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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

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[chambermaid]

No, how-- I don't know if it would be right. [ If it is even her right. How can she just pronounce herself queen to Arthur.]

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[mansuetus]

Would you be able to keep such knowledge a secret?

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[chambermaid]

I have so far. However I feel... restless with the knowledge. If I am honest... I can barely look at Arthur without thinking of it and it's impossible to keep the flush from my face, Lucrezia. It confuses me because he acts... so differently towards me now, here. [ She'd kissed him in the pod bay and he had reacted poorly, or rather in a way that spoke that maybe the feelings were not there.]

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[mansuetus]

[ she frowns at this. She doesn't know Arthur well enough to speak of his affections or behavior but he seemed to her as an honorable man. ]

Does this Mordred have reason to lie to you?

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[chambermaid]

I don't know him but he knew me. And his regard for me seemed genuine. He was honestly surprised that I did not know I was the queen after he addressed me as such.

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[mansuetus]

Then perhaps it shall be our secret.

As for Arthur, were you lovers before you came here?

[ wow lucrezia. ]

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[chambermaid]

What? [ Cue the most fumbling ever. She almost drops her device and she coughs a bit, face flushing immediately.] N-No! My lady, he's the... And I am.... No, no, of course not. [ They had shared a few kisses, moments that were tender but never...] No.

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[mansuetus]

[ it's hard not to giggle. It's just sex, Gwen. ]

Did he show his affection then?

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[chambermaid]

We have... [ she should she even be talking about this?] We've kissed.

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[mansuetus]

Perhaps he is afraid of this newfound freedom aboard this ship, of what it might mean.

[ he may sleep with her and marry her here. Perhaps it is the heart of it all. ]

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[chambermaid]

We were not free to care for each other in Camelot and here he seems... distant. And you think it is because he is... afraid? [ She had not presumed to think that his behavior was because of that.] He has no been unkind to me, he invited me to train with him in the art of combat.

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[mansuetus]

He might. He might worry for his freedom here seeing he is not free to do what he wishes to at his kingdom.

[ lucrezia would understand that, at first she was torn too. ]

Do you care for him?

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[chambermaid]

[ She quiet for a moment, her lips curving slightly with the beginnings of a smile that only love can provide. Lucrezia is her confidante here and she cannot imagine it would be wrong to tell her such things, even if her longings are humble.]

Yes. Deeply so.

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[mansuetus]

Then you must train with him and be sweet and keep your distance. Be his confidant and his friend until he is relaxed enough to show his affection again.

Love is a complex thing is it not?

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[chambermaid]

[ She lets out a sigh, nodding.] Very. [ She smiles at her friend.] Thank you for your advice, Lucrezia.

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[mansuetus]

Of course. It is my duty as a friend.

[ and she knows how problematic this whole being in love with someone you really shouldn't be in love with thing is. ]

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[chambermaid]

And a good friend you are.