Going to the Lake

"Boating? Are you sure? I've never thought of you as a sailor, Bryce." Lord Gilbert says, the next morning. "What are you really after?"

"Exactly what we've been after, old man." you respond, tucking into one of the biscuits Sarah had left out for you in your chamber. A little old and stale, but you were not so pampered that that would put you off them. "I'm supposed to get the measure of Prince Garnier, aye? Where better than when he's at his most relaxed, spending time with his family?"

The old man looks unconvinced.

"It's... somewhat reckless, going off with these foreigners. Not to mention, this lake, it's just over the border into Sinnabarrow." Gilbert begins, all sensible objections, you grant him. "There's also the fact you're not even a month on the throne. Now's the time to affirm your reign, son, not go swanning off across the continent!"

"Come now Gilbert, it won't even be a full week!" you protest.

"I've given you my counsel. You'll do as you will, I'm sure. Just... bring your guard, hmm?"

-

"Thank you for coming along." You say to Sarah, as your carriage trundles along the western reaches of Itheria, the Capital miles behind.

The golden-haired servant nods and smiles. Officially, she had come along to ensure your room was kept in the particular manner you preferred. Of course, you had other things in mind for her.

The Sinnabarrovian royals were in another carriage just ahead of yours. No doubt laughing, singing, every bit the happy family.

-

The leagues before you melt away at a steady pace, and it's not much more than a handful of days until you find yourself approaching the Lac D'Givre, or more specifically, the opulent villa maintained just for the Sinnabarrovian royals nestled on the lakeshore.

The sun is just beginning to set, basking the extravagant house, and the crystalline waters in a golden shroud. You climb out of your carriage as it trundles to a stop just before the building. You stride back and forth as the carriage drivers are relieved, as baggage is unloaded and brought inside. Your legs feel dead, devoid of any sensation, from so long sat in that godsforsaken carriage. In fact, you'd spent far too much of the past few weeks sitting for your liking. Perhaps you weren't cut out for ruling a kingdom, after all.

Turning, you catch Sarah staring at the manor, as well as the vast lake, with absolute awe. Unsurprising, you think, smiling to yourself. You'd wager from the vast interest she'd taken in just about everything rolling by in the carriage window, she hadn't seen much of Motania, outside of Itheria's capital.

You look on as Emmanuelle climbs out of the carriage, helping her daughter out next. Even after several days on the road, the Queen looks quite beautiful. Radiant, even.

You see Emmanuelle turn away from Madeleine for the briefest of moments, quietly asking something of Prince Garnier, and the child bolts. To her credit, the Queen notices right away, and is after her, grabbing her by the scruff of her neck before she can get much further towards the water's edge, or the outbuilding and small dock a spell down the lakeshore.

"Maman!" the little terror cries out. "Let go of me! I want to go sailing!"

"We'll go tomorrow, cherie." Emmanuelle assures her. "Right now we should get unpacked, rest up a little."

"No! I want to see the boats now!" Madeleine protests, stamping her feet. "Now now now now now!"

"We can't always do as we want, when we want, oui?" Emmanuelle says, smiling softly at her daughter.

"Merde to that! I'm a princess!" Madeleine counters.

"Where exactly did she pick that up?" Emmanuelle asks, exasperated, as Garnier hops out of the carriage to join them.

"Pierre, most likely." the Dauphin shrugs. "My father isn't one to watch his tongue, even around a child."

"You talk to her." Emmanuelle says, before turning away from the two of them, moving towards you.

"Madeleine, you know we can't go out on the water. It's going to be dark soon." Garnier says in a paternal tone, crouching to bring himself level with his sister. "But I promise, first thing tomorrow morning we'll be out there, sailing around our lake like Deanian raiders. Does that sound good?"

"Yes, Garnier." Madeleine nods, placated. Emmanuelle is by your side now, wordlessly watching the two just as you are.

"Good. Now let's get you inside." Garnier laughs. Standing, he takes Madeleine by the hand, and the two of them head in.

"He is good with her..." Emmanuelle smiles ruefully. "Now, King Bryce, I've directed our servants to put you up with a handsome suite, honoured guest of ours that you are. Garnier and I were planning on having drinks together, once we're settled in. Would you care to join us?"