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

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

"I can take you," Maine offers. Because that's only civil. Besides, the prince's men shouldn't wander the city unescorted. It has nothing to do with spending more time with the curious young mage.

[protective_logic]

That wonderful voice with so kind of an offer makes Delta's head snap up. And then he realizes how unseemly that is and looks away, fighting a blush.

"Thank you ser. I would be honored for the company and guidance."

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

The honor could very well be Maine's. The judges certainly seem impressed.

And was that a blush? Maine smiles softly. "I will escort the judges to my lady, then return for you." Give him a chance to breathe after all those tests.

[protective_logic]

Get ahold of yourself, Delta he tries to remind himself as the final judge waves off a match.

"We must go consult and figure things out," the judge notes. "Thank you for this chance to meet, Delta. I am sure we can find you a place in our tournaments, if it is alright with our overseer."

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

Maine lets them finish with their pleasantries, then shepherds the judges out. He's the last one in the room, so he nods politely.

Delta. Huh. He'll have to see what else he can learn about this mage during their trip to the city.

[protective_logic]

"Thank you for your assistance sir," Delta bows his head, and his body a bit. "And I thank you for the chocolate treats. I shall surely enjoy them."

Then he bows a little deeper and moves forward to close the door. That was nice. NO doubt the man will not return to show him where to buy one of these chess sets, but he'll live with it anyway.

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

Getting back to the prince's wing takes longer than Maine had hoped. The judges want him to give Carolina his feedback as well (never mind that Maine will report to her later, and in greater detail). It takes at least a half hour before he escapes.

Is Delta still expecting him? He knocks at the suite door and hopes he hasn't missed his chance.

[protective_logic]

He's sat at the low table, enjoying the chocolate based sweets since they left, reading a book on the local culture, and when Delta hears a knock at the door, he's completely shocked for it. He rises, expecting a messenger, and goes to the door as he finishes another one of the chocolate tarts. He doesn't even realize there is a smudge of chocolate on his lips when he opens the door, and all he can do is stare at Maine in shock and awe.

"S-Sir Maine. You've returned? Did you leave something?"

Maybe he brought news of whether Delta was accepted. Or... was he serious about that chess set thing?

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

Did. Did Delta not expect him to come back? Clearly he knows little of Cytherea, where a host's word to their guest is a promise.

"You," he says. He left Delta. "Would you like to tour the markets?"

[protective_logic]

Oh. Oh? Oh!

It takes Delta a second but he does get what Maine is saying at last. "Yes. For the chess set. I would appreciate that. You do me a kindness. I would not even know where to look."

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

"I know," he says. "Where to look. If you'd like." He's not a big talker, but he does know the markets.

Don't look at that chocolate on Delta's lip. He's not as fond of chocolate as...well, some of his acquaintances, but he knows the temptation. It's good to know Delta has a familiar indulgence.

[protective_logic]

"I would be very grateful for that. Allow me to find my sandals."

Delta turns and rushes off, and a few moments later he returns, money tucked up in his sleeve and sandals on his feet. That done he closes the door behind him and smiles up at Maine.

"If you would."

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

He will. Maine holds the door so Delta can leave. He's accustomed to being an attractive door holder, after all.

It's nice to see the visitors acclimating, though. Better than he ever did, in fact. Maine still doesn't like sandals. Dalta makes them look comfortable, though.

[protective_logic]

Helps that Delta loves shoes, but whatever. He smiles softly at the man, still unaware of the chocolate, and gestures for Maine to proceed him. I needs to know where to go.

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

Then it's Maine's turn to lead. He doesn't say much (as usual), just leads Delta out of the wing and into the palace proper.

[protective_logic]

"I enjoy the colors here," Delta notes, a bit thoughtful. He can't do the silence at all. This place looks like it's meant to be filled with noise and laughter and conversation, where York's castle was a place of silence.

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

Maine nods. "Your prince has colors?" he asks. Visual imagery is important of most of these kingdoms, he thought.

[protective_logic]

"The royal family does," Delta allows. "The Prince uses what his tailors say he looks good in."

What Delta and SIgma say he looks good in really. And, as for himself, green is just his color. "Do... you have colors Ser maine?"

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

He hadn't noticed York's colors. That does make sense, Maine supposes.

"Teal and white, for my lady," Maine says. "Blue and silver, from home." Today he wears white and brown, with blue and teal embroidery on his collar and sleeves. He's proud to wear both sets.

[protective_logic]

"I think the colors of your lady were a good choice."

He looks good int he white. It radiates against his sin and Delta tries not to blush at his own comment. He definitely got a little too personal there. "Have I thanked you for the offer totake me into town?"

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

"I am proud to wear them." He's always glad to represent Carolina. The blue reminds him of a home he will never go back to.

"It's no trouble." Every once in awhile, Maine likes to get out of the palace. They exit now. Maine waves a farewell to the guards, who salute him back.

[protective_logic]

Delta frowns in disappointment of the security measure of the guards. They didn't stop to confirm that Maine was who he was, or to take Delta's name. After the security issues in their own land, Delta has been more edgy about such things.

And nervous as he is, he can't help but shy closer to the most secure thing around him: the bulk of the guard he is with.

"One should always have pride in their work if they can," Delta allows.

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

Maine is very conscious of Delta moving closer and is surprised that he doesn't mind at all. "'m lucky to serve my Lady," he says. "And proud.

"How long have you served your Prince?"

[protective_logic]

"Six years," Delta answers easily. "I was a scribe and tutor, selected to improve his skills in certain areas. I was elevated to his servant later on."

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

Six years is a long time. Longer than Maine has been in his lady's service, in fact. "Tutor? What do you teach him?"

He's not unfamiliar with tutors. York doesn't seem to mind his; Maine finds he doesn't mind Delta, either. Not at all.