If Not For Me

Vibes of Aggression

Chariss is stepping out of their decked out crater of a bathtub, red hair pasted to the sides of her face and back of her neck, when she's cornered. Not so much cornered as blocked from going back into their appointed bedroom. Lady Soleil smiles at her but it's not kind; it's mildly threatening and incredibly alerting. Lady Soleil closes the door behind her, taking a step towards her which prompts Chariss to take a step back. The pool of water her foot lands in is chilled and a shiver racks through her spine.

"I assume you know your place," Lady Soleil says, her smile sharp and her voice cool. She takes another step forward and Chariss stumbles as she loses footing in the next pool of water under her. "I hope I don't have to remind you again,"

Chariss meets her gaze. "You don't,"

"Very well," Lady Soleil nods, glaring at Chariss passed her smile for few tense seconds before turning on her heel. She stops in the doorway, turning to look at the red-headed lady-in-waiting. "Benjamin, was it? That brother of yours?"

It feels like cement settles in her stomach. "Excuse me?" She hisses, her blood sparking hot, anger crawling up her throat.

"He's a cutie," Lady Soleil shrugs, playing on fake innocence but the threat is obvious. 

Chariss lets out a few angry huffs through her nose before taking long strides through the door, wondering if it's determination or desperation brewing in her chest.

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A new habit Chariss has developed during her few galas is to store information not only by memory but her senses as well. As the fifteen or so ladies the queen has invited to her personal season line up, Chariss listens closely to their names and attempts to tag on something she notices as they curtsy to the queen and the few concubines sitting to her sides before sitting at the dinner table.

"Duchess Rowington," Chariss recognizes Duke Rowington's sister just as Farren does and focuses on keeping her expression pleasant as the announcer clears his voice to announce the next person. "Naresse D'Merin," 

The woman walks passed her and Chariss fights not to curl her nose at the strong perfume the woman is drenched in. It's nauseating and Chariss has to clap a hand over her mouth to keep whatever was trying to bubble forward down. Amara throws a confused look at her but her attention soon flits to the new people walking passed to curtsy to the queen.

"Lady Bates," Crooked teeth in the front, smells slightly like...carrots? Chariss honestly has no idea where these woman get their perfumes. 

"Duchess Alima," Her hands tug at her dress as she curtsies and Chariss' eyes drop when she pulls them from the fabric. Glistening, she's a hand sweater. How very moist. 

There are only a few more people who are introduced before Lady Sovereign Gisabelle stands at the head of the long dining table. The ladies-in-waiting don't sit at the table; they stand behind the nobles until the queen personally asks them to see to their dining area which is slightly smaller but no less extravagant. The concubines to her side even turn to pay attention, one of them rolling their eyes briefly. 

"I want to personally thank everyone for coming to the season. I hope you find the love you've always wanted during this month, whether it be in the arms of one of my sons or not," She says, a gentle smile pulling at her face. "You may meet them tomorrow, when our real schedule begins but today is just for exploring the grounds, exploring your new home for the time being. Our meals will be taken together everyday. Please know that competition is fierce and I am but a just queen but we are also talking about my children so I am also a watchful mother," Her bright blue eyes snap to each and every noble at the table. Once she feels like her message has settled as a warning, she sits back in her chair. "The ladies-in-waiting will be in that room. Food will be brought to you shortly,"