Chapter Ix Knights Night

This is a rewrite of a previously published work. There is a lot of new content in it, but it is not wholly new content. There will be new chapters coming.

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"People are going to have questions for you," Queen Meryl said. After my bath and the healing, Emilia was helping me get dressed for tonight's dinner. The skin from what had been cuts was still tender and I was still getting used to being around that kind of magic being used constantly. I watched the queen pace back and forth, trying to think through the problem.

"What am I supposed to say?" I asked, trying desperately to push down the tension building up in my chest. I had fucked up and I knew it. But I also had no idea what to do about it. Hells, I don't even know that I understand the political implications of what happened.

"For now, just make conversation," the queen coached, rubbing her temple. "Gods, I wish we had more time to teach you etiquette."

"I'm sorry," I mumbled. I didn't say 'I told you so'. Though, this is one of hundreds of reasons I shouldn't be involved with these people. They're important and know what they're doing.

"What's done is done," the queen said solemnly. Head Maid Emilia kept her head down as she fussed over some accessory I was to wear to the function. Meryl reached out and squeezed her maid's shoulder. "Besides, you were right about one thing. He was an ass. Governor of Babrycg or no, he had no right to do any of that."

Governor? Emilia smiled softly back at her queen gratefully. Then up at me. I tried to smile reassuringly, but my mind was reeling. Why couldn't I just keep my fucking mouth shut? I admonished myself. Queen Meryl continued, "With that said, no more duels. If anyone else challenges you to a dick measuring contest, refuse."

"Deal," I agreed, readily. I tried to give them a reassuring smile. "I don't know that I'd measure up anyway." Neither of the women looked amused.

We got to dinner a little late. This was in a larger room meant for bigger functions. It wasn't quite full, but there were a lot of people. I recognized some of the people from the court and some had seen me duel.

Emilia was wearing a decidedly more conservative dress than she'd started out the day in. It was made of a fine dark red material that suited her. It also didn't do much to hide her figure, but I don't know much that could. She had put her hair up in a way that allowed people to see her ears. The queen had suggested it and Emilia complied. Standing here in the open, she had become a little paler and I could see the tension she was holding in her shoulders and neck. I reached out and squeezed her hand subtly. She squeezed it back and we were led over to a table, with the queen not far behind.

I glanced around the room. There were several tables all filled with different people, all wearing their best clothes, or what I assumed to be. To one end, there was a band playing music just loud enough to be heard throughout the room, but not so loud to overwhelm conversation. Were it not for the Head Maid and the Queen's guidance, I wouldn't have any clue where I was supposed to be.

Several people glanced up at Emilia and I, whispering behind their hands. I tried to put it out of my mind, but the half-elf beside me tensed. Guilt spread out in my stomach. This is all because I couldn't keep my stupid mouth shut. Twice. I tried to keep any discomfort off my face, but I don't know that I succeeded. I have never been much of a liar.

The queen had also changed into a different dress. It was also a little more formal than what she'd been wearing. A pale blue dress that must've cost a fortune. Additionally, she was wearing a different golden crown than she normally wore to court. Something that looked a little more ostentatious and matched the jeweled necklace wrapped around her throat. And despite the anxiety she'd been displaying in private, I didn't see any sign that anything was amiss in her as she made her way to the table. I knew it was an act, though. The Meryl that she was displaying now wasn't the one I was starting to get to know. The one who wanted to laugh and joke with her lovers and friends.

We stood until she was seated and then we all sat. Emilia sat to my side. I wasn't next to the queen, but farther down the table. A stuffy man with a graying mustache was sitting next to me on the other side. His clothes were finer than I was wearing. Also seated at the table with us was another woman in a fine dress and a kind, if over-made-up face. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. The queen was also sat at the table and she gave me a brief but reassuring smile. As we were being served, the man next to me spoke up in a soft chuff, "Well, my boy, you sure showed that upstart what for. Though, it was touch and go there for a moment. Babryckians are always so hot-headed."

"Oh, he was quite brave, wasn't he?" The older woman added in with a light, airy tone, grinning brightly around the table. Both of them were talking about me but their eyes kept tracing back to Queen Meryl, who only gave the barest hint that she was even listening, more than anywhere else. "That man was absolutely a brute! I'm so glad you were there to show him his place."

"Oh, I don't know about any of that," I mumbled. Meryl hadn't said anything and had instead opted to start in on her first course. "I just got lucky."

"Of course you did," the man replied, chortling. He put a hand on my shoulder in what seemed to me to be an overly familiar manner, but I didn't exactly know what the proper etiquette for the situation was. "You've a fair enough hand, I suppose. But the Sharcaols have a blade in their hands from birth."

"He didn't seem that good," the woman at the table put in, starting on her first course. "Surely our young friend here is better. He won the little duel after all. You must concede that much, Reginald."

"Eh," the man started. He didn't shrug, but it was obvious he disagreed. "Johnathan was the more experienced fighter." He hedged. "Not slight against you, lad, of course. But if he'd kept his temper or arrogance in check at all, I'm afraid the outcome would have been far different. Though, it was always that brother's weakness. Damien was always the better fighter. And usually keeps a better head. I imagine he'll be taking the governor's title for Babrycg now."

"Well, even still,' the woman countered, waving a hand dismissively. "Making a scene over one elf. He deserved to lose."

"Well, I don't know about all of that either, my dear," the man continued. "The elves of Wyefalls did a lot of damage in the Human-Elf War. Especially with those automatons they'd bought from Nuledzig." He paused to take a bite or two, before continuing, his mouth still a little full. "Not that I agree with them, of course. Really, it was the Tripand family that's to blame."

I tried to gauge the queen's reaction to any of this but she hadn't made a single comment and looked perfectly content not to. She seemed to simply ignore the conversation, but I was certain she was listening to everything. I didn't know anything about what was being talked about. My confusion must've been showing on my face because the man clarified, "The Tripands are an offshoot branch of the royal family. They plotted with the elves of Wyefalls to unseat Meryl the I."

"Oh," was all I could think to say, glancing over to the queen who had paused her eating and patted her mouth with a handkerchief.

"My grandmother," she clarified. Her voice was small but somehow, her voice carried over everyone else's. "The Wyefallens meant to put her on the backfoot for some time, gifting Aria Tripand a chance to undermine her authority and gather her allies to make a play for the throne. Then the elves would halt their troops, keeping whatever territories they'd claimed." She paused for a moment, considering her next words briefly. Or maybe she's just lost in thought. "Fortunately, she pushed back the invaders and Aria's allies weren't as loyal to her as she originally thought. The plot was discovered. The Tripand family lands were claimed by the court and redistributed accordingly, leaving them with just a small holding out east."

"Too right, your majesty," Reginald responded with another chortle. "That is exactly why it is not that simple, Lady Patricia. Babrycg backed the crown wholly a hundred years ago and provided a bulwark to the south where the elves could've gotten through and surrounded the capital. If not for them and the work of Kordku, it could've ended much more poorly." He paused to sip at his wine. "Instead, the elves were forced to march across wild land, leaving them with few ways to resupply. And though the warforged automatons were excellent in combat, few of them were experienced in such environs."

"It should be noted, Sir Bizzbid," Queen Meryl began when he fell silent for a moment to take anotehr swig of wine. "That Wyefalls doesn't represent all elves. My guest, Emilia, is of the Thristan elves, merchants and traders from the mainland. Nor do I hold much ill-will towards the Wyefallens themselves. Since the war, they've isolated themselves, but under the right circumstances, I'd be open to negotiating a treaty and perhaps more."

"Well, of course," Sir Reginald blustered slightly. "I didn't mean to imply anything about it. Merely that the history is more complicated than Lady Patricia had made it out to be. Nor would I imply that Miss Emilia is anything less than welcome here." He leaned over the table to make eye contact with her directly. "You've always been a delight, m'dear." He chortled again. "She managed to locate me more than one or two bottles of fine brandy when I was in need."

"Of course, Master Reginald," Emilia said with a lot more deference for the man than I was feeling. "You're a gentleman and I appreciate the nuance you take with this subject."

Conversation became a lot more muted after that, though with the drinks flowing, both Lady Patricia and Sir Reginald got a little more direct with their pleas for the queen's attention, to no avail. She mostly ignored them, only chiming in with the occasional comment. She was never outright rude to them, which is more than I can say for how I was feeling. Then again, I was mostly left out of the conversation, which gave me a chance to try and understand the goings on around me. By the end of this dinner, I was sure of two things. One, these dinners were more boring than anything. People vying for attention and acclaim in some way in the hopes of gaining favor. Two, I don't think Meryl enjoyed them any more than I do.

During dessert, the First Knight came in, wearing her full plate mail, but no sword. Blood and mud stained her armor and she looked tense and aware, which melted away when she leaned over the queen and exchanged words and what I was almost certain was a subtle kiss. They broke apart and Lady Carmella headed off to wherever her room was. Queen Meryl motioned over a servant and ordered some food brought to her room.

After the five courses, we were allowed to disperse and I was going to excuse myself, but Sir Bizzbid asked that I accompany him for a smoke and a drink. "Time for the boys," he insisted.

I didn't think it would be polite to refuse, so he dragged me back to a sitting room. He served me a drink and offered some tobacco to smoke, which I managed to refuse. I held the amber liquid in a cup that so ornate it could've bought my labor for a year. The older man finished his glass immediately and refilled it, then proceeded to sip on it in between puffs from his pipe, watching me. I shifted uncomfortably and nursed my drink, not really thirsty. After everything that had happened today, I wanted to go to bed more than anything.

"So," he began. Most of the good humor he'd held in his voice over dinner was gone. His tone had the ghost of accusation in it. "You're a new face here in the court."

"Uh... Yeah," I said a little apologetically.

"And you've caught the queen's attention," he said conversationally, considering his drink. "Few can claim the same. You have that maid, Emilia. Then of course she and the First Knight have been attached at the hip most of their lives." I frowned, trying to follow his point, but I wasn't sure he'd made it yet. "Both are remarkable, in their own way. Truthfully, I was wondering when having an elf in the court was going to cause trouble." He took another swig of the brandy, grimacing. "Good stuff." He met my gaze directly. His face was red with the drink, but his eyes were sharp and pointed. And I recognized the look. Sir Reginald Bizzbid had the same bearing in this moment as Lady Carmella did when she was testing my reactions. I took a deep breath and stood straighter. And I thought he was just a blowhard. He continued pensively, "What do you think it is about you that has captivated her majesty?"

"To be honest, Sir Reginald, I'm not entirely sure," I answered with a shrug. He seemed disappointed with my answer. But I didn't care. I probably should have. Being sat at the queen's table, both he and Lady Patricia were probably very important people. "I don't know that it necessarily matters, though." That gave him pause and he motioned for me to continue. "I'm a blacksmith from the backwaters of Sofen. She sent for me and I'm here to serve my queen in whatever capacity she would like. I-it is my understanding that my... relative expertise in my trade was part of what caught her eye."

He considered me for a moment longer, frowning, before finishing his drink. "Well, my boy. You're not much for court politics. Mayhaps an old knight can take you under his wing and show you a thing or two."

"I-I'd appreciate whatever help I can get," I replied, half truthfully. I don't know what he wants, but I'm certain he sees me as a stepping stone to getting it. He smiled toothily and took a step forward and slapped his hand on my shoulder. I finished my drink and excused myself politely.

As soon as I was alone, I felt a tension leave my shoulders and my stomach settle, despite the alcohol. I stood outside the study for a moment, breathing a sigh of relief, before making my way back to the room I was to stay in.

As I was preparing for bed, Emilia barged into my room, holding some clothes and wearing a vulpine smile. "I'm about to go to bed. If you have something to say, it can probably wait until the morning."

She continued to smile as she brought over her stuff to the bed and laid it down. "I'm staying here tonight. Queen's orders. And my orders."

"What? No! Why in any gods' names would we do that?!" Her small smile grew substantially as I spoke. "A-and your o-orders? Y-you're a..." I stopped, realizing I was about to step into a sticky situation that I didn't understand at all. I snapped my mouth shut with a click of my teeth.

"Oh, there are plenty of reasons for us to stay in the same room." She patted the bed fondly. I swallowed nervously, trying not to think of the promise I'd made this morning. "Starting with the fact that you're not trustworthy."

"What's that supposed to mean?" More defensiveness than I would have liked had invaded my tone. "I haven't lied to anyone!"

"Perhaps not," Emilia admitted, her eyes on me. "But you ran away. Queen Meryl is concerned that you will do it again after the events of today."

"There's no way I'm getting you to sleep anywhere else, is there?" I asked, deflating.

"He's learning!" Emilia replied with false pride. I sighed and stopped undressing. I kept on some small clothes and crawled into the bed. She crawled next to me. Very next to me. The most next to me another person could have been. And she was not wearing clothes. I had not looked while she was preparing herself. Something told me that she was disappointed by this.

I tried closing my eyes, but this did not help whatsoever. It just drew my attention to the whole of her against me. Warm and soft. A gentle perfume of jasmine and iron washed over me. Her head rested on my chest. Her leg rested on mine. And I sat stiff as a board. Not like that. Well, not just like that. But mostly I tried not to move; I tried to keep my breathing steady and calm. And I failed. Badly. Weirdly, she was just able to fall asleep pretty easily. She was out after just ten minutes. Maybe a little more. I stared up at the ceiling for what seemed like ages.

I must have fallen asleep at some point, though, because I woke up to a completely different sight. And sensation. My arms were pinned down above my head and there was a weight on my waist. Blearily, I opened my eyes.

The First Knight Lady Carmella was on top of me, holding my arms down. She was watching me with intense, green eyes. Fortunately, she had some clothes on. Unfortunately, what she was wearing was a completely translucent shift. I could see everything. And the reason that that was unfortunate was because, with that image in front of me and the warmth of her body, I was fully erect and pressing into her pussy with only the thin fabric of my undergarments to separate us. I looked around and saw Emilia laying to the side, over the blankets. She was still naked. Her eyes met mine and she wore a huge grin. I pleaded for help with my eyes, and she just mouthed the word 'No'. With no other recourse, I turned my attention back to the First Knight.

"L-Lady Carmella. Good evening." My voice may have cracked. I cleared my throat, trying to work some moisture back into my throat. "How can I help you?"

"Why?" Her eyes pierced me. Even if she had not been holding my hands down, I do not think that I could have moved from the spot if I had wanted to. With an effort, I shook my head.

"Why what?" I genuinely had no idea what she was asking about. But, to be fair, I was very distracted. Her scent of leather and cedarwood invaded my nostrils and that sent my mind reeling. Between that and the tension that hadn't fully faded from Emilia's embrace, my mind was wrenched in one direction and there was nothing that could bring it back.

"Why did you make me a sword?" Her voice was icy. She slammed her new sword next to my head. I swallowed hard. "Do you think that you can buy me off?" She leaned in and whispered the next part dangerously. "Win me over that easily, blacksmith?"

"What? Oh. No, no, no." I tried to shift out of her grip and plead my case with a little more dignity. This neither worked and only exacerbated certain problems I was having, as I brushed against her. "That wasn't it at all. It's no big deal."

The knight leaned down dangerously close to my face. "Why did you do it?"

"B-because it was my fault your sword got broken. I just wanted to make things right. I'm sorry!" It was a bit of a whine, but I had seen her kill six men with the same attitude I might eat breakfast with. And it was a very stressful situation. It got more stressful for me when she leaned back and laughed. She let go of my arms, but her ass and gender pressed harder into me and I groaned. She made no move and just sat back, watching me.

"Why didn't you come deliver them yourself?" She asked in a much more conversational whisper. "Why just have Em leave them in my room?"

"Well," I began, then threw a glare Emilia's way, she pretended to look surprised, but the slight smile stretching her lips gave her away. "I just didn't want to make a big deal out of it. It isn't important."

"Not important?" Carmella asked, her voice icing over again. "Giving a gift to me isn't important?"

"No, not like that." I muttered, trying to shift a bit, which was a mistake. A soft gasp escaped the knight's lips as I incidentally pressed into her more and she responded by pushing down against me harder, pinning me between her knees. This also elicited a gasp and a small shudder from her, but that did not diminish her intimidating glare down at me. How are women able to think like this? I can barely remember to breathe.