It really didn't take much more than a smile and a kindly worded request to have the castle jumping to find a basket. Which told Lottie that everyone there wanted to see Harmonia up and about as well. They loved their queen, and were very excited about the new little prince or princess she was carrying. Did Harm even know how much her people cared about her? Or was she too focused on the things she erroneously thought she'd lost to see all that she'd gained? Philotes would have to do something to show her.
After this walk. Because first and foremost, her friend needed some fresh air and sunshine. Just how long had she closed herself up in her rooms? That would just not do. At all. Lottie would set herself a reminder to come see Harmonia at least once a week until this baby showed up. And then, she was sure, Harm's family would be crowding in to see the new addition, so she'd take a backseat for a bit. That was how it should be. Family was very, very important.
When Harmonia hesitated in the courtyard, Lottie began to see just how isolated her friend had become. She really hadn't gone anywhere, had she? This was her castle, her land, her people, and she didn't know them. Any of them. But they knew her, and once again, Philotes could tell how much affection they held for her. They were all so excited just to see her, but it was scaring Harmonia. When he friend reached for her hand, Lottie gladly took it and gave it a little squeeze.
Just in time too, because then there was a man. A very large man. Lottie looked him over while he studied Harmonia. He was broad, muscular, and had the sorts of scars that suggested he'd been in more than a few battles. And while his face was set in hard lines, Philotes could see in his eyes that what prompted his question was genuine concern for Harmonia. Because she was the queen. Because she was the wife of his king. Because she was carrying the heir they were all hoping for.
Before following his instructions, Philotes took a step closer to the big warrior and said quietly, “Thank you, Echion. You will know exactly where we are, since we'll be going where you directed, so you won't have to worry at all. And when the queen says that we don't need an escort, what she means is that we don't need company. She needs sunshine and fresh air, it will be good for both her and the baby. But what will not be good is if she is crowded.” Lottie's eyes glanced around the courtyard, then came back to the tall man. “All these people, they would love to help her, I know, but if they followed us, I worry that they might distract the queen from her enjoyment of the day. Do you think you could keep us from having a large audience? I'm sure that a warrior like you must command the respect of all these people. They would listen if you told them to stay here, wouldn't they?” She gave him her friendliest smile. “And then I can help the queen concentrate on what she needs to do for herself and the little one.”