Kate and Sean

Untitled Part 13

Avarr and his wife, Beatrice, joined the king and queen for dinner as well. Jocelyn admired Beatrice as she entered the great-hall. In addition to being the General's wife she was also the village seamstress and her clothing was always so extraordinary and beautiful. Today she wore a long blue dress with sparkly glass beads accenting the bosom and trailing off to her waist. It complimented her jet-black fur and hair, making her big bright eyes pop as well. She had a light blue ribbon woven through her long black hair and it was swept into a fanciful braided bun on the back of her head.

Luta and Abbott came in next walking their daughter between them. Jocelyn dashed from her chair to play with the little girl who looked more like her mother than anything. She still had the smooth facial and body fur and her hair was jet black and super curly like her human father. Her skin was also light colored. Unlike Joutone people, whose skin often matched their hair even ones who had streaks of color the skin would mimic it at the roots.

Layla squealed on seeing her playmate as the chambermaids ushered the two girls off for a fanciful tea style dinner of their own.

 Doctor Abbott took his usual seat beside the king, across from Avarr. While Luta and Beatrice were both more interested in the Queen's end of the table.

 Avarr poured some ale for himself, "So how did Jocelyn's training go?"

 Mâvis rolled his eyes, "Not as expected."

 Avarr laughed, "You think anything will go as expected where your daughter is concerned? Even I know her better than that. Let me guess, the only one humbled today was you." Mâvis didn't answer, he simply checked for his wife's reaction to the news at the other end of the table then narrowed his eyes on his brother in disgust, before tearing into his food. Avarr always had a careless tongue.

 Genevieve put down her fork and rested her chin on the back of her hand as she sat boring her eyes into the king with a fierce intensity, expecting he would respond out of shame. He did, but shame was the furthest thing from his demeanor. "She is going to train. It is my decision and it is final."

 His wife arose from her chair and stormed for the door only to find it locked, she turned to scold him and he cut her off, "Sit down woman! You will join in this discussion." He tucked a biscuit into his mouth and picked up his cup to toast her as she sat back down.

 "I do not know how my husband can betray me so easily, and then put me on display in such a manner, in doing so." She could not even look at him now.

"Everyone here is responsible for her care, Genie. I want us all to be on the same path. Avarr is my general and responsible for training. Abbott cares for her in injury and illness and you are her mother. Jocelyn is determined to train, with or without our knowledge or even our consent apparently. Am I just to leave her to her own devises?"

 This time it was Luta that spoke up, "I think it is good that she should want to learn this. My father never looked into my abilities. Jocelyn will in the least feel supported in her interests." She saw Genie's betrayed reaction to her comments and lowered her eyes now speaking softly, "Jocelyn is more than proper when it is required of her. Honestly, Genie."

 The queen's eyes now bored into Luta, "I see, so now even my best friend betrays me." Genevieve folded her arms in front of her and stuck her chin out in defiance, "Very well, husband. What is your order then?"

 The king grunted smugly as he scanned the rest of the table to see if anyone else had issue with this one way or the other. The only one at the table that didn't have his eyes on his food was Avarr, whom he knew he would get no protest from. Mâvis cleared his throat and sat up thus commanding everyone's attention. "Avarr and I will break up her training between the two of us. I will have no one else work with her. She is to train in full seclusion, as I do not want any curious friends challenging her. Abbott is to be present at all training sessions, and you my love, will join your daughter on a hunt."