Juliana had cast her eyes down demurely as soon as the stranger addressed her family, a picture of lady like modesty that had been far from her only moments before. The change in the Hyland children, a strange tension, could be felt by all the siblings on the onset of an outsider in their mist. It was an instinct for them to fall quiet, as Emmaline stepped forward to address the older knight without their Lord Father and Lady Mother present, their eldest brother absent. As her sister stepped forward, Juliana’s gave a slight nod of her head as she was introduced before he eyes moved from her clasped hands to the man before them. The youngest and second girl, she was use to others eyes glazing over her for her sister and brothers. What once caused envy, had grown into satisfaction as she was able to watch and observe the small movements of those around her without fear of discovery.
She noticed the stiffness in the man at her sister’s slight, a mischievous smile spreading across her face even as the words left her sister’s lips. The words, although sweet, held a hidden meaning that made Juliana’s mind pause. She had never seen or heard of the man before, only slightly familiar with the Gully family, but from her sister’s stance and quick tongue, she wondered if there was not a history present she was unaware of. The curiosity filled her as her eyes narrowed on the older man, the
nephew, and her eyes were only taken from him when her mother arrived, quickly taking control of the situation. Her grace and words were perfection, as always, but there was a part of her that wondered if her mother was all too aware of the burden placed on her shoulders with her husband’s absence.
As Edwin made his appearance, and the nephew, Lord Tybalt, as she had learned several times during his visit, made his exit, Juliana heard the hushed words of her brother, Balian. A dark look crossed her face as she reached out for her brother’s arm, her fingers wrapping around his forearm.
“Surely a Lord would not be so cruel as to hold such a grudge?” Her eyes darted to her sister’s face in concern, before Juliana’s lips twitched up in the corners again.
“Besides. What man would be so vindictive of a beauty? His pride must be fragile indeed!” She laced her arm into Balian’s as she family started walking inside the castle, his presence as they walked giving her reassurance, a small pleasure knowing he would no be competing in the tournament. She whispered low to him, for only him to hear.
“The Gully nephew…he would surely not take out this slight on Trystan, would he? I saw him eyeing him in his new armor with contempt.”Juliana followed behind her mother and older siblings into the castle, still on the arm of her brother Balian, her eyes roaming the collection of people presenting themselves to the King, Queen and Princess. Some of the people were exotic, with beautiful hair and dress that made Juliana lose herself, for just a moment, as childlike interest overcame her. Lord’s and knights from different family and lands surrounded them and her eyes fell on a dark haired man that looked like had had sailed straight from a story of knighthood and true love; stories Emmaline had preferred over Juliana’s darker tales. She gained her composure within seconds of the excitement lighting up her eyes, giving off the usual maidenly airs her mother had taught her.
Lady Julia introduced her family to the royals, and Juliana fell into a deep curtsey like she had presented her brother in mockery outside the castle, her eyes downcast. She had never seen the King or Queen, at least had no memory of it, and knew for certain she had never seen the princess, only ever tales of her. Her eyes fell on the girl with curiosity, a sense of relief filling her that the girl had taken after her mother rather than the dark features of her father. The girl had sweetness about her, a pretty and trusting face that Juliana doubted would last her long.
As the families talked she waited patiently to be presented, her eyes falling on a lovely necklace around the princess’s throat. Her lips pursed slightly for a moment, recognizing the workmanship of her bastard bother. A wild thought filled her, making her mind race and eyes dance. A thought of how humorous it would be to see Tiras win the tournament and the hand of the little princess. She had never been as close to her half brother as her other siblings, but he was half Hyland, and would keep his families interest. The blow to the royals of marrying their child to a bastard would be sweet enough to overcome any distaste she had for Tiras.
Juliana curtsied low again at being presented to the Princess, a lovely smile and large eyes taking in the girl.
“Princess Madeline. An honor to meet you, your majesty. May the one true God keep you on this happy and beautiful day.” She had placed the kitten on the ground when she had approached the table, not wanting to risk the child assuming the cat was a gift for her name day, and as she backed away and awaited her siblings and pleasantries with her Lady Mother and the royals, she scooped the creature back into her arms, taking in the others surrounding the table, before being lead to their own tables for the feast.
Member
Surprising to see so many women that are willing to subtly insult a mans honor.