Snippet #2767484

Navarre said little as the game continued, simply evaluating his opponent's movements as well as his own options with each turn. The prince was especially keen on winning this match, loathing the idea of coming second to this bastard cousin in anything. No, he refused to come second to Robin! So far the game was pretty evenly matched, the new earl just barely behind. Irritating indeed. Navarre only vaguely registered Robin's response, but the earl's answer regarding the chef nearly made him lose his focus (along with his restraint- he'd no doubt start spouting his actual thoughts if he lost composure). Instead, he rubbed his temples with a free hand, inwardly praying for the poor soul of the chef who was plagued by such an idiot. The man had dealt with worse? What in the seven hells did the chef do to deserve serving such a master? 'If you care so little that you'd toss his food about like some imp, trade cooks with me!' the prince thought irritably, biting the retort back by sheer force of will. Now he was even more peeved, and he was all the more determined to vanquish his cousin on the chessboard.

----

Myra smiled at Sera, dipping into a slight curtsy as the noblewoman reassured her and Kira. She certainly liked this guest more than her sister; though to be fair, the younger lady hadn't exactly done anything particularly rude or threatening, she simply grumbled early in the morning. The maid swiftly took care of her half of the chores, sparing a glance every so often towards her newest coworker. The poor dear was maintaining composure, but her eyes were betraying far more dismay than she had anticipated.

As soon as the two were done, Kira hurried off even before Myra could suggest they take the dirty linens down to the wash. Looking concerned and slightly dumbfounded, the senior servant hurried to get the linens downstairs.



With a quick greeting and thanks to the servants down with the laundry, Myra rushed to find Kira, not about to leave a fellow servant in need and in distress. It took a good ten minutes, but she finally located the anxious young woman. "Miss Kira, ye shouldn't hide yourself. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Why don't we go down and have a snack after our work this morning? Besides, perhaps you can tell us about the new earl so we might tailor our chores and such to better accommodate his tastes and schedule." she suggested with a reassuring smile.

----

Navarre glared at the board as he and his cousin exchanged moves and eliminated piece after piece. The game wouldn't last much longer, and it was clear both nobles were equally skilled when it came to chess. Irritating! The prince enjoyed a challenge, but at this point in time, he'd rather just crush his opponent.

His glowering at the board was finally interrupted, prompting him to lift his head, ready to retaliate at the stupid earl. But it was his betrothed who had come between the game, and her presence was by far more welcome than the bastard's. Even so, he had a slight nagging irritation- he had yet to beat the fool! Ready to say as much, he was spared drwing out the match, glancing down once more as Robin conceded his defeat. It was true, that his next move would undoubtedly put Robin in check, and he would almost certainly be in checkmate within two to three more movements at most. Navarre was pleased to see he'd have won, though a small part of him was put out that he didn't get to finish the game and see the defeat play out. Shame.

At last, the prince glanced up to regard his intended, visible eye taking in her appearance with an ever so slightly arched brow. The lady seemed in decent spirits to be sure, and was that a challenge in her eyes? The prince inclined his head slightly in respect, finally able to brush the irritation called Robin from his mind.

"Good day my Lady Sera." he greeted, meeting her eyes with his own.

----

Kezia said nothing as she watched the flustered maid for a moment more, seeing it was being taken care of by the senior servant. She gave a nod to the apology from the one called Myra, then turned back to her sister and her lunch platter.

After about ten more minutes, the servants and now her sister had left the room to occupy themselves elsewhere, leaving the younger noble alone and rather put out. She nibbled the last of her food as she gazed out over the balcony at the grounds, feeling rather sorry for herself. She was stuck here because of some treaty and being instructed to marry a man not of her choosing. Her sister didn't seem to be as offended for her, nor did she suggest a mercenary was unsuitable to be the intended for a count's daughter! And now she didn't have anyone to keep her company. The lady finished her lunch before leaving her sister's suite (making sure to close off the balcony before doing so), deciding she might as well find some way to entertain herself. She did see a garden from her spot on the balcony, and it couldn't be that hard to find, surely? Mind made up, Kezia headed down to the first floor of the castle, making her way towards where she thought the gardens were. She wondered if the man had any peonies among his foliage? Hopefully at least some pink ones if nothing else- those were her favorite.