Necessitas is the mother of frustration

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

Her parents are actually going through with this. Carolina has negotiated and argued for countless hours now, only to find out that they signed the treaty behind her back. Never mind that she will one day rule the country of Necessitas in her mother's place. She's being married off like chattel to a man who cares more about his profligate affairs with various lovers than about his own kingdom.

Some stories call him a demon. Carolina is already convinced he's a monster.

She won't weep. Not in front of the court. But when she sweeps into the privacy of her own room, angry tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "This is wrong," she whispers.

Comments

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"I don't--" She sighs, exasperated. He's not worth being afraid of. "From what I hear, the only thing to fear is his ravenous sexual appetite."

Joking is better, right?

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

Abby giggles as she works. "My lady, do you get to judge? Is your appetite not very healthy itself?"

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"What do you know? You sneak away," she points out.

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"I know how often I am forced to, my lady," Abby giggles. "One cannot miss that detail. Except those who do not look for it. You are lucky that people here do not care as much."

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

Carolina rolls her eyes where Daphne can't see them. "They only don't care because I don't get pregnant," she grumbles. Her preference for ladies turned out to be rather helpful.

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"I don't think your father knows," Abby chuckles. "I don't think he knows about her Ladyship either, but that's for the best. No, I think your mother knows and allows it because she cares for you. Parents are like that."

How to make the woman smile? Abby wishes she'd learned that one.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"Clearly we're not that loud, then."

She's got you now, Daphne.

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"Loud and insatiable are not the same, my lady," Abby giggles. "So I don't know that you have me. I am so prone to dancing out of your grip. And by that I mean I am not your type, so it works for us both."

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"I like my women older," Carolina banters back. It's a familiar dance.

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"I could hardly be a good handmaiden if I was older than you, my lady," Abby returns immediately. Not her fault that the woman has silly standards.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"You could," she says. "Maybe I should've found someone older."

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"And lack me, my lady? Never," Abby tease as she moves further down toward her shoulder blades. "You need someone who can be honest with you without losing the chance to be bedded. And without the sharpness of Serah Louisiana."

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"I like her sharpness," Carolina teases back. "Why else do I keep her around?"

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"Because her brother intrigues you?" Abby returns immediately.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"Louisiana is powerful in her own right," Carolina says, though she has never disclosed those details to Daphne. "Even without Maine, I would want her in my vanguard."

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"I know," Abby smiles. "But her company here is the friendship as well. Now, my lady, perhaps I might draw you a bath?"

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"A bath?" Is she not presentable now? She would much rather go for a ride, but not with the stipulations her parents are sure to place on her this soon after their fight.

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"To soothe you, lady," Abby notes. And burn her new orders.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

It is tempting. And it will keep anyone from interrupting her for the rest of the afternoon. ... at least, anyone her parents try to send.

"Go ahead."

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"Yes," Abigail grins as she bows to her mistress. "Shall I have food sent up? And perhaps mistress Kimball?"

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

Carolina manages a laugh and finishes her tea. "Please. And--thanks, Daphne."

[quicksmiles_nimblefingers]

"Always, my lady. I am ever your faithful servant."

With that Abigail makes her exit and heads off to please her temporary mistress.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

It helps, having someone to whom she can delegate this. Leave her attention to preparing for the arrival of her fiancee.

Whatever that will mean.