forum Royal Affairs (O/O Closed)

Started May 08, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

Kaillas was happy. He hadn't expected to be but perhaps it was nice. It was nice to be happy. His sisters were getting along with his bride and hopefully would keep her company. "They will gladly accept you as their own. They don't have many friends. Most of that is my fault. It will be good for then to have you as friend." Someone he hoped that would be genuine with his sisters. He cared for them above all else. He would kill for them.

He nodded his head, beginning to eat his food. "I'll make sure you have time with them. And I'll make sure you have some time alone. I know Catalina is squeezing your schedule tight. I'll remind her to do otherwise." It was alot, coming to a new place with a new culture. She would need time to adjust. And while it wouldn't happen in a well, bombarding Ophelia with activity after activity would certainly hinder it.

Kaillas shook his head. "Nonsense. You're going to be queen. You're going to be my wife. You will have your own horse. You will have the finest there is. I want you to be happy." It was as simple as that. He wanted her to have a happy life however she spent it, with him or residing in an estate away from the palace living without him.

He turned to look at her. "There is some time after the feast is over if you would like to speak with me for an hour or so." They were going to be married soon. They should speak with each other and get to one another before then. Of course, it wasn't proper, especially so late in the day. But they were going to be married. What did it matter?

Ophelia certainly appreciates that. She would love to spend time with Elora and Katya throughout the week. It'll prove to be a nice distraction from the craziness of prepping for the wedding and she's looking forward to getting to know her future sister-in-laws better. Certain aspects of the planning seem like they may be fun but the rest is going to be stressful. A royal wedding is a big deal since everyone expects everything to be perfect.

The insistence about getting her a horse is rather surprising. The sentiment behind it is rather sweet and it is nice of him to want to get her something to make her happy. "Thank you then. I do appreciate your kindness," She says lightly, deciding it's best to not press the matter further and instead express some appreciation. Why should she complain? Her future husband is trying to give her a lavish gift. Most women would kill for that. She just isn't used to someone wanting to give her something so nice, especially someone who she doesn't very well at all.

Her brows raise at his suggestion for them to talk for awhile after the feast. It certainly isn't proper. They aren't supposed to be alone together before the wedding, especially if it's going to be so late in the day. It could be seen as scandalous. "I would like to talk to you and get to know you better…..but, are we allowed to do that at night? By ourselves?" She asks hesitantly. Seeing as he doesn't appear to have a problem with it, she's wondering if that's perhaps a silly question to ask. Maybe things are different in this kingdom.

Not knowing all of the different customs, laws, and social expectations of this new kingdom is stressful. She doesn't know what she's supposed to do or say. It seems like things are much different here than at her kingdom.

Kaillas only nodded his head at his kind words. This was the most he had spoken to someone other than his council on a long time. Even with his sisters he usually just listened as they prattle on and offered a word or two in between. He preferred just being in their presence. He had spent too many years away from them. He wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to be around them.

He only shrugged his shoulders. "What are they going to do? Tell me no? I'm the king, they can't do that." They could try but he wouldn't listen. One of the only perks of being king. "I have a sitting room in my chambers. We'll stay in there and even leave the door ajar so no one gets any ideas. Do not fret, I wouldn't dare tarnish your reputation." He would have some words if rumors were spread about her at court. She was his family now and he took care of family.

He had eaten just over half of his plate before pushing it away and it being taken away. The portions were much to large here and the cook refused to male it smaller no matter how much he asked. He was used to the food while being in the army. Bland and small, even for a prince. And even thought it had been what, almost seven years now, old habits died hard. The army had completely changed his lifestyle.

A poet was welcomed into the hall. Some famous one for another kingdom he had tracked down to bring here. Women liked these kinds of things he had been told. So he had spared no expense at getting the man here. With a clear of his throat, the poet began to speak from one of his many poems he had written. Kaillas wasn't listening at all. He didn't care for these things.

The king’s assurance that they would be allowed does little to soothe her actual worries. For her, it’s more of a concern about what people will think. If someone sees two people sneaking off at night together, they’re going to get some ideas forming in their head. Those ideas turn into gossip and gossip spreads like a wildfire. The idea of that happening almost makes her nauseous. While it may be acceptable for men to fool around before marriage, as a woman she can’t take such extreme risks. Her reputation would be ruined.

She should believe that he knows how to keep them out of trouble but she has her doubts. All it would take is one slip up and they would be screwed. Rather than giving an actual reply, she merely offers a tiny smile and a nod. She doesn’t want to openly disagree and doubt him. She can’t imagine he would appreciate her doing so in such a public settling.

Most of her food remains untouched. Though she hates to be wasteful, today has been intense and it has greatly curbed her appetite. It’s hard to eat when the pit in her stomach is taking up all of the room. At least the entertainment portion of the benign has begun. That means that they’re nearly done. While, of course, she appreciates everyone’s efforts tonight, she is rather tired and overwhelmed from it all.

The poet is wonderful and despite that she would normally be very interested in his performance, she doesn’t pay him much attention. There is a lot weighing on her mind right now that she would like to try and sort out before the night is over.

Kiallas looked over and noticed her mostly uneated food. She gestured for a maid to come and take it away. He leaned over to murmured to her, "Anything uneaten gets distributed to the poor. Do not feel bad about not being able to finish it." He hoped that would soothe her worries about being wasteful. They tried to minimize waste as much as possible.

He raised his glass and took a sip of his wine, finishing his second glass. He shook his head as his cup beaer cane to refill it. Not, two was his limit tonight. He could handle much more before feeling the effects but he didn't want to drink tonight. Not much that was.

Dessert was served not too ling after, chocolate cake, Kaillas' favorite. His lips twitched as the cook had remembered. Of course she had remembered. He used ti sneak in as a child and steal a slice of cake. And that habit hadn't died when he cane back to the palace after being gone so long. It was his one guilty pleasure he allowed himself to hang onto.

This he ate all of. He loved cake. He thought about asking for a second piece but thought better of it. He didn't want his bride to think he was a glutton. He finished his slice and cleaned his mouth with his provided napkin. He handed the plate to the passing maid. He leaned back in his seat. Not watching the poet but just watching.

Ophelia visibly relaxes when she hears that the food won’t go to waste. That certainly does help to elevate some of her guilt. “Thank you,” She murmurs sincerely, having a feeling that he’s only telling her that to make her feel better. It does work. It also helps her feel more positively towards him as a person. A king who delivers food to those in need is not some horrible monster. Despite his sister’s assurances, she had still had doubts. This is making her realize that perhaps she was a little paranoid. Kaillas doesn’t seem like a cruel man.

The cake looks even more divine than the main meal. She has a major sweet tooth so her dessert will never go wasted. Luckily, the sliver of cake is small so it doesn’t seem as though she refused to eat her meal in order to fill herself up on chocolate.

She takes a bite of the rich chocolate cake, briefly closing her eyes as she savors it. This very well may be one of the best things she has ever tasted. With a soft sigh of pure bliss, she opens her eyes again and finishes off her slice. She’s careful to make no mess and not to just shovel it into her mouth. It may be delicious but she doesn’t want to make a mess of herself while eating it.

Feeling a little better about everything, she’s able to pay attention to the last part of the poet’s performance before they finish. It’s a shame that she didn’t get to enjoy the entire thing but she liked what she did end up hearing. It was beautifully written.

Kaillas heard the soft sigh from the woman sitting beside him. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye, watching as she enjoyed the cake. Good, he wasn't the only one to share such pleasures. He drummed his fingers on his thigh as the court finished up his last meal. This was always the work part, waiting for the feast to end when he had already finished.

As king, he could have gotten up and declared this whole thing over the moment he had finished. But he wasn't like that. The court was still dining and talking and enjoying their evening. He wasn't going to rush it. At least not today. Even when he was itching to leave.

But alas, all things must come to an end. The poet finished his last lime and stood to bow to the king. He started the applause even though he hadn't listened to a single word the man had said. That didn't mean he didn't deserve the applause. And they wouldn't do it without him leasing it. Something he hated as king. It seemed the court had one opinion. His. It was quite irritating.

The dinner came to an end and Kaillas stood from his seat. He bid everyone a goodnight and extended his head towards Ophelia. He would escort her to his room where he would take an hour of her time before allowing her to retire. There were some things he needed to speak to her about. He offered her his arm to take so that he may escort her and together they left the dining room.

The cake is finished off a few minutes later. When her plate is collected and taken away, she makes sure to offer a quiet ‘thank you’. She learned a long time ago to be nice to the staff. They do everything around the palace and being cruel to them wouldn’t be wise. Their trust and their respect is valuable. It’s never too early for her to start trying to form that relationship with the staff in this palace.

It’s obvious that the poet is very talented but there is too much weighing on her mind for her to properly enjoy the performance. Hopefully the poet will be invited back at a later date so she can actually pay attention and listen to his beautiful words. She starts to clap when Kaillas does, knowing that this means that things are coming to an end.

She stands up, taking a moment to smooth out any wrinkles in her dress. Realizing that it’s time to go, she accepts Kaillas’ arm and follows him out of the dinning hall. Though she is wanting to speak with him, she has a few reservations about when he’s wanting to have this conversation. It could reflect very poorly on them if the wrong person saw and decided to turn their little meeting into something it’s not. Though the concern lingers, she tries to relax. The king promised her that he would handle everything if something were to go poorly. She’s going to have to learn to trust him eventually. This is just the first step.

As they walk through the halls, she looks around and both tries to remember how to go around and admire how lovely everything is. It’s much different from her own home and she had to admit that she almost prefers it.

Kaillas walked quietly I'm hall just as he had been when he had escorted her to the dining hall. It was starting to get late. The sun had already set and fallen. He didn't plan to take up too much of her time. He had said an hour just to give him a bit of a buffer. There was just a few things he wanted to discuss so that the next few weeks would go smoothly. He didn't want her to think he had all these expectations of her. Just because the court and council did didn't mean he did.and as king, his word was law.

He had already asked one of his personal stewards to come and stand in on their meeting. Him and a cracked door should leave no room for interpretation. They didn't even need to sit next to one another. As long as they could hear each toerh, they were fine.

As they moved through the halls and the stairs, they finally came to their wing of the castle. It was reserved for the royal family. His sisters occupied two rooms, Kaillas occupied the king's suite and now Ophelia would occupy the Queen's suite. There were two more available rooms in the wing. Meant for children. His children, if he ever had anyone. Kaillas had sisters. He had options even if his council didn't think so.

Kaillas opened the door to his rooms, waving off the steward that came to help. One of the many things he didn't like about palace life. Everyone was trying to do everything for him. He didn't need someone to open his doors or peel his oranges. He coukd do it himself. Kaillas gestured for Ophelia to step inside first, following behind her and leaving the door open a bit more than a crack. His steward stepped inside as well, taking post by the door.

"Please, sit," he gestured to one of the two couches he had in his small sitting room. Kaillas took a seat on the opposite couch as she did.

Ophelia follows Kaillas silently through the halls and up the stairs, feeling a bit nervous about what he wants to discuss. Things have been going smoothly so far but they have been in the public eye the entire time. This is the first time they will be alone together and she doesn’t know what he’s like behind closed door. The king certainly doesn’t seem cruel but one can never be too careful. She tries to assure herself that this will be fine. No one has spoken negatively about him thus far. By all means, she has no real reason to fret.

As they enter his rooms, she can’t help but take in the luxurious surroundings. The king's suite is much grander than her father’s. She has to admit that she’s now curious to see what her living quarters are like. They must be rather wonderful as well. Spotting the steward, she does relax a little. It’s good to have a witness to prove that they’re doing nothing wrong. She sits down on the couch that Kaillas had gestured to and waits for him to begin.

Seeing as it is already late in the day, she can’t imagine that this will take too terribly wrong. It isn’t as though she doesn’t want to speak with him, she does, she’s just rather worn out from her journey. Tomorrow will be another big day so she would like to get as much rest as possible.

She fidgets with her hands, not entirely sure what to do with herself. She doesn’t want to speak first, especially since she is not sure what exactly he’s wanting to discuss. They have much to speak about but it is getting late so she’s certain that they won’t get through it all tonight. Luckily, there’s some time before the wedding so they should have enough opportunities to get through everything.

Kaillas sat their for a moment, gathering his thoughts. He wasn't very good at these things. He was a rather quiet man. Not reserved or shy, just quiet. He didn't have much to say so he didn't say it. In fact, other than being around his sisters, this was the most he spoke ever. And even around his sister was easy, he usually just promted them to speak and he listened. But he did need to speak with his soin to be wife to figure some things out so the rest of the week goes smoothly.

He would speak with Catalina first thing in the morning to fix her schedule. He had briefly seen Ophelia's schedule and it was cramped. Even if his sisters hadn't said anything he would have tried to cut out a few things so the princess could at least have some time to herself. This week was a busy one. But after the wedding they would go straight to their honeymoon and they would be left in silence fir a week or two. Not that Kaillas planned on doing anything with her. Not unless she asked him and truly meant it, which he very much doubted she would want. He planned on residing his time in peace for the first time in years and trying to relax.

"I know you're tired so I won't take up too much of your time," he started out saying. "I just wanted to set a few things straight so this goes alot smoother." That sounded alright, he thought. Not too harsh. Women were hard to speak to especially. He was always worried he'd say the wrong thing. Soldiers didn't care. They had a harsh language and weren't offended by anything said. They knew not to take it personal. Ladies at court took everything to heart.

"I'm assuming you know what happens on the wedding night. I hope so. If not, my sisters will explain. But I do want you to know that I have no expectations of you. I do not expect that from you, at all. Not ever if you do not wish to." He would never force her or anyone for that matter, on to him. He would never use the fact that he was king to get a woman to his bed. "My sisters haven up the role as queen thus gar. They will explain to you the duties of queen." Other than childbearing that was. "You'll reside in the Queen's suite unless you like to stay anywhere else. There is a shared door between us but it can be locked from either side. If you decide you don't want to be in the palace, I can easily have one of my residences set up for you to live in."

Ophelia listens attentively as Kaillas speaks, knowing that this must be important since he didn’t wish to wait til morning to discuss it. She appreciates his acknowledgment of her tiredness, glad that this will be a quick conversation. Normally she wouldn’t be so eager to escape to her room but it has been a rather long day and she knows that this entire week will be madness. Though she hasn’t seen her schedule yet, she knows that it is rather packed.

As he mentions the wedding night, her cheeks flush slightly, though not for the reason he may think, but she maintains her composure. She does not know what happens. It’s clear that she should have at least some idea but she does not. Not that she will admit to her lack of knowledge. It’s embarrassing. Despite not being entirely sure what exactly her expectations should be, she appreciates his honesty and the reassurance that he has no expectations of her. That should make things go a little more smoothly.

"Thank you,," she replies softly, wanting to express that she does appreciate his willingness to not push her into anything. She makes no comment to indicate that she isn’t sure what exactly she’s thanking him for. Though apparently she isn’t expected to do anything their wedding night, she would still like to know what it is they’re supposed to do so she’ll try to figure that out this week.

She nodds as he mentions his sisters have taken up the role as queen and their responsibility to explain the duties to her. The duties of being Queen are not unknown to her. She grew up watching her mother act as queen so she knows what to do. Granted, there are some things that this kingdom will do differently so she doesn’t doubt that she has much to learn.

"The Queen's suite is perfectly fine," Ophelia assures him. "I would like to stay there. Residing outside of the palace isn’t necessary.” Though the offer is almost tempting, she wants to stay here. It will be easier for everyone if she isn’t miles away. Besides, she would like to make friends and settle down. That will work best if she is here.

Kaillas did not like the way that Ophelia blushed at the mention of the wedding night. He figured it meant she knew nothing or very little of it. That made him feel uncomfortable. Kaillas was well versed in the ways of the bedroom. By experience and just by talk. Soldiers had no filter at all. He had heard more than he ever wanted to know at such a young age. He was still traumatized by some of it. Nothing he would repeat.

This reminded him how little he knew how to talk to girls. He had traumatized his sisters a few times before they had learned to be accustomed to his abrasiveness. They didn't question it now or blush around him. He was more careful around Katya now as she was so young. Elora, not as much. She was older and getting close to being able to be married. Not that he planned to arrange her marriage, either of them. As long as they were respectable men he had no problems with it. Well, beyond him not liking them.simply because they were with his sisters.

He nodded his head at her request. It was done, then. After their honeymoon she would permanently be residing in the palace. They would likely take a vacation here and there or go on a trip to another kingdom, but the palace would be their home.

"Alright, good. Do you have any questions or concerns?" He had aired out his own, she should have a chance to do so as well. She could say whatever she wanted too and he would let her. He wasn't her keeper and as long as it was in private, she was free to speak her mind.

Ophelia looks at Kaillas, her cheeks still tinted with a faint blush from their previous conversation. She's still embarrassed and unwilling to admit that she has no idea what they were actually talking about. Perhaps Mistress Catalina or one of her handmaidens can help her figure it out. Shaking her head a little, she cleans herself of those thoughts. She appreciates his willingness to address any questions or concerns she might have, but at the moment, she finds herself at a loss for words. Her mind is filled with a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from excitement to nervousness, as she contemplates the prospect of their upcoming marriage.

After a brief moment of contemplation, she finally gives a gentle shake of her head, indicating that she has no immediate questions or concerns. It only takes her a second to realize that she should probably actually voice this. " I think I'm okay for now," She says lightly, offering a tiny smile to show that she's alright. "I'm sure I'll have questions along the way, but for now, I'm alright." Once she sees her schedule and gets into a routine, she's certain that she'll manage to figure things out.

"I do want to say that I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me." She knows that many other men wouldn't have bothered to ask her for her thoughts. Though she hardly knows the man, she has a feeling that she got relatively lucky in the husband department. At the very least, she knows that it could be a lot worse. Her fear was that she would get stuck with someone twice her age and cruel.

Kaillas was drumming his fingers on his leg. His knee was bouncing slightly, a nervous habit that happened subconsciously. When he we noticed it, he did his best to still his knee but then it felt strange not to be bouncing it. He was not usually a nervous person. He was never a nervous person. But something about Ophelia had his heart speeding up and his breath quickening. He did not like this feeling.

He nodded his head to her, acknowledging that she had nothing to talk about right now. He expected the questions to come likely tomorrow or the day after. And likely with his sisters and not Kaillas. It sounded like she was a lot more comfortable with his sisters. And hopefully they would be able to answer them. Whatever they couldn't, they could direct her to him and he would answer them.

"Alright then," he pushed up in his legs to stand. He held out his hand for Ophelia to take so that he could help her up. "You've had a long journey. You must be exhausted." Taking her arm, he led her out of his chambers and back into the hall. While it would have been easy to take her to her rooms by their shared door he would rather her be able to recognize her rooms from her door in the hallway. Kaillas stopped outside the door, making no move to open it. This was to be her space. He wasn't going to invade it without an invitation inside. "Have a good night, Ophelia."

Ophelia notices the subtle change in Kaillas' demeanor, aware of his nervousness and the slight restlessness he displays. She wonders if her presence is causing him discomfort or if there is something else bothering him. Regardless, she doesn’t want to press the matter at the moment, as she understands that people have their own ways of processing emotions. Besides, they hardly know each other so she doubts that he would want to confide in her.

She takes his offered hand, allowing him to help her up from her seat. Not wanting to be rude, she does thank him. It’s not as easy to get up in this sort of dress as it appears to be so assistance is nice. As they exit the room and walk through the hallways, she takes note of the surroundings, trying to familiarize herself with the layout of the palace. It’s going to take her awhile to figure out where everything is.

When they reach the door to her rooms, Ophelia stops alongside him, appreciating his respect for her space. She turns to face him, her gaze meeting his. "Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. I wish you a good night as well, Kaillas," she replies, her voice light.

With a small smile, she turns to enter her chambers. Everything is extravagant and obviously made for someone used to living in the lap of luxury. The room is stunning, she has no problem admiring that. She’ll have to find out who decorated it and be sure to thank them.

Kaillas made the split decision to bring her hand up to his lips and place a kiss on the back of her hand. This time, a real kiss, not the brushing of the lips like his first one had been when they first met. Then, Kaillas had half believed she was going to be some gold-digging, privileged princess. Not someone almost as reserved as he was. Someone just as quiet. Someone compliant. While he preferred it over what he had thought he was going to get, he almost wished she would speak more. Perhaps once she had familiarized herself with him.

He straightened his back, offered the tiniest of smiles, and stepped away from her. He waited until the door clicked shut before retreating to his own rooms. There, he requested a copy of her schedule and made the necessary changes so that Ophelia would have time with his sisters and time to herself. Kaillas knew more than anyone how important alone time was. As king, it was a rarity. He often found himself on the verge of ordering everyone out of the palace. But it was that voice of reason that kept him from doing so.

He handed the revised schedule to his steward to deliver to Mistress Catalina before he readied for bed. But he found that sleep was hard to get. He tossed and turned and yet could not sleep. Not until the moon had risen fully in the sky did the exhaustion seep in and he slept. But it was not a good sleep. He wasn't sure if it was because of the nerves or fear of a new person coming into his life but his sleep had been riddled with nightmares. Ones that had ripped him from his sleep, drenched in sweat just before dawn. Only about half an hour before he would have usually gotten up.

The sincerely of the kiss catches her off guard. It’s unexpected but it makes her heart flutter. She didn’t think that such a seemingly small gesture would mean so much to her and yet it does. There is no one watching them, examining their every move. Kissing her hand was fully his idea. It’s sweet and she’s going to cherish the memory of that gesture. She smiles, a real genuine smile this time, before she fully enters her room.

As the door closes behind her, she takes a moment to absorb the events of the day. Everything all happened so fast. Her head spins if she just thinks about it. Luckily, everything went off without a hitch. Everyone was so kind and welcoming towards her. It makes her feel more positive about how this week is going to go.

Feeling lighter than she had when she first arrived, she gets herself ready for bed. She’s going to need her rest if she’s to make it through everything on her schedule for the week. She climbs into bed, tucking herself under the soft fluffy covers. Closing her eyes, she awaits the sweet embrace of sleep.

However, as the night progresses, she finds it difficult to find restful sleep. She shifts in her bed, trying to calm her racing thoughts, but sleep eludes her. It’s difficult trying to rest in a brand new place. Her things may have been placed into this room but it’s not hers. It’s all new and….wrong. Time will fix that but for now she must suffer.

The night slowly wears on, and Ophelia's mind drifts in and out of sleep, interrupted by fleeting moments of restlessness and unsettling dreams. Eventually, her body is simply too exhausted to keep this terrible game going and allows her to properly sleep.

As the sun rises in the sky, warm rays of light shine in through the window and wake her up. She feels refreshed despite her initial struggles to sleep. Today is another big day so she must not waste any time lounging in bed.

Kaillas made no attempt to go back to bed. It would be useless. And even if he didn't already wake up within the hour, he wouldn't have been able to fall asleep anyways. He could never find sleep after a nightmare. Once he was up, he was up. Instead of wasting the day in bed, staring up at the ceiling, he rolled out if bed. He went to his bathroom and washed his face with some cool water. He wouldn't bathe yet, not when he was about to go to the courtyard to train. He would only get more sweaty.

He dressed in a pair of trousers, a white shirt, and a pair of boots. The shirt would likely come off halfway through his training as he got too hot so he didn't care that it was an undershirt and scandalous to wear. Hardly anyone was up anyways.

He paused at the conjoined door, listening for any movement from Ophelia. When he heard nothing, he continued getting ready. He strapped his sword to his belt before exiting his chambers. He made his way to the courtyard which held their training grounds. There were a few guards already there, warming up. Training for the guards didn't start until dawn had begun. Kaillas rarely trained with them as he did his own thing. But he did spar with them occasionally.

Kaillas did a warmup run around the courtyard before starting his stretches. He did his exercises and by the time he was done his shirt had been shed. He unscathed his sword and began walking through the steps in the art of the sword. It was like a dance to him. His movements were so smooth and fluid that even the guards stopped to watch him from time to time. He was an excellent swordsman.

As the sun rose, Catalina was striding through the palace to reach the Queen's suite. She knocked on the door and waited for the responding answer before walking in, a team of maid's trailing behind her. "Good morning, Your Highness," she said, opening the curtains. The maids began bustling around the room. A few of them disappearing into the bathroom to draw a bath for the princess. "I hope your ready to start the day. A bath first, then as you're getting ready I'll explain the day's schedule."

Ophelia forces herself up and out of the comforting embrace of the bed. Not wanting to leave a mess, she makes the bed up a bit. A clean room always makes her feel more productive. With that simple task done, she wanders over to the wardrobe to select something to wear. It needs to look nice yet be comfortable since she’s certain that she’ll be running around completing tasks all day.

Before she had a chance to do so much as consider her options, her room is being invaded by maids. She blinks and turns around to greet everyone. “Good morning,” She greets Mistress Catalina with a gentle smile. The maids are all moving around so quickly that it’s hard to keep up. Nevertheless, she does her best to properly greet each one.

“I would love to hear today’s schedule,” She agrees at once, curious to see what she’ll be doing all day. Hopefully someone had a chance to adjust her schedule just a tad so she can have a little free time. This next week is going to be very overwhelming and she doesn’t want to stress herself out.

Though she is used to having maids around, she finds the concept of someone doing everything for her to be unpleasant. She tries to be a independent as allowed. Hearing the water running in the bathroom, she heads over. She it’ll be nice to get all cleaned up. Besides, the sooner she cooperates with this, the sooner she can move on to move productive tasks. “If you would allow it, I have a few questions after we discuss the schedule.”

Catalina was smiling at the princess. A few of the maids were straightening up, not that there was much to fix. They made the bed as the princess had gotten out of it and cleaned up the clothes the princess had worn the day before. Her things had already been brought into her room and unpacked. Anything that could be hung was in the closet. The rest had been folded neatly in the dresser.

She nodded at the princess. "Of course. You nay ask any questions you would like. I'll answer then as best as I can." There were somethings she might divert or pass on to someone else. But she coukd answer most things. "After you bathe. You must want to wash off that carriage ride." They would have offered her a bath last night but she knew the king had wanted ti meet with her and after that the princess would have likely been to tired to want to do anything but sleep.

As the prince's bathed, Catalina had the maids pull out a suitable day dress for her to wear along with the accessories and shoes. As the princess finally emerges from the bath, she was ushered to sit at the vanity where the maid sprung to style her hair and put her accessories on her. Necklace, earrings, bracelets, the whole sorts.

Catalina was by Ophelia's side, a sheet of paper in her head with her schedule. "Now, it's been tweaked a little bit. First, you will have breakfast in the great hall. King Kaillas will accompany you there. You'll be given a tour of the palace. Then tea and lunch with the ladies of the court. Afterwards, an hour has been blocked off for you to ride with the Princess Elora. When you return, a few activities will be set up in the courtyard for you and the court to participate in. Dinner will be served in the great hall. You'll have half an hour before bed to spend with the Princess Katya then it will be time for bed. Tomorrow you will have a bit more time for yourself but that can be discussed later."

The bath doesn’t take up too much time. Though she usually loves to soak and just relax in the water for awhile, today she knows that she’s pressed for time. Once done with the bath, she gets dressed and then is ushered over to the vanity to have we hair done and accessories put on. Her hair is the one thing she truly doesn’t mind having help with. It’s always easier to have someone else do it than for her to attempt it on her own.

She listenes attentively to Catalina's explanation of the day's schedule. She appreciates the thoroughness with which everything had been planned out. Especially since she’s been informed that she’ll have time for both Elora and Katya today. She looks forward to spending time with each of them. Nodding in acknowledgement, Ophelia replies, "Thank you. The schedule sounds delightful, and I appreciate the adjustments made. I am eager to begin my day."

Breakfast with the king should be interesting. She’s much more awake and alert today so she’s hoping to take this as a chance to get to know him a little better. Yesterday did go well but they didn’t get much of a chance to properly talk.

As the maid finish styling her hair and adorning her with accessories, she glances at her reflection in the vanity mirror. They did a wonderful job of getting her ready. The hair is simple yet beautiful and the jewelry thankfully won’t get in her way today.

She shifts her gaze back to Catalina and asks, “Could you please provide me with a brief overview of the ladies of the court who will be joining me for tea and lunch? I would like to familiarize myself with their names and positions within the kingdom.” She wants to be ready repaired for meeting everyone. Having a little information will be extremely helpful.

Catalina watches carefully how Ophelia responds to the maid's. While they have been a little more lenient around the king, as he denied most of the butlers trying to care for him, the staff would like to do their job for the queen. It was similar for every kingdom. Staff would take care of their royal family. And this was no different. So as long as she would allow it, they were here for her every need.

Opjelia seemed to be taking well to it, other than letting rhe maids bathe her. But even Catalina understood how that was an invasion of privacy. She wouldn't want someone helping her bathe either. It certianly wasn't something to dock her for.

She smiled at the compliment, nodding her head. She had been happy, of course, to adjust the schedule. She was happy to do anything the king asked of her. That was her job, to be happy to do what he wanted done. "Of course, Your Highness. I'm happy to adjust anything you need to your liking." As long as the king agreed with it as well.

Catalina smirked at the question, nodding her head. "We'll stick to the wives of the council. They're the most important ladies at court. They have influence over their husbands who have influence over your husband. You'll want to please them and keep them happy. Of course it's not possible to keep them all happy but you must do your best."

The maids were curling her hair in loose coils. They pinned the top half of her hair up and left the bottom down. Jewelry was placed on her neck and in her ears. She looked like a queen and she wasn't even dressed yet. "We'll start with the most important and work out way down. Now, thankfully Ambrose, the hand if the king, is unmarried so you do not need to worry about him. His Treasurer and Master of War are going to be the most influential. The Treasurer because he control the flow of coin and the Master of War because that was how Kaillas was raised. The Treasurer's wife is Esmerelda and the General's wife Aurora. Those two are thick as thieves. They're not afaird to get their hands dirty to get what they want. They will try to undermine you in that proper ladies of the court language. Be careful with those two but keep them happy. Your soon to be husband listens to them the most after Ambrose. His spymaster is next. His wife is Genevieve. She's nice but be wary. She's her husband's eyes and ears. She tells him everything she hears at court. She has a network of staff that's in her pocket. No one here, please don't fret. His Master of Ships is next. Kaillas is a military man. He appreciates any military man. His wife, Isobel, is good woman. Perhaps only one of the true genuine ladies at court. She knows how to play the game. I'd suggest befriending her as quickly as possible. His General Attorney is next. Kaillas is good at following the law and rarely has problems with him. His wife is the least of your worries. She's a bit ditzy. She married up and doesn't really understand the way of things. But her womb works fine and the General Attorney puts a baby in her every other year." She shook her head in disgust. Poor woman. "The commander of the palace guard has no wife either so there's no need worry about that. There will be a few other ladies but I don't wish to overwhelm you. Those will be the most important ladies."

Ophelia listens attentively to Catalina's explanations about the influential wives of the council. It’s important that she takes note of this information. It will help her figure out who to befriend so she can best navigate her way with the people of the court. She makes sure to stay perfectly still as the maids continue to work on her appearance. She sees no reason to make their jobs harder than they already are. She has a great respect for the maids and all they do. It can’t be easy.

"Thank you for providing me with this insight. It seems like I have much to learn about the ladies of the court," Ophelia replies, hoping that she’ll be able to get on friendly terms with them all. A few of them sound like they would make for very powerful enemies if she crossed them. She can’t help but make a face when she hears the comment about that poor woman being pregnant so often. “I simply do not understand why some men prefers their wives to live like broodmares. Women shouldn’t be degraded to just baby makers.” Perhaps she’s speaking out of turn but that’s how she feels.

As the maids finish preparing her hair and adorning her with jewelry, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The women did a wonderful job with everything and she makes sure to thank them for taking the time to help her look proper.

"Please, continue to share any advice or guidance you think would be helpful. I value your expertise," Ophelia says sincerely, turning her attention back to the conversation. "I want to learn as much as I can about the court and the people within it.” Winning over the people is important to her. Having her kingdom trust her and respect her will help to make her a better queen.