Private Unpleasantries

[Oriana Indupar]

Indupar, Royal Estate

​

Oriana hated such dealings disguised as pleasantries and networking. Such a thin veneer that forced everyone to play a part. The older she grew the more she wished those around her would speak plainly. Act plainly. Such a thing was a pipe dream. Nobility was slow to change. Some, like the Hapans, still had gendered rulers rather than birth order. If it hadn't changed in nearly a millennia then it was doubtful it would change in the next millennia.

Such was life.

Servants buzzed around the drawing room, focused on setting up an afternoon tea with Jak Meridian . Oriana knew little of him. Much of her life she had been the supporting player in the noble world. The silent daughter, the poised wife. Being thrust into a more forward facing role where the consequences were real was absolutely terrifying. A true stain on her education as well, but no one expected with her being so far down in line of succession anything of this sort would happen.

She was supposed to produce heirs, host the spouses of other nobles, and oversee charitable organizations. Her entire noble training had emphasized and prepared her for all three principles. Making her own deals and connections was a foreign concept. Just the thought alone was stifling, as Oriana noted in her ragged breathing.

Its not life and death. Not this meeting. Just potential political connections.

As she was wrestling with her own self-confidence, a servant arrived, giving a small curtsy. Oriana wished they would stop doing that but again, change was slow if not impossible at times. Head lifted in greeting, taking her focus off spiraling down a rabbit hole of anxiety.

"Lady Indupar, your guest has arrived."

Standing, she smoothed her dress, moving to prepare a formal greeting. Now this she could do.

"Send him in Jori."

 

[Jak Meridian]

-

 

[Oriana Indupar]

Two servants shared a look as Jak Meridian shouted 'Extravagant!' as if he was at a sporting event cheering on two gladiators. Quite gauche. Yet they had encountered these types before. A small nod and one drifted off to find one of the male footmen. An insurance that their Lady would be well looked after. No royal estate had true privacy - there were far too many moving parts.

As Lord Meridian was led into the drawing room with the amazing sweeping views, Oriana stood. Moving closer in greeting, she offered a small curtsy at first. This was custom on Indupar. Yet it seemed for Lord Meridian it was custom to shake hands - even with a woman. How odd. Either way, and with a poised grace, Oriana extended her hand and clasped the man's.

"Welcome to Indupar, Lord Meridian. A pleasure to receive you. Won't you take a seat? The staff has prepared a wonderful tea service on the patio. I figured you wanted the best views of the planet."

 

[Jak Meridian]

-

 

[Oriana Indupar]

Oriana offered a small smile, a polite one that didn't quite reach her eyes. Lord Jak Meridian was an interesting one, to say the least. One of the many types those in her position had to endure. Nobility all had their cliques and circles. Lord Meridian did not come from one she recongized but considering her recent time on Dubrillion many things were out of her orbit.

One of the many things she was trying to rectify.

As he presented a philosophical question, Oriana wondered where this was leading to. A grand presentation? An offer? It seemed to be meandering to the point. Privately Oriana much preferred a bluntness. It was refreshing. Yet that was not how nobility worked nor was it how she was raised to speak or behave. Something kept only for those closest to her.

"An easy answer, Lord Meridian. I would want Indupar to be remembered. I was raised in service of the Indupar Crown Worlds and its people. I will continue to serve them, even if I was to be forgotten. It is foolish to believe that one person is so significant they are to be remembered over a planet or system."

Oriana paused, mixing honey into her tea.

"What is your answer Lord Meridian?"

 

[Jak Meridian]

-

 

[Oriana Indupar]

"Hm, yes. Let me know if the debate ever ends and your answer concerning it."

Did Oriana care? Not at all. Was she raised to pretend to? Of course. Trick was to do it with enough sincerity. In public facing areas she had just come to wear a mask of duty, much like how one wears a house coat. So far it hadn't failed her, keeping her personality banal and polite and bland enough for the masses. The real Oriana remained safely behind doors that were closed and locked.

Not to say it was all a farce. She did deeply care for the citizens of her home monarchy and of those of her husband. Progress in the sectors was key, as was a strong ruling class in order to drive prosperity. It was safe to say her outward personality was built on a base of who she truly was. Made it easier to navigate public life.

"I don't think I am in the business of making friends, Lord Meridian. Not to say you aren't a fine nobleman, I'm sure you have great qualities. What is more important for me is I focus on my work. I've only just returned back to the Crown Worlds and I am finding myself having to re-learn and navigate the monarchy once again. Nothing terribly taxing but it does require a deal of focus and effort. I am for the people of the Crown Worlds, so letting them down would be unacceptable."

Oriana paused, taking a sip of her tea.

"Surely you did not travel all this way Lord Meridian to ask me to be your friend. What brings you to Indupar?"

Jak Meridian ​

 

[Jak Meridian]

-

 

[Oriana Indupar]

Oriana listened intently, as would any noble in her position. Lord Jak Meridian was quite the talker. One of those men who liked to hear their own words rattle around the room. She had dealt with many of them in these situations. In fact if she had a credit for every time this happened she could afford to buy her own personal fleet of starships.

"Lord Meridian, the need to help refugees is admirable. The plight occuring not so distantly in the Core has been horrible to see. Indupar and the Indupar Crown Worlds have been watching the situation. As you may know, we have taken in some refugees. As a result, you would know the Indupar Monarchy gives handsomely to several charities. Additionally, many of our Ladies and Duchesses have patronages on several charity boards."

Oriana paused for a moment, taking another sip of tea.

"I mentioned Lord Meridian I am for my people. My people in the Indupar Crown Worlds. As such my focus and my credits go to our people. You would be better off appealing to my father, the King."

She wondered how little research Lord Meridian did on her family. The youngest, she was far removed from the line of succession. Her siblings had children and Oriana was basically the last of the last. As such her influence only went so far - as did her credit pool. Upon returning, her focus was building her brand back up on the planet, not elsewhere.

As for friendship...

"If you desire more pull between the Houses this will not be easily achieved over one visit Lord Meridian. Indupar is not loyal to just anyone who asks."

 

[Jak Meridian]

-

 

[Oriana Indupar]

Oriana put on a small, practiced smile. She knew men like Lord Jak Meridian . A man used to getting his way. A fair presumption for a man who was born into nobility, little would oppose him save for a father or uncle, maybe a matriarch in his younger years, depending on cultural norms. Oriana doubted he even understood 'no' uttered in its simplest form.

"Very flattering Lord Meridian. As I stated, my father, the King, decides such matters. It is also inappropriate for an unmarried lady of my status to be friendly with an unmarried man of your status with no chaperones. I am focused on my people, Lord Meridian."

Any noble with their weight should understand this portion. Perhaps if he had a female relative of some sort it would be more appropriate. Especially given her status as a minor noble within her family.

"Should the opportunity present itself, Lord Meridian, you will be on the guest list of every dinner and party possible. Perhaps with time we can grow closer as you are introduced to more of House Indupar. Such a relationship is very delicate, as you understand. We are also under pressure from the High Republic, it is key the House positions itself in a advantageous manner."