The Crossing of Blades (FIOLEE)

Chapter Sixteen

"Prince Gumball, before we start, I should mention that I invited the Unknown Lands to send an emissary for peace talks between the three of us." Fionna said carefully.

"You don't have to be so formal." Gumball answered, before frowning. "Wait. Marshall Lee will be here? Don't you remember what happened last time?"

"Hopefully, it won't be like last time, 'cause you two won't bicker like kids." Fionna said pointedly.

Gumball frowned. "It is perfectly within my rights to bicker with him. He acts like a spoiled child, always trying to get his way. He has no regard for others, nor for the consequence of his actions. When he finally grows up, I'll respect him."

"If he really acts like that to you, shouldn't you try and be the better person?" Fionna asked.

"I tried, but he's just so provoking! The man is a nuisance, and I would not be sorry if I never saw him again." Gumball hissed into his tea.

Fionna frowned. "Sometimes a little fun is needed. If everyone was super formal all the time..."

"I have fun." Gumball protested, as the doors swung open, and a vampire with dark hair strode in. However, unlike Marshall's red irises, his were purple, behind tortoiseshell glasses. Also unlike Marshall, his hair was neatly combed instead of messy, and he wore a pristine suit closer to Gumball's clothes than Marshall's pirate outfit.

He sat down next to them. "Shall we begin?"

"You're not Marshall." Fionna said, disappointed.

"Correct. Marshall Lee Abadeer is not here— I was sent in his place. I am his acting regent, since I am next in line for the throne and he is never there. My name is Dr. Timothy Tepes, also known as Count Dracula."

"So you disapprove of his piracy too?" Gumball asked.

"No. The Shadow has brought back many resources that have proved extremely valuable. Medical texts, metals, an extra supply of food or goods, et cetera. I disapprove of being the one who has to rule instead, but there are worse things in life than being the acting king."

"So where is he?" Fionna asked.

Timothy shrugged. "Excuse me, but I was under the impression that we were here for peace talks?"

"Oh... right." Fionna settled back into her seat as Timothy asked, "What did you hope to gain through the war? Perhaps we can cede the land to you?"

"I didn't start the war. The people who did are gone." She replied.

Timothy peered over the edge of his glasses at her. "You desire nothing from us at all?"

"Nothing but an increased trade relationship. I know that you have something to offer us, and you need our steel and agriculture."

"What did you have in mind?" Timothy asked warily. "In exchange, I mean?"

Fionna drummed her fingers on the table, before saying, "The knowledge to build ships akin to the Shadow, so that the speed of the Royal Navy is increased."

Timothy adjusted his glasses. "The design... I suppose that could be arranged. Anything else?"

"We really don't know what you have to offer, but the relations between our two kingdoms should definitely improve." Fionna replied.

"And how would you propose that comes about?"

Prince Gumball frowned in anticipation of Fionna's following words.

"I wouldn't be opposed to a marriage between Duine and—"

"That's it." Gumball snapped. "I have held my tongue about this nonsense long enough! I remained silent on the matter because I was under the impression that the alliance between the now Queen of Duine and myself would be upheld, no matter what. As much as the Unknown Lands 'need' Duine goods, my country relies on trade for our entire livelihood. I refuse to let an opportunity for my country to grow, as well as for the good of Duine, to be bypassed in favor of Marshall Lee's antics!"

Fionna glared at him. "If I said that I'm not marrying you, I'm not marrying you. I love Marshall."

"You don't even know him! You had approximately a week together!" Gumball hissed back, slamming his hands on the table.

"But we fell in love very quickly." Fionna hissed back. "I would die for him, and I'd like to think he feels the same way."

"That's why this is so stupid! He doesn't, and you know it!"

"I won't let you change my mind about him again. He has held me when I cried, kissed me when I laughed, he has been there for me when I needed someone, and he loves me."

"He loves the trade agreement you'll give him." Gumball snarled. Neither of them noticed Timothy intently scrawling something on a piece of paper.

"How is that any different from your feelings on the matter?" Fionna shot back.

"Because I actually care about the welfare of my citizens, and my kingdom! I'm not stating that we would have a perfect marriage, but at least I am honest about my intentions and have come to the conclusion that we would at least be friends!"

"I'm not saying that Marshall and I would have a perfect marriage either, but just because Duine is entering a trade agreement with them, doesn't mean that will lessen the trade that you receive. Feel free to make a trade deal with them— that's the opportunity that you're bypassing!"

Here Timothy spoke up. "This discussion is getting a little heated. I'd ask you both to settle down."

Fionna put her head in her hands, before saying softly, "What if we could have the relationship between Duine and the Unknown Lands, but also the alliance between Duine and Dulce?"

"What, a polyamorous relationship?" Gumball asked incredulously.

"No. I mean, my friend Cake seems really interested in your friend...?"

"Lord Monochromicorn." Gumball agreed. "And he seems interested in her as well. Your point?"

"If I ever leave Duine for whatever reason, Cake would rule while I'm gone. Her getting married is almost as good as me." Fionna pointed out.

Gumball considered this. "I suppose that could work... are you sure they'd agree?"

"Sure. Maybe they wouldn't get married instantly, but yeah, eventually."

"I'm glad we solved that bit of a problem." Timothy added. "Now, back to the problem at hand..."