Snippet #2757706

Kezia nodded, smiling as her sister pinpointed her own thoughts exactly. She did certainly hope her quarters were just as lovely as Sera's, and was pleased that her stay would be comfortable at the very least. After all, the young countess was quite fond of her comforts.

Removing her veil, Kezia finally felt a slight bubble of excitement. She did enjoy dressing up and trying pretty things on, plus, she particularly enjoyed having Sera do her hair (a favor she was all too ready to return). She began to sort through her things at once, all thoughts of her betrothed gone as she focused on getting ready.

----

The young man quirked a brow in surprise in spite of himself, smiling at the lordling as he inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Yes my lord, I'm honored you remember my name." Unlike your late father...the fool barely cared to know who we were.' he thought, listening closely to Robin's reply.

Robin's inquiry regarding his attire made the servant grin, finding it both amusing and oddly touching that the younger male was asking his opinion on such matters. But of course, he didn't think the earl looked bad. Pretty modest, but cleaned up. "I think you needn't worry my lord. The clothes suit you just fine."

Gavin obliged his master, following just a step behind as the man talked. For the second time in less than 10 minutes, his new master took him completely by surprise. Pleasantly, of course, but no less stunned than had he bit hit with a blow. Brown eyes widening slightly, he gave a bow of his head before answering. "My lord, it would of course be an honor...if you are certain you'd have me." Gavin gave a wry half smile as he tried unsuccessfully to sweep some hair from his face. "I was but a boy for a while here, a maid's son who thankfully wasn't tossed out, though I suspect it was due to my mother being good enough at her job and my being quiet as a babe" Gavin smiled wistfully, before chuckling slightly. He didn't exactly stay quiet as a child growing up. "I didn't start helping out as a servant proper until I was perhaps in my 9th or 10th year, before that, they'd shoo me away to wash dishes and keep out of sight." Gavin sighed, daring to meet Robin's gaze. "My lord, I confess that while I may have been here my entire life, I have never been entrusted with such a responsible position, so I have no personal experience being one of the head servants. But, if you are generous enough to allow me the chance, I shall of course fulfill my duties to the best of my ability." Gavin let out a breath, worried he'd said too much. Ah well, it would have bothered him to not let the young noble know before entrusting him with the job. 'Of course, I would need to study even harder to make sure I don't disappoint him' he thought, making a mental note to dust off the books he had snatched from the late earl's study.


As Robin sat, Gavin excused himself to go and fetch the guests, mind still reeling with the proposition just given to him.
He first went to fetch the prince, then the countesses, (who, he noticed, had changed into evening gowns) Making his way back to the dining hall, he inwardly began to make bets on who'd be the last to arrive.

---

Kezia looked herself over in the mirror for the fifteenth time, adjusting herself to make sure she was presentable. She wore a turqouise dress with a pearl choker, her hair in a half updo. Her chest was not something to brag about, and so she sought to bring attention to her face. Her waist was fine too. But Sera always said to accentuate her face and hair.

She had told Sera to go down ahead of her, and debated her outfit for now the sixteenth time before shaking her head. No, she was fine, and she was not going to change again! Besides, as much as she liked dressing up, she didn't want to go through the hassle of undoing all this work after she finally found herself looking pretty darn good.

Mind made up, she inwardly cringed at the time, realizing she had taken longer than the three minutes she had promised Sera.


Kezia let out a slight sigh of relief as the dining hall came into view, pleased to see she was not the last one to show up at the dinner table. She smiled immediately upon seeing her sister, approaching the older countess on impulse. "Apologies, sister."

----
Navarre let out a sigh, glaring defiantly at the door as the servant knocked. "Dinner is ready, your highness. The earl requests his guest's presence in the dining hall."

"Very well, I'm coming!" He snapped even as he heard the footsteps carry the servant away. The prince rolled his eyes, getting up and heading to his wardrobe. Black breeches, and a deep blue doublet came first, followed by an embroidered midnight blue and silver jerkin over top. Glancing at himself in the mirror, the prince let out another sigh. Socialize with women who probably only saw a prince. High ranking noblewomen who were only out for advancement. Who probably had no problem being used as a treaty if it meant scoring such an ideal husband.

It was irritating.

Stuffing his hands into his pockets (he was well aware it wasn't exactly a good habit, but he couldn't be bothered to care), Navarre made his way down for dinner, hungry but otherwise not particularly looking forward to the evening. He could socialize and fake it as well as anyone, but he was not in the mood as of late. Damn this stupid treaty, damn being a pawn!

He made no acknowledgement of being the last to arrive, and glanced over at the countesses with an almost bored expression. Remembering his manners, he bowed his head in greeting, deciding he might as well not cause a scene. "You look lovely this evening my ladies. Well, then, shall we sit?"