Barbara
*Zaknafein was glad of the simple fact that his thoughts were his own. If she could hear his thoughts as her sister could, he doubted he would last very long. But such as things were, he could think what he liked about the spoiled and petulant child that called herself a princess. Where was her regal manner? Where was the air of command that fit true royalty like a glove? She had become skilled in some magics, and thought that was equivalent to wisdom.

A hundred years old, and still a child by her expression.

What was her sister to do with the impetuous thing? A proper education had already been offered her in the ways of the court - and arrogance had clung to her line no other, as if she was blind to her sister's plight. Not that he expected less from a matron, of course; they were well practiced in the art of blindness to pain or protest. There was something growing in his mind about a proper teaching experience for the little girl.

A glance was spared at the Hand of the Queen, whose eyes would surely catch any such designs. There was a way to make a subtle pass, and see if he could test her character in his own way, but such plans required the patience of decades and decades more, and his words would have to sow the idea long before it could take root. Perhaps he had time. He would need patience.*

"If you wish to see the flowers in the courtyard, Your Highness," *He bowed his head respectfully, tone even as could be as he made the proper deferences to a woman of higher stature.* "I am afraid they will take time to bloom. I am planting the earliest of them, and they will not grow petals for some time yet."
Serena
Oh how it irked her when the Marshal thought himself suited for interfering with the Runacri sisters. Yes, the late Matron had chosen him to lead her armies and she had counseled Ashira to maintain him within this post for good reason. However, in her experience the man still had much to learn about court life. That he would answer such an unasked question from the princess was silly to say the least. There was little she could do to influence the man that she knew. Therefore no direction but forward existed. 

Then there was the matter of the princess. Though Zaknafein had never been the most subtle when hiding his true feelings of others, the princess surely honed the skill at this point in her life. There had been many moments since the late Matron's passing that she had contemplated the motives of the younger Runacri sister, however, the girl never came to her elder for council. Had she taken an interest in learning from her elders in the way of her sister there could be more said for her capacity to deal with matters of state. As it stood there was little the Queen would wish to involve her sister in. One of their most important lessons had to do with unknowns, and at the present moment the princess remained unknown. 

There was the offhanded gesture she had offered, as though assuming that she would wait to continue until the Princess had spoken which assumed that the girl had been included in the conversation in the first place. The girl always took far too much interest in matters that were of no concern to her. Of course, it was good to have concern for the workings of her sister's government. However, given that she had yet displayed the aptitude required to be trusted with any information of importance such conversations were not yet for her ears.

"Let us have a word soon regarding the recent events to the East," She said cooly, eyes flicking momentarily to the princess as she gestured then back to the man. 


"Your Highness," She continued, swi

Veling to face the girl. "I trust you are well, it is wonderful to see you out and about."
Geoffrey
*Mithanya found it funny at the thought that the Elerra seemingly assumed that Mithanya had not known about what was going on within and on the outside or borders of the kingdom, quite the contrary. Mithanya had a hand in even other kingdoms disputes. Instead of speaking however, she kept quite and gave an innocent smile. Mithanya had spies everywhere in Lazaroth, within the council, within the streets, within the walls of the castle even. Little spiders literally, whispered in her ear every day and were ever watchful. Never would she let harm openly come to her sisters or to the people of Lazaroth without it being her own will. She trusted no one, ever. That was one of her greatest strengths, and greatest weaknesses.* "I had indeed come by to see if any flowers had blossomed yet, It appears you are right that I am to early. Shame. I intended to bring some to my sister during my visit with her here in the next hour." 

*Yet, the hand of the queen was a excellent Matron, Mithanya knew she was loyal to her sister without a doubt. It was one of the many reasons she had been chosen for her role as hand. She respected her strength, her loyalty and her skill and ever endless pursuit of protection for her sister... Zaknafein, a loyal and strong soldier, yet a male. He was lucky to be in his position. Something Mithanya both detested and admired as a result. Of course she watched every member of the council, let alone anyone within the walls of the castle. She made it her own directive to ensure that no one could ever threaten Lazarothi royalty, the things she has done or had done to suspected traitors and 'evildoers' ... Were unspeakable.* 

"I have been well, how about yourself Elerra? It is good you have come across actually, I had a question for you if you could spare a moment sometime. When you can please come to my quarters." *The storm and thunder were growing closer, it may just rain soon.. Lovely Mithanya thought. Mithanya folded her hands into her ro

Bes as if she was relaxing with them in a more formal manner.*
Barbara
*He was inclined to think that she did indeed know how early or late flowers bloomed - if she had shown that level of thinking. Mithanya was not the sort of person to wait on such petty things as nature or proper preparation, which was a good reason to avoid her entirely if given the chance. Preparation for battle was often more impactful than the ebb and flow of the battle itself. With the right information and setup, a battle played itself out.*

"I am afraid it is much too early in the season, but had flowers been able to bloom, you would have them. Please give Matron Dhakashira my best when you see her, Your Highness." *Zaknafein's head bowed politely in deference to her, making sure there was no excuse for punishment in any move he made. Punishment came from being caught, and Zaknafein knew well how to cover his tracks. What Ashira had to do with her younger sister, he could not say - and perhaps that was a fabrication. She did not really require Mithanya for much, and it was not as if the girl was useful. But it was her word, and as such was beyond contestation.

His gaze refocused on Matron Elerra, the Hand. Being summoned by a girl that knew not what she did was not likely to sit well with her. Perhaps Mithanya thought herself intimidating, but that was not nearly enough to make it so. There was opportunity here, he thought - opportunity to begin sowing enough discord that he might not have to raise a finger himself.*

"We will discuss them soon, Matron Elerra." *He agreed amiably, making sure that he repeated her words well enough for Mithanya to catch on should she be paying any whit of attention. Information was being withheld from her, and what might have been a respectful comment was now a trap laid...*
Serena
Control of one's facial muscles was necessary when dealing with those unable to handle their own tongues. A less skilled woman might have allowed for a slight twitching at the corner of her eye at the Princess' disrespect. She was a practiced speaker, though, and her features remained unchanged at the question being returned her way. Summoning her to her quarters like an errand girl or lady's maid? Who did she think she was? Of course, she served the Matron and the Kingdom of Lazaroth, but that did not include running to the personal chambers of the Princess to take meetings. 

"I am also well, but busy all the same. I've found this moment to seek the solace of the garden and arrange one meeting but a good deal of my time is spent within the confines of my office where I am able to receive important missives." Perhaps if she explained the reasoning to the girl she might prevent such a mistake again in the future. "I would be happy to give you council, however, I must ask you to come see me at your convenience so that we do not lose any valuable time." 

Their talk of timing and flowers only mildly interested her. If only there had been a moment alone to talk with the Marshall. If only the girl would take a more active role in the Lazaroth Monarchy. It would be nice to have another capable of at least interacting with nobles and royalty from neighboring kingdoms but as it stood Ashira even mostly remained silent. That had not proven to be an issue, however. In fact, more had been learned than told as far as she was aware. 

"I suppose I must get back to it then," She said, expression still flat. "Your Highness," She said with a nod in the girl's direction. "Marshall," Another nod, this time with a moment of eye contact. Before anything further could be said she had turned, hoping to find sanctuary within the walls of her study as Zaknafein had sought his in the garden.
Geoffrey
*Slightly annoyed with Elerra, she did not catch the hint in the air that Mithanya gave in her tone, it was not an order, but an invitation. Something rarely given from Mithanya. If she did not want information, then Mithanya was happy to act alone in her stead. You see, Mithanya was happy with her role in things. She had influence, she had power and she had it all in secret. If she wanted a life she had but issue the command, there were few her fingers could not reach. No one would threaten Lazarothi royalty and her people, not while she lived. This was a vow she swore, the only one. The one she would forever uphold.*

*Mithanya unbeknownst to anyone short of those close to her knew what she truly did at night. Why she was always up, why she rarely slept. Mithanya often spoke at night, her involvement in politics you see, ran in the shadows of Lazaroth. She had infected it at the root and not just the worthless highborn who thought themselves untouchable. Members of their enlisted military drew to her words, shadowy businesses that had been here years existed because they worked in tandem with her now, hell she even had half the castle guard in her whispers. Every single one of them were practically radicals in their feverous pursuant loyalty to the crown and half now put in place by Mithanya herself. They were prepared to cut down anyone who would dare to threaten the queen or crown of Lazarothi.*

*Mithanya's tone had changed completely now, a total one eighty. Instead of the casual weak near young adult voice she portrayed to them both normally, she portrayed something creepy and dark, something now very nefarious. It was as if a evil voice had spoken up in a dark room at night when you believed you were alone.* "It is a shame, even with all your resources you are still blind. I expected better of you Elerra." *Also turning to leave and walk out. At least Mithanya knew how she felt and what she must do.* "It seems I must simply handle it myself, again." *Nimira quickly dots up to leave and follow in suit...*