As Lady Cheldarine rose to leave the Princess's chambers, her other visitor entered at the same time. Lord Manawyndan, the King's right hand, and perhaps the second most powerful person in Morganyth. The pair of them made for a striking contrast. While the Lady made up in bright orange and greens, the Lord was dressed in sombre black. His iron grey hair was as closely cropped as his dark clothing was tightly fitted. Despite his grandfatherly visage, the old man was still fit and trim. It seemed the cut of his clothes was his only concession to vanity, for other than that there was no hint of adornment or finery on his outfit. 

[b]"Ah, My Lady, leaving so soon I see? Such a shame, I hoped to catch you."[/b] His voice was dry and rasping. It was not necessarily stern, but it lacked a variation in tone or cadence that made it seem serious. It was a voice that suited its owner eminently.

[b]"Why yes, Lord Steward. Only a fleeting and impromptu visit I'm afraid, I must be getting back to my own responsibilities."[/b] Lady Cheldarine demurred, but Manawyndan only fixed her with his dark eyes more intently.

[b]"An impromptu visit that happened to be while both the King and myself were busy in council?"[/b] 

Lady Cheldarine smiled at the old soldier, as if he were making some kind of joke. The two of them both took a step towards each other, so they only inches apart. She was tall for a woman and Manawyndan was of no great height himself, so their eyes were near level. Their gazes fixed upon one another. The tension between them was palpable.

[b]"My Lord, you are too suspicious."[/b] 

[b]"That is my responsibility."[/b]

The Lord Steward sighed and broke eye contact with the Formori woman. There was a curl to lip of Lady Cheldarine, she looked like she had just won some small victory. When she spoke next she was animated.

[b]"Well... unless you wish to share your suspicions with me, I must be one my way. Farewell, your Highness, and good day to you Lord Steward."[/b]

Lady Cheldarine curtsied towards Princess Elise and then went to leave the room without a second glance at the second visitor. But the dry rasp of Manawyndan's raised voice stopped her dead in her tracks as she went to do so.

[b]"Oh actually, there was one thing I wanted to talk about, My Lady. Your son."[/b]

She turned around slowly, to face Manawyndan, who's face now had the same small look of triumph on it that she herself had worn so recently. There was a tightness about her, the playful nature with which she had batted away the older Formori's previous insinuations was gone.

[b]"Peibio?"[/b]

[b]"No, My Lady. Elethiomel. I take you he has not told you then?"[/b] Manawyndan's smile grew wider. [b]"He came to the Palace to volunteer his services to the King and the council. After all, is it not strange for a boy of his age not to have served at court yet? Hardly seems fair considering his younger brother is the royal cupbearer."[/b]

[b]"I always intended to send him to court... but plans change... his father...  I wanted to keep him close."[/b]

[b]"You feelings do you credit as a Mother. Still, I think it would be wise to let the boy see something of the governance of the realm, he is the heir to a powerful house. But I haven't yet decided what exactly to do with him. There are many ways a young man might serve his King, on or off the field of battle. Do you see my reasoning?"[/b]

When she spoke next the Lady's words were like shards of ice. Cold, sharp and deadly.

[b]"I see it clearly, Lord Steward."[/b]

[b]"Excellent. Now if you'll excuse me, please."[/b] 

With a gnarled finger he motioned over to where the Princess was sitting, observing the furious exchange they had just engaged in. The Lady's eyes drifted over towards Elise, she nodded her head in submission and swiftly walked out of the door. Manawyndan seemed to visibly relax as she left, his shoulders slumped and he let out a long sigh, the end of which was cut off by a small fit of coughing. 

[b]"My apologies, Your Highness, for getting so distracted. Might I have a take a seat with you? Old bones."[/b]