Something is off in the all-too human noise the French soldiers make. It's an odd congregation; the military advisor to Russia, the Sultan and consort of Iran, and the English King's right hand man. But together, the pieces of uncertainty fit together. And in the wake of it? A cold chill settles in, as whispers and moves are determined. This needed to be handled with discretion. And fortunately Alistair, despite the heavy drink of the past few days, is a sharp thinker even with blurred edges. He makes the proper moves, duty bound by his friendship; he informs the King and secures the Windsor's in their chambers. He ensure Meredith and Robert are well in hand. He accounts for anyone caught in the main hall. And after duty is done, he is fast on his feet, storming into the Holland's Apartments. Whatever occured between him and Valencia clearly does not travel to her lady's, who allow him in. "Call your guards back to duty, and man them at the door." Alistair commands in the sitting room, before pushing through the all-too familiar doors he has many times before.
If there is a moment of missing, a moment of regret... It is awash in seeing Valencia, still standing strong. No harm has come to her, at least. For a moment, he is speechless, Adam's apple bobbing in his throat. It's the first time he looks at her since their last conversation, and his chest tightens with longing. And just as quickly, it comes undone, pragmatic in times of grave darkness. "There is danger." Alistair informs her, approaching closer as his eyes remain unmoved. "It's a conspiracy, and everyone at court is caught in it. The Palace is under siege. The Bourbon's royal guard has fallen to imposters. No one in, no one out." He places his hands on her shoulders before thinking, a somber look upon his face. "They are keeping a handful of royalty locked in the main hall... Including your sister, Anna." Alistair's eyes dart about her room, looking for her things. He drops her shoulders, a man of action rather than sentimentality when it comes down to the wire. "You need to get dressed. Now. Your cloak. Your riding boots." Alistair lists off, pulling them from her trunk of clothes on by one. "You must prepare to run if it comes to it."