Post by Everett Price on Mar 7, 2017 22:57:20 GMT -5
Her response was calm, but not exactly calculated -- truthful, it seemed, although Everett was not the kind of man to deign insight into the minds of those around him. Up until now, he had done well enough on his own -- his proclivity to concern himself with his own affairs alone having served him well, before. But she spoke thanks, and Everett gave a small nod of his chin, his eyes half-hooded still.
But the next question was singularly pointed, even if the words or tone themselves were not -- and even as Mariette contemplated the snowy mountains in the distance, the Price lord could not help but clear his throat, surprised at the query.
What an offer. Because in a way, it was that -- an audience, alone, to ply the case of the duchy falling into a specific family's hands. Of course, her query was open-ended, but what other man would view the opportunity as any less? And yet, Everett, while able to know exactly what his elder brother would do, or Klaus, or even Emeline; he couldn't predict his own response. He was so good at looking from outside, rather than in.
Several moments of resolute silence fell between them; nothing but the moaning winds.
"Lady Anneliese is -- strong of mind and conviction. There are few more worthy women than she." When Everett finally spoke, his words were gentle, but sincere; his own dark gaze now not meeting the Princess' line of vision, but he remained rigid where he stood, arms crossed over his chest as he considered her query. "I have -- have been dear friends with the Vann people since I was a child. Knowing the way someone -- grows, gives insight."
A pause. His dark eyes flicked up. "There are those who would -- seek to prey on her outward weakness. But I assure you, they are no further than skin deep." Another pause. "If we speak frank, Your Grace... do -- do you consider her viable?"
Mariette Deveraux
But the next question was singularly pointed, even if the words or tone themselves were not -- and even as Mariette contemplated the snowy mountains in the distance, the Price lord could not help but clear his throat, surprised at the query.
What an offer. Because in a way, it was that -- an audience, alone, to ply the case of the duchy falling into a specific family's hands. Of course, her query was open-ended, but what other man would view the opportunity as any less? And yet, Everett, while able to know exactly what his elder brother would do, or Klaus, or even Emeline; he couldn't predict his own response. He was so good at looking from outside, rather than in.
Several moments of resolute silence fell between them; nothing but the moaning winds.
"Lady Anneliese is -- strong of mind and conviction. There are few more worthy women than she." When Everett finally spoke, his words were gentle, but sincere; his own dark gaze now not meeting the Princess' line of vision, but he remained rigid where he stood, arms crossed over his chest as he considered her query. "I have -- have been dear friends with the Vann people since I was a child. Knowing the way someone -- grows, gives insight."
A pause. His dark eyes flicked up. "There are those who would -- seek to prey on her outward weakness. But I assure you, they are no further than skin deep." Another pause. "If we speak frank, Your Grace... do -- do you consider her viable?"
Mariette Deveraux