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Post by Joe on Nov 6, 2023 20:49:14 GMT -5
"Indeed, my lady. Though I confess, I was most adamant that he send me for the task." Carme was still cradling her helm under her arm, taking a moment to put it back on, though she lifted the visor. "It was a singular opportunity."
"So it was Blackwell." Cartel said to the empress, noticing her displeasure. "I don't believe that man to be brave enough to defy you. Still... he never sat quite right with me. Eyan will likely stay behind. Unless you appoint another, I believe he has taken charge of the palace's affairs in your absence."
The procession began to approach the city gates, where there was already a crowd forming. A few of the guard began to ride forward to assist the city watchmen in organizing the crowd. Before long a path was cleared like a river through the crowds, enough for the party to make it through. As they approached the crowd began calling out to the empress, begging for alms or for favor, others simply cheering and trying to touch the royal procession, just to get a small taste of their splendor.
Carme immediately sprung to action and began getting in the way of any who would reach towards the empress, batting back the crowds with boot and gauntlet.
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Post by Jenny on Nov 6, 2023 21:10:55 GMT -5
"Oh, of course, it would certainly take up one's time." She had already spent countless hours a day doing so herself.1
She bent towards Cartell's ear as well. "I do not care for Lord Blackwell, for he puts me ill at ease, at times. I cannot place a finger on it."
"Please, Carme! Do not put them to harm. I do not believe the crowd to wish me ill will." Still, she kept a graceful distance, maneuvering her horse with a light hand, and reached in to her traveling bag for a small handful of coins, pressing them into which hands could just begin to reach her. The state of the poor always upset her, and she was sure to sent some income to the local charities. Her eyes saddened as a sickly looking toddler reached out her grubby hands and waved in delight at the sight of her, as if no shortage of stories were told of her by firelight. She worried for the poor children, and her eyes lit upon a litter of children playing around their parent's feet. She reached into her purse again and slipped out a fair number of gold coins, and threw it at best she could, towards them. She smiled as she saw the children sieze them up, squealing in glee.
She glanced at Carme, who had indeed lessoned the harshness of treatment towards them, as far along as Serena's gaze beheld. She looked at Cartel with a great deal of disapproval in her eyes, which could be read same as any words of protest. She let in and out a sigh, wanting to get away from the sight, and coaxed her horse forward. The knights surrounded them quickly, narrowing beneath the portculus. She still felt the eyes of the crowd as the gate clanked heavily closed behind the last of the procession.
Serena dismounted when they arrived at the steps of the palace, and strode at a fast pace, unhappy with the first impression Carme had made upon her. Cartel would notice Serena's back was rigid as she turned her shoulder away from the squire and made her entrance.
Lord, Lady, and servants all bowed low and made way for her. She smiled at them, her crossness beginning to ease as she spotted several favored faces, and bloomed full bright as she saw Eyan striding right for them. He looked a bit vexed himself, but surely not because of anything she did? Or failed to do. She started to rack her brain for anything that she may have left unfinished before she and Cartel left for their wedding honeymoon.
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Post by Joe on Nov 7, 2023 15:35:52 GMT -5
Cartel winced as he saw Carme put the heel to the commoners, knowing how Serena would react, only confirmed by her look of disapproval.
As the empress disappeared beyond the palace doors, Cartel and Carme stood there, watching her retreating form.
"Hm. Don't think she liked that." Cartel said, still looking into the palace's dark interior.
"Forgive me, my lord. The commoners of Imarine are frequently violent toward the nobility. Perhaps things are different here."
"The empress has a soft heart, and she hates to see harm brought to anything, much less her subjects. Just take it easy next time, yeah?"
"Of course, my lord." Carme said, before dutifully moving to help the servants and knights disband the retinue.
Cartel grasped the hilt of his sword and jogged after Serena. Arriving just in time for Eyan's lecture.
"Greetings unc-"
"You better keep an eye on that fire-haired squire of yours."
"What do you mean?"
"I suppose she wasn't content to wait until your return. She somehow 'obtained' her letters of introduction and left to find you."
"I... see." Cartel couldn't help but chuckle. "Seems she is making an impression wherever she goes." Cartel waved his hand to dismiss the questioning look Eyan gave him. "Is all well within the capital?"
Eyan sighed, letting the matter with Carme go. "Yes, some minor unrest but nothing the guard can't handle. Just some squabbles over rights and all with moving back to the capital. Some feel they are owed a place. I've put a stop to it, for now." Eyan turned to Serena, seeing if she wished to inquire.
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Post by Jenny on Nov 7, 2023 15:53:08 GMT -5
Serena frowned again, and very slightly glanced at Carme. It was fair to take one's destiny in one's hand as best could be done, but she was vexxed that Lord Eyan had been thus disrespected. And by a Squire. no less, as the gap between them in rank was quite wide.
As the subject turned, Serena looked a bit crestfallen, but understood that even she could not give enough of the coffers to fund such a venture, nor would there be much room inside the capital itself, crowded as it was. Since her return, more and more flocked to the city, and the rich were beginning to push out the poor as it is. She thought on the unfortunates that had stood in the crowd, and wondered how they would fare in the future. She nodded at Lord Eyan.
"Yes, of course. Very well, do what you feel is right, Lord Eyan."
She trusted Lord Eyan, for his heart was not hardened, and he had the keen mind of a strategist.
"Is there any other business to attend to? I hope you have not been hard-pressed."
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Post by Joe on Nov 8, 2023 17:03:38 GMT -5
"No, my lady, all within hand." Eyan gave her a warm smile.
Cartel stepped closer to Eyan and tried to sound as serious as he could. "Uncle, I'm afraid we must leave the capital once again. We mean to make for Dire's End. There is a matter most urgent we must attend to."
Eyan's eyes drifted between his nephew and the empress. His eyebrow slowly crept up. "Both of you?"
Cartel swallowed and took on a more apologetic tone. "If that is not an issue?"
"Well, I'd be remiss if I didn't counsel your majesty to spend more time in the capital. There are many who wish to pay tribute to you, as well as to bring grievances before you. Most are happy enough to meet with me, but let's not pretend I hold a candle to your radiance." Eyan took a small bow towards Serena. "That said, if it must be done, then let it be done."
Cartel stepped to Serena, taking hold of her hand. "I fear he's right. If we wish to build your legitimacy, you must needs spend more time doing actual governing. I know not how this endeavor will go without you. We could delay... but I worry I have already delayed too long in dealing with this shadow."
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Post by Jenny on Nov 8, 2023 17:23:20 GMT -5
Her brow furrowed at the sudden guilt she felt at leaving Eyan to it all, and as Cartel took her hand and spoke, her shoulders slumped a little bit. She looked from one to the other, a bit helplessly, and could not hide the stress that had washed over her face. She looked at Cartel again, torn between wishing being beside him physically, and staying behind and leaving him to the journey alone.
"You wish me to stay?" She was a bit hurt, but she needed to view this situation as a whole. Her eyes lowered a moment, and she smiled at Cartel and Eyan.
"Very well, I will retake my place here, as I should." She suddenly felt very tired, feeling a great weight placed back on her shoulders. They needed her here, at the palace.
"How can I can I even begin to argue with those two men I love most in this world?"
"If there is nothing pressing, do you mind if I take a rest? I fear it's been a rather turmultous morning for me. I wish to change out of this traveing dress, as well. I'm sure you two need to catch up, besides, and have much to plan. If you'll excuse me."
She squeezed Cartel's hand and slipped away, her handmaidens not far behind her.
---
Serena went to her room after changing into a light robe suitable for sleeping in, and laid down on the bed. Of course, she'd not feel vexed at the men, because she had more than just Cartel to protect now. Despite feeling ill, she placed her hands on her stomach and smiled to herself. It would not be noticable for a while yet that they had conceived, thank heavens, for the castle would be in an absolute uproar over it. She groaned after a few moments and put her face in a pillow. If only she weren't so nauseated.
It was not long before she fell asleep, despite the feeling in the pit of her stomach.
---
From within the dark recesses of the curtains, a hand stretched out to the nodding-off-handmaiden and clamped over her mouth so she would not scream.The intruder put his finger over his lips to warn her not to make any noise. Half asleep, and not having her wits about her, many pounding-heart moments went by as the handmaiden's eyes adjusted. She was pale and shivering with terror, but terror drew to relief when she recognized the good Lord Klaus. He raised his brow and released her mouth, shaking his head to ward off any words she might speak and wake the empress, who had no knowledge that anything had transpired.
The handmaiden rose, quite shaken, clutching at the embroidery that she had twisted up in her fists, having quite ruining it, and made her way out quietly, never knowing a time when Lord Klaus did not show anything but mirth on his face. This time it was taut and sober. Klaus sheathed back the dagger, his booted foot firmly planted on a body, who had been rolled into the bottom of the heavy drape. He did not want to raise alarm, but any attempt to broach the Empresesses' chambers was, of course, unacceptable. He bent to pick up a second dagger that had been clutched inside the intruder's lifeless hands.
"This time was meant to come, lass," he muttered only to himself. He hefted the body over his shoulder, hidden away in the rolled up drapes, and exited as quietly as he could. He promptly strode down the hall, out through the kitchens, and onto the grounds, never breaking even a bit of stride as he crossed the practice grounds. At reaching the knight's hall, he barged in, and roared in anger, depositing the dead body like a sack of potatoes. The death mask fell away from the dead man's face, and the knights quickly gathered to look.
"Damned the very day, lads, when an attempt is made on Her Highnesses life! How'd the slippery bastard passed through your ranks, I know not, but I am to find out. Do any of you recognize this man?"
The knights looked uneasy at the truth. Klaus bellowed in indignant rage. "I tracked the blackguard meself, it was nearly clear as day as he climbed into the hallway, just there, near the kitchens."
Klaus pointed and all eyes followed. The window, that shoould be shut up against the cooling weather, had been wide agape.
"You men will have to keep much, much better watch. I will see to it personally that all of your shifts are doubled until we make sure this never happens again. This could have been the greatest catastrophy the kingom has ever known! And you have the nerve to stand there with yer mouths all agape? Right, it's drills for you. You there, Captain, make them feel the ache of this lesson long after they have retired this night. Me heart just weeps."
"I recognize him, Lord Klaus," a knight spoke up aside him as the rest were marched away in full uniform.
"Ye do? Good gods man, speak!"
"He had not worked long, but he was a stableboy. Came in an out at all hours of the night. Very curious behaviour, that."
Rage flew across Lord Klaus's face. "And none 'o ye had thought to keep a sharp watch over him?!"
"Some, at first, but then we got to used to it all, you see. Degenerates are far too common here in the city, as you know."
"Bless me," Klaus ran his hands over his face, "afore I slap that smirk off your face, knight! Do you know aught else about the fellow?"
"Ah, yes. I do believe he came along with a throng of Lord Blackwell's men about the same time the new squire arrived."
Klaus let the knight go at last to join the others, sat down hard on one of the mess hall's benches, crossed his arms, and brooded over this new news. He looked at the dead man's face and shuddered, for it had been far too close a call for his comfort. He decided he would have to find a trusted person to watch close to Her Ladyship's side, now that Cartel was leaving for Dire's End in naught but a fortnight.
"If I hadn't happened to see, if I hadn't come by on business at the right moment, what could have become of Her Eminence?" Klaus said aloud, to himself.
---
Serena stirred as light moved with the expiring morning to cast over her face, and the light that filtered through her eyelashes was blinding. She shrunk away, clinging to the last of her sleep. She sat up, rubbing her eyes with her hands and called out to her handmaiden.
"Rebecca?" She asked tentatively, baffled at her curious situation. Mayhaps Rebecca had been careless sewing at her pretty embroidery and a candle had turned over? Because that is the ONLY reason she could fathom, at that moment, why so heavy a drape would be missing.
"My Lady," a voice called softly and someone slipped up beside her. Something about this woman's movements were unsettling. Lithe and quick, and so fluid. Serena tugged her robe a little tighter, for a chill ran through her.
"I am not Rebecca, and I only mean you good will."
Serena took in more than one glance around the room then, more awake than ever before. "What transpired here, exactly?"
"Your most kind friend, Lord Klaus, has bid me watch over you. I shall only leave when your Lord has returned from business. I believe Lord Klaus is just outside awaiting him there, himself."
"Did something happen? Where is Rebecca?"
"She is safe, and it is only you and I inside your chambers at the moment. If I might suggest you dress, Empress?"
A bodyguard? Serena's face was tight and pale, and beads of sweat had started to settle on her brow. She put on something tasteful, and did her best with the stays, and walked out from behind the dressing curtain, and sat down quickly before her legs gave way from under her. If there were a body guard so close at hand, and the Lord Klaus was awaiting her husband's return that very moment... Lord above, what had transpired?
"Allow me," the still-nearly-stranger stepped foward, and deftly tightned the dress up smoothingly. Serena was completely taken aback. "Just who are you?"
"Rena, is my name, Highness. I am what one might call a jack of all trades."
"You are unexpected, Rena, if i might say so."
"Quite, my Lady."
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Post by Joe on Nov 9, 2023 14:39:28 GMT -5
When news reached Cartel of the assassination attempt he had been in the office that had been set up for him, sorting through various scrolls and letters having to do with the business of the realm. He had sent his organized pile onto the floor in an avalanche as he had leapt up from the desk and ran to Serena's quarters. To his surprise, he found Carme also waiting alongside Klaus outside her doors.
"What happened, my lord? Is all right with the lady? Tell me everything."
"She is well and resting in her quarters under guard, my lord." Carme stepped forward suddenly to say, before stepping back to allow Klaus to continue.
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Post by Jenny on Nov 9, 2023 14:59:20 GMT -5
Klaus frowned at Carme. "Yes, the lass is well, but shaken. I'd advise to give her some comfort 'ere soon."
He let out a long sigh, rubbing his hands over his face. "A nameless vagabond slipped through a window and gained access to her quarters. Her majesty was asleep, as was her handmaiden. I saw him, and set foot to follow, and made it inside after him. I managed to get out my dagger before he could strike, and took him down quietly enough."
Klaus even paled a little, having seen the flash of the assailant's dagger in the candlelight, lifted up high in the air, ready to put her to death.
"I immediately put a stop to it, just in time. But my Lord, if my eyes had strayed and I hadn't seen him gain entry..." Klaus shook his head grimly. "Aye, go to her and give her some comfort, lad."
Before Cartel had made a move to leave, Klaus remembered something.
"A woman is in there, by the name of Rena. A baby cousin of mine. She is as sharp witted as the weapons she has used to aid me all these years, and now, she is to be near Her Majesty at all times. I insist you take this offer, for I trust the lass completely to save my own skin."
When Cartel reached Serena, Rena would look up, having knelt beside the sober, and quite shaken, Serena. Her firey hair showed no hint of grey, and her eyes were keen. "My Lord, I will take my leave."
Rena bowed deeply to him, a hand over her heart, then gave Serena a soft look. "Take care, My Lady. Until next time."
"Good-goodbye, Rena. Until we meet again."
Rena stood up, the soft look giving way for a face of resolution. She bowed again to Cartel and left.
Serena looked up at Cartel, pale and completely distraught. "Had I known that I would be so vulnerable on my own, simply wishing to have some sleep, I-..." She trailed off, not really knowing what to say in the light of it.
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Post by Joe on Nov 9, 2023 16:26:52 GMT -5
Cartel nodded to Klaus's offer. "Of course, Klaus. Happy to accept your offer. A bodyguard is an excellent guard. I, nor the royal guard, can be with her at all times."
He sighed, clenching his eyes shut a moment, smothering the worry with resolve.
"Thank you for all you've done, my lord. We value your loyalty immensely."
Cartel reached up and placed his comparatively small hand on the giant's shoulder in a gesture of reassurance. Then, he entered the empress's chambers. Without missing a beat he took her in his arms and squeezed her tightly before pulling away to inspect the room.
"I did not expect them so soon..." Cartel sighed again, rubbing his chin. "We'll double the guard and tighten security measures around the palace."
The door opened and a clerk entered.
"Excuse me your majesty, but Lord Eyan requests your presence in the throne room. He wishes to brief you on matters of state."
The door shut as the clerk quickly dismissed themself.
"No rest for royalty, eh?" Cartel smiled as warmly as he could manage. "Shall I join you?"
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Post by Jenny on Nov 9, 2023 17:04:43 GMT -5
As Cartel left them to see to his wife, Klaus eyed Carme with a dark stare.
"Augh, lass, why are ye hanging around here for? Get thee away from me, I'm fit to be tied about this whole affair... Go.. polish ye armor... Just get thee away."
He started muttering to himself, but clearly, his brow eased it's turmoil when Rena showed herself.
"How fare they?"
Rena smiled grimly. "They are both visibly distressed. This bodes ill so close to Cartel's departure."
"Aye, Rena. I would have a word with Lord Cartel 'ere not before long."
"You wish to volunteer yourself for Dire's End, is that not right, cousin?"
"That I do. I may no longer be a young man, but I have heft, and can cleave a tree in two even still."
Rena's eyes laughed. "I'd like to see that."
Lord Klaus guffawed.
---
Serena's trembling eased as Cartel held her, she buried her face in his neck for comfort, and nodded, her face shifting ever so slighty against him, as he spoke of increasing security measures.
They parted at the abrupt entrance, and once again, stress crossed Serena's face. She smiled at Cartel a bit.
"Yes, let's meet Eyan, I'd hate to keep him waiting. I'm sure he's found out by now."
---
As Lord and Lady emerged, Klaus was waiting alone. He raised a hand, placed it on Cartel's shoulder, and leaned in close, reporting in a low voice what he had heard from the knight.
"My Lord, I'd keep an eye on your new squire."
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Post by Joe on Nov 9, 2023 17:29:59 GMT -5
INT. PALACE - OUTSIDE EMPRESS'S QUARTERS - DAY Carme raised an eyebrow at Klaus's protestations but decided to do as she was bid. CARME As you wish, my lord. Carme gives a curt bow, but only takes a handful of steps away, content to wait for her charge to emerge. Cartel emerges and listens to Klaus's words. CARTEL (quietly) So everyone tells me. Thank you for your counsel, friend. Cartel nods to Klaus and offers his arm to escort Serena to the throne room. Carme follows close behind. DISSOLVE TO: INT. PALACE - THRONE ROOM - DAY Eyan waits next to the throne, smiling as he sees the two approaching. EYAN Welcome! Do not fret, this will not take too much of your time, my friends. Eyan holds one arm out towards the throne, inviting Serena to take a seat. Cartel walks up to the dusk well, opening his arms to it as if embracing it. His eyes close.
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Post by Jenny on Nov 9, 2023 17:46:04 GMT -5
Klaus gave her near daggers for eyes at her impertinence. He growled a bit, and turned his shoulder on her. He chose to follow the entourage, realizing he had not yet asked Cartel if he might be allowed to join his company 'ere the Lord set out for Dire's End.
Serena tilts her head a bit, wondering as to what had Eyan in such good humor. She took her seat on the throne, folding her hands in her lap, and waiting expectantly. She set her gaze on Eyan.
"What is it that you wanted to discuss, Lord Eyan?"
Her eyes broke the gaze between Eyan and herself as she did a double take at the look that had passed over Cartel's face. She knit her brow, curious as to his actions. She fell silent.
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Post by Joe on Nov 10, 2023 16:33:33 GMT -5
EYAN I know this may seem premature, but the lords of the realm are expectant of children between your majesty and Lord Holland. As such, they are vying for marriage contracts. King Keller and King Velris both have children young enough to be a match to either gender of a prospective child. Eyan sighs, shifting his clothes. EYAN Of course they do not mean for you to make a decision already, simply to put it in your mind. Moving on- Eyan hands a few scrolls aside to a clerk. EYAN Imarine and Castellan have reported issues with their foodstores for this coming winter. They ask for supplements from our stores, though we only have enough to spare for one such kingdom. More scrolls handed aside.
EYAN Finally, it seems the land of the Illion Empire is growing unrestful. We've received reports of rebellion growing in several regions. Normally this would be good news, but a few of our agents have suggested there may be something more sinister behind it. They say there have been men from across the seas appearing in several halls of this rebellion, spreading dissent and unhappiness. Little is known of their motivations. I was of a mind to tell our agents to fuel the fire of this rebellion, but I wished to hear your majesty's thoughts. Cartel steps away from the dusk well, climbing the steps to take a seat next to Serena.
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Post by Jenny on Nov 10, 2023 16:50:33 GMT -5
She blushed a bit at the mention of children, and smiled a bit secretively to herself. No one knew yet, and she felt a budding warmth that she might share the news before the worry grew too great. She glanced at Cartel as he mounted the steps to sit beside her, but listened to Eyan's reports with a keen interest, but became visibly unsettled at the last.
"I would not be overtly worried about an heir to the throne, good Lord Eyan," she said, reassuringly. "For I am sure my dearest love and I have that well at hand." She blushed and cleared her throat, moving on quickly.
"I believe we should divide what we can spare what supplements from our stores and give to both kingdoms. Being of some help is better than turning our hearts away from their plight."
She sighed and glanced at Cartel again. "As for the reports of rebellion, perhaps it is best to consult our Lord Protector. What might you suggest, my Lord?"
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Post by Joe on Nov 10, 2023 17:15:32 GMT -5
Eyan scribbles on scrolls and hands them off to his clerk before turning to Cartel to hear his input. CARTEL Long have I been told tales of the ocean men and the doom they bring. I know not how much true there is to these tales, but I say we hold on taking action. Have our agents focus on obtaining more information. Seek the motivation of these foreign powers. We could replace our enemy with a worse one. EYAN Very well. Your majesty, since the siege at Velris, there have been no major troop actions against us, save a few border skirmishes. Do you wish to take offensive action against the Empire?
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