Belle French-Gold

mrs-belle-gold​:

The King smiled in pure pride.

“He was. You should have seen him triumphing of his enemies. I almost pity the country which would declare war on us,” he replied. 

Belle smiled. There was an opportunity to start the discussion about the Ogres here, but she decided to leave it. It wasn’t worth it to make George upset so early in the visit.

“Your army would be a formidable force on the battlefield.” She said diplomatically.

George turned a proud look toward Belle.

“As your ancestors realised a few centuries ago,” he told Belle. “But of course, we are at peace now. A good thing for our countries.”

Belle chuckled. “Knowing the knights leading our army, I can assure you that is a good thing.” She said. She knew a few who would personally like to wring George’s neck. It would be a good day for international relations when David became king.

“I heard you had your father’s crown jewels restored recently.” Belle said. “I’d love to see them if there’s time during the visit.”

King Georges nodded.

“Of course, Princess Belle. I have them prepared for David’s crowning day. The boy needs to shine.”

A fleeting smile flashed on his face, full of parental pride, as he glanced to his son.

“Don’t tell him but I have a new crowning cloak prepared as well.”

“I was always partial to your mother’s cloak.” She said. “The workmanship is exquisite. It’s delicate but still rich and simple at the same time.”

King George nodded.

“We are reproducing this pattern on his cloak, mixed with mine.”

"Very fitting." Belle said as the first course was served.

The dinner was too long, and talking to George was exhausting. She kept her best smile on her face though, this was her job.

Raistlin happened to be seated next to the minister for agriculture. From their animated discussion during dinner, they seemed to have a lot to talk about. Belle sat on the bed to remove her shoes when they got back to the room.

"You seemed to have a lot better time than I did." She remarked, amused. "What did you talk about?"

mrs-belle-gold​:

The King smiled in pure pride.

“He was. You should have seen him triumphing of his enemies. I almost pity the country which would declare war on us,” he replied. 

Belle smiled. There was an opportunity to start the discussion about the Ogres here, but she decided to leave it. It wasn’t worth it to make George upset so early in the visit.

“Your army would be a formidable force on the battlefield.” She said diplomatically.

George turned a proud look toward Belle.

“As your ancestors realised a few centuries ago,” he told Belle. “But of course, we are at peace now. A good thing for our countries.”

Belle chuckled. “Knowing the knights leading our army, I can assure you that is a good thing.” She said. She knew a few who would personally like to wring George’s neck. It would be a good day for international relations when David became king.

“I heard you had your father’s crown jewels restored recently.” Belle said. “I’d love to see them if there’s time during the visit.”

King Georges nodded.

“Of course, Princess Belle. I have them prepared for David’s crowning day. The boy needs to shine.”

A fleeting smile flashed on his face, full of parental pride, as he glanced to his son.

“Don’t tell him but I have a new crowning cloak prepared as well.”

"I was always partial to your mother's cloak." She said. "The workmanship is exquisite. It's delicate but still rich and simple at the same time."

mrs-belle-gold​:

The King smiled in pure pride.

“He was. You should have seen him triumphing of his enemies. I almost pity the country which would declare war on us,” he replied. 

Belle smiled. There was an opportunity to start the discussion about the Ogres here, but she decided to leave it. It wasn’t worth it to make George upset so early in the visit.

“Your army would be a formidable force on the battlefield.” She said diplomatically.

George turned a proud look toward Belle.

“As your ancestors realised a few centuries ago,” he told Belle. “But of course, we are at peace now. A good thing for our countries.”

Belle chuckled. "Knowing the knights leading our army, I can assure you that is a good thing." She said. She knew a few who would personally like to wring George's neck. It would be a good day for international relations when David became king.

"I heard you had your father's crown jewels restored recently." Belle said. "I'd love to see them if there's time during the visit."

mrs-belle-gold​:

The King smiled in pure pride.

“He was. You should have seen him triumphing of his enemies. I almost pity the country which would declare war on us,” he replied. 

Belle smiled. There was an opportunity to start the discussion about the Ogres here, but she decided to leave it. It wasn't worth it to make George upset so early in the visit.

"Your army would be a formidable force on the battlefield." She said diplomatically.

mrs-belle-gold​:

King George gave Belle a polite and definitely pinched. 

“Right. Thank you for your invitation, Princess Belle.”

He couldn’t be outright rude but he definitely would prefer a cancellation of the wedding, or at least, not invited. He glared at his son who nodded politely back. 

Oh God, this was going to be a long dinner. Well, nothing to be done about it. She had to get something from them, so the best course of action was to be polite.

“How was the tourney for David’ nameday?” She asked. “I’m sad to have missed it.”

George smiled genuinely, his eyed filled with the pride of a father as he mentioned his son.

“It was a nice tourney and David presided it well. He has the charisma of a King, already. Sir Frederick won it. You may know him, he is King Midas’ son in law, from the Aurum Island.”

"He's a very skilled swordsman." Belle remarked. "And I'm sure David was in his element."

mrs-belle-gold​:

King George gave Belle a polite and definitely pinched. 

“Right. Thank you for your invitation, Princess Belle.”

He couldn’t be outright rude but he definitely would prefer a cancellation of the wedding, or at least, not invited. He glared at his son who nodded politely back. 

Oh God, this was going to be a long dinner. Well, nothing to be done about it. She had to get something from them, so the best course of action was to be polite.

"How was the tourney for David' nameday?" She asked. "I'm sad to have missed it."

mrs-belle-gold​:

Raistlin led Belle to her horse, gave her a little kiss on the knuckles before he went to sit into the carriage.

Belle squeezed his hand before he left, grateful that he’d thought of this. She loved the bracing chill of the Misthaven air, and she was excited to ride. The stablemaster had selected a horse for her she’d ridden before, a beautiful but sturdy stallion who looked vaguely like Philippe.

They rode most of the day, taking a break for lunch to let the horses rest, and arrived just as dusk was setting in. She hadn’t expected George to wait for them, so she wasn’t surprised to find sir Richard, one of his most senior advisors, waiting for them instead.

“Princess Belle.” He greeted her, with significantly less warmth than David had. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”

“Very, thank you.” She said, jumping down and thanking the stableboy coming to take care of her horse.

“I see you brought your fiancé.” He said neutrally.

“I did.” She said. “We’re to be married, so he shares in my duties. Speaking of, would you mind terribly if we went to freshen up? It’s been a long day riding, I’m afraid I’m in no state to meet the King.”

Sir Richard nodded.

“Of course. Your usual guest quarters have been readied. Will your fiancé share them or will he want others ?” he asked in a flat voice.

He saw the Princess’ fiancé get down the carriage. He had not expected a well-dressed shy-looking older man get down. He half-expected the knight she was usually with, the one called Marcus or someone alike but apparently not.

“We’ll share.” She said, fully aware it wasn’t entirely proper. Let them talk. They knew who she was. She pulled off her riding gloves. “What should we expect for dinner? Dress code, time?

Sir Richard nodded.

“Formal dinner, 8pm,” he replied. “I will order your luggage into the same room.”

He clicked his fingers at two awaiting servants and gestured toward the carriage. The two men jumped to attention and went to remove the luggage from the carriage to carry them inside.

“Shall I order the seamstress to your quarters for formal wear arrangements?”

“No need, we brought clothes.” She said. “Thank you, sir Richard. We’ll see you at dinner.”

Sir Richard smiled politely at her before taking his leave, ignoring the approaching Betrothed.

Ogilvy joined Belle, watched the man she was chatting with depart.

He stroked the back of her arm to let her know he was by her side.

“Who was that ?” he asked.

“Sir Richard.” She said. “I’ll explain when we get to our chambers.”

She followed one of the servants to the chambers she was usually assigned, asking her to instruct her colleagues to put their luggage in the antechambers and that they would deal with it themselves.

“King George surrounds himself with old man. They have served Misthaven well enough the last few decades, but many think it’s time for change. Sir Richard is one of the more stuffy ones. He never liked me.” She said. “I’m taking all this to mean George doesn’t intend on helping us.”

Ogilvy listened cautiously.

“How should I behave ?” he asked. “I don’t want to make a diplomatic mistake.”

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“Behave as yourself.” She said. “That always works best. David is very kind, he and his friends will probably be most fun to talk to. The scholars in Misthaven are a bit more old-fashioned, they’re not very modern.”

She squeezed his hand, pressing her lips to his briefly. “If all else fails, smile and look pretty. Works for me.” She teased him.

“Fortunately I do know how to look pretty,” he said with a fakely sheepish smile in her direction.

“Very.” She said, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing him, a smile on her lips.

There was a knock on the door, and a servant informed them their luggage had been brought in.

“Thank you.” Belle said politely. “That’ll be all for now.”

She waited a moment for the servant’s fading footsteps before kissing Raistlin briefly again. “Let’s get ready for dinner.”

“Formal feast dinner, I imagine ?” He suggested. “I guess it fits the old-fashioned mind ?”

It was not surprising if so. It was the same in his time. Rich older people liked stiff formal dinner with a lot of rules they could force onto their guests.

“You guess correctly.” She said. “Joy.”

She got a dress from her luggage, lamenting the fact that she would have to wear a proper corset. It always felt constricting after wearing looser clothes.

He removed his most formal and elegant suit to remove the wrinkles of the trip.

“Would you like to freshen up first ?” he asked.

It was out of question to put on clean clothes on a dirty body.

She nodded. “I’m sure they’ve left a bowl of water. Taking a bath right now would mess up my hair too much.”

She opened the door to the dressing room, and indeed, by the mirror was a bowl with some washcloths. “You help me, I’ll help you?” She suggested.

“Of course,” he replied, holding his hand up.

He led Belle to the bowl and started to unbutton her shirt.

He knew she liked kisses so he made sure to kiss her naked skin as it appeared.

“We have to get to dinner on time.” She chided him, a smile on her face as she let her head fall back. “Unfortunately, that requires clothes.”

He nodded behind Belle and gave her the sponge for her to wash herself.

“I will take second turn,” he said with a nod. “Do you require more assistance ?”

“Could you do my back?” She asked, wetting the sponge and starting on her arms, efficiently scrubbing the day off.

They helped each other wash quickly before getting dressed. She braided her hair before it was time to go.

“They may have separated us for dinner.” She said as they walked to the Great Hall. “If so, I’ll find you after.”

“I could still sit with you, no matter what they want. They can’t create a diplomatic incident,” he objected. “You have the power to declare war to create Northern Avonlea.”

She chuckled. “We’re here to avoid the devestation of war.” She pointed out. “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. And it’s not unusual to separate couples, especially unwed ones.”

Well, not in his time.

“We are here to avoid the devastation of ogre war,” he reminded her. “Nothing was ever said about human war and conquest. If you rule a northern Avonlea, Avonlean people would have a home here.”

Ogilvy leaned in. “And we would be able to sit together at dinner.”

He tilted his head at her.

She chuckled, pressing a kiss to his lips with a smile. “Behave.” She said sternly, still smiling.

He nodded.

“Yes my Lady,” he replied. “I shall behave.”

“Good man.” She said fondly. She rested her hand in the crook of his arm as they approached the Great Hall, and relaxed her shoulders as the doors opened and they were announced.

The hall was full and noisy. Their arrival was barely noticed as the court was having a drink, waiting for the court.

At the royal table, the King was sitting, his son by his side. He waved at Belle and her betrothed to come and join them at their table.

Belle walked over on Raistlin’s arm, a friendly smile on her face.

“Your Highness.” She said. “Good to see you. I hope you’ve been well.”

King George’s face didn’t move.

“Princess Belle. Nice to greet you at our court,” he said gravely. “It is always a pleasure to see you. My son is particularly happy to have you here.”

The said-son nodded at Belle politely with a smile though his father was definitely wrong about his intent.

Belle sat down after a servant pulled out her chair for her. "I'm always happy to be here. Your country is beautiful and David is a good man. You'll be the first to know when we set a date for my wedding to Raistlin, you are both invited."

mrs-belle-gold​:

Raistlin led Belle to her horse, gave her a little kiss on the knuckles before he went to sit into the carriage.

Belle squeezed his hand before he left, grateful that he’d thought of this. She loved the bracing chill of the Misthaven air, and she was excited to ride. The stablemaster had selected a horse for her she’d ridden before, a beautiful but sturdy stallion who looked vaguely like Philippe.

They rode most of the day, taking a break for lunch to let the horses rest, and arrived just as dusk was setting in. She hadn’t expected George to wait for them, so she wasn’t surprised to find sir Richard, one of his most senior advisors, waiting for them instead.

“Princess Belle.” He greeted her, with significantly less warmth than David had. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”

“Very, thank you.” She said, jumping down and thanking the stableboy coming to take care of her horse.

“I see you brought your fiancé.” He said neutrally.

“I did.” She said. “We’re to be married, so he shares in my duties. Speaking of, would you mind terribly if we went to freshen up? It’s been a long day riding, I’m afraid I’m in no state to meet the King.”

Sir Richard nodded.

“Of course. Your usual guest quarters have been readied. Will your fiancé share them or will he want others ?” he asked in a flat voice.

He saw the Princess’ fiancé get down the carriage. He had not expected a well-dressed shy-looking older man get down. He half-expected the knight she was usually with, the one called Marcus or someone alike but apparently not.

“We’ll share.” She said, fully aware it wasn’t entirely proper. Let them talk. They knew who she was. She pulled off her riding gloves. “What should we expect for dinner? Dress code, time?

Sir Richard nodded.

“Formal dinner, 8pm,” he replied. “I will order your luggage into the same room.”

He clicked his fingers at two awaiting servants and gestured toward the carriage. The two men jumped to attention and went to remove the luggage from the carriage to carry them inside.

“Shall I order the seamstress to your quarters for formal wear arrangements?”

“No need, we brought clothes.” She said. “Thank you, sir Richard. We’ll see you at dinner.”

Sir Richard smiled politely at her before taking his leave, ignoring the approaching Betrothed.

Ogilvy joined Belle, watched the man she was chatting with depart.

He stroked the back of her arm to let her know he was by her side.

“Who was that ?” he asked.

“Sir Richard.” She said. “I’ll explain when we get to our chambers.”

She followed one of the servants to the chambers she was usually assigned, asking her to instruct her colleagues to put their luggage in the antechambers and that they would deal with it themselves.

“King George surrounds himself with old man. They have served Misthaven well enough the last few decades, but many think it’s time for change. Sir Richard is one of the more stuffy ones. He never liked me.” She said. “I’m taking all this to mean George doesn’t intend on helping us.”

Ogilvy listened cautiously.

“How should I behave ?” he asked. “I don’t want to make a diplomatic mistake.”

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“Behave as yourself.” She said. “That always works best. David is very kind, he and his friends will probably be most fun to talk to. The scholars in Misthaven are a bit more old-fashioned, they’re not very modern.”

She squeezed his hand, pressing her lips to his briefly. “If all else fails, smile and look pretty. Works for me.” She teased him.

“Fortunately I do know how to look pretty,” he said with a fakely sheepish smile in her direction.

“Very.” She said, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing him, a smile on her lips.

There was a knock on the door, and a servant informed them their luggage had been brought in.

“Thank you.” Belle said politely. “That’ll be all for now.”

She waited a moment for the servant’s fading footsteps before kissing Raistlin briefly again. “Let’s get ready for dinner.”

“Formal feast dinner, I imagine ?” He suggested. “I guess it fits the old-fashioned mind ?”

It was not surprising if so. It was the same in his time. Rich older people liked stiff formal dinner with a lot of rules they could force onto their guests.

“You guess correctly.” She said. “Joy.”

She got a dress from her luggage, lamenting the fact that she would have to wear a proper corset. It always felt constricting after wearing looser clothes.

He removed his most formal and elegant suit to remove the wrinkles of the trip.

“Would you like to freshen up first ?” he asked.

It was out of question to put on clean clothes on a dirty body.

She nodded. “I’m sure they’ve left a bowl of water. Taking a bath right now would mess up my hair too much.”

She opened the door to the dressing room, and indeed, by the mirror was a bowl with some washcloths. “You help me, I’ll help you?” She suggested.

“Of course,” he replied, holding his hand up.

He led Belle to the bowl and started to unbutton her shirt.

He knew she liked kisses so he made sure to kiss her naked skin as it appeared.

“We have to get to dinner on time.” She chided him, a smile on her face as she let her head fall back. “Unfortunately, that requires clothes.”

He nodded behind Belle and gave her the sponge for her to wash herself.

“I will take second turn,” he said with a nod. “Do you require more assistance ?”

“Could you do my back?” She asked, wetting the sponge and starting on her arms, efficiently scrubbing the day off.

They helped each other wash quickly before getting dressed. She braided her hair before it was time to go.

“They may have separated us for dinner.” She said as they walked to the Great Hall. “If so, I’ll find you after.”

“I could still sit with you, no matter what they want. They can’t create a diplomatic incident,” he objected. “You have the power to declare war to create Northern Avonlea.”

She chuckled. “We’re here to avoid the devestation of war.” She pointed out. “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. And it’s not unusual to separate couples, especially unwed ones.”

Well, not in his time.

“We are here to avoid the devastation of ogre war,” he reminded her. “Nothing was ever said about human war and conquest. If you rule a northern Avonlea, Avonlean people would have a home here.”

Ogilvy leaned in. “And we would be able to sit together at dinner.”

He tilted his head at her.

She chuckled, pressing a kiss to his lips with a smile. “Behave.” She said sternly, still smiling.

He nodded.

“Yes my Lady,” he replied. “I shall behave.”

“Good man.” She said fondly. She rested her hand in the crook of his arm as they approached the Great Hall, and relaxed her shoulders as the doors opened and they were announced.

The hall was full and noisy. Their arrival was barely noticed as the court was having a drink, waiting for the court.

At the royal table, the King was sitting, his son by his side. He waved at Belle and her betrothed to come and join them at their table.

Belle walked over on Raistlin's arm, a friendly smile on her face.

"Your Highness." She said. "Good to see you. I hope you've been well."

mrs-belle-gold​:

Raistlin led Belle to her horse, gave her a little kiss on the knuckles before he went to sit into the carriage.

Belle squeezed his hand before he left, grateful that he’d thought of this. She loved the bracing chill of the Misthaven air, and she was excited to ride. The stablemaster had selected a horse for her she’d ridden before, a beautiful but sturdy stallion who looked vaguely like Philippe.

They rode most of the day, taking a break for lunch to let the horses rest, and arrived just as dusk was setting in. She hadn’t expected George to wait for them, so she wasn’t surprised to find sir Richard, one of his most senior advisors, waiting for them instead.

“Princess Belle.” He greeted her, with significantly less warmth than David had. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”

“Very, thank you.” She said, jumping down and thanking the stableboy coming to take care of her horse.

“I see you brought your fiancé.” He said neutrally.

“I did.” She said. “We’re to be married, so he shares in my duties. Speaking of, would you mind terribly if we went to freshen up? It’s been a long day riding, I’m afraid I’m in no state to meet the King.”

Sir Richard nodded.

“Of course. Your usual guest quarters have been readied. Will your fiancé share them or will he want others ?” he asked in a flat voice.

He saw the Princess’ fiancé get down the carriage. He had not expected a well-dressed shy-looking older man get down. He half-expected the knight she was usually with, the one called Marcus or someone alike but apparently not.

“We’ll share.” She said, fully aware it wasn’t entirely proper. Let them talk. They knew who she was. She pulled off her riding gloves. “What should we expect for dinner? Dress code, time?

Sir Richard nodded.

“Formal dinner, 8pm,” he replied. “I will order your luggage into the same room.”

He clicked his fingers at two awaiting servants and gestured toward the carriage. The two men jumped to attention and went to remove the luggage from the carriage to carry them inside.

“Shall I order the seamstress to your quarters for formal wear arrangements?”

“No need, we brought clothes.” She said. “Thank you, sir Richard. We’ll see you at dinner.”

Sir Richard smiled politely at her before taking his leave, ignoring the approaching Betrothed.

Ogilvy joined Belle, watched the man she was chatting with depart.

He stroked the back of her arm to let her know he was by her side.

“Who was that ?” he asked.

“Sir Richard.” She said. “I’ll explain when we get to our chambers.”

She followed one of the servants to the chambers she was usually assigned, asking her to instruct her colleagues to put their luggage in the antechambers and that they would deal with it themselves.

“King George surrounds himself with old man. They have served Misthaven well enough the last few decades, but many think it’s time for change. Sir Richard is one of the more stuffy ones. He never liked me.” She said. “I’m taking all this to mean George doesn’t intend on helping us.”

Ogilvy listened cautiously.

“How should I behave ?” he asked. “I don’t want to make a diplomatic mistake.”

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“Behave as yourself.” She said. “That always works best. David is very kind, he and his friends will probably be most fun to talk to. The scholars in Misthaven are a bit more old-fashioned, they’re not very modern.”

She squeezed his hand, pressing her lips to his briefly. “If all else fails, smile and look pretty. Works for me.” She teased him.

“Fortunately I do know how to look pretty,” he said with a fakely sheepish smile in her direction.

“Very.” She said, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing him, a smile on her lips.

There was a knock on the door, and a servant informed them their luggage had been brought in.

“Thank you.” Belle said politely. “That’ll be all for now.”

She waited a moment for the servant’s fading footsteps before kissing Raistlin briefly again. “Let’s get ready for dinner.”

“Formal feast dinner, I imagine ?” He suggested. “I guess it fits the old-fashioned mind ?”

It was not surprising if so. It was the same in his time. Rich older people liked stiff formal dinner with a lot of rules they could force onto their guests.

“You guess correctly.” She said. “Joy.”

She got a dress from her luggage, lamenting the fact that she would have to wear a proper corset. It always felt constricting after wearing looser clothes.

He removed his most formal and elegant suit to remove the wrinkles of the trip.

“Would you like to freshen up first ?” he asked.

It was out of question to put on clean clothes on a dirty body.

She nodded. “I’m sure they’ve left a bowl of water. Taking a bath right now would mess up my hair too much.”

She opened the door to the dressing room, and indeed, by the mirror was a bowl with some washcloths. “You help me, I’ll help you?” She suggested.

“Of course,” he replied, holding his hand up.

He led Belle to the bowl and started to unbutton her shirt.

He knew she liked kisses so he made sure to kiss her naked skin as it appeared.

“We have to get to dinner on time.” She chided him, a smile on her face as she let her head fall back. “Unfortunately, that requires clothes.”

He nodded behind Belle and gave her the sponge for her to wash herself.

“I will take second turn,” he said with a nod. “Do you require more assistance ?”

“Could you do my back?” She asked, wetting the sponge and starting on her arms, efficiently scrubbing the day off.

They helped each other wash quickly before getting dressed. She braided her hair before it was time to go.

“They may have separated us for dinner.” She said as they walked to the Great Hall. “If so, I’ll find you after.”

“I could still sit with you, no matter what they want. They can’t create a diplomatic incident,” he objected. “You have the power to declare war to create Northern Avonlea.”

She chuckled. “We’re here to avoid the devestation of war.” She pointed out. “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. And it’s not unusual to separate couples, especially unwed ones.”

Well, not in his time.

“We are here to avoid the devastation of ogre war,” he reminded her. “Nothing was ever said about human war and conquest. If you rule a northern Avonlea, Avonlean people would have a home here.”

Ogilvy leaned in. “And we would be able to sit together at dinner.”

He tilted his head at her.

She chuckled, pressing a kiss to his lips with a smile. “Behave.” She said sternly, still smiling.

He nodded.

“Yes my Lady,” he replied. “I shall behave.”

"Good man." She said fondly. She rested her hand in the crook of his arm as they approached the Great Hall, and relaxed her shoulders as the doors opened and they were announced.

mrs-belle-gold​:

Raistlin led Belle to her horse, gave her a little kiss on the knuckles before he went to sit into the carriage.

Belle squeezed his hand before he left, grateful that he’d thought of this. She loved the bracing chill of the Misthaven air, and she was excited to ride. The stablemaster had selected a horse for her she’d ridden before, a beautiful but sturdy stallion who looked vaguely like Philippe.

They rode most of the day, taking a break for lunch to let the horses rest, and arrived just as dusk was setting in. She hadn’t expected George to wait for them, so she wasn’t surprised to find sir Richard, one of his most senior advisors, waiting for them instead.

“Princess Belle.” He greeted her, with significantly less warmth than David had. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”

“Very, thank you.” She said, jumping down and thanking the stableboy coming to take care of her horse.

“I see you brought your fiancé.” He said neutrally.

“I did.” She said. “We’re to be married, so he shares in my duties. Speaking of, would you mind terribly if we went to freshen up? It’s been a long day riding, I’m afraid I’m in no state to meet the King.”

Sir Richard nodded.

“Of course. Your usual guest quarters have been readied. Will your fiancé share them or will he want others ?” he asked in a flat voice.

He saw the Princess’ fiancé get down the carriage. He had not expected a well-dressed shy-looking older man get down. He half-expected the knight she was usually with, the one called Marcus or someone alike but apparently not.

“We’ll share.” She said, fully aware it wasn’t entirely proper. Let them talk. They knew who she was. She pulled off her riding gloves. “What should we expect for dinner? Dress code, time?

Sir Richard nodded.

“Formal dinner, 8pm,” he replied. “I will order your luggage into the same room.”

He clicked his fingers at two awaiting servants and gestured toward the carriage. The two men jumped to attention and went to remove the luggage from the carriage to carry them inside.

“Shall I order the seamstress to your quarters for formal wear arrangements?”

“No need, we brought clothes.” She said. “Thank you, sir Richard. We’ll see you at dinner.”

Sir Richard smiled politely at her before taking his leave, ignoring the approaching Betrothed.

Ogilvy joined Belle, watched the man she was chatting with depart.

He stroked the back of her arm to let her know he was by her side.

“Who was that ?” he asked.

“Sir Richard.” She said. “I’ll explain when we get to our chambers.”

She followed one of the servants to the chambers she was usually assigned, asking her to instruct her colleagues to put their luggage in the antechambers and that they would deal with it themselves.

“King George surrounds himself with old man. They have served Misthaven well enough the last few decades, but many think it’s time for change. Sir Richard is one of the more stuffy ones. He never liked me.” She said. “I’m taking all this to mean George doesn’t intend on helping us.”

Ogilvy listened cautiously.

“How should I behave ?” he asked. “I don’t want to make a diplomatic mistake.”

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“Behave as yourself.” She said. “That always works best. David is very kind, he and his friends will probably be most fun to talk to. The scholars in Misthaven are a bit more old-fashioned, they’re not very modern.”

She squeezed his hand, pressing her lips to his briefly. “If all else fails, smile and look pretty. Works for me.” She teased him.

“Fortunately I do know how to look pretty,” he said with a fakely sheepish smile in her direction.

“Very.” She said, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing him, a smile on her lips.

There was a knock on the door, and a servant informed them their luggage had been brought in.

“Thank you.” Belle said politely. “That’ll be all for now.”

She waited a moment for the servant’s fading footsteps before kissing Raistlin briefly again. “Let’s get ready for dinner.”

“Formal feast dinner, I imagine ?” He suggested. “I guess it fits the old-fashioned mind ?”

It was not surprising if so. It was the same in his time. Rich older people liked stiff formal dinner with a lot of rules they could force onto their guests.

“You guess correctly.” She said. “Joy.”

She got a dress from her luggage, lamenting the fact that she would have to wear a proper corset. It always felt constricting after wearing looser clothes.

He removed his most formal and elegant suit to remove the wrinkles of the trip.

“Would you like to freshen up first ?” he asked.

It was out of question to put on clean clothes on a dirty body.

She nodded. “I’m sure they’ve left a bowl of water. Taking a bath right now would mess up my hair too much.”

She opened the door to the dressing room, and indeed, by the mirror was a bowl with some washcloths. “You help me, I’ll help you?” She suggested.

“Of course,” he replied, holding his hand up.

He led Belle to the bowl and started to unbutton her shirt.

He knew she liked kisses so he made sure to kiss her naked skin as it appeared.

“We have to get to dinner on time.” She chided him, a smile on her face as she let her head fall back. “Unfortunately, that requires clothes.”

He nodded behind Belle and gave her the sponge for her to wash herself.

“I will take second turn,” he said with a nod. “Do you require more assistance ?”

“Could you do my back?” She asked, wetting the sponge and starting on her arms, efficiently scrubbing the day off.

They helped each other wash quickly before getting dressed. She braided her hair before it was time to go.

“They may have separated us for dinner.” She said as they walked to the Great Hall. “If so, I’ll find you after.”

“I could still sit with you, no matter what they want. They can’t create a diplomatic incident,” he objected. “You have the power to declare war to create Northern Avonlea.”

She chuckled. “We’re here to avoid the devestation of war.” She pointed out. “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. And it’s not unusual to separate couples, especially unwed ones.”

Well, not in his time.

“We are here to avoid the devastation of ogre war,” he reminded her. “Nothing was ever said about human war and conquest. If you rule a northern Avonlea, Avonlean people would have a home here.”

Ogilvy leaned in. “And we would be able to sit together at dinner.”

He tilted his head at her.

She chuckled, pressing a kiss to his lips with a smile. "Behave." She said sternly, still smiling.

mrs-belle-gold​:

Raistlin led Belle to her horse, gave her a little kiss on the knuckles before he went to sit into the carriage.

Belle squeezed his hand before he left, grateful that he’d thought of this. She loved the bracing chill of the Misthaven air, and she was excited to ride. The stablemaster had selected a horse for her she’d ridden before, a beautiful but sturdy stallion who looked vaguely like Philippe.

They rode most of the day, taking a break for lunch to let the horses rest, and arrived just as dusk was setting in. She hadn’t expected George to wait for them, so she wasn’t surprised to find sir Richard, one of his most senior advisors, waiting for them instead.

“Princess Belle.” He greeted her, with significantly less warmth than David had. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”

“Very, thank you.” She said, jumping down and thanking the stableboy coming to take care of her horse.

“I see you brought your fiancé.” He said neutrally.

“I did.” She said. “We’re to be married, so he shares in my duties. Speaking of, would you mind terribly if we went to freshen up? It’s been a long day riding, I’m afraid I’m in no state to meet the King.”

Sir Richard nodded.

“Of course. Your usual guest quarters have been readied. Will your fiancé share them or will he want others ?” he asked in a flat voice.

He saw the Princess’ fiancé get down the carriage. He had not expected a well-dressed shy-looking older man get down. He half-expected the knight she was usually with, the one called Marcus or someone alike but apparently not.

“We’ll share.” She said, fully aware it wasn’t entirely proper. Let them talk. They knew who she was. She pulled off her riding gloves. “What should we expect for dinner? Dress code, time?

Sir Richard nodded.

“Formal dinner, 8pm,” he replied. “I will order your luggage into the same room.”

He clicked his fingers at two awaiting servants and gestured toward the carriage. The two men jumped to attention and went to remove the luggage from the carriage to carry them inside.

“Shall I order the seamstress to your quarters for formal wear arrangements?”

“No need, we brought clothes.” She said. “Thank you, sir Richard. We’ll see you at dinner.”

Sir Richard smiled politely at her before taking his leave, ignoring the approaching Betrothed.

Ogilvy joined Belle, watched the man she was chatting with depart.

He stroked the back of her arm to let her know he was by her side.

“Who was that ?” he asked.

“Sir Richard.” She said. “I’ll explain when we get to our chambers.”

She followed one of the servants to the chambers she was usually assigned, asking her to instruct her colleagues to put their luggage in the antechambers and that they would deal with it themselves.

“King George surrounds himself with old man. They have served Misthaven well enough the last few decades, but many think it’s time for change. Sir Richard is one of the more stuffy ones. He never liked me.” She said. “I’m taking all this to mean George doesn’t intend on helping us.”

Ogilvy listened cautiously.

“How should I behave ?” he asked. “I don’t want to make a diplomatic mistake.”

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“Behave as yourself.” She said. “That always works best. David is very kind, he and his friends will probably be most fun to talk to. The scholars in Misthaven are a bit more old-fashioned, they’re not very modern.”

She squeezed his hand, pressing her lips to his briefly. “If all else fails, smile and look pretty. Works for me.” She teased him.

“Fortunately I do know how to look pretty,” he said with a fakely sheepish smile in her direction.

“Very.” She said, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing him, a smile on her lips.

There was a knock on the door, and a servant informed them their luggage had been brought in.

“Thank you.” Belle said politely. “That’ll be all for now.”

She waited a moment for the servant’s fading footsteps before kissing Raistlin briefly again. “Let’s get ready for dinner.”

“Formal feast dinner, I imagine ?” He suggested. “I guess it fits the old-fashioned mind ?”

It was not surprising if so. It was the same in his time. Rich older people liked stiff formal dinner with a lot of rules they could force onto their guests.

“You guess correctly.” She said. “Joy.”

She got a dress from her luggage, lamenting the fact that she would have to wear a proper corset. It always felt constricting after wearing looser clothes.

He removed his most formal and elegant suit to remove the wrinkles of the trip.

“Would you like to freshen up first ?” he asked.

It was out of question to put on clean clothes on a dirty body.

She nodded. “I’m sure they’ve left a bowl of water. Taking a bath right now would mess up my hair too much.”

She opened the door to the dressing room, and indeed, by the mirror was a bowl with some washcloths. “You help me, I’ll help you?” She suggested.

“Of course,” he replied, holding his hand up.

He led Belle to the bowl and started to unbutton her shirt.

He knew she liked kisses so he made sure to kiss her naked skin as it appeared.

“We have to get to dinner on time.” She chided him, a smile on her face as she let her head fall back. “Unfortunately, that requires clothes.”

He nodded behind Belle and gave her the sponge for her to wash herself.

“I will take second turn,” he said with a nod. “Do you require more assistance ?”

“Could you do my back?” She asked, wetting the sponge and starting on her arms, efficiently scrubbing the day off.

They helped each other wash quickly before getting dressed. She braided her hair before it was time to go.

“They may have separated us for dinner.” She said as they walked to the Great Hall. “If so, I’ll find you after.”

“I could still sit with you, no matter what they want. They can’t create a diplomatic incident,” he objected. “You have the power to declare war to create Northern Avonlea.”

She chuckled. "We're here to avoid the devestation of war." She pointed out. "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. And it's not unusual to separate couples, especially unwed ones."

mrs-belle-gold​:

Raistlin led Belle to her horse, gave her a little kiss on the knuckles before he went to sit into the carriage.

Belle squeezed his hand before he left, grateful that he’d thought of this. She loved the bracing chill of the Misthaven air, and she was excited to ride. The stablemaster had selected a horse for her she’d ridden before, a beautiful but sturdy stallion who looked vaguely like Philippe.

They rode most of the day, taking a break for lunch to let the horses rest, and arrived just as dusk was setting in. She hadn’t expected George to wait for them, so she wasn’t surprised to find sir Richard, one of his most senior advisors, waiting for them instead.

“Princess Belle.” He greeted her, with significantly less warmth than David had. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”

“Very, thank you.” She said, jumping down and thanking the stableboy coming to take care of her horse.

“I see you brought your fiancé.” He said neutrally.

“I did.” She said. “We’re to be married, so he shares in my duties. Speaking of, would you mind terribly if we went to freshen up? It’s been a long day riding, I’m afraid I’m in no state to meet the King.”

Sir Richard nodded.

“Of course. Your usual guest quarters have been readied. Will your fiancé share them or will he want others ?” he asked in a flat voice.

He saw the Princess’ fiancé get down the carriage. He had not expected a well-dressed shy-looking older man get down. He half-expected the knight she was usually with, the one called Marcus or someone alike but apparently not.

“We’ll share.” She said, fully aware it wasn’t entirely proper. Let them talk. They knew who she was. She pulled off her riding gloves. “What should we expect for dinner? Dress code, time?

Sir Richard nodded.

“Formal dinner, 8pm,” he replied. “I will order your luggage into the same room.”

He clicked his fingers at two awaiting servants and gestured toward the carriage. The two men jumped to attention and went to remove the luggage from the carriage to carry them inside.

“Shall I order the seamstress to your quarters for formal wear arrangements?”

“No need, we brought clothes.” She said. “Thank you, sir Richard. We’ll see you at dinner.”

Sir Richard smiled politely at her before taking his leave, ignoring the approaching Betrothed.

Ogilvy joined Belle, watched the man she was chatting with depart.

He stroked the back of her arm to let her know he was by her side.

“Who was that ?” he asked.

“Sir Richard.” She said. “I’ll explain when we get to our chambers.”

She followed one of the servants to the chambers she was usually assigned, asking her to instruct her colleagues to put their luggage in the antechambers and that they would deal with it themselves.

“King George surrounds himself with old man. They have served Misthaven well enough the last few decades, but many think it’s time for change. Sir Richard is one of the more stuffy ones. He never liked me.” She said. “I’m taking all this to mean George doesn’t intend on helping us.”

Ogilvy listened cautiously.

“How should I behave ?” he asked. “I don’t want to make a diplomatic mistake.”

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“Behave as yourself.” She said. “That always works best. David is very kind, he and his friends will probably be most fun to talk to. The scholars in Misthaven are a bit more old-fashioned, they’re not very modern.”

She squeezed his hand, pressing her lips to his briefly. “If all else fails, smile and look pretty. Works for me.” She teased him.

“Fortunately I do know how to look pretty,” he said with a fakely sheepish smile in her direction.

“Very.” She said, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing him, a smile on her lips.

There was a knock on the door, and a servant informed them their luggage had been brought in.

“Thank you.” Belle said politely. “That’ll be all for now.”

She waited a moment for the servant’s fading footsteps before kissing Raistlin briefly again. “Let’s get ready for dinner.”

“Formal feast dinner, I imagine ?” He suggested. “I guess it fits the old-fashioned mind ?”

It was not surprising if so. It was the same in his time. Rich older people liked stiff formal dinner with a lot of rules they could force onto their guests.

“You guess correctly.” She said. “Joy.”

She got a dress from her luggage, lamenting the fact that she would have to wear a proper corset. It always felt constricting after wearing looser clothes.

He removed his most formal and elegant suit to remove the wrinkles of the trip.

“Would you like to freshen up first ?” he asked.

It was out of question to put on clean clothes on a dirty body.

She nodded. “I’m sure they’ve left a bowl of water. Taking a bath right now would mess up my hair too much.”

She opened the door to the dressing room, and indeed, by the mirror was a bowl with some washcloths. “You help me, I’ll help you?” She suggested.

“Of course,” he replied, holding his hand up.

He led Belle to the bowl and started to unbutton her shirt.

He knew she liked kisses so he made sure to kiss her naked skin as it appeared.

“We have to get to dinner on time.” She chided him, a smile on her face as she let her head fall back. “Unfortunately, that requires clothes.”

He nodded behind Belle and gave her the sponge for her to wash herself.

“I will take second turn,” he said with a nod. “Do you require more assistance ?”

"Could you do my back?" She asked, wetting the sponge and starting on her arms, efficiently scrubbing the day off.

They helped each other wash quickly before getting dressed. She braided her hair before it was time to go.

"They may have separated us for dinner." She said as they walked to the Great Hall. "If so, I'll find you after."

mrs-belle-gold​:

Raistlin led Belle to her horse, gave her a little kiss on the knuckles before he went to sit into the carriage.

Belle squeezed his hand before he left, grateful that he’d thought of this. She loved the bracing chill of the Misthaven air, and she was excited to ride. The stablemaster had selected a horse for her she’d ridden before, a beautiful but sturdy stallion who looked vaguely like Philippe.

They rode most of the day, taking a break for lunch to let the horses rest, and arrived just as dusk was setting in. She hadn’t expected George to wait for them, so she wasn’t surprised to find sir Richard, one of his most senior advisors, waiting for them instead.

“Princess Belle.” He greeted her, with significantly less warmth than David had. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”

“Very, thank you.” She said, jumping down and thanking the stableboy coming to take care of her horse.

“I see you brought your fiancé.” He said neutrally.

“I did.” She said. “We’re to be married, so he shares in my duties. Speaking of, would you mind terribly if we went to freshen up? It’s been a long day riding, I’m afraid I’m in no state to meet the King.”

Sir Richard nodded.

“Of course. Your usual guest quarters have been readied. Will your fiancé share them or will he want others ?” he asked in a flat voice.

He saw the Princess’ fiancé get down the carriage. He had not expected a well-dressed shy-looking older man get down. He half-expected the knight she was usually with, the one called Marcus or someone alike but apparently not.

“We’ll share.” She said, fully aware it wasn’t entirely proper. Let them talk. They knew who she was. She pulled off her riding gloves. “What should we expect for dinner? Dress code, time?

Sir Richard nodded.

“Formal dinner, 8pm,” he replied. “I will order your luggage into the same room.”

He clicked his fingers at two awaiting servants and gestured toward the carriage. The two men jumped to attention and went to remove the luggage from the carriage to carry them inside.

“Shall I order the seamstress to your quarters for formal wear arrangements?”

“No need, we brought clothes.” She said. “Thank you, sir Richard. We’ll see you at dinner.”

Sir Richard smiled politely at her before taking his leave, ignoring the approaching Betrothed.

Ogilvy joined Belle, watched the man she was chatting with depart.

He stroked the back of her arm to let her know he was by her side.

“Who was that ?” he asked.

“Sir Richard.” She said. “I’ll explain when we get to our chambers.”

She followed one of the servants to the chambers she was usually assigned, asking her to instruct her colleagues to put their luggage in the antechambers and that they would deal with it themselves.

“King George surrounds himself with old man. They have served Misthaven well enough the last few decades, but many think it’s time for change. Sir Richard is one of the more stuffy ones. He never liked me.” She said. “I’m taking all this to mean George doesn’t intend on helping us.”

Ogilvy listened cautiously.

“How should I behave ?” he asked. “I don’t want to make a diplomatic mistake.”

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“Behave as yourself.” She said. “That always works best. David is very kind, he and his friends will probably be most fun to talk to. The scholars in Misthaven are a bit more old-fashioned, they’re not very modern.”

She squeezed his hand, pressing her lips to his briefly. “If all else fails, smile and look pretty. Works for me.” She teased him.

“Fortunately I do know how to look pretty,” he said with a fakely sheepish smile in her direction.

“Very.” She said, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing him, a smile on her lips.

There was a knock on the door, and a servant informed them their luggage had been brought in.

“Thank you.” Belle said politely. “That’ll be all for now.”

She waited a moment for the servant’s fading footsteps before kissing Raistlin briefly again. “Let’s get ready for dinner.”

“Formal feast dinner, I imagine ?” He suggested. “I guess it fits the old-fashioned mind ?”

It was not surprising if so. It was the same in his time. Rich older people liked stiff formal dinner with a lot of rules they could force onto their guests.

“You guess correctly.” She said. “Joy.”

She got a dress from her luggage, lamenting the fact that she would have to wear a proper corset. It always felt constricting after wearing looser clothes.

He removed his most formal and elegant suit to remove the wrinkles of the trip.

“Would you like to freshen up first ?” he asked.

It was out of question to put on clean clothes on a dirty body.

She nodded. “I’m sure they’ve left a bowl of water. Taking a bath right now would mess up my hair too much.”

She opened the door to the dressing room, and indeed, by the mirror was a bowl with some washcloths. “You help me, I’ll help you?” She suggested.

“Of course,” he replied, holding his hand up.

He led Belle to the bowl and started to unbutton her shirt.

He knew she liked kisses so he made sure to kiss her naked skin as it appeared.

"We have to get to dinner on time." She chided him, a smile on her face as she let her head fall back. "Unfortunately, that requires clothes."

mrs-belle-gold​:

Raistlin led Belle to her horse, gave her a little kiss on the knuckles before he went to sit into the carriage.

Belle squeezed his hand before he left, grateful that he’d thought of this. She loved the bracing chill of the Misthaven air, and she was excited to ride. The stablemaster had selected a horse for her she’d ridden before, a beautiful but sturdy stallion who looked vaguely like Philippe.

They rode most of the day, taking a break for lunch to let the horses rest, and arrived just as dusk was setting in. She hadn’t expected George to wait for them, so she wasn’t surprised to find sir Richard, one of his most senior advisors, waiting for them instead.

“Princess Belle.” He greeted her, with significantly less warmth than David had. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”

“Very, thank you.” She said, jumping down and thanking the stableboy coming to take care of her horse.

“I see you brought your fiancé.” He said neutrally.

“I did.” She said. “We’re to be married, so he shares in my duties. Speaking of, would you mind terribly if we went to freshen up? It’s been a long day riding, I’m afraid I’m in no state to meet the King.”

Sir Richard nodded.

“Of course. Your usual guest quarters have been readied. Will your fiancé share them or will he want others ?” he asked in a flat voice.

He saw the Princess’ fiancé get down the carriage. He had not expected a well-dressed shy-looking older man get down. He half-expected the knight she was usually with, the one called Marcus or someone alike but apparently not.

“We’ll share.” She said, fully aware it wasn’t entirely proper. Let them talk. They knew who she was. She pulled off her riding gloves. “What should we expect for dinner? Dress code, time?

Sir Richard nodded.

“Formal dinner, 8pm,” he replied. “I will order your luggage into the same room.”

He clicked his fingers at two awaiting servants and gestured toward the carriage. The two men jumped to attention and went to remove the luggage from the carriage to carry them inside.

“Shall I order the seamstress to your quarters for formal wear arrangements?”

“No need, we brought clothes.” She said. “Thank you, sir Richard. We’ll see you at dinner.”