Post by Nicolette Deveraux on Apr 17, 2015 19:25:26 GMT -5
The nobles of the realm were trickling into the city in pairs, trios and groups, filling the Lavender Quarter and other parts of the city in answer to the King’s summons. Aware that time was not on her side, Nicolette forged ahead with the plans crafted between her uncle, her sister and herself, keeping a close watch on who arrived. There were plenty with whom she needed and wanted to speak, not the least of which was Zorion Ibarra. The Warden of Estersea was a major piece on the game board, and she suspected he knew it. That meant he needed to be the first with whom she spoke, intending to do what she must to secure his loyalty and support for her reign.
With that in mind, a formal invitation to join her for an afternoon’s discussion was submitted to the family’s home within Bordelaix. The Crown Princess intended that the meeting be conducted strictly between the two of them with no risk of interruption or outside influence to distract them from the first of many such interactions. She prepared a list of necessary discussion topics, the better to prioritize what was most important. Though she did not necessarily intend to lead off with her best offer, she wanted an opportunity to take the man’s measure and secure some influence over him. Antoinette would be of great assistance in this, a request made to her sister that she consider inviting the Ibarra lord’s sister to serve her if the two were able to forge a friendship.
Pushing the thought from her mind, the future Queen put herself into Carlotta’s skilled hands to prepare for the meeting. They’d agreed that she should not appear too formal, but not casual either, selecting a dress of soft blue trimmed in darker blue, worn with a cream colored chemise. The sleeves of the gown were left off deliberately due to the warmth of the day and to encourage the less formal air of the meeting. The autumn gold hair was left to flow freely down her back but drawn away from her face with a bandeau of deep blue ribbon, exposing a pair of dainty pearl stud earrings and no necklace. She preferred to impress the Marquess with her mind and capability, after all.
The appointed time nearly at hand, Nicolette thanked her lady in waiting and excused herself to seek out the room selected for the meeting. No desk, nothing formal or official, but a comfortable pair of chairs by open windows that let in plenty of natural light and the late summer breeze with a table situated between them. A tray was already in place with a bottle of wine, one of brandy, and a pitcher of lemonade along with water and several goblets. A plate of cheese and fruit was there for snacking. Entering, she gave the order that only Lord Ibarra was to be admitted, along with a guard if he felt one necessary. Her guards were to remain on duty in the hall, keeping any potential eavesdroppers at bay.
As first moves went, it was bold, but the Crown Princess intended to begin as she meant to go on.
Zorion Ibarra