better to be clever than D E A D

Rosamund was aware that she could not actually talk them out of being in the middle of an attack if that was indeed what was happening, but that would not stop her from trying.  If she could not change whatever was really going on, she could at least try not to worry herself before she absolutely had to.  “Of course I have noticed.”  And had given them the slip once or twice, she could not deny.  Extra guards made it nearly impossible to have any fun.  “But if you always expect the worst, there is no least expected.”

“If you always expect the worst, you’re pleasantly surprised when the least expected doesn’t occur,” Jas countered. He wasn’t sure if Rosamund took all of this seriously enough or if she even understood why it was so serious. For all he knew, she could’ve thought all of this was ridiculous. “I simply...I don’t want anything to happen to you or your sisters. I have my doubts about just how natural your parents’ deaths were, and I don’t want history to repeat itself.”

rik was beginning to get fed up with all the questions. he must be trying to get something out of him, but rik couldn’t imagine what. who’d told him rik knew anything of importance anyway? “there are many things i’d like to change about our country, and yours,” rik answered evasively.

“I do, yes. Politics have always been my strong suit, so I am certain I will be able to do it. Though, it will take some time.” Maria tried to contain herself, but the idea of actually doing something threatened to take over. She gave a small smile ( for if she gave more, she may appear too eager ) at his words. “Thank you. I do hope it will be possible.”

Politics were her strong suit? Jasper was trying very hard not to read too much into Maria’s words, but it seemed as if she was dropping clues. Was it possible that she wished she were the inheriting child of Ryhule? “Oh, I’m sure it will be possible. I, for one, would very much like to work with you in the future. As King of Oscana or simply as naval advisor, I believe we would have a fantastic working relationship. You’re very intelligent, and you actually listen.” He finished his dessert and waved for the workers to come and clear his plate. “What is it you hope to do, exactly? Is there a specific position you hope to take? Are you hoping your brother appoints you as one of his advisors?”

“lively is certainly one way of putting it,” she agreed with a wry chuckle. even before she’d been formally announced as the next in line to inherit the duchy of westerly, cahira had spent much of her life at court, learning how to play the game of lords and ladies with too much intelligence to allow her to not be thoroughly contemptuous towards some of her peers. many played for themselves, and it was that sort of selfishness driven by greed that disgusted her. “i don’t know what to make of it all, truthfully.” she answered, smoothing her skirts as they continued at an unhurried pace. things had changed drastically in light of the passing of the king and queen, and cahira’s main concern - as it had always been - was that the kingdom continued to thrive. “their absence is still felt, it was without a doubt a tragedy that they passed. but, i believe her highness sylvia will make for an intelligent and capable ruler.”

“Oh no, she has been rolling her eyes at me since we were children, and I’m sure once she is queen, she will continue to do so.  I think I would be very confused if she stopped,” she mused.  She knew everything that Jasper was saying, of course, but as Sylvia’s sister, she felt it was her right to complain about her.  As for the potential threat, she still wanted to continue hoping it was only a false alarm.  “But at this moment?  Surely they would not strike right now.”  An attack could happen at any time, she knew, but that did not mean that it had to.  “Surely this is not a real attack.”

“Attacks happen all the time, Princess. Unfortunately, evil doesn’t wait until it’s convenient to strike.” Jas was careful to keep his attention split between Rosamund and the sounds from the hallway. It was fairly quiet at the moment, but that didn’t mean much. “If the navy taught me anything, it’s that sometimes, the worst attacks come when you least expect it. Like when that wretched bee stung you in the garden.” He shot her a cheeky smile and winked teasingly. “Only much, much worse. It’s why you have extra guards around you these days. Haven’t you noticed? Or have you been giving them the slip?”

“Some things I have to do.” She insisted, although she knew he was right. Some things required her touch, otherwise who knew what those who doubted her abilities might agree to in her stead? Her parents hadn’t left her in a position where she could afford to just trust anyone. “My sisters?” Sylvia scoffed. “Neither of them has what it takes to rule, it would be a disaster.” She stated, turning around in her seat to look up at him. “Any word on who these nobles are?”

Jasper’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Not having what it takes to rule and wanting the crown are two different things. What if one of them is interested in taking the throne?” Trust wasn’t something that came easily to Jas. Though he loved Sylvia, he didn’t know her sisters well enough to believe that neither of them would try to steal what was rightfully Sylvia’s. “I have a few ideas on who they might be, but I’ve been trying to find the source of the problem, not just the people passing on the rumors.” Jas held Sylvia’s hands and tugged to try and pull her to her feet. Back up toward the bed, he frowned. “Aren’t you concerned about your sisters?”

Bea raised an eyebrow.  It was not typically her policy to ask too many questions – privacy was important in this line of work, and while there were many things that she needed to know in order to be able to do her job properly, her own curiosity never played a part in the questions she asked.  When someone came to her with questions like this, however (particularly when that someone had already had to be sent away in the past), she could not answer them without first knowing more.  “Why do you want to know?”

Jasper was used to being in sticky situations. His whole current life was a lie, after all. He had to be quick on his feet, even when it was difficult. He let out a little sigh, putting on a show of being conflicted about divulging the information. “It seems that something is going around the castle. We’re trying to deduce whether or not it’s truly harmful, or if it’s something that’s being taken in hopes of having fun and just...causing more problems than anticipated.” He looked over his shoulder. “I trust I can count on your discretion? It would be rather embarrassing if the entire city knew that nobles and workers alike were partaking in such activities when things are so tense.”

rik made a sound that could’ve been agreement, but really he was just mulling over the idea of a positive relationship between their two countries. seemed increasingly impossbile these days. he was still suspicious of this almost nonchalant inquiry—it was just his nature. how to say that no one trusted him to handle much of anything without implicating vast weaknesses? there was no good way. “i prefer to let my siblings do the hard work.”

“Oh, really? Do you have some sort of passion project, then? Hobbies that you invest your time in?” Rik was not an easy person to read. Jasper laid on the charm, his smile never faltering even though he felt like smacking the young prince. Maria had been much more forthcoming. “Your sister seems to care very much about the poor in your country. I simply imagined that you’d have some sort of passion too - something yo want to help with or change.”

“can you imagine their poor valets in the morning? i daresay it might be a travesty for them to have to look after a full grown manchild in such a way.” amethyst eyes cut towards the direction of jasper’s nod before her attention returned to him. not seeing any harm in the suggestion, cahira’s shoulders lifted in a slight shrug. “a stroll to the pond seems a far cry more interesting than being caught up with tales of the day’s gossip, i’ll gladly accompany you, if only for the temporary guarantee of a reprieve from the noise of the castle.”

cahira at least had had the good grace to not send them completely careening to the ground, and was infintely grateful that the naval advisor had managed to catch them both. a rare smile graced her face as she laughed. “there’s nothing quite like a near disaster to bring you out of your thoughts, i hear.” her own gaze followed his, cahira’s head turning around the fairly unpopulated grin with an exaggerated sigh of relief as her attention turned back to him with a conspiratorial look that was betrayed only by the mirth that lit her eyes up at the corners. “i left the castle for the very same reason and i just narrowly escaped an encounter with the court’s favourite band of lordly lackeys on my way out, one can only listen to so much of their chatter in a day before the threat of losing a piece of their intelligence begins to loom.”

The corner of his lip twitches at the comments regarding Lord Applebee but he simply dips his head in response.  ❝Him. As well as…any one who wants to bore me with the usual drivel; which maid was seen where and the lord she was with. Or alternatively trying to dig some further information out of me. Frankly I do not have the time nor the patience for either. ❞ It seems that he is relaxing though, his shoulders slumping at his side and his posture growing looser by the moment.  ❝Could I impose upon you? Just to the other side. Perhaps if I’m seen in discussion with someone else they might just leave me alone. ❞

Suspicious or not, Bea would not be anything less than polite to anyone who did not absolutely deserve it.  “No, nor can I.  I myself have done the same, but it is also important that I am easy to find when I am needed.”  She felt a bit of relief that he was not looking to buy anything, but the vague way he spoke still made her somewhat hesitant.  “I certainly might be, but I’m afraid I do need a bit more information than that,” she said with a soft laugh.  “What are the effects you are looking for?”

Jasper was trying to tread carefully. He didn’t want to give Bea the wrong impression, nor did he want to give her enough information to pass on to gossips in the castle. This was an art. “Of course, as talented as you are, I assumed you would need more information.” He flashed that charming grin again, but it didn’t quite meet his eyes this time. “Do you know of anything that would make someone disorientated? Perhaps dizzy or drowsy? So much so that they might have trouble walking?”

❝Lord Grey.❞  He acknowledges while his eyes flick towards the weapon that had been almost ready to strike. Clearing his throat he folds his arms across his chest, using this opportunity to assess the situation behind Jasper. Still busy. 

Despite his best subtle squint he’s unable to make out the faces. A silent frustration bubbles within him and without even thinking he makes a small tut. ❝ Apologies, it was never my intention to startle you…or anyone and I certainly do not want to be skewered anytime soon. ❞ 

Was that humour? It’s hard to tell. The steely tone paired with the continuous scowl it could of been completely serious. A mere beat passes before he confesses to the man before him. ❝ Honestly I was hoping I could slip past unnoticed but I suppose that’s wishful thinking.  Would you mind telling me who’s in the court yard? ❞ 

“I am a very handsome lad, and I’ve been told by many that I have the best jawline in the country...so, I’m pretty happy with my appearance.”

“Change something about myself? Why would I do that? Every single one of my characteristics has helped get me to where I am today - even the not so great ones. I suppose, if I could change one thing, it would be my inability to...open up to those I care about. Obviously, I can’t spill all of my secrets to everyone I become friends with, but I would like to be able to be more vulnerable sometimes....genuinely.”