At the midday meal, Chouli catches them up on her evening with Titus. She gathered that he's aware of the rumored threats to Jupiter's life and they aren't in his interest. If something happens to Jupiter, Earth will go to his sister. She couldn't extract his plans for the planet, though. If Jupiter doesn't have a lawyer, Chouli has a firm on retainer. They just need to work on a plan for the social side of the trial.
The public is taking quite a bit of interest in this young queen that may have taken a willing splice as a lover. This would bring an ally of the non humans, a low caste group but not without influence. Chouli again remains oddly neutral and quiet, not revealing her own thoughts. So Jupiter turns to Caine and Stinger, "While I know I need to be of my own mind, I'm still at a severe disadvantage when it comes to knowledge of the 'verse. In my mind I don't see either of you as anything short of amazing, despite what everyone else thinks. And I refuse to be motivated politically in matters of the heart, but would it hurt to let it be known that I do love you Caine? What do you two think?"
Stinger speaks up first, "I'm always skeptical of an entitled who says they care for one of my kind, with the exception of Your Majesty - of course. Your simple background, innocence and dedication are very rare."
Frowning as he thinks, Caine ponders every aspect of what she's asked. Jupiter squeezes his hand then goes back to her lunch while she waits. The others follow her example, hoping that Caine won't feel pressured to be quick about an answer. He's usually very insightful when he does speak his mind.
"It could be used to win a following. But I respectfully ask Your Majesty to wait. You don't need any negative media attention during your court battle," he speaks only to her, intent on making sure his words are what he wants.
"Thank you both of you for your thoughts, I know trust doesn't come easily to either of you," Jupiter smiles gratefully.
Chouli lifts her glass and offers, "To trust and friendship," leading them all in a toast. Then she mentions , "There's a matter I'd like to speak to Your Majesty about in private. Would it be convenient to chat about it while I take Your Majesty shopping in the city center this afternoon?"
"Sounds terrific!" Jupiter's eyes light up, she hasn't been able to just go shopping in so long.
#Sophtous City Center
In a private compartment of her flying coach, Chouli broaches the matter she'd alluded to at lunch, "So far our interests have aligned more closely than I could have hoped. As, I'm sure Stinger has told Your Majesty, I also had a slice consort."
Jupiter's surprise gives her away. "Actually he hadn't yet. But I'm glad to know I'm not the first. That will be a big help to Caine. And please, call me Jupiter. Sorry for interrupting." Jupiter reaches for Chouli in a sisterly fashion. She's becoming fond of this kind lady so quickly.
"Well, dear Jupiter. This test is one that will likely be more difficult. I'd like to know your thoughts on the regeneration process. Would there be any circumstances where you would utilize it? I guess why I'm asking, is that you've only seen the Abraxas methods. There are other options. I've mentioned I will not renew myself at the end of this cycle, but I have been through renewal on multiple occasions. Take your time to think it through, first with what you know. Then again after you learn about the other extraction processes."
A darkness flitters on Jupiter's face, but she nods ascension. "Just to be clear. There isn't a set time you need my answer by, right? I know so little about it," her expression turns to a pleading one.
"By all means, dear. Just start gathering your thoughts. I ask these things of you, because you will need to have your own mind of them at some point. It's best to not have them sneak up on you, like they did to me," Chouli looks a bit chagrined at having to admit that, but she squeezes Jupiter's hand and is rewarded with the same in return.
"So you're making me think these things out before I fall flat on my face... Thank you."
"Jupiter, you find the most colorful and direct ways to put your thoughts." Chouli giggles and it spreads to both of the ladies.
#Chelain Tailors
Taking delight in a new customer, Zjule the tailor and his assistants make a fuss over Jupiter, thanking Chouli for bringing her to them. They will provide Jupiter her first wardrobe on the house. When Jupiter questions it, Chouli reminds her that the outfits will be seen by many at court and the shop will gain more business than the clothes are worth. It's a win win.
Zjoule steps back from his latest customer and canvas to examine her and get his impression. He scowls at her comfortable Aegis uniform. He has Jupiter stand with poses imitating several attitudes, then asks her to turn around slowly. He takes digital samples of her skin, eye, and hair color. Then has her change into undergarments that are more suitable for royalty, 'not this' he mumbles as he holds up her old clothes as if they were foul smelling trash. She can't fathom what he sees is wrong with it and shrugs. Caine has his back turned and his pointed ears are a little red, only allowing himself to turn around when she has a longer camisole on.
Zjoule then asks if her male companion will be needing attire also. Before Jupiter can reply, Caine surprises her with a bit of boldness, "I will need to look the part to be by Her Majesty's side." Zjoule looks to Jupiter who gives a nod that has an approving twinkle in her eye. She asks with a wink, "Caine, you won't send me out when they fit you, will you?"
Taken by surprise, Caine fumbles a bit over his words, "I... would not deprive Your Majesty."
"Who would have thought the great hunter of the Legion would be so modest?" Chouli teases him gently, then does the same to Jupiter. "You'll have your work cut out for you, dear."
"He's worth it. I think I knew when he simply swept me up and stepped out a hundred story window into thin air with me clinging terrified to him," Jupiter's gaze on him is all admiration
"Oh? This is a story I must hear..." Chouli's interest is perked.
"That was before we both found out that I needed to claim my home world to save it. He was the only one who made it through the lines here on Orus with me to claim my title. He also dropped from orbit into the largest hurricane in my galaxy in only a Zero to save me from Balem." Jupiter beams at Caine.
Zjoule's eyebrow arches in surprise. Chouli offers, "I doubt there is greater loyalty in the entire 'verse, Lieutenant."
In a quiet determined fashion he elaborates, "She was trapped there alone with him as he tried to make her choose between her planet and her family."
"You two have been through a great deal together already, I see. No wonder the bond is deep," Chouli praises in a maternal fashion. "But I WILL have details later from both of you."
Jupiter teases, "You're as bad as my mother, Chouli."
When Caine's turn arrives to be evaluated for garb, Jupiter can't tear her eyes away. Watching him through each step especially the attitude transitions, feels like she learns something new about him. When he's about to exit the changing room, she asks if he'd like her to turn around for this part.
"That would defeat the purpose, Your Majesty." There's an ever so slight smirk on his face, that makes her stifle a little-girl-like laugh. Standing there at attention in just a pair of silk boxers, he meets her gaze like he's asking for her approval. Her heart is in her throat but she gives an appreciative meek smile and nod. As if that was just what he needed to know, he amuses himself by staring at the ceiling while she watches and Chouli fans herself. His wings are a bit restless, but otherwise he comes off very nonchalant as the tailor takes his measurements. Jupiter wonders to herself how he can be such a confusing mixture of cocky and humble. Will he ever return to being the confident hunter she first met?
They leave the shop in attire that suits each of their styles but is much more fashionable than when they entered. Zjoule picked a light butter yellow blouse, purple scarf, pine green leggings and green amber royalty choker, sandals and wide rimmed sun shades for her. For him, narrow shades, charcoal grey high necked shirt that buttons on the side, matching leather pants, and thigh length black leather jacket that conceals his holstered handgun. The rest of their wardrobe will be forwarded to Chouli's estate when it's ready.
She waits for Caine as he holds the door for both herself and Chouli, then slips her arm into his.
"Just look at you two. So charming together. There are gawkers all the way across the street, you know," Chouli chitters happily in their direction.
Reaching up to whisper in his ear she also kisses his cheek, "You're the only one who makes me feel like being royalty might be something special. Maybe even worth all the fuss."
"Your Majesty is the effect, not the result. Your presence affects all those around. Don't forget it when we go to court and they try to make Your Majesty feel inadequate, trying to tear you down. I will not be able to be on the witness stand with you. But the beautiful confidence Your Majesty has now, will blow them all away. Capture this moment in your mind for when you need it." He covers her hand on his arm with his own.
"He's right, Jupiter darling," Chouli pipes in. Jupiter had almost forgotten her friend was there.
Taking Caine at his word, she stops right where they are, closes her eyes and breathes in a deep breath - almost willing the moment to be a photograph in her mind. "Then we will be what is needed to win the day."
"That's the spirit!" Chouli takes her arm on the other side. They fill the walkway, making the crowd part for them as they meander back to the carriage.
