She walked around for the first half hour going Wow, wow, wow and she barely even made it out of the living room. She opened the doors to the private balcony and gawked at the city for another ten minutes, ignoring the cold in the shock of splendor. And without her even asking, she received a service of Indian-style tea and snacks that would make Queen Victoria right at home.
     Her room, though smaller than the master bedroom, is beyond luxurious. She's never even seen a room that nice, let alone had the privilege of staying in it!
     Shoes off, socks on, she is settled on the sofa in a pair of sweats and an Oxford t-shirt and cardigan. Her black hair is piled up on her head, and she is reading a book as she sips her tea and snacks on a few cookies.
     She could spend hours reading. She doesn't notice the time that passes while waiting on her friend.

     The doors open and Gillian pops in, looking a bit harassed but thoroughly modern as she unties her scarf and flings it to one of the sofas. "Par! Are you still here? I'm sorry to take so long," she keeps moving, "but first it was getting my parents here and then it was getting them settled and then I had to pop in and see Balthazar." She pinkens a bit. "I'm here now, anyway. Did you eat?"
     She kicks off her shoes as if kicking off the dust of a city, with a vigor at the ankles, and she pulls her hair back in both hands and then lets it fall with a little sigh of exasperation. "Ugh! I need a shower. It's the stench of all that worry, you know. Anyway!"

     Parvati looks up from a chair near the balcony, the door closed because it's gotten chilly, and she closes her book and sets down her cup. "It's so good to see you. Oh! Did you know his motorcycle became a flying horse? And this place! Gillian! It is amazing. Where are we? Does it have a name? Oh, I ate a little dinner at home and then of course they bring snacks and tea. So!" Parvati smiles as you go pink. "You have to tell me the story. When did all of this happen, and how? Oh, and the room... this is better than any 5-star hotel I've ever seen on the internet. It's like an 8-star."
     After hugging you, Parvati settles back on the chair, pulling her feet up off the marble floor and tucking them against herself, sitting crosslegged. "And how did it go with your parents? I don't know why they'd be upset. Look at this place!"

     She grins at you an fluffs her hair back as she falls onto a couch after hugs. "One at a time!" Gillian laughs. "I didn't know, no, but we haven't gone for motorcycle rides. As for where we are, I'm not sure what they call it," she admits. "It's the seat of the High King's power, if that helps any. When did it happen... well, you know how I found out about the magic and all, you were largely, mostly in the know. I came to visit Maddie, and they were having problems, and - and we fought a bit, Balthazar and I did," she blushes a bit. "And we made up, and ... well, I still had feelings for him, y'know?"
     "The room is rather precious, isn't it?" She grins at you, looking almost mischievous and pushing her glasses up onto her nose further. "My parents? Well... more that me and Maddie've changed places, I guess. Well, not really changed places, but her being dumped and him being with me. She's okay with it, she's fine with it, really, but you know how parents are, the poor things, it's just too much change for them too fast." She grins ruefully. "I think that they might reconcile themselves to it because of the entire royalty angle, though."

     "This is amazing, this room. I hope you don't mind, but I gave myself the tour. Office, library room, guest room, and the bathroom is as big as our flat! And we have a nice flat." Parvati smiles as you begin to dish and she comes around to take up one of the other sofas. "He is very nice. Very gallant. And so... so handsome. He seems taller. So, have you peeked at his merchandise or are you being a good girl?"
     It's her turn to go pink. "I still cannot believe you drugged Bran and looked down his trou. Of course, he deserved it, but still. So," she grins, leaning in to you. "Tell me about him. Is he wonderful? Does he still write songs for you? Is he still romantic?"
     Parvati waves her hands, "Parents. They are all the same, never satisfied. But yes, money tends to talk, as you say. Or perceived class does at any rate. I'm glad Maddie is okay. That would suck if it caused some sort of family schism..."

     "Of course I don't mind." She grins, folding a leg under herself, hands in her lap. "He is taller." Gillian blushes. "No! No, I've been a good girl. I think it's better if I don't peek, you know? And I mean, it's not like it really went well with me and Bran, did it."
     She laughs again, sinking back against the cushions. "Nah, Maddie's fine, really. She's totally over it all. She performed here, did you hear? Like at the equivalent of their Superbowl's halftime show. So! Enough about that." With one hand she dismisses her family. "I wanted you here because - well, because we're friends, but also because this is a pretty awesome opportunity for you, y'know? If you're interested."

     "Aw, you must be in head over," Parvati smiles. "He is very polite. You will have to let me run him through a best friend's questionnaire, though. The Gauntlet," she grins.
     But then you move off of that. "Opportunity? What sort of opportunity?"

     "I am, I admit it. It's a little embarrassing, frankly, to catch myself sounding so much like somebody who reads romance novels." Gillian wrinkles her nose, unbuttoning her jacket. "Pres has been giving me no end of grief. OH!" Her eyes go huge and round. "I didn't tell you about Pres, did I?"
     She puts her hands down on her thighs. "Oh, opportunity. Mostly, well, there's the time thing for one, and for another, if you know, you want to do things which don't necessarily have anything to do with conventional London and Indian life. I mean, you might be happy there - I'm not saying you're not - but it's definitely nothing like parental obligations, is it?"

     Parvati smiles at you. "I was like that about Stuart. He was so dreamy, I would go on and on, I would write his name out and mine. I had to keep a book I was going to sell back because I wrote Mrs. Stuart Eastwood all in the margins," she smirks. "So don't feel bad."
     She sits up to retrieve her tea, sipping on the milky, sugary substance and taking another rosemary and lavender cookie to snack on. "You mean... I could stay if I wanted? Are you going to finish with Oxford, by the way? Or do they, I'm assuming so, have uni's here where you can finish your degree? Oops, I'm so messy," she bends down to pick up a crumb from the marble. "I mean, that would be awesome. I can't imagine being able to stay."
     Setting the remains of the cookie aside and taking another sip of her tea, Parvati smiles to you. "So what is your gossip on Preston? And you never answered about Balthazar being romantic. I want to know! Have you kissed him? If so, how does it feel? I want gossip!"

     "Of course I'm going to finish with Oxford! And they have universities here too. I," Gillian says firmly, "am going to get my master's and my doctorate from Oxford, while pursuing a degree course here. I have a lot of catching up to do, after all!"
     She folds her hands in her lap, blushing. "He is very romantic. He writes me songs, and he's a great hugger. And yes, we've kissed. Nothing more than that, he knows I want to be - you know," she lets it fill itself in, "when we get married. If we get married," she amends. "I hate to jinx it. He's so solid now! He's grown taller and he's really filled out. And he has armor, and a chariot, and swords, and he can fight!"
     She pinkens a bit further, then shrugs the rest of the way out of her jacket, draping it over the back of the couch. "Do you want gossip about Pres first, or do you want to hear the rest of my proposal first? Pick one."

     "Yeah, I don't remember him being as ... big before. I mean, he was tall and fit. I noticed. but he has changed. I am glad he is still sweet," she says. "Okay, proposal first, then gossip. I will be patient!" Grinning, Parvati settles on the sofa, legs folding beneath her. "So, what are you proposing and...wow... that sounds like a lot, but knowing you," she chuckles, "...you will do just fine. You are so brilliant!"

     "He is very sweet. Annnnd," Gillian grins at you, "he's the High King's son, although he's not the heir to the throne. However, he's got a throne of his own - he's called the Sun King. And he's going to be building a kingdom."
     She fans herself with one hand, then grins at you again. "So," she says cheerfully, "you are friends with a possible future Queen, and able to get in on the ground floor of building an entire kingdom. I'm sure one of the things he could use would be a minister of public health or something like that, right? And you'd get to learn about the magical forms of healing as well as what you've been learning, and how to treat races other than human, which sounds like the sort of challenge that would be right up your alley! Plus, it wouldn't be as bad as you might think. You see, there's a - a time delay, between here and there. About ten days go by here to every day there. You see why I feel so confident I can do both!"

     Parvati's eyes bug out and she waves her hand in front of her head as she chews her cookie and then swallows. "He's a king? Okay, it is good that I'm sitting down because I would have fallen on my arse. That's unbelievable. Uh... wow. The Sun King. I will have to look up Sun Kings tomorrow to see what they do. Has he talked to you about it? I mean, what sort of kingdom he's going to build? I am just... it would be... amazing to be a part of whatever it is. I mean, to be in a place like this? Over London? Are you kidding me? I'll move now!" she laughs.
     "How do you keep up with the time? Do you have a watch that works here and there? That's an interesting ratio. I guess you'd get used to it. It would be nice to be constantly ten days ahead. I could get so much more done..."

     She laughs at your reaction. "Yeah, it's - hard to take in, isn't it? I know I was pretty shocked." Gillian gets up to go over to the drinks cabinet, mixing herself a cocktail somewhat distractedly. "Do you want one? And I don't have a watch. They gave me a smartphone - I can even check my email, so I've been using that - the timestamps - to figure it out."

     "That would be...amazing, yes. I would love a smartphone - this will require a lot of organization." She pauses, grinning. "This is all so ...weird but cool, you know? I am ... just really excited. I would love to join you," she smiles to her friend, brightness in her eyes. "To be the official doctor of Queen Gillian? Are you kidding me?" She laughs, hands to her face. "I was so worried that we would graduate and never see one another again! And now... this is just so amazing."
     Up on her knees in an instant, Parvati claps her hands. "Yes! A drink. Let's celebrate a brand new world. What do you know about it? Customs, culture...is it very different from London or America?"

     "Well, I'm not a queen yet! But I do think that if I'm going to be one - if there's going to be a kingdom - he hasn't talked to me much, but we've begun talking about things, we're going to be planning it together." Gillian beams at that. It is, in some ways, miles more romantic to her than any number of songs written. "And definitely one of the things we'll want to be thinking about, keeping an eye on, is the health of the people who come into this kingdom, and we'd need someone who can be sensitive to the possibility of different cultural issues, ones we'd never think of or even dream of. And you're rather uniquely qualified for that, aren't you?"
     She carries a pair of glasses filled with ice, crushed mint, rum and sugar water and carbonation over, setting them down and then returning to a table to pick up a handful of books. "I'm still getting stuck into it," Gillian admits. "There's a lot of cultures here - a lot. Take earth's cultures and multiply by a thousand, and you're starting to get the idea. So far I'm still pretty insulated from it - where we are, it's a bit of a melting pot, but we're also mostly dealing with the so-called upper classes. Merchant class on up, you know? And there is a big class divide, although so far the royal family works on a bit of a meritocracy, so there's fewer closed doors here than elsewhere. Tell you what, want me to call in my seneschal? He can answer questions for us."

     Parvati accepts the drink with a smile and settles back again. "A mojito, yummy," she says. "You will be queen, I'm quite confident. And a very good one, I might add. And that is horribly romantic...planning it together. Has he... mentioned marriage? Are you courting officially? I'm guessing so," she smiles, looking around, "...by the quality of these chambers! I will advise him on ring choices. You must tell me what you want."
     She listens as you explain, nodding as she listens. "So is it built on mid-Medieval or High Medieval systems? How technologically advanced? I guess, since it's a place of myth and magic, technology might not count for much. What have you seen?" Parvati sits forward. "You have your own officer of the court? Well," she catches herself and grins, "... of course you do. I would love to hear more, if you don't mind. I need a crash course so I can catch up!"

     "We're courting officially." Gillian blushes self-consciously. "And oh, I don't know, about rings. Anything, really. Diamonds, of course. I do like diamonds." She sighs. "I suppose I'm ridiculously traditional at heart, aren't I? But he doesn't seem to mind. Thank goodness for that."
     "It doesn't seem truly built on either," Gillian answers uncertainly, "but sort of ... a mixture. I've been trying to figure it out and I don't really - I haven't managed so far. I think early medieval or possibly just barely pre-medieval, but with certain and surprising enlightened twists. Hold on, we'll get him in here to explain." She rises after another sip of her drink, then heads to the bellrope. "And of course I don't mind. I need the crash course probably at least as much as you do!" She yanks on the rope with possibly more vigor than necessary.

     "He has always been or seemed smitten with you. I remember the flowers," she smiles. "I will invite him for lunch and talk to him. Let me know if there's anything you're dying to know but are too polite to ask. I will ask it," she laughs as she pauses her line of questioning to sip at the sweet rummy minty goodness.
     Moments after the golden rope is pulled, the front door to her chamber is unlocked and opened. Through it, a sharply dressed, modern male secretary (on the surface) appears, wearing a navy suit with royal insignia. He is probably 5'8", or thereabouts, and is trim and somewhere, it appears, in his mid-20s. He has dark hair and blue-grey eyes and looks, on the surface, to be human. "Yes, Lady Gillian. What may I do for you?" He glances to the guest. "Miss Parvati," he nods to her and then turns back to his mistress.
     Parvati pauses then bobs her head and wiggles her fingers in a slow wave. "Hi..."

     "Hi Gavin," Gillian greets, smiling cheerfully. "Sorry to call you in at this late hour. Parvati and I have been discussing things, and we both have a great many questions which we were hoping you'd be able to answer. Please, make yourself comfortable and if you need anything or would like a drink, do help yourself."
     She has the modern American upper class touch; making it plain there's work to be done but being gracious about it, offering any comforts needed to make the work less burdensome without surrendering her authority. "So, first of all, we were wondering about the system of government in the high kingdom, what method of justice, law and taxes is in use," Gillian says pleasantly. "And, with that in mind, whether the individual kingdoms are bound to use the same set of laws, or if they use their own, provided they pay taxes. Par? Anything to add to that for now?"

     "We're from ... a very different place," Parvati explains. "So are curious about the forms of government, is there a centralized, almost federal system of laws from the High King that supersede local or national law. Is it a confederation or...?"
     Gavin takes a seat upon an available upholstered slipper chair. He waves away the offer of a drink as he looks to you both. "There are over a thousand kingdoms and baronies, earldoms, et cetera. I believe twelve-hundred and forty at the last census, each with their own rulings and forms of government. Monarchy is the most typical form of government, but there have been democratic republics, oligarchies, and there are yet a handful of theocracies, though they are very small. Theocracies have a difficult time adapting to large administrative systems. And while certainly the High King does rule based on monarchy, it is an enlightened one. The Capitol City is administered by a Council and it has a ...supreme court, if you will," he explains easily, using terminology more familiar to you both, "...that handles the various adjudications. Laws are both created by municipal leaders, but again must subordinate to the Crown where there are differences in law. The High King has ultimate adjudication, should it be necessary. However, he has instituted trial by jury throughout his territories and has encouraged others to do the same. A good many of the territories actually employ trial by jury, habeas corpus and other laws that have grown out of the Middle Ages and Renaissance through the Age of Enlightenment."
     Gavin pauses to let the two of you consider what he says, catch up if needed, and to formulate additional questions.

     She listens in silence, sipping from her drink and looking at Gavin with utmost attention. "How do you know if the individual kingdoms are keeping to the higher law? Do you maintain spies, or rely upon word of mouth, or...? For that matter, is there a feudal system in place, or something else?"
     It's no difficulty to come up with questions. The difficulty will be getting her to stop. "What about equality of the sexes, of the various races? And what is the dominant race, here in the capitol? Is it human or one of the other races? For that matter, what are say, the top three most powerful races in this particular kingdom?"

     Gavin smiles a little, grey eyes bright. "His majesty employs any number of methods. Spies, diplomats, emissaries. He appeals to the ... better nature, to a higher order of consciousness. Not all are able to follow, but most do a relatively good job. He largely leaves it to the kingdoms to sort out. However, when issues arise that are untenable, he uses trade, spies, his military, and the force of treaties to restore wild places to the work of the Greater Good. It's not feudal in the most traditional sense, though there are a series of treaties, agreements in place. In return for the lawfulness and order that the High Kingship provides, which provides for the better prosperity of all, the kingdoms contribute funds, their best and brightest and also pledge military support if and when and where needed. But feudalism is probably close enough a definition."
     He glances to Parvati, who is now jotting down notes. "There is equality of the sexes. Some are better at it than others, but here in the Capitol City a woman may be whatever she wishes to be, same as a man, and vice versa. There are societies that are matrilineal and maternal versus paternal. The dominant race in the Capitol ...there are several. Humans and humanoid fairies are the most common, followed by a collection of Myths." He smiles. "Spirits, demigods from a variety of cultures. Not everyone has magic, but everyone is of spirit and matter. Even as you are. if you both were not of spirit, you could not exist here. And then of course there are the angelic or those from higher orders of this universe, such as Queen Zafirah. She is an houri, one of the fabled virgin muses of Islam. Balthazar and Gruffydd are the only male houri to have existed, born of a marriage of Queen Zafirah and their human, but very magical and fairy-blessed father, High King Iowerth."
     He does accept a drink finally: a glass of water. Which he pours himself. "It is difficult to really name all of the races. Anyone or anything that has existed in dreams, in myths, in legends, in history, still exist. Camelot and Avalon are located here, in between the kingdoms of the former High King, Davydd ap Owain, known here as Dafydd I, and Queen Mother, Fiona. There is also Asgard. The Happy Hunting Grounds." He pauses. "In essence, ladies, this place is physically made of and from the countless dreams and wishes and hopes of millennia of humans. It is physical and spiritual, ethereal, fantasy but while you are here, it is as real as London, as real as Boston," he says, looking to each of you in turn.

     Gillian doesn't take notes; she's relying on her memory despite the alcohol she's imbibed. That and reviewing Parvati's notes later. "So there do exist soulless beings? Though it's nice to have it confirmed that we've got souls - well. If souls and spirits are the same thing."
     She rubs her forehead. "So how many people are familiar with where we come from? Because I know M- Lady Elaine's introduced herself as being from America, and nobody's really seemed to know where that is. They all take it that it's another kingdom under King Iowerth, one that must just not be very important if they haven't heard of it."

     "Not many. There aren't that many who have the ability to go back and forth between realms, universes, what have you. And fewer still who have either the inclination or the interest. That and really unless one is proficient or gifted, it can be a risky endeavor. Now, you have had expert guides, yes? But if you did not, crossing between the two could be treacherous unless you are using a previously opened doorway. There are soulless creatures. Heaven exists, yes. But so does Hell. And there is not one kind of heaven; and there is not one kind of hell."
     Parvati glances up from her notes. "So a ...Hindi view of hell, if it existed, would exist?"
     "I have not personally seen it," Gavin notes, "...but I would expect it would, yes. And I think that is a reasonable assumption, Lady Gillian. And one that is likely to your advantage, as well as Lady Elaine's. It is not a bad thing, anonymity and under-appreciation."

     "Oh, I'm not complaining. It just is useful to know what point others are coming from." Gillian smiles, sipping her drink and curling against the arm of the sofa. "Besides, I can't imagine I'll get to keep very much anonymity for very long, between my entrance to society, my entrance to the university, and my relationship with Balthazar. Speaking of society."
     She looks to Parvati, then to Gavin. "I want to give Parvati some sort of ... official position or official title or something, which makes it clear she and I are allied together, something where insulting her is the same as insulting me, et cetera. What are our options for that?" To Parvati she half-apologizes, "It'll mean you'll get some flak for being friends with me, but it also means that you'll have more resources and protection to draw on, I think, in some ways. It might help."

     "You don't have to explain to me," Parvati smiles to her friend. "I'm not worried about flak..."
     Gavin smiles a little. He didn't suspect complaint. Finishing his drink, he glances to both young ladies. "Hmm... well, certainly one may be devised. The Sun King can bestow whatever title he sees fit, no less than the High King. There may be a phrase in his Angelic or Persian that would be able to serve as a title in name. Since you have yet to receive a title, Lady Gillian, it is difficult to know what the subordinate of it would be." Because obviously, Parvati would not be a queen.
     "I suspect he may go with the Raja titular family," Gavin continues after a moment's thought, "...because of his affinity for his mother's cultures and his own nature. I could be wrong, however. I think it is a good idea. I would suggest you speak directly to the Sun King." He smiles. "You have more influence with him than I, being the woman he loves. I should think, given his nature, that he would grant you your request..."
     "I do have family history from India. I'm Hindu," Parvati explains. "So if nothing else," she says more to Gillian than her seneschal, "... we can pick something from the mythology there and run with it."

     "I'll definitely talk to him," Gillian agrees. She gives Parvati a mischievous look. "You never know, you could turn out to have family over here, you know. After all, we did try going to your aunt for answers about magic and the supernatural, didn't we? Even if it didn't turn out."
     She settles back in her seat with her glass, which by now is almost empty. "What's the Raja titular family? And, Gavin, since you've been here since long before we have, what would you say the top ... mmm, three threats right now to us, me and Parvati, I mean, would be?"

     Parvati smiles, "Wouldn't that be funny? My aunt is a seer. She mumbles to the deva all the time."
     Gavin smiles pleasantly. "You are both relatively new, and so the threats, particularly to Parvati, are relatively minor and those of association. Whatever attempts are made at you," he says to Gillian, "...regarding your reputation or standing, would likely affect you," he looks to Parvati, "...to some extent. However, I think right now the bigger challenge, more than threat, is how to establish yourself to the best benefit. Having some sort of title could help, particularly if you were the first official addition to the Sun King's court after Gillian. You do not want to be too subservient. You will not want them to think you are doing your friend's laundry, but it will be a delicate dance as you first begin to learn the customs around you and establish yourself."
     Turning his attention to Gillian, Gavin says, "The greatest threat to you at the moment, and until your wedding, is in navigating the political landscape of the high court, while being the center, epicenter, if you will, of the most hotly contested courtship battle in the united kingdom's recent history. His Majesty, High King Iowerth's courtship was tame in comparison. His eldest son, our future king, Gruffydd, never went through the official courtship battles, having met the future High Queen, Maria, on his first state visit and tour. His Majesty, the Sun King, therefore, has been the first son who has been considered and perceived to be available to noble or royal prospects. With the announcement of your courtship, yes, your anonymity went out the window. There are many, notably Lady Imogen, who had thought themselves to be front-runners in the line. Now, you are the only one in line, and after a brief and then interrupted courtship season. There were many who believed that he was, in fact, courting Lady Elaine and after his ascension to his own crown was actively looking for a queen. When it was announced that he would not entertain offers, the court relaxed somewhat to regroup and plan their next move. And then... it was announced that you were being courted by him, officially, with the blessings of the High King. So I would expect that there are families who will want to disrupt that. Duchess of Rosewood, Imogen's mother, has been unwilling to accept that her daughter, Balthazar's adolescent sweetheart, would not end up as his queen. There may be plans to discredit you, undermine your efforts. However, from what I have heard, you set the tone at the court breakfast and they are now having to rethink their strategies. Right now, I believe that to be the principle threat. I think there are some who are suspicious of the newcomers at court, previously unknown, holding such influence. There are long-standing families with diplomatic ties to the Crown who are suddenly finding themselves on the outside looking in."
     Glancing to Parvati, Gavin notes, "...That is where you will have to be most careful, Miss Parvati..."

     Gillian's lips twitch in some amusement. "Yes, well, I thought it best to make it absolutely clear up front as to where I stood." She stands up, looking thoughtfully off into space. "So, obviously I need to court some alliances. Apart from Rosewood, who stands the most to gain by discrediting me who also happens to have daughters around my age? Give me, say, ten names - or rather, I'll trust you to compile the names. Make it fifteen names; cross-reference them for how many of them know each other and how many have brothers around the same age range who are at court. Pad the list with another ten each men and women of the right age and social standing and invite all of them on my behalf to an informal beach party to take place five days after the coronation. Here's a list of things I'll need you to arrange, Gavin."
     She paces back and forth, movement helping her think. "One large pavilion tent, big enough to hold one hundred, after you add in the various guards and attendants they're likely to drag along, plus o course the servants who'll be necessary to handle this. Two smaller tents, one for supplies and the other for any sort of sanitary purposes - if there's magic to handle that, that should be arranged for, of course. Two bonfires, both at enough distance from the tents that no 'accidents' can occur unless someone is obviously causing it to occur. Two hundred lobsters, six whole suckling pigs for roasting, fifty pounds each of fresh mangos, coconuts, papayas and plantains. One hundred pounds each of fresh clams, oysters, mussels and periwinkles. The rest of the dishes, leave up to whichever cooks you can find or hire for it, but tell them to work with that theme. There should be champagne and rum-based cocktails. Add in for guests - obviously - the royal family and anyone they care to bring as guests. Anyone who is musically gifted is invited to bring instruments, provided they're of a portable nature, and it will be held mostly outside if it's a clear evening and under the tents if it isn't."
     She sits back down companionably. "The ordering and seating of things should be set up so that single young ladies and gentlemen end up meeting those they haven't previously, with an eye to them hitting it off. If they get a bit tipsy and run off with one another so much the better - I won't count on that, but it may happen, especially with Balthazar there. There will be a minimum of one such event per month, sponsored by me with whatever titles Balthazar feels appropriate, for every month of our courtship. Also let it be known - unofficially, through the usual channels, which I'm sure you know," she grins demurely at Gavin, "that I'm currently examining who to choose for my official retinue. If you can add that what with my newness at court and all, it's a cinch that whoever's shrewd enough to get on my good side will have a hand in helping to set public policy for the Sun King in future, that should provide interesting results and might knock a few more out of the 'going for Balthazar themselves' line. Par, did I miss anything obvious?"

     Parvati has to stifle a giggle and she beams with impish delight. "No, I think that about takes care of it. It's brilliant. And! It sounds like wonderful fun. And Balthazar, himself, should he care to, could provide entertainment. Beach blanket bingo, here we come..."
     Gavin absorbs the information, rising as his mistress begins outlining her plan. He removes a smartphone from his own pocket and transcribes as she speaks. His mouth curves just at the corners, glancing up to look at his mistress. "Of course, My Lady. Consider it done. I will begin the cross-referencing tonight and will provide you with a report tomorrow over breakfast. Along with additional details about the various provinces, just for your information. I had a copy of the royal atlas provided for your own library this morning. I will be sure to cross-reference it with that enumeration so you can put puzzle pieces to faces and faces to trade benefit. Will there be anything else tonight, My Lady? Any changes to your schedule?"

     "Ex-cellent." Gillian grins recklessly. "No changes for now; I'll speak with Balthazar in the morning. Thank you, Gavin, I'll keep you posted about any changes." She puts down her drink and turns to Parvati. "Oh! And talk to Gavin about scheduling time with a tailor. Get what you want. I'll talk to Balthazar about ways for me to make enough money to keep us in style, too."

     Gavin smiles slightly. "With pleasure, My Lady. Have a pleasant evening." And with that, he departs.
     "Okay, is it wrong of me, or is he hot?" Parvati says after Gavin is out of earshot. "I love the beach party idea. And as for a tailor, sure. Um... so... what is the currency here, anyway? Is there a way to convert what I have? Well," she waves, "...we can talk about that in the morning. No need to worry about it now." Parvati sighs with a smile. "I am so glad to be here. Thank you, Gillian. I mean, who knew that when we met about the flat that it would have turned into this?"

     She looks a bit surprised. "Is he?" Gillian blushes. "I, um. I didn't notice. I don't tend to, you know, very much at the best of times, and, well..." She shakes her head briskly. "Do you want me to ask Balthazar about him? I don't know, myself, but I do know that some people from titled families do end up in roles like his."
     She exhales. "Anyway, I'll ask, and as for currency, so far I'm pretty much on their dime, which I'm not too keen on, so we'll see if we can't find a way to make money for ourselves. I'd feel better about it, and I figure you probably would too." She grins mischievously. "Who knew? But here we are. And there's no going back now."

Posted by rowan at February 19, 2010 08:50 AM