The family Vandygriff remains the High Family, the rulers of the continent as a whole. Theirs is the final word on anything involving the Realms. Each individual Realm maintains its own sovereignty. I have complete control over Uppercourt, so long as my actions don't upset the King. The High Prince Tobian is the one who rules over us Lesser Princes, and he will one day be King over the whole Ten Realms.
Other questions? Yes, you with the coffee.
So Vandygriff invaded this continent with a foreign army, and after that everything has just been picnics and festivals? Surely even his generous act of giving these ten Princes the lands that were already theirs couldn't have made everyone love their invaders. Have there been any attempts to wrest power away from the royal family? Attempts to secede from the realm?
With nothing else there must be political infighting, with princes carrying on feuds and grudges that have persisted since before Vandygriff's invasion. Or did everyone forget history once a High King came and rewrote it?
What about you, Your Grace? How do you feel about your family's sovereign realm being invaded and you being thrall to a conqueror's heir when you should be a king in your own right?
However, there has been an incident recently that I believe may be the beginnings of an overthrow attempt. This is not supposed to be made public yet... Tobian's wife Lilean recently passed, and the common belief is that it was murder. I believe it was, and I believe it was one of the other Princes. With the exception of Prince Kegyn Hull, we were all gathered in Kingsroof for Tobian's nameday tournament, and it was during that tourney that High Lady Lil suddenly took a turn for the worse.
As for my feelings on the matter of "being given my own land", Uppercourt was one of the Realms to gain the most land during the takeover. I bear the Vandygriffs no ill will. I am Tobian's closest friend. Why would I want to see him deposed?
You are a self appointed best friend. I hate those who give themselve a title. Titles must be earned. Does this Tobian think you his best friend, or only a bother?
Why would you leave your wife and family to stay with this Tobian?
Do woman not intrest you? Perhaps you yourself killed Lilean to become closer to this Tobian? Was his wife his true best friend, and you needed to destroy the upsurper? Will it be your shoulder he cries on when he hears of her death?
Are you in love with the High prince? He is young, strong, and wise, after all. Do you lust for him?
Tobian has called me his best friend on more than one occasion. Our friendship is not in question. That doesn't mean that he's my best friend, however. Make of that what you will.
Why do you think I would leave to stay with Tobian? As I mentioned before, my wife and I are not on the best terms, and what better use of my time than making myself indispensable to the High Prince? It ets me away from Shaile.
I am not a murderer. Lil's death came as a surprise to me. I am interested in women, but was certainly not in her. She's too forceful for my liking. You asked if he cries on my shoulder. Tobian isn't that type. He cries on no shoulder. He's more likely to shut himself up in his room and brood on it.
Your last question was, I believe, "Are you in love with the High prince? He is young, strong, and wise, after all. Do you lust for him?" The answer is absolutely not! And Tobian is not wise. He is a good soldier and commander, that is true, but that is the extent of his ability.