In a mirror image of Aïtana, Catarina woke peacefully in her own bed. She was relaxed, spread-eagle across the bed, her mind at ease. Her eyes slid open, pupils shrinking and shying from the first grey sunlight that crept in from an open window. She laid there for a minute. Curling herself into the blankets to appreciate the warmth. 

The world was waiting.

More specifically, Aïtana was waiting.

Catarina's thoughts drifted over to her captive. She'd proven difficult last night. Unexpectedly so. With her constant pressing into her deflections. But then again - had it ever been any different in court? Of course not. [color=c91414][i]People never change in one night, Cata. She got under your skin. Don't let it get to you.[/i][/color] The affirmation rung in her head as she slowly hoisted herself up and out of bed.

Her bare legs dangled from the bed and grazed the floorboards. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and scratched the life out of her scalp. It was improper etiquette, but, as she was wont to say: [i]fuck the ettiquitte[/i]. She slept in the nude. It was comfier. The blankets felt comforting against her skin and her body heat got around more quickly. Her thoughts slid back to Aïta- [color=c91414][i]No. Deal with that later. Go get dressed.[/i][/color]

She got up, and donned a long dress made of rich purple material, high top wedge-heeled boots, an amethyst-jeweled silver hairpin, and a short black cloak. Nothing fancy - not by her standards - but enough that looking in the mirror gave her a surge of confidence. [color=c91414][i]So much for throwing up,[/i][/color] she thought with a giggle. 

She made her way out of her bedroom and onto the mezzanine level in the main room. On the mezzanine level there were books and documents and files lining every available surface, seemingly meticulously ordered despite the sheer quantity of them. A shelf full to the brim of various inks, quills, waxes, penknives, and parchments, was positioned behind a polished wooden desk. On the floor below, there were the other general amenities one might need in a household, such as a kitchen, dining area, and a small fireplace. Several smaller bookshelves were built into the walls on this floor, and a cellar entrance sat in one corner.

Catarina collected her mail from the front door and sat in her dining area to read them. Such began a short morning of chores. Cleaning, cooking, reading, writing. She preferred not to keep servants due to their tendency to get curious. Soon, all that was left to tend to was her prisoner. She gathered some bread and cheese in a cloth bag and made her way downstairs through the secret door behind the false bookshelf.

Soon enough, she was unlocking the door and walking in.

Only to see Aïtana in her underclothes for the second time that week. She raised one eyebrow and smirked a little. Her eyes may have wandered for a second, or maybe she was just amused that Aïtana still hadn't got dressed. [color=c91414]"Good morning Aïtana. For all you vex me, I must say you have a delightfully comfortable taste in underwear! Where might I find some? Help a lady ou-"[/color] an abrupt stop as Aïtana flushed red. Catarina giggled a slow, low giggle. She began to talk again, her tone light, playful, and dismissive. [color=c91414]"Oh darling don't worry about me, there's no need to be embarrassed. There's nothing you have that I don't. Besides, I saw the same last night I am seeing now. I took your clothes and washed them - they should stink less now."[/color]

The door clicked shut behind her, and she placed the key on a table to her right. She rubbed her forehead. [color=c91414]"You're confused about the lodgings, no? You expected a dungeon with chains and rusty bars?"[/color] she inquired, raising her eyebrows. She spread her arms wide. [color=c91414]"I like to keep my guests comfortable. Pay it no mind. I've put the book I recommended last night over there-"[/color] she gestured to the lectern, [color=c91414]"It's really quite nice, you should read it if you find the ti- wait. You have all the time in the world! How I envy you, Aïtana."[/color]

She paced over to the cell bars and raised the small bag of food. [color=c91414]"I've had a long morning of writing and need a break. Join me for breakfast?"[/color]

She pulled out the bag's contents and sat on the floor, laying the bag out as a small picnic cloth and placing the food atop it. She picked up a loaf of bread, sliced it, and spread some cheese on it, passing it to Aïtana through the bars.

[color=c91414]"Oh, and... please, for the love of all that is good, lighten up this morning. I am in the mood for jest and if you're anything like you were last night, you're going to ruin that."[/color]