[Vox]

((I think I got it. (; Also, I feel I should point out that Nicolas is like a nerd of today in that they can be very smart, but often don't see what is under their noses. So anything involving himself, he'll be oblivious to.)

Nicolas caught up with Brother Milos, who was on his way to inspect the palace herb gardens. "Brother! How is your health, on this glorious day?"

The old man grunted, "As well as can be expected," and continued down the hallway. Nicolas grinned, knowing that his friend and mentor was at his grumpiest in the morning, and decided to tease him.

"Do you admire the Saracen tapestry that lines this wall? They are as great in artistry as they are fierce in war."

"Heathen nonsense," muttered Brother Milos. "Serving only to point out your poor taste."

"The topiary of these citrus trees is quite delightful." Nicolas indicated the potted plants spaced out along the wall.

"Waste of food. I'll bet no one ever eats this fruit and it drops, rots and attracts bugs."

"This likeness of beautiful ladies captured in marble is most amazing, I believe the sculptor to have been gifted the same talent as the carvers of ancient Greece and Rome. Are they not fitting guardians for the end of this staircase, serving to point out the door?"

"They serve to distract the eyes of young fools like you so that you may trip and break your neck on these stairs. Now stop your chatter and help me."

Nicolas laughed and did so, supporting Milos with a strong arm flung around his shoulders. They entered the herb garden, which featured floral beds laid out in decorative stars, circles and crosses. Milos was pointing out the many varieties of thyme when a servant ran up to tell them Lady Chantal had arrived.

Nicolas turned eagerly to his friend. "My brother, may I have your leave to meet with my sister?"

Milos grunted and waved him on. "Take care of her. Don't let the lady go unescorted around here. There's a lot of wolves looking out for wandering lambs."

The young man smiled. The "lamb" in question had already sent wolves fleeing with their tails tucked between their legs. It was they, likely, who needed to be protected from her. He plucked a few sprigs of lavender, knowing she loved their sweet scent.

She was waiting in the lobby reserved for nobles, a magnificent room with a high ceiling and polished marble floor, checkered in white and dark red stone. She looked so elegant that Nicolas felt out of place, like an awkward black crow approaching a peacock. But the look she gave him reminded him of times when they were both learning archery, or arguing over the same pony, or struggling through Latin together. This is the Lady Chantal Prevot, but this is also my family. He caught her small hands in his own and kissed her on both cheeks, his dark blue eyes aglow.

"Chantal! I'm so happy to see you. This is for you," he said, drawing the nosegay of lavender out of his sleeve. "Is Lord Prevot well?"

He thought he knew exactly why she'd come - bored of her father's castle, she used her foster brother as an excuse to escape to the exciting outside world. "Your timing is excellent: the Prince is hosting a banquet tonight, to which the Bishop, his retinue, and neighboring lords and ladies have all been invited." He paused for her reaction.