In the absence of a Partner or Consort the Seneschal is the second most important Awakened in a Holding behind the Sovereign. In Holdings where the Consort is not considered reliable the Seneschal remains the voice and right-hand of the Sovereign.

  ~ * ~

  Seb felt like the next day flew by. First thing in the morning he called in to the Shallows Contact. Unlike last time he had spoken to them they were receptive and promised to pass on his messages to the Seneschal. Roughly an hour later they called back, letting him know that Anya's decision to keep the home had been acknowledged and that the Arbiters would be ready to provide a verdict at Court the following day.

  Then when shopping he got to witness Anya start smiling at herself in the mirror. They'd stopped at a cosmetics store so she could find some appropriate makeup when one of the clerks stepped in to help. For the next while he pretended to browse the store, keeping just far enough away to not be eavesdropping, yet still close enough to make it clear he was waiting for her. In short order she'd not only helped Anya pick out what he could only assume was everything she would ever need but also given her a demonstration on how to use it to fully cover up the bruise she still had. Her happiness after seeing the result had him smiling as well, as did her keeping the hood of the now ever-present hoodie down as they walked out.

  Shopping for Court wear was, well it was clothing shopping. He gave his opinions on the outfits she tried on, letting her know which he liked most. In the end she chose a black gown with patterned lace sleeves and a simple suit and blouse. When she tried to argue about him paying he simply smiled and pretended not to hear her, only to relent and tell her they could figure it out later, his card had good cashback benefits.

  That evening she insisted on going out for dinner, and then on paying. The gleam in her eye made it clear she was not going to let him win again and he only made a token effort before surrendering. It wasn't anything fancy and by the next morning he barely remembered what he ate, only the fact that they sat there talking long after their dessert was cleaned away and the bill paid.

  ~ * ~

  Double-checking himself in the mirror Seb nodded before making his way out of the bedroom and into the hall. Knocking on Anya's door he waited for her to answer, only for her to crack it, look him over and tell him to wait downstairs, she'd be down as soon as she was ready.

  He was finishing the last of the coffee from breakfast when he finally heard her on the stairs. Setting the mug down he turned as she came into view and was immediately glad he wasn't still holding anything.

  "Seb?"

  He froze, struggling to process what his eyes saw. He'd been with her when she was shopping yesterday, he'd paid for her clothing, and yet he was at a loss. She stood there in a dark forest-green gown, looking down at him with a faint smile. Despite how she looked in the outfit he found his eyes drifting up to focus on her face. Her hair, normally hanging loose in a utilitarian cut, framed one side of her face while tucked back behind the other ear with a small silver pin. Seb swallowed reflexively as he took in the details, her cheekbone and jawline almost sharp yet when paired with her neck and collarbone turning into something delicate and elegant.

  "Seb? Is- are you?" Anya asked hesitantly as she started to turn away.

  The sound of her voice and movement broke the spell and he blinked, flushing slightly as he managed to get out a single word. "Wow."

  ~ * ~

  Anya had come down the stairs head held high and hopeful. Getting Seb's attention she paused to pose, giving him a moment to react. Then the moment didn't end and she started to panic. Had she made a mistake? Did she look horrible? She called out to him again then turned to run back up the stairs only to hear him finally answer.

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  "Wow."

  Immediately she felt her fears fade away. They'd been right. At the beauty store Seb had hovered just out of earshot while the aesthetician taught her how to cover up her bruise. Noticing his attention she had asked Anya who he was and, after Anya admitted she had little experience with makeup beyond the basics, gave her a few tips on how to accentuate her looks and not just cover up the bruise. Then the sales associate commented that Seb seemed to like the black gown and that she thought the dark green would get even more of a reaction. She'd offered to package it up along with the rest to ensure she could surprise him with it. She'd started to panic when he insisted on paying, certain he would notice the extra dress but he hadn't said a thing.

  Got you, she thought to herself with a smile as she struck another pose. "Just wow?"

  "Where- how- when?" he questioned before finally seeming to regain his focus. "Yes, wow. You look amazing."

  She made her way the rest of the way down the stairs, smirking as she got closer. "You bought it for me, along with the black version you helped me pick out. And the one suit."

  "I- oh." She saw him realize that it had been snuck in somehow and giggled.

  Turning to head to the door she looked back at him over her shoulder. "Coming?"

  ~ * ~

  Seb spent the drive to the Holding in near silence. He kept re-picturing Anya as she came down the stairs, and then thinking about dinner the night before. He'd had a great time with her and- He straightened in the lane for the umpteenth time and sighed before glancing over at her and caught her trying not to grin.

  "Yes?"

  "Nothing Seb."

  A few minutes later they got to the main Holding entrance. He parked in the shade, the lot being mostly empty before circling to help her out. As they approached the entry the Seneschal came out to meet them with a faint smile. "Lady Lysanya, Seneschal Sebastian, I know I suggested you ensure Sebastian be registered prior to the Verdict but I must recommend you wait for Court in the Antechamber instead. I suspect the verdict may have an impact on your plans and would require a second visit to the Seers."

  Seb caught Anya's nod before the Seneschal turned and led them through the Holding. He let them into a waiting room and told them to make themselves comfortable until they were announced. He sat down and almost immediately Anya came to sit next to him, her Energy immediately reaching out to form a band.

  I hope he meant that the verdict is good news.

  Why would it be bad news? he asked. It was self defense and you were able to show the bruises.

  Yes, but-

  Anya, you, no we were the victims.

  She nodded and settled back in silence and fidgeted with the sleeve of her gown. Several times he saw her turn as if to speak to him then looked back down at her lap. Eventually he registered what he was seeing and put his hand on hers and pulled it away from the hem, expressing what was on his mind in the process.

  Thank you for last night. I really enjoyed it.

  I did too, she answered, turning her hand to hold on to his.

  Lapsing back into silence they sat there hand in hand until they heard the Court starting to assemble. Anya stood and went to the door, only to start pacing the longer they went without being called. Did they forget us?

  Before he could answer the door was finally opened, barely giving Seb time to cross the room to take up his position a pace behind and to the side of her.

  "Announcing the Lady Lysanya, independent Holder and named Heir of Holding Lys, and her Seneschal Sebastian."

  For a moment Anya stood still. Named Heir?

  She finally took her first step into the hall then stopped, crooking her elbow as she did. Escort me?

  Seb took the step forward and held out his arm. She immediately slipped her hand through it and entered the Court. As they walked between the assembled courtiers Seb once again noticed the near uniformity of their looks as well as the stunned silence as they caught sight of Anya. Unlike last time whispers followed them, their tone a mixture of shock and surprise.

  I think your gown is having an effect.

  I don't care what they think. I still hate them.

  As they reached the front of the Court and found seats awaiting them the herald called out again. "Announcing Sovereign Lyselle of Holding Lys."

  Turning they watched as Anya's mother entered Court and took her seat on her throne. "Daughter, I am glad to see here. And in such an appropriately distinct look."

  Seb felt Anya stiffen and he pressed his arm to his side, squeezing her hand against him. "Thank you mother."

  "With Lady Anya's presence we are free to announce the verdict in the matter of former guardsman Rios' assault on her person."

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