The sun woke Nicoli later than he had anticipated rising. Yet the day before had not only included late hours, but a hard ride all of the morning, a baffling encounter with an old woman, and an equally baffling encounter with the Queen albeit in an entirely different way. He dressed hastily in the everyday onyx armor of the Queen's personal guard and nearly tripped over a squire ans he navigated his way through the bunk room in the attempt to make his way swiftly to where he thought Queen Anne would be, only to have Captain Oswin pull him aside before he could do so much as limp out the barracks door.
"Pull yourself together, lad" the salt and peppered haired man hissed, "If you cannot fake being whole this morning I will send another in your place, but for Gods sake don't ever give a potential enemy even the slightest hint of a reason to doubt your ability!"
Nicoli straightened his posture immediately and stiffed a yawn. "Is her Grace tending the poor this morning? I heard something about the remnants of yesterday's meal being handed out?"
"Where else would she be?" came the curt reply punctuated by a deep frown. "I wish she would show just a bit more caution. How do we protect her from an assailant's knife when she insists on walking among the unknown?" Nicoli nodded and moved off, but before he was quite out of range he heard the captain murmur, "If you're not careful, that leg will be the death of you."
"Technically this leg saved me," he sighed, "and I've navigated the last two years as I am, I'm sure I can manage one more," Nicoli answered without looking back, but he paused, "Though there may come a point where I have to take you up on that offer. Thank you my friend." He could almost hear Oswin smile and shake his head as he walked away.
***
Nicoli found he queen rather easily. Had he not known where she would be the praise of those surrounding her would have quickly clued him in. The knight couldn't help but smile as he watched those in need gratefully accept food from her hand, the sight so different from when he had been a boy. There was no shoving or jostling to get to the front of the line, no angry murmurs at the size of the portion or sorrow that someone else had more. These people understood that all must make the best in these bad times, and that each man woman and child was allotted a portion depending on the size of their family. Any conflict that did occur was taken care of quickly and calmly. Still, that did not keep his eyes from scanning every person for a sign of danger. Her Majesty's safety did and would always come first.
The sound of the courtyard door opening announced the presence of another and Nicoli turned slightly to take note of King Anton entering the area shepherded by several palace servants. The King seemed to be in bright spirits, even whistling a child's tune softly under his breath, as he approached the Queen and at the first available moment took her hand, raising it to his lips as he bowed, holding it a few seconds longer than necessary before he let it go. Nicoli suppressed a flash of irritation at the sight. There was something about the King that he didn't like, and it had nothing to do with the rumors he had heard prior to the man's actual arrival.
"My dear," Anton started giving her a warm smile, "I know we were supposed to breakfast together, but I'm afraid I could not wait another moment to see your face. That and I had an idea I wanted to discuss with you when you have time. Of course the needs of your people must always come first, but as you must eat at some point I thought to escort you to table when you were ready, and perhaps talk on the way?"