Lights, Camera...

Rosamund very much refused to dress as if he was ready for a funeral. The black vest and breeches he wore were violently overpowered with a fine knee-long burgundy coat, embroidered with white lilies and snowdrops. He was going in his most official appearance, wearing a white sash with golden threads sewn through it, and topping it all off with the bixbite pin. Adanita came in as he was tying his hair with a matching white ribbon.

"Oh. You look wonderful," she said instead of a greeting.
"Thank you. I am well-aware," he replied. His beard was trimmed, his scar concealed with a bit of powder, and his skin was a healthy color. "Have you perhaps been to my office lately?" he asked.
"No. Why?"
"I found some of that black dust again... must be from our clothes, then. It doesn't come off of you on a regular basis anyway, so it couldn't have been you. I apologize for my accusation."
"Hah. I suppose it makes sense to ask, then. I wouldn't go into your office without your permission, Lord Governor."
"I believe you," he said. He'll need to have Lilac look into where it came from. She nodded and sat down on an armchair, watching him get ready.

"Nervous?" she asked.
"Hm. I wonder," he said. He slept quite well last night, so he couldn't have been under a lot of stress, right? "On one hand, this is far from my first time in a courtroom. On the other hand, you do not face a royal on a daily basis." He raised his hands to check. There was no shaking. "I think I will be alright. Alberic shouldn't dare to be partial to any of us, despite his clear distaste for me. All I need to do is my best performance, and that is something I always do anyway."
"Your calm approach to danger never ceases to amaze. Perhaps it is because I feel nervous for the both of us."
"There is hardly a need for that, Captain. I will keep my end of the deal."
"Of course you will. Are you armed?"
"Always."
"Your hand seems to be healing well," she added.
"Ah, yes. The assassin," he said, looking at his knuckles. "Hexkey told me he caught a third one this morning. According to him, they aren't here because of Khamil. They came after me all on their own. The hothead is currently cooling down in the same cell as the one from two days ago. I am getting worried that the first young lady we faced was the only competent one among them."
"You should really get more guards posted here."
"You must be joking. As long as I am their only target, everything is alright. I ordered the servants to report intruders to the guards only after they safely distance themselves, too, and pretend they didn't notice them when they're nearby. You, Ekliptik and Lilac are all the security I'll ever need."
"We can't always be there, Lord Governor."
"I know. That's what the gun is for. Or a fist, I suppose," he lightheartedly said. She disliked his nonchalance, he could tell, but she didn't argue further. He gave her a smile. "My hands are in a decent shape now. I would like to play violin for you after the trial, if you'd like to listen."
"A concert? For me alone?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Right. The rumors." He considered it for a few moments, putting on his shoes. "Yes," he decided. "Without you, I'd be dead. A bit of music is the least I can do to repay everything you've personally done for me. And this gift, too, deserves something in return," he said, tapping the pin. "Any jewel I could offer you is a jewel you could've obtained on your own. I am afraid my violin is the best I can give you." Did he not say something similar before? I can only give you myself. It felt like a lifetime ago, but he meant it both then and now.
"I suppose I cannot argue with that. I am pleased you like my gift as much as you do," she said. "I would love to hear you play."

He gave her another bright smile, happy to hear it. He picked out a cane with a fine gilded handle to go with the outfit.

She wasn't coming along. It would be inappropriate on several levels, and he didn't want her to face the crowd of commoners just yet. The only pirate coming with him was Ekliptik, and only because they were going to dress in livery again. Adanita and Teodolit will need to wait for news here, sadly. He offered her a handshake to reassure her one last time, and she accepted it.

Perhaps... perhaps it was also a bit of reassurance for him, too. Perhaps he also felt a bit better, shaking off that one last bit of fear and concern.

"I'll walk with you to the carriage," she said.
"It will be my pleasure," he replied, opening the door and holding it for her. She smiled as they left the room together.

"You know," she said, trying to hide the worry in her voice. "Your servants' opinion of me seems to have improved. They don't seem as frightened of me as before."
"Is that so? I wonder if Bluebell finally got them under control, or if it is because of how many times you've obviously protected me," he said, accepting the light topic.
"Perhaps a bit of both," she agreed. "Your majordomo is rather old, is he not?"
"Hardly. He is a few years younger than my parents- aha. Right. I suppose he is, then. You know, he asked me to take him here with me for the sake of his - and I quote - old bones that can't take the winter chill anymore. I am not sure whether he was serious, or whether he wanted to come along with me. The weather here is... hardly better than at home."
The sky was the color of lead and heavy clouds were lazily making their way from the sea to the land. The wind was picking up dust and leaves from the ground.

"It will be alright. It won't rain until the afternoon," she promised.
"I will take your word for it."
"Hah. Which one of us has experience with this weather again?"
"I suppose having Officer Teodolit by your side doesn't hurt either. Do you mind asking him to ensure I don't get struck by a lightning? Or a tree knocked over by the wind, I suppose."

"You'll be safe."

He believed her.

Teodolit and Ekliptik were waiting for him by the carriage, accompanied by quite a few of Rosamund's servants, guards, and Bluebell himself. Rosamund was touched by how many of them came to see him off. He shook hands with Bluebell who offered him some words of encouragement. He accepted them, although the man looked as if he was the one in need of it. There really was no need to worry.

Teodolit looked awkward. He seemed like didn't know what to tell him so he didn't say anything. Considering everything this man knew about him at this point, Rosamund wasn't sure whether he should be insulted by his obvious nervousness or pleased for the vote of confidence. He was going to win, gods damn it. He patted Teodolit's shoulder in passing as he was walking to the carriage. At least he didn't offer any advice. That implied more confidence in him than anything else, right?

Ekliptik was dressed in livery and their hair was dyed black again. They offered him a hand and helped him into the carriage. They closed the door and gave Adanita a deep bow before climbing on the front seat and sitting down next to the driver. It seemed Bluebell gave them some lessons in etiquette, although they were still obviously learning. Well, with their intellect and memory, Rosamund had no doubt they will manage with just a bit of practice.

He waved to Adanita and Teodolit one last time, and leaned back in his seat.

Onward, then.