<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #FF0000">Elizabeth</span>, <span style="color: #FF0000">Johanna</span>, <span style="color: #FF0000">Peter</span> and <span style="color: #FF0000">Sir Jonas Saville</span> would not linger in their chambers. They gathered in the room where, just a while ago, Elizabeth had written her secret letter, and talked for a few minutes. Sir Jonas, still concerned about his family’s position, advised all of his children - specially Peter - to be on their best behavior. Johanna, as usual, was Elizabeth’s responsibility, and she promised to take good care of her young sister and to keep her out of trouble. Not that she really had to, as Johanna was a good lass. But if her father felt better and more secure with her promise, she would give it.<br/><br/>After the brief conversation and getting dressed in their finest clothes, the family finally left to gather with the others in the Great Hall. They wanted to be there when the King arrived, and Elizabeth was hoping to be able to sneak a brief moment with Wil, just to hear him reassure her of his feelings.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF00FF">Mary Parkinson</span>, as always, had gotten up early so she could tend to her mistress. She had noticed that Lorna was not difficult to please. One reason was probably because, being in the process of serving penance, she had quite simple needs. And she could notice that, even in general, the woman didn’t seem to be a difficult one. For some people, this could spell the signs of a weak will. Mary thought differently. It took quite a lot of self-control not to show emotions or to appear displeased with anything. And she was sure that her mistress was an intelligent woman.<br/><br/>And she was happy to know that they would go have breakfast with the others. Of course, she would have stayed in had Lorna wanted to stay, as it was her assignment to be around her mistress. But seeing others was always good, and she could gather some ideas about how things were going on around the palace. Showing a bright smile, she waited for Lorna to finish readying herself while tidying up a bit here and there. <br/><br/>The young woman listened carefully to everything Lorna had to say. She knew she had a lot to learn, and Lorna seemed to be a good choice of teacher. Therefore, every word the woman uttered was listened to as a lesson. Once they reached the beautifully decorated great hall, Mary turned to her mistress to pay attention to her. It really was not very good not to have a gift for the King, but in Lorna’s circumstances, she wondered whether or not it would be the best thing to do. When she said she had a note, Mary hesitated a little. After a moment, she decided that she would only be a messenger, and therefore, not liable for whatever the note said. And thus she took the note, nodding respectfully. “I shall take it to His Majesty. Will you be well by yourself while I do as you have requested?”, the girl asked, not wanting to leave her duties aside.<br/><br/>In the King’s chambers, <span style="color: #FFFF00">Queen Beatrice</span> still kept close to her husband. She wondered whether or not he would wear his new sword, and even make use of it. It was tradition, after all, that all sorts of competitions would take place during the New Year celebrations. The one thing she hated was jousting. If she could avoid it, Queen Beatrice would never watch the jousting competitions, as she felt her heart jump at each clash of lances. It was part of the job, though. <br/><br/>Shaking her head, the Queen gestured for her lady in waiting, so they could go back to her chambers and give the new year gifts to all of her ladies. Once in her room, the Queen gifted each of her ladies a small piece of jewelry along with kind words and well wishes for the new year that started. After this cheerful moment, the Queen and her ladies finally made their way to the room at the back of the great hall. Hopefully, Beatrice thought, she would be able to spare a moment to speak to her brother and offer some advice on his behavior as soon as the ceremonial part of the morning ended. For now, though, she just had to take her place near her husband and be on his side while the peers presented their gifts and well wishes.</div>