Renata Westaway
ask a woman
CERULEAN GATE PALACE
NEW STERANDEL, AEGIS
THE RENASCENT HEIRATE
This was an irregular audience. It did not come at the usual appointed hour. It did not come with a motorcade and a greeting from Her Majesty's private secretary at the door. It came during the afternoon tea hour rather than after dinner. Renata Westaway came by way of the Cerulean Gate for which the palace was named -- the broad, natural arch that marked the Cerulean River's terminus at the waterfall that the palace overlooked. She was piloted by a trusted member of her staff. It would look, for all intents and purposes, like a social visit.NEW STERANDEL, AEGIS
THE RENASCENT HEIRATE
And it was, in its way.
She approached the family entrance and was let in by the head butler. "I'm not late, am I?" she asked him as they mounted the back stairs. Usually Renata met Natasi in the state rooms, the broad and spacious rooms that were dedicated to functions of the government. This time, she was going to the royal apartments; no less spacious, perhaps, but marginally less formal.
"Not very," said the butler, his tone either very Galidraani or very derisive. "This way, Prime Minister."
He led her along a gallery, through a foyer type room, and then into the Queen's private study. Then another difference became apparent. Standing in quiet conversation with Natasi Fortan was Prince George himself. Renata swallowed briefly and curtsied -- once for Natasi, a second time with slightly less depth for George. "Your Majesty. Your Royal Highness. I trust you are both well?"
