The queen gave a noticeable nod of acknowledgement to both Edith and Adameila with her hand still gently atop Dorian's head. "It is a pleasure to see you outside of the royal court, Lady Gramhurn! I do hope my errant son has not disrespected your presence," she grinned and while it felt as if it were a genuine expression, her eyes flashed with malicious intent for a moment. It was directed entirely at the third prince.

Dorian, still inches away from her and under a steady hand, coughed abruptly. "If I have," he began while turning his head to address the older woman, "I apologize for the transgression, madam. My only intention was to meet Noelle's ancestors after seeing how well she was raised. Quite reminiscent of Mother's own nurturing grace, if you will allow the comparison-"

"She will not," the queen interjected with a smile, finally removing her hand from his now dishevelled hair. He ran a hand through the messy locks to regain his composure as she continued. "I have never seen you quite so interested in another person, Dorian," she made it a point to speak loudly, crossing her arms under large and supple breasts to push the medallion upwards as consequence. She turned to face Noelle and smiled warmly, "Noelle Holt, is it? I have seen you around the castle, but rarely. If your absence speaks of a political dislike, then I believe you and Dorian might enjoy a sterling friendship."

She took a step forward and very gently placed a hand atop Noelle's head. It was an unexpectedly tender action given the opposite treatment she gave Dorian. Her ruby eyes bore into Noelle's own and for a brief moment, the young woman could feel all the weight of the queen's aura threaten to engulf her. She then felt the hand retract and the pressure diminish. The queen looked over her shoulder and held up a hand, "To keep this visit within all of your interests, however, Dorian will not be given his own escort." She snapped her fingers, "Victoria? How long are you going to watch from the shadows?"

Light, almost inaudible footsteps sounded behind the queen and a slender figure emerged by her side. It was a woman in crimson armor with gold accents. Long curly light blue hair cascaded down her back and chest. It was extremely beautiful with a silky sheen. Striking gold eyes fluttered open to sweep over the group in a slow, calculating manner. Her skin was fair and while she obviously had no make-up on her face, her lips were surprisingly supple. A single small mole resided under the corner of her mouth.

There was a shifting of plate as she spread her legs slightly to stand at attention. Her arms went behind her back and her knuckles pressed together. She stood with elegance, poised to strike if need be. "You do not require me for idle pleasantries, Your Majesty," her voice was perfectly cool and mature. Dignified. She addressed everyone else with a bow of her head, but no smile. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, house of Holt. I am Captain Victoria Eldridge of the Royal Guard. Daughter of Sir Thomas von Eldridge, the Duke of Steel. Now that formalities have been dealt with," her gaze fell sidelong to the queen. "What do you ask of me, Your Majesty?"

Cyrene let out a sigh, "Always so cold, Victoria. You will never secure anyone with such a demeanor. Have I not commanded you, time and again, to show some unrestraint?" She pouted with a hand on her chin.

Victoria closed her eyes with a very faint blush on her cheeks, "You have, Your Majesty, but I have no interest in... whatever it is that you are possibly suggesting! I am a knight of the Eldridge school first and foremost." She crossed her arms and repeated, "Now. What is it that you need? His Majesty no doubt grows impatient."

Cyrene made a face. "Yes, well, patience has never been his strong suit... as I am sure Lady Gramhurn can certainly reaffirm." She placed a hand on her hip and smiled, "Anyway! You are to accompany Dorian on the morrow to the Holt's residence. Keep him safe..." She cocked a smile at the third prince, "And out of trouble."

Victoria looked to Dorian with an elevated brow, and then to each member of the family with a neutral expression. Eric, however, could sense the intensity of her gaze and knew that she was evaluating the possibility of danger from them. And her eyes locked on his for a curious moment. They seemed to narrow almost as if reading the suspicion in his mind. She finally nodded. "Very well. I shall accompany Prince Dorian, but you need not mind me. It is a knight's duty to do what is asked of her without inconveniencing the nobility-"

"Ah, but you are a noble as well! I am not asking you to go as a soldier, Victoria, but as a confidant! Surely you have no objections, Lady Edith?" She smiled at Noelle's mother.

Victoria blinked, "W-What?"

"Then it is settled! Fantastic." Cyrene clasped her hands together as Victoria's arms fell lax for a moment.

She cleared her throat while returning them to her back, "If your business is settled then, Your MAJESTY," she turned and a golden cape billowed behind her. "King Alexander is waiting. Let us depart quickly."