Chapter Text
The delegation’s arrival had the whole palace in a state of excitement. Rumors had spread about the group visiting us. Adalux had never opened it’s borders to trade before, and now they were agreeing to create a permanent alliance with us. The Guild houses were especially excited for the influx of raw materials, and the new markets to sell their wares, especially the merchant House of Coins.
Of course, as the most highly ranked spy within the palace, I was expected to keep a close eye on all of the information coming in and out. The tales about the crown Princess of Adalux, Nadeen, who was leading the delegation were a bit contradictory. She was a wise diplomat, a great swordswoman, clever, cunning, naive, unsure, confident, physically weak, etc.
As crown Princess Lilleadora’s bodyguard, I should have been standing next to her on the dais, or somewhere close by. Instead, I was perched up in the rafters, my face hidden by an uncharacteristically plain mask and hood, clothes dark. The other spies were scattered throughout the hall, their positions as servants and guards keeping them close to the action. But I needed to read the room without being read, and that sadly meant being far away from Lily.
Footsteps came across the rafters, and one of my spies came up to me, “The delegation has arrived. They’ll enter the room soon.”
I focused on the doors, “The Princess?”
“Tall, seemingly confident. In an orange suit.”
“Our mice are in place, yes?”
“All set to squeak.” they replied, and then scurried away back to their own place somewhere in a corner.
The drums beat, and all eyes turned to the doors as they were thrown open.
The delegation strode in, and I spotted the Princess immediately. The orange suit, the color of Adalux, shone against the mostly navy and teal clothes worn by the rest of the delegation. A well coordinated entrance, planned expertly.
The foreign Princess stepped forward, “Your majesty, King regent Dionigi Viezi Adalrico Guglielmo de Teretria, thank you for welcoming us into your home. We bring many gifts, to demonstrate the prosperity we might bring to your kingdom.”
And she waved her hand, and servants began moving to the dais. They bore chests full of precious gemstones, fine wooden furniture, bolts of rich cloth, embroidered clothing.
I eyed the trove of treasures, but mainly kept my attention on the people in the room. Princess Nadeen had an easy confidence about her, but in a rehearsed manner. She came prepared. The diplomats in her group seemed easy to read, whether confident or nervous, they all had reactions one expected. They eyed the throne room, sizing it up, like they did to every servant and domestic noble they saw.
After all of the gifts had been presented, the King regent stood, “my friends, we welcome you to Teretria. Eat, drink, and make merry on this night. Leave the politics for tomorrow. Let us celebrate, my friends!”
With that, the wine was poured, the guests cheered, and the night became a little boring. Lily left the dais to converse around the room, making sure to speak to everyone. My spies stayed near her, a pattern one could only really see from my angle, but it brought me comfort that people would be able to get to her if anything went wrong.
Then I cursed myself, because Lily was entirely capable of handling anything the world threw at her. I saw the glint of the embroidery on her dress, and knew that it only concealed blades. A jack of all trades, and my best friend.
Princess Nadeen conversed as well, breaking the ice and making a serious attempt to speak to everyone. Lily would tell me how fluent the ambassadors were in our language, and what attempts our nobles made to learn theirs. Then again, I didn’t have to.
I left the rafters, climbing down onto a high balcony one couldn’t normally reach. Untying my cloak, it flipped down into the long trailing skirt of a gown, some clever tying later and it fell in beautiful layers. The rest of my outfit similarly flipped and buttoned, clasped, and whatnot to become something acceptable to wear in a formal setting. Lastly, my mask. I ensured that I was alone, and then removed it. I popped it right side out to reveal the glittering silver design on the front, elaborately evoking a rose’s petals.
I exited the balcony and took the servants entrance into the throne room. The tables were laid with decadent food, and were surrounded by servants and guests alike. People seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Lily didn’t notice me as I moved up behind her silently. It was only when a member of the Adalux delegation began making pointed eye contact at me that she asked, “I beg your pardon, ma’am, but is something catching your eye?”
“I believe someone would like to speak to you.” The delegate replied.
Lily turned, seeing me, and chuckled a little, “Oh! This is my personal guard, she can be quite quiet at times. Did you finish polishing all your swords, Rose?”
I made no movement, “Yes.”
The delegate looked mildly disturbed, “Rose?”
Lily made another fake giggle, “Oh, I am so silly sometimes. Lady Nel, this is the Iron Rose, my personal guard. Iron Rose, meet Lady Nel of Adalux, esteemed diplomat.”
Now the delegate tried purposefully to school her expression, “Ah, it is an honor to meet the Iron Rose herself.”
“Pleasure.” I replied.
Lily sensed the woman’s discomfort, and saved the day as she always did, “Rose, why don’t you see how my father is faring all alone on that dais. Then mingle and try to play nice.” She said it lightheartedly, the act she wore in public to hide the conniving woman she was.
“Of course. I will never be far.” And with that I left to follow her instructions.
Many of the delegates from Adalux were a bit put off by a person wearing a mask, a rather ostentatious one at that. However, I will give them points for trying their hardest to ignore it.