Rhiane perhaps anticipated the monarch's visit more than her fiance. Much like the owner of a thoroughbred might see their prized equine in the stables before sending it out onto the track for its race, she had expected to have a royal evaluation this evening, if only because the queen had an investment in the princess elect. Currently New Rome was facing a rebellion and one of the most effective weapons in the fight was none other than the former farmer and her Cinderella story. How well this performance between the newly engaged couple played out directly impacted national security. It would be grossly negligent not to see one of her actors before sending her off to play such a pivotal role. Queen Camilla undoubtedly needed to confirm and assess with her own eyes the state of her female main lead.
She wasn't surprised that Princess Callista tagged along, as her future sister-in-law was more empathetic than the rest of the family combined, but the fruit basket was a surprise. Rhiane hadn't spent time in a hospital before. The times she got sick before her mother and brother's deaths she might visit the nearest doctor, purchase whatever medication they determined was necessary, and would retreat to her bedroom to rest and quarantine herself. Before now she also hadn't been ill enough to merit this level of emergency intervention and observation. Gifts were still new to her and one to get well soon doubly so. A sincere smile alighted on her features as the fragrant and edible arrangement was placed on the nearest table.
"Thank you," she stated sincerely seconds before she was swooped into a hug. She hadn't predicted such a warm embrace- no one at the castle seemed to want to touch her more than necessary- but after a brief hesitation there was a genuine grin as she returned the gesture. Unfortunately her strength had not yet fully returned, so it was evident that her arms weren't as capable as before at applying the light squeeze that went with a hug. Elena Villani had warned her it would probably be a few days before she would be fully herself. Anti-toxins could combat the poison but they couldn't purge them in their entirety instantly and the recovery process required energy. Her body still needed time.
"I do like fruit, and I promise not to let Luke eat all of it, but since he hasn't had any dinner yet I think I ought to share," she remarked affably. For a moment she worried if this was not also them trying to retrieve the crown prince from her bedside. Rhiane had thought she was fine alone, but now that Luke was here and offering to stay, she found herself reluctant to return to solitude. Confessing he hadn't eaten could either prompt them to persuade him to have the meal deliver or give them an excuse to extricate him.
"Thank you, your highness," she said as she turned her attention to the perfectly composed queen. While Queen Camilla's words were polite and composed, Rhiane didn't mistake her for a woman who even considered delaying the tour a single day. The royalty could not been seen as weak and this attempted assassination must be swept under the rug as quickly and quietly as possible. To even acknowledge anything adverse transpired could be construed as a weakness, one elites and peasants alike might try to capitalize on, so it was imperative that everyone's romantic duo follow the schedule already established. The princess elect firmly believed she was viewed not even as a daughter-in-law but a valuable pawn to navigate on a complex political chessboard.
"I am feeling much better," she began truthfully, "and I look forward to traveling. I assure you I want nothing more than to be discharged." Both Dr. Gulsvig and Dr. Villani had recommended she spend this precious night resting before her journey, which they both knew would be taxing, so as to make the most out of the situation. Rhiane hated the confinement of the medical ward, however, and had tried to argue for her 'freedom' to no avail. Evidently neither physician was willing to risk a setback simply because their patient had poor previous experiences and a distaste for all the machines that had successfully kept her alive when she was in critical condition.
She wasn't surprised that Princess Callista tagged along, as her future sister-in-law was more empathetic than the rest of the family combined, but the fruit basket was a surprise. Rhiane hadn't spent time in a hospital before. The times she got sick before her mother and brother's deaths she might visit the nearest doctor, purchase whatever medication they determined was necessary, and would retreat to her bedroom to rest and quarantine herself. Before now she also hadn't been ill enough to merit this level of emergency intervention and observation. Gifts were still new to her and one to get well soon doubly so. A sincere smile alighted on her features as the fragrant and edible arrangement was placed on the nearest table.
"Thank you," she stated sincerely seconds before she was swooped into a hug. She hadn't predicted such a warm embrace- no one at the castle seemed to want to touch her more than necessary- but after a brief hesitation there was a genuine grin as she returned the gesture. Unfortunately her strength had not yet fully returned, so it was evident that her arms weren't as capable as before at applying the light squeeze that went with a hug. Elena Villani had warned her it would probably be a few days before she would be fully herself. Anti-toxins could combat the poison but they couldn't purge them in their entirety instantly and the recovery process required energy. Her body still needed time.
"I do like fruit, and I promise not to let Luke eat all of it, but since he hasn't had any dinner yet I think I ought to share," she remarked affably. For a moment she worried if this was not also them trying to retrieve the crown prince from her bedside. Rhiane had thought she was fine alone, but now that Luke was here and offering to stay, she found herself reluctant to return to solitude. Confessing he hadn't eaten could either prompt them to persuade him to have the meal deliver or give them an excuse to extricate him.
"Thank you, your highness," she said as she turned her attention to the perfectly composed queen. While Queen Camilla's words were polite and composed, Rhiane didn't mistake her for a woman who even considered delaying the tour a single day. The royalty could not been seen as weak and this attempted assassination must be swept under the rug as quickly and quietly as possible. To even acknowledge anything adverse transpired could be construed as a weakness, one elites and peasants alike might try to capitalize on, so it was imperative that everyone's romantic duo follow the schedule already established. The princess elect firmly believed she was viewed not even as a daughter-in-law but a valuable pawn to navigate on a complex political chessboard.
"I am feeling much better," she began truthfully, "and I look forward to traveling. I assure you I want nothing more than to be discharged." Both Dr. Gulsvig and Dr. Villani had recommended she spend this precious night resting before her journey, which they both knew would be taxing, so as to make the most out of the situation. Rhiane hated the confinement of the medical ward, however, and had tried to argue for her 'freedom' to no avail. Evidently neither physician was willing to risk a setback simply because their patient had poor previous experiences and a distaste for all the machines that had successfully kept her alive when she was in critical condition.