Lunching with the King - [12/10, early afternoon]

[Joanna Craven]

Continued from here.

King's Apartments

The official state rooms of the King could be reached by the Kings Staircase in the Horn Court. They were decorated by a large collection of knights armour, swords, pikes and guns, part of the wealth of weapons amassed by Prince Rupert while he was the warden of this ancient keep. Two full suits of knights armour awaited at either side on top of the stairs.

Each room was decorated more bountiful than the next, patterned after the great palace of Louis XIV Versailles, except that the red vein marble was replaced by wood in Windsor. The walls held fine realistic carvings of fruit, fowl, game, fish and shellfish together with masterful strokes of trompe l'oeil drawing in the eye and tricking it into seeing alcoves, friezes and pillars, reaching up to the ceiling. Silver cast tables, mirrors and chairs filled the rooms, with a marble chimney in each. The ceilings were painted by Verrio into large allegoric representations of the reign of Charles II. The paint was barely dry on these magnificent paintings and were the piece de resistance of the restoration of Windsor Castle, a true masterpiece.

Joanna could not see the magnificent surroundings as they walked, of course, but she certainly imagined that they were moving from a humdrum hallway into a splendiferous series of chambers garnished liberally with gold, ornate mouldings and sumptuous fabrics treated with the finest of dyes. It was a trick of her mind, no doubt, but nonetheless she felt that she could feel the change in atmosphere as they entered the royal residence. It was headier here, mayhap a touch warmer and the air a trifle thick. Even for a girl who was not enamoured with the concept of a divinely ordained monarch, this was a moment to treasure.

With her arm slipped securely through dear Davina's, Joanna did not feel frightened. She felt nervous and anxious and scattered and excited and a bit like her heart might explode, but there was no fear, at least not enough to register. There was also curiosity amongst those crowded sensations, for she wondered why the King would choose to honour the winners of a silly game with a private lunch. It was a bit strange, was it not? They had done nothing to merit a royal audience! Ah, but perhaps Richard was right that the King merely liked to be merry and so thought that it would be fun to entertain ladies one afternoon. Yes, surely that was the reason.

Breathing in time with her steps helped to keep a steady flow of air as they were led along, though with every breath Joanna was certain that her heart was beating more loudly and rapidly. Surely Davina and the man leading them along could hear it as clearly as a peal of church bells on a quiet morning…

[Davina Wellsley]

In speaking in a hushed whisper of all that they were passing Davina's own case of nerves was forgot and she relaxed into the telling. It was only upon reaching the King's Staircase that the true enormity of just where they both were hit home.

For a moment she could not move; could only stand and stare with wide eyes at the facade and then to the servant that was their escort - her mind telling that it was all some joke - a cruel trick being played upon two young women that would end in embarrassment ......

"Oh Joanna." She said on a breath. "I do not think I can go forward! Tis The King that awaits us beyond those doors and I am not sure ......." Her words were stopped as she realized that the servant had also stopped and was waiting for them half way up that same staircase and it was evident that they must indeed continue.

"What shall we say? Speak of? His Majesty knows us nought and yet we have been so Honored .... Mayhap if there were more of us .....What say you?" Asked in all seriousness.

[Joanna Craven]

Perhaps because she had carefully gone over what subjects she might approach the night before, Joanna answered Davina's questions rather calmly, as if she were rehearsing lines learned. "We might tell a story from the game, whichever is most amusing, and I think a little embellishment would not go amiss," she said, thinking that a little exaggeration would make things more interesting to hear about. "He might ask about our hobbies, in which case I do hope yours are more interesting than mine! We might admit we are new to court and ask if he has any suggestions for diversion in the castle—perhaps he know of the ghosts!—or Windsor town, as we might then learn about some of his interests." There had been more, but now it had slipped from her mind! Typical.

"Really though, I think that if we keep a happy tone and are lighthearted and friendly, then things will go well," she said with confidence. "I am usually fairly adept at prodding conversations to life, so I hope I might find a way to do so here if there is a lull. I expect, however, that he will be very amiable and easy enough to please." Or so Richard had made it seem, at least.

She smiled brightly and squeezed Davina's arm. Though her heart was still beating too quickly to count, it was more from exhilaration than fright. She was ready for this. Or at least as ready as she could ever be. "You shall delight him as much as you delight me. We will come away feeling very pleased with this afternoon and very grateful for how smoothly it went, I have no doubt," she said in a tone that brooked no argument.

[Temperance]

The servant escorted the ladies to the king’s chambers while politely pretending not to eavesdrop. Something he really did manage very well. At least people said he did discretion very well, even his dear mother complimented his professional stone face. He didn’t see it himself. You see, surprise was a careful blank expression, amusement was the same but the pupils directed just half a millimetre to the right and disapproval right and a fraction up. Eyes, the windows of the soul, made all the difference. And he had a lot of emotions in his life. Oh what a life it was that he was living vicariously by observing the kings bed chamber while escorting guests to and fro.

The servant guided Davina and Joanna through the presence room deeper into the monarchs quarters, to a lovely parlour done in green and oak where a sumptuous spread had already been laid out on the table. “I shall go and announce your arrival.” The servant bowed politely and exied the room through another door than the one they had entered it. It was about ten minutes ladies that loud footsteps could be heard and the door through which the servant had exited was opened again. Davina could just catch May, whom she might remember from the game, whisper something in the monarch’s ear before just the king, and a lifeguard that settled to guard the door, stepped in and a servant closed a door again.

“Ladies. My deepest apologies for keeping you waiting, I couldn’t extract myself from the ambassador.” Charles Rex smiled jovially as he stepped into the room. “Come, come now, let me see a pair of the cleverest and keenest ladies the court might present. I heard you conquered many a hearts and minds as gathered quite a number of hidden ribbons and perhaps also hearts and dreams?” With a fluid motion the king stepped closer, clasping the hand of both girls in his and lifting both to his lips at once.

[Davina Wellsley]

'Splendor Of God!' seemed to be the only fitting words that applied as she followed their escort and then entered what could only be the "Private Apartments" - her blue eyes wide but also absorbing all the many details which she hoped could be recounted correctly back to her friend and journey's end.

She stood so still and silent barely breathing yet so fully attuned as she held Joanna's hand. She began to speak quietly saying this and that, adding "There is Baptist May and oh ..... The King!"

On a higher note and then she realized that HE ment to come to them so she waited eyes downcast and then, rather impishly, and in all curiosity LOOKED as the room was suddenly filled by the Man and his voice flowed out over them and knees bent of their own accord and down she knelt upon the carpet her skirts a pool of velvet and without releasing her grip on Joanna's hand added that girl in her own reverance. They would stay until bid to raise ...... A thing so easily and smoothly done and then each hand was given a salute and she felt herself blush as she dared to face him directly adding -

"You flatter us both Your Majesty with such words and your kindness is much appreciated ..... That we should be offered such is truly beyond imaginings ...." She smiled thru the faint 'blush' that tinged her cheeks and hoped that her choice in gowns would be approved off - she was woman enough now to wish to please those of the opposite sex and this Man especially!

"Allow me to present Joanna Craven Your Grace - she, like I, am new to Windsor but yet we two have managed quite well to adapt!" She stepped a little to the left allowing Joanna enough room to make her own space. Now that the moment had come and passed she was much calmer and the simple truth hit her then for even though he was The King he was much like her Father and Brother - easy Company and one that she was quite used too. But with more Care, Respect, and Reverance due him!

[Joanna Craven]

As ever, Davina expertly described all that was around them and Joanna felt that she knew the place, even if she never truly could. Just hearing Davina's voice made her feel calm and the minutes just flew by until the monarch joined them.

With Davina's movements to lead the way, Joanna managed to curtsey at the appropriate time, though her reverence was not as complete as Davina's, as she had no notion that the lady was going to kneel upon the floor! It was only the sounds and the angle of Davina's arm that told Joanna what had happened and it was too late to attempt the same herself. In any case, it was difficult enough to balance when offering such a deep curtsey, much less to try to navigate on the ground with her skirts all around. Tripping and breaking her nose would make an appalling mess of the pretty carpets, so she hoped he wouldn't think her rude for remaining safely on her feet. And manage to remain on her feet she did, though she wobbled noticeably when Davina at last stood.

Davina spoke well, so Joanna only added a little to her thanks. "Indeed, Your Grace, we were both so shocked and pleased that we would be meeting you that we could not speak for a time! I am sure there were some very comical expressions involved as well," she said with a wide smile.

She dipped her head when Davina introduced her. "Excuse my clumsiness, Your Grace," she said, cheerful as ever. His manner certainly inspired calm and pleasant feelings. There was nothing at all intimidating…yet. Now for the obligatory disclaimer. "I am blind from birth, so I fear that I am rarely, if ever, graceful. I beg you will also forgive my wandering eyes. I assure you that I mean no disrespect." It was not said with fear and trembling, but with genuine feeling nonetheless. As usual, Joanna was trying to keep her tone upbeat and happy.

"I shall in turn present the lovely Davina Wellsley, who truly made our victory possible," she went on. "Neither of us had been expecting to take part in a game and, in fact, we met but minutes before it began! Yet that thrilling hour has certainly cemented a warm friendship. And, hmmm, perhaps there were a few conquered hearts involved as well, or ones near capitulation," she added with a little smirk. They had met some lovely young men, after all, including some very attentive ones.

There was still one other bit of politesse to offer. "We must thank you profusely for your hospitality here in Windsor, Your Grace," she added, "for without this season and these clever events I do not know if Lady Davina and I should ever have met…and now I cannot imagine not knowing such a lovely, patient lady!"

[Temperance]

It was not easy to surprise the king for during his life he had seen many a curious thing, yet it was surprise that flashed across Charles’ face as Davina knelt before him. Was she planning on giving him a mouth hug? Oh for sure, there were few, very few, things a well functioning man liked more than mouth hugs. The king wet his lips, realising that he might yet have a spot of fun with Davina in the future. The lady did seem so very eager to win his affections and please him in a multitude of ways.

“No need for gratitude. We are always most pleased to meet people sharp enough to seek out the most the treasures hidden. Or were some of the gentlemen parading in plain sight in hopes of being found and accosted by such lovely ladies as yourselves?” It was an open invitation for the girls to share their thoughts and adventures from the game. “In fact it is I who should be grateful, Ladies Joanna and Davina, for you make a far rganer company for lunch than the privy councillors and ambassadors that have kept me cooped up in the castle these last few days.” Charles Rex himself had not been able to join in and enjoy in the grand majority of the events taking place in Windsor as a king’s duties never stopped. But there was time set aside ofr his stag night today and there would be time for him to be seen with his young wife after the wedding was over.

There was no comment about Joanna’s confessed blindness beyond the monarch’s nod and him patting Joanna’s hand in an almost fatherly manner. Clearly he had already been advised of thus. The monarch escorted the girls the two steps to the table before releasing their hands as the trio seated themselves at the table, both girls seated facing the king. Two servants appeared, seemingly out of woodwork or maybe there was some truth to the rumours that the castle was thoroughly winded by secret passageways, to help push the ladis chairs in before the got busy pouring wine and serving the food. One of the servants remained near Joanna to be of help to her. Taking his cup the king drank a thirst of half a cup from the red burgundy in it and loosed a satisfied sigh. “The strongest friendships are often bound through endeavours where you must unite your skills and talents. But we are pleased to hear Windsor castle has been to your liking so far.”

[Davina Wellsley]

Having made her reverance as she'd be taught - one done before a Monarch was, naturally, of a deeper caliber than those devised for the other various Ranks at Court so what ere was passing through the King's own mind she was blissfully unaware of - yet she, like so many others' of her sex, found her own gaze to be drawn to his and to look at his mouth ......

A mental shake and she returned to Joanna's comments then they were both drawn up and then seated where the King made his own replies ..... Davina blinked once, twice, thrice and then gave a slow smile as he summed up exactly how it was between she and Joanna.

"Indeed, Your Majesty, twas just so with us! Our first meeting was in actuality in the Drawing Room right before the contest was announced and our pairing was, well, most fortuitous!" She explained. "It must indeed be hard to not partake of things ..... I mean .... Unless you wished too of course ...." 'really davina! Get a hold of yourself and stop babbling' she admonished silently praying that Joanna might interject.

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna was a little surprised that the King made no comment about her disability The pat on her hand was also a surprise and was far worth more than any words. It was a kind gesture and did not feel to her to be soaked in pity. Then, quite suddenly, Joanna realised that he must have been told a great deal about them before they arrived this afternoon, so of course he was not caught unawares by her useless eyes! Just how much, she wondered, did he know of her and her family? Of Davina and hers? No doubt the King could find out anything he wished to about them! Not that he would spend time digging into their pasts, surely. An inward sigh of relief accompanied that last determination. No, no, she had nothing to fear. Still, Joanna felt a little prickle between her shoulder blades—not unpleasant, per se, but the sensation was hard to shake off...

She had been a little worried about how she could manage to eat and drink without making a mess, despite the fact that she was generally very neat and tidy and controlled, though all those concerns had been for naught. The servants were attentive, always on hand to steady a glass or direct her to a piece of fruit.

When Davina's voice trailed off, Joanna realised that her friend had said something without thinking and was stumped as to how to continue. Quickly, she jumped in with a merry burst of laughter. "Oh, would that not be grand if we had pulled back a tapestry and found a monarch rather than a Life Guard!" she exclaimed. "Ah, but I think the shock might have sent us both swooning most ungracefully to the floor, so perhaps it was fortuitous that you did not participate, Your Grace."

There. That ought to cover up any awkwardness, or so Joanna hoped.

"Windsor has been like a happy dream," she went on, her smile wide. "It seems that everyone I meet is so gracious and obliging and opportunities to explore new places and experiences abound! Why, just the other day I, who had never even held a bow, learned to shoot an arrow standing on my own feet without aid! I fared poorly, as you can imagine, but it was so very much fun. This is truly a wondrous new world!"

[Davina Wellsley]

Her own chuckle was added to Joanna's and the sudden image of The King appearing floated before her and she had to blink a few times to chase it away. "Yet, for all that we did manage well enough - thank's to your cleverness!" She acknowledged to Joanna with a smile forgetting that her friend had no way of 'seeing' it. She had by now grown used to the impediment and would continue to treat Joanna as if she were as a sighted person - yet having the sense to keep its presence tucked away until help was truly needed.

"There was much 'conversation' Your Majesty and twas soon apparent to us both that some kind of a reward was being asked for by the two "Gentlemen" in question ..... And since we had no prior acquaintance to judge them or what would best be fitting, well, let it be said that two heads proved better than one!" Her face was alight with the remembered amusement and her blue eyes danced merrily in her re-telling of the tale and her liking for her friend was obvious.

Those same eyes then looked back at the King.

[Temperance]

The king ate heartily, preferring the more substantial meal of meat rather than the fruit the ladies seemed partial to. He had been in so many banquettes and feasts that he already subconsciously timed the size and frequency of his bites so that it he was never caught with his mouth full when asked a question, not that one should ever pose a question to royalty first, or when it was his turn to make a remark.

“We are most pleased you are enjoying Windsor and the weeks festives.” Joanna’s revelation made the king blink and reach for his glass of wine from which he took a gulp. “Really, Lady Joanna? I hope you came to no harm. Might I ask for the name of the one who helped you acquaintance yourself with the weapon?”

“Did you find any gentlemen hiding behind tapestries then?” The king looked interestedly towards Davina for an elaboration. Usually when a tapestry was pulled back to reveal a man, he was either eavesdropping on something he shouldn’t or relieving himself in one of two ways. Yet as the ladies made mention of it, so obviously they couldn’t have been too scarred by the image they saw behind the tapestry. “But we are certain the joy and thrill would have been ours to have been found by a pair of such lovely ladies, in possession of cleverness as much as charm.”

As the ladies explained further that they had had to come up with clever ways how to redeem their ribbons, the king smiled. Wiping his mouth with a napkin he smiled broadly at the ladies, seeing an opening he had been hoping for. “You have already proven to be clever with your victory of the game. But rather than ask for a verbal recount, we have a pair of ribbons waiting to be redeemed ourselves.” With a smile the king pulled out two lengths of red ribbon, like those that had been at the game, except these two were adorned by rhombic gold thread intervowing on it. With a twinkle in his eyes Charles looked between the ladies.

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna had a soft spot for fruits, true, but her spirit of adventure extended to edibles; therefore, she asked to sample most meats and cheeses, from time to time expressing her amazement at a certain taste and complimenting His Majesty on the fine spread.

Oh bother, now he was worried about her safety? Joanna was rather surprised about that. Women did far more dangerous things than shoot a bow, after all! But because she was blind, she supposed, he thought her to be delicate. It would not have been frustrating, except for the fact that Joanna wasn't sure Richard would like her mentioning his name. She certainly had not intended to bring him up at all, preferring to keep their friendship a secret. Yet one did not lie to royalty.

"Oh no, Your Grace, I was perfectly safe at all times," she assured the King with confidence, her smile wide. "I do have certain disadvantages, but I am quite hardy. Moreover, I had an expert tutor—one I approached with the request to learn, I should note. The Earl of Bradford made certain that I was safe at every moment." She did not mean for her smile to brighten when she spoke of Richard, but brighten it did. Indeed, her whole face seemed full of joy for a moment, though she did not realise it.

"We found one young fellow who had panicked and ducked behind the weaving when he heard us approaching," she replied, not realising the question had been directed at Davina. She giggled lightly, remembering Davina's description of the poor blushing lad. She'd felt quite sorry for him, especially since when exposed he had merely stammered something and then given up the ribbon without even asking for anything in return.

At the King's challenge, Joanna felt her heart stop, then suddenly start up again almost painfully, the thuds echoing inside her skull so loudly she was certain the bone would split. She had absolutely no idea what to say or do in order to procure a ribbon from His Majesty. Thus far, he had treated her kindly, but she certainly did not feel any flirtation—not a surprise, as her condition was hardly attractive to all. So, offering a kiss seemed almost like an insult. Yet what else could she propose? She had no skills that he would find interesting or amusing, not that she could think of in that terrifying moment. It seemed she was doomed to bore him, which made her very sad indeed.

"My goodness," she murmured, trying to buy time. "This is truly the challenge of the century!"

Hopefully Davina was not struck as dumb as she.

Please, please have a brilliant idea, my dear friend…

[Davina Wellsley]

Her glance went to her friend's face as she spoke of this 'tutor' and Davina wondered if it might indeed be Richard and then knew she was right for Joanna's face told the tale as did her smile. How glad she was! That her frailty had not been such that others' made fun or made ill use of her. With each new friend that was made the protection increased for the lovely girl that sat beside her.

She gave a small 'chuckle' then blushed as it was audible. Well here was the unexpected!

Did he mean to make them do something in order to get a red ribbon? The question was therefore, did she really want one? Yet, how could she refuse The King?

"And what, if I may be bold Sir, did you have in mind?" Right. That was good - attack first then find out what the 'enemy' want's?. Stupid idea really but she was trying to buy time as it were and yet, that gleam in his eyes she found to be most .... Stimulating?

Was that right? It must be nerves! Why else would she have that fluttering feeling in the pit of her stomach?

[Temperance]

"The Earl of Bradford. Very well. We shall have a word with the chap." The monarch would be sure to forward the name to May. While the kng was a cavalier and appreciated attentiveness to the weaker gender, Windsor and England were safer whence females overall, but blind ones especially, would go unarmed. And Joanna herself might be safer too. She hadnt seen what was going on so she could hardly vouch for her own safety at all times now, could she?

"Dumbstruck by being faced with two such pretty women no doubt." Charles did not hesitate in slipping in the flattery to the ladies as they shared some of the highlights of the game.

Davina's question brought a grin to the king's face even as he wagged a finger at her playfully. "Ah, ah. Now you lovely ladies are the ones who have previous experience with the game and what the proper stakes for ribbons might be for you have deemed what you shall offer previously during the game already. I demand no greater reward than those present at the game. We eagerly look forward to hearing what you might offer."

[Joanna Craven]

At first, Joanna was cowed; then, she decided that if only so as to spare Richard the embarrassment she just had to muster her strength and creativity and get the King relent. But how to do it? Except then the answer came to her as she was mulling over what to offer their host in exchange for his ribbons. She remembered Richard's words, recalled His Majesty liked to be entertained and did not like meekness. So there was nothing for it but to plow straight ahead, even if she did not entirely know where she was going. Because she would not let him meddle in her relationship. Mild she might be ninety-nine percent of the time, but there was a stubborn steak underlying her actions; it was what got her out of bed each day, despite not being able to see the sunrise. When it came to those she loved, she would stand her ground. In her own way.

"The most precious gift that I gave, Your Grace, was my lips—for a kiss on the cheek," she said with a touch of pride and a curl of those same pretty lips, pleased that they had been able to win their ribbons without resorting to puckering up for every man. It would have been an easy way to sway them, true, but she and Davina were cleverer than that. Not to mention careful of their reputations.

"Now, said lips could slide over a few inches, if you would in turn consider forgetting about Lord Bradford—who, I will assure you, was being observed by my escort, Trooper Johnson of the LifeGuard, at all times." All of it was said with a sweet, steady smile and a sparkle in her sightless eyes. Now, it was quite possible he did not want to kiss her or would just accept the kiss on the cheek, but it was a chance she had to take.

[Davina Wellsley]

Her eyes played between the two of them as Joanna spoke, watchful of the king's reactions.

She knew that Joanna was a pure Soul like herself and had shown clearly that she was quite capable of looking after herself but this was far different from that Game! That He would take advantage of Joanna was unthinkable and so she did not press that thought.

She dabbed at her lips then rose gracefully and went towards him to curtsey prettily saying that "As was in that Game so must it be here Your Grace - the offer made was to claim a dance on my part and so I make it now. T'would be a great Honor indeed Sire for this poor creature to be favored by such."

Blue eyes lowered hiding a merry twinkle as she smiled and her head tilted just a fraction lower - the better for him to notice the fan of her lashes before she looked up. It was an attempt to sway his thoughts away from Joanna's Earl, for Davina heard it plain in her friend's voice so she would offer aid if she could.

[Temperance]

Charles laughed appreciatively as Joanna explained that a kiss had been one of her bids for the precious ribbons. That was what he had expected an offer for a kiss fell perfectly in line with what he had been hoping for as well. “A precious gift it is indeed for a ribbon.” The king nodded appreciatively and then burst out chuckling as Joanna tacked on a clause to her offer. For a moment the monarch studied Joanna from shrewd eyes before nodding sharply.

“How devious of you, Lady Joanna, the clauses after the enticement. Have you given lessons to my privy council? Very well. We shall keep an eye on Lord Bradford for we would not wish for you to come to any harm from further weapons or anyone else, but we shall not be calling him to task.” Trooper Johnson would be getting a reminder to intervene and prevent the lady from trying her hand with any other weapons however. “Now if that is acceptable to you, my lady, I shall be looking forward to that kiss.”

Davina’s request was trickier. “A dance. I fear I shall be leading my new wife to dance next on Sunday and the rest are promised as well.” There were a lot of obligatory dances to be shared at the wedding, the privy councillors in fact despairing that they could only fit so many dances onto the king’s dance card. “Shall we make it a dance I can demand in at any unspecified time in the future?” The gold-embroidered red ribbons were held aloft, one to be handed to Joanna after the kiss if she were to agree to the terms and one for Davina, her redemption offer of a dance to be held in reserve of honour.

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna was rather relieved that her offer of a kiss was acceptable and felt just a teensy tiny puff of pride as His Majesty complimented her on her craftiness. She did have a hint of deviousness underlying her sweetness, though it tended to come out in a playful manner. Yet sometimes, like now, it could be both lighthearted and used for a very specific purpose. She was so very relieved to have spared Richard any ill will from the King, whom he already had enough political squabbles with to begin with, that it took a moment before she understood the full ramifications of her little offer. Which were that she had to kiss the king. On the lips. The king of blessed England! Not to mention that she had foolishly fallen into one trap that Richard had tried to steer her clear of: Offering affection to a man who was known to be amorous.

Oh bother and bugger and…fuck.

Rattled on the inside, Joanna was nonetheless determined not to fall to pieces. The reply to Davina gave the blonde a few moments of steady breathing so as to ready herself for planting a kiss on the lips of her monarch. For she was quite, quite determined to do so—without trembling. Fearless, yes, that's what she was…or how she would attempt desperately to appear!

"The terms are perfectly acceptable, Your Grace," Joanna replied sweetly. "Oh, and you will let me know if there is an opening on your council, will you not?" She was teasing, of course. That served to calm her nerves as well as amuse him.

"Would you like to receive your reward sitting or standing, Your Grace?" Joanna queried as she waited for a servant to anticipate her need for help and direct her as appropriate.

She would offer him the same innocent kiss she and Richard had shared, which would surely suffice. There was nothing improper about a little kiss like that, when it was in good fun. Or so she thought. Hopefully Davina was not appalled by her behaviour! She did seem more careful about guarding her lips…

[Davina Wellsley]

Joanna must help herself now as Davina could no longer.

To the King she executed a perfect reverance and her smile was charming as she agreed. "Very well Your Majesty. I shall except your "Terms"." She held out her hand for one of the ribbons that he dangled from his own hand. She would think of some way in which she might incorporate it so that it might be worn in some manner ..... It would be a waste to simple put it away!

"I think Joanna, that you too must obey, for His Majesty has proven to be most gracious in His requests!" she said to her friend. "Indeed tis Game, Set, and Match won in fairness!" She would let Joanna be herself and would only assist if she found it necessary.

Soon it would be time to leave but she would treasure this always. She also hoed that she had managed to leave an impression with the King - one that was favorable.

[Fluff]

Brown eyes twinkled with mirth as Charles Rex watched the slight discomfit of the ladies. Yet, he judged cynically, at the same time they were not shy to gain favour and perhaps a little excited too at the opportunity. He had grown used to it through the years and even admired the grand players of this courtly game. He was after all the grandest player of them all.

"Just so, just so Mistress Davina," His Majesty chuckled as she urged her friend to surrender because he was being air "Pay heed to your friend lady Joanna."

It seemed both girls were overcoming their shyness as Joanna then had the cheek to ask for a seat on the Privy Council. There was true amusement now, a deep baritone laugh let loose, for the King did enjoy wit. "I wish you could see their faces when I suggested such to the Council. I admit I have oft threatened to replace the lot of them. Even my mistresses could do a better job than some of those blustering idiots, going on about regulations and impediments why no money could be raised. Ha. A woman would know how to charm parliament into releasing funds, surely."

Charles rubbed his chin in thought, a little scratchign sound, as the blind girl queried whether he should sit or stand. "A gentleman must always stand in a ladies presence if she does too," pondered the King "Yet, I fear Lady Joanna, that you might not reach your intended target, not even on tip toes. So it seems more gallant of me to remain seated." He gestured to the servant who carefully guided Joanna by the elbow, and to help her get her bearings upon the royal person and prevent mishap, put her hand on the royal shoulder, where she might find his periwig resting.

OOC: my apologies for the wait. Doing a tie-over for Temperance.

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna had not needed Davina's suggestion to make up her mind and found it a little odd that her friend had made the comment. Did the brunette think that she needed help? She thought she'd been doing just fine and seemed quite at ease…was it not so to Davina? In any case, Joanna was perfectly amenable to the situation; indeed, she was quite pleased with herself for having spun what might have been an unfortunate situation into quite a profitable one!

The blind girl was tickled pink at the King's laughter, pleased that she had managed to elicit a burst of mirth. She did so love to hear others enjoying themselves and the monarch was no exception. Joanna was not even thinking of what good it might do for her or her family if she continued to please him; she was merely happy that he was happy.

"You are very wise not to underestimate the charms of the weaker sex, Your Grace," Joanna said with a slightly sly smile. It was rather nice that he appreciated women for more than just their intimate company. Their monarch was indeed a savvy man! She was starting to quite like him, in certain ways. "In any case, the day that your threats turn to promises, you shall have one willing lady to call upon." A wink—something Harriet had taught her—finished off that joke nicely.

Then it was time for the kiss. A public kiss. Were it just she and His Majesty and the servants, this would be a bit easier. But with Davina looking on, Joanna felt just a bit ill at ease. What was her friend thinking? What expression was on her lovely face? Was she despairing of this display? Ah, but her presence was also a boon. The blonde could ask her friend how the King had looked as she kissed him, whether he had been pleased or upset or something else. She was quite curious as to what was going on in his head. Of course, he might not allow anything to slip past his royal facade…

Hush now and concentrate, she warned herself as the servant positioned her at the King's side.

Joanna was quite practiced at giving kisses, though hers were generally planted on the cheek rather than the lips. Her fingers slid slowly, gracefully along his wig—a pleasant, ticklish feeling against her skin—and then travelled inward, just barely brushing against his chin. Every face was differently shaped and proportioned, yet they were similar enough that she nearly always managed to find her 'finger footing' without any pokes or scrapes. And, luckily, she did indeed slide her palm under the King's chin without any bruises or bloodshed. Now grounded, Joanna crooked her pinky finger and slowly slid the tip over to his lips. Position fully secured, Joanna took a deep breath through her nose, wet her lips slightly, for they were quite dry, and then inched her face forward slowly. Her finger retreated neatly as her soft lips found those of her sovereign.

She intended to count slowly to four before withdrawing, lest he think her nervous or accuse her of not playing fair. She wanted to fulfil her promise in full, to his complete satisfaction. While her lips were not parted, they were relaxed rather than warily pressed tightly together. He could probably rightly guess that she was not a stranger to kissing, but also that she was certainly no libertine…though no doubt that was already obvious.

[Davina Wellsley]

From her own place nearby Davina watched in silence. How well Joanna handled herself! Saw as she placed a hand neath the King's chin then leaned close to press her lips to his .....

With a breath held she looked then to the King committing to her own memory what his actions would be and guessing correctly that her friend would want to know later what had occurred at that moment. Her own sense of curiosity was of an intellectual kind - she wanted to see if he got it right. She'd hear so many tales of him and to have a chance to witness ,well, twas an amazement to be sure. And yet there was a sense of an intimacy and she felt uncomfortable in the watching of it.

Silly! Twas all just a "GAME" after all and nothing more would ever come of it she was sure!

[Fluff]

Kisses were shared freely at Court. While Proper Society might not always agree with such morals, generally it was considered an innocent enough sport as long as it was not taken further. The King himself was a great instigator of such licentiousness and with such royal approval courtiers were quick to copy.

Joanna's fingers would find a tickling moustache and large sensual lips, that dared a little nibble on her fingertops. However, the royal naughtiness did not extend further, his lips responsive under hers, but not forcing hers open or coming anywhere uninvited, no hands to pull her closer.

To experience it fully as the lady was experiencing it Charles closed his eyes, only opening them to see her withdraw again. "That was very nice indeed," he murmured. He was a man to appreciate experience and did not find her lacking. Gentle hands pressed the ribbon in Joanna's hand. "You are a good sport," he declared.

OOC: Shall we work towards wrapping this up?

[Joanna Craven]

The blonde managed not to giggle when she felt the most peculiar sensation on the tips of her fingers, though she did smile and bite her lip to keep the pleased laughter safely down in her throat. She was quite tickled by the new senses that were awakened by that strange touch. How could a nibble in such a place feel so very delightful? Was it simply because she was blind and relied more to her other senses, or would everyone feel that little shiver and tingle?

All in all, she was quite pleased by the kiss—both her own performance and his reaction. He was a gentleman, perhaps because they were in company or because she simply didn't appeal to him as a prospect. Joanna didn't care about the reasons; she was just happy that the scene had played out safely and as properly as possible and that her monarch was satisfied.

And now she held in her hand the prized ribbon! That was something she would treasure the rest of her days, for it represented a great triumph: Surviving a private audience with the King of England and parting on what appeared to be pleasant terms. It was all she could ever have hoped for from this lunch.

"Your Majesty is too kind," she said modestly when he remarked upon the kiss.

Joanna's smile twinkled like the night sky as the servant helped her back to her seat. "I believe that life would be very tiresome indeed if one was not willing to blow with the wind from time to time," she opined. "I am no leaf lost to gusts and gales, but I do try to be flexible. How can one stumble into an exciting new situation any other way?" Adventure and discovery were what she lived for.


OOC: I'm happy to fade out here or work to an end. Cheers for the lovely thread, ladies!

[Davina Wellsley]

She released her breath. It had all come off splendidly and the King seemed to be pleased as well - the only important thing really!

She too had her own ribbon and so twas time for this interlude to come to an end. But neither could leave and so must wait for His Grace to speak ..... Her mind running ahead to just when she might be asked to claim her portion.


ooc:Feel the same! Thank You Both (: