Gwendolyn nodded, looking at the Hugh ceilings and magnificently decorated walls, "Yes... Britain is quite a rich land for those in noble power," The normal people seemed to struggle, though, which concerned Gwendolyn. She would have to figure out a way to help, "And I hope to see you at dinner - it would be nice to have a friendly woman there." Perhaps the current ladies in waiting weren't as bad as they appeared, but currently they seemed snotty and unkind. As a queen, Gwendolyn believed she had the power to find new ladies to replace those who are the most unkind, "I should find my way back to my room, if you would excuse me leave," Gwendolyn dipped her head with a smile, "It was wonderful meeting you, Lady Clementia. I can sincerely say I would love to talk again."

Clementia grinned, her eyes brightening with the joy of knowing she had somehow made a good impression on the Queen of this region. "It was amazing to be graced by your presence my lady. I do hope we see another again during dinner. Have a wonderful day!" Clementia seemed a little less nervous now, though no less formal.

Gwendolyn smilies brilliantly, pleased that Clementia seemed to break out of her initial nervousness, and with a mischievous glint in her eyes, remarked, "I do hope your illness gets better, Lady Clementia." She understood the reasons for pretending to be sick, especially in a loveless marriage. It was a good excuse not to have children.
Gwendolyn dipped her head, and moved forward to a slightly more familiar hallway to (hopefully) find her room.

Ts to dinner? So they can see each other again?

sure! (i assume you are talking about Clemtia and Gwen)

That night for dinner, Gwendolyn decided to adorn a fancier gown than the casual one she had worn that day. After managing to find her way back to her room, Gwendolyn found the blueprints for the bridge, and checked the math, finding the majority to be correct, with only a few, more complicated, problems wrong. She fixed them off to the side in her elegant penmanship, and after a moment of hesitance, had opened the door between her room and his when she knew he was not there, and left the papers on his desk with a note reading, "There were only three incorrect problems that I could see. I hope the work is satisfactory."

Now, Gwendolyn was in the dining hall, dressed in a dark blue dress with a high collar and plain bodice, with elegant patterns on the skirt.

Clementia hadn't a dress to change into. That was fine though, because it was one of the more elegant dresses she owned. After a quick disscussion with the maids, they helped her find an empty room and let her take a quick bath, and cleaned her dress of any dirt or wrinkles that had appeared while she had worn it. They helped her quickly do her hair, an elegant tigh bun on the top of her head.

After realizing that she was faking illness, they helped her reapply her sick makeup, though made it look as if she had been trying to hide her paleness with darker makeup. The maids empathized with her and told her she looked beautiful regardless of what she did to hide her beauty. She thanked them before beginning to head down to the hall, being sure to pay them handsomely for their help, and to convince any traitourous minds to not tell her secret.

Aldwin, meanwhile, prepared as well. His hair was hasdsomely done and had been curled sligthly as to avoid the wild rat's nest it normally was. He'd even been forced to put on slight makeup underneath his eyes, as his bags were very dark and he looked just plain tired. He wore a fine blue tunic embroidered in gold designs. His legs were covered by black, fancy trousers (I refuse to believe that he would have to wear stockings) and that was it. It was simple but understandable with his current situation.

He was pleased by Gwendolyn's work and happy that it was one less thing he didn't have to worry about.

After that, he headed down to the hall.

Aldwin entered the dining hall first, and Gwendolyn made sure to smile and wave at him. He was under a lot of stress, and she didn't want to add to it by bothering him, but it would be rude to ignore him. There were some butterflies in her stomach - not because of Aldwin specifically, but because she was worried about her work, and hoped it was good enough for a King.

(i am so excited for the day when gwen can go over to aldwin knowing that by her being there he might be less stressed. BUT it will take time to get there. i will just be very happy when it comes.)

When Clementia arrived, though, Gwendolyn walked over to meet her, noticing how people moved out of her way quickly with an internal frown.

Gwendolyn reached the other woman quickly, though, and smiled, taking in her makeup and hair, "The maids here are quite skilled, hmm?" It was a question she wasn't expecting to be answered, "You look beautiful, Clemenita... and I believe your husband is here to talk business with King Aldwin, so it will be nice to have a sensible woman to talk to."

Aldwin gave Gwendolyn a smile and nod of acknowledgement before continuing with his conversation. The men grinned at him, praising him on his wife's beauty and what a catch she was. Aldwin merely thanked them but continued with his serious talk quickly. He knew very well that Gwendolyn was beautiful, any man did, but Aldwin was not as astounded by it as the other men. Aldwin found a person's personality more appealing than any physical appearance.

Clementia smiled at Gwendolyn as the queen made people move to get to her. Oh how different this was! Clem never thought that the queen would even glance at her yet here she was. Basking in Gwendolyn's kind heart. "Thank you m'lady, but I think it is obvious you take the cake for being beautiful, practically everyone is looking at you!"

Clementia was correct, most were staring at Gwendolyn, some openly and some through secretive glances. "And it is wonderful to have someone else to talk to as well," Clementia spoke sweetly and looked good, despite her 'sickly' appearance.

Gwendolyn blushed and looked downwards for a moment, before lifting her face to meet Clementia's, "Your words are very sweet, Lady Clementia... thank you for warming my heart."

She soothed her face, and met the gazes of the people looking at her. Gwendolyn smiled at as many as she could, while still tilting her head towards Clementia to signify that she was engaged in a conversation, "Shall we sit?"

Clementia smiled and nodded, though suddenly stopped and began to look a little nervous. "Am I allowed to sit next to you? Shouldn't someone more... royal sit next to you?" Clementia had no idea about how this part of royalty worked and if she should even be asking such a ridiculous question to the Queen.