They to the audience chamber. Across from the doors in what was a small throne on a raised dais sat the Duchess of Ceres. On either side of her were her parents. Artemis sat on a cushion on a pedestal to her mother's right.
It was very rare that Fayruza saw her father in full military attire. The Duchess of Ceres looked just as elegant as her mother, who looked more than handsome than the jewels she was wearing. She tried not to stare. The princess seemed to be looking curiously at her.
"I guess they switched her cradle for a throne finally."whispered Malwina to Fayruza.
She ignored Launcekrona pinching her arm. Fayruza laughed nervously. It was a long walk, and finally they reached the dais. Both of them curtseyed. Fayruza wondered what the princess thought, as she curtseyed before her daughter. She watched the princess out of the corner of her eye, but the princess did not seem to notice.
Excited, Ceres said, "Up".
She hoped she sounded commanding enough. Then she held her hand out for each of them to kiss, which each of them did in turn.
"Welcome to my court."she said.
She gestured to two people who at either side besides the dais.
The two courtiers curtseyed to the duchess and her parents, before walking towards to Malwina and Fayruza. They handed each of them a gold coin, along with a gold goblet.
"I'm so glad you are here. I know you will do your best. I will also do my best to be a good mistress and student."she nodded towards Fayruza. "I will do my best to learn good Terran. And I am happy to have Launcekrona's niece here, too."
"That went so well!"exclaimed Malwina in relief. "And I didn't know they gave gifts!"she said, admiring the coin and goblet. "Or at least that we were getting one."
Whenever the three of them were together, they didn't stand on ceremony. Since it was a fine afternoon, they sat under Ceres's own favorite quince tree, having afternoon tea. It was only the three of them, since none of the valets, maids or pages had come.
Afterward, they walked around the courtyard and Ceres would choose the fruit from the apple and pear trees around and Kunzite and Minako would pick them, since she was too small to reach the tall tress.
"You did such a good job!"said Minako, as she Ceres and Kunzite sat for afternoon tea. "I would never have known this was the first time you had given an audience."
"You wouldn't?"asked Ceres.
"No."confirmed Kunzite.
She had spent hours each day, practicing. Both of her parents had sharp eyes, and they would notice if even a small gesture was wrong.
"But I don't know how I'm going to remember everyone's names! I only know a few of them!"
"You'll get to remember them soon enough."Minako assured her.
"I'll get to remember them all!"she assured her parents. "Especially the two first ones, they were Malwina and Fayruza."