<strong>"How wonderful,"</strong>King James drolled and she got the impression he was already losing interest in her.  This might be a good thing or bad.<strong>"Why don't you speak with my friend Jace here.  I'm a busy man you understand." </strong>He simply turned and began speaking to another courtier, a fat older man who was simpering in his delivery.<br/><br/>Jace smoothly slid in and took Celes's elbow and guided her away from the king saying,<strong> "So lovely to meet you m'lady d'Vynar.  You must tell me all about yourself.  I'm dying to know those that would serve the king."</strong><br/><br/>Celes got a slight chill up her spine and she had the feeling that anything said to this man would be remembered and scrutinized in the greatest detail.  Making an escape might be prudent.  The whole situation felt much like walking into a trap, like a forest clearing where all noises suddenly ceased.  She glanced about seeking her escape.  There was the gaggle of noblewomen, now five in number, the lord ir'Wynt and Von Gunnerkrig still chatting quietly.  There also was a pair of young men, swords on their hips who were leaning into each other and whispering quietly.  Celes hadn't noticed them when she first entered because they were taking care to remain mostly hidden by the plants in this solarium.  They weren't exactly being secretive... just...separate.   Everyone else in the solarium was either waiting to talk to the king, or far too close for her to make her escape.