[ The knock comes fifty-three minutes later - because all of this is, of course, a bit too important for him to be late to meetings, but at the same time, he must be obnoxious. It's in his very blood. And until she answers, he'll stand whistling. ]
[ She calls almost immediately, even before he can begin whistling. Yseult is at a sideboard pouring drinks, dark liquor with a deep red glow where the light catches it into two tumblers, and she gestures to one of the armchairs arranged before the (currently cold) fireplace. Her desk when he passes it is tidy, no clear sign of work interrupted. ]
[ Yseult gives a shrug, like suit yourself and returns the cork to the bottle and the bottle to its place on the tray, waving off his apology with a flick of her wrist. ]
There was something specific you wished to discuss?
[ Yseult folds herself neatly into one of the chairs, legs crossing at the knee. She takes a sip from her glass, and then gestures with it, expansive sweep abbreviated. ]
I won't claim to be without misgivings, [ Yseult replies, glass paused in the air now just shy of her chin. ] But the Commander and the Provost were quite adamant in their support of the idea. [ She lifts one shoulder in a shrug and the glass the rest of the way for another sip. ]
[ Yseult's head tilts, and she regards Byerly for a moment as if considering something, and then seems to make up her mind and turns back to her cup, settling it in folded hands. ]
How do you intend to manage your conflicting loyalties?
But she would prioritize the interests of her kingdom above all others. Riftwatch does not. There will be times when you cannot serve both equally well. What then?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
no subject
no subject
[ she doesn't know he's a spy, is the translation. ]
no subject
no subject
no subject
[ She calls almost immediately, even before he can begin whistling. Yseult is at a sideboard pouring drinks, dark liquor with a deep red glow where the light catches it into two tumblers, and she gestures to one of the armchairs arranged before the (currently cold) fireplace. Her desk when he passes it is tidy, no clear sign of work interrupted. ]
Have a seat. I assume you've no objection to rum.
no subject
I'd ask for coffee, but - alas. [ And, wryly - ] Apologies for the interruption.
no subject
There was something specific you wished to discuss?
no subject
[ A shrug of his own. ]
Specifically, our working relationship in light of my new position.
no subject
Go ahead.
no subject
[ He smooths down his mustache. The gesture might be mistaken for a nervous one. ]
The question is, to wit...What is your response to my promotion, as it were?
no subject
no subject
I had imagined you'd be one in favor.
[ Because she'd seen his work. Even if he was a man without value, his work was worthy. And yet -
And yet what, Rutyer? You shit and complain that it stinks. What else do you think would happen? ]
Will there be trouble between us, then?
no subject
How do you intend to manage your conflicting loyalties?
no subject
They are not in conflict at the moment.
no subject
no subject
The Queen would not.
no subject
no subject
no subject
And you would prefer that I not share my knowledge of your loyalties with our colleagues.
[ The real reason they're here, no doubt. ]
no subject
[ A lift of an eyebrow. ]
Seems a professional courtesy to me.
no subject
no subject
Let us not forget that it was in no small part luck that led you to discover me.
[ Don't ask him how that's relevant. ]
no subject
no subject
There is no reason to tell them, madame.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)