Page 17 of Consort's Dragon
Avera shook her head.“I’d rather eat in the dining hall, if that’s alright.”
Prielli blinked and appeared rather dumbstruck.
“Is that a problem?”
“No, it’s just the ladies of the court don’t tend to make an appearance until the midday meal.”
“I am not like other ladies.I prefer to start my day early and I don’t see a reason why you should have to climb those stairs fetching me food when I am perfectly capable of going to where the meal is prepared.”
“I don’t mind,” Prielli hastened to say.
“I do.I would have been down already, but I seem to have no clothes.”Prielli had absconded with the previous evening’s dress and the garderobe didn’t contain any garments.
“I have some ready for you.The seamstresses worked all night to ensure you had some suitable ensembles.I’ll fetch them.They’re waiting in your parlor.”
Before Avera could stop her, Prielli fled, and Avera wandered to the window to observe the waking city.She’d spent a quiet night—no murder attempts, although she did dream of a dragon.Not the one she’d seen in Verlora though.The one in her dream had been smaller and of a silvery, almost iridescent hue.Blame Titus with his ridiculous suggestion of hatching the eggs.
Absolutely preposterous.They were dangerous creatures and yet… She had to wonder if it would work.
Perhaps this book he’d mentioned would speak more on the subject.Assuming whoever wrote it did so with truth.Could be a tale of fiction meant for gullible folk.At the same time, Titus didn’t seem the type to be taken in by charlatanry.
Prielli scurried back in, arms full of clothing which she draped on the bed.“Does her majesty know what she’d like to do today?We have a gown perfect for lounging in the garden.This one is lovely for receiving visitors.”Prielli indicated one of yellow with sprigs of green as well as a mauve one with a daring neckline.
Avera’s eye was caught by a dark blue dress with an interesting skirt.“What of this one?”
“That is a riding habit.”
“The skirt is split,” she observed, noticing it had been sewn into a pair of voluminous legs.
“How else would you ride?”Prielli asked with a creased brow.
Rather than dumbly ask if women rode astride here, Avera assumed they must.How delightful.“I’ll wear this one, please,” she indicated, making her choice.
“Are you sure, majesty?I do not know if his eminence has assigned you a steed in the stable.”
For a second, Avera flashed to her horse left behind in Daerva.Luna had been her closest friend for years.She wondered how her horse fared.
“I wasn’t planning to ride, but I think this ensemble will be perfect for a walk to the city.I’d like to browse your bazaar.”
“Walk?”Once more, Prielli sounded shocked.
“It’s not that far and my legs could use some exercise after being cooped up on that ship.Or is walking frowned upon?”
“It’s allowed, majesty, it’s just…” Prielli paused before saying, “The ladies usually order a palanquin for transport.”
Avera’s nose wrinkled.“I’d rather not be carted around in a luxurious coffin.”
“Oh.”Prielli put a hand over her mouth but couldn’t completely hide her giggle.
Avera grinned.“No need to hide your mirth.I’d like us to be open with each other.It would be nice to have someone to call friend.I just hope you’ll excuse my unconventional nature.”
“It’s refreshing, majesty.”
“I don’t suppose you’d call me Avera in private?”She couldn’t help a wistful note.
“That wouldn’t be proper!”
“I know.”Avera sighed.“I just hate the pomp and ceremony all the time.I am a person like everyone else.”
