Marlene awoke grateful for only the mild pounding she felt in her head. She didn't usually drink much at banquets, her mother had taught her banquets were the time to keep a level head because all manner of things could be accomplished while wine ran through the members of Court. But her mother had never met Sir Sirius.
Why he'd taken pity on her, Marlene wasn't completely sure. Perhaps it had to do with her skill? The Lady McGonagall seemed pleased to have her as an apprentice of sorts. And Marlene was grateful to finally have slightly more understanding of the current state of, what she hoped, would never be her kingdom. Maybe that was all Sir Sirius needed, a high born, wise woman who advised the King had given her approval of Marlene, and so now Sir Sirius felt safe assisting her in warding off the array of jesters who pleaded her favor.
Lady McGonagall had laughed at Marlene's ploy, assured James there was no harm in it, and then proceeded to fill Marlene's days with real politicking. She'd become absorbed in the Lady's teachings and only worried about her buffoon courtiers when she walked to and from her rooms. Emmeline even took to the new routine, quizzing Marlene on the same things she'd listened to Lady McGonagall teach when the Ladies in waiting had been permitted to stay with them. It had been the day before Queen Lily's birthday that Lady McGonagall simply suggested that Marlene's mother would expect her to move forward, to live her life, and stop hiding behind her mourning clothes. Something about the way the Lady said it struck a chord in Marlene's wounded heart. It had been painful to put on the dress her mother loved above all her others, but the kind eyes and gentle voice of Lady McGonagall had echoed through her mind, and Marlene found strength.
When Sirius looked at her as he cut in during Lockhart's horrific display of dancing with her, Marlene was grateful she had.
His grey eyes seemed locked on her and Marlene had found herself breathless; it was certainly not from the dancing. She could barely hold his gaze for the first few measures. He'd said he wouldn't entirely blow her cover, but Marlene had not been prepared for what would happen when he joined in her game. She thought him the best looking man at Court before he turned on his charms, but after Sir Sirius made a public show with her, Marlene had to wonder how this man didn't have a flock of peahens trailing him as long as her flock of peacocks. Queen Lily indicated that he was indifferent to romance and he did come off that way in general. It was still somewhat baffling considering how charming and handsome he was. He must have been quite devoted to the rather dreary virtues of knighthood to have avoided such a following. Funny that he'd never bothered to say anything to her about it. Perhaps he thought there was no need since it was all for show.
He'd stripped her of her faculties and as Marlene lay in her bed attempting to let the effects of the bit of wine he'd somehow convinced her to drink wear off, she was immensely grateful he had thought her playing along with him.
Her mother would have seen right through her, her mother would have immediately known that Marlene had fallen victim to his charms. Her mother would be the only one to have known. No one here knew her well enough to tell. Which made it easy for Marlene to keep pulling her lie. All she'd need to do is turn off her weaknesses whenever she was brought into the council meetings as part of her lessons. Marlene could do that, her mother had trained her to keep total control of her emotions when in public. She could do this, and with time, his charms would fade and James and Lily would produce an heir and that would be that. They'd end the charade and all have a good laugh in twenty years.
And if, when she lay alone, she indulged herself in that look he gave her when she laughed then no one would be wiser.
When the aching finally subsided, Marlene rose and prepared for her lessons with Lady McGonagall. She chose a soft pink today; it was her father's favorite. It was almost like a balm for her heart, putting on these colored dresses. It seemed to help her heart feel a bit less alone as each dress pulled memories forward. Memories of her life when she was loved.
Sweeping her hair over her shoulder, Marlene swung open her door to find Emmeline waiting patiently in her sitting room.
"Your Grace," Emmeline curtsied, "I would have thought you'd sleep later."
Marlene smiled, "I do try not to overdo it at banquets, but the Sir Sirius offered to help me in my endeavors to brush off the apes who parade as men in this Court, and he pointed out that if I didn't accept a goblet or two from him it would appear strange."
Emmeline brightened, "The Knight has chosen to help you?"
Marlene smiled triumphantly, "At least at the banquet. He made me endure a half hour of the buffoons before sweeping in and spending the night making my rumors appear true. The look on Lord Lockhart's face was truly worth his empty head's weight in gold!"
"It's remarkable your skill, M'Lady." Emmeline beamed at her.
"Come!" Marlene took her arm. "The Lady McGonagall has arranged for breakfast to be had in her office."
Marlene opened the door, feeling as though nothing could dampen the feeling she had - until Lord Crouch hadn't managed to move away from the other side of the door fast enough.
Marlene was instantly furious.
"What is the meaning of this?" her tone became cold and she stared daggers up at him. "Men of honor do not lurk in the doors of Ladies!"
She gave him a moment to absorb her verbal blow before continuing. "If it is the gossiping of hens you seek then I suggest you get yourself to a nunnery! I will not stand for apes to listen at my quarters!"
Lord Crouch pulled himself to his full height, "You forget yourself, Your Grace." His voice betrayed his unspoken threat.
"You forget who I am," Marlene's voice equally menacing.
He broke the stare first, turning on his heels and walking down the corridor.
"Coward," Marlene didn't bother to say it quietly.
"Would it not be wise to inform the Lady McGonagall of the Lord's actions? Given that you are now close to three members of the privy council?" Emmeline's voice had a hint of well-controlled panic in it. Marlene would be lying if she didn't admit that a small part of her was panicking too.
"Your words are wise my friend, let us make haste." And Marlene led her quickly toward Lady McGonagall's office.