No noise came from the light footsteps that gently kissed the stone floor of the castle, adding to an already palpable silence that seemed to sink into the walls themselves. The footsteps came from a woman, straight-backed and fair haired. She carried a brown hide satchel, and wore a plain blue dress, a half-shoulder green cloak and hood her only protection from the intrusive frost of early morning. The cold was not impeding, however, her posture and sureness not betraying the slightest sign of inconvenience. Even as she crossed through a white-tipped garden, feet softly crunching across still sweet green grass, she did not shiver. On the contrary, she smiled, and slowed just enough to fully enjoy the blue delphiniums and blooming quinces. The fragrance of the flowers, mixed with the indescribable scent of a cold morning, brought her comfort. She longed to pause and sit on one of the many marble benches along the edges of the courtyard, but did not have the time. Instead, she hasted her step, once again swallowed by the stone walls of the castle.<br/>The inner parts of the keep were not unpleasant, but lacked the beauty and elegance of the gardens and terraces. Sconces containing flames brought warmth and light, and tapestries depicting great scenes of triumph and love were hung here and there, but it was not to this woman's tastes. She had always preferred the outdoors, even when compared to the lavishly decorated room of the Queen. The gift to sleep in that room, by the Queen's side, was no less of an honour, however.<span style="color: #008040">Emeline Vaughan</span>was no fool in that regard. As lady in waiting, the head at that, Emeline was granted a simple pallet bed to the corner of the room, should Queen Beatrice need anything in the night. Normally at this time, Emeline would already be waiting on Beatrice, the Queen. However, a week from the night previously, Emeline had been away from the castle for personal matters with her family.<br/>Emeline knew that today was a very important day, and that she had an important job. She also knew that if she didn't hurry, she would be late. No, Emeline was painfully aware of possible imminent failure. The Queen had graced her with the time off, on the condition that she returned the day before the first of January. Today was the  first of January, explaining the urgency of Emeline's steps. She didn't want to present herself as a liar, someone who did not keep their word. Her dedication to the Queen shouldn't be tarnished in any way.<br/>After an eternity of quiet stone halls, Emeline reached her destination, which was a dark oak, intricately carved door. She placed a small, childish hand on the handle and it swung open neatly. With no hesitation, Emeline stepped in, prepared to curtsy in forgiveness to Beatrice. "A thousand apologies, your High-" Emeline chanced a look up, and realized that the Queen was not in her quarters. Instead, there was a single cleaning maid, currently collecting the bed sheets to be washed.<br/>"She has already left, my lady," the servant said in a clipped, polite tone, bowing slightly as she continued to fold blankets. Emeline was not embarrassed by her rash entrance, but did feel a sting of annoyance.<br/>"Might I ask where her majesty is?" Emeline asked politely, eyes scanning the room as if the Queen would suddenly pop out of a closet or nook as some sort of cosmic joke. Unfortunately, that was not the case.<br/>"She has gone to his Majesty's quarters with the New Year's gift, my lady," the servant looked at Emeline for the respectful amount of time before turning to her task fully once again. A small smirk lay upon her face, fatefully hidden from Emeline. Emeline wasn't irreverently abusive of servants, but she did hold the belief of most nobles that they should remain in their place. Nobles were certainly not to be mocked.<br/>Immediately upon hearing the location of her Queen, Emeline spun to exit the room. Her heart was crushed from being unable to present the gift with Beatrice, but if she didn't tarry, she would be by her friend's side soon. Emeline thanked the servant as an afterthought, closing the door with an abrupt slam, so unlike the quiet beauty of before.<br/>Emeline's journey to the King's quarters was shorter than her first traversal of the castle, but nonetheless holding an air of urgency. It meant so much to her, to not disappoint the Queen, and be there for such important events. The thought of another, lesser lady in waiting doing her job prickled her skin. When Emeline arrived at the King's quarters, she found that the door was open, another lady standing at the portal. Emeline drew herself up, prepared to make an elaborate speech as to why she should stand at the door, being the head lady in waiting and all, but her fellow lady simply stepped aside with a nod. Emeline thought she detected the hint of a glower in the other girl's face, but was too proud of herself to confront her about it.<br/>Emeline glanced inside the door. Queen Beatrice was facing away from her, so that all she could see was the Queen's silky raven hair and beautifully embroidered dress. Despite Emeline's innate dislike for King Theodore (how could he have not adored Beatrice from the beginning?), she couldn't help but agree that their relationship had made Beatrice immensely happy, adding to her already existent beauty.<br/>Emeline hovered by the door, as replacement to the other lady in waiting. She swung like a pendulum. Did she have the audacity to go into the King's chamber without express permission? She did. Emeline entered quietly, her subdued body movements in submission to the two royals. She was ultimately furniture in front of the pair. the King and Queen appeared untouchable, like divine creatures, submissive only to the Lord Himself. Her impulses had brought her in to the room with these devines, but now she simply had nothing to do but glance at them reverently from her slightly bowed position. King Theodore's eyes were full of love and reverence for Beatrice, and Emeline couldn't help but feel a little jealous, presumably because it was unlikely that anyone could look at herself in that way. So she waited as a simple piece of furniture, patient until given orders by the Queen herself.