The shimmering lace of Lyra's shroud flickered in the darkness as it quickly whipped around in a quick motion.  The warm breath against her ear caused the scared handmaiden to almost jump out of her skin as she began to back away from him.  His form was so intimidating that she felt paralyzed for the briefest of moments.  It was as if time slowed as each second felt like it lasted for hours at time.<br/><br/>Slowly, the handmaiden got the wits about her and she was able to return to her normal form.  Peeling her swirling eyes away from him, she dropped them to the floor along with a curtsy before him.  Holding it longer than normal, she slowly rose to a standing attention with her eyes on the floor before her as she was unable to look at him.<br/><br/>"Sir....The Princess......She is........She is......ready to see you now....."<br/><br/>Lyra's words were so soft and weak that a gust of wind could take them away from her or that they could be taken away without ever being heard.  The young handmaiden trembled before him and truly hoped that he would remain cordial or at least positive with her.