Order of Aria

Chapter Two: The Audience

   "Do you remember what I told you about these meetings?"

    "Stay silent unless spoken to, only stare at the Queen or the speaker, and don't fall asleep."

    "Another rule was don't fidget with anything." Esmeray smacks Ronwynn's hands away from her dress. She readjusts the skirt and neckline for her. Ronwynn straightens her posture and has a face of discomfort.

    "I know dressing up for these things isn't exactly the most ideal but we still have to look presentable for anyone else who will be there. There could be other council members, royals from neighboring kingdoms, or-"

    "Or other mages wanting to scope out the competition. I know I know but Medeis! Did you have to pick the dress with the most uncomfortable neckline? I feel like I'm suffocating here!"

    "As my apprentice, you need to wear the apprentice robes. Now hold still so I can place the cloak on you. No fidgeting with the cloak either! If you desperately need to fidget, put your hands behind your back and play with a ring. That could only be done if we're against the wall though or if nobody is behind us."

    "I have my rings on just in case." Esmeray nods and places the silver and blue cloak around Ronwynn's shoulders. She then grabs her cloak, hers being gold and purple, and adjusts it around herself. She then goes to the door so they can head out.

    "Alright time to head to the throne room. Are you sure you want to come to the meeting? Technically your presence was optional."

    "I'm fine, besides, didn't you tell me it would be a good experience for the future?"

    "Just double checking. These things can get boring though. Prepare for that or something violent happening. Almost all meetings with a prisoner have violence or a long, boring backstory we need to get through just to get to the whole point of the meeting."

    "I know, that's why I mentally prepared myself while getting ready. I'm pretty sure that my only issue is going to be my outfit."

    "That's how the first few go, then it becomes repetitive and boring. Let's head out shall we?"

    "We shall."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

    They arrive at the throne room and spot Queen Emeaira beside the door talking to her husband and Captain Sareiros. They walk up to the group and receive a nod of acknowledgment from the Captain.

    "Are you sure you don't want me in the room as a precaution?"

    "Yes, darling I'm sure. The prisoner said he didn't want you there either. If you were there I doubt that he would give me any of the information that we require."

    "I know, but I wish to ensure your safety."

    "My King, do you not trust me or my men? We all would lay our lives on the line to make sure the queen is alive and well. I even brought my best men for this event."

    "It is not you that I don't trust. It is this prisoner. You've seen what they have done to these villages and the only prisoner we've captured wants an audience with the queen?"

    "While I admit your concern is warranted and this is a very fishy situation, it is not needed. I have the top guards and Esmeray here to protect me." The King looks to Esmeray at the mention of her name.

    "Ah Miss Ravenshire, I did not realize you arrived. I see you've brought Ms. Nodelor with you."

    "I did indeed, we don't have many meetings for her to get the experience she needs for such events so I figured it would be good to bring her along. With the queen's permission of course."