The carriage stops before the castle gates. I smooth my dress and rub my eyes, in an attempt to look the figure of beauty and grace I'm supposed to be. I'm here in a diplomatic role, and I should represent my country and people the best I can. There are treaties that are not the best for my country that I hope to address, but I have to see if something can be changed.

The welcoming committee is big and impressive. The people are welcoming and chatty, and the banquet in honor of both of our countries is plentiful. I had fun dancing with the prince and other courtiers, and I got to get to know most of the important figures.
The only person that was missing was the minister of Foreign Affairs. The man I was hoping to informally meet before our negotiations would start. The man, a minor lord, is placed next in my itinerary, right after the banquet. The reason I cannot fully enjoy myself.

As I bid my farewell to the courtiers at the end of the banquet, I find myself in the library. The advisor is not there yet. I'm annoyed, but I make my way to one of the comfortable chairs. My feet hurt from the dancing and walking in the shoes that go with the formal dress, and I welcome the first moment of respite, however short it might be. I notice a herbal scent and a warm fireplace. I let the tension flow from my shoulders.

A warm, deep voice comes from behind me.
"Welcome, princess. It is an honor to have you here. No, please, stay seated, I'm sure you had a long day, and I want to tell you something about the history of the treaties of our countries."
"Let me first thank you for the welcome, minister. I'm grateful for the opportunity and hope we can achieve the best results for both of our countries. I have been briefed extensively on our treaties, but please, tell me what you think I should know"

The man ends up standing in front of me. I'm genuinely curious what he has to say. All reports about the surroundings of the treaty are vague, with diplomats retiring soon after they worked on the current treaty. I love to hear how we ended up with the shorter end of the stick with the deals the last few years.

"You see, your majesty," he says, while grabbing a coin on a string from his pocket, "all things are about balance. This coin, just like our treaty, has two sides. Can you keep track of this side, as it represents your country, and the other side represents my country. Currently it it in perfect balance, can you see that as I twirl it, my dear princess?"

"Yes, lord." Normally, I don't like it when a man of lower birth assumes such familiarity. But the long day, the atmosphere, and the smooth voice are enough that I let it pass, for now at least. I'm very interested to see where he goes with this.

"Good. I see that you are a good listener. Hear my voice, and see how the coin twils. You are here for the best of your country, and you see it flashing on the coin. Right next to my country. Doesn't that make sense?
Wouldn't the best for your country and the best of my country be the same?"

I must admit that makes sense. But it is getting hard to speak. The long day is getting to me. The coin flashes, and I nod to show my agreement. My head feels slow, I suppress a yawn, and I'm glad this is just the first of the conversations. I nod.

"Good, my princess. You look beautiful when agreeing with me. Doesn't it feel good?"

And again, I must agree. I feel strangely pleasant here, with the warmth and the scent and the coin. This lord has a good voice, I can listen for hours to this. My whole body warms up. I'm nodding again.
"Good. You are doing well. It is so easy to follow my voice, and easy to follow my lead. Let yourself sink deeper, as you stare at my coin. You feel my power now, and in the coming days, you will learn to follow my lead, as I can make you see what is best for you, is to follow and obey me. Do you understand, my sweet little princess?"

I might have felt a flicker of something for a moment, but the coin flashes again and my mind goes more and more blank. 'I'm sure the negotiations will be pleasant with this man' is my last thought before I surrender and my mind empties completely.