Snippet #2089286

"Yes, I have an important matter to discuss with you. But first, why not break tradition and eat with us? I already break my fast with a man escaped from the dungeons, so let us create more of a stir!" Parthenia couldn't help but laugh slightly and nod her head. She knew how dearly Aethyra wished to be just about anything but Princess and supported her spontaneuos acts. At least, as her friend. "As you wish, my Lady." Parthenia smiled, then straighted up, looking stiff but unable to hide the familiar and friendly twinkle in her blue eyes. "Of course, as your maid I completely disapprove, and furthermore I would discourage you from committing these acts again." she said in falsely stern voice which she only used playfully, a frown barely maintained on her lips.

Then her poker face broke and Parthenia smiled kindly, all the fake seriousness gone from her once again as Aethyra introduced her. "This is Parthenia, my closest and most trusted servant. We have been together for years, since I was small, and she is a close companion to me." Paige was flattered by the title and description Aethyra gave to her and curtisied to the man, greeting him with a small, "How do you do?" before Aethyra went on. "This is Alain. He was imprisoned for stealing a small bag of coin from the treasury, and had just escaped when I happened to meet him in the dungeon." "Imprisoned is a bit of a harsh word, do you not think? I would rather say inconveniently detained, but even this implies I could not leave at my leisure."

Parthenia laughed again, softly. She enjoyed this relaxed atmosphere and knew quite well that this type of comfort and companionship was one of the things Aethrya desired, while she liked to admit it or not. Although she hadn't seemed to escape the preening and dress up before coming. Reguardless, Paige was glad to be here, as she was always glad to be of use or even a pleasant presense. "Well, it is a pleasure meeting you Master Alain and it would be an honor to eat with both of you." Taking a tentive seat, she could see she was not the only one hungry as Alain had already been reseated and now eyed the food ravenously. "What is the important matter, or would you care to discuss it at a later time and place?"

She had barely finished speaking when another presense was made known. "Quite the interesting meal we have today, isn't it? The Heir to one of the greatest kingdoms to ever live, a rogue whose talents were wasted and locked away even if it was apparently futile to try and do so, and the ever loyal servant girl. It almost sounds like the start of a bad joke, if you think about it." Parthenia jumped, startled by the sudden intrusion and nearly fell over in the chair as she made her way to her feet. The man who Paige recognized as the king's advisor, slammed his book shut, and looked directly at Paige for a moment. She was frozen, though could not explain why. "I believe our lady heir requested you eat with them. Do you need to take so long to decide if this is the request you refuse her? Seems like quite an odd choice to me."

"I-I apologize. You are completely right Master Trifect. I did not mean to be so dimwitted and slow. I beg yours and Mistress Aethyra's forgiveness." Parthenia said quickly. She knew this was a man of great power and had no desire to offend him. Really she didn't want to offend anyone, but especially not this man. She always got a strange chill when he was near and try as she did to be light hearted, he always struck a tune of fear in her soul. It was almost like... well, Paige wouldn't ever bring herself to say it outloud. Quickly she took a seat and became very quiet, looking down at her hands, her knuckles white.