so he took an extra moment to let it all sink in before speaking to her.

"Lady Scarlatina, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Jaune said, nodding down towards her while she curtseyed, and the guards moved out of the way. "I am told that you had a request to speak with me?"

She blushed red, face showing it without a chance for error. "A-Ah, it wasn't so urgent that you needed to meet with me the moment you arrived back here though… I would like to speak with you though, yes, your majesty."

Watching her slightly stumble over her words, Jaune took in a breath before gesturing to the room behind her back. "May we speak inside? Talking in the hallway is never very well liked by the other occupants, my lady."

"Of course!" Walking backwards into her room, the young lady let him enter as Jaune let his escorts remain on guard outside of the room. He doubted that the seemingly well mannered, if a bit shy lady, would attack him.

Seeing that the room met his standards, and that the cleaning staff was doing a good job, he spotted the table, chars, and the bed which was provided. There was other small pieces of furniture, a wardrobe, a dresser, and some other items.

Moving to sit at one of the chairs, Jaune did so. While he was polite, it was his castle and he could sit where he pleased. "So, Lady Scarlatina… What is it you would like to speak with me about? While I cannot assure you that I will be here all night talking to you about the various problems of the world, if we keep things on topic I can assure you I will attempt to address the problem at hand."

"Or at least, I assume it was a problem or issue of some kind." Jaune said, looking at the lady as she seated herself on a few meters away from the table. She briefly gazed out the door to the balcony before speaking.

"Please, call me Velvet, your majesty." That… Was good to know. He couldn't remember the names of all people in his country, and her name had been on the tip of his tongue, but he had refrained in fear of error.

"Very well then Velvet. How may I help you this evening?"

"Well your majesty, a few months ago you may remember that you adopted a different style of governing in the East, in which my family has been very involved." She said, becoming more confident in herself as she spoke each word. "You decreed that the Scarlatinas, my family, the Adels, the Daichis, and the Alistairs must work together with votes in order to decide the future of that portion of the realm."

Velvet was hardly wrong, he'd done it. Jaune had implemented a style in which the four families would vote on important decisions for the area. While certain decisions were not under the consultation of the largest four families left in the region, when there was a decision required they would now need to vote in favor of it.

The reasoning of it was that if they were required to become closer with two families in order to win votes and not end things on a deadlocked tie, they would expend their resources tightening up the political bonds there. Seeing as that was where the original uprising that killed his father began, anything to tighten up the region was good.

Of course, this could just as easily divide them. They could backstab, and sell votes for more power. Yet, Jaune had yet to see a truly terrible outcome come from it, and therefore it was worth keeping in place for perhaps a year yet at least, to see how the people liked it.

"What about it, Velvet? I can assure you that decision was thought out, and given the approval of my Hand, Ozpin." Jaune said, speaking to her calmly. It was not impossible for her or her family to have qualms. They were one of the few Faunus families in Vale that were of the stature they were, and had the disadvantage of the race they were born with when it came to getting along with the other families.

Yet at the same time, they felt natural, and human.

Since his initial observation, and the occasional moment where his eyes were drawn over to a flickering ear, the fact that she was faunus was not immediately relevant, and changed nothing as to how he treated her. How someone could be different he still could not quite understand.

But sometimes, old blood and old traditions, even those traditions of hate were more powerful than common sense.

"It's not that we find it unfair. On the contrary, my family believes that you've been more than kind." Velvet said, a bit to Jaune's surprise. "While we may be considered lords of equal power, our lands are not as bountiful as that of the Adels, and we are not as respected as the Daichis. This is a fair deal for us, as for once we have people wanting our cooperation, and due to this we may bargain with greater strength."

Jaune found that she was right, and he mentally berated himself for not thinking that that would be the case here. There was just so much going on today that it was difficult for him to keep track of everything.

"Because of this, my parents want for me to give you this…" Walking over to her dresser on-loan, Velvet's hands grasped and opened a box at the top before taking out another, smaller, ring-sized box. Walking over to him she pushed it gently into his hands.

"If this is your way of proposing to me, I am very surprised, and charmed, yet I think you know I can't quite say yes." Jaune said cheekily getting Velvet one more time to blush as she retreated back to her bed. Opening the small box, Jaune saw nestled within a small ring.

"Don't worry, I know you couldn't."

Not quite a signet ring, the silver band contained an assortment of lines crossing in various ways, as they spiralled around the metal. On the top was a yellow coloured gem, within which there seemed to be white, reflections of light from around the room.

Hell, it wasn't even amber, but something else... Something Jaune had never seen before.

"This… This is breathtaking."

Jaune felt the ring with the tip of a finger, before gently closing the box shut. Despite all of his possessions, it was rare for him to get a gift of jewelry, especially from a lady such as Velvet. Thinking a moment, he looked at her.

"Where did your family get this?"

"I- Or should I say, we are not sure… It's been in our family for years, and we still don't know how we acquired it, or who is used to belong to. Yet, we've kept it for a long time, and now, we're giving it to you." Velvet said, gesturing to the ring in his hands.

"And, since I know you're not quite as naive as my family believes, I may as well tell you that they hope that with it, you will look more favourably towards the Scarlatinas when we are outvoted, yet require something." She continued, giving Jaune's intelligence the benefit of the doubt, and indeed he was figuring that that was the original intention behind the gift.

Unfortunate how everyone had an agenda… But who was he to talk?

"How pray tell, would you know I'm not quite as naive as some other lords believe?" He said, looking at the girl as he stood up. It was quite the comment.

"Not all the Families thought of you as a nobody, or as completely unimpressive, your majesty." She looked him in the eyes, and her face was still slightly red. "Besides, you haven't declared war yet, or been caught sleeping around with a thousand whores… Though there are rumors."

The King's eyebrows shot up. "Of war or of me sleeping with a thousand whores?"

"Your one thousand whores, your majesty." Just saying the word seemed to make Velvet slightly uncomfortable, and when Jaune laughed she was put at a bit more ease. They enjoyed a moment as Jaune walked over to the balconies doorway, and opened the room to the fresh spring breeze.

"Well Velvet, since you know I'm not naive, you'll I'm sure also know I can't favor one family over the other over a gift like this…" Jaune said, looking over at Lady Scarlatina. "It's not that it's unappreciated, but any favor shown by kings should be shown for loyalty, long lasting through the history of a Kingdom, and what that family can do for him."

She fidgeted, playing with her hands. "That we know, but we have not caused trouble in the past, and figure our loyalty unquestionable… To you at least, we can have a new start if you don't consider it such."

That made sense… The Black One, who started the rebellion in the East in the first place, did so with the assistance of a few factors. Supplies and a bit of extra, 'covert', funding from Vacuo, as well as the lack of resistance from the other families situated there, which was written off as a terrible mismanagement of their militias.

Since then, Jaune had tightened it up further than his father had just before his death, and training across the kingdom was increased, but for defensive purposes… However, he wouldn't be lying if it was in his mind at one point that the mismanagement of the militias in the first place was done on purpose, to help remove his father.

"The Scarlatinas have my thanks, Velvet, for their continued loyalty throughout these times, and for that I will look upon their proposals with a more scrutinizing eye than normal… Any foreseen positive consequences not already brought to the table from what your family proposes, will be brought up by me… What that will do, I do not know, but I will not offer your family simple favor."

Yet, even as those words left Jaune's lips he knew he did.

Him bringing up new things they leave out, purposefully or unpurposefully, while giving him the look of simply having read and thought about the document, will swing the favor of the families generally to his own thinking, not to mention he could always find the outcome of which he was looking for.

"Thank you, your majesty… My family appreciates your diligence in the running of your Kingdom." Velvet said, perfectly understanding what it is he had to say with that. Once more, the two of them enjoyed a small silence, as they generally watched the sky grow more and more purple.

"Now, Velvet, you're technically here as a suitor correct?"

"Correct, your majesty."

Jaune hummed for a second before continuing. "Velvet, you're most certainly allowed to remain here for as long as you like, however you must be aware that it's immeasurably unlikely that I will marry someone from Vale, given our current situation, yes?"

She sighed. "I am unfortunately aware of this your majesty, but that is fine… My family and I were aware that the odds were low to begin with, and we did not have many hopes riding on you and I being wed."

He nodded.

While he was sure that she was a nice person, and most certainly loveable, with the current worldview on Vale, Jaune figured marrying someone from outside Vale would be a good idea… Someone from Vacuo, to help repair the rift between the two of them that had formed when his father was killed, or perhaps someone from Mistral to better align the interests of the two countries… Vale and Atlas had little interaction normally, but Ozpin continued assuring him that they too were worth considering a wife from, and perhaps their little interaction would in fact be a boon.

Little interaction meant fewer areas of which the other Kingdom may resent his own.

"Good. Once again, I am sorry, but the country needs me to act in it's best interest, despite how I may personally feel." Jaune said turning towards the door and remembering something before his exit. "However, if you and I would like to meet sometime before the first Sunday of Summer, I can assure you we may do some extensive talks together."

"Why, your majesty? If I may ask?" Velvet shuffled, likely feeling a bit awkward at what he was proposing. It was rare for someone to say 'extensive talks' and mean extensive talks, when in the room of a quite pretty girl, and when they owned a Kingdom.

"I have big plans, Velvet."

Leaving, Jaune stepped up to his guards to find three pages waiting for him, and his usual retinue of guards. Two of the pages were leaning heavily upon each other, breathing as though they had raced each other up to get to him, while the other stood there with a refined professionalism.

"Y-Your majesty!" Talking over each other before they both stopped speaking, the two out of breath began to go again before letting the other one go first before one finally spoke.

"Your majesty, your sister has returned from Vacuo this evening." The page said, making Jaune actually quite happy. His sister has been gone for months now, and she had been doing important business for him. "She is being returned to the castle as we speak, with her baggage."

"Is that all?"

The man nodded, and then the next one went.

"Your sister brings guests: Emerald Sustrai, Princess of Vacuo, the Emerald Snake, as well as a handmaiden, and a Vacuoan bodyguard. The bodyguard is being shown to the barracks, and the Princess with her handmaiden to her new chambers." Well that was pleasant news indeed. Emerald Sustrai would prove to be quite the ally if all goes well.

"Will it be safe to assume Sir Arthur Watts also returned with my sister?" He had sent out Sir Arthur with Joan a while ago, for her protection, and if he had deserted in Vacuo he would be quite cross with him.

Sheepishly, the first page nodded. "Yes, my apologies for the confusion your majesty."

Nodding to the last one, Jaune raised his eyebrow. "And what have you say, Paige the Page?"

Despite the normally female name, Paige the Page responded in a bit of a gruff voice. "Miss Summer Rose has responded to your requests for a formal dinner, and would be available anytime within the next week for a rendezvous."

Perfect. Well, today was quite the day of arrivals, and these were just the very important ones! In the next week or two, every other suitor would be arriving back with letters in response to those he'd sent out months ago to each family detailing things such as trade relations, and personal relations between the Crown and their family.

"Very well then, tell her tomorrow evening would be perfect." Jaune said, turning the last ones. "Inform my sister and her majesty Sustrai that I will meet with the both of them tomorrow after my rest… Today was quite taxing."

In fact it wasn't all that taxing. Filled with talking, and travel, sure. But it wasn't overly busy.

"Very well, your majesty." They responded in sync, before scurrying off.

Turning to another one of his guards, Jaune sent one of them off to have Laiyla fetch him some water for a bath before sleep. Walking with them all the way back through the castle to his room, Jaune was only nearing the main throne room, when his retinue almost ran into someone.

Stumbling just a bit to avoid his guard, Jaune briefly glimpsed between their shoulders to see a new Lady he had never seen before. Dressed in a purple gown of decent, but not spectacular make, she glided past graceful as a cat, keeping her head down and giving a curtsy with a whisper of 'Your majesty' as she passed. She had a bow trailing off of her head, following a bit the raven black hair.

Her eyes were that of amber.

'Amber eyes, black hair… Amber eyes, black hair…'

It was so familiar he could swear he could put his finger on it in the air in front of him. Thinking back to his coronation, and his various tours across his own country, he couldn't quite place which lady she was. From out of country, he went through them in his mind, circling the globe until he remembered which family she belonged to.

'Porcelain skin, amber eyes, black hair, crimson blood…'

~oOo~ One King To Rule Them All ~oOo~

"You're all fucking worthless!" He shouted, feeling his chest tighten with the pressure of screaming at those animal pieces of trash. Why must he expend such effort. Slamming his hands on the table, Cardin looked over to his temporary business mate.

"How is it none of you are able to do anything yet! You have your person inside, I made sure of that! No.. No no no you're all going far too fucking slow, any longer and my father will learn I'm hiding something from him, and we're all fucked." Standing up, the tall boy nearly hit his head on one of the wooden beams above him.

The small room was filling with smoke, incense, and whatever was in the pipe to his right. Whirling up the small, wisps of it shone in the moonlight that came in the window. The rest of the smoke was simply a haze, illuminated by the lamplight.

Cardin was not pleased.

Cramped and pissed, with some redhead asshole to his right and some idiot thief to his left, he felt as though maybe this wasn't worth doing after all… But it was too late to turn back now. Sienna Khan knew it too, and perhaps that's why she looked so calm in this situation. She knew that The Bull could skewer him where he stood in under a second.

"Relax." He was about to sit down as the tigress smirked. "Idiot."

He remained standing, a look that could kill on his face.

Why did they even have to exist? Surely there was enough before they were created and the gods would have decided to just not have faunus right? Freaks of nature, with their traits. Adam Taurus sitting down to his right had horns, and Sienna Khan herself, ears, both of which were deadly unnatural. Animal parts on people shouldn't be a thing.

Theirs might be a temporary truce, but it would infuriate him all the while.

'If I was better I could end the line myself… If I didn't need them, I could change the world myself, and get rid of this incompetent shit myself, without having to work with my worst enemy when there's no real reason to be… But no… Now there's a reason, and it's that we need each other other to get what we want.'

"We have one of our people on the inside now, and she's never let us down before… We have no reason to suspect that she will let us down this time." Sienna Khan said, speaking generally quite quietly. Despite his outburst, perhaps keeping their presence to a minimum was a good idea.

"She has not given us any reason to doubt her yet, and all she's doing is opening a door at an opportune moment." She continued, looking to Cardin. "You've done your part, but you're here, with us, if not in body, in spirit, until we finish what we started."

He took a deep breath… In, out. Cardin could still remember her look, her smell, the soft tenderness in her voice when she spoke to him. He could see her, watching him, hoping that he could control himself, stop himself from doing anything that would ruin his life… He could feel her gentle, reassuring hand on his shoulder.

'Mom…'

"Now, we've got to get prepared, don't we? And your animals have some work to do before we're anywhere near ready to slay a King in his own castle." He said, hoping his father would not interfere. His dad didn't know his plans, but if he did, would he interfere? Was it even worth it for him? Was some 'religious sign' sure sign that the King would be a great one?

Even then, did it matter?

"I would prefer you stopped referring to them as animals." She said, looking with squinted eyes towards the two people to the left of Cardin. "You shouldn't be here… You know that, yet you came with this-"

She gestured generally in Cardin's direction with her finger.

"-boy… To do what exactly? Help? That I sincerely doubt." Sienna said, continuing and getting a snort from Adam. His clothes were torn, and he still hadn't gotten them fixed since he fought his way of out one of his majesty's raids on their bases.

He was closing in, and time and secrecy were of high importance.

"We're here…" Leaning in, a snazzy man entered the light. Dressed like a foreigner, he dressed exotically in white black and orange, using that orange to match his hair. Stuffing his pipe he lit it before taking a deep puff. "To arrange a deal on the behalf of some people in Mistral who have been paying very close attention."

"That's not exactly reassuring, Torchwick." She said, looking at Roman Torchwick. Eyes drifting over to his partner, she counted the colours in her hair, getting to three before running out. The multi-coloured tiny girl seemed only half there, gazing around the room.

"Wasn't meant to be reassuring." Reaching into his coat, he pulled out an envelope.

"On the other hand, this is meant to reassure you."

~oOo~ One King To Rule Them All ~oOo~

Note: Was it good? Great? Awesome? Alright? Are you all just happy at having another chapter from me? Probably? Sure. Either way, you guys should let me know what you think. It always, always helps me when writing, and when thinking about the stories later.

Now, I'm going to let all of you guys decide: What order do you want to do the talks in next chapter? Summer, Joan, Emerald? Emerald, Summer, Joan? I'll let you guys decide what order you guys would like.

I'm going to be making a Discord server, for people who have ideas, or want to talk, or ask questions, or chat about RWBY in a generally friendly environment. I don't know when that'll be up, but I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Once again, I'm looking for a beta reader.

Lastly: How do all of you guys feel about smut being in this story? I'd like to include some, and I think it'd be appropriate, since there's suitors, and this is already rated M, but what do you guys think… Does it have a place (like I think it does)? And should it be tasteful, or generally skimmed through rather than described, or in detail, or what?

Anyways, drink a Pepsi, and have a wonderful evening!

Review Responses:

fall equinox 1: Thanks very much!

desdelor97: I'll keep updating until you respond. You okay pal?

Darzefader: Thanks very much!

DuplicateUserName: Your questions are valid… And you're kinda right. I can't quite answer them yet. Though, I can guarantee you we will see Tyrian, and Hazel.

gdvp111: Really, it's always a pleasure reading your reviews. I've been enlightened by the way: I now fully understand just how easily people can move around in plate armor. I was wrong in the way I thought about it. Good point on posters, and the appearance of the monarch. I will keep that in mind going forwards. (Psst, you made a comment about Blake…) Yeah, Jaune'll be focussed on all that and more looking for suitor. (Mainly T&A. money gained from Tax, and Ass).

LordLoverDuck: Thanks very much!

SentinalSlice: Fixed. Summer is most certainly older than Jaune.

ZenithTempest: I've got to be honest. Every story I've ever some up with aside from JA:A originally began as a excuse to have a big smut fest, which then evolved into a better idea. (CM! Was the evil girls. TWW was everyone.)

kuranodesu: Sorry!

1st Dragon King: Correct.

R-king 93: Well, not quite now, but eventually.

Suna No Ken: Thanks!

Mysterious Mr E: Yeah, GoW was very good. My exams were alright. I had a wonderful day.

Guest: Granted!

Darkness Envoy: I've updated.

DSoNaH: Long name, friend. King Arthur and the Legend of the Sword I saw before starting this story. (Not direct correlation, but a coincidence.)

BukkakeNoJustu: Thanks!

Guest: I will, since I think it's brilliant too.

Have a wonderful evening, guys. Tomorrow is Jaune Arc: Augmented.

-DragonManMax