“I bring information from the brothels, Your Highness.” A mocking smirk pulled at her lips as she approached the human.
It was generally understood by her courtiers that court was never held on days when the sun was out. So it went that for most of midsummer, when it was hottest, the royal halls were quiet. They would not see the hustle and bustle of men and women until the harvest month, when the leaves on trees faded from green to orange and the weather grew sad again. Summer was meant for sport and games, like hunting or wrestling. Still, on certain occasions, she did acquiesce to a small audience, and would ask that they meet in the gardens so that at no point would she miss out on enjoying the beautiful day.
That afternoon she was lying on a blanket in the cool shade of a mulberry tree. She was accompanied by her hound, who had his giant head in her lap whilst she stroked behind his ears. When he was born she named him Strongboy, because he was by far the largest and strongest of his brothers and sisters. He raised his head when they were approached by a man and a woman. The man was the newly appointed seneschal, Dunstan Sweete. When she saw him, she gave him a small smile. The woman, however, she did not recognise. Strongboy stared warily at her.
“Hello, Dunstan,” said Zelda sleepily. She did not stand to greet the woman but instead rested her head against the large trunk of the tree, eyes closed.
“Your Highness,” he gave a deep bow, and looked at the woman from out of the corner of his eye. He hesitated. He did not know how to introduce a whore. “I have brought you this woman... Kly.”
“Interesting name.” Temeria's monarch only half opened her eyes in acknowledgement, her lashes fluttering. “A pleasure, Kly.”
She motioned to the plate of deliciously iced cinnamon buns beside her.
“Thank you, Dunstan. Take a cinnamon roll before you go, will you? I won't be able to finish them all so they'll go to waste if you don't.”
Dunstan did so gleefully, he had a terrible sweet tooth, and profusely thanked his liege as he retreated from the gardens, leaving the two women alone together.
“Do you like cinnamon buns?” She asked, opening her eyes at last. They were just as blue as the sky, and so gentle. “Take one, if you like. And then tell me what it is I can do for you.”
“I bring information from the brothels, Your Highness.”
“I don't recall asking for pointers from the lovely women at the brothels.” She replied amusedly. “What kind of information? Other than which position is best.”