chainedqueen | Open Post

Yes, I'm sure that's what everyone was thinking. 'Oh how our revered queen has come late and well-dressed'.

If another meaning was taken, it was from their own imaginations.

I may not be a regular figure among the court, especially among the courts of women, but I am not daft to know how meticulous they are. Not a stone nor braid nor silken hue out of place that does not convey a meaning.

[It's not a surprise that he's observant and clever. She was aware that he was not as dismissive as he seemed. Of course he understood her declaration. Out of the entire court, she suspected he would.]

Are you often occupied with the fripperies of ladies?

[A small dodge from acknowledging he was right.]

I figured the league of tedious rumors you hold about me would give your answer to that.

Tedious? You are not flattered to be given such a reputation?

Oh, it can be quite flattering. At least I do not let myself be controlled by it.

Am I so controlled by rumors and reputation?

I would hope so because the alternative is grossly pathetic if you ask me.

I am surprised you think so. I always assumed you dismissed gossip about reputation, given how you lead your life.

Well, we're not talking about my gossip or reputation. Are we?

You have never paid me much mind, my prince.

And you have?

You live in a way where one cannot but help to pay you mind, whether you wish to or not.

You should try it sometime.

If you kept a lower profile and did not plot as much, I might.

You're beginning to sound like your father. Do you have any thoughts of your own?

You believe I only say this because my father hates you?

Each time you see your brother, I must endure his anger, his disgust and frustration that you inevitably lead him to. He does not suffer alone and for so long as you hold his attention, there is no other choice but to have you in mind.

Your work in the Stepstones was clever, I will grant you that. The stability for trade and the realm, keeping full control out of the hands we cannot negotiate with was wise. That war was not simply yours but the realm's as well. I told the king as much, despite my father's interests.

Your considerations of me do not give me the credit that I sometimes offer you, but that is little surprise.

[ Well. ]

Perhaps you'd be granted the credit if you took it more often, your Grace.

Should I announce each time I offer counsel to the court?

No, but otherwise I gather you'll remain to be nothing more than an extension of your father's decrepit grip as I suppose I remain a conniving power-hungry cunt.

[ Does this mean they have to strike a truce? Despicable. ]

What are you suggesting then?

[If you want a truce, well, give her some terms to negotiate with.]

Return to begrudging pleasantries. Not that it matters much longer.

[ He knows his brother's warming to his return from exile will not last much deeper into the princess's wedding festivities. ]

With all the sincerity you inspire in me.

Did I not find it in my heart to alert you of ill-intended slander?

(no subject)

chainedqueen - 2022-11-23 05:05 (UTC) - Expand