"Nonetheless, it is visible, even if it does keep me up for hours waiting for it to appear in the evening sky. I do apologize for the awkward timing." 

"Stars shine when and where they will, and the fates they cast lay upon us all. Did you know that the light of Venus can be used to etch runeglass? You wouldn't think that so little light could cause such a profound change, and yet it occurs every time with the right apparatus."

In other words, the princess' whims can't be helped; play this right and we might win someone competent for the liberal faction. 

"I did not know that! What other uses can the light of Venus be put to?"

"Many, I believe; it can be saved in a mirror-flask or bottle, then applied wherever it is most necessary. Distilled starlight can be intoxicating to use." 

Of course Cocoa would make an innuendo about alcohol in the middle of discussing serious matters.

"Surely you wouldn't imbibe it." 

"I've heard the commoners enjoy their starshine. Perhaps it's time we tried it ourselves. In a sensible, controlled and responsible manner, of course."

"Of course." She leans back in her latticework chair, feeling the muggy heat of the greenhouse against her skin. "I think I prefer tea. Would you like a cup?"

"I think I will excuse myself for now," Cocoa replies. "I simply must go try some experiments."

Ishaza smiles slightly and takes a deep breath of the hothouse air, rich with earth and heat.

"Mind you don't poison yourself."

Cocoa stands, and bows precisely. "I will be exquisitely delicate." 

Ishaza nods, and remains seated. "Enjoy," she says. "I'm going to stay here and watch the stars."

Cocoa straightens, and departs.

Ishaza looks up, up, up at the star-speckled sky. 

She can just make out Venus on the western horizon. 

She smiles slightly to herself, and snaps her fingers. "Tea," she orders.

Her attending maid bows, and leaves to prepare Ishaza's tea.

Ishaza doesn't pay any attention. She just stares through the glass into the star-speckled night.

Oh, little star. What fates do you weave for us today?

Meanwhile, amid the rose gardens of the Bramble estate...

"Indigo." Duke Maxwell Bramble's voice cracks like a whip. "There's been another transparent assignation between the princess and the pretender bride. I thought you said you had her under control."

Duke Bramble's son spreads his hands. "What can I say? The woman is insatiable. Even I have trouble keeping up with her. And politically, she's attracted to the freedoms the Liberal faction offers, no matter that they'll plunge the realm into chaos. I am doing the best I can while doing my duty to the realm and to my House."

"We have to get it through to her that responsibility is not the same as never having any fun. You've made some strides in that, I must admit."

"She enjoyed the tournament we hosted last month, so much so that she granted me another assignation. Naturally I made sure I acquitted myself well. Remind me to thank Ms. Carpenter for her acquisitions; her thoughts on the princess' tastes in arcane devices were quite useful."

"I dislike the neccessity of playing out the political battle in the princess' bedroom, but it can't be helped. If the liberals are going to play dirty, so too must we."

Maxwell leans his head on his cheek and thinks for a moment. 

"I think we need to make a show of conceding to one of the princess' demands. She's always on about respecting the common people; we should go out of our way to recognize and adopt some new blood into the family. Talent is always worthy if harnessed by those who have the right of rulership."

Indigo taps two fingers against the glass-topped garden table. "Are you considering the new talent who's just arrived at the academy - what was her name, Ms. Quill?"

"Her arcane talents are once a generation, and I have it on good authority that she's unschooled in politics. If we simply make ourselves helpful she'll fall right into our lap. She'd make a fine counterbalance to Black Cocoa."

"I think it would be unwise for me to approach her myself. After all, my attentions should be reserved for the princess." He tilts his head. "However, I know a young knight with a strong sense of chivalry who might be willing to take a talented commoner under her wing. Ms... Brachia, I believe. She voted with us at the last assembly and believes in my claim. I can work with that."

"See that you do," says Maxwell. "For the good of the realm."

He stands, and bows shallowly to his son.