Anyone;

[Valdis]

And in the darkened underpass I thought,
"Oh Satan, my chance has come at last!"

Queen, she says, and Valdis placidly nods, unsurprised. She is familiar with the sense of entitlement and dominance conveyed by those in power. Mary, with her sureness and confidence, reeks of nobility that Valdis has come to know. The confirmation of her assumptions doesn’t at all change the manner in which she addresses the woman. ”Congratulations,” she drawls, only half meaning it because she doesn’t quite know Mary well enough, or how she obtained the title. Her mind, also, cannot help to wander and consider whether it was first Sinner or Mary to hold the throne.

She doesn’t ask.
In time, she will learn.
In time, Sinner will feed her information.
For now, her interests run with Mary, the diplomatic Queen.

”And where have you already visited?” A brow lifts inquisitively, considering whether Hyaline remains yet on the agenda, or crossed off. Mother, she imagines, wouldn’t want hostile ties with her daughter’s home – but would she want to be associated with a kingdom with a reputation? ”Where does Sylva stand in the scramble? Alone, or are there allies?” It would unlikely be as united as Hyaline and the Cove – the Sanctuary, no? But her interest is enticed by this new web of fate she has tangled herself in.

VALDIS

But then a strange fear gripped me and I just couldn't ask.

@[Mary]