Private Bloom With Grace

[Corazona von Ascania]

As Sibylla spoke, Cora actively listened. She gauged not only the content of the Voice's words, but how they were articulated - the cadence behind her tone, the thoughtful honesty, and the genuine nature of her beliefs that seemed to shine through.

It was clear that Sibylla's trust had been well-won, and perhaps hard-won.Above all, she didn't demand the same of the Ukatian, only encouraging her to keep an open mind toward Aurelian’s qualities that made him a suitable monarch.

All of it could've been a carefully curated performance to appeal to Cora's particular brand of wariness. Acknowledging the flaws of a regent could go a long way when it came to planting the seeds of trust.

Cora hummed through a thoughtful sip of tea. A slow breeze rolled over them, rustling Sibylla's dangling earrings in a gentle jangle. Even the Force seemed to whisper in agreement.

Such a well-spoken young woman, she thought to herself. Lady Abrantes could sell ice to a Valkyri.

Cora placed the teacup down in its saucer and fixed Sibylla with her full attention. Rather than an intense stare, she wore a knowing gaze.

"You - and him - see the crown for what it truly is: a beacon surrounded by a nest of thorns. A burden of responsibility, and a bright red target."

Cora leaned back in her seat and clicked her tongue. "I have suffered kings before. The worst of whom take the throne with good intent, but fall prey to greed and cruelty." A pause, during which her expression warmed with a tinge of amusement. "Then again, I suppose you'll knock his head if it begins to fall from his shoulders. Your faith in King Veruna seems to have been built brick by brick. Is it more than faith, I wonder…?"

When Cora next lifted the cup to her lips, a little smile was pressed to the gilded rim.

She could've been wrong, of course. But it would be more interesting if she wasn't.

"Ah," she sighed, savoring both the floral notes of the tea and the conversation. "This was a good idea. Perhaps we shall invite His Majesty next time.”

Sibylla Abrantes

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

Corazona von Ascania ​

Sibylla's lips curved, the faintest hint of mirth softening her otherwise composed expression.

"I think His Majesty would find the idea of sitting still for tea to be the greatest challenge of his reign," she replied lightly, her tone carrying warmth threaded through with humor. "But perhaps that alone makes it worth attempting."

The amusement lingered for only a moment before her gaze lowered to the surface of her tea, the reflection rippling faintly with the soft movement of her hand.

"And as for knocking sense into him should the need arise…" Her brows lifted slightly, humor glinting once more in her hazel eyes. "I consider it part of my civic duty."

She let that hang for a heartbeat before setting her cup down, the faint clink of porcelain punctuating the thought.

"Truly, though," she continued more softly, "you are not wrong to be cautious, Lady von Ascania. Faith should never be blind. It must be earned and constantly reaffirmed. I only hope that in time, he will earn yours as he has earned mine."

Sibylla rose gracefully from her seat, smoothing the soft folds of her dress before giving a respectful incline of her head toward Cora.

"This has been a pleasure, truly. I hope this will not be our last conversation. You have given me much to think on, and I suspect Naboo and Ukatis will only be stronger for the exchange of our thoughts."

A pause, followed by the faintest, knowing smile.

"Though I must admit, I do hope you tell me next time before throwing anything at him. I should like to see the look on his face."

She gave another light chuckle, and as the breeze lifted the scent of flowers and herbs into the air, Sibylla gave a soft sigh. All in all, considering being back in Ukatis wasn't as much of an ache to her heart as she first thought.

Perhaps, in time, it will bring joy once more instead.

For now, the meeting with Lady von Ascania was proving to be fruitful and enlightening. She could only hope that, as time progressed, perhaps one day, both of them would be able to have Lysander in their lives again.

~ fin ~

​