Cassiopeia groaned as the sun crept over the horizon, and it's light crept onto her skin through her window. The beginning of another day. She slowly raised herself from her covers, and carefully slid from the bed, careful not to rustle the sheets, elegant even when she was alone. She sashayed to her closet and opened the huge doors. Today, court would be in session. She'd do well to look her best. Her eyes scanned meticulously until she came upon a purple dress, with a black floral pattern throughout.

Her mother had made it for her. Or, perhaps, had it made for her.

Yes, she wanted to wear this dress today. Cassiopeia turned away and let the closet close without looking. She carefully put on the dress, and turned to her mirror. Perhaps she'd better put her hair up? She was still drowsy, however, and she decided to leave her hair be. Cassiopeia turned once again towards her window. The sun was not yet fully visible. She would have some time.

Cassiopeia was walking in one of the many flower gardens that had been constructed around the palace. Some had been there for some time, some had been created for her mother. Right now she was strolling in a garden made in her mother's name. It was filled with white roses. Marcus had told Cassiopeia and Katarina white roses had been their late mother's favorite flower. She carefully picked one rose from its bush, twirling it absently, before continuing on. They were several other ladies and gentlemen present, and Cassiopeia made sure to smile at them as they came by, but she did not speak. One never knew whose ears were prying and whose eyes were watching.

"My lady!" a soft voice called. Cassiopeia eye's shifted toward the direction of the noise. Ah, it was Mira, one of the lady's in training at court. Cassiopeia was fond of the little dove. "Mira," she said warmly, opening her arms. She waited until Mira had come to her before embracing her. She pulled away after a moment. "How are you, my love?"

"I'm quite alright, thank you." Mira paused a moment before continuing. "And how are you, my lady?"

"Satisfactory, I suppose. Court life can be exhausting sometimes, so it's nice to be able to take a stroll through the gardens every once in a while." She shifted to the side slightly and extended an arm. An invitation. "Walk with me," she said. "If you wish, of course," she added. Mira complied. They walked in silence for a while before Cassiopeia spoke again.

" So, how goes... the arrangements?" Mira had been chosen as a handmaiden for Lady Vasha, a middle-aged woman at court known for her... boldness. Mira was not fond of her.

" Ugh, you know I absolutely loathe that woman. Given half an opportunity I'd sooner poison her wine than deliver it to her feet."

Cassiopeia stopped and her eyes darted around. She turned back to Mira. "Watch your tongue," she said sharply. "Even here, even with me." Mira had only meant it as a joke, but clearly it was not taken that way. She nodded a little too frantically and said "Of course, my lady." Cassiopeia looked around once more, and thankfully, no one was in sight. Cassiopeia turned slowly, allowing Mira to rejoin her on her stroll.

"It is only a matter of time before you will become a lady yourself, Mira," Cassiopeia murmured softly. "Your time will come."

"Yes, my lady." They continued on for a while without speaking. A servant girl approached the pair and bowed.

"Pardon the intrusion-" the servant was about to speak but caught herself. "...Your majesty, my lady. But the General would like to speak to you." Cassiopeia nodded, and with a flick of her wrist, she sent the servant on her way again.

"Well, it appears my attentions are needed elsewhere." The noblewoman sighed. Then she took Mira's hand in her own and gingerly pressed the rose she had into the handmaiden's palm. She spoke in a honeyed tone. "Even the most lovely of roses have thorns. Be careful until we meet again." She implored Mira with her raised eyebrows. The handmaiden nodded, and with that Cassiopeia left her. Mira felt a little anxious as Cassiopeia walked away. She could not tell if the message was a warning from a friend or a threat from a noblewoman she'd do well not to offend.

General DuCouteau had been conversing with Katarina when Cassiopeia peered into the throne room. "Father?" she inquired, with an innocent voice. "You wished to speak with me?"

"Indeed, I do. Come to me, my daughter." Cassiopeia obliged, halting next to her sister. Silence. "Hello, sister," Cassiopeia said.

Katarina said nothing but raised an eyebrow. You're late, her expression said. But, Cassiopeia had come as soon as she was informed, and a lady did not rush herself. It would be unrefined. She did not acknowledge her sister's wariness.

Her father began speaking. "Normally, I would not summon you directly, but there is an important matter at hand." Cassiopeia already suspected as much. She knitted her eyebrows. Well, as much as would be refined of a lady.

"What is it, dear father?"

"There has been barbarian resistance on the outskirts of Noxus. Normally, we could dispatch them with ease, but in recent days, our efforts have slowed to a standstill. We cannot find an opening. However, there is a Freljordian diplomat visiting Noxus. He will be in court today." Cassiopeia and her father knew he did not need to say anymore. He motioned to one of the guards, who promptly gave Cassiopeia a scroll. Cassiopeia did not even look at him as she unrolled the scroll, studying the image immediately.

A "diplomat" was an odd way to word it. This man appeared savage: unkempt long hair, having half of his teeth blackened or missing, and a gaze that was truly almost feral. She would not admit it to save her life, but Cassiopeia found just his image... a little unnerving. She rolled up the scroll and beckoned for a guard to take the scroll back. She certainly would not have trouble spotting this man if she saw him, for better or worse. Cassiopeia looked at her father. "Is there anything else, Father?"

"Not at the moment. Court will be in session soon. Shall I send your maids for you?"

"No, I would prefer to head to court on my own," Cassiopeia assured, turning to leave. Her father let her reach the door before speaking.

"Cassiopeia?"

"Yes, father?"

"I know you will not fail."

Cassiopeia allowed herself to laugh, a real, breathy laugh. "Oh, Father, when have I ever?"

She then exited the throne room, letting the door close with an audible thunk.