#kismctt.

The season was turning cold, weeks dragging on, and Elisabeth could not help but feel unhappy. She had hoped that any dealings would be completed, and that she would be returned to France by now, but instead found herself remaining at the English court, which seemed upended in confusion. The princess, for her part, felt unnerved by the uncertainty which seemed to grip the courtiers. Some had vanished from her sight several days since, and there was no denying that she felt as though she were kept in the dark, something hidden from her.

The air was brisk and yet she felt compelled to walk the gardens, despite the waning life of its blooms, if only for some change in scenery. She had not anticipated to encounter anyone else, but found herself confronted with a noble lady who she recognized, after a few moments' pause, as one of the Princess Elizabeth's ladies whom she had met when invited to visit the royal chambers. "Lady Dudley, is it not?" Her tone was warm, a genuineness to it. "Forgive me, I expected the gardens to be well-abandoned. But even on a chilled day such as this, at least there is sun, so I suppose any opportunity to lay claim to it must be taken." She paused, unable to gauge if she had disturbed Kismet in the midst of something. "Would you like to join me as I walk? Or would you prefer to remain without company?"