The Court of Their Royal Highnesses Queen Marie and King Nicholas.

Yes it is worth it. No-one knows more than I what simple family squabbles can lead to if left to fester. You shall make up now, or both of you shall be banished *Smiles in half-jest*.

And yes I do realize that. Will you still wish to be the King of Scotlan when my hair is grey and I walk with a stoop?

I shall still wish to be your husband *smiles*



I will make amends with my brother, but I do not like you flirting with him, tis not right.

It is what I have had to do my whole life, even with my father-in-law. Flirting is one of the least painful things I've had to do. And if you trust me, there shall be no problems!

I do trust you.

But I do not like you having to endure this on my behalf

'Tis not on your behalf. 'Tis for me and the safety of mine Kingdom. And he is handsome and charming. He lacks your polish but he's much more ... manly.

So you enjoy flirting with him then *lips crease in a deep frown*

Oh, Nicholas. How could you say such a thing? We are not even married and you are already accusing him.

No, I find him attractive but he is leering. Where you are polite, he is rough. Flirting with him is like a fight.

Marie!
I recall now that when the pope invested me as Emperor, he made me a Canon of the Church!

Marie, I trust you and I love you, but I do not like this.

*looks away from Marie, not wanting to argue in front of guests*


Emperor, doth this mean you can marry us?

*Whispers to Nicholas* I understand, and shall obey my husband in all things.

*Elizabeth, looking as radiant as ever dances around the court.

Merriment and beauty seem to simply exude from her in a way like no other.*

Hello, Grand-mama! Refreshment?

*smiles at Marie, but wonders if they are empty words*


My Lady Woodville *Nicholas smiles widely and fondly* Too long it has been since mine eyes hath lain upon you! How art thou?

Marie, Nicholas, you're both looking wonderful.

*Elizabeth waves around her arm beckoning it to be kissed. Elizabeth always was a very haughty woman.*

I am fairing well enough, I have been journeying far and wide across the country.

Tell us of your travels then if you will ?


*Nicholas is genuinely glad to see her and for her interuption from thoughts of his brother*

I travelled north, I wanted to travel by boat, in order to get closest to the one thing I've spent my whole life marvelling in. The oceans.

*Elizabeth's voice changes into a sort of story telling voice*

It would go on for miles, and miles.

Pure, untainted, untouched water - naive by the sins of man.

A remarkable spectre, reminiscent of Melusine herself.

*Nicholas smiles understanding well what the sea meant to her and also remembering his days at sea*

I am so very pleased for you, and so very pleased to have you back amoung us.

*in her presence it seems all his worries and troubles are washed away with in her light*

*Elizabeth beams one of her dazzling-drop-dead-gorgeous smiles*

Yes, have you and Marie wedded yet?
I hope not. I greatly wish to be there!

How is the Lady anyway?

No we have not yet *Nicholas sort of sighs whistfully* soon I hope. It wuld be wonderful if you culd attend.

She is well, busy, but well

I am certain it will be a day to remember regaurdless.

*Elizabeth winks, knowning she needn't not*

*smiles* I am sure you are right

*Smiles at Elizabeth for lightening the mood, but keeps quiet. Neither of them will wish to hear her opinions on the Sea. Dreaded hell-hole that it is*.

Well, Sir Nicholas, while I am not a priest canons do have certain clerical rights. To be safe, though, shall I send for my confessor? I would be honored to assist.

*his face lights up like a child at Christmas* Emperor that wuldst please me very much.

*he conciders for a moment, his expression not quite as bright as it was* But I shall leave that up to Marie to decide.