[P] noble blood

[Antiope]

if the crown fits, when the sword lifts

Antiope can see by Morrighan’s reactions that the Warden is not only wanting this promotion but perhaps expecting it. Humility is certainly not in the woman’s vocabulary, nor in her demeanor. Perhaps some boldness will do the court well, after its many long years in solitude, and recent stint with tragedy. She can only hope that the citizens would take well to such a headstrong and resolute force being one to help guide them.

Morrighan asserts her desire firmly, but then cracks that steely exterior to joke that the court is in one piece and not barbecued. Antiope smiles, but her stomach tenses for a brief moment. It is a scenario she has both seen upon this court and one which she almost doesn’t doubt the paint could bring about. “Fortunately, for both them and yourself,” she responds in a half-jesting tone.

Rest assured, if she had returned to any manner of chaos it would have been dealt with swiftly, and this conversation would be turning out very differently.

But that is not the case, so the sovereign tries to think about that instead. “Well, then you can consider it yours. We will hold an announcement to the Court as soon as I tend to some details of my return.” Antiope takes a final bite of the food on her plate, realizing she is hungrier than she had anticipated after her travels, but then stands and moves toward the door of the Great Room. She pauses just inside, however, looking thoughtful and considerate.

The Queen’s eyes linger on Morrighan’s face for a moment, and her lips curl up at the corners almost mischievously as she goes to turn the corner. “However, we might consider looking into etiquette lessons for you first.” The mirth in her voice is clear, as Antiope indicates with the phrase that she had indeed witnessed Morrighan’s earlier faux pas. Before the other woman can rebut, Antiope has disappeared down the hall, steps echoing off the stone until they all but fade away.

as the song lifts, and the world tilts

∞ | @Morrighan exit Antiope