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“This could prove disastrous but if it is the will of the people,I will stand by it.”
“That is a very strong thing to say, your majesty. The people need a little guidance every now and then, though, someone to lead them into the right direction, so they can find their own paths to a saver and happier world.”
The Queen was used to people showering her in compliments, people always wanted something. That she knew. But she also knew how to take the compliments while giving very little back in return. People saw her as a child, one that was naive to the world…but no one in this world was naive after all that they had seen after the wars. “Baron, you make me blush in a way that will make people talk.” Her lips curved up in amusement. “It entertains me, promise me you will never change.” She let out a sweet laugh, it wasn’t clear whether it was sincere or not. “But how is it a gentleman such as himself finds himself alone on such a night? Allow me to make some introductions. There are some lovely young ladies here without partners to waltz with. Such a shame.”
“I cannot promise you such a thing, your majesty, though I will do whatever I can to give you your heart’s desire.” He smiled kindly, almost enjoying the back and forth between the two of them, acting as if they did not know everyone in this room had something entirely different planned than making idle conversation. Honesty, he had found, was something very rare in the these kingdoms now.
“I thank you for such an offer - and the compliment it holds - but I fear I am not the right dancing partner for such young folk. It quite bores me and I fear I cannot give them the attention they deserve.” The Baron smiled once again, before he asked himself how far he could go with this. “It is too bad one does not dare to ask a certain sun for a dance.”
“I know you are right. There is no point in being a pessimist is there? I just have this feeling sometimes that we’re going around in circles, searching for something that will never be there. Oh, but what am I saying? This is meant to be a celebration and I’m probably ruining your good mood.”
“Please, having the pleasure a conversation with you brings does the opposite of ruining my mood. You are not only beautiful, but apparently also very intelligent. A rare thing when it comes to the nobles I am normally interacting with. Should you wish though to change the subject to a lighter one, I will be more than happy to follow your lead.”
“Oh, you have children? They must be fortunate as well from what you are saying. And yet it’s true that others are not so fortunate. It’s sad that orphans that come from nobility can live in palaces while all the other orphans have to roam our streets for scraps. I wish there was something that could be done, but with all the talks of war, most rulers are not thinking about children and whether they have a place to play and food in their tables - when they have tables.”
“I have a daughter and a son and they remind me each day of how fortunate I am. They keep me truly humble. Yes, many children are out there who have to fight for their lives every day, no wonder they turn towards crimes and thievery in such dark times... During this terrible war many parents were killed and of course our rulers do their best to prevent another war, but there is always something people like you and me can do to help those in need. Where I am from, in our lovely little city, many share their food and belongings with those in need.”
“One week later and my jewels are still missing.Someone intends to make all rulers look like fools and I’m very disappointed. Someone give me answers, now.”
“I fear there are not many answers to give, your majesty. Our rulers seem to be as clueless about this as the people here in Piyara. These thieves did a good in job in running away.”
Ellinor enjoyed living in Albion, there was no question in that. And she enjoyed the castle most of all, she liked exploring it and she knew all about its hidden passages and dark corridors. There was hardly any other place in the world where she felt more at home. She couldn’t help but to smile honestly at the Baron’s comment. “Oh, it is most wonderful indeed. The gardens as you must have seen are quite a sight to behold, but every little corner has its charms. But maybe I’m not a neutral observer, we all tend to exaggerate the wonders of our homes do we not?”
“Yes, that is always the case, at least whenever people enjoy their homes.” He agreed with her, not mentioning all those he had seen suffer because of the war, those who felt neither save nor welcome in their own homes, those now turning towards the silk... “The gardens were the most splendid ones I ever saw. And I can only imagine how many wonders you found here growing up, if I may be so bold and say so. My own children love nothing more than to chase each other throughout our mansion, to play at being knights and dragons. It is a humble home though, compared to a palace like this, and a palace compared to the homes of many poor souls in these kingdoms.”
“Fate? No, I can’t believe that’s all there is. Our enemies must either be a lot cleverer than we are or much too powerful. It’s difficult to stay hopeful facing that prospect.”
“But is it not hope, that helps in such times? If you give up hope, you give up the fight. Do not do such a thing, milady, if I am allowed to say such. I saw many people suffer throughout the last years, but hope has always helped them survive.”
“You have been here many times in the past then?” She inquired, while making her way to where the wine could be found. She then poured two goblets, extending one to her companion.”Here. It’s a pleasure for me as well. And drinking alone is never quite this entertaining.”
“I agree with you on that.” Baron Darkford said, as he took the goblet offered to him. “And I thank you very much.” He smiled warmly, before answering her question. “Yes, I had the pleasure of meeting the Queen once or twice before. She was nice enough to show me the gardens, this castle has many beautiful things to offer, it must be quite wonderful to live here every day.” His last statement had not been a question, but he wondered what answer he’d get any way.
“I haven’t got anything to do with it!” She exclaimed, voice shaky, when she was turned around. “I promise!” It was easy to tell she was scared. Terrified was a better word for it. Was that the fear of magic or the fact she could be accused of such things? She was a thief, but she hadn’t ever escaped guards when the castle was surrounded!
“You do look very suspicious though, and what are you doing here on your own anyway?” The Baron raised an eyebrow, wondering what the girl in front of him was doing all alone, close to the stables. “I am leaving this mess behind myself. Tell me where you wish to go and I can make sure you are returned safely.” And of course searched before hand. He would not let a thief slip between his fingers if it brought nothing for him.
“I don’t understand how they got away. Isn’t the castle surrounded?”
“I do not understand it either. Whoever is behind this must have been very determined, or very lucky. Fate seems to be on the side of our enemies once again.”
“That being said, we should probably start making it more exiciting. Have you tried the wine? It’s really something.”
“No, I have not yet tasted the whine tonight. But I have had the pleasure of Albion’s presents many times before. Shall we drink together then? It would be a pleasure and an honour for me, my lady.”
The Queen thrived off of these events. She loved a ball. A ball to her was what a battle field was to a soldier or a general. Alliances or rivalries could be caused with the wrong seating plan, if the wrong gentleman asked a lady to dance a marriage alliance could be made that could shake the kingdom. She had to be on guard and aware of everything that was going on. Aside from her duties she had to perform, she had little time to enjoy herself. She had to make her away around the lords and ladies, make herself seen. She had to show herself off like a prize. She approached someone, a glass of spiced wine in her jewelled hand. “I hope you are enjoying the festivities,” She commented, a knowing twinkle in her eye.
The evening had been rather dull for Baron Darkford. Ever since the war had ended he knew more important things waited for him than the idle chatter that could be found during such festivities as this. But he had to at least appear the kind Baron he used to be before it all happened. It was important that the people still saw him as someone on their side, and the nobles as one of their own. Otherwise his plan could never work. He turned around as a familiar voice approached him, a smile lightening up his face. A smile that was almost honest, for Brandan found himself in a position from which he might be able to turn the evening into a more useful direction. “Your majesty! How could I not enjoy myself in the presence of a sun as bright as you? Albion is, as always, a wonderful place to be, but you brighten the hall even more. I do pray the enjoyment is on your side, as well.”
“Isn’t this exciting?”
“I have learned some things in my time, one being that festivities like this get more exciting the more people drink and the later it gets.”
“You are quite right, sir. But some games are usually entertaining to watch, at least? Such as quarterstaff contests. They are most fun to watch, all those proud men being knocked to the ground.”
“Of course, they are only entertaining because they are not an actual fight.” She quickly added,
“Yes, I can agree with you on that. But actual fights can be quite entertaining, too, especially if someone fights for something worthy of his life. Tournaments and the like always had this air of being so futile. After all accidents occur every time, people die in such games, and all that for nothing. I myself prefer games I can take part in. The act of simply watching others is never enough for me.”
To Her Royal Majesty, Queen Annalese of Albion
Your majesty, I hope these lines of a simple thank you do not overstep any boundaries between a Queen like you and a humble me like me. Not only decency but my own heart moved me to write this letter to you. A simple show of how thankful I am for the present you gave to me the other day. The present of your company was not only a welcome surprise, but it left me awestruck and thankful. In you Albion has found a Queen not only worthy of the title, but worthy of the love of the entire kingdoms. You shine like a bright light through these dark times and I am honoured a few rays were given to me, too. But I do write these lines not only to thank you, but to beg something of you. Your people hold you high in their regards, I realised as much during my stay in your beautiful country, and Albion is the kingdom of justice is it not? I see myself as a mouthpiece of those in need of a voice. And I now call for your help in my fight to reestablish justice. The terrible war that scarred us all left so many without a family, without a save place to sleep in. Children without mothers, and soldiers burdened with the wounds of their past. I do my best to help wherever I can, but even a Baron like me sometimes reaches a point where he can no longer continue, where his powers and wealth are no longer enough to help those poor unfortunate souls. But my powers and wealth are but small in comparison to the ways and means of someone in your position. I know your majesty has a soul as pure and beautiful as her smile and will surely find it in her heart, to help those crying for mercy and justice, not just in Albion, but in all the kingdoms If you were so kind to give me another present of your time, I would hold such a meeting in high regard.
Your humble Servant Baron Brandan Darkford
@annaofalbion
The Queen blushed, allowing herself to take the compliment. “I suspect you’re attempting to flatter me Baron Darkford and let me assure you, it’s working.” There was no harm in flattery. Her ego enjoyed it. But that in no means meant the ball was in his court. She knew exactly where to move her pieces. She nodded her head. “Now it would make me a poor hostess if i refused wouldn’t it?” She gave him a gracious smile. “I do enjoy my midnight walks and I would be honoured for you to escort me.” She held out her hand, waiting for him to offer his arm, like a gentleman should.
He was no fool to believe such simple compliments would be enough to turn a queen towards his side, but he could not help but smile as he saw her blush. Humble beginnings after all always lead to greater things if they were followed by persistence. Taking her arm he started to walk beside her, acting as if such vain things as a midnight stroll in the garden truly offered comfort to him. “I must thank you then, your majesty, for sacrificing your valuable time to someone like me. I hope I will give you good company tonight, but the honour is fully on my side.” He took a moment to think his words through, before adding: “You are indeed a wonderful hostess, I hope your reign will change Albion for the better.”
