The Queen goes to visit Lord Bayard Royce

[The Smith]

The Queen goes to Lord Bayard's chambers.

[Horas]

She and her guards are escorted in with courtesy and haste. The guest chambers assigned to Bayard are of high quality, second only to those offered to the Queen herself. Tea, wine, and light snacks are set out. A servant announces the Queen, and Lord Royce rises to meet her.

"Your Grace," he says with a formal bow, "It is always an honor. Please, sit down. May I offer you tea or wine?"

[The Smith]

"Some tea would be lovely Lord Royce." Rose replied quietly. "How have you been?"

Ooc: this is before the murder of Mace.

[Horas]

A servant pours tea for the Queen, and wine for the Lord Royce. "Quite well, Your Grace. I am of course looking forward to the marriage of my niece. And how have you been?"

[The Smith]

"To be honest, I could be doing better. I have decided the time has come for me to choose a husband." Rose replied, "As my advisor who would you recommend, Bayard?"

[Horas]

"I admit I am biased in this matter, Your Grace," Bayard states, sipping on his wine. But he continues. "I believe the most suitable choice is my own son, Donnel. He is a good man and would make a fine husband, and of course his family would be forever grateful. While the realm has no shortage of young men of noble birth, I cannot think of any who would be as suitable."

[The Smith]

"Not even Lord Hightower?" Rose asked curiously.

[Horas]

"Lord Hightower is certainly of the correct station, and by all accounts a good and noble man. I did not mean to insult him by omission, but I do not believe you would be best suited by marrying any Lord Paramount. He would never be able to carry out both his duties as a Lord and his duties as a husband and King Consort. A man from a great family, but not its lord, brings the same political benefits without the unworkable obstacles."

[The Smith]

"Then I wish to propose a union between our two houses." Rose replied, her cheeks reddening just slightly.

[Horas]

"I am most honored to accept," Bayard replies with a warm smile. "Welcome to the family."

[The Smith]

"I almost feel as if I am the one who should be saying that." Rose replied, and stared at her hand.

[Horas]

"I know you do not love Donnel yet," Lord Royce says softly, "But that is something that comes with time. I married my wife on the same day I met her, and yet we have been happily married for thirty years."

[The Smith]

Rose nodded, "I know. I am ready to do my duty, and your son seems like a nice man."

[Horas]

"He is, and I am glad to hear it. Shall we announce the betrothal?" Bayard asks.

[The Smith]

Rose nodded, "Of course. There is no reason to wait."