Rosmira leads Jews back into the Rose Mansion’s warm hush, while Cleara heads for Desires Fall beside her. The mansion smells of tea, perfume, and old silk, its corridors soft with lamplight and the distant murmur of waiting wards.
Jews settles in with a grateful glance around the sitting room, accepting the mansion’s shelter as she waits for the sealed room to open. Rosmira leaves her with the promise of company nearby, then turns with Cleara toward the queen’s castle.
Madam Cleara
If we are asking the Queen for help, I would prefer to ask properly.
Rosmira
We can ask her together.
They cross the capital under its nightly glow, Desires Fall rising ahead like a polished monument. The closer they get, the heavier the air feels, rich with power and the faint sweetness of the domain itself.
Queen Voloria
Rosmira, Cleara. You come with purpose. Speak it.
Madam Cleara
Your Majesty, I seek a partner, if one may be found who suits me.
Voloria’s violet gaze lingers on Cleara, thoughtful and amused. The queen’s fingers tap once against her armrest, and the room goes still as she considers her answer.
“I think my sis means to say she wants what nayla was getting but for herself. The queen understands exactly what she means.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled -1)
Cleara’s composure shifts, just a fraction, as Voloria reads between the lines.
Queen Voloria
Oh. You mean company, not duty.
The queen’s mouth curves, knowing now exactly what Cleara is asking for.
Madam Cleara
...Yes. That.
Cleara lifts her chin, embarrassed but relieved that the truth is finally understood.
Queen Voloria
Then say so plainly, sister. I can work with plainness.
Voloria leans forward on the throne, amused and assessing, as if the real petition has only now begun.
“Queen if you will she just needs someone to help past the time. Im sure you must have one person in mind for such a um very HARD working tact like my sis”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled -1)
Rosmira
Queen, if you will, she just needs someone to help pass the time. I am sure you must have one person in mind for such a very hard working tact like my sis.
Rosmira lets the plea land with gentle confidence, not pushing, only opening the door for Voloria to walk through it.
Queen Voloria
Mm. For Cleara, then, not a servant, not an obligation. Someone worthy of her temper.
Voloria’s gaze slides to Cleara, and the teasing in her smile sharpens into appraisal.
Madam Cleara
Someone worthy...?
Queen Voloria
I do. There is a diplomat in my outer court, patient enough to survive her, clever enough to keep up, and bold enough to speak plainly.
Cleara’s shoulders ease, then draw back again as if trying not to hope too loudly.
Queen Voloria
If you want my favor on this, sister, you will meet them properly. Tonight.
“Very well your majesty but i was kinda hoping to be at the door when leon and nayla come out so i can pounce on leon next. But it shall wait til we meet your contact my queen.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled -1)
Rosmira
Very well, your majesty. I was hoping to be at the door when Leon and Nayla come out, but that can wait until we meet your contact tonight.
Rosmira keeps her tone light, and the queen’s smile deepens at the easy surrender.
Queen Voloria
Good. Patience suits you when you choose it.
Madam Cleara
Tonight, then. Properly. Not as a duty, as a meeting.
Cleara’s posture loosens at that, the embarrassment in her shoulders giving way to a careful, hopeful stillness.
Queen Voloria
I will send word to the outer court. You will be introduced, and you will behave.
“My queen dont we always behave said with a evil smirk. The queen reminds ros of her earlier plot on leon and nayla. But ros does defend it by saying we you agreed too.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled -2)
Rosmira
My queen, don’t we always behave?
Rosmira’s evil little smirk earns her a dry look from the throne. Voloria’s brows lift, amused but not fooled.
Queen Voloria
You did not behave when you plotted to steer Leon and Nayla into that dinner of yours.
Rosmira
We did, though, because you agreed to it.
The words land cleanly. Cleara’s hopeful stillness holds, and the queen’s expression shifts into a knowing, approving calm.
Queen Voloria
Yes. I did. That is why I am not punishing you, only reminding you who holds the favor.
Madam Cleara
Then I will attend properly, and on time.
Voloria gives a slight, regal nod. The cost comes with the smile, though, her fingers tapping once against the throne arm as if to mark the debt owed for her indulgence.
“Cleara whispers to ros and reminds her to still be respectful in the queen's throne.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled +2)
Cleara leans in, just enough for Rosmira to catch the whisper without breaking the court’s stillness.
Madam Cleara
Respect the queen, Rosmira. In her throne room, especially.
Rosmira
Rosmira lets the reminder settle.
She straightens her posture and turns her attention back to Voloria, the smirk softening into composed deference.
Queen Voloria
Good. I prefer my guests charming, not careless.
Cleara’s shoulders ease at once, her hopeful look returning as the queen’s approval lingers in the gold light.
Madam Cleara
Then I will meet them properly tonight, my queen.
Voloria’s fingers still on the throne arm, and her smile narrows into a deliberate, expectant curve.
Queen Voloria
See that you do. Bring me a favorable impression, and we will speak again after.
“Yes my queen we shall take our leave now”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled +1)
Queen Voloria
Then go. I have your answer, and my court does not need to be kept waiting.
Voloria lifts her hand from the throne arm, a small, unmistakable dismissal wrapped in velvet grace.
Cleara dips into a brisk bow, relief and discipline crossing her face at once.
Rosmira
Yes, my queen. We take our leave now.
Rosmira turns first, making the exit feel official, and the court’s gold hush gives way to the soft rustle of departing footsteps.
Cleara falls in beside her, posture lighter than before, as the throne room doors open onto the corridor beyond.