A Tin Traveler's Guide to Warlocks and Weathervanes

by WhiteRabbit626

In this next installment, history repeats itself, and the dark history of the Gales - and how the second daughter, Lavender, became Queen at all - is revealed to DG and readers alike. Mischief and murder are abound, and DG and Cain are joined by characters from "Pitstop", bringing readers closer to the answer of the riddle told of two princesses, an emerald, and a throne.

4. Chapter 4

Chapter Four

Pale morning light was just beginning to creep across the towering, ancient trees. Moss-like orchids draped across the arms of some of these giants, making them appear as wealthy heiresses, flashing their floral jewels for all to see. While at their feet, rich loam hid an occasional hare that peaked out at the dawn to gauge the quality of the coming day. It was a credit to their creator that this scene appeared so life-like in that morning light, when the trees and their inhabitants were really just one-dimensional replicas of those found elsewhere in the OZ. This was a scene that DG had created for Wyatt's benefit, knowing that this time of day would be when the view would be most appreciated, given her husband's habit for early rising.

Today, however, the grand sitting area of their apartment was positively abandoned, with the exception of one luxuriously fluffy ginger feline, who sat lounging on the furniture like he owned it. Tiger frequently had his pick of the plush, sapphire shaded furniture that made up the sitting area in the center of the long space. This was seemingly Tiger's preferred spot within their apartment, for this location put him in a centralized location, where he could greet any of the humans when they appeared in the morning. This morning, however, the male human was not so early to rise, and Tiger looked more and more perturbed the longer the time stretched. Then a man's groan, sounding both pleading and satisfying, slowly broke the stillness of the place, and Tiger sat up, his ears twitching with curiosity. There was a muffled hiss from his female human shortly thereafter, and Tiger finally decided he'd had enough, and jumped down from his perch to find his littlest human for support.

Neither Wyatt nor DG knew that Tiger had heard them. They'd been trying to avoid troubling anyone, in fact, given that they so rarely got the opportunity to be alone. Like many parents with young children, moments of intimacy were often laced with the burdens of childrearing, and on top of all of that, they had their duties to the OZ to perform. Once Lizzie was old enough to walk on her own, and began scaling her crib, this had translated into a much safer option for the nearly-two-year-old adventurer. This had also meant that her parents' blessed few moments of peace in the morning were frequently interrupted by her sweet wake-up calls on their bedroom door. This had been why DG started getting up earlier, hoping in vain that she might carve out a little time with her beloved Tin Man.

"Oh Gods, Dorothy," Wyatt groaned, finding himself surprisingly awake to the feel of her small hands as they kneaded his thighs. "How do you always find the spot that hurts?"

"Shhh," DG hissed, "you're going to wake Lizzie up!" Wyatt groaned again, this time more quietly than before, and he stretched out his bare body in hopes that she'd find other places to touch him.

DG was so busy working out the kinks in Wyatt's muscles that she didn't even see his eyes flick open, and a naughty smile spread on his sleepy face. "If you want me to be quiet, Princess, you're going to have to give me something to do," he rumbled quietly, just before he flipped her over and scrambled on top of her.

DG could barely keep from crying out in surprise, but even if she had been able to make a noise, Wyatt had been ready. His mouth crashed down on hers the moment he pressed his body against hers, and when her cry turned into a contented hum, she could not be heard for his tongue still dancing heatedly with hers. Wyatt growled low when his mouth parted from hers, sliding down her neck all the while and continuing to taste her as she took a moment to catch her breath. His movements were more urgent than he would have liked for the list of things he wanted to do, and her breath was already shallow with the adrenaline of knowing that their time was short. It was now or never, it seemed, as the continued rising of the sun had already splashed light on their bare bodies and awakened the birds now chirping outside the window.

DG's eyes shut nearly involuntarily at the feel of Wyatt's muscular body pressed against her, and she gave in to the feel of his capable hands as they spread her open. The anticipation was killing her, and her breath continued to quicken with the expectation of feeling him fill her to the hilt.

When there was a pause and Wyatt remained motionless, DG's eyes flew open, and she cried out in obvious irritation, "Wyatt! Don't tease me!"

Wyatt was grinning at her like a naughty kid, and a deep chuckle rumbled through him when he slid his body flush with hers once again, pushing luxuriously into her all the while and causing her to moan again. "Who's being loud now?" He whispered roughly against her ear as he strummed his body within her, making her bite her lip to stem her cries.

Wyatt was getting close. Damn it's been too long, he thought to himself as he felt his body's senses climb to an irresistible peak too soon. He'd have to keep this going a bit longer if he wanted DG to feel just as good, but given their relative lack of opportunities lately, he was a woefully out of practice. He slowed himself down by a fraction and had sat up just enough so he could reach down between them to rub her, when an unmistakable thud sounded from outside the door, and he stopped instantly. Wyatt's body dropped instinctively against DG's in an effort to shield her naked body, and they both held their breath while their eyes were glued to the door; DG's face upside down and gazing upward from her position on the bed, and his face upturned and expectant while he held his body taught in a modified plank position.

Tiger trilled in the distance, and after a moment, the sound of padding feet came close. DG's hand raised itself behind her head and swiped silently through the air, engaging the lock on the door that was all that separated them from their curious daughter. The handle jiggled, and when the small person on the other side was unable to open the door, they could hear her huff in disappointment.

"Daddy," a tiny voice called groggily through the heavy wood, "Tiger kitty is hungry. He woke me up."

"Okay baby," Wyatt called back in a strained voice, "Mommy and I will be out in a minute. Why don't you go play with him in your room until we get up, okay?"

"Okay Daddy," Lizzy answered roughly.

Wyatt and DG held their breath a moment more, waiting for the sounds of their daughter's bare feet slapping on the wooden floor as she walked away. When she'd indeed done that, and her door closed loudly behind her, Wyatt's head dropped onto DG's chest, and he groaned in deep frustration. DG kissed the top of his head and sighed when he pulled away, wincing in compassion for the expression of pain written in Wyatt's eyes as he stared up at the ceiling.

"We've really got to get a break soon before I do something drastic," DG grumbled, groaning to herself as she rose to sit up on the bed.

"Yeap," Wyatt replied, still straining to manage his pain.

DG scooted out of the bed and instantly moved to pull a simple cotton night dress over her body, and she kissed the top of his head before she crossed to the bathroom. "I'll go keep her occupied while you recover," She announced with a resigned sigh, and Wyatt turned over meanwhile to curl up into a fetal position while he continued to grasp himself protectively.

As she shut the door behind herself, she could hear him mutter a "thank you," in such a way that made her want to issue a thousand apologies despite the fact that she was in no way at fault.

For almost half of most weeks in any given cycle, DG and Lizzie would be left to their own devices so early in the morning while Wyatt retreated into his office to get a jump start on the day. His days had been longer of late however, sometimes stretching into the evening when whispers of Longcoats in the east started people rattling their sabers in the council chambers. This meant, of course, that a special session would need to be called, where the daughters of light would join with the other prominent voices within the OZ to offer their own perspectives on the darkness threatening the fragile peace. This meant that time with Lizzy in the morning was at a premium, especially today, when they were supposed to be leaving for their annual sojourn to Finaqua. Instead, the youngest princesses and their grandfather would be leaving for Finaqua, while the others remained behind, where they would toil for potentially very long hours in the highest tower of the Central City Palace.

It was because of this that DG and Cain both took to loitering within their chambers as long as they could possibly manage. While Cain took his time getting ready for the opening sessions, letting meticulous shaving follow an equally careful shower so he might slide into his dress uniform without issue, DG lounged on Lizzie's bedroom floor, playing with their daughter and the family cat with equal and loving attention. When Wyatt finally appeared in the bedroom door, folded tightly and securely in his navy-blue uniform, DG was dumbstruck, and almost forgot that it was her turn next. Wyatt Cain never failed to impress, especially when the deep blue of his uniform acted as a counterpoint to the startling blue of his eyes. The gleaming blade at his side, as well as the medals pinned to his chest only heightened the effect, and the medal signifying his rank as the chief protector of the realm only made it easier to rationalize staring, as if one was giving the man his due respect for bearing such a high honor. DG felt a little underdressed in her flowing cotton nightgown and disheveled curls, and she couldn't help but blush when she jumped up to greet him.

"I suppose I should go get ready," DG muttered with a sheepish smirk.

Wyatt only smiled back, and his eyes sparkled as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him. "I wish you wouldn't," he murmured lovingly against the seam of her lips, his free hand tracing the line of her cheek while he continued to make the princess blush. "I want to see you just like this as long as I can before you get all gussied up. You're beautiful just like this." Wyatt sealed this utterance with a long, slow kiss that was only interrupted by Lizzie, who'd wrapped her little arms around them both.

"I love you mommy and daddy," She sighed happily while she squeezed their legs, causing Wyatt and DG to cease their affection in favor of smiling down on the small, platinum haired girl.

Wyatt stooped down to scoop her into his arms, and they grinned at each other when he'd stood back up. "We love you too, squirt." He replied warmly. "Do you want to go get some breakfast while mommy gets pretty?"

Lizzie's face became serious, and she crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Daddy," Lizzie scolded him, "you just said mommy is pretty already. You didn't tell a fib, did you?"

DG hid a snort behind her hand, and Wyatt chuckled. "No baby, I didn't fib. I just want to spend some time with you before you go have fun without us. Can we do that?"

Lizzie's little round face simply beamed, even when her smile was close mouthed and prim. She only appeared that way now because she was trying her utmost to hold in her exuberance, since the concept of having her daddy all to herself was such a special delight. Wyatt was equally enrapt, and DG could only grin at the pair of them as they retreated to the breakfast area, which was at the furthest end of the great tree lined room and bathed now in golden morning light. It was almost a disappointment to leave them, but DG's sense of fairness kept her on track that morning, reminding her that Wyatt needed this time with their daughter just as much as she had. If this hadn't been enough of a reminder, she need only have been greeted by Ana, who bustled in with their morning meal, breezy smile on her face.

"Good morning, Milady," she exclaimed brightly as she set trays down and began serving Wyatt and Lizzie. Her eyes remained on DG, however, who was loitering still in the doorway of her bedroom.

"Morning Ana," DG greeted her ladies' maid. "I guess you're going to want to fuss over me today, right?"

Ana was really the best ladies' maid DG could have hoped for. Other servants might have looked at DG's oddities and refusals to be a normal royal as nuisances, and they certainly would never have gotten along. Ana took in all in stride though, and the young woman hardly flinched when DG stepped out of normal protocol. This morning was no different than any other day to the younger woman, and she only paused briefly in her tasks to smile at DG and nod, adding with a small laugh, "Never met a lady that didn't want to look their best, and I'm sure you do too. Especially when those grumpy council members start showin' up. I promise though, I won't try too hard."

Wyatt glanced up from carving the apple in his hand and flashed DG a smile, and she in turn leaned on the door jamb while a small sense of relief washed over her. "Thanks Ana." Wyatt tapped silently at his wrist when DG's posture relaxed, clearly indicating without words that time was getting shorter, and DG suddenly stood up straight again, and sighed when she stepped forward to offer him a parting kiss and ruffle her daughter's hair. "I guess I'll go shower then."

Ana's face was expectant but patient and she stood by waiting for DG to move, only showing her eagerness in the manner of her reply. "Yes ma'am. I'll lay out your blue tweed suit while you're bathing, and will you be wearing a diadem at today's function?"

DG sighed, and a groan escaped her before her mouth twisted into a thoughtful frown. "Az and mother are both wearing one, I know." She said to herself, and then to Ana, "Yeah, I guess. The smallest one though. The one with the sapphires. It will go with the outfit the best." She winked at Wyatt in amusement, knowing that once she was dressed, they'd be almost obnoxiously twined – a visual reminder to the council that theirs was a partnership that could not be broken. She knew that Wyatt hated these kinds of political wranglings, with all the symbols and silent suggestions, and he showed it merely by arching an eyebrow at his wife's implication.

"Very good, milady," Ana replied with a curt nod, oblivious to the Tin Man at the table.

Wyatt huffed in false exasperation and Ana maintained her readiness to assist DG with a less than professional smile, all while the toddler pecked at her toast in delighted oblivion. This was all the reminder DG needed to move, and without another word, her mouth formed a resigned pout and she twisted around on her heel to enter the bedroom. She was sure that a chorus of amused faces were watching her as she departed, certainly finding entertainment in her reluctance to act lady-like. DG simply wasn't built for court functions – they made her feel stifled, but the past few annuals had taught her that compromise was sometimes required if one wanted to get what they wanted overall. Mornings with her family reminded her that she already had what she wanted, which was a far cry from other less fortunate souls. It was a small price to pay, she thought, almost smiling at the remembrance of the girl from Kansas that would have rather run into a travel storm than face her courtly duties. Now at least, she could stomach her role, so as long as she remembered what she and the rest of her country were gaining by her involvement. Everyone's got to grow up some time, I guess, she told herself with a huff, and summarily closed herself within the bathroom.

DG wasn't sure how long she had spent in that bathroom, showering and primping. Being that she was usually utilitarian in nature with regards to these things, wanting to get done in the fastest amount of time as possible, it probably hadn't been long. She was focused however, and mentally preparing herself for the task ahead, rather than minding the time. It was going to be an important day, being that there had never truly been a special session of council since the reclamation four annuals ago. The OZ had been working to recover, of course, and so the usual animosities and political games had been curtailed. The problems stacking up in Munchkin County rated as important enough to forgo business as usual, however, and only partially because it was the breadbasket of the country. The greater issue in some respects were the implications thrown at both the joint armed services and the royal family itself. Although many within the OZ revered both, there were other whispers that hinted at ineffectiveness and aloofness, and these whispers above all else threatened to become a chorus if something wasn't done soon.

It had DG so on edge that she moved through her preparations in a daze, and without even knowing how she'd gotten there, she found herself showered and changed, sitting before her vanity while Ana arranged her hair. Her expression was still clouded in thought even then, and given her usual discomfort with court, not wholly unexpected.

"You shouldn't worry, Milady," Ana assured DG through the glass of the mirror, "you just be yourself, and listen to your heart today. Not those counselors. They're just in it for personal power and they'll say anything to get it."

DG smiled weakly at Ana, answering with a simple "thanks," where her mind would allow for nothing else.

Nerves were getting the better of her, and she countered by thinking of the friends who would be with her at the week's proceedings. The Queen's Cabinet consisted almost entirely of kind faces, and of these, three were most prominent in her mind: Wyatt as the chief security secretary, Doctor Miller for healthcare, and Tutor as the Minister of Magic. Of the elected officials, she could count most definitely on Ambrose, who was not only the Queen's chief advisor, but also the Premier of the Court of Advisors, which acted as a sort of house of representatives within the legislative body. Worry truly struck her in the form of the Counselors Assembly, a kind of senate, which was formed of two members from each county and guild within the OZ. These were the most powerful individuals from each representative group within the OZ, and they frequently wielded their power with the fine-tuned acuity of a blade at any that were in their path. It was a small favor that she had some friends here as well: Raw and Singlo being the counselors representing the Viewers Guild, Hank and Emily hailing from the Tik Toks, Red Hat from the Eastern Guild, and Lord Palmeroy of Munchkin County.

Of them all, DG was most relieved by the inclusion of Lord Palmeroy among her political allies. He had been an unexpected friend when DG had been struggling with her fledgling relationship with Wyatt, and a voice of reason when she could see no way forward at the time. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have gone back to Kansas, and then Wyatt and I might not have gotten together at all, DG reminded herself with a fond smile. Being that he was also the chief counselor for the county in question, she felt a wave of confidence wash over her, feeling almost certain that her family would be safe from scrutiny with him arguing the case.

DG's thoughts kept her so engrossed, that she hadn't even noticed Ana finishing her hair, and was nearly startled with Ana placed the final pin and stepped back with a satisfied sigh. "There," the young maid proclaimed, "you look beautiful."

DG examined herself in the mirror with a critical eye. Her favorite term for describing herself in full court regalia had been "trussed up like a turkey" in the past, and she had to admit that although she still wasn't fond of the jewels and sashes, she did look good now. Artimis Saul had compared her to Jackie Kennedy once, for her liking of that era's neat, feminine suits and simple coiffures. Today was a prime example, and her modest, royal blue skirt and jacket were only heightened by the simple ringlet of sapphires nestled at the peak of her sleek up do. A cream sash with the emblem of her house finished this look, and as she adjusted it across her chest, she issued one final resigned huff.

"Thanks Ana," DG replied, and her eyes glinted with a miniscule smile of gratitude for a moment before the serious expression returned once again.

When DG re-entered the adjoining room, her black pumps were in her arms, and she wore a harried expression on her face. This was soon melted by her daughter, who jumped up from her place on the floor next to the cat, and she toddled over to her mother with a bright grin on her face. "Mommy!" She exclaimed happily, giggling as she fell into her mother's outstretched arms.

DG took a long whiff of her daughter's hair before she pulled back and gave her daughter a matronly expression when she said her goodbyes. "Be good for Ms. Ana, okay? She's going to help you get ready, and then you, Lav, and Grandpa will be going to the lake. Okay?"

"Okay mommy, I love you!" Lizzie obediently replied, placing a sweet kiss on her mother's cheek before she stepped away to hug her father.

It might be said that a child's love is a parent's greatest protection when they walk out into the world. It certainly seemed that way, at least, when DG and Wyatt finally departed their apartment shortly thereafter. Cain stood a little straighter, and the no-nonsense line of his mouth held a slight upturn on the edge where a smile hid. DG's serious expression became a bit more relaxed, and she allowed herself a small amount of levity when they exited the apartment. DG continued to carry her heels in her arms while they walked down the private, family corridor, and she twisted on of them in her hand like it was a baton.

"You getting ready to use that thing on a counselor, or what?" Wyatt laughed, glancing sideways at his wife, who looked almost passive while they walked.

He could see DG's impish side eye in response to his jest, and a smirk lit her face before she stopped their walk suddenly. As if this kind of thing had been done numerous times before, Wyatt's arm jutted out instinctively, and DG accepted it while she balanced on one foot, placing the shoes where they belonged on her feet. "That's not a bad idea, you know, but that might be a little counterproductive. I want them to like me, not believe I'm the next wicked witch of the west," she remarked as she continued to put her shoes on.

DG stepped back down and stood straight once more, and she smoothed out the front of her suit before she issued her husband a smile. Wyatt smiled back, his eyes soft and glittering with mischief, "Not all witches are bad, I'm told," he leaned in to place a soft kiss on DG's lips, and he added adoringly, "you're beautiful, Dorothy, and I don't think there's any way that they won't like you."

DG sighed when Wyatt pulled away and turned to offer her his arm again. Although she willingly accepted and they continued their march, she had to admit that she was reluctant to move, still feeling somewhat uncertain of what would happen when they entered council chambers. Although the rumored events in Munchkin County could not be blamed on her or any member of her family, they did seem to lend others to point at them all the same, as if their response was ineffective or wooden. It wasn't a fair assessment, DG thought, since they'd been all over the country countless times over the past four annuals all on behalf of the people. She'd only been at home more in the past annual because of her parenting duties – and that hardly seemed like a reason to blame her for the unexpected raids and illnesses that seemed to pop up out of nowhere overnight. DG's face screwed into a thoughtful frown at this notion, and she wondered if it had all been manufactured somehow. She'd been so preoccupied that she'd barely heard Wyatt speaking, and he rubbed her forearm to grab her attention when she didn't answer him.

"Dorothy," he asked gently, "are you there?"

DG's eyes widened and she jumped somewhat at Wyatt's gentle reminder. "Oh, I'm sorry, Wyatt, what did you say?"

Wyatt huffed through his nose and a smirk appeared. "I said, it's not like it's your head that's on the chopping block, anyway. I'm pretty sure it's me that the Munchkin County delegates want."

DG seemed somewhat confused by this, and her eyes clouded at the concept of Lord Palmeroy being anything less than genial. Certainly, he'd acted like a self-indulged snob the first time she'd met him, but she thought that had been an act. After that first meeting, he'd been a complete gentleman, and had done much to console her when she had believed her relationship with Wyatt was for naught. They had seen him a dozen times since becoming married, and he'd been just as pleasant and friendly as he had been before. It just didn't seem to add up that he had any issue with Wyatt whatsoever, and DG wondered what she had missed.

If DG had wanted to ask Wyatt to clarify further, she needed to have asked much sooner, for it was only moments later that they turned the corner and found themselves suddenly among several people loitering outside the council chambers, waiting for the procession to form. Ambrose and Azkadellia were closest by, and immediately began chatting quietly with Wyatt. DG was still so distracted that she remained silent and distant, until a hand laid itself softly on her arm, and she turned towards the arrival in sudden awareness. It was Lord Palmeroy himself, and he looked down on her with a warm, friendly smile when she turned to greet him.

"Your Highness," Lord Palmeroy greeted DG with a bow, "I'm delighted to see you once again."

He'd taken DG's hand as he bowed and placed an almost tender kiss on it after he'd announced his pleasure at seeing her. Despite evidence to the contrary, he seemed perfectly amenable, and DG was hard pressed to not be equally so to such attention. It wasn't a difficult thing anyway, since he was an attractive man, besides, being tall and dark haired where Wyatt was solid and fair. She could not help but smile back on the man. A glimmer of something previously unseen and dark seemed to linger in his brown eyes, however, as if he was sizing her up somehow, and this planted a miniscule seed of distrust within her, bringing some question to his overall intentions.

DG maintained her composure despite this and smiled sweetly instead, "Lord Palmeroy, I'm happy to see you as well, and I'm so sorry to hear of the difficulties in Munchkin County, but I'm certain that we'll come to some solution soon. You always have our support."

Lord Palmeroy's expression, kind and warm as it appeared, suddenly seemed more like a mask, and he smirked unkindly when he replied. "I'm sure, Your Highness, but perhaps some matters, such as security, are better left to the counties. After all, it is a large country, is it not? It must be exceedingly difficult to visit all the counties, even when you are one of the saviors of the eclipse."

It was as if a spotlight had been thrown on her, and the din of quiet chatter around them seemed instantly silenced. DG could feel the blood drain from her face and the pit in her stomach grow to the size of a bowling ball. Wyatt's hand pressed comfortingly onto the small of her back, and although she could sense his tension, he was thankfully silent, knowing that his wife could handle her own battles. It seemed she could only smile, knowing that the words forming in her mind were probably a bit too stinging for such a public venue. For all of this, it seemed she would not have to meter her response, for Ambrose's voice suddenly rang out, jovial and warning all at once.

"Come now, Lord Palmeroy," Ambrose laughed loudly, "surely, we can save the political barbs for the council chambers. You should practice on one of General Cain's training dummies instead of the Princess. They're less likely to hit back."

Lord Palmeroy's prior insolence notwithstanding, DG was glad to have his true feelings finally revealed, and she was even more grateful for Glitch's quick save. It gave her time to recover, and she did so with a smirk and one skeptically arched eyebrow. What was more; this gave her the opportunity take stock of the other council members standing nearby. Many, even those she did not know well, seemed mildly perturbed by Palmeroy's slight, and looked as if they were ready to begin their verbal sparring despite not being in the correct forum. Palmeroy had noticed this as well, and in being suddenly aware of his faux pau, an air of false innocence flashed across his face, and he stopped to glance somewhat apprehensively at Cain standing just behind DG's shoulder.

Palmeroy seemed to bristle somewhat, as if the two had some secret animosity for the other, and he bowed to DG once more while he continued to eye Cain warily. "I apologize for any rudeness I must have conveyed just now, your Highness. It was not my intent," he spoke through a low bow.

"You are forgiven, Lord Palmeroy." DG replied graciously, "I can understand that emotions are high at this time, and I think we can all afford a little patience and compassionate readiness, especially with those who we've considered our friends."

Lord Palmeroy had understood DG's meaning, judging by his thinly veiled surprise at her response. She had sounded so like the Queen in that moment, that he felt instantly put in his place, and wondered at the fact that such an expertly phrased gibe had been uttered by the fiery princess instead of the monarch. It seemed that he had underestimated her, and he now looked on DG with an air of appraisal like he hadn't before. His acknowledgement of DG's suggestive comment was metered and silent, and he bowed slightly before nodding to Cain, who still watched him as a hawk might a field mouse.

"General Cain," he spoke curtly through his nod, and turned away quickly to rejoin the gathering council members preparing to enter chambers.

DG and Cain both watched the man as he departed and waited silently for the moment when they could speak unhindered. When the throng began to move away from them and towards the massive double doors, it seemed that the opportunity had arrived, and Cain was the first to speak.

"You handled that pretty well, Princess," he quietly murmured to his wife.

DG turned to face him then, and her eyes were wide and expressive when they locked with his, "Why didn't anyone tell me what he'd been saying? I could have used that information a little sooner."

While Wyatt scratched the back of his head, Ambrose cut in in a deep, rumbling whisper, "I think some of us were a little worried that you might be a bit upset, and more than a little vocal about it." His eyes darted to Cain and he added hurriedly, "I mean, Cain knew you'd be okay, but –"

Azkadellia stepped in to rescue her faltering husband. With a hand on his shoulder, she stepped forward and explained, "It was my decision, Deeg. I know you hate politics, and I didn't want you to be hurt by his games."

DG's mouth hung open, and she only held her loud outcry because of their still very public location. So, with a suddenly very Cain-like expression hardening her face, she linked arms with both Ambrose and Azkadelia, and marched them into the nearest antechamber. Cain quickly followed, knowing a lecture was coming - seeing that he had explicitly warned the pair as Ambrose had implied - and he shut the door noiselessly behind him as he stepped through the threshold.

When the door was shut, DG finally let lose her anger, and it was still quiet and strained, in half-expectation of being overheard. "You guys really have to start trusting me. Clearly, I can handle myself. Besides, I have it on good authority that I'm just like my mother. You know, the Queen? Surely if mother can do it, then so can I!"

They'd all been so enwrapped in their family squabble that they didn't even notice Lavender step inside, and they all jumped to attention the moment her gentle voice lilted behind them. "Quiet right, my darling. I could not have said it better. To be fair, however, it was truly my decision to keep you in the dark regarding the lord. I had hoped that your unbiased friendship with the man might aid us in gaining much-needed political allies. It seems that it was a misstep."

The Queen's expression was remorseful, if not a bit sheepish, and she held her hands together as she stood before her children, like she was in want of forgiveness. DG found that she couldn't be angry at her siblings, much less her mother, for in truth she still wasn't certain where her sudden change in tactics had come from. Ordinarily, she might have stomped on the jerk's foot, or verbally lambasted him for his complete lack of propriety. For some reason though, she had just felt compelled to look beyond the man and see how she would want someone in her position to respond. Her heart had told her that her people needed a compassionate voice in their leadership, since he could not be. It was almost as if she were hearing a voice from her childhood, reminding her to exercise the greater part of valor, and save the fighting for where it was most needed, and it was not with this man.

"Mother," DG stepped forward with a sigh, "you don't have to feel bad about it. I understand."

DG embraced her mother gently, and the woman returned it with a fierce squeeze that made DG grunt non-verbally. This was the Lavender that DG understood, and the pair seemed to comprehend the significance, and separated with matching smiles. "I'm glad my darling," Lavender replied, then looking to the others, she added with sudden firmness, "Now, we will all need to understand each other and work together to get through these sessions. We cannot allow Lord Palmeroy or anyone else to bait us any further into acting inappropriately, for although we are not on trial, there are some that may wish that, and I'm afraid that dear Wyatt may be taking the brunt of their abuse in the next few days. We will respond as one voice, for this family, and for the Outer Zone, and not say anything to jeopardize either of those. Do you all understand?"'

Lavender hadn't spoken as a Queen in that moment, rather, she'd acted at the matriarch of their house, and she was fierce in her protection of it. There was a subdued chorus of affirmations from her children, who all appeared somber and serious. Rather than feeling as though she was being dressed down, however, DG felt altogether bolstered by this. For beyond her mother's very stern, matronly advice, DG realized in that moment that her family had each in turn opted to wear some shade of dark blue as she had, making them appear as a solid unit. Azkadelia's A-line shirt dress was crisp and dark as midnight, and its raw silk skirt flared out and swished around her calves making her look like a walking bell for the white petticoat underneath. Her only adornments were a diamond pin with the initials of the OZ on her lapel, and a tiara of equally beautiful but small diamonds on her crown.

The Queen had opted for much more traditional trappings, and while she looked every bit a monarch, her Edwardian gown also created a sense of mystique and drama that the Queen usually avoided. A bodice of royal blue and gold was patterned to resemble geometric shapes, and its wide empire waist and scoop neckline were both encrusted with blue crystals the shape of octagons. One could not stop to look here, however, for the crystals continued their work through the long, water like skirt, and had been arranged to appear as horizontal ripple lines leading the viewer's eye downward to the floor, as if to remind them to show the dress's wearer deference. Being the Queen, Lavender's choice of crown was also less subdued than her daughters and scrolls of yellow diamonds seemed to not only to encircle her crown, but also several strategically placed oval sapphires as well.

The only person present not wearing blue, in fact, was Ambrose, who was forced by his position to wear the regalia of the court of advisors. His long, caramel toned coat was the same the other members of the court, and apart from a flash of blue silk peeking out from his high collar, he looked no different than then others in the hallway beyond.

This sense of unity among the gale women and their spouses was indeed strong, even without such strategic symbolism, and all stood a little straighter as they waited their turn to be called to the procession. Ambrose was first, being the premier of the Court of Advisors, and then Cain, as a member of the Queen's cabinet, and then finally the Gale princesses and their mother, whose appearance would signal the start of the special session. Even though they would all be physically separated as a function of their duties to the OZ, there was no doubt, not even to the casual observer, that this was a united front. Only time would tell who they were truly uniting for and against, when the massive doors of the council chambers were finally closed behind them. Although a hope remained that their unity and courage would be more for the OZ than against those who would wish to create division within their new and fragile state.