Juno adjusts her ceremonial armor uncomfortably. She isn’t nearly as awkward as she used to be, thanks to Anna helpfully instructing her on formal etiquette and teaching her how to dance at these sorts of things — which hopefully wouldn’t be a requirement, but just in case — but she doesn’t know if she’ll ever truly feel comfortable at one of these swirling kaleidoscopes of colorful strangers. Especially now, with the added anxiety of being personally responsible for Princess Victoria’s safety. The King made it abundantly clear that it would mean Juno’s head if anything happened to her, but she hardly needed the reminder; if any misfortune befalls the princess no one will blame Juno more than she’ll blame herself. She is careful not to show any of this anxiety on her face, however; Victoria’s confidence in her is important if she wants the princess to feel safe and enjoy her birthday ball.

Another thing that’s important is the princess’s trust, which is why, right now, Juno is hiding behind a centerpiece in the ballroom with the 19-year-old. If Victoria only thinks of her as a disciplinarian trying to keep her from having fun, she’ll only be more likely to rebel against her and try to leave her sight. With this in mind, Juno has tried from the very beginning of their relationship to be open to the princess’s whims. Not that it’s taken some huge effort; the more time Juno spends with Victoria the more fond of her and her restless spirit she grows.

“What exactly are we looking for, Your Highness?” Juno asks her. Juno knows what she’s looking for: anyone who looks like they could be a threat to her young charge’s safety.

Victoria peers from behind the centerpiece of long feathers and draped pearls excitedly, hands on the table, seemingly jumping with excitement as her eyes dart every which way behind a mermaid themed mask. "We're looking for anything Juno! Anything and everything! I mean, look at all these people and their amazing costumes. I want to talk to them all."

Juno, who sometimes errs on the side of being a bit too literal, begins to strategize. "Well, talking to them all might be difficult. We should probably prioritize based on who you want to talk to the most." There's a brief pause before she adds, "The costumes are indeed pretty, though."

"I'm positive I could talk to everyone if I really tried!" So she says, but Victoria isn't really known for her concise communication skills. Pulling away from the table she turns to look at Juno, eyes twinkling just as bright as the jewels on her head. Her eyes grow wide, hands clasped together in a prayer. Even if this was what the Princess wished, she knew very well that her father wanted for the first time everyone saw Victoria was at their grand entrance.

Juno smiles; it's difficult not to in the princess's presence. "I suppose if anyone could, it would be you," she concedes. Then she nods. "As long as you stay where I can see you, we can do whatever you'd like, Your Highness."

Her smile widens, arms outstretched as she pulls the smaller woman into a tight hug. "You're the best, Ser Juno! Right then, once Anna returns we shall go into the crowd anon."

Juno chuckles and pats the princess's back awkwardly. "I simply want you to have fun on your birthday," she says. With that, she returns to the task of people-watching.