Catreena holds back an exasperated sigh. Her ladies started bickering as soon as they discovered her pact mark while attending to her. She can feel their feelings clearly, fear being the most prominent, she could sense unease and understanding. A knock interrupts their moment of peaceful arguments though, a paige handing one of the servants a letter before taking his leave hastily. The letter is soon in her hands, the royal mark of the king sealing it.
"There's to be a tourney tomorrow…" Catreena relays to the ladies, the room falling silent as they squint their eyes at this.
"Let's ensure our Queen has some of her best options ready then." Suzan Beamount announces as she turns with her sharp eyes glinting. She is Catreena's head servant, a very shrew woman that was able to react to things with a mental quickness that Catreena appreciated. She starts going through her gowns with most of the servants bustling.
"You have my thanks, as always Suzan. All of you are such important people to me." Catreena states softly, gaining words of thanks and warm smiles.
"I don't know though, why is the King pushing for a tourney so soon? He's not one to rest I guess." Hana scoffs, anxiety and suspicion thickly wafting from her.
"He must be eager to soothe the populace, and perhaps he's inspecting for guards?" Kira speculates, nibbling on some fruit as she does so. "We shall set more protection wards tonight I believe." At this, all women in the room pause for a moment, sharing brief glaces before continuing their work.
"I agree we should check the protections daily." Catreena adds, then takes a sip of wine as her mind works. She knew her girls will be working themselves tirelessly tonight. Not only will they choose one of the most fashionable, flashy and imposing gowns they can, they will ensure every inch of her and her rooms would be protected to their fullest abilities.
She held her own speculations as to why the tourney, but kept that to herself. It was always important to keep the populace happy, especially in their case. She herself walked a tightrope amongst the gazes of all. Should she slip, she'd be forever at others mercy and have no standing of her own any longer. But, she smiles as she glances at her ladies. "This may be a good way to enjoy ourselves… Perhaps find you two worthy suitors." She teases, catching them off guard as she giggles.
"Your majesty! That's not even important right now!" Hana chastises with a blush.
"There will be several skilled knights and royals though, you never know." Kira agrees with a grin, seeming to find enjoyment in Hana's discomfort. She then turns serious and turns to Catreena. "Is there anyone in particular you think will suit me?"
Catreena tilts her head in contemplation. "You already know what's left of my picks from Tedian. We know so little about the vampiric nobles that I find it hard to suggest any. We should really acquaint ourselves better with them." She says this all in innocent curiosity.
"I doubt any of them will be so pleasing." Hana states with a calculating look. "But admittedly, I do find myself curious…" She adds as she smooths her gown, making a mental note to wear one of her finest tomorrow as well.
"It will be my pleasure to spend more time getting to know them." Kira says amicably, a small smile plastered on her face as she makes note to wear something eye-catching and figure drawing.
"I suppose tomorrow will be interesting then." Catreena muses as they leave to eat dinner in the royal dining chamber. She shares a smile and greeting with Eldon before she takes her seat. She had no worries that her ladies understood what she wished of them, nor did she fear they would handle themselves well. "My King, is there any color preference you have for our outfits regarding the tourney?"
Eldon pauses in his discussions with a vampiric noble she hasn't met. He gives her a dashing smile as he contemplates this. "Is there a color my Queen wishes?"
Catreena narrow her eyes slightly at him as she pretends to take a moment to contemplate. "I would prefer to match my King."
He easily retorts with a lopsided smile. "I hadn't put much thought into it, so my Queen's choice shall be honored."
Catreena purses her lips for the briefest of seconds before they smooth out into an indulging smile. "My King, your Queen would feel most comfortable in a lighter color given the warmth this time of the year. I believe pink will be very eye catching at such an event though."
Eldon didn't miss a beat or appeared bothered in the least by the suggestion. Instead, he motions a steward over. "Please ensure I have an outfit ready that matches our Queen's gown for tomorrow." He easily states, gaining a hesitant nod in reply before the man dashes away. He turns to face her, reaching over to take her hand in his. He slowly raises it to his lips, placing a kiss upon it as he retorts to her. "My Queen, whatever color you set I shall follow in."
Catreena works to keep her heart calm at this sudden turn in their conversation. She lowers her lashes in a demure way as a serene smile graces them. "I thank your Majesty for showing such consideration to this Queen." She brings her gaze back to his as he lowers her hand. "I shall take great care in considering the color to not offend your trust."
"I look forward to see the final decision." Eldon replies, allowing his gaze to stay on her a bit longer before he turns his attention back to one of his childhood friends. Everyone dining with them had watched their exchange so closely, he felt they'd have to check their persons to ensure their gazes hadn't pierced them. However, such a display was necessary from them here and there. Holding an united front is their first and most needed challenge. Should there be any errors, they would both be at risk of revolts and such. How much of their show is true, that couldn't be said. Even now, him discussing affairs with Duke William Fanghedge, he was taking note of each person there. And while most watched their interaction with curiosity or indifference, there were a few that were daring enough to show displeasure. If this was his parents, such looks were enough to lose one's eyes. However, for his position he'd allow them for now.
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"Pale blue!"
Catreena ignores the many whispers as she makes her way through the halls. Most all of the servants are aware of the royal couple's banter now. She made a point to change the color to one that would suit his majesty better. That being said, she was a bit intrigued to find he did indeed have a matching outfit as he awaited her before the grand entrance. They would ride in a carriage together before taking their seats upon thrones. Their honored guests will be seated alongside them, but not in such splendid seating and positions.
"My dear, you look absolutely radiant!" Queen Irina greets her as she joins them.
"I thank your Majesty for flattering me." Catreena replies with a nod of her head. "You yourself look divine, how could I hope to compare?" She adds, happy to see her in-law pleased.
"I feel rather lucky to be greeted by such a sight of pure beauty and grace today." Eldon chimes in, giving them a bow. "I thank such true Queens for honoring me."
"My handsome son is raised well I see. Such a relief!" Queen Irina quips dryly before taking her leave to her carriage. Her husband, King Jarlen Oblivion, was awaiting her within it already.
"My King, I thank your kind words but I believe you're the one honoring me today." Catreena replies to Eldon, accepting his offered arm as he starts to lead her out.
"My Queen certainly knows how to flatter." He quips lowly with a chuckle. "I hope you'll enjoy the festivities today."
"Tourneys are often enjoyable, the skill of the combatants always refreshing to witness." Catreena easily replies after entering their carriage.
"I am glad to hear that you don't find them too boring." Eldon states as he settles into the carriage across from her. He keeps a secretive smile as they travel, keeping a flow of idle chit chatting. He allows his gaze to roam the lovely view before him, quick to narrow in on anything that appeared slightly off and carefully gauging her reactions to the conversations.
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Catreena looks over the gathering, judging how many were disgruntled or just happy to attend the royal hosted event. She sits primly beside Eldon in the royal couple's area. The seats are slightly higher than all the others, isolated in the middle with shade screens over them. The other nobles sat close by with their own shade provided, as well as endless food and wine. There are many fine looking challengers on the field as the growing crowd crushes in.
"I wish to thank you all for joining us today! We'll be enjoying a day full of skill and fun, these brave competitors stepping up to gain the prizes announced!" Eldon announces, pausing to allow the cheers to die down some. "The top prizes of course, is receiving the honor of joining the royal knights!" Yet again, he pauses as the crowd goes wild. "This honor offers the chance of being the personal knight for either your King or Queen!" Another pause, Eldon slides his gaze to Catreena with a smirk showing clearly. "In fact, the top competitors will instantly be brought in for the honor of protecting her Majesty, Queen Catreena Collsend Oblivion!"
The cheers and roars of the crowd are now deafening as the competitors join in, apparently most being just as out of the loop of this one as Catreena was. Eldon starts the tourney, the starter would be some racing and maneuvering displays to warm up the crowd. She admits that Eldon was a smart one, knowing how to work the people up right with such a surprise. He had just announced the tourney was being held in her honor, the original and true heir of Tedian after all. She smiles at him as she lays her hand in his after he retakes his seat. "Thank you, my King. Such kindness lightens my heart truly."
He raises her hand for a lingering kiss, holding eye contact as he does so. "That is my job to ensure your heart is lightened, my Queen."