Post by Emile Deveraux on Apr 22, 2016 12:05:58 GMT -5
For a moment, Emile felt chagrined for Mariette’s confirmation. For Lord Alexander’s whereabouts, those were confirmed as being in the city and, unless some outrageous motive gave them reason to investigate him, Emile saw no sense in disturbing the poor man. In service to the Crown for his work as the Royal Archivist, located in Bordelaix, blame passed by him entirely in Emile’s head. Instead, he rather considered he may be a target. He was sorry to see his cousin pale so much by his words, clear as it was that she hadn’t considered this possible event, but thought it necessary to ask such questions, such as she’d empowered him to do. “Good. He may have a bigger role in this than we imagined, if only to help confirm suspicions of the culprit or culprits when the time comes.” Emile made sure to elaborate enough on his thought so that his cousin wouldn’t mistake him as meaning to blame the man. It was possible that through some letters or some other means that Lord Alexander knew something somehow connected to this mess.
Emile smiled at Mariette ever slightly, his thumb swiping across the metal of his now empty goblet, but not with thought to drink. At least, no conscious thought. He was surprised she continued to seem humble and open, gentle and caring, that the act was either terribly well placed or either genuine. He wanted to believe the latter, more than he even knew, and at least tried to enjoy it as it went. “Do you think them capable of putting aside ambition to make a selection among their peers?” He asked her further, not that he thought the answer mattered. For this, he could not assume Mariette would be a seer to foretell the future. It was simply a reflection of their own state, their family, and how they could not all unite to choose one single direction. While it would be best for the Deveraux name, personal ambition trumped all.
Though it was not his business, nor was it his responsibility to protect Mariette - not from this threat, at least - he felt compelled to consider why she had been entrusted to do this. He could hardly believe that both older sisters were too otherwise occupied to come. One, surely, but both? Did they not think it safe enough? No, Emile decided that wasn’t the fact, as they had sent the Lord Marshall and surely that was not just for show. He was listening as he was thinking, something he felt was second nature to nobility and royalty alike. One had to be fast on their feet in conversation. When she mentioned it was she who chose her assorted company, he wondered if that was her way to say she had chosen him. While he found that curious, he had not been asking to seek validation of her trust. It was yet another thing for the Prince to reflect on.
“I think you chose well, cousin. I think you will find that most of those in your company would follow you happily, even perhaps more so than your sisters, because it is safe to do so.” He paused a moment. Emile thought that he had certainly confused her, or at least made her think he was attempting to insult her family, which he wasn’t, so he hastened to add some detail. “It is your sister who fights for the Crown, who must choose her friends and her enemies. Your name has never been wrapped in such ambitions, and I think it makes you a magnet for those who wish to be helpful.” He believed that he was not the only one who was caught between a fight for power, and being able to contribute. It was Mariette’s lesser birth than Nicolette, he realized, which made him feel more comfortable in following her. While not particularly close with those in the retinue, he had a cursory understanding enough to feel he wasn’t speaking completely wildly. And, regardless, a part of the blonde man just wanted to make his cousin feel that she had support, too.
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Mariette Deveraux