As the guard captain brought the two men to the Queen's Quarters, and more specifically her lounge, the two guards they passed, one watching the door and the other just past it in the foyer area, there was a hint of increased protection in place. The door between the two guards had been reinforced, and there was evidence of magical strengthening in place as well. Neither of the guards commented much though, merely nodding and smiling as they stepped aside, the first guard having knocked on the door thrive before taking a moment before giving one last, smaller rap of her knuckles to it. The door had been opened by another guard, this one wearing a touch less covering leather outfit. Compared to the leather pants and vest on the first guard, her outfit was wrapped around her like a corset with a support to her bosom and leather covering it, but leaving her shoulders bare, and with a lighter bit of leather pulled down over her pelvis and up the back. Reminiscent of a leotard.<br/><br/>However, Tehr would recognize this particular guard as Jenna, one of the queen's guards that had indulged in some kinky play with the Queen and Tehr before, someone who wouldn't come running if the queen's screams weren't like she was being hurt, but something else.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">OOC Note on Jenna</div><div class="spoiler_body">This character hasn't been introduced before, she's just one of the guards, but now in a bit more important position hence describing her a bit more as is, as she's the one guard beyond the Guard Captain that is likely to be inside the queen's quarters, even if on the foyer area mainly.</div></div><br/><br/>Passing the young woman by, the two of them were soon left in peace in the lounge area, where the Duke looked about a bit curiously. The curtains before the windows were tough, strong cloth, the glass strengthened by a few runic markings along the edges, and the bookshelves besides the fireplace holding a number of books about history and stories alike. Looking about, he hummed briefly before smiling to Tehr.<strong>"The Queen's tastes appear to be rather modest for a woman of her station, though I must admit I rather like it. Nothing too ostentatious but the large bookshelves and the amount of hand-made books is speaking of a desire to know a fair bit, and a lady of her stature is wise to learn much of it,"</strong>he added calmly.<br/><br/><em><strong>"I have seen enough gaudy gift and decorations in my visits to the continent to know better than to decorate my own space with them. I want to relax and feel comfortable, not try to intimidate anyone I trust enough to allow here with signs of opulent wealth. Besides, what I have acquired is still of fine quality in itself."</strong></em>Walking in through the door that Lilian had passed a while ago, she smiled while stepping forward and offering her hand to the Duke who was quick to press a kiss upon it, earning a warm smile from her.<br/><br/><strong>"Your consort is a lucky man,"</strong>the Duke remarked a bit teasingly, looking at the Queen dressed in a tad less formal dress, the heavy skirt reaching down to cover her ankles, and the corset hugging her waist, but leaving her shoulders bare. She was wearing no real jewelry upon her person at the time, beyond a ring that Tehr had provided her, a ring that was quite useful for many a lady in these days. Though one that the Duke did not seem to notice.<br/><br/><em><strong>"Thank you for the compliment, but I would like to get down to business if we may? I would like you to tell me what has happened, and what you may not have been able to share in the court earlier."</strong></em>The queen spoke politely but seriously, glancing at Tehr as well and smiling to him happily.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">I imagine at this point the duke would recap what he told Tehr earlier, expanding slightly more on details on this perhaps but it would be a tad repetitive, so I figured we might take a small time-skip over the explanation if you like, and then carry on from there ? I am also thinking the Duke would likely be leaving soon after to leave Tehr and Queen alone, though Lilian is likely to arrive at some point to deliver some chilled wine kept at the Queen's quarters since having been checked prior to its delivery for any tampering, and then stored where it is safe. <br/><br/>If you'd prefer I expand upon the Duke's story above, I can.</div></div>