Two Is Company, Three is A Crowd

When the Queen entered the premises of the Royal Hall, she had expected at maximum about ten people but there were much more people than she had expected. The long dinner table was almost filled to the brim and she could see people of varying levels of authority and power all seated in one table.

It was a preposterous sight.

One should know that servants, attendants and nobles were all distinguished from one another and each would have their separate table. Servants were to eat at their own room separated from the officials and other dignified guests but it was contradicted here.

Now it meant that more people were standing and applauding her once she stepped inside but it made no difference if they had been here in the first place.

The Queen of Hearts made her way to the ones in the center of the table.

"Her Majesty greets the Kings and Queens of Suits." She dipped into a formal curtsy as she made her way to the King of Heart's right side. Already she was preparing for the courtesies and niceties that were to follow.

Until a warm hand grasped her fingers.

The golden haired King kissed the air above her knuckles, "Ah, my Queen—I'm glad you were able to make it despite your faintness." She would have pulled away from his touch if it weren't for the other people surrounding them.

And it seemed that they already have made an excuse for her not attending dinner.

She'd play along to that and did her best to smile and crinkled her eyes, "It can't be helped that the other Queens request my presence," She could already see the three other women beside their counterparts. "It can't be helped that they need some leisure not involving being stuck inside their chambers, perhaps?"

Rosalyn Lockhart knew she should at least sound enthusiastic but of course it ended up as slightly aggravated as she saw the three other Queens she would have to deal with. 

"Well if the Kings toured around the castle of Hearts, we would expect no less the same treatment at least." Donning a soft peach gown, a young woman with emerald green eyes gave her a narrowed look. She harrumphed, "And it seems that you are in good health, Your Majesty of Hearts." Olivia Deuce was a woman of her own temperament.

Perhaps the two of them would get along but she could already foresee some potential arguments with one another. But at least she could appreciate a woman that wasn't afraid to speak up about what she desired.

Her counterpart, the King of Spades offered a small laugh, "I'm glad that Her Majesty has recovered quickly, I'll be satisfied that my Queen will enjoy her tour."

"I shall do my best," Rosalyn Lockhart offered a smile. 

"And I haven't forgotten that I am to give you a gift as King Francis has given you." The King of Spades, Alfred Villeuce gave her a small grin. "Not as tasteful I suppose but more useful I believe." It may have been a small jab or an unintentional one that the other King took in stride.

But despite that, that simply made her appreciate the King more. And his gift was something she was eager to discover as their Kingdom specialized in combat when compared to Diamond's wealth. "I shall look forward to it."

The Queen of Spades shot her a look which she ignored—they didn't need to feel so intimidated. Or perhaps they should feel that way. It was a welcome reaction.

"It can't be helped if others cannot measure its value—but Your Majesty, has your husband not returned it to you yet? We spent a good time searching for it." His Majesty, Francis le Diamant spoke up with a raised brow, "I would have expected you to have worn it by now."

A small chuckle erupted from the King of Clover, Ivan Nordskov resting his hand underneath his chin, "It's amusing when I recall you complaining of the water being freezing."

It should be something that she was used to; Kings spent much more time discussing while their Queens were expected to speak less. It was a different matter in the Hearts, she glanced at her counterpart Alexander Hartsmichdt who was currently preoccupied by listening to their exchange.

Until he noticed her gaze on him and flashed her a smile, the King of Hearts turned towards his fellow Kings and chuckled, "It's quite amusing that my Queen keeps receiving gifts while I don't even receive anything."

"If you wish for a spar, then perhaps I could afford that." The King of Spades' eyes gleamed as they eyed Alexander. "I'll give you the chance to encounter my skills."

A faint cough interrupted the exchange, the Queen donning a soft hue of green gave a small smile, "I think His Majesty of Hearts should be worrying about providing presents instead of receiving them."

"Ko—I believe you have spoken truly, Her Majesty of Clovers." Alexander Hartsmichdt coughed lightly.

Rosalyn Lockhart's lips thinned slightly as she eyed the other woman, Queen Neo Anasthasia of the Clover. They were the one that ended up with His Majesty, King Nordskov, she wouldn't say that they were fortunate despite their Kingdom being known for its 'Luck'.

And amidst it all only one of the Queens didn't even join the conversation, the Ice Queen, or perhaps that was too much of a compliment to them. "I'm glad that we meet again, Her Majesty of Diamonds, Jeanne la Monique." Out of all the Queens, perhaps they were the only one who wore a striking color like hers.

"Perhaps we could have met in better times but we meet again indeed, Her Majesty of Hearts. Lockhart." A navy dark blue off-shoulder gown showed off flawless skin and matched her eyes. A cold smile formed on the other woman's lips.

The Queen of Hearts forgot how aggravating she was and it was a wonder what methods her family did to become Queen, "If the other Queens are finished with their breakfasts, I believe that we can begin our tour immediately can't we?"