“I’ve decided to walk after the first run-through.” Alarice called out through the door when her ladies had finished lacing, stuffing and tying her into her underthings and skirt. All that was left was the jacket – which she’d assured them she could manage herself.
It’d been a dividing suggestion. The King seemed to halfheartedly approve of her idea though he “would never partake in such a spectacle.” Robert too seemed pleased and proud of her. Herbert had been the only one to voice his opposition, suggesting that while the idea was good – it might have been too soon after the assassination attempt. In short, grumbly tones Herbert re-voiced his concerns when she stepped out the door; buttoning her jacket.
“If Duncan Deamone meant to frighten me, acting as if I was not might be the thing to do.”
“Or it could be exactly what he wants.” Herbert snorted, still recovering from his perceived slight.
“Lord Deamone would be a fool to attempt something now, in the middle of a military review.” Robert said, glancing anxiously at the door.
The two men were dressed more formally than normal: each wearing a jacket of white and black respectively, though equally emblazoned with medallions, cords and ribbons. Alarice too had been required to take copious amounts of time getting ready. Her dark hair had been hand-dried and scented lightly with jasmine oils then styled into long, thick waves and pinned half up with the rest cascading down her back. Eschewing tradition, she’d forgone a tiara.
“I think they’ll know who I am without it, Rob.” She said with a grin as he pointed out the absence of the accessory.
Her skirt had no hoop as it wouldn’t have allowed her to mount a horse if it did but it made up for it with a thick chiffon crinoline under the bleached white overskirt. The fitted, blue and white striped riding jacket had silver buttons in two rows down the front and hanging, scalloped collars. Another layer of sheer white chiffon guarded her modesty, wrapped around her shoulders and tucked into the front of her jacket. She was just struggling in in buttoning the cufflinks when Herbert stepped up muttering something about how hopeless she was. He was in the middle of tying the ribbon around her neck into a loose bow when Eirian Lindval walked in.
“Miss. Lindval!” Alarice exclaimed with a smile.
“Hold still!” Herbert cawed, pulling her back from her attempted stride towards Eirian and straightening her jacket, shawl and slipping short white gloves onto her hands. “Good to go.” He muttered after a second, giving her a shove towards her new handmaiden. “Hello Miss. Lindval.” Herbert said absently before glancing at his reflection in the mirror and adjusting his hair.
“I’m terribly sorry for the short notice. It absolutely skipped my mind to tell you about the military review. I hope Robert’s notes were thorough.”
“They were, your highness.”
“Have you ever ridden in court dress?” She asked more quietly with a smile as Robert and Herbert fine-tuned each other’s medals. “I only plan on riding the first run and then I will be walking for the rest of the review. Hopefully it won’t be too uncomfortable for you.”
Unfortunately, their conversation was cut short by the arrival of a golden armored guard who informed them that their horses were ready. Robert led the way while Herbert walked behind and Alarice walked on Eirian Lindval’s arm. Admittedly, she was a bit too nervous to continue with the small talk. All she could do was tell Eirian that she would be staying in her rooms until they left for school, at which point the Headmistress would be consulted on the matter of her living situation.
Horses were the most common mode of transportation on the outskirts. Stables rented them by the night and more than once shed borrowed one to ride around with Malek. It’d been to her benefit, allowing her to easily adjust to her riding lessons in Licia. Not that she’d had to ride side-saddle then, she thought ruefully as Herbert lifted her onto her horse as if she were light as a feather. With a conspiratorial grin he glanced in the direction of Robert; he was gingerly helping Eirian onto her own horse.
Soon enough the King had joined them and the group rode behind him as he rode in slow, steady paces through row after row of military member. Every once in a while his horse would make a stop to greet older generals and retired military. Each soldier stood straight and face forward – unblinking in their seriousness. They had gone through ranks once when they reached a podium. There they stood and watched as each regiment moved in formation: practicing drills and exercises until it was time to be addressed by their King. Orion’s speech was predictable: thanking them for their service, hoping for their continued loyalty and espousing the values of Licia. Each soldier saluted them and they prepared for the second run-through.
Rather than re-mount her horse, Alarice walked and shook hands with all of the regiment leaders. It severely lengthened the review but it felt much less contrived than merely riding past them with a gentile smile and a wave. Even the leaders of cadet squadrons caught her attention – the grim looks of the eleven year olds giving her a thoughtful pause though she tried not to let it trouble her too much. Finally a dismissal was called and she spotted a spot of purple in the sea of silver, white, blue and gold.
“Mr. Moreau.” She said, on Eirian Lindval’s arm once more as she walked up to him with what might have been too much urgency. “Please don’t bow…” She stammered, reaching out to steady him with one hand when he moved to do so. “I’m…glad to see you’re well enough to walk today. Ah…May I introduce Miss. Eirian Lindval? She is my new handmaiden and companion.”
Alarice hoped, briefly that she would be able to befriend the severe looking blonde girl. They would have to speak alone soon in order to get to know each other better. Robert liked her well enough and that was all the endorsement the Princess needed. But here, out in the thrumming mass of courtiers was not the place to build confidences with her new guard.
Francois’ offer of joining him for a walk immediately brought her back to the present moment. Not only did she enjoy his company, but it was an excellent opportunity to avoid the King for a little bit. “Id love to… I was actually planning on visiting the menagerie. I’ve heard rumors that there may be an elephant in one of the pens.”
“Well technically it’s Edouard’s elephant…” Francois said, his white teeth gleaming in a smile as he offered and she took his arm. “She followed him home when he came to stay with us and we never saw a reason to turn her away.”
Behind them, Alarice thought she heard a laugh and the clinking of coins. “Saving lives and adopting elephants, Mr. Moreau? Any other uniquely heroic skills?”
“Not that I’m aware of–but stop me if you catch me in the act of saving someone from a burning building. I’ll be sure to write it down.” Francois Moreau had quickly proved to be a lively conversationalist and his offhand comment elicited a laugh despite herself. “I’ll be sure to do that, Mr. Moreau.” She said just in time to hear the derisive, if hushed, tone of a court lady.
“Quel charmant.” The woman whispered (though not so softly so that they could not hear) to a companion as the two walked past. “Le sauvage belle avec le sauvage héroïque.”
Alarice would have been happy to ignore the comments, but Herbert seemed less inclined to do so. Calmly, she turned and shook her head. “Don’t pay them any mind Herbert. I highly doubt your guns or words will change their feelings. People are usually only convinced by action.”
“If that.” He sighed, smiling and then returning to his position. Still holding onto Francois Moreau’s arm, she then turned to him.
“Please forgive the offense, Mr. Moreau. You have done nothing to deserve the insult and I can assure you not everyone is that way here at court. …Just…” She paused, glancing at a large group of courtiers who’d stopped to gawk at Edouard (before quickly bowing in embarrassment and scurrying away.) “A…majority.”
Their trip to the menagerie took about fifteen minutes- a short walk for the Lician palace. Just as she’d been about to suggest they take a break, Mr. Moreau seemed tired, a male nobleman paused and bowed before approaching her.
“Highness.” He said, clasping her hand and bringing it to his lips. “A charming display at the review. I’m certain you’ve given the cadets some much needed inspiration.”
His name was First Lieutenant Chand and he was on the now-infamous shortlist. For a while – it had been between him and Robert as her potential guards. But Chand’s higher family standing resulted in him being promoted to a rank of more importance, while Robert’s loyalty had suited the position more perfectly. Still on Francois’ arm she tried to end the awkward and thoroughly stiff conversation as soon as possible. “It was not intended as a display, Lt. Chand – and it is very much them who inspire me. Not the other way around.”
Chand’s smile was easy going and he ducked his head bashfully. “Of course Princess.”
“Mr. Moreau and I are on our way to the Menagerie. Please excuse us.” The golden-haired nobleman bowed once more, nodding politely to Francois before letting them pass. Finally they reached their destination, where a small group of elaborately dressed children were gawking at the spectacle that was Edouard’s elephant. A large pile of leafy green plants, vegetables and fruit were before her in a silver trough. She appeared to be munching and posing for the crowd at the same time. Alarice breezed past the children and asked to be let into the pen along with the rest of her group. The large enclosure was easily one of the largest, roofless and containing a small pond in one corner. She had to bite her lower lip to keep from laughing in amazement.
“Truly Mr. Moreau, she’s stunning. …May I approach her?” Alarice asked, wondering just how long it would take Robert to decide that the obviously docile elephant constituted a security risk. When he gave his approval it was all she could do not to run up to the magnificent creature. With a gleeful laugh she shook “Reena”‘s offered trunk. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss. Reena. My you are beautiful.” She cooed, running a hand up and down the surprisingly velvety skin. “Such a lady too!” She continued, doting on the creature as it blinked its long eyelashes at her while Francois mentioned something about her vanity. “Well of course she likes to be complimented. Magnificent women always do I’m told.” Alarice smiled and then laughed when the elephant trumpeted loudly and nuzzled its trunk against her cheek.