Snippet #1517495

Adelaide frowned when Rhia curtsied to her, for the woman are surely family and she hated the tradition that they should bow to a higher member of the family. Though her smile returned when Rhia called her by the familiar of Ada instead of her full name. She run a hand through her hair, looking at the bundle in Rhia's arms, though she allowed her to speak before she asked after her own welfare. She had after all lost her husband and recently been through child birth as well. It was sure to be taking it's toll on the young woman and Adelaide worried for her. Although she looked bright enough, she didn't doubt there was pain underneath that mask of happiness, just like there was pain under her own mask. She knew she was putting on a show for her brother and father, though she would never let on to anyone other than Kervall that she was.

"They are doing well," Adelaide lied smoothly, with a half smile. Of course she would never admit that she believed her father to have lost his mind. It would be treason to utter such words, even to those that she trusted. And so she would keep her opinions to herself when it concerned the King and his affairs. She would also not mention to marriage to her. It was too soon after Morgana's death to spring something like that on them. But Ada didn't doubt that it would soon be old news and everyone would have heard about it. Her only hope was that it didn't upset Rhia or Raban as much as it upset her. "Of course it is a blow to us all, but it would appear that their war is more...I don't want to say important, but it does feel that way sometimes." A sigh left her pink lips as she shook her head sadly.

A glance towards the children replaced Adelaide's smile to her lips. Children usually got on well with the young Princess and the meeting of her newest cousin was exciting for her in those dark times. "Do not be silly Rhia. We did not expect you at all. You have been through an awful time yourself." She placed a hand on her arm, trying to comfort the older woman. "It saddened me to hear the news of course and my thoughts have constantly been with you and the children. How are you all?" Even Rhia's step-daughter was considered part of the family by Adelaide and she would have it no other way.

When Rhia offered Morgan to her, there was no hesitation for the young girl to take her cousin. Looking down into his eyes, her smile was at it widest yet. "He is beautiful," She whispered, shifting him into one of her arms so he could hold her finger with his tiny hands. She looked so natural with the child in her arms, as though she had done it hundreds of times before. When he squeezed her finger, she couldn't help but laugh gently down at him. "And such a wonderful name. She would have been so happy with it and so proud of you Rhia." Looking up at her, she stole a genuinely beautiful smile for just a moment, her eyes shining brightly. "We miss her dearly. As I am sure you do."

Biting her bottom lip, her eyes found the child again, who was smiling at her. "So very beautiful. I am sure you wish to visit the crypt now?" She asked, without looking up. Adelaide, herself, hadn't visited it since the day Morgana had been laid to rest there. She knew Raban visited almost every day, but she couldn't face it. Perhaps with Rhia by her side she could force herself to go down there.

"I would like to come with you. I haven't been since..." She trailed off, clearing her throat. "I can have Mary watch the children if you wish. She is extremely good with children and would much enjoy some company. Of course, I'll show you to your chambers as well and then we can go straight down..." Again her voice faltered, showing weakness in her mask, but she smiled quickly.

"Come, let's get you all inside. There is a chill in the air this evening..." She cradled Morgan, before stretching her arms out to hand him back to Rhia.