Noblesse oblige

Part 24

Chapter 24

Atali adjusted the corset Astrid was wearing as the woman in question grunted while sucking in a breath. "Must this be so tight?" Astrid hissed as she held onto the bedpost while Nadia held up two dress options for her. One was a black dress with golden embroidery that had a square neckline while the other was a dark blue dress with white lace and a V-shaped neckline. Astrid hissed again as Atali was finishing up. Her lady-in-waiting had been careful enough with her wound. She was just glad it was healing nicely. Astrid knew she didn't like corsets and she would keep complaining about them until some sane woman did away with them entirely, she really wasn't too far away from starting the trend she pondered.

"The black one," Astrid told Nadia as she wanted to wear the black pearl jewelry she had been gifted. Today was the official council meeting. If anyone still questioned her position then the black pearls should make them shut up.

After the corset and the dress, all that would remain was to have her hair done. The ladies eagerly offered suggestions for hairstyles and Astrid chose one that had her hair up in an intricate bun with two braids along the side. A simple golden butterfly hairpin was placed in the bun, the gold matching the golden embroidery on her dress.

"Have you heard?" Atali mentioned casually. "Late last night Marchioness Stormheart returned to Berk."

"I didn't know she had departed the island at all," Astrid frowned. "The Marchioness was well known. It was a wonder no one had commented on her initial departure."

"Oh yes, Chef Mala said she saw her late last night." Atali mentioned. "Apparently she was escorting a Gronkle, a woman, and a man under a cloak. It may have to do with what will be happening at the meeting."

"The Gronkle is probably the alchemist's dragon." Astrid thought aloud. "Which means that the woman is from the Southern isles as well?"

"I wouldn't know that," Atali stated. "Though it's odd isn't it? Lady Jorgenson and your mother, Lady Hofferson, both stayed the night at the Palace. Marchioness Stormheart appeared and according to this cute guard by the gate, apparently Lady Larson was also summoned. She appeared in a carriage with a young man as well."

"It's all rather mysterious," Minden replied and Astrid couldn't help but agree. She had the same feeling as she did during the Queen's garden party. Something was happening behind the scenes and it wasn't simple at all. Camicazi had hinted at several things and Astrid had some idea of what in Valhalla was going on. She just needed one final piece to prove it.

Astrid made her way to the personal reception rooms of Hiccup's parents. These were intended for family and very important guests and she was to meet them there nearly an hour earlier than when the council meeting was scheduled. Astrid met her fiance in the corridor and the guards let them both through without any problems.

"Mother, Father," Hiccup greeted formally as there were guests present. Astrid curtsied as well before they both took a seat. The King cleared his throat and said "I believe some introductions are in order." He gestured and both Hiccup and Astrid looked at the envoys representing the Kingdoms that came to make trade agreements. Both envoys were women that had impeccable poise. They had an air of Nobility to them. One woman sat prim and proper, her strawberry blonde hair was neatly combed into a bun. She sported a small tiara while the other woman had wild curly red hair that didn't seem to be able to be tamed. "May I present Her Royal Highnesses Queen Merida of Dunbroch and Queen Anna of Arendelle." Stoick introduced which caused both Astrid and Hiccup to differ slightly to them with a small bow of their heads.

"Excuse me," Hiccup said with a frown. "But isn't this highly irregular?" Astrid frowned too as she had noticed it as well. Usually an envoy was appointed by the reigning monarch but for the monarch to be the envoys themselves.......