Full of Grace

Although excided to see the Lady Ashe, Penelo felt a pang of disappointment that her private dinner with Larsa would be interrupted. t had they not had plenty of time to settle what ever it was Ashe wanted in the hours Penelo had spent preparing? Choosing the dress alone had taken the blond nearly an hour. Add in the time spent bathing and doing her hair... No matter. Penelo would just have to make the best of the situation. The dress she'd ended up picking was a soft periwinkle made from the finest satin that dragged the floor slightly when she walked. It was strapless and the sides from the chest to upper thigh were held together by white ribbons, showing just enough skin between the material.
Penelo's hair hung loose around her shoulders in thick waves that Luice had created with a device Penelo had never seen before. The makeup she wore was subtle and enhanced her natural features. The finishing touch were the jeweled shoes with a matching necklace. A bit excessive, she knew, but she had wanted to look impressive. Maybe it was childish to need to be the prettiest and sillier still to think that she could compare to the lady Ashe but still, it wasn't everyday that one got to dine with the rulers of two separate nations and it wouldn't do for her to look like a pauper.
When Penelo entered the room, Larsa rose to his feet to greet her and paused. His mouth parted slowly, his eyes following her movements. After a second, he regained his composure and held out his hand.
"Penelo, you look-"
"-Stunning," interrupted Ashe, also rising.
Penelo turned to look at her queen and bowed.
"Lady Ashe, I thank you."
"Please, Penelo. There's no need for such formalities," Ashe said. "Please join us. This concerns you as well."
"Yes, we have much to discuss," Larsa agreed, offering Penelo a seat, eye sstill following her.
She took it, feeling slightly awkward positioned between Larsa and the Lady Ashe. She was grateful when Basch entered, followed by three servants carrying trays of food and goblets as it turned the attention away from her.
"Thank you," Larsa murmured as the food was set in front of them. "Gabranth, stay. You three are free to go," he said, easing back into his seat.
Once the servants left, Larsa folded his hands and spoke again.
"The Lady Ashe's visit I'm afraid, was not a social call," he started, looking at the queen.
"No," she agreed, toying with her goblet. "Penelo, I'm afraid that what I have to say is of the gravest importance. Three days ago, an attempt was mad eon my life."
"My Lady!" Penelo cried, eyes going wide. Were you hurt?"
"Thankfully, no. However, my men were able to obtain very little information about the would be assassins other than they claim to be 'Loyalists' and that my life along with all involved were the price they demanded for Vaynes."
"We've already contact Balthier, Fran, and Vaan," she continued after a moment. "They are being protected as well as they would allow. I'm afraid Vaan was the only one willing to accept my invitation to stay at the palace until these 'Loyalists' can be dealt with. Fran and Balthier were, well, more reluctant," she smiled, taking a sip from her glass.
"The Lady Ashe would also invite you to join her in the safety of her home," Basch said, turning to Penelo. "I think that it would be for the best."
"What Basch has neglected to mention," Larsa interrupted. "Is that I would have you as my guest until this threat passes. Obviously it would mean extending what we had originally planned and if you would be more comfortable in Dalmasca with your friends and own things, it's understandable. However, I would be happy to provide you with anything you need should you choose to stay here."
Penelo glanced sideways at Larsa who was looking down at his plate, not touching his food. She shifted her attention to Basch who too was looking at the young Emperor, face unreadable as ever. He seemed to notice Penelo looking at him and Basch turned his attention to her.
"Penelo, as you can see we are all concerned by these terrorists. Your life is as in jeopardy as Lord Larsa's and Lady Ashe's. It's your decision who's help you'll accept if any. Like Lady Ashe said, Balthier and Fran declined," Basch said, shifting his weight.
"If it pleases you," Penelo began, wringing her hands anxiously. "I would be content to stay here as long as the threat exists or as long as you'll tolerate me."
"Penelo," Larsa cut in, looking straight at her. "Why do you use this word, 'tolerate'? Do you think yourself a nuisance? Surely you see that it pleases me to have you here, where I can tend to you and know you are well."
As the words left Larsa's lips, Penelo saw a strange look pass over Basch's features before fading. Had there been something wrong with what Larsa had said?
"Thank you, Larsa," she whispered, turning to look at Ashe. "My Lady, I am humbled by your offer. Please do not take my decline as insult."
"Not at all," Ashe said, waving her hand. "I am just glad for your safety will be ensured here in Larsa's care."
Larsa nodded his agreement, taking a bite off his platter, closing his eyes as he swallowed. Penelo watched him, savoring the looks that passed over his face. The fact that he was able to enjoy his meal so freely, without knowing the pleasure he received from it naked on his face made Penelo grow warm. Stupid of her to take such enjoyment from just watching Larsa, but it was something she rarely saw with him. Always so controlled. Taking the throne had aged him, making him hard. To be able to see him as a person simply enjoying his food and not as the Emperor was something she cherished. She turned her gaze away when she felt Basch's eyes upon her.
A silence followed for a moment as the three of them sipped wine and picked at their plates. Finally, Penelo spoke.
"How is Vaan?"
"Settling in nicely," Ashe replied, glancing up. "He's taken quite a liking to palace life."
Penelo smile. "Sounds like Vaan."
"Yes, he seems to have taken a spacial liking to my hand maidens," Ashe mused. "Seems that they find him to be quite the charmer. Balthier's apprintance takes after him in more ways than one."
Larsa laughed softly at this.
"At least our gentle Penelo here hasn't taken after Fran. Cold as ice, that one."
Penelo blushed at the comment, taking another drink from her cup.
"Indeed," Ashe said, gaze falling on the younger woman.
Feeling uncomfortable with both rulers eyes on her. Penelo rose to her feet. "Please, if you'll excuse me. I am feeling somewhat ill..."
Ashe nodded at Penelo, saying goodnight softly. As Penelo passed Larsa, he reached out and closed his fingers on her arm.
"Are you well?" he asked, still holding her.
"I am fine," she replied, pulling away.
"Please, stop by my room later if you are well enough," Larsa whispered so that only she could hear him.
"I will," she promised, turning away from him.
As she left, Penelo heard Basch speak.
"My Lady, will you be staying for the winter ball?"
"I'm afraid not. I have my own festivities to plan for."
"That is a loss, my Lady."
"Yes," Larsa said quietly. "A loss for our nation."
Feeling an uncomfortable fluttering in her stomach, Penelo hurried away to the privacy of her room. Once inside, she collapsed onto the bed, laying back and letting out a deep breath. She closed her eyes, heart pounding in her throat. Why was she so uncomfortable around Ashe? And why did it seem as though Basch wanted Penelo to leave? Had she done something to vex him? She didn't really think she had but who could tell with someone so standoffish? Better that she should rest until she could speak to Larsa alone. That's just what she did, laying on her side half asleep for more than an hour until she was sure that plenty of time had passed.
On her way to Larsa's chamber, Penelo was sure to pick up a bottle of wine from the kitchen remembering his like of the drink. Feeling anxious to get to the man, the slight blond hurried to his room, barely halting herself from barging in. Seconds before she rapped on the door, she paused, hearing voices within.
"My Lord, why do you make this so difficult on yourself?"
"What I do is not your concern, Basch."
"Do not be foolish. She is a lovely girl but you know you cannot court her."
"Do not tell me what I already know."
"My Lord, please. What of the Lady Ashe? A union with her would mean much to our nations."
"We have already discussed this. I have no feelings of romance for Lady Ashe."
"My Lord, permission to speak freely?"
"Do so, you already are."
"Many of your stature do not wed for love. It is a childish thought to even think."
"You think I do not know this?"
"Lord Larsa, be reasonable."
"I am painfully aware of my position, Basch. I know it is foolish to fantasize but allow me this. Allow me the comfort I feel when I am with her. She's special to me."
"I understand, Majesty. I have no desire to see you suffer. I would only have you put thoughts of Penelo out of your mind for your safety. Please, send her away with the Lady Ashe. You've not been yourself these past weeks and it concerns me to see you so. And it is unfair for Penelo to develop feelings for you when you will never be able to return them, at least not publicly. Even if you developed a physical relationship with her, do you think she would be content to be your mistress? Is it even fair to ask that of her?"
At this, the blond pulled away. She had suspected, hoped really, that she had been who Larsa spoke of... But Basch was right. An orphaned peasant like her had no business playing at royalty. She let her arm holding the wine drop with disappointment. The sick feeling in her stomach returned with new conviction as she pressed her ear to the door.
"I will not send her away, do not even suggest it again. I know it is unfair, but it is... It is difficult to control these feelings of affection for her... Do you think I do not try? That it does not pain me to want to touch her and know that I should not? That I cannot?"
"My Lord..."
"Basch, do not do this. Please, leave me be."
Penelo almost did not have time to step aside before the door was pulled open and Basch stepped out.
"Oh, Penelo," he said, eyes moving from her to the wine in her hand. "What brings you to Lord Larsa's chamber at this hour?"
"I-I was..."
"Basch, leave her. I asked her to come," Larsa interjected, stepping up behind the other man.
"My apologizes," Basch mumbled, glancing at Larsa. "If you will excuse me..." he said, bowing slightly.
Larsa watched Basch's retreating form before turning to Penelo.
"I am sorry. have you been waiting long...?"
"No! Not at all! I just arrived..." she lied, shifting from foot to foot.
A look of relief passed over Larsa's face as he opened the door wider. "Please, come in."
"No, I don't think I should," she said, taking a step back.
"Don't be silly," he insisted. "You obviously came for a reason," he added, indicating the bottle.
"Oh, this? I was just..."
"penelo, please. Be truthful with me. Did you hear what Basch and I discussed?"
"No I, I mean a little. I don't know what I heard."
Larsa sighed, leaning against the doorway.
"Please, Penelo..."
Here," she said quickly, almost shoving the bottle into his hands. "To apologize for leaving the meal early. I have to go..."
"Penelo-"
"Goodnight, My Lord," she said, lowering her gaze and hurrying away before he could reply.