Free Garza wrote:Rosa
"Thank you for the greeting, Your Majesty. How are things with the imperial family, as it happens? You know, of course, that Ray and I have begun working on our family. He is now Marquis of FitzRaymond as well, a title that gives him an estate back in Free Garza, albeit a small one because most land has been turned over to the peasants since land reform," Rosa explained, hoping that Quinn wouldn't have any objections to their union, of course.
Quinn maintained her smile in Rosa's presence. She was always very happy to talk about her family. "Well, my family has been doing quite well. We're planning to have a family reunion soon. All the members of my family, immediate and extended, will converge on the Imperial Court for some food, fun and games. Sometimes I lose count over how many princes and princesses the Empire has. My husband and kids are all doing good also; excelling at their studies, helping me deal with any issues with Parliament or foreign policy, I can't complain about anything in my life. I'm glad to hear you and Ray are working on your own family too. I hope you two will have healthy and prosperous children; believe me, nothing's as great as holding your child in your arms when they're born."
Ray shrugged. "I don't mind the size of my estate. I could be homeless, but I'd be happy if I was living my life with you, Rosa. I think the peasants ought to be able to own their land. I think they ought to be able to prosper like we nobles do. They shouldn't feel like slaves like they're on some Parthian plantation. Of course, that's not the case in Garza, but I'm sure you know what I mean."
Quinn looked over to Rosa. "So, Rosa, tell me about yourself. Do you have any hobbies? I like to deal in fashion and fashion accessories. If you ever need something designed or renovated, I'm more than happy to help. Perhaps someday you could visit my country. I just know you and Ray would enjoy riding together; sometimes there's nothing as peaceful and serene as a quaint ride through the country, enjoying the company of friends. Sometimes even my sister will join us. She's somewhere around this ballroom, if you can find her; in advance, please forgive me if she acts up or anything like that. She's....rather opinionated, to say the least."
In the distance, Allison could be seen idly chatting with Ksenya, laughing as the latter regaled her with some story. The two were oftentimes deemed inseperable, to the point that rumors were floating around Imperial society that there was more to this friendship than once thought, but no one dared to bring it up to either woman's face, as if fearing some sort of backlash. Even Quinn didn't speak of it much, but then again, she'd rather not deal much with her sister at all, fearing she'd say something catty and bring down her latest plan. If only she'd be more like her secretary, then perhaps the Nalayans and Edomites would've still been friendly....