[IC] Within the Tudor Court {Lola x Whispers}

[Silent Whispers]

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Kɪɴɢ Jᴏsᴇᴘʜ V

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The skies over the England Kingdom had finally turned an orange and yellow color, which meant that night time was not too far off. Tonight was a special night indeed because a celebration and feast was being held to honor the union between King James V and Queen Genevieve. They've held England together for so many years and ruled with an iron fist whenever the Kingdom needed it. People were already gathering in the ballroom, a room big enough for the celebration and feast, and they were only awaiting the arrival of their beloved King and Queen.

The last button on Joseph's suit had been buttoned up and he exhaled a little. His eyes were on himself as he stared into the floorstand mirror before him and turned to make sure he was fitted properly. A soft knock came over his door and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Joseph was all too familiar with that knock as he knew that it was his Queen, his wife.

"Enter." Joseph said after he cleared his throat slightly and turned to see Genevieve walking towards him with a smile as she opened her arms and wrapped them around him. He jolted at first because he was not expecting such a strong hug from her as he waved the handmaidens away along with the gentlemen that were present. "Oh, my King. I've missed you all day." Genevieve said as Joseph smiled down towards her and grabbed her hands, kissing one of them.

"Oh, my Queen. I've missed you, too. But tonight is our night." Joseph said in response then let go of Genevieve's hands as he turned back towards the mirror to review over himself again then turned to look at his Queen's attire. "You look lovely, my dear." Joseph spoke towards Genevieve, who came up behind him and rested her head upon his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist. "So do you." Genevieve said as she maneuvered herself to stand at the door now. "Don't be late, my love."

Joseph turned to look at her with a smile as she left the room and headed towards the ballroom to enter the scene. He exhaled again as he walked over to the balcony and leaned against the railing. His eyes peered downward as he saw people were still trailing in from different parts of the country. Joseph stood upright now and turned heel to walk towards his door, opening it and finding his two most trusted guards, Raoul and Mason, standing there and ready to escort him towards the ballroom.

"I am ready." Joseph mentioned as he closed his chamber door and the three started a light trek towards the ballroom.

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Lᴀᴅʏ Cᴀssᴀɴᴅʀᴀ Hᴏʟʟᴏᴡᴀʏ

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Bright blue eyes gleamed through the small window of the carriage she was riding in. The scenery that was being seen made the Lady wonder how close to home were they. But then she saw it. The lake that stretched mere miles from the Kingdom and she knew that she was home, finally. She was away from home to handle the business affairs for her father, Lord Henry Holloway, because he deemed that his son wasn't capable of the determination that she had.

Cassandra shook her head at the thought then noticed that the carriage stopped, which made her jolt forward a little. "What's happening? Why are we stopping?" Cassandra asked the guard, who peeked his head out of the window then turned back towards her. "My lady, another carriage is also entering the Kingdom. It look like Sir Thomas." The guard spoke as her eyes widened and she even looked out the small window and noticed the carriage.

Yep, it was Sir Thomas entering the Kingdom at the exact same time she was. A slight brow raised from her as she sat back down now, arms folded over her ample chest as she wondered where Sir Thomas had been. She needed to shake these feelings she had for him but couldn't. Their families are in an intense rivalry so she cannot like someone from the opposing team.

With a slight sigh, Cassandra stopped thinking about it as the carriage began to move again and this time stopping at the main entrance to the castle. Her guard got out of the carriage first then assisted her out next. With a strong gait, she walked right up to Sir Thomas and gave him her best effort of a push that she could muster to such a tall and strong male.

"Don't you dare stop at the entrance like that again. I better not be late to get dressed for the celebration tonight." She spoke and ended her words with a slight huff then slung her locks of brunette hair towards him, the end strands going across his chest a little bit. Cassandra then turned heel and held her head up high while proceeding onward towards the castle, where she is going to meet her family and get changed for the celebration tonight.

_@Lola

[Lola]

Lady Eliza Percival
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"You look tired, have you not slept a wink?"

Tired? Tired? In actual fact she'd slept very well. Lady Eliza perked a manicured eyebrow at her redheaded companion. Jessica Wheatley was another one of the Queen's ladies. One that loved to gossip and weed out a scandal - however, Eliza was really rather fond of her. "I slept well actually, but clearly my appearance does not reflect it." The blonde teased mercilessly. Had she taken offence to the words? No, of course not. However, that didn't mean that she couldn't taunt her friend somewhat. Liza loved a good taunt every now and again.

"So this feast." The fairer of the two continued, a swift change of topic as she gratefully received a goblet of wine from a passing server. "I have a feeling it's going to be rather dull."

The grand hall was bustling with Courtiers and Ambassadors alike. All trying to get noticed, to win the King's ear. To increase their land, seal an investment. It was all politics and scheming. Eliza had no interest in any of it. To her, it was far more enjoyable to be ignorant to all that nonsense. A quiet life with small pleasures and horseback riding. That's what she aspired to. Of course, her family had other ideas. Daughters were pawns, an asset to be married off to the highest bidder - and as a rather pretty pawn at that, she was somewhat resided to the fate. Jessica smirked at her friends nonchalant dismissal of the evening and rolled her insipid green eyes, "Surely you should be excited at the return of your brother. Lord knows I am."

"Is there anyone at Court that does not swoon over Thomas?" Eliza sighed as she stifled a small laugh, "He is a menace. A grumpy one at that." The young Lady smoothed out the taffeta of her baby blue gown, intricately embraided with pretty golden thread. The bodice pulled in beautifully at the waist, and a head of thick blonde locks fort to escape from their bronzed pins. A pleasing spectacle she was indeed.

"You would say that, he is your brother." Jessica declared with a jab of her elbow to Lady Eliza's ribs, "I reserve the right to fawn. Now shush, let us see who is here.." And with that, the pair made their way merrily though the crowd.

Sir Thomas Percival
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A strange sort of girl, that one.. Thomas pondered to himself as he recalled his earlier meeting with Lady Cassandra. Well, if one could term it a meeting. He had never been particularly gifted when it came down to understanding the fairer sex, so he simply put it down to travel fatigue and carried on with his preparations. Naturally he was running late. Sir Thomas was always running late. The words of his Father echoed around the forefront of his mind. No one shall trust you with their affairs, if you cannot get your own in order..

Wise words old man. Wise words indeed.

The handsome Nobleman sauntered effortlessly into the Grand Hall. The beautiful wooden carvings shone in the evening light, and it was certainly an inviting space. A vibrant red doublet enhanced the raven tone of his hair as he took a moment to glance over the crowd. Now where was the lovely Eliza? How he had missed her. Not that he would ever admit that out loud of course. He'd take a stroll around to see if he could find her. The King and Queen were yet to arrive, and he wanted to soak up the atmosphere and revel in his return to court. Soon enough his presence would turn to business, and he would have to forgo the slightly more pleasurable aspects of Noble life. Still, as long as there was mead - he could live happily enough.

A drinking problem? Absolutely not. Just a healthy distaste of reality.

"Ah, Thomas my friend!"

A heavy hand thumped him resolutely on the back, causing the male to tighten his grip on his goblet to protect its contents. The young man turned to be greeted by the pleasant smile of his Uncle Robert. "Ah, Uncle. I trust time finds you well?"

"Absolutely dear boy, absolutely." The kind old gent nodded and ushered his nephew towards the table. "Come, let us catch up.."

It was like he'd never been away.

[Silent Whispers]

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Kɪɴɢ Jᴏsᴇᴘʜ V

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Once he turned the last corner towards the ballroom, the double doors were opened up by his guards and his fanfare played as he entered the scene now. People bowed towards him as he walked with a confident and Kingly gait. Before he went to the table that was placed at the front of the ballroom, he met with some of the Lords and Ladies on the floor. Joseph's stare went over towards his Queen, who was chatting it up with one of her Lady-in-waiting then went back to the current conversation that he was having.

"Well, gentlemen and ladies, I must go and sit." Joseph said as he excused himself from them then walked over towards the table, giving his Queen a quick peck on the cheek before sitting beside her. "While you were chatting with Harold, I hope you reminded him about his taxes that he still hasn't paid." Genevieve spoke as Joseph sighed at her words. "Can we have one night where we're not discussing business? This is a night of celebration, Genevieve. Embrace it."

Genevieve chuckled with a slight head lean before looking straight ahead now and letting the words of her King sink in a little. "You are right. Sorry, my King. But we will be discussing the matter later." Joseph leaned back in his chair now and ran his finger over his lips while staring out on the dance floor. As he stared out there, he saw Genevieve's other Lady-in-waiting and seen that she was with her friend. A slight brow raised as Joseph stood up and wandered over towards the floor, bumping into Eliza with a smirk.

"Pardon me." Joseph said as he eyed Eliza's friend then went back to staring at her. "I could not help but notice that you guys are not really dancing." He stepped aside then held his arm out towards the dance floor. "Shall we, Lady Eliza?" Joseph asked as Queen Genevieve watched from the table with a scowled look plastered upon her face.

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Lᴀᴅʏ Cᴀssᴀɴᴅʀᴀ Hᴏʟʟᴏᴡᴀʏ

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Cassandra managed to make it in time to meet with her family along with getting dressed by her handmaidens for the celebration tonight. Her father had entered her chambers as she turned to face and embrace him. "Father. How have times been without me?" She asked him as he shrugged a little. "Same as always, my dear. How was the meeting?" She turned back to finish getting dressed as she responded to the question.

"Well, you know that Sir Thomas tried to make sure the Percivel's looked good but the Holloway's came out on top." She lied slightly as her father chuckled. "Ah, that's my girl." Her father started to walk towards her chamber door as he turned and spoke before her left. "Don't be late to the celebration." That was all he said before exiting the room as Cassandra smiled at him then reviewed over herself in the mirror.

Cassandra sighed a little as she was finished being dressed then thanked her handmaidens while dismissing them, too. She stepped down from the stand she was standing up on then walked towards her chamber door and exited her room. Luckily for her, she knew certain shortcuts around the castle to make sure she gets to the ballroom a little bit faster than usual.

She stood at the double doors of the ballroom and sighed as they were opened up for her. She walked in with her usual walk, head high and many, many Lords stared at her entrance. Cassandra saw her family and offered them a small, little wave then waltzed over towards the table of food and wine to grab a goblet of wine. She turned to face the crowd before her now as she took a small sip from her goblet, staring at Sir Thomas with an eye roll.

Cassandra just really hope that he did not look her way and see that eye roll.

_@Lola

[Lola]

Sir Thomas Percival

"Yes Uncle, no doubt that would be incredibly advantageous." Thomas showed all the signs of listening attentively, however he had mastered the art of feigned interest a long time ago. Truth be told his eyes were busily scanning the crowd for someone, well anyone in fact - just as long as they could save him from his current conversation. That's when his eyes finally fell upon his sister. Ah, there she was. Had she grown? No don't be silly, she was twenty one, not ten. However, it was the company she was keeping that intrigued him the most. Not Jessica, she tended to be everywhere that Eliza was. The King. And by the looks of things, he was asking her to dance. Interesting.

There were many rumours circulating the court. Mostly about the King needing an heir, but there were also murmurings of his displeasure at the Queen. Whether you could believe the whispers was yet to be disclosed, but the Kings interest in his sister did intrigue him. Now that would be very advantageous to the Percival family indeed. He would write a letter to his Father as soon as he retired for the evening.

Not too far from the dancefloor was Lady Cassandra. Was that an eye roll? The gesture made Thomas chuckle, much to the confusion of his a uncle. She really seemed to dislike him. How curious. How entertaining.

"Excuse me Uncle, I have some business to attend to." And with a charming smile, he wandered over to the Lady in question.

"Lady Cassandra." His tone was light and relaxed, "How are you this evening?"

Lady Eliza Percival

The King was asking her to dance? Eliza's mind went entirely blank, but a small chuckle did escape her flushed pink lips when he knocked into her. He was handsome, that you had to admit when you were in such close proximity to him. He emitted an air of quiet authority, and that was alarmingly appealing. Eliza really wasn't one to welcome trouble. The stares of the nearby Courtiers made her uncomfortable and did nothing to nurture her want for a quiet life.

Still, one didn't say no to a King, did one?

"I would love to dance, Your Majesty." Eliza bowed her head in the appropriate manner before she followed the Kings outstretched arm to the floor. The music was lively, and the buzz of merriment was palpable. Well, other than the Queen. There didn't appear to be anything merry about her countenance. The scowl was very unnerving and Eliza had to force herself not to look.

Why should I feel guilty? The blonde contemplated to herself. It is just a dance. A simple dance. A polite gesture - nothing more, nothing less. The King often danced at such occasions, and this was no different. There was absolutely nothing to scowl about. Not for Eliza anyway..

Of course the other Courtiers were keen and quick to whisper their suspicions, fleeting glances, meaningful nods. Something so simple as a dance could tip the entire balance of the Court off kilter. It was a dizzying place to be, but luckily Eliza was oblivious.

"I don't dance well." She teased Joseph in good humour, "But I shall try not to step on the Kings toes."

[Silent Whispers]

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Kɪɴɢ Jᴏsᴇᴘʜ V

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When Eliza practically said yes to his offer of a dance with her, another smirk formed among his lips as he grabbed her hand and they made their way out to the dance floor. People applauded because the King had stepped onto the floor but others muttered whatever they wanted because it was not with the Queen. Speaking of the Queen, she had such a scowled look upon her face that she turned away from her King's display at hand right about now.

"Neither do I, Lady Eliza." Joseph responded whenever Eliza mentioned that she did not dance well. He could not help but chuckle at her last words and shake his head. "Oh, my lady, you might have to worry about me stepping on yours." With those words said, the band had started up again.

Joseph eyed his Queen for a moment as she was shaking her head towards him and giving Eliza the stare of a thousand deaths. Joseph decided to dance a ceremonial dance with Eliza, so that way no one was stepping on anyone's toes and people noticed that they could not dance. She'd thank him later. His eyes seemingly never left hers or her body. He was quite memorized by her presence and knew her family quite well, too.

"Lovely attire displayed upon you, Lady Eliza." Joseph complimented towards her as they were ending their dance. He bowed towards her just as the last note played and people around them cheered. "Thanks for the dance, my lady." He grabbed her by the hand and raised it to his lips, giving it a delicate and passionate kiss.

Joseph dropped Eliza's hand, leaving her probably astounded, then walked back towards the table where his Queen were and sat right beside her. "Done with your whores?" Genevieve quipped as Joseph eyed her then looked back at the people on the dance floor now. "I gave you a child. She might reign supreme over England. You don't know." Joseph ignored Genevieve for the moment as she stood up now, angry surrounding her aura. "I'd like to retire to my chambers." She gave Joseph one more scowl look before proceeding onward.

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Lᴀᴅʏ Cᴀssᴀɴᴅʀᴀ Hᴏʟʟᴏᴡᴀʏ

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Cassandra sat her goblet of wine down so she could applaud along with everyone else whenever the King entered the dance floor but she wondered to herself as to why he chose a random. Oh, that was no random, that was Sir Thomas' sister, Eliza. She scrunched her face up after she had realized that then looked back over towards Sir Thomas, who saw her staring that time and she quickly turned her head the other way.

She focused in on those whispering about the King's display and wondered if the rumors that she was hearing were true or not. Cassandra knew she felt a little tension between the King and Queen and now, there was even more as the Queen scowled towards Eliza. She shuddered at the Queen's look and it wasn't even for her but that look would make anyone shudder, honestly.

Her eyes peered towards Sir Thomas again as he was now walking over towards her. She picked her goblet back up and chugged down the rest of her wine just mere seconds of him standing right beside her now. Again, she rolled her eyes towards him and huffed as she folded her arms over her chest now.

His question made her scoff slightly as she turned to face him now. "Like you really care." Was her response as she then turned away from him and walked up some before turning heel and facing him again. "My day has been grand, Sir Thomas. How is the evening fairing for you?" Cassandra asked as she picked up another goblet of wine and held it out towards him.

"Wine?" She offered with a sultry look gleaming in her eyes now. "So, the meeting. Nice work back there." She complimented him on his efforts and picked up another goblet of wine for herself, taking a small sip from it. "Eliza's a lucky girl, it seems. How do you feel about the King's liking of her?" She asked bluntly as she really wanted his opinion on the matter.

_@Lola

[Lola]

Lady Eliza Percival

"What just happened there?"

The hiss in her ear brought her back to reality as Jessica re-appeared by her side. "He kissed your hand."

"He is the King, he kisses a great deal of hands."

"Not like that he doesn't."

Was that true? Eliza cast her eyes to her friend in curiosity, "What do you mean?" Of course the young Lady had felt some sort of tension in the Court over the past month or so, but she hadn't expected the rumours to be true. Jessica downed the remnants of her wine before she responded, "He didn't take his eyes off of you, and that wasn't just a polite kiss on the hand." The girl rolled her eyes at her friends somewhat oblivious demeanour. "You shall be the talk of the Court."

Talk of the Court? That didn't sound appealing at all. In actual fact, it was quite unnerving. Eliza unlike many, had no ruthless desire for family advancement. No scheming nature. She was what some might call a purist. Of course she wasn't totally absolved of sin. The blonde was quite mischievous once you got to know her.

"Lady Eliza, how lovely you look this evening."

Eliza had been so wrapped up in thought, that she hadn't seen the approach of Sir Walter. He was a handsome chap, and some anticipated the announcement of an arrangement between the families some point in the near future. That said, other than a pleasant liking for him, Eliza had no real emotion toward the man, and to be rather honest, the man had roaming eyes that made her alarmingly uncomfortable.

"Ah, Sir Walter. You flatter me." Was the polite response. "How are you this evening?"

Sir Walter stood next to the young woman and took a sip from his goblet, "Very well, very well indeed." He smiled and gave the blonde a once over, which caused her to take a subtle step away.

"I'm so sorry Sir Walter, but I'm needed outside." Of course she wasn't, but there was no time for the crestfallen male to reply as she made her way out to the courtyard. The roses smelt beautiful mingling with the fresh evening air, and Eliza took a seat on the low wall and enjoyed the serene silence.

Sir Thomas Percival

"You assume I care little M'lady as your family dislikes my own. That is not my rivalry, that is yours." He answered cleverly. "Besides, you are friends with my sister - are you not?"

He took the afore mentioned wine and glanced his gaze towards his sister. A small chuckle escaping his lips at the question. "Eliza is very likable as we both know. She is both humble and humorous. There is probably no better pairing for a dance partner." Yes, dance partner. He would not openly discuss the meaning behind the dance with a Holloway. No matter how pretty they might be.

"The meeting was tedious if you ask me. An hour of my life that I shall never get back." A smirk crossed his features as he eyed Lady Cassandra. "I admire your spirit though," And that was a true enough statement. The Tudor Court wasn't the easiest place to for women. Especially women that took a keen role in their families agenda.

"Is your father well?"

The old goat.. Thomas thought silently to himself - such a sour man. That's when a devilish thought overcame him. "Would you care to dance?"

[Silent Whispers]

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Kɪɴɢ Jᴏsᴇᴘʜ V

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Joseph eyed the Queen as she left the ballroom and her own celebration. They did not even get to share a dance together before she became jealous and had to retire to her chambers for bed. 'Typical.' Joseph thought to himself as a servant poured some more wine into his goblet, which he grabbed with a slight scoff because he was still thinking about Genevieve's current actions. After a sip or two, he placed the goblet on the table before him then eyed people that were either passing by the table or dancing.

His eyes did roam back over towards Lady Eliza, once or twice but then a gentlemen stood dangerously close to her and Joseph did not like that, at all. He tried his best not to show his emotions but the movements he was making in his chair made it a little bit hard. A guard asked if he was okay and Joseph waved his hand towards the guard, nodding his head.

"Actually..." Joseph started as the guard leaned down beside his King so that he could hear him a little bit better. "Bring me Lady Eliza. Sit her in the Queen's chair." He muttered towards the guard, who nodded his head and bowed then proceeded to do as he was told.

Joseph knew that Sir Walter, a handsome fellow but someone who was all wrong for the likes of Lady Eliza. His eyes watched as the guard went over towards her and was bringing her back to his table. He smiled, of course and eyed her movements as the guard brought her over to sit beside him.

"Feel like a Queen in that seat, Lady Eliza?" He asked while not even looking at her but straight ahead of him.

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Lᴀᴅʏ Cᴀssᴀɴᴅʀᴀ Hᴏʟʟᴏᴡᴀʏ

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[indent][indent]"Of course we're friends. What kind of question is that to ask?" Cassandra responded, a little defensively because Sir Thomas of all people should know how close Cassandra is to Eliza. She turned her head from him a moment and took a sip from her goblet again then turned her head back towards him with a slight smirk that transformed into a smile. "You admire my spirit? Please. I was the only person there that could seemingly go toe to toe with you on certain affairs."

She responded while waving her hand dismissively towards Sir Thomas as she continued. "The rest were just old farts." Cassandra said bluntly as she looked at him now. She wasn't really treated badly by the men of the court because she knew what the hell she was talking about. They sort of admired her because she had the gall to do what her brother isn't doing and he was House Holloway's heir apparent.

Cassandra nodded her head whenever Thomas asked if her father was well. "He is. What about your family? Are they well?" She sneaked a peek at Eliza sitting in the Queen's seat then turned back towards Thomas. "I know Eliza's doing well for herself. Don't you think? What if she was to become Queen, would you be acceptable to that?"

Cassandra was highly intrigued on finding out his response. Her eyes widened whenever he asked her to dance as he knew their families hated each other and them dancing together would only bring more drama. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips now as she eyed Thomas and chugged down her wine then grabbed his hand. "Lead the way, my lord." She teased him with the my lord addition to her response.

_@Lola

[Lola]

Lady Eliza Percival

To sit on the Queen's chair was not a comfortable experience for the young Lady-in-waiting. Quite the opposite. If the Court hadn't already been intrigued by their King's interaction with Lady Eliza, they were all absolutely astounded now. He had sat her on the Queens own throne! What did this mean? The rumours were true? He was indeed looking for another Queen? A son, an heir. Was that his mission? It was undoubtable that Lady Percival came from one of the most prominent families in the country. Her own Father having known the King since they were both boys, but did he really intend to replace the Queen with the daughter of his kinsman? Eliza was one of six children, all except her were male. Did this encourage the King's ambition?

"Do I feel like a Queen?" Eliza retorted to the King's question, "I am not one, so therefore I couldn't possibly imagine what it would feel like to be one."

A humble response, granted. Humble yet true. Eliza had never imagined herself as a Queen, a Princess or even a Duchess for that matter. The stares made her uncomfortable, but she kept her countenance.

"It is a very nice seat, though." The blonde added in good humour as she straightened out her skirt. It was also quite a good vantage point. You could practically see everyone in the room. Oh look, there was her brother..and was he dancing with Cassandra? That made the woman roll her eyes. Those two were absolutely impossible. It was as though they had some unspoken vow to loathe each other, but somehow they seemed to constantly end up in one another's company. Eliza would certainly call them out on it as soon as she was finished. Finished? Finished with what exactly? Sitting on the Queens chair? Why was she here? There were so many questions. The blonde caught a passing smile from Thomas and nodded at him in return - she couldn't wait to embrace him.

From her newly discovered vantage point, there was something else that she noticed. The King had some sort of magnetic aura about him. It almost felt like she was being drawn into him. He was so strong and seemed so in control, that it was almost impossible not to be utterly mesmerized by him as she shot him a sideways glance.

Thomas led the way to the dancefloor, Cassandra's hand in his own. The dark haired male paused momentarily to find a space to which they could slot into, before leading his partner behind him. Once they had positioned themselves, he cocked his head at the statement about Eliza. "Yes, she appears to be." He nodded with a chuckle, "But she looks just as astonished as the rest of us." He bowed graciously as the musicians started to play, and in the evening light he really was a handsome fellow. There was no denying that he was aware of Cassandras beauty, and the sweet smell that adorned her dress. And indeed, the tiny fact that she was a Holloway made it all the more enticing.

[Silent Whispers]

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Kɪɴɢ Jᴏsᴇᴘʜ V

---

Joseph was a little disappointed by Eliza's reaction to sitting in the Queen's chair. People mumured as they thought that it was a little bit disrespectful that their King would do something like that. Honestly, he did not care because the Queen did leave the seat open whenever she left the table to go to her chambers. "You could be Queen, someday. Just have to find the right guy fit for a King." Joseph told her. He shifted in his seat a bit then eyed Eliza again, just seeing how uncomfortable she sat in that seat.

"You could go ahead and stand if you wish, Lady Eliza. I hate to see you be uncomfortable." He said while he grabbed his goblet of wine and took a small sip from it. Joseph only had Lady Eliza sit there to cause an uproar with Genevieve because he could've sworn that her most trusted and loyal handmaiden slipped out of the celebration to go run and tell her what happened.

Joseph did not care either way and that was another conversation for another day, which will most likely be tomorrow in his chambers. His eyes gazed upon the dance floor again and seen Lady Cassandra along with Sir Thomas about to dance. "Seems like those two are growing quite comfortable with each other." Joseph commented as he continued to watch them while not even looking in Lady Eliza's general position or direction right now.

Even though she was quite enchanting and had many, many looks of a Queen and that was one of the reasons that he invited her to sit in the seat beside him. He let out a light scoff then continuously looked out on the dance floor at the others dancing, having a good time and such.

Cassandra followed Thomas to the dance floor and heard his response. She lowered her head slightly then saw his bow as she curtsied. Once they were position and the band started to play, she moved with the dance everyone else was doing. Cassandra tried her best not to seem too sultry in front of everyone. Her bright eyes cut over towards family, who shook their heads at her display. A little smirk formed on her lips as she leaned into Thomas a little. "I do not think my parents like this too much." She whispered lightly in his ear.

Honestly, she was having mere fun so what did it matter that their families despised each other. Cassandra did not really despise Thomas in any kind of way as she stared into his eyes right now. After a while, her head lowered with a slight blush forming among her cheeks. She just hoped that Thomas did not see it.

_@Lola

[Lola]

Lady Eliza..

"I only know one King." Eliza commented as she stood and shifted slightly so that she was now stood by the arm of the Queen's seat. The proximity was all the more close as she faced the King, somewhat perched but far more comfortable. "And unfortunately, he already has a Queen." The quip was made in a playful tone as she glanced out to where Joseph's gaze had shifted. Thomas and Cassandra were still dancing, much to the dismay of Lady Holloway's family by the looks of things. What was Thomas playing at? The blonde perked an eyebrow in amusement, "It would appear so, I cant quite keep up with them." She admitted through a small laugh, absentmindedly playing with the ribbon on her bodice. "But it would certainly seem that Thomas is determined to anger the Holloway brood." He really was a trouble maker when he wanted to be - which was most of the time if one was being truthful.

Admittedly the Queen's seat had made Eliza feel uncomfortable, but the company of the King did not. In fact, she found him rather easy to talk to. Of course he could be a little bad tempered at times, but who wasn't? And if the talk at Court was true, he had a great deal to be worried about. No heir, a wife liked to meddle. It didn't sound like an ideal situation for a King to find himself in. A curl of blonde hair fell from its pin and hung in front of her eye, to which she pushed it to the side. Unruly hair suited her far better then her smooth up do.

Eliza's eyes then flicked towards Lady Cassandra, and she shot her friend a good natured wink. Now they would absolutely have some catching up to do when the time came.

Sir Thomas...

"No, it does not seem so Lady Cassandra."

Sir Thomas bowed handsomely as the musicians wound down their instruments. In one smooth and noticeably suave movement, the young Lord brought Lady Cassandra's hand to his lips and kissed it delicately. "It's been a pleasure M'Lady, do enjoy the rest of your night." And with a charming smile, and a directed smugness to the rest of the Holloway clan, Thomas exited the floor. Mead, after such a fancy dance one couldn't be criticised for partaking in a hearty drink. His dark eyes scanned the room as he plucked a fresh tankard from a passing tray. His gaze confirmed that Eliza was still in the company of the King, which was curious to many, including Sir Thomas for that matter. So much so that he endeavoured to seek out his Uncle and discuss the stability of the current Queen's position.

A Percival on the throne, now that was a tantalising thought indeed.

[Silent Whispers]

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Kɪɴɢ Jᴏsᴇᴘʜ V

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The next day came seemingly fast for Joseph as last night was sort of a blur for him within this moment. The only things he remember from last night was dancing with Lady Eliza, the Queen leaving the celebration and giving the end of the night speech. Joseph groaned in his bed as he adjusted his body so that he is staring up at the ceiling now. A knock came over his chamber doors as the doors then bursted wide open and Genevieve came into light.

"You let that whore sit in my seat?" Genevieve questioned towards Joseph, who sighed and got out of his bed now and held Genevieve by her arms as he explained. "You left your seat open so I just thought it'd be better suited if someone sat there. She's not a whore, she's your lady-in-waiting." Joseph responded towards her as Genevieve removed herself from his grasp now.

Her eyes were locked up her supposedly King until she walked over towards his window and stared out of it. "I want her to stay in the tower. I want her beheaded." Genevieve turned around and walked back over towards Joseph now as she stood right in front of him. "She disrespected her Queen." She said. "Actually, I disrespected you because it was me that had her sit there." Joseph responded truthfully as he walked past Genevieve and opened up his chamber door now.

"You may leave, Genevieve." With a tear in her eye and a slight sniffle, Genevieve turned heel and walked right out of the chambers. Joseph closed the door behind her and just knew he needed to get ready for breakfast now.