Places Everyone!
Juliette woke the next morning slowly. She yawned and rubbed her eyes as her toes wiggled, enjoying the feel of the soft sheets. Eventually her mind became more focused and she began thinking of the drama the king was about to unfold.
Anders had made a decent point last night when he had asked what was the point. She had initially resisted Alistair's request to play along but had come to the same conclusion that Nathaniel had reached almost immediately. The kingdom could well be in danger.
She did not want to play these games. She had never felt the thrill that some felt upon their arrival at court. Her family had been exceedingly powerful politically as well as popular, but her parents had accomplished this by acting with respect and decency. Her parents had brought her and Fergus to court many times during her childhood for the sole purpose, her mother had explained, "to understand what others are capable of." They had encouraged them to observe people and to begin to learn how to see through the smiles as well as the bluster. Cynical yes, but her parents had known what could happen if they were not prepared.
Her father had taken her aside when she was about sixteen after they had come to the palace. Juliette was approaching womanhood and was caught up in romantic idea of king and court. He had gently counseled her to be always aware that the court was a place that people came to get something.
"Whether they pursue money, title, lands or stature, darling remember this, the court is where all those things begin." he had held her hand as he explained. "You are a beautiful girl and many will admire you but do not forget you are a Cousland and some may see the name alone. If love comes your way, your mother and I will rejoice for you, but many will try to flatter or impress you to gain through you. Remember who you are and you will know what is real and what is false."
Her father had been right and his advice would again serve her well.
Dressing carefully in her armor she moved to the vanity and wound her hair into an attractive knot. She washed her face and freshened herself, ready to begin her part of the kings scheme.
Juliette departed her rooms and followed the hall to the main gallery of the wing. Here she found Anders and Nathaniel waiting for her.
"What does our day have for us, Commander?" Nathaniel asked.
"The king requires we attend him regarding concerns in Amaranthine. We should go to the royal apartments and wait for his summons." she said clearly so that the two men seated nearby would have no question as to what was said.
"Where is Oghren?" she asked and he suddenly appeared around the corner. "Oh. That answers that."
"Sorry Commander, I was having a little trouble."
"Are you alright?" Juliette asked.
"Yea, let's just say the water closet wasn't made for folks, uh, my size."
"Eeeeew!" said Anders, his nose drawn into a pinch.
"You didn't, uh.." Nathaniel began and then dropped it.
"Like I said, it wasn't made for dwarves, can we cut the chatter?" Oghren stomped ahead of them towards the main flight of stairs.
They arrived at the outer salon of the kings apartments a few minutes later, again leaving a wake of interested courtiers. Along the way, both Juliette and Nathaniel had been greeted by several people but more so Juliette. She was asked about her brother and the reconstruction of Highever, offered condolences for her parent's deaths.
Many ignored Nathaniel outright and Juliette began to confront this by introducing him to those that stopped her. They would look away and mutter a greeting before ignoring him further.
"Commander," he said under his breath. "Stop forcing the situation."
"Nathaniel it's ridiculous! They are being" Nathaniel reached out and stopped her.
"Courtiers. No one wants to risk being seen speaking to a Howe."
"You did nothing wrong. You shouldn't have to tolerate it!" the anger obvious on her face.
"It has nothing to do with ME. I understand that, as should you. You will only make it worse."
Crossing her arms she huffed a little and shifted her weight. She began to open her mouth to say something else but shut it quickly.
"It's wrong." she finally said
"Yes but what has that to do with it?" Nathaniel asked her quietly.
"Alright. I'm sorry I embarrassed you." she said, looking at her boots.
"You could never do so."
The foursome waited in the salon for hours, as was agreed to the night before. The outer salon was always packed with people, waiting or making deals or observing those who did both. Eamon wanted it seen that she did not gain entry to the king readily. Oghren finally laid down on a chaise and went to sleep, snoring loudly and drawing stares from those nearby.
Right on time, four hours after the wardens arrived, Arl Eamon exited from the kings chambers, deliberately closing them behind him.
"Warden Commander Cousland, I apologize for your wait." he began.
"I expected to be seen long ago, Arl Eamon." she started to step past him towards the doors.
"Commander, the king has asked me to have you return tomorrow. His schedule is too full and he has not the time to speak with you today."
"Arl Eamon, I have traveled a great distance at great inconvenience to myself and these men." Juliette said with mock irritation.
"Warden Commander, the king will see you tomorrow and no sooner." Eamon answered.
Juliette stared at Eamon for another moment. "Til tomorrow then Arl Eamon. Good day." and she made a great show of leaving the salon.
The next two days were very much the same. The wardens went down, the wardens waited, the were wardens dismissed.
The third night they were all getting restless.
"We've been inside this palace for too long! I need a drink!" Oghren barked.
"I agree with the dwarf. I could use some time out of this place" Anders said. "Everyone here is so stiff, even the maids won't play with me."
"I suppose we could go to the Market District, we've already done out little show for the day." Juliette agreed. "And there is a tavern there."
Nathaniel nodded his agreement. "Alright, but I want to change out of this armor. No need for full armor."
A half hour later the three wardens had changed into less battle ready clothing and were waiting for their commander to meet them in the gallery.
Juliette rounded the corner and came into view.
"Wow! Take a look at our girl!" said Anders.
"We're gonna end up knocking some skulls tonight because of her." Oghren said cheerfully.
Nathaniel came to his feet, awestruck. He'd seen her dressed in a gown before, but in truth they had been children. Since he had come to Vigil's Keep Juliette had favored her doeskin breeches and loose tops, which he certainly appreciated, but this was a beauty walking toward him.
She wore a long gown of pale gold with a simple scooped neckline that was not quite as low as fashionable but still displayed her "assets". The bodice was fitted and showed off her waist and the gentle slope at the top of her hips and the skirt ended just dusting the tops of the matching slippers. Her hair was down but softly pulled back at her temples joining in a small braid down the back. Her large blue eyes seemed more vibrant and the mix of reds, browns and blondes in her hair was enhanced by the gowns color. Juliette smiled at them all as she reached them.
"Ready to go?"she asked.
Anders and Oghren simply started walking out of the gallery and she took a few steps to follow them when she noticed that Nathaniel wasn't moving.
"Nathaniel, are you ready?" she asked, turning back to him.
"What? Oh, yes." though he still didn't budge.
Juliette smiled slowly and walked back to him. She was standing directly in front him when she asked, "Nate, are you alright? You have a, uh, look I've never seen before."
"Juliette you are beautiful." Nathaniel said simply.
She smiled and then bit her lip. "And this leaves you unable to walk?"
"It leaves me unable to breathe."
Juliette's smile widened. "Oh"
"We are being watched." Nathaniel muttered to himself "Shall we go and find Anders and Oghren?" Nathaniel said, offering his arm.
Juliette took it and smiled at him. "Yes."