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[mansuetus]

Tranquility!

[ Guess who is back in her high spirits. Lucrezia is wearing red silks and is evidently strolling the gardens this morning ]

It is my birthday today, I have decided.

[ a pause in which she just looks pleased with herself and then she explains ]

As I do not know how to count the days here when compared with the count common in Rome, I have chosen today for my birthday. I shall accept my greetings at the garden.

[ prim and proper but those who know her by now can see the jest in her words. ]

And I have decided what I wish as my gift, if you would hear it!

[ wait for it. ]

For the birthday of the one called the illustrious Lucrezia Borgia, me and garden both require - a swing!

[ a beat. ]

And cake.

[ that would actually be all. Lucrezia Borgia, ladies and gentleman. She would be sitting in the garden, reading a book, for those who wish to find her. ]

Comments

[northerner]

I'd happily grant you that.

[mansuetus]

Good.

[ pleased. ]

Then I shall have all my wishes for today.

[northerner]

Then I shall come to you directly. I'd not deprive you of your wishes.

[mansuetus]

It would be ill luck to do that, I was once told!

[northerner]

Ill luck to disappoint a woman on her birthday? Is there great punishment for it?

[mansuetus]

She would be sad for the rest of the year.

[ it is known. ]

[northerner]

I would never see you sad, Lucrezia.

[ robb you aren't subtle. ]

[mansuetus]

[ Not subtle but very favorable. There is a smile on her lips, never is a vast wish but it pleases her all the same. ]

Never?

[northerner]

Aye, never.

[ she smiled it's clearly a win. ]

[mansuetus]

[ and you thought you were bad at this, Robb. ]

Shall I make a promise to always smile and never weep?

[northerner]

Only if you allow me to be sure you never break it.

[mansuetus]

And if I do break it?

[northerner]

Then allow me to rectify it.

[mansuetus]

[ It's a good answer if to judge by her smile. ]

Then it seems we are in agreement.

[ she inclines her head, something graceful and secretive. ]

His Highness, the King in the North.

[ perhaps there is a bit too much affection there, but it's her birthday, she's allowed. ]