Plotting and Planning (tag: Charles)
It was rare that Ananya was to be found anywhere other than the throne room in the early afternoon. Usually, she was there to hear petitions from those who had made their way to the castle to specifically ask for help resolving their issues. As most of those she personally saw had already had their problems heard and assessed by very competent staff that was designed to fix things that were easily fixable before they ever reached the ears of the king and queen, Ananya took her responsibilities seriously. These were issues that needed direct attention, sometimes from herself, sometimes from her husband, sometimes from both of them.
But today, though it was her day to sit for the petitions, there was no one waiting to speak to her. It was hardly surprising. The weather was atrocious. Though it was early afternoon, the sky had been darkened to such a degree that the lamps had been lit. Thunder rolled through the stone walls with a base rumble that was felt more than heard, and rain smacked against the closed window shutters. Ananya wouldn't want to be out today either, so she understood. She left word with her secretary that she was to be found should anybody show up, but that all who were planning to come today would be welcome tomorrow. She'd just expand her hours to accommodate that.
In the mean time, given that she was castle-bound because of the weather, she 'd decided to look for the necklace that she'd misplaced a few days ago. It wasn't as though it was something that held any emotional meaning for her, it wasn't anything that Charles or her parents had gifted her. It was simply pretty and she'd wanted to wear it with an outfit a few days ago, taken it out, and promptly lost it. So she'd been searching their personal rooms first, beginning with her closet and dressing room.
She'd worked her way into the bedroom. After checking the side tables and in the cushion of the chair near the window without success, she had a brilliant idea. Obviously, she'd dropped it and then accidentally kicked it, so it must be under something, and the most logical thing it could be under would be the bed. So Ananya was on her hands and knees, looking under the frame and attempting to see what was beneath the mattress.
“It's too dark,” she muttered, wiggling forward to feel around with her fingertips. “Ew! That was fuzzy! Why is there something fuzzy under here?”