[Mekatra]

"We'll have to talk to my seamstress to see if she can make you some clothes. If not, she'll be able to suggest someone that can." She disappeared into a side room and came back several minutes later with the gown on. "Will you help me? There are laces up the back of this gown... Normally I would have a maid help me, but this invitation came too late for me to ask one of them to come by." She turned her back to him so he could tug the laces snug.

"You look fine. I'm sure she'll approve." Once they were both dressed she headed down the hallway. "I know you don't have a whole lot of etiquette training, but I assume that you've enough sense to not eat like an animal in front of the queen?" She quirked an eyebrow in amusement.

Her Majesty Elizaveta was waiting for them in a small private dining room. "Ah, Lady Joane... and my dear cousin. I have such an extended family, I'm afraid you will have to remind me of your name?" She held her hand out to him.