Felicity was a fighter and quick to boot; she didn’t bump into people. She did, however, slow, smiling at the sight of Scout. She didn’t know this niece by marriage that well, except she knew she was an honor to the Kane name. She cut a simple bow, wearing her marshal’s armor.

“We have much to fear.” She said truthfully. She had seen Eldouir magic up closer than most. “You would do well to take cover until this blows over, niece.”

Scout may have intended for her words to sound diplomatic, but they were anything but. Not once did they insult Felicity’s statements, but thrice; first her assessment of the situation, then her loyalty to the queen, and lastly her unity with her husband. It didn’t matter if any part of it was true. Scout was younger, both in age and experience. She was an arrogant young woman and Felicity’s offense was not something she would easily forget.

A rigidity entered her form, one that tightened her eyes and lips.

“I’ve given you my advice, niece, but you seem to have already drawn your conclusion.” Felicity hadn’t politicked for quite some time, and now she remembered why she preferred gossip at balls to actual conversations of this nature. Loyalty was always being questioned. If Scout knew anything, it was that the Zaks served Lorendale, always. Insolence was unbecoming on her.

“You would do well to take care where you step.” Those words carried a double meaning. The Lady Steward represented the queen, after all, and if she went about insulting those seeking to serve the young monarch then Iliana would find herself rowing uphill without a paddle through little fault of her own.

Felciity frowned, confused how a woman with so little astuteness has managed a position so close to the queen. Even their young monarch had more political competence.

“My words held no threat. Only a warning. You seem to be swimming in pools you have no strength for. The tides of politics are merciful to none.” Her gaze flickered over the other woman, offended as she was with no backing.

“My address to the queen was rather direct. Her people are dying. Gifteds are taking us, killing us. Still nothing has been done for the fifty soldiers that were taken by Myla Eldouir on Lorendale soil.” Her frown progressed to something full of disappointment. No wonder the queen was inactive. Those closest to her were more intent on saving her reputation that saving the people of her kingdom.

”Not a souls besides the deranged have suggested collaring them all.” Felicity said quickly, still rather perturbed that such a woman held the position of Lady Steward. This was, no doubt, a part of the problem. If Iliana was surrounded by those who challenged the loyalty of her subjects and made assumptions without actually listening, then no wonder she did nothing. What could she do?

“Thank you for your suggestion, but I have already been taking action at every chance I get.” She didn’t have as courtly a face as others, and couldn’t keep the ire fr her expression. “I love my kingdom, Lady Kane.” It was a closing remark, as far as Felicity was concerned. Politics without politeness weren’t worth engaging in.

She dipped into a parting curtsy.