Juliana was forced to contain a wicked smirk as he commented about a worthy marriage failing due to scarring or injury;
If only it was that easy. She was loyal to her family and their ascent to power in the Kingdom, but on the topic of her own martial bed she had also fought back venomously. The idea of an old man, whose power her father coveted, having her hand was enough to make her skin crawl and teeth on edge, regardless of the influence he could give her with such an alliance. Even in her contempt, Juliana had heard his wording, noting he had suggested a worthy man rather than marriage, and this perk her interest more than she cared to admit. At times she felt her father cared so much for family he forgot the individual that made up his family and children.
Two women approached and interrupted their conversation as he considered her words about the garden, and she soon understood why. The affection between the three and their similar looks made it apparent before Ithobal even spoke that the women were Gullys. The older woman was fierce looking, although her demeanor was one of any true lady of a powerful family. The younger appeared the same age as Emmaline, although a bit more naïve, as though the world had been kind to her. Juliana made quick and graceful work of the situation, falling into a deep curtsey with an incline of her head to first his mother,
“Majesty,” then his sister,
“My Lady.” She had seen woman address her own lady mother and older sister in a similar fashion through the years, and rose again with a gentle smile painted on her lips,
“It is a pleasure to meet you both. I seemed to have forgotten myself, and was caught up speaking to your son for too long. It is rare I find someone so interested in the stars and constellations as I am.” Juliana’s eyes turned back to Ithobal, the mischievous smile playing the corner of her lips for only a moment regarding his comment about the stars; it appeared she had her answer about him meeting her. She let out a light laugh as though at her own foolishness,
“Although, it should have been apparent that a man of the Quell Sea would share such interests.” The full, sweet smile had returned as she looked back at the two Gully ladies.
Juliana had a moment for her mind to wander to the day ahead of her; a day she would loath regardless, but now with the promise of a conversation with an interesting stranger it seemed to loom longer. Not to mention the tournament, a serious matter between the simple flirtations. He was competing against her own blood, and a small sense of tension filled her. Her face hid the feeling well, taking in the Lady Gully, her eyes regarding Juliana. Although she could sense no sign of hostility, she hardly trusted it. She had seen her own lady mother regard people she secretly detested with a similar look.
The Lady Julia appeared to have sensed the thoughts of her youngest daughter, and Juliana’s ears perked as her mother’s voice surrounded her and appeared to blanket the situation. She had a gift of knowing when her children were in or causing trouble, and Juliana was well aware of her own history of often being the one causing trouble. It appeared the Lady Julia was also remembering Juliana’s tongue and persistence, and Juliana felt her mother’s eyes regarding her carefully before speaking to the Lady Amara. She felt a sharp remark on her lips, her own willful personality screaming that she had not been the instigator, and had hardly embarrassed the family. As the feeling welled she felt an arm slide around her shoulders in a comforting embrace, Emmaline holding her affectionately. The fight left Juliana and she smiled and looked away as a simple lady and dutiful daughter was expected, giving over the conversation to her mother.
She stroked the kitten gently as her gaze shifted from the Lady Amara and Julia to Myriam once again, who appeared quiet and truly dutiful. She examined the dress and style of the lady, making note to find her at a later time and perhaps get a better understanding of the family and the man who had drawn her in. Her eyes glanced at Ithobal again, the humor back in her smile. It was a look similar to those she had given her siblings when they had been caught in mischief together, a bemused look for a fellow conspirator. The difference was the curiosity she felt, and the lack of any desire to desert him to his fate while she escaped the careful eyes of their family. That feeling would need to be stamped out if possible; her loyalty to Hyland was too important.