ThatBackDoorIWasTalkingAbout

From IMiA

As dinner time approaches, a servant escorts Juliana through the palace. She is led through a door that opens unto a large balcony overlooking the city below. The table is positioned so that both seats provide an excellent view of the lights of the city. There is a sense of deja vu about the place.

As there is about everything, of late. 'A mark of my insanity,' Juliana thinks.

Deirdre is already seated. She wears an beautiful black silk blouse with a long black skirt. He hair is worn up. She rises as Juliana steps out onto the balcony and gives her hand a squeeze and leans in and gives her a friendly kiss on the cheek.

Juliana kisses her opposite.

The servant lingers precisely long enough to pour wine for the princess and the duchess and then leaves and closes the door behind him.

Deirdre smiles. "Like the view? It's a favorite of mine."

"It's wonderful. But I have yet to find a view from the castle I didn't like," Juliana notes. "I sent a note to you that we needed to speak, didn't I? And I... we were drinking in my bedroom floor last night? And I do not have a daughter... yet?"

Juliana just accepts that she's going to have to be vulnerable for some time, until she can get a firm grip on what is real and what isn't.

Deirdre simply looks at Juliana for a second. Then, she replies. "In order: There are views that I do not recommend and that I doubt you would like. Yes, you did. Yes, we were. And not of which I am aware." Juliana takes a deep breath and sighs. "Well, then."

She looks back out at the view. "I am more accepting now that I have not actually seen the future. Perhaps it is a wish of the future, but I have seen other alternatives - to the past, as well now - and even to the present. Even accepting all that were no more possibilities than anything else, I am uneasy above where I should be in considering the simple facts. I mean, my possession, and all the many things which are not to be discussed - beyond that."

Juliana shrugs. "My initial intent was to prove out something else I'd dreamed, but in the end the existing and my knowledge of a place you've never taken me to mean nothing. So I've come around to wondering if you have a plan, and if I may be part of it. I think, despite my husband's rather vague agreement to involve me, and your brother's even more nebulous agreement that I'll do what I will, they really have no intention to do anything but protect me. And that simply won't do."

Deirdre chuckles. "You never were one to easily go along with another's plans. Not even those of my father."

The princess sips her wine. "I always have a plan, dear. The trick is making it seem as though I do not. What do you need me to do?"

"Help me find something to do so I don't drive myself insane with worry? And yes, I suppose running a household, planning these two parties, my other charity work and dealing with Phillip's family should be enough to distract me... but it hardly is. Beside all that, I want to help, and the boys aren't going to let me. I think you will." Juliana looks frank, and determined.

"Yes," Deirdre agrees, "the boys can be difficult, I know."

Then, "But what if my plan is sinister and nefarious? Won't everyone be surprised when it is revealed that I am the secret evil mastermind behind everyone's woes?"

Out comes the truth before Juliana can stop it. "If you played it right, no one would ever know."

Juliana blinks and looks down at her drink. "Of course, everything has it's cost, sooner or later, one way or another." She sighs.

Deirdre arches an eyebrow. "Do tell. What terrible sins have you committed recently? What terrible costs must you now pay?"

Juliana grins. "A lady never tells. Actually, I've been very good recently. Too damn well-behaved, by some measures. I've forgotten how often the end does justify the means, but - well - one has but to threaten my husband's life to make me realize I'd do just about anything I needed to do."

Deirdre nods. "Good." Then, after a moment, she smiles, and adds, "And, yes, I do seem to recall you being all prim and proper last night."

Juliana laughs. "Indeed. So... are you going to let me help you? You know, I just invited my goodsister up to stay with us, she can help us too. Since I've got Phillip about 10% convinced she'd make a good bodyguard, I might be able to move around, and she'd be there anyway."

"I suppose you could convince me," Deirdre says. "Phillip and Eric would be annoyed. That is nearly reason enough." "How about I'm an excellent person to have on your team? Your father knew that, even if he was annoyed with me - he put me on the job in a way that benefited him. It'd be a coup on Eric, who I'm sure thinks I'm in his little pocket." The last amuses her greatly.

The princess smiles. "That, too, would be nearly reason enough." She sips her wine. "I suppose I should just give in. You are going to meddle anyway whether Eric or Phillip realize it or not. Better to have you close by."

Deirdre smiles one of her distracting smiles.

Juliana smiles back. She can't help it. She's relieved, and suddenly much more relaxed.

-- Main.LizTrumitch - 22 Aug 2004