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Post by Cadence Black on Feb 29, 2012 20:41:21 GMT -6
 "Cady I believe your brother has sent you another message.” An elder lady told a young brunette who was sewing a button on a dress. Cadence Black glanced up at her master, the seamstress that she had worked for over six months now. Rose was an elderly, kind lady who appreciated Cady’s help and never overworked her or anything. She was also the only person in Solraya who knew of her secret of being an escapee from the neighboring country of Tyrian.
Cady, as everyone called her, jumped up and ran into the messenger who handed her a sealed letter with her brother’s wax seal of his initials on the inside of a crown. She immediately tore open the parchment and began to read her brother’s hand-writing on the golden, beaten up rolled up piece of parchment that was in her hands. She rushed into the backroom avoiding dresses and various helpers grumbling at her to watch where she was going. Ignoring them, she focused back on the letter that Charles had sent her.
Dearest Sister,
I write to you in a horrible state. Unfortunately plans of negotiation between our father and I have unsurprisingly failed and he still means to invade Solraya and capture King Joscelin and Queen Danielle within two months. He has the Dukes of Torchin and Carsonia training the armies and leading them in battle when it comes down to it. He means to hold Joscelin and Danielle for ransom, torture them for information and most likely rape the Queen and to kill the King. I have tried every course of action to talk him out of it, but that damn Cromwell has convinced the King that war is necessary.
I believe it is time for you to go to King Joscelin and Queen Danielle since our father had no plans of peace right now. Dress in your best and bring all of my letters for evidence. Tell them everything. They are good people, they do not deserve this cruelty and malice.
I do miss you and long for your return to Court life. I feel as if I am truly alone right now.
All my love, your brother,
Charles Brandon Stewart, Prince of Tyrian.
Cady glanced up trying to catch her breath. So today was the day that could possibly change her life forever. She rushed into the main room and held up the letter to Rose.
“It’s time Rose. I shall return I promise.” She said confidently rushing out of the tailor shop and down the street into Rose’s house past her confused husband and closed the door to her bedroom. She quickly changed into her best clothing that she had brought from home. It was a green silk dress with white lining underneath it and it flowed down to her feet. She quickly placed her hair down and grabbed the matching headpiece that went with it. She slipped into her heels and then placed on her jewelry with the Stewart crest on there, which consisted of a necklace and bracelet. She hated them with a passion, yet needed to prove that she was indeed Andrew’s daughter. Quickly grabbing the other letters from Charles, she rushed out where a carriage was waiting for her.
“To the castle please and hurry if you can.” She said to the driver stepping inside of it and closing the door behind her. The driver nodded, got on the seat and drove off towards the castle. She reread the letters from Charles missing his company every single day. He had been the only reason why she had stayed in Tyrian for so long.
“Miss we have arrived at the castle.” The driver told her and she reached into her small bag of coins and handed him a handful.
“Thank you sir, thank you very much.” She said gratefully as she climbed out of the coach, clutching the letters tightly in her hands as she hurried in the courtyard past everyone and she was stopped by the guards.
“Excuse me miss, but are they expecting you inside?” They asked her curiously and she bit her lip before suddenly gaining some confidence and stepping towards them showing off her necklace.
“I wish to inform the King and Queen of some news regarding a war.” She announced before the guards glanced at him with amusement before beginning to laugh at her calling her ridiculous and foolish. She growled getting impatient and then glanced around getting an evil idea. Charles would be very displeased if he saw her do this.
“Oh my then maybe you can interrupt a small fight before it turns into a war over there!” She said pointing towards two random men who were about to start dueling with one another with their swords. Smirking as they rushed past her, she snuck inside and glanced around when she thought she saw a glance of a crown. She took a deep breath and lifted up her dress to run after them and then she turned a corner to see the real King and Queen heading into their ballroom and began to sit down at their thrones.
She quickly tried to go inside, but was stopped by two more guards grabbing a hold of her arms tightly.
“I have important, urgent news for the King and Queen, please let me through!” she pleaded with them before she felt them grabbing her arms more tightly and she tried to rush into the
ballroom. This was it, she thought to herself, now or never.
“Your Majesties! I have news of the King of Tyrian invading Solraya and means to capture you both!” She literally screamed it at the top of her lungs hoping that the King and Queen would hear her and listen to her. She prayed suddenly wondering if she would make it out of the castle alive.
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Post by King Joscelin Brent on Feb 29, 2012 21:39:12 GMT -6
This was a moment where both the King and Queen were expected to show face, express their concerns for their people, and listen to the complaints of the common folk. More often than not it had become the same thing over the past few weeks, which were concerns over raids that have been recurring. It was as if the King of Tyrian knew of the holes in Solraya's defenses - the exact places where Joscelin left a bit of slack in order to keep eyes on other sections of Solraya's borders. It seemed that Joscelin could not win, no matter what he did. Idly, Joscelin wondered how his fellow nobles would take it, but truthfully, he worried more about the common folk just as much. Still, it was frustrating for he had begun to hear doubt in the voices of Solraya's nobility, and honestly, he understood why there was doubt.
Joscelin wished that their land was a strong military power, but in truth, Solraya wasn't. He wouldn't say that they were weak, but they were certainly lacking in numbers and advancements. Defensively, Solraya was sound, at least when it came to her cities and capital. Offensively, not so much. Their lack of numbers left something to be desired, and although they had many grand military tacticians in their history, and that Joscelin had studied many manuscripts on the subject, he preferred a path of peace more than not. He was one that would have preferred to negotiate and come to an understanding than straight out war, but mayhap Solraya needed a King who was iron fisted . . . ? He wondered, and the notion made his heart tighten in his chest.
He was not weak. He knew he could do it, but he wouldn't. He feared the worst when it came to war, because like in chess, one false move could mean the end. He felt the weight of the people upon his shoulders when he thought about it, his lady wife, and the lineage of his family, or at least the late King's family - once more striking a sore spot upon his heart, for Joscelin was not legitimate in any way, although no one knew that but him. Not even Danielle.
He was silent and deep within his thoughts as he walked arm in arm with Danielle into the audience chamber. He wasn't certain if he was ready for the long day ahead, and truth be told, he longed to retire to his chamber after having spent the entirety of his morning in the war room with his General and High Lords. Now, however, unlike then when he often dressed down in private, he was dressed in rich, stifling clothing that more or less frustrated him at that very moment.He wore well blackened boots, matching breeches that were fitted to his muscled thighs, and a rich, embroidered doublet of emerald emblazoned with the sigil of Solraya. Then there was the crown, encrusted with jewels and wrought in such a way that made it look alive when the light hit it.
. . . but then something happened . . .
They scarce had a moment to sit when a scream filled the chamber.
It was a torrent of words full of desperation. Recently, there had been a few who were so passionate that they were moved to such words of anger, but this was not anger, nor against him or Danielle. It was something else entirely, and Joscelin stood instantly and he raised his voice in return.
"Release her! I permit her to enter!" Joscelin barked at the men.
They were shocked by the sudden command, especially since they had grown accustomed to tossing wild, passionate folk out lest they harm the King or Queen of Solraya, or even offend their sensibilities, but this was certainly different. Reluctantly, the men followed Joscelin's order and released her, still rather wary of her. Joscelin, however, was relieved that no harm was dealt to her, and he stood there upon the dais before his throne, and he awaited her approach.
Joscelin, even standing still as he was, commanded respect and adoration. He wasn't one that sought to intimidate with a scowl, glare, or glower, but instead he lifted his chin in confidence, and his blue eyes were full of life, desire, and so much more that was unsaid.
"Come here," he said, his tone full of warmth and the assurance that one could trust him. "What is your name?" He asked, curious as his eyes roamed her face, recording every bit of her that made her unique.
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Post by Queen Danielle Brent on Mar 2, 2012 15:33:31 GMT -6
-- Danielle normally didn't like days where they had to listen to the complaints of their faithful subjects. Not that she didn't care because she was only really there for looks. Joscelin did ask her opinion on something things but for the past weeks it had been nothing except what he was planning to do about the attacks led by the Tyrians. She didn't pretend to act like she understood. All she could do was sit with her husband and try to comfort and relax him. It was hard to keep her own person relaxed as she was laced up in a much too tight corset and heavy gowns. She wondered how she kept from toppling over some days. Danielle would much rather be in much simpler and lighter gowns. The crown was heavy and made her neck hurt. But she never showed this though, not even as she and Joscelin walked into the chamber. She always kept her head high and her back straight. Never would she give the people a reason to doubt her or her husband.
-- She clutched her husband's arm tighter as they entered the hall and walked towards the two chairs at the end. It was nice to be with him - he had been occupied all morning. Danielle would much rather be alone with him, but she would take whatever time with him that she could. As they sat she looked at his face. She could tell he was deep in thought and just rested her small, delicate hand upon his. Danielle couldn't help but think how much he had changed, how he had grown into a wonderful man and how handsome he looked! He hadn't lost his boyish charm but he had lost the baby face. Now he was muscled and oh so strong. Danielle loved when he picked her up and wrapped her up in his arms and hugged her against his chest. How she longed for that now.
-- Just as she was thinking how long and boring this day would be, her thoughts were interrupted by a loud commotion coming towards the opposite end of the chamber. Joscelin's attention was drawn to it as well. Her eyes grew wide and her heart pounded as the girl's words were shouted as she tried to get free of the guards. She watched her husband rise from his throne and ordered the girl to be freed. He stepped down and she reached out towards him desperately, then clung to the arms of the throne. This couldn't be happening. The attacks, if what the girl said was true, hadn't been this personal or this close to home. How dare the King Tyrian destroy whatever feeling of safety they had left. How dare he! For a moment Danielle was angry and her body almost started shaking from the overwhelming feeling. Then she grew nervous and scared.
-- How lucky they had been that this girl had come forth and warned them. Danielle wondered how she had found this out. It didn't matter, though. All that mattered was that she had come straight to them. The girl was obviously brave. Danielle sat back and watched all eyes turn towards Joscelin. Just as he had shouted his voice turn warm and comforting. She liked this side of him much more. He asked her name. Danielle, in turn, stood a few steps back from her husband. She couldn't bare sitting for one moment longer. She longed to hear what else the girl had to say. Danielle tried to calm her racing heart and offered the girl a smile. She didn't look very old, probably barely old enough to be at the age to marry.
-- "Don't be frightened. No harm will come to you." Danielle spoke softly but warmly, wanting to comfort the girl. God only knows how frightened the girl must be at this moment standing before the King and Queen with news that could change all their fates. She knew that the girl had spoke with honesty and truth. Someone who was lying could never speak with that much conviction and feeling. She moved a step closer to her husband and gently ran her hand down his arm to let him know she was standing behind him.
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Post by Cadence Black on Mar 2, 2012 18:50:59 GMT -6
Cadence could not believe she had just literally screamed that in front of everyone. The King, Queen, their subjects, the guards and everyone else around them. Now after she had screamed that every eye in that room was on her. She gulped in nervousness as she studied both of the King and Queen’s reactions to her shout. It was news of shock and everyone was staring at her like she had a third head or an extra finger on her hands.
Her sight was first set on the handsome, fair, king in front of her. He had no reaction that regarded him as shocked or anger from her outburst. He stood up straight from his chair with his lovely Queen next to him. She looked more shocked than he did, but the ultimate shock was from herself when King Joscelin demanded that she be released from the grip of the guards and come forward. Of course he would want to know what she knew, she thought to herself, with a sigh as she felt the guards releasing her arms.
“Forgive us Madame.” They said to her softly and she nodded her head towards them.
“It’s alright gentlemen, you did not know me. You were just doing your duty to their Majesties.” She replied softly as she heard the King command that she come forward and probably tell them what was happening and how she knew the information. Of course it was only natural for them to know what is going on.
Cady let out a sigh and stood up straight as she pushed her shoulders back, shoved her necklace with the Stewart crest on it into her chest and made her way forward the King and the Queen. They both were standing up on the podium where their thrones were at and she slowly made her way towards them glancing straight ahead trying to regain some confidence. For God’s sake, she was still technically a princess; this should have come easily for her. She clutched the letters from Charles tightly in her hand and stopped in front of them.
As if it was habit, she immediately curtseyed in front of them and slowly stood up holding her head high and slowly taking a deep breathe through her mouth and exhaled it through her nose trying not to be obvious in the fact that she was extremely nervous. The King asked for her name and she smiled softly at him before turning towards the Queen as she reassured Cady that everything was going to be alright and that no harm would be brought upon her. She hoped and prayed that she was alright; it was all the King’s decision.
“Your Majesties, here I am Cadence Black a seamstress in the village here. I have come across the knowledge that the God awful King of Tyrian has means to invade the countryside before making his way into the city. I also have the confidential information of how he will invade the country, break down the walls and make his way into the city where he plans on capturing Your Majesties. I have the evidence in my letters addressed from my brother who is the King’s trusted advisor and who is against the King’s invasion.” She replied slowly handing the letters from Charles towards King Joscelin who continued to stare at her not realizing that her necklace revealing the crest was dangling in front of them for them to recognize. She also took the dare and took a step forward towards them to reveal her other secret privately.
“Those letters were written from my brother Charles Stewart, the Prince of Tyrian. I am known there as Princess Catherine Stewart, but I have run away from there to here seeking freedom and I truly wished to inform you of these plans for I do not like my father and his cruel, greedy ways. I am loyal to only to you and your Kingdom.” She added in softly hoping that they would not arrest her right then and there. She did not wish to be dishonest with them at all.
 STATUS completeTAG Josc, Dani and Cady ATTIRE Same as before.
LYRICS Absolute; The Fray WORD COUNT 685 NOTES Yay!
COPYRIGHT Flik of Roleplaying Extras |
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Post by King Joscelin Brent on Mar 3, 2012 10:10:31 GMT -6
Joscelin could not have asked for a more stronger, steadfast woman than Danielle at that very moment. She stood behind him, and when she ran her hand down the length of his arm, he felt her strength and support flow into him. His eyes, however, never flitted back toward Danielle. Instead, he kept his gaze upon the young woman who stood before them, and who was finally released by the guardsmen as she advanced and spoke.
She introduced herself as Cadence Black, seamstress from a village, but that was not the truth. Joscelin had learned over the years how to read others, and what truly gave her away was the gleam of her necklace. Even from afar Joscelin knew what the crest stood for, for the crest had haunted him in his sleep and in the waking hours of day as he sat, hunched over, and poring over maps of Solraya and Tyrian in his study. She proferred letters to him, and then she even dared to take a closer step. Once more the guardsmen were nearly upon her; after all, a stranger, no matter what sort of information she had, would not have been allowed to touch royalty. They were in the midst of a war, and God only knew what her intentions could have been, but Joscelin had always been different, and in more ways than most even knew.
Joscelin lifted his hand to command his men to stop before he stepped down from the dais. He left Danielle there, standing before their thrones, as he approached Cadence. When he was within arm's reach of her, he took the letters, and their hands touched albeit briefly as she continued to speak. He knew who she was before she had even said it, and honestly, his mind with possibilities beyond his wildest imagination.
This was what he had needed all along.
He had the upperhand in more ways than one, and one obvious way was that she was the King of Tyrian's daughter. That meant he had a hostage. He had someone he could use to sway his foe, although he was certain that that would only lead into horrible consequences. The King of Tyrian would use it as an excuse for war. He would react to it in the only way he knew how, and he would attack Joscelin outright, and that wasn't what Solraya needed at that very moment. Yet, at the very least, this would buy them some time. He just needed to think.
"Your Majesty, what would you have us do?" Arasmus, a guardsman in the midst of his middle years, asked. His hand was set upon the hilt of his blade, and it was more than obvious that he was ready for the word to apprehend Princess Catherine Stewart. Joscelin, however, shook his head at the man dismissively.
"I would have you treat her as her station demands," Joscelin said, his look stern. Arasmus looked taken aback at the command, but he did not argue. Instead, he bowed his head to Joscelin and took a step back, as did the rest of the men who had encircled them. Joscelin then lowered his gaze to her, and he searched her eyes . . . he read her, and he sought out anything that may have betrayed her, for God knew that if he found her lying to him then he would have had her chained, but he didn't. He trusted her, at least for now as he hand tightened over the letters.
"Your father has proven to be a thorn in the side of Solraya," he said. "Greedy he may be, but he commands respect from his people enough so that they would follow him and do his bidding," he added, and still once more he read her, never faltering with that ever searching gaze of his. "Yet, here you are, his only daughter . . . You have come a long way to betray your father, and it seems that you are not alone in this for his son lends you his support," he murmured, bowed his head, and looked down at the crest she wore. He lifted his hand and brushed his calloused fingertips against it . . . he traced the Tyrian crest quietly, and his heart beat fast at the thought of victory so close at hand.
Solraya was not hopeless.
"You understand why I would be reluctant and wary of you, yes?" He asked, and he lifted his eyes to search hers. "With that said, however, I will hear you out, and you would be given sanctuary here within my palace, Princess Catherine Stewart of Tyrian, daughter of King Andrew Stewart," he said, leaned down, and kissed her cheek, a touch that assured his promise of safety. "All I ask of you is that you pledge your fealty to me, and promise me that you will not lie to me, and that will be honest with me in all things," he added as he drew back from her, and once more he searched her face.
After a few moments, Joscelin looked over to his lady wife, Danielle, and spoke.
"Mayhap we should retire with Lady Catherine and speak further in private?" He suggested, wishing to hear Danielle's opinion on the matter.
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Post by Queen Danielle Brent on Mar 10, 2012 0:14:42 GMT -6
-- Danielle could do nothing except watch the scene in front of her unfold. Her eyes never left the girl that had made such a grand entrance. She was surprised, however, when the girl walked toward them. She was no ordinary girl, Danielle could tell by her gait. She herself had been forced to practice that elegant and poised walk. There was something about this girl but Danielle couldn't put her finger on it. That is until her eyes caught the gleam of a crest. She almost gasped in alarm, and clenched her fists by her side to prevent herself from causing too much of a scene. That's all they needed at this moment. Over the years Danielle had gotten very good at holding her tongue while in the presence of others. When she was just with Joscelin she didn't need to. But not was definitely not the time to speak her innermost thoughts. If anyone wanted her opinion, she would be asked for it. She pushed all other thoughts from her mind as the girl curtsied in front of her and her husband, who was handling this all quite well. As the ever thoughtful wife and queen, Danielle was already planning something to ease Joscelin's mind when they were alone. As if he needed any more stress right now.
-- She listened carefully as the girl gave her name and station. But this girl was no ordinary seamstress. Her story was captivating, and Danielle found herself hanging onto every word, wondering what the girl was going to say next. It was all just too much. She didn't know whether to believe the girl or to just write her off. But this could not be taken lightly. Cadence was obviously telling the truth, and she had the letters to prove it. Something was still not adding up, however. And finally, as Cadence stepped forward, the truth was revealed. Princess of Tyrian! Or rather, runaway princess of Tyrian. Danielle hoped this wasn't too good to be true. It was exactly what they needed right now. She thanked God for giving the girl the strength to stand against her father and his evil ways. Cadence had saved their lives, and just might aid in saving their beloved kingdom. Danielle cast a quick glance at Joscelin, she couldn't decipher what he was thinking. He was too deep in thought and his face was a mask of concentration. She didn't want to disturb him now. It was best to just stay back and let him call upon her when he needed her. Danielle was always within his reach and always there for support, but never close enough to smother. She was very fortunate that her husband trusted her and valued her opinion. She knew other women weren't half as lucky as she.
-- Her husband spoke, and his words were carefully thought out and spoken. He had always been good at that. Danielle often spoke to quickly and without much thought. If in the wrong crowd it tended to get her into some trouble. She was relieved that Joscelin wanted to speak to the young woman in private, to hear her out and get more of the story that Danielle was still having a hard time wrapping her mind around. She almost missed her husband's words completely. She smiled at him and nodded. "I think that is a wise decision. She agreed, stepping towards her husband and nestling her hand in the crook of his arm. It was nice to be so near him. She took advantage of every opportunity to be near him that she could. It would also be nice to speak with Cadence in private without so many eyes and ears around. It would be less...formal and stuffy. Maybe the girl would reveal more once they were in private. Surely she was nervous with so many eyes upon her, hanging onto her every word. Danielle wasn't sure even she would get used to all the attention she was put under on a daily basis. It was all part of the title, though. Danielle waited for Joscelin to lead them into the private chamber.
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Post by Cadence Black on Mar 10, 2012 14:51:02 GMT -6
 If there was a way to detect Cady’s stress level she knew it would be off the charts or very abnormal. She had not really thought of this would go and everything was going in her favor yet she was increasingly getting more nervous. What if the King and Queen really didn’t believe her and were just saying this to keep up with their reputation and then in private would arrest her and have her taken to the Tower. She was not expecting this much generosity and kindness from both of them especially Queen Danielle who kept giving her kind smiles whenever the women made eye contact. She was forever grateful for that having to remind herself that King Joscelin and Queen Danielle were nothing like her own mother and father.
Her necklace dangled in front of her once more and she watched as the guards surrounded her once more and the King demanding that they treat her with respect and they backed away from her swiftly. Glancing up she felt King Joscelin standing over her examining her and listening carefully to her story knowing that he would probably not believe her about being a seamstress, a commoner. She was one now, but she was not born that way. He spoke to her about how much of an annoyance her father was to him and she could completely understand where he was coming from. The two kings were completely different and she admired and respected Joscelin a lot more for that reason. He had not treated her wrongly or pass her along with a shrug of his shoulder or a wave of his hand.
Listening to him talk and watching him touch her necklace tracing it gently with his thumb, “I do not and will never believe in what my father stands for. He is greedy, selfish and unworthy of being King. I would like to have known as helping out a rightful King and Queen in their cause as a loyal subject.” She replied softly before he leaned over and kissed her cheek very softly.
Immediately feeling the warmth in her cheeks rising, she blushed a bit and curtseyed to him once more listening to him about not being able to fully trust her at the present moment. She glanced up at him and then at Queen Danielle in shock that he had invited her to stay at the castle with them, to keep an eye on her and prove if she was speaking the truth or not. He then asked for her loyalty to Solraya and she immediately curtseyed in front of him once more kneeling down a bit longer.
“Thank you for your kindness Your Majesties, I will forever be in your debt. I, Catherine Elizabeth Stewart, daughter of the King of Tyrian and Princess, promise and give you my loyalties to the Kingdom of Solraya and to your Majesties until the day I die. I will never be dishonest or disloyal to Your Majesties by pain of death. I shall do whatever is asked of me and will not dishonor them. I am loyal to you and only you.” She replied softly before standing up tall and confident once more as King Joscelin suggested that they all speak in private. She quickly nodded her head approving of the idea glancing over at the Queen who held onto her husband’s arm giving her a smile agreeing with all of them. Cady could tell that they truly were in love and were happy. She longed to find love like that one day, to be loved by someone truly and to be happy.
“Yes your Majesty.” She replied watching them and waiting for them to make their exit and she would follow them. Once again she became more nervous and she hoped that Charles’ letters would help and she had her own personal information for the King and Queen. So far she had expected worse, but they had completely surprised and accepted her and Cady knew that she had done the right thing.
 STATUS completeTAG King Joscelin and Queen Danielle ATTIRE Same
LYRICS Sputter; The Academy Is... WORD COUNT 674NOTES 
COPYRIGHT Flik of Roleplaying Extras |
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Post by King Joscelin Brent on Mar 20, 2012 14:21:27 GMT -6
Joscelin knew that things weren't going to be over any time soon, but this was the first step in many more to come that could lead to a potential end. The information that Cadence Black, or better known as Catherine Stuart, Princess of Tyrian, had could potentially bring about an end to the King of Tyrian and the safety that Solraya so desperately needed. It was what Joscelin needed as well to not only protect his people, land, and Queen, but to solidify his place as rightful King of Solraya, and to also be remembered as the Defender of Solraya. His heart leapt at the notion, because despite his origin and blood, Joscelin could prove to himself that he could save his people.
Danielle settled her hand upon his arm and Joscelin bowed his head to her. He was grateful for her presence, support, and thensome. If not for her, Joscelin wasn't certain where he would be. She managed to keep him together when he doubted himself, because when he looked to her, savored her affection and love, and whenever he sought her own advice and opinion on matters, she was there as a voice of reason when he trusted no other. Time and again that reminded him of why he had chosen her as his lady wife.
Catherine's pledge of fealty did not fall on deaf ears. Joscelin hung on every word she uttered as he looked to her. If there was any ounce of deception, Joscelin could not find it. Instead, he truly believed that she spoke the truth, and yet despite that, he knew that he couldn't trust her wholly and completely, not because of her, but because of himself. He needed to be certain of the information, double check it with other sources, and bring it to his council and other advisors in other to decide what to do from there.
It would be complicated to say the very least.
"Come then," Joscelin said.
With Queen Danielle on his arm, and Catherine following in his wake, the trusted Kingsguard of Solraya fell in and shadowed them from the audience chamber and into the hall. The others who had been waiting to be heard would have to be dismissed, unfortunately, and come with their complaints and issues upon the morrow, or at the very least later in the day if they so wished to wait it out. For now, however, Joscelin was silent as they walked for he did not wish to risk any common person to hear what Catherine had to share with him, or what he would find in the letters she had given him.
Upon entering his study, Joscelin dismissed the Kingsguard.
"Your Highness, are you certain?" Arasmus asked, uncertain whether or not Joscelin's choice was wise. Joscelin nodded though. "Yes, I am, leave us," he said, and reluctantly they left his study, shutting the door behind them. With the sudden silence that filled the room, Joscelin gestured to the round work table that had been shared by a handful of his advisors a number of times, and before him by his father and his advisors.
The table was worn from well over a hundred years of use. The top was scarred and faded, and maps were laid out upon it, marked with positions and notes of import, which he rolled up and moved out of the way. The rest of the room spoke of a man's life and mind. There were book shelves spaced between windows and filled with large, leather bound tomes. The mantle of the hearth held a number of small, carved, wooden figures and a blade that was laying there. Before the hearth itself was a cushioned chair, worn with age and use, a seat that Joscelin had been familiar with - sitting at his father's knee often in his youth and now sitting within it when he thought, drank, and considered the future. There were small, potted plants near the windows as well, and a portrait of a young man and woman that was over the hearth - his father and mother, the former King and Queen of Solraya. There was also a desk that held scraps of vellum and parchment, and ink pots and quills neatly packed away in separate cases, and that barely scratched the surface.
"Sit," Joscelin said as he set the letters down upon the round table where the light spilled from all angles. He settled onto a chair as he sifted through the letters, skimming them briefly before deciding on the first to read, although not right away. "Is there anything else you wish to tell me before I read these?" Joscelin asked and lifted his brow. |
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