The Silver Queen [AU]

[GamesMaster]

"I am uncertain. It is perhaps best not to refer to her late husband?"

She'd spent the night alternately sobbing, screaming into her pillow, and having nightmares; he'd been unable to get much coherent sense out of her, but his purr seemed to soothe her, and he'd guarded her as she slept nonetheless. 

[Jessica Alton]

Right, don't mention her dead rapist husband. Or maybe rape at all. Yeah, let's go with that. "Right then," Jessi says, nodding primly. Clearing her throat, she says louder, "Lady Coquette? Lady Coquette, your breakfast is ready."

[Coquette Blacquin]

Lady Coquette, well tired by now of feigning sleep, sits up, yawning and rubbing at her eyes. "Hmm? Ah. Good morning."

[Jessica Alton]

"Oh! Good morning." That was... easier than expected? "Can I help your ladyship ready herself for the day?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Of course," she says, her voice soft, lowering her eyes. "I... do not believe my gowns have been removed with me," she admits, glancing to the wardrobe. I sure didn't think to grab any. Just the wrap I wore here.

[Jessica Alton]

Jessi offers a bright smile. "Oh, that's okay. We have a whole bunch of dresses and other outfits," she explains, gesturing over at the wardrobe nearby. "I had to guess at your sizes but I got a few options for you." Just don't ask where any of it came from...

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Thank you," she says, with a little relief -- not a lot, just a touch. "Then, if you could? I will trust your judgement on the cut and color."

[Jessica Alton]

Jessi nods, bobs a quick curtsy, then heads over to the wardrobe. "We don't have proper showers on board for crew use, but I can have a washtub brought up if you like. I know you got magicked clean but..." She wrinkles her nose as she selects a dress.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"No need," she says quietly. 

[Jessica Alton]

"Are you sure? It's not really that much work and cleaning with water is so much better," Jessi replies.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"If..."

She falters then, her face looking younger than ever, lost, unsure. "If, if you think.. I mean... of course. It would not do to spurn my host's hospitality," she corrects, her face smoothing out into a placid expression.

[Jessica Alton]

"Umm, okay? You don't have to, I just wanted to make sure you knew it was okay..." Jessi fidgets a little. "I mean, that it wouldn't be a problem. If you wanted it."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I..."

If I wanted it. That's right -- normal people want things, and that's fine. They can make decisions. I... So what's the right decision here? What would... what would someone else do? My mother?

"Yes. I will have a bath."

[Jessica Alton]

"Lovely! You can start on your breakfast while I get the tub and water," she suggests eagerly, pleased to be able to help. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

Food. Of course. "Alright. Thank you."