Olivia would have wanted to argue with Winston about what she knew to be true. Duchess Eddithia, her grandmother, was sick and was sent to the monastery to be treated. The monks at Blyth Priory were good at treating the sick and she heard that they could even cure terminal illnesses. Of course she had never been to the religious house herself but what reason does she have to doubt it? Although she did wonder why her grandmother didn't reply to any of her letters, the last one being sent a month ago. Was it because she wasn't being taken care of? [color=tan][i]No, no, that's impossible.[/i][/color] But even with those thoughts, the knight's words have already planted a seed of doubt in her head. 

What was going on? Why did this knight spoke venomous words against her father? What made him hate the Count so? Did her father really plan on taking over something that was not rightfully his? Why hadn't Lord Paul spoken ill of her father? Was it because she was Lars' daughter and he was afraid that she'd abandon logical thinking and side with the Count no matter what wrong he did? Or did he fear that she was acting as her father's spy?

Her thoughts were interrupted when a man was thrown out of the inn she was to stay in. She shook her head and gave her escort a smile. [color=tan]"There is no need to escort me home. The gates have long been closed by now so it would be best if I spent the night. And besides, this place is not as dreadful as it appears."[/color] She gestured towards the drunk who was muttering to himself in the mud. [color=tan]"They do throw out the unruly ones,"[/color] she chuckled.

"Forgive me, m'lady, but ... I failed to ask you for your Family Name."

She looked at Winston again, wondering how he'd react if he found out that she was Count Barker's daughter. Would he retract his words? And would he cease to be friendly towards her? Either way, she didn't see any reason why she should conceal who she is. [color=tan]"My family name...it's--"[/color]

"There you are, Lady Iya," Darma called out as she approached the two. "I thought you would not be joining me tonight and would be occupying a handsome Lord's bed," she teased casually.

Olivia's cheeks burned bright red. [color=tan]"O-of course not! I..."[/color] she turned to Winston, suddenly extra glad that he was there. [color=tan]"This is Sir Winston, one of Lord Paul's knight. He was kind enough to walk me here."[/color] She gestured to her dark haired handmaiden. [color=tan]"This is my handmaiden, Darma."[/color]

Darma looked at the big man, smiled and gave him a polite bow. "It is my pleasure to meet you, Sir Winston. I am grateful to you for keeping my lady safe." She turned back to Olivia. "I have already made the necessary arrangements for our lodging tonight."

Olivia nodded then turned towards Winston. [color=tan]"I hope you will not think badly of me or regret having spoken so freely to me. Rest assured that what you have told me will not reach ears you do not intend for it to reach."[/color] She lowered her voice so that only Winston could hear what she said next. [color=tan]"My family name is Barker. I am the Count's daughter."[/color] 

---

Sophia was breathing rapidly from both anxiousness and excitement from Paul's thorough search of her body. She needed to keep up the act if she were to earn enough trust to loosen his tongue around her. It was a shame that she had to act differently with this man. If the order had just been to bed him then he would have already be on his back and her on top of him. [color=lightgreen][i]At least he's handsome and probably well endowed,[/i][/color] she thought, resisting the urge to have her eyes stray downwards.

Noticing how his eyes were still on his body, she almost grinned. [color=lightgreen][i]Oh, it would be so easy to play to your lust, Paul Cranston. But not yet.[/i][/color] She kept her legs tightly pressed together for a few more seconds before she hurried to fix her dress and straightened up.

[color=lightgreen]"T-there is no need to apologize, my Lord. I understand the need for nobles to practice caution when in the presence of a lowly peasant such as I. I only agreed to come up to your room to assist you, my Lord, to make amends on my earlier mistake of spilling ale on you. As soon as you have shed your soiled garments and changed into clean ones, I will immediately launder it and leave it with the barkeep so you may use it in the morning."[/color] She paused, lowering her head down. [color=lightgreen]"But it would please me if you can spare a little of your time tomorrow to walk with me and perhaps grace me with stories about you and your life as a noble,"[/color] she requested a little shyly. 

[hider=OOC]
Eddithia is Paul's mom, right? You wrote grandmother.
[/hider]