10th day of the Eleventh Moon

The little desk was clear, if not for two little teacups, fragrant and steaming. The old man had a sun-tanned face and rugged hands, but it was evident he did his best to appear decent that morning. He had taken his hat off upon entering the room and now sat, uncomfortable in the comfortable chairs in Alyce's solar.

"Your Grace - I'm sorry to say that I've learned nothing new... nothing of importance, at least."

"Oh." Alyce couldn't hide a hint of disappointment, but what else was there to do?

"Well, you'll just have to try again, I'm afraid."

"O-of course, my lady." The head gardener's face showed how disappointed he was to have failed his Queen. "I will. I-it seems like the gardens are not as much as a... popular destination as they were, now that autumn is coming. I will do my best, however."

Alyce sipped her tea, and flashed him a kind smile.

"I know you will."

They discussed the gardens some more, the autumn crops in the royal orchard and the maintenance of the Godswood, and when Old Jon finally left the solar, Jeyne came in, with parchment and quill.

"Hello Jeyne." She said, surprised, as the girl curtsied and took her place, in silence. "Is Bethany feeling unwell?"

"Yes, your Grace, she has asked for me to take her place today - I hope you do not mind."

"No, no - of course." She did, in truth. Bethany was the one she trusted the most with official matters, but surely Jeyne's Septa had taught her to write just as well.

Alyce leaned back on her chair, one hand toying with her sigil on the table, and one placed on her growing stomach. "Let's get started, then."