Varice Kingsford isn't called 'the Lady' in whispers for nothing. Her place may be at His Majesty's left hand rather than his right - propriety must be observed - but she is feared nearly as much as Ozorne and Arram themselves.
After all, all the court and all the people know that if Lady Kingsford is countermanded at any turn in her path, the Emperor will gladly deal with the fools himself.
She is arrayed in jewel colours, nothing like the red robes she earned with her mastery. That same mastery by which she is never referred, the whole court having taken their cue from the imperial prince even before his ascension to the throne of Carthak.
There are jewels in her hair and her wrists and and on her neck, sets of distinct bangles and chains and heavy coronets to hold a Tusaini noblewoman's veil. They hold a queen's collection of rubies and diamonds and emeralds and more, some pieces of which were even gifts from Her Highness the Emperor's mother.
Opals, too, even the most prized black opals, meant for holding a mage's Gift, to store for later use or to link for another to draw on. But among her other blinding jewels, they do nearly blend in, hardly noticeable when hidden by tumbling hair or long sleeves.
Though her fashions are ever something to watch, it's her hands, sometimes gloved and sometimes be-ring'd, as she sweeps into the palace halls with dishes for His Majesty. They're said to be a poisoner's, after all.
Tortall, Varice
After all, all the court and all the people know that if Lady Kingsford is countermanded at any turn in her path, the Emperor will gladly deal with the fools himself.
She is arrayed in jewel colours, nothing like the red robes she earned with her mastery. That same mastery by which she is never referred, the whole court having taken their cue from the imperial prince even before his ascension to the throne of Carthak.
There are jewels in her hair and her wrists and and on her neck, sets of distinct bangles and chains and heavy coronets to hold a Tusaini noblewoman's veil. They hold a queen's collection of rubies and diamonds and emeralds and more, some pieces of which were even gifts from Her Highness the Emperor's mother.
Opals, too, even the most prized black opals, meant for holding a mage's Gift, to store for later use or to link for another to draw on. But among her other blinding jewels, they do nearly blend in, hardly noticeable when hidden by tumbling hair or long sleeves.
Though her fashions are ever something to watch, it's her hands, sometimes gloved and sometimes be-ring'd, as she sweeps into the palace halls with dishes for His Majesty. They're said to be a poisoner's, after all.