The next morning, Larimar brings breakfast to my room.
"We need to be careful, my Lady... and tomorrow you'll be able to stop hiding." She places the tray in front of me with a smile. I'm sitting at a small table next to the window, golden light seeping into the room.
"Thank you, Larimar. Come, share the food with me."
She seems uneasy but still sits down.
"You know, this is most inappropriate... and I have a lot of other work..."
"Yes, and? Duarte said you were to serve me. If I desire some company, would you really refuse me that wishs?"
Larimar chews on her lip for a second, feeling awkward.
"O-of course not, my Lady, but..."
"Well then it's decided. What am I supposed to do here all day? Just sit alone?" I smile. "I'll go crazy."
I want to explore the castle... but I'm not stupid. I haven't stayed alive this long by being stupid. Besides, it's not like I have any issues with being in the room; it's a nice change from my horrible wagon. No, I want her here because I want to get to know her better... her and the Court.
"After tomorrow you'll be able to walk this castle whenever and wherever you desire," Larimar says with a smile. "Oh, I'm so excited! I'm sure the Court will love you, your Ladyship! Who wouldn't? Our Lord is the dragon of gold, it's only fitting he'd choose a wife with such golden heart!"
I'm not really sure about how golden my heart is, but I let her speak anyways. Perhaps it's not as gold as she thinks. But I need allies, as many as I can get.
"You're sweet," I chuckle. "I just hope I'll be able to fulfill your expectations."
"Oh, it's not my place to expect anything! But... well, nobody would object to having a kind Queen!" Larimar blushes. "Oh, um... can I tell you something? Actually, can I show it to you?"
I blink, surprised, and smile. Larimar looks around as if making certain nobody's watching us.
"C-Citrine already made me a maid dress... a new one, now that I'll be your headmaid... Dioptase said I should wait for you to choose your headmaid, because you'll have to do that, but... nevermind, it was stupid of me to presume that you'd choose me... I'll just tell Citrine to..."
She sounds so nervous, like she's about to break down. I look at her, taken aback, and then laugh.
"W-what's funny?" she asks, worried.
"Larimar... of course I'll choose you. You're not just a maid, you're the first friend I've made here," I say sweetly. And I could use someone who is easy to control. It's too early to make friends.
"You really mean that?" Larimar's bronze skin burns red.
"Of course. You've been nothing but kind to me. Tell Citrine to make you two more dresses." I don't even know if I'm allowed to make such bold demands, but hey - I needn't shy away from my new role. Even if it hasn't been officialized yet.
"Oh, I could not... I mean, you still have to approve your staff... Dioptase has started making a list of potential maids." Larimar shifts in the seat and leans a bit forward. "N-not everyone will wish you well, my Ladyship."
"I don't need them to. I have protection of Duar- I mean, lord Itzamatul." I pat her hand. "Surely they would not go against their Lord?"
Larimar doesn't look so certain. She leans even closer.
"Old Blood would disagree with you... they're always scheming, always looking to take the throne back... I don't know if you've heard of the Jaguar Lord, K'an Bahlam..."
Ah, just the man I did some reading about yesterday. I nod.
"I've read a bit about him, yes. But his name is not mentioned in the mortal world."
"Well, with a good reason, my Lady..." Larimar whispers. "Lord Itzamatul did his best to rid the world of his memory... but it still lives on in certain factions of the Court. They don't like him... their ancestors - and many of them themselves, that were not executed - were servants of K'an Bahlam."
I nod, soaking in the information like a sponge.
"They wish to see the old bloodline restored." Larimar looks so uncomfortable as she speaks. "B-but my Lady, no reason to worry, I'll be with you, forever and always!"
"Don't worry, Larimar. But..." I say, putting my best concerned expression on.
"But?" She immediately perks up, her ears going upright.
"But obviously I need to be well prepared if I am to deal with such danger... if you hear anything, would you mind telling me?" I sound worried. "I don't want to be torn apart by those with jaguar claws and teeth."
Larimar quickly nods. "O-of course. I'll tell you everything I know."
I smile and nod. Good, I'll have a spy.
---
Itzamatul hums as he stands next to his desk - a beautiful and dark piece of furniture, made of dragonwood. Dioptase stands next to him.
"I've arranged everything for tomorrow in utmost secrecy," she says. Her posture is as stiff and stern as always. Itzamatul doesn't even look at her, just nods in approval. "I expect no incidents."
"No, not tomorrow at least. Besides, I'm sure the ones who present the biggest danger already know about it." He strokes his chin. "And they won't cause any mayhem before Enya is presented."
"How can you be so certain, Golden Lord?"
"If they harm her before she is presented, she will just be a neutralized threat. If they harm her after, she will be a message. A much more powerful one."
"You really think of everything..." Dioptase says in awe.
"It's just simple politics. They will wait for their chance and try to use her to destabilize my rule. No, their movements will be slow and calculated... not rash."
"Still... I fear her possible downfall will come sooner than later," Dioptase uncomfortably notes.
Itzamatul just smiles. "And why is that?"
"She seems stubborn. Like she cannot be tamed."
"Anyone can be tamed. But whatever happens, Dioptase, I want you to keep her safe. Is that understood?" Itzamatul whips her look towards her. If there is one man that Dioptase would listen to... it's the Lord she is undyingly loyal to.
She swallows and nods.
"I will have my hands busy dealing with the aftermath of her presentation... and I need you to be the pillar I can lean on," he speaks in a measured tone. "I know you don't approve of her... but I have plans."
"Of course, my Lord. I will do anything within my power to keep the Queen safe."
"Good. You are the only one I can trust in this den of snakes."
Itzamatul's gaze gets lost in the distance as Dioptase straightens her already straight back... she would do anything for her Lord. Even take care of that hick girl.
---
It's evening and Larimar is still in my room. I had her bring wine, and oh, it was the sweetest wine I'd ever had. I laugh and pour more into her cup, urging her to drink.
"And then sir Proteus vomitted over sir Beryl's shoes... yes, just as Lord Coszcatl entered the room! I thought she would kill the entire court, our Lord too!" Larimar giggles, flushed with wine.
"Is she a frequent visitor?" I ask. Lord Coszcatl, the Divine Judge... the one who upholds the Celestial Law.
"Oh, she used to be, but..."
She is just about to tell me when a knock interrupts us. I look up, pausing.
"May I come in, ladies? I can smell the wine three miles away."
I immediately recognize the voice - it's Citrine.
"Come in!" I giggle; I had a few cups myself. The large door opens slowly and Citrine prances in, chuckling and carrying a large bag in her arms.
"Pour me a cup too," she says and puts it down. "Oh and pour one for yourself as well... because you'll need it."
"What's that?" I crane my neck.
Citrine snaps her fingers, urging me to pour her a drink. I do so with a light smile.
"Close your eyes, my Lady." She waves at me. I do.
There is rustling of the fabric... heavy fabric, decorated with bells...
"Ready?" she asks.
I nod.
"Okay, then open them!"
My eyes fly open... and my lips spread into a huge grin. Citrine holds up a dress in her hands.
"For your presentation tomorrow. Satisfied, my Lady?"
I get up and approach it, touch the rustling fabric... brocate...
"Oh, this will turn some heads," I slyly say.
"Not just some, my Lady. When you walk out in this, Celestia will hear about it." Citrine purrs and waltzes away, leaving me with the dress so she can get her cup of wine.
"It will be a scandal," whispers Larimar, shocked, and definitely not in as good of a mood as us. "Lady, please reconsider-..."
"Oh I've had plenty of time to consider things." I place the dress against my chest and check myself out in the mirror. "Plenty."