[The Bloody Bay Fleet]

Whether the Admiral noticed the air of appreciation the Queen was giving him, he showed no sign. He maintained his own air of stoic arrogance with his eldritch gaze. The Queen was apt in sensing his irritation of having to "bend the knee" to a power that seemed so detached from his own domain. He appreciated the freedom such recognition brought him, but was he much free now than before? The question was always at the back of his mind, and perhaps readable in his gaze to the Queen.

"My queen, our full navy shall be set to the task," MacDonnaugh said, becoming the Admiral's voice. "All seventy five shall patrol the coastal wastes for as long as you require us to. I would care to mention that shore leave would be appreciated if our deployment lasted more than a few months if that is amenable to you."

The Admiral spoke once more, though his voice was soft, almost dangerously so. "I can press more ships into service, though our navy is almost double the Crown's size. Could those alone suffice, with the support of your ships as well?"