Royalty

Conversation

By invitation of King Henry, with the subtlest hint of a threat, Rilla was invited to stay at the castle until Colin's murderer had been apprehended. Rilla knew who the murderer really was, and she hated the fact that if she said anything they would try and hang her for treason.

But, it seemed that that was how France enjoyed its rule.

So now she wandered the halls looking for a library. Its not like she had anything better to do and she hadn't read a decent book in a while. Her appearance was certainly much spiffier after the last 24 hours, though, and she had to admit it was strange to be back in any sort of dress. Thanks to Mary, Queen of Scotland and her ladies in waiting, Rilla looked much more dolled up. Her dark red hair was now tied back in an intricate braid, a crown of flowers gathered by Aylee and Greer sits gently atop her head and as she walks the breaths in the welcome scent of Peonies' and Baby's Breath. She liked the smell. It distracted her from her fear.

Her old, dirty clothes and been switched out for a deep blue dress with white sleeves, a white waistband and a white collar embroidered with small threads of gold. She had to say it felt weird being back in a dress again. And it felt weird to be back in a castle, too.
She found herself recognizing the way the castle walls hand been built and managed to find the library based purely off of instinct. Upon entering, she lets out a small squeak as she bumps into someone, who nearly drops a book.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you." She murmurs, glancing at the person she had hit.
Another girl, one who couldn't have been much older than Rilla herself, this one with dark hair and equally dark eyes. She wore a black and ivory dress that fit snugly around her, accentuating every curve she had. In the collar rested a single jewel, shining in the sunlight that filtered through the windows. Her hair was done up in an intricate way, curly and neat as if it were done precisely so. She wore a headdress of many beads and sparkling gems and her face was done up in a way that drew attention to her lips. Her stature was high and confident.
A royal.
She appears to study Rilla a moment, judging her quietly with her eyes before she lets out a heavy breath.
"It's alright." She says, sliding the book back into her pile. She hesitates a moment, her hand still on the cover of the book. "I don't believe I've seen you around..."

It appeared that Rilla was quite the topic of interest. She knew full well who she was and the events that had taken place yesterday. News travels quickly in Court. It was one of the things Rilla disliked.
Holding out a hand, Rilla gives the girl a gentle smile.  "My name is Rilla-- I've been asked to stay in Court for a few days." The girl eyes her hand a bit before reaching out and giving it a quick shake.
"So you're the girl that witnessed that Scotish boy's murder, then?" Rilla groaned inwardly.
"Yes, I am. Its a shame, what happened to that poor boy."
The girl nods. "You're right. But then again, what can you do but hunt down who killed him?" Rilla nods, vaguely paying attention to this royal and her ramblings. "Then again, its said that he was a part of a plot to stop Scotland's alliance to France." Now this caught her attention.
Rilla, as well as everyone through every kingdom, was aware of the constant battles England was raising against Scotland, France and nearly everyone. They were causing political battles, wars between armies and people were growing tired of it.
Rilla tilts her head a bit. "Part of a plot, you say?"
The royal nods. "Supposedly he was attempting to take her virtue and make her unable to wed Francis." Ah yes, the engagement of Francis and Mary. Those were the terms of the alliance. Since she was six years old, Mary had been betrothed to Francis. Her hand in marriage as the future Queen of France in exchange for men to hold England off of Scotland. Supposedly, however, Henry wanted to rip the throne away from the English and take control with the help of Mary, as well. She supposedly is the rightful heir to the throne as the Queen has no direct family and is slowly dying off.

But it was apparent to everyone that Mary and Francis' relationship was strained.
"Prevent the alliance? That's absurd!" Rilla frowns. "Why would someone loyal to her turn sides like that?.."
The woman shrugs nonchalantly, as if it weren't such a controversial topic. "He was probably offered a fortune for him and his lady, or something along the lines." She peers down at Rilla. "And judging from what you spoke of yesterday, you know exactly what I mean."
Rilla blinks. This woman had paid attention to what she said? She didn't think that her ramblings had mattered to anyone... "You've got spunk, kid, I'll admit that." The girl grins. It seemed as if her royal façade had slipped away like a veil in the night. "Come, I'd like to talk to you some more."
Turning on her heel, the woman begins to stride towards a few rather comfy looking chairs in the corner of the room. Rilla, growing a tad confused, follows quietly.
"Er, beg your pardon miss," She pipes up. "but I never got your name..." The woman blinks as she sits down, placing the books she had been in preparation to read on the table before her. She gestures to the seat across from her.
"My name is Ava Lawrence. I rule over Wales-- or at least I will when I can find myself a husband." Her lip twitches faintly and she sighs a bit to herself. Rilla decides not to press on the topic any further and sits across from Ava.

"What is it you want to talk about?"
Ava hums a bit to herself, resting her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands.
"Well I'm curious to know as to why you were in the woods. You seem like a confident young lady-- why not go off into the village and live your life out with your family?"