[ENTRANCE] The Palace Gates

Rhiannon, dressed in her favorite red dress, nervously approached the Palace gates. In her pale hand she held a piece of parchment, the Queen's response that had come last night, giving Rhi a chance to share the news of her appointment with her husband Henry.

First thing this morning she had readied herself and directed the carriage to Whitehall. One did not keep the Queen waiting when she had so graciously appointed you.

So here she stood, letter in hand, walking towards the gate. Though inwardly she was nervous, she did not allow it to show, outwardly she appeared a calm noble. A guard asked her identity, and she used her new title for the first time, praying she didn't stumble over her new title.

"Rhiannon... Baroness Grey. I have come at summons of her Majesty to take up a position as Lady-in-waiting."

She smiled at the young boy and let him lead her towards the Hall. "Thank you, young Sir, for the tips.. I will most definitely need the luck too!" Rhiannon smiled graciously again before he left and she entered the Hall, she was a friendly young woman and the boy had been kind.

A small carriage arrives at the Palace Gates. A young footman jumps off the back and scurries to the side to open the door. Lady Eleanor Cecil steps out of the carriage and approaches the guard at the gate. Although she is a little nervous, she is a lady and she knows how to hide nerves well. She speaks to the guard, who looks little more than a boy; a few years younger than her. She smiles at him and says, Lady Eleanor Cecil, daughter of William Cecil, the Earl of Salisbury, requesting an audience with Her Majesty the Queen.

Henry had spent much of the early morning examining the figures for the treasury of the county. Middlesex was doing well with the peace that had been brought with the restoration of the monarchy. Traders were beginning to return…Europeans were beginning to feel less fearful of the dangerous republican English and buying our goods once more. Still, Henry hoped to improve trade even further once the new Mayor of London had been established with its Council.

He had just finished writing some thoughts down to help foster trade when a knock came at the door. A Palace messenger stood waiting for him.
“A message from Whitehall for you Baron Grey” He said, passing Henry the elegant looking letter. As soon as he opened it, Henry had recognised his wifes’ handwriting and smiled.

It’s contents intrigued him immensely and he pulled his cloak around his shoulders and made haste to the Palace.

On arrival, he announced his name to the guards proudly and waited to be told where he was required, his head held high and back stiff.

A stagecoach made it's way through the streets of London. It was a rainy, cold day, as much of London's were. Piero observed from inside the vehicle the movement of the streets, which seemed to cease a bit with the progress of the rain. Piero was richly dressed ina blue mantle over his black linen shirt, breeches and boots. Then, he looked to his side, where Catherine was. .

Tell me, my sister, are you afraid or nervous? You shouldn't be... we're soon to arrive, and remember to behave yourself. Only speak to the Queen if she speaks first. Be polite, don't stare at her or other nobles, make reverences...

...Ah! There is Whitehall.

Piero pointed out to the enormous castle which appeared before them, as the carriage stopped by the Palace Gates. Piero already knew the guards, easily he could pass, and after all he had free pass...

Come, milady my sister!

Piero laughed at her proposal of making another trip.

Why, my dear sister, as we just arrived in Whitehall?, said him as he took her arm and went towards the guards. The great columns of the Court stood before them, after the gates. What a majestic work! The name of the palace wasn't for another reason, and Piero turned to Catherine.

It's even more beautiful when the sun is shining, as the white rocks reflect it. A jewel of London, in my opinion., said him, observing the Palace. The palace which had been inpired by the great Richmond Palace. Indeed, a masterpiece! The centre of England's politics and social life.

We shall see Her Majesty in the Great Hall. Be prepared, there are many nobles there who may stare at you and if they whisper between themselves, do not mind. I believe you'll enjoy the Court. Now, come, shall we?, said him, smiling and asking her to cross the gates towards the Great Hall...