Flutter

Chapter Three: Silver Lining

We got very little sleep last night, having spent it finding new ways to prolong our pleasure. Curtain cords make perfect bindings and the use of my feathers enhance sensations when blindfolded.As the sun rises and we lay naked in bed utterly spent, there is a knocking at my door. Assuming its Ninella to complete her morning chores, I just mutter a semi-coherent "enter" as I get more comfortable laying my head across Quinn's chest. We're both startled by a male clearing his throat and tossing a coverlet over us. "By the Gods Ravenna, have you no decency?" Prince Emrys' voice scolds as I poke my head out for the coverlet. "What do you want Emrys. It's too early for this." I reply as Quinn desperately tries to simultaneously cover himself and bow. I have no such qualms about such things and just slide out of bed. Emrys of course abruptly spins around cause Gods forbid he get a thrill for once. I survey the room and take in the chaos Quinn and I caused. The only surface in the room we did not fuck on being the table, and that was only because there was still food on it and we needed the sustenance. I instead pick up the pitcher of wine, looking to see if there is anything left before pouring myself a glass. Quinn, now dressed, tries to make his excuses to leave but is commanded to stay by the prince so instead he manages to find my robe and helps me into it."Well?" I question Emrys, probably a bit more dismissively than I should, as I cinch the robe close, "What brings you to my chambers this early?""It's not early Ravenna, It's almost noon. Father's audience starts in an hour. You and Lord Blacktine are supposed to be there. I have been tasked with making sure you did not forget." He states turning back to face me, his gaze quickly roving over me. There it is again, the faint feeling of something more lurking just under the surface of his glances. "Ah shit. He's starting them today?" I exclaim. "Yes today. Ninella is on her way up and has strict instructions to get you ready as soon as possible. Lord Blacktine, I suggest you return to your chamber and do the same." He remarks as he nods to both of us, before heading out. "And Ravenna, you are to observe and only offer an opinion when required." I can't help my stick my tongue out at his back as he leaves. After Emrys has gone, I sigh and look at Quinn, "well I guess it's time for us to play Regent in training even though I would much rather spend the day in bed." His deep throaty chuckle sends tremors to my core as he takes me in his arms and plants a passionate kiss on my lips before heading to his chambers.

I start tidying up around the room as I wait for Ninella to arrive, which does not take long. I'm tidying up the plates from dinner as Ninella and four other servants bustle in carrying buckets to fill my tub and a new tray of food. "Good morning my Lady. You best get something to eat while we get your bath ready." She states as she starts laying out the food. I sit at the table and begin picking over the toast and fruit she has brought. I am not very hungry but I know it will be a long day if I don't eat something. 

After eating, Ninella whisks me off to bathe, which honestly I probably do need. After I finish, she makes me sit by the fire as she brushes out my hair and styles it, down and with multiple pieces in braids, so that the marks from last nights adventures are covered. Once she has finished her work she leads me to the next room where someone has laid out my gown for the day, a simple sleeveless silk number, that shifts colours between green, purple, and blue with my movements.

After helping me dress, she sits me back down at the dressing table and begins applying purple and blue powder to my eyelid, and a light red to my lips. Next comes the jewels, along with my usual silver and gold bangles, a simple diamond and emerald choker adorns my neck, while an amethyst and silver chain wraps around my waist. Finally finished, Ninella admires her work and steps back. "You will do wonderful today my lady. Just remember that you are only there to observe today." I nod in reply and stand. "I know, I know. Keep my tongue in my head and not speak out." I make final adjustments to my bangles and the chain as the door opens revealing Quinn. "My Lady, I am to escort you down the throne room this morning." I stifle a chuckle at his formality. His leather braes and fitted doublet making my mouth water. Playing along, I bob my head and offer my hand. "Shall we then my lord?" 

I am used to everyone staring at me as I wander the halls of the castle, but I could tell that Quinn still needed to get used to it, he seemed stiff as we walked. I gripped his hand and gave it a quick squeeze in reassurance. Too soon we reached the throne room and my anxieties creeped back in on me, taking a deep breath I nodded that I was ready as he opened the door and allowed me to enter first. I approached the king and prince, Lord Blacktine just behind and to the right of me, we paid our respects as we took our new places, the king in the middle, Emrys to the right of him and me to the left with Quinn just behind me. Emrys seems surprised at my appearance, but looks away when I catch him staring. I still cant shake the feeling that there is more going on behind his eyes than he lets on.Now that everyone is settled Trystan motions to the guard by the door and they are opened to allow the people in small groups at a time. Many have come today, hoping to get their grievances heard and dealt with. I receive a number of questioningly looks, but I do my duty and just observe. Taking in all the details of each grievance and the judgements that the king gives. Hours pass and I grow bored, but remain seated. Trystan needs me here so that the people know who will be in charge while him and Emrys are gone. Finally we reach the last grievance of the day. The widow of a silversmith who has left her his thriving business and her neighbour, a struggling cloth merchant who sells inferior goods, would have it and her for himself. I know her business well, I have often had Ninella commission them for me. True they are not the royal silversmiths, but the pieces they provide are exquisite and of unparallel quality, the details so fine that the seem to have been made by fairies. Pulling myself back from my thoughts I sit straighter and listen intently. "He would have my business your highness. My husband and I have worked hard to build our reputation and I will not have it ruined by one man's greed. I am a widow and as such I am entitled to make my freedom, but he would try to force marriage upon me." Trystan does not reply but merely watches me. "My Lady Ravenna, I understand you often purchase pieces from this woman. What say you? Should I honour her request and grant her the business?" I clear my throat and nod my head in agreement. "Yes, my lord. I believe the business should remain in the lady's care. Her husband has been gone for at least two years now and the art she has been producing since is beyond compare. I would hate to see it become inferior. I know not how she does it, but I fear that if the business is to go the neighbour, it would be lost and cause even more discord further down the road." "But my lord!" the neighbour cries, "she can not continue as she is! She is but a woman and has no head for business." At this I snort in derision and my tongue gets the better of me. "No head for business you claim, and yet she has managed to not only keep it running for the past two years, but she has also managed to land my business and by extension, the Kings. Have you managed to do that? No. You have not." At this I lean back, wordlessly implying that I have finished with him and he is now beneath my notice.The King finally stands and gestures towards me. "Lady Ravenna has passed judgement on this case and I am inclined to agree with her. The business will stay in Mistress Ora's hands." The neighbour made a sound like he would argue but the king simply lifted his hand, signaling the audience was over. The crowd dispersed as Mistress Ora offered her many thanks, before leaving. I however, remain seated.

Sure enough, after everyone has left, Trystan looks over at me and offers a smile. "Excellent ruling Ravenna. That is what the majority of audiences will be while I am away. Settling petty disputes. Now, there is no council meeting today so you may do what you will, but be prepared to attend me tomorrow. You may go." I stand and curtsey, bobbing my head in Emrys vague direction before descending the dais and leaving with faithful Quinn just behind.