<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Queen Beatrice</span> felt her heart lighter with relief when Theodore seemed to like her gift. She knew he would like almost anything that came from her hands, true. But she wanted to give him something that really would please him, and had gotten the sword specifically made, using one of his other swords as a model as to make sure it was the exact size. And she had asked for the most exquisite item the weaponsmith could possibly create. The man had definitely followed her instructions to the letter, and had been generously repaid for his effort. Naturally, Beatrice knew what she actually wanted to give her King - a son and heir. But that was not in her hands, the Queen reminded herself. It was in the hands of the Lord, and he would send them a child when he saw fit.<br/><br/>Trying not to let the idea weigh in on her mind, Beatrice looked at Theodore with curiosity. She knew he would give her something carefully chosen, and that it would please her greatly. But her curiosity had made her wonder and imagine what it would be. Feeling her heart warm after the kiss, Beatrice smiled and looked on as Theodore held her gift. Curious like a child, the Queen smiled and opened the gift slowly. The way her eyes lit up was enough to make clear how much she had loved her gift. As to not leave any doubts, though, she took it gently from the King's hands and embraced him warmly. "My love. This is the best gift I could want. I shall play for you when we retreat into our chambers tonight", she promised, her voice vibrating with emotion.<br/><br/>It took the Queen a moment or two to notice that they were not alone, and she turned to look at her main lady-in-waiting. Stepping gently away from the King, Beatrice walked to the young woman and held her hands warmly. "My dear Emeline, I feared we would not have you for the New Year celebrations". It wasn't in any way a complaint, only a friendly comment, and she embraced Emeline right afterwards. "Happy New Year, sister. I have a little something for you in my chambers", she completed, planting a gentle kiss on the girl's cheek before releasing her from the embrace. She wondered for a moment where her brother could be, so she could find him to wish him a happy new year. <span style="font-style: italic">Hopefully not getting himself into trouble</span>, her mind added.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">Sir Jonas Saville</span> was relieved when he finally got hold of a messenger. He knew he was well respected, but after the events involving his son, his position was not, or at least he feared, as secure as it had once been. The man knew the only way to secure his position again was to get on the good side of the King. And for that - there was no doubt there - he needed to please both Theodore and his Queen, who, if he were to believe all the reports, was the light of the King's eyes. So, he had prepared something for both of them. For the King, he had commissioned a beautifully illuminate book on the history of weaponry, that he hoped would interest him. For the Queen, there was a counterpart, but on music, which he knew was a matter close to her heart. Both books had the names of their owners engraved at the cover along with the title, and he hoped they would help advance his position in court. While Sir Jonas worried about the King, <span style="color: #FF0000">Elizabeth</span>, his daughter, had other concerns. She had retreated into a small chamber the family used for meals and quiet moments, and written a short note that was sent via a messenger to Earl Wylyam Ramsay.<br/><br/>It read simply:<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-style: italic">"My dear Wylyam,<br/><br/>I hope you will allow me to present you with a small treat for a good new year when you have some time for me. I know it is not proper, but I wish to give you my present - albeit modest - in your presence, and in private, if at all possible. Please do let me know if you wish me to, and if so, where and when.<br/><br/>Yours truly, without any false formalities,<br/><br/>E. S."<br/></span></span><br/><br/>Meanwhile, elsewhere in the palace, <span style="color: #BF00FF">Mary Parkinson</span> prepared to start her day. She had been away from the festivities, out of loyalty for her mistress. Or in hopes that she would say anything at all that could be used to Mary's advantage in the future. It was unpleasant to lose the celebrations and all that implied, but at the same time, Mary knew that she could stand to gain something from it. So, instead of making her way to the main hall or any other more densely populated area, Mary made her way to her mistress' chambers and waited for her permission before entering with the already usual simple meal.<br/><br/>"May this new year bring happiness and forgiveness, my lady", she murmured respectfully. "I hope you fare well this morning?", the young woman completed, while opening the drapes to let the light in.</div>