After a while longer of basic pleasantries I finally got to return home. Followed, of course, by my new stalker. Just as promised I couldn't see him, I couldn't tell where he was, but I was sure he was somewhere.
Oh, well. Privacy is a luxury I simply cannot afford.
When I get back I close the curtains on most of the windows. Specifically the ones that face my bed, or in the direction of my closet. I leave a couple open because I'm not totally unappreciative of the whole security thing.
I do understand that it is important. If only the security was being provided by just about anybody else.
I am also informed that in precisely three days there will be another banquet held to officially announce the Prince's fiancé. Woohoo.
I am able to get away with wearing one of the dresses I already own though. At the beginning of a new season, all of the boutiques will send out their new season dresses. Every noblewoman with any standing has a sort of subscription to the boutique of their choice. So they don't have to constantly get new dresses, they just get one delivery at the beginning of the season. Exceptions can be made for important occasions, of course. Such as getting engaged.
During yet another shared dinner my father 'suggests' I get new jewelry to go with the outfit though. So, I am forced to go out shopping anyway. Unfortunately.
I barely make it out of my carriage before I am accosted. This time by a flamboyant magician. His long purple hair is braided down his back, and his outfit is in light pinks and white. Insultingly this does not look ridiculous on him. He actually looks incredibly attractive, which is just irritating.
"Why hello, fair maiden!" He sweeps into a theatric bow before me. "Fancy seeing you here."
I sigh, deeply, "greetings, Lord Motem." I curtsy. He is drawing the attention of the crowd. People staring, whispering.
"What brings you out on this fine afternoon?" He asks, grinning.
"I am shopping." I reply. Once more attempting to be boring.
His grin doesn't falter, "would you mind terribly if I joined you? I happen to have the afternoon off and nothing much to do. Perhaps you wouldn't mind my company?"
Well I cannot very well say no, can I? Not with all the eyes on us, not with the amount of power he wields. I suppose I could, technically, my reputation is already bad this wouldn't make it that much worse. However it would probably only make him more annoying.
Sighing once more I agree, "alright. I am only out to shop for some new jewelry for an upcoming event. It likely won't be very interesting."
He extends an arm out to me, "your presence is all I ask for."
I don't take his arm, many people would view it as being far too familiar. Especially since it will soon come out that I am engaged. Being to close with another man would be a scandal. While I don't particularly care, my father absolutely would.
Instead I nod, and begin to make my way towards a nearby jewelry store. Anne trailing somewhere behind us.
"Tell me, my lady." The mage inquires, "I have heard a rumor that you are engaged, and to a certain blonde as well." Thankfully his voice isn't too loud, quiet enough it is unlikely anyone else would be able to hear over the din of the crowd.
I'm not surprised he's heard about the engagement. Even if there have been no official statements made, and it's still supposed to be something of a secret.
"That is correct." I answer flatly. Not particularly interested in answering questions about this.
He hums, "he must be rather serious about it if he's assigned one of his shadows to you already." His tone is airy, as though he isn't pointing out the presence of highly trained knights most people would never know were there. Even I can't tell where they are, though my assumption is probably on the roofs somewhere.
"I am not sure about it being serious. They are there for security, it would be rather disgraceful if the royal family let me die now." I reply. I wonder if he expected me to be unaware of their presence.
"You have such an interesting way of seeing things." He muses as he peers at me. Eyes focused and intent, attempting to pick me apart.
Before he can continue on with his prodding, we reach the door of the shop. He pulls it open for me with a flourish, and I step inside.
One of the attendants immediately hurries over. I give the man a description of the dress, and a general outline of what I'm looking for. A necklace and earrings, maybe a bracelet.
We go through several options, Faryll making the occasional comment. Otherwise, he just stands off to one side, studying me.
The dress I am wearing is in oranges, browns, and golds. A fall color scheme, as befits the season. So, I pick out a set of Jewelry. Gold plated and inlaid with citrine's to match the orange and gold color scheme. They are pretty enough, and properly expensive.
The appointment doesn't take longer that half an hour. I hand the perfectly wrapped parcel containing the jewelry to Anne as we step back outside.
"Would you care to join me for lunch?" Faryll asks.
I look at him for a moment. I had accepted Parth's request because I genuinely enjoyed his company, it was easy. I did not, in fact, enjoy Faryll's company. Could I refuse though? Or would that simply cause me more problems.
When I don't immediately respond the mage wilts, "come on." He whines, "how about this. If I ask any question you don't want to answer, say so and I will drop it. If you don't come with me though, I'm just going to find you at the banquet and bother you anyway."
I stare, now more flabbergasted. "Are you leveraging you ability to be annoying? To get me to have lunch with you?" Honestly, the absolute lack of shame in this man.