To Claim A Kingdom

4

The inside of the main palace was just as enchanting as the outside.
Long halls, and high glass ceilings that displayed the evening sky.

At the end of the far end of the main court sat a number of thrones.
In two copper seats sat an elderly man, and a younger man who were placed on ether side of a large white throne.
A young lady who resembled Clara lounged lazily in the white throne, her hand absently reaching out to the younger man at her side. 

Princess Oswin picked up her pace angrily at the scene, leaving the Doctor behind in his leisurely stride. He could practically see the steam trail leaving her ears as she marched on ahead. 

"Get off my throne." She growled dangerously.
The younger woman allowed a terribly smug grin stretch across her face. She was just as beautiful as he knew Clara to be, except her eyes were harsh, and held none of the familiar warmth or wonder that he knew Clara to have. 

"How dare you talk to your queen that way."

"You are not my queen!" She spared a fond glance at the young man at her side before returning her attention back on Oswin. "I am truly embarrassed for you. This denial is pathetic..."

"I will be queen you little toad, and when I do, you better hope I remember you are my sister and choose to be merciful. I will not let you become queen, Blair. I swear it." 

"And how do you plan on pulling that off miss controls freak?" Her sister shot back.

"If it comes to dragging your ass off that throne with my bare hands I w-,"  the quickly stepped up before she could finish her threat. "But lucky for you it won't have to come to that. Thats why Im here."  He rested a comforting hand on her shoulder.  

Playing along. 

He said he'd help. So he would do his best to be a good husband if that's what it took.

"You can't be serious? You are engaged to him?!" Blair exclaimed. 

"Elder Ploris?" Oswin looked to the old man expectantly, ignoring her sister. 

The old man nodded in approval.
"If the eldest sister has found a fiancé then the throne falls to her."
The words left a shivering relief over princess Oswin.
She squeezed the Doctor's arm in silent excitement.

"That's no fair! I was engaged first!" The girl jumped up.

"Now Blair-" Elder Ploris tried to soothe, but he was interrupted by princess Blair's raging retort. "No! No Oswin, I challenge you and you lover to the trials of Yaphet."

At this the Doctor really thought Oswin would spring forward and attack her sister.

"Matters like the Trials are no long relevant in our modern society."

Elder Ploris rose from his copper throne shakily, and beat his staff against the stone floor, sending an ear splitting boom that rattled the dome ceiling.
"Quiet!" He shouted.
The room fell silent. All eyes on him.
"We are at a crossroads.
Your parents left you two with me, along with matters of the grand court... And due to the situation... I will allow the trials to be challenged."

Oswin was nearly shaking with rage.
"And if I don't except?"

"We except." The Doctor stepped forward ignoring the princess on his arm.
Oswin shot him a horrified glare.
"What are you doing?!" She whispered angrily. 

"Look... It doesn't look like you have a choice."
"But he said-"
"There is no easy to get through this cleanly with two disagreeing princesses. Think of the reactions of the empire if their fearless queen turns down a challenge by her baby sister."

Oswin a mouth opened read to make a retort.. But shut it quickly realizing she had no valid argument.
He was right.

"I said I'd help you. And I will." He whispered in a distinct Scottish burr.
Defeated, she nodded, and moved to stand before her sister.

"Accepted... Sister."

They shook hands, their eyes cutting each other like knives.
They knew each others secrets.

Blair had intentions of laying wast to their allies.

Oswin was not actually engaged.