Ophelia's heart flutters at Kaillas's words, appreciating his willingness to accompany her wherever she desires. As they enter the serene gardens, she takes in the beauty that surrounds them. The tranquil atmosphere seems to envelop them in a cocoon of peace, allowing them a brief moment of respite before the demands of their positions took hold once more. She savors the quietude, relishing in the presence of the man she'll be spending the rest of her life with.
"I look forward to seeing you tonight, my king," She replies with a warm smile, her eyes locking with his as he takes her hand and bestows a gentle kiss upon it. The whispers and gazes from the onlookers doesn't faze her. People are going to stare and gossip no matter what they do. She's going to have to learn to ignore it. Being queen will mean that her life is spent being observed.
As Kaillas turns to depart, Ophelia watches him for a moment, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She knows that the ladies of the court will arrive soon. It's not something she's really looking forward to. It's going to be stressful but she'll have to stay calm and make sure that everything goes smoothly.
Catalina directed Ophelia where she woukd sit. Tea and food would be served after the ladies arrived. Assuming they were on time. A canopy had been set up to help block out the sun's harsh rays. Chairs with comfort bake cushions had been set around a few small tables that would hold their drinks and food.
Genevieve was the first one to show up. Catalina had leaned forward to whisper her name as she approached. The woman was the spymasters wife. It was surprising she showed up first. The woman was usually one of the last ones to show as she would send someone to update her on the situation. She must have wanted to get a feel for the new queen without any outside bias. Isabel wasn't far behind, Cat again leaning in to whisper her name. The wife of the master of Ships. The two ladies dipped into a curtsy before sitting in respective seats.
"Your Highness," Genevieve said. "It's wonderful to finally meet you. The palace has been in an uproar ever since we learned of your arrival." While she seemed relaxed and at ease, she was looking for anything to pass on to her husband. Anything useful. Everyone at court was just looking for a way to use someone.
Ophelia takes her seat as directed by Catalina, settling into the comfortable chair and glancing around the area. The canopy offers a welcome respite from the sun's rays, casting a gentle shade over the gathering. She awaits the arrival of the other ladies, taking a few breaths to compose herself. She wants everything to go perfectly.
As Genevieve makes her entrance, she observes her with polite interest, trying to recall what she has been told about the woman. She understands that she must tread carefully, as anything she says or does could potentially be relayed to the other woman's husband. The world of court politics is a delicate dance of alliances and secrets.
Upon hearing the greeting, Ophelia smiles warmly, her gaze meeting the spymaster's wife. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Genevieve," She replies, her voice calm and composed. "I hope my arrival hasn't caused too much disruption. The transition to from one kingdom to another can overwhelming, but I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received."
Her words are carefully chosen, her tone conveying a sense of diplomacy and poise. She knows all too well the underlying motivations and agendas that permeate the court, and while she aims to navigate those waters with grace, she also knows the importance of maintaining a sense of authenticity and integrity.
Genevieve was watching her carefully. She was looking for even the slightest movement that might suggest anything other than the words she was saying. "Oh, nonsense," she said, "This palace does love hosting a good party. And your arrival is cause to hold many. We are nothing but delighted to receive you." A feign of enthusiasm. She, like most ladies, was wary to have an outsider brought in. Along with most of the other ladies, she had always expected the king to marry a girl from a nice house in their own kingdom. Not a princess from another.
Isobel had been relatively quiet thus far. Other than murmuring a, "Your Highness," as she curtsied, she had been content to watch. She was gagging at how well the princess held up against Genevieve and the others once they approached. But she wasn't observing for the same reason as the others. She was watching to see if this young girl had what it took to play the game at court or if she was a lost cause. Her first impression told her the former but only time would tell.
Esmerelda and Aurora approached the princess together, arms linked. They both dipped into a curtsy and acknowledged the princess. These two had an agenda. They had no qualms about getting their hands dirty to get what they wanted. And they always got what they wanted. They were the most important ladies at court, well, until Ophelia that was. And they wanted to see if the princess was going to get in their way. And see what they would need to do to go around her to get what they wanted. They were selfish and spoiled and they knew it.
The two girls flocked to either side of the princess. They would try being her friend at first and see if they could still get their way. It was the easiest and less messy way to do things. And if that didn't work, they would have to resort to other measures. But they would try this first. "You look radiant today, Your Highness," said Aurora. "The Vaeril air seems to be doing you some good. You're practically glowing."
Ophelia maintains a poised and composed demeanor as she watches everyone arrive. She is all too aware of the skepticism and hidden agendas surrounding her presence in the palace, but she is determined to prove herself and navigate the intricate web of court politics.
She greets Lady Isobel warmly, ensuring that she seems as sincere and polite as possible. Though she knows that these ladies are speaking with her to gain some sort of advantage, she wants to be friends with them at some point. It may end up being a shallow friendship but she’s alright with that.
As Esmerelda and Aurora approach her, Ophelia accepts their compliments graciously, though she is wary of their intentions. She understands their desire to maintain their positions of influence and power, and she is prepared to handle their attempts to manipulate her.
"Thank you, Lady Aurora," She replies with a gentle smile. "The Vaeril air is indeed refreshing, and I'm grateful for how welcoming and friendly everyone has been so far." She glances at both Esmerelda and Aurora, meeting their gazes with a sense of calm confidence. "I look forward to getting to know each of you better and finding ways to contribute to the prosperity of the court."
Her response is polite yet guarded, subtly indicating that she is not oblivious to their potential ulterior motives. She aims to establish herself as a capable player in the court's game, someone who can hold her own and protect her own interests without being easily swayed or manipulated. Of course, she’s more than happy to help them out if she can but she will not be taken advantage of.
The two girls locked eyes with each other briefly. Good, Aurora thought, someone who was eager to please. It shouldn't be too hard to keep her standing there in court. As long as the princess remained blissfully unaware of a few things, everything should go smoothly. Aurora did not want to lose her standing as top dog here in court. She wasn't going to let a foreigner come in and take that from her.
The two girls only smiled at her and the rest of their party came trickling in. A few less noticeable ladies of the court were wives or daughters of lesser-known lords. No one worth noticing or befriending. At least not in the eyes of the wives of the men of the council. Well, all of them except Isobel. She found that friends could be found in the most unlikely of places. Genevieve only associated herself with them because they had information they could provide to her. But Isobel saw their worth. And if Ophelia proved herself, she just might introduce the princess to a few of her friends.
Beatrice was one of the last to arrive. She was heavily pregnant and almost waddling with how large her stomach was. She was pregnant with her fifth child. It had been a hard pregnancy this time around but she still had things to attend to. And her awful husband wouldn't let her return home to their estate to be put on bed rest. Even with a doctor's recommendation. She struggled to curtsy to the princess, her belly making it difficult. But she managed to succeed. She lifted her head with a smile, "Wonderful to meet you, Your Highness."
Despite being a year older than Kaillas, she had a childlike demeanor. Her voice was softer and higher pitched. She dressed in brighter clothing and her hair was done up in ribbons. Something a little girl might wear. Most ladies brushed her aside. She had married up in families and wasn't well versed in court or political knowledge. While her family had still had the title of Lord, they had struggled to get by and hadn't the luxury of being around politics. This left her at a disadvantage and reliant on her husband for any knowledge. Knowledge that he did not provide her. Nor any ladies of the court as they believed she should have known this already. All of them except Isobel. But Isobel watched how often she was around Bea and who saw them together.
Ophelia observes the interactions unfolding before her, taking in the dynamics and personalities within the court. She can sense the tension and competition emanating from Aurora, who seemed determined to maintain her position as the dominant figure in the court. She makes a mental note to tread carefully around her, recognizing the potential challenges she might face.
As the two girls lock eyes with each other, Ophelia detects a glimmer of eagerness in their expressions. It seems that they were both seeking to make a favorable impression and gain favor in the court.
When the rest of the party arrived, Ophelia notices the presence of the wives and daughters of lesser-known lords. She can tell that a few of the ladies don’t seem to think much of them. However, she observes that Isobel has a different perspective. That’s good to know. She is intrigued by Isobel's discerning nature and wonders if she could trust her to introduce her to trustworthy allies.
Beatrice, heavily pregnant and struggling to curtsy, catches Ophelia's attention. She can empathize with Beatrice's situation. It is evident from what she’s been told that Beatrice's husband was unsupportive and dismissive, leaving her at a disadvantage in terms of knowledge and social standing.
Returning Beatrice's smile, Ophelia replied warmly, "The pleasure is mine, Lady Beatrice. I'm delighted to meet you. Please, do not worry about the curtsy. Your presence here is valued, and your strength in attending to your responsibilities while in your current state is commendable. If there's anything I can do to make your time at court more comfortable, please don't hesitate to let me know."
Ophelia's words carry a genuine sincerity, aiming to reassure Beatrice that she was seen and appreciated. As the princess, Ophelia recognizes the power she held to uplift and support those who might otherwise be overlooked. She hopes to foster a sense of inclusiveness within the court, where everyone's contributions were recognized and valued.
Beatrice smiled gratefully at the princess. "Thank you, Your Highness." She straightened her legs, thankful she didn't need to dip any lower in a curtsy, and found a place to sit. She sat closer to the lower ladies of the court. The other four didn't associate with her much. They thought that she had no thoughts in her head. That she was only good for popping out children. Her husband thought the same thing of her. But there was more to her than any of them knew. She saw more than most of them did because people didn't think they needed to hide around her. But no one would take her seriously so she went to someone else at the court. Someone who was closest to the king. Ambrose. And no one suspected a thing.
Now that all the ladies were there, servants carted out the tea. Cups were placed on the tables and tea was poured. Food would be brought out shortly after they had a chance to start on tea and talk a bit. A servant handed the princess a teacup and saucer before backing away. The other ladies had to grab their own cups.
As Isobel was mixing sugar into her tea, she finally spoke to the princess. "How have you taken to the king, Your Highness." She wondered how much she would share with the group and how much she would lie. If she was overly kind about the king she was a terrible liar. If she shared the truth, she was going to get eaten alive. The other girls turned to the princess with interest. She could tell Auror was itching to ask her about the dirty details. Have they kissed yet? Had they done anything they weren't supposed to? If Ophelia was smart, she wouldn't reveal anything.
After Kaillas left the courtyard, he was quickly intercepted by Ambrose who scolded him for pushing back their meetings. Kaillas only waved him off and followed him back to the meeting room. As summer was beginning to end, they needed to evaluate their food stores. How much they have harvested and how much they had left to harvest. They needed to make sure they could had enough not only for their trades but to feed the people. Once winter hit, there would be no income until the snow melted and the weather warmed enough that seeds could bloom. His head of agriculture was already waiting for him as well as some of his head farmers.
Ophelia smiles politely at Isobel, carefully considering her response before speaking. She knows that she has to tread carefully to avoid revealing too much or lying outright. These woman are vicious and will look for any weakness to tear her apart.
"Thank you for your inquiry, Lady Isobel," Ophelia replies, maintaining a composed demeanor. "Regretfully, the king and I haven’t been afforded many opportunities to get to know each other due to our busy schedules. However, we are gradually getting to know each other better. From what I can tell, His Majesty is a kind respectful gentleman and a wonderful leader, and I feel fortunate to marry him.”
Ophelia purposely keeps her response vague, avoiding any mention of personal affection or intimate details. She is well aware of the curiosity that surrounded her connection with the king, particularly from the ladies of the court. They haven’t done anything wrong but that doesn’t mean people won’t gossip regardless. Instead, she tries to shift the focus away from herself.
"I am interested in hearing about all of you," Ophelia continues, calmly redirecting the conversation. She hopes that by engaging the other ladies in discussing their own lives, it will divert attention away from prying into her relationship with the king. Ophelia knows that discretion and subtlety in crucial in navigating the complex dynamics in the court, and she is determined to protect both her own secrets.
Isobel hid her smile as she sipped her tea. She was one of the older ladies at court, nearing her forties. She had been there a long time. Before she had married her husband, her father had been an important man to the previous king and often brought her along to court. She learned from a very young age how to play the game. And she knew how to win without stepping over everyone in the process as Aurora and Esmerelda did. She knew how to play the long game.
Aurora never gave up an opportunity to talk about herself. Through years of practice, she knew how to keep certain information to herself even as she prattled on. She was in her early twenties, around the same age as the king, though her husband was almost twice her age. Her father had arranged their marriage and well, she had done her duty and given him a few children and now she did as she pleased. Her husband was too busy counseling the king to care what she did. It was part of the reason she got away with so much. But as far as husbands went, she could have done worse. Though she had been hoping to marry the King, whether it was Kaillas or his older brother. Unfortunately, that ambition had fallen through and she held some resentment. "I've been at court for about five years now, not long as I married General Omaire. I have three children at home, two boys and a girl. Esmerelda and I quickly became friends, bonding over our love of our families," not exactly but it was a good cover, only no one believed it, " We spend our days drinking tea, strolling the gardens, and planning parties when we visit home."
Esmeralda was nodding along. She was the same age as Aurora, another reason they boded so quickly. Only she had come to court a bit later than Aurora. "My husband and I married about three years ago and we came to court shortly after. We have struggled these past couple of years of having a child but, well, not any longer," her face broke out in a beam. She had just confirmed she was with child only a few days prior. She had been keeping it a secret since then, waiting for the right time to reveal it. Aurora gushed with her while the other ladies politely said their congratulations.
It wasn't lost on Genevieve or Isobel that Esmeralda was congratulated for being pregnant and Beatrice was seen as a brood mare for being with child once again. Something that the two ladies both looked at each other with a purse of their lips.
Ophelia observes the interactions among the ladies at court, her attention shifting from one to another. There are a lot of different personalities in the group and she has a few concerns about some of the ladies. She can see how their ambitions will lead to problems.
Isobel, with her composed demeanor and apparent knowledge of courtly politics, will either make for a great friend or a formidable enemy. She greatly hopes that it will be the former but it’s much too early to tell yet.
Genevieve catches her attention as well. There is something observant about her, an understanding that went beyond surface interactions. Ophelia wonders if she could find an ally in Genevieve, someone who seems to share her values and see through the superficiality of court life.
Aurora's self-centered nature and constant need for attention it a worry. It is evident that she has aspirations beyond her current position and held resentment towards any missed opportunities. She has a feeling that will need to be cautious around Aurora, suspecting that her ambitions might lead to trouble in the future.
Despite the fact that she’s a little uncertain of Esmeralda, the joy the woman has upon revealing her pregnancy brings a smile to Ophelia's face. She is truly happy to hear this news. However, the contrasting reactions to Esmeralda's news and the unfair judgment placed upon Beatrice troubles her deeply. It is a stark reminder of the double standards that often prevail within the court and the need for change.
“Congratulations. A baby is such a wonderful blessing,” Ophelia says sincerely, not wanting to ignore the good news just because she’s a little troubled by a few things. There’s a lot of work that she’ll have to do to help herself with court life.
Esmeralda beamed at the princess, her hand coming to rest on her stomach. While she was indifferent to her husband, she was happy to finally have a child. And not just because of the pressures of her husband. It was a great honor to bare children and continue her husband's line. She felt like she was doing her duty and he was proud of her, one of the few times she truly got his attention other than trying for a child. She was happy about this, even if the pain of childbirth scared her.
"You and the king will have lots of children together," Aurora said, "It's only a matter of time before that blessing will bestow not you. It has been too long since a royal baby has been born. The people are giddy with anticipation." She, like most of the court, expected the princess to become with child not to long after the wedding. It was simply how it was done. It was only a few of them, such as Isobel and Genevieve, that truly understood the king and his motives. And that the king had no intentions of having relations with the princess without her expressed approval. And babies were an entirely different conversation.
Beatrice had a happy look on her face. She loved babies. It was the only reason she didn't truly mind having so many, even if it was taxing on her body. The last time, the birth had painful and hard. She almost died. She worried this one might finally take her. If she somehow survived, she wasn't having anymore after this. She wasn't sure how she was going to hide the tonic from her husband. The last time he saw it he beat her senseless. But she would have to try. She couldn't do this anymore. Not at the risk of her life.
The maids brought out a variety of cut sandwiches, placing them along the tables as well as some bowls of fruit. Something light and small so that they would still have plenty of room for dinner. A maid filled any cups with tea that were low and provided sugar and honey to those that wished for it before backing up into the shadows.
Turnign her attention to Aurora, she keeps her face perfectly neutral despite the many emotions eating away at her. Truth be told, after that strangle interaction they had in the infirmary, Ophelia isn’t certain that a child is going to happen. Granted, they’ll need to have one to continue on the bloodline and to have someone take the throne. Other than that, she has her doubts. The king didn’t seem happy at all when he saw her interest in seeing a baby. They have yet to even discuss having one of their own.
She smiles polite and nods in agreement with her statement about the anticipation among the people. "The king and I will hopefully be blessed with children in due time.” She’s not in a rush, especially since her husband seems to be against it altogether. “The birth of a royal baby brings much joy and excitement to a kingdom. The people always long for a new generation. Not much is more exciting than a royal baby.” A royal wedding certainly is close.
As the maids set up the refreshments, she resists the urge to help. That sort of gesture would not go over well with the ladies of the court. She stays planted in her chair as she stirs some sugar and honey into the tea. The least she can do is thank the maids as they work on getting everything together. That is exactly what she does.
Though most disagree with her, she sees no reason to be mean to or to look down on the maids. Their jobs are hard enough. Besides, It isn’t as though they chose to be born to the families they were born to. Some are born with special privileges in this world and some aren’t. It may not be ideal but she doubts there’s any changing it.
Isobel only hid her smile once more as she sipped from her tea. She looked at Genevieve who was sharing the same look with her. They were impressed with their queen to be and saw much potential. The two ladies had an unspoken agreement. They primarily left each other alone but they were still careful in how much they confided in one another. They never gave information without recieving some in return. Genevieve was the closet in age to Isobel, nearing her early thirties. But even then Isobel was still the oldest of the group.
Isobel perhaps had the best relationship with her husband out if all of them. She had been the only one to chose her husband. They jad been children together, and while he was a few years older, they had connected. They had married just after she turned twenty with the approval of both of their parents. They had two children, both boys, and were content with another. They truly loved each other. Through the hardships of her miscarriages and his lost ships, they had stuck by one another. And she saw such a love in store for Ophelia and Kaillas. She had already heard the whispers of their time together earlier this morning. Whole they may not have chosen each other, she had every faith they would come to love one another.
Genevieve, while her marriage was arranged, had a good relationship with her husband. They had come to love one another over the years though it had been a rocky start. They had three girls and one boy together. The boy came last and was constantly teased by his older sisters. "Perhaps not but a royal wedding is a close second. The palace has been preparing for months." They hadn't had anything this exciting since Kaillas' coronation.
Ophelia genuinely hopes that she and Kaillas will be able to have a real relationship. She hadn’t been so sure at first but the more she spends time with him, the more she grows to like him. The fact that he put aside some tasks he had to complete in order to accompany her this morning means a lot to her. It’s a show that he’s making and effort and that he cares. She knows that neither of them chose this so she doesn’t expect anything perfect but she thinks that they’re off to a good start.
At Genevieve’s words, she nods her head in agreement. A lot is going into the wedding so hopefully the excitement from it all will last for at least a few months. It’s apparent that everyone is expecting a royal heir sooner rather than later. That isn’t going to happen so something needs to keep the people at bay. The wedding high will last a while thankfully but after that….she’s going to have to think of something new and exciting to give up.
Though this meeting hasn’t been as worrisome as she thought it would be, she still finds herself itching to be done. She remembers Catalina telling her that she gets to go horseback riding and that is certainly a lot less stressful than this. The ladies of the court have been nothing short of nice to her but she is painfully aware that a few of them have ulterior motives.
No one touched any of the sandwiches until Ophelia had her own plate and began to eat. It was tradition to wait for a member of the royal family to eat first before anyone else could. It was sometimes annoying when Kaillas disappeared doing god knows what, leaving the court to starve. Eventually, someone stepped forward allowing them to eat as the king was preoccupied. Sometimes his mind wandered and he forgot a few things. Such as dinner with the court and holding everyone up.
Genevieve took a sip of her tea, washing down her sandwich. "I heard the king brought in a horse trader to offer you a horse as part of your wedding present. Who did you choose?" She knew very well which horse the princess had chosen. One of the stable hands was her spy and he had been there that morning. She had relayed the information to her husband already who found it quite curious the king would buy such a useless horse for the palace. They thought he must already be infatuated with Ophelia to buy such a horse.
The other girls perked up at the mention of a horse and the king. No one else had heard such a thing and were now very intrigued. It had only just happened earlier this morning, and other than the stable hands and Catalina, no one else knew about it. The news was bound to travel eventually, perhaps later this afternoon if Genevieve hadn't said anything. But it made no difference to her what time of day it was revealed. Only where. And she wanted to see how everyone reacted to this bit of news.
The rule of waiting for the royal to eat first is an irritating one. Not wanting everyone to have to wait for her, she takes a small bite of her sandiwch so everyone else may begin to eat as well. She look up at Genevieve with a slight smile, making sure to keep her expression neutral as she wonders how the woman even knows about the horse. It just happened and no one else was even around.
"Yes, the king did bring in a horse trader today, and he did offer me a horse as a wedding present. It was such a thoughtful gesture." She takes another delicate bite of her sandwich before continuing. The best route for this is to keep things simple without it seeming like she’s avoiding the question.
"As for which horse I chose, well, I must say it was a difficult decision. There were so many lovely ones to choose from. But in the end, I decided on a beautiful dapple grey stallion. He’s as sweet as sweet can be and will make for the perfect compainion and riding horse." Of course, she neglects to mention what breed he is.
Ophelia glances around the room, observing the reactions of the other ladies, making sure that she treats carefully eith what she says about this.
"I'm sure you'll all have the opportunity to meet him soon enough. At the moment he’s getting settled into his new stall so I hesitate to show him off. He’ll need some time to adjust, after all. However, I have a feeling he'll make quite an impression on everyone."
Ophelia takes another sip of her tea, keeping herself perfectly calm and collected. Looking at her, one wouldn’t realize that she’s a tad nervous about this game of deception. She knows that her choice of a horse will be the subject of much gossip and speculation. For now, it’s best to keep the details to a minimum to avoid such conversation.
Genevieve hid her smirk behind her teacup. It was practically empty now but she didn't to hide her smile somehow. She had faith in her new queen. She would like to be great friends with her. Now of course, being friends with Genevieve would come with some conditions, but it was a friendship worth having. The knowledge that she possessed could ruin lives and bring up others. Not that she ever threatened any of that. She knew how to tread carefully.
"We should go riding sometime, Your Highness," Aurora said. With Esmeralda's condition, she likely wouldn't be able to ride much. Her husband would likely forbid it with their fertility issues. This meant the lady would be able to have some one on one time with the princess. "I have a beautiful Arabian horse. He's been cooped up for too long."
Aurora always had an ulterior motive, but then again, so did everyone. It was the way of court. Someone always had something that someone else wanted. It was a game that had to be played to get it. And Isobel always enjoyed watching to see who would come out on top. She so did hope Ophelia could make it. She was going to do her best to guide her. She had been there the longest and survived this long. Ophelia would be a fool not to listen to her. Genevieve would be an ally as well, but for the rest, that remained to be seen. Isobel was hoping to get to witness it all.
The sun was moving in the sky. It had passed its peak and slowly began its descent in the sky, nearing the later afternoon. It was time for tea to come to an end. The Princess Ophelia had an appointment with the Princess Elora. It was best not to be late. Catalina stepped forward to whisper in Ophelia's ear, "It's time to dismiss them, my lady."
“I look forward to the opportunity to ride with you and meet your beautiful Arabian horse. I'm sure it will be a delightful experience,” She replies politely to Aurora. Though the woman seems perfectly pleasant and nice, she knows that ulterior motives lurk beneath that polite surface. She’ll have to be careful around her.
Ophelia glances at Catalina and nods discreetly, appreciating the heads up.. She takes a final sip from her teacup, setting it down gently on the saucer. Clearing her throat, she addresses the ladies gathered around her.
"Ladies, it has been a pleasure to spend this afternoon with you. Your company has been delightful," Ophelia says with a warm smile, mostly meaning what she is saying. “Unfortunately, I must bid you farewell for now. I have an appointment that I must attend to. Thank you again for your presence today. I shall see you soon."
Standing up, she turns to look at Catalina. While this is jet better than she thought it would, she’s eager to meet with Elora and go riding with her. It’s something that she’s been looking forts to all say. The time for their ride simply couldn’t have come soon enough if you ask her.
The girls set aside their teacups and their small plates of half eaten sandwiches. The stood saying their good yes and curtsying to the princess. "Thank you for your time, Your Highness. It was lovely meeting you," said Aurora. Esmeralda was by her side, murmuring something along the same.
Genevieve was next ti say her goodbyes. She gave the princess a sly smile as she curtsied. "I'll be seeing you soon, Your Highness." And she would be. They had much to discuss in a more private setting.
Beatrice was struggling to her feet next. Despite the princess saying otherwise, she still dipped as far as she could into another curtsy. She smiled, saying goodbye. Isobele was up next. She dipped into a low curtsy. "You handled yourself well today, Your Highness. You might survive yet." And she was gone and the courtyard was empty save the servant's and then princess.
Catalina turned to the princess with a smile. "You did wonderfully. Now let's get you to your rooms and changed into your riding clothes." And perhaps something done to her hair to pull it back out of her face.
Ophelia returns the farewells with gracious nods and smiles, appreciating the kind words and well-wishes from her guests. As the women depart, she watches them go with a sense of anticipation and curiosity, particularly noting Genevieve's sly smile and her promise of a future meeting. She certainly is interesting in meeting with the other woman privately to see what she has to say.
Turning her attention to Catalina, Ophelia's smile turns into a genuine one. "Thank you," she replies sincerely. "I'm glad it went well. It was rather stressful and I know that I was being tested the entire time." She had been worried about being ripped apart by their questions but she feels as though she handled herself well during the meeting.
She makes her way through the courtyard and into the palace, the servants bustling around them. As they walk, Ophelia reflects on her interactions with the ladies. It had been a pleasant afternoon and she knows that things will only get better from here. Upon reaching her chambers, she goes to find something suitable to wear for the horse ride. This dress, as lovely as it is, will only get in the way.
Catalina moved to be beside the princess. "Yes, they were testing you. You're the new lady at court. They wanted to see where you stand and how well you hold their ground. Theyre likely going to push you to see how much they can get from you. Stand your ground but don't turn them away completely. You will need them at one point or another. And you need their husbands to influence your own." Women were always the hand behind the decision of a man.
The long walk to the princess's bedroom felt longer than it should have. The door finally came into view and it was opened for the princess to enter.
A riding outfit had been selected and laid out on the bed already. Dark trousers, a white linen blouse and a dark riding coat. Riding boots were also selected at the foot of the bed. Maids were already waiting to help the princess with her clothing.
"Quickly now. We don't have that much more time before we need to meet with Princes Elora," she said, sig alling for the maids tto come forward to help her undress.
Ophelia listens attentively to Catalina's words, her expression thoughtful. She understands the dynamics at play within the court and the importance of building alliances, both with the women and their influential husbands. The advice resonates with her, reminding her of the delicate balance she needs to maintain. She is determined to assert herself and establish that she can not be taken advantage of but she also recognizes the value in cultivating relationships and gathering support.
As the maids approach to assist her, she thanks them with a warm smile, allowing them to carefully help her undress. She helps out as much as she can without getting in the way, aware that time is of the essence. She is eager to meet up with her future sister-in-law. They got along so well last night during their first meeting. She's looking forward to getting to know her better.
"Thank you," She says softly as the maids works efficiently. She appreciates all of their help. Though she wishes that she had a little more independence, now is not the time to bring it up.
Once she is dressed in the riding outfit, Ophelia gives herself a final once-over in the mirror, ensuring everything was in place. She then turned to Catalina. "Lead the way. Let us not keep her waiting." She certainly doesn't want to be rude.
Catalina smiled as Ophelia reemerged dressed for riding. She gave a small bow of her head. "You look wonderful, Your Highness. Not everyone can pull off a variety of clothing, but you look radiant as always." She stepped back, gesturing to the door for Ophelia to exit first. She followed right behind.
She guided the princess out of the appace once more and back to the stables. As they approached, the princess was already waiting with two guards stationed a few feet behind her. They would be accompanying the two girls on their ride. "The guards will follow behind the two of you. They'll give enough distance for privacy but will be close enough to step in if anything happens. Not that we expect it to, it's just a precaution," Cat said. "They are on the king's payroll. Anything you say will be confidential." She murmured that last part ot the princess. These guards wouldn't say a word.
Elora smiled as she saw the princess approach. "Ophelia, so good to see you. Are you ready to ride?" She asked. She had an Andalusian stallion. He was a light Grey, almost white. His white mane was slick and clean. Though not long after this ride likely.
Cheesecake had been saddled and ready to ride. The Shire horse had already been broken in by the breeder and should ride just fine. Elora woukd still be on her guard just in case the horse didn't like having Ophelia on his back.
Ophelia smiles back at Catalina, appreciating her compliment. "Thank you. I really do appreciate that and everything you have done for me." While this may technically be part of the woman's job, she knows that she's gone above and beyond what is expected of her.
Walking alongside Catalina, Ophelia makes her way to the stables, her anticipation growing. As they approach, she noticed the presence of the guards, understanding the need for their protection. She listens attentively as their role is explained and she is ensured that anything she says would remain confidential. Still, she wishes for a little more privacy. She knows that safety is priority so there will be no avoiding the gaurds.
Turning her attention to Elora, her face lights up with delight. "Elora, it's wonderful to see you too!" She exclaims, her excitement evident. "Yes, I'm absolutely ready to ride. Your horse is beautiful. I have been looking forward to this ride with you all day."
She approaches Cheesecake, gently patting the Shire horse's side to offer reassurance. "Hello, Cheese," She coos softly, already coining some nicknames for the horse. "We're going to have a great time together, won't we?" She speaks softly to the horse, hoping that their first ride together will be a good one.
With a mix of excitement and nervousness, Ophelia prepares to embark on the ride, being careful as she climbs into the saddle.
