"I thought I might find you here," he said, popping his head around the door. "We have pegged them with irony. They are to pay for a mercenary expeditionary force to go in and take control of the country. Then to stay and train a new army for you, there's sweet justice in that."
His glee was overflowing, giving him an unnatural presence. "Come, this calls for celebration. A few friends are following and will join us presently."
We went to the lounge and he called for brandy and champagne to be brought. Soon enough there was a small procession bringing trays of glasses and bottles. He selected one; brushing the label he exclaimed that this was a suitable vintage, older than me. He uncorked it with a pop that startled me, and poured two glasses.
"To the successful conclusion of our venture." He toasted, the wine had bite, and a subtle after taste, and a fizzyness that sort of got up your nose and gently tickled.
His friends made an appearance and soon little coteries formed, each with its centre with peripherals flitting from group to group. I was out of place, politely accepted where I joined the outer ring but bemused by the conversation.
They were like eight year olds squabbling for status and bragging rights after the battle won, whose deed was greatest, most subtle, caused the most discomfort. I'd have been as well with the book I was reading, at least that gave me insight to the lore of governance.
Sissy came home late. All had now left, including Antic, and the house was still again.
She walked into the library; her shoulders stooped a little, saying that her head was in a spin.
"The details of this wedding are getting beyond me," she stated. "So many things to settle, who to invite, seating the guests in the chapel. Oh I didn't tell you, we have been invited to use the royal chapel in the palace for the actual wedding. It will take place in the afternoon, with the reception in Prince Hallit's quarters. And he has give us run of the place for the wedding night."
"So how's the wedding dress, does it make you look beautiful?"
"Hah, they have measured every inch of my body. I stood in my underclothes for over an hour while the seamstress ran a tape over me. Then I was presented with swatches to choose the cloth from. Everyone was advising different. I finally chose at random. They want to change the style of my hair from the coronation in the morning. This is getting beyond me." Her voice ran down like some clockwork toy, and she sat plonk in a chair, kicking her shoes off. "And I'm starving; I've eaten only snacks since breakfast."
It was past the usual dinner time and I'd not eaten myself. I scooped her shoes from the floor, and held my hand out.
"Let's see what the kitchen has to offer."
As we passed the stair, I dropped the shoes at its foot. She was swinging our joined arms and I let her lead into the kitchen. The cooks and other servants were sat at the head of the preparation table eating from bowls.
"Is there anything for us to eat?"
The cook looked aghast. "The master is out and left no orders, I thought that you would accompany him."
"No matter," I said. "Is there anything for a hungry pair to eat?"
"We have colds meats, cheese and the like, if it pleases you." She was on her feet. "Or if you want a hearty meal you can go to that restaurant that the master uses for his private meeting. He recommends the food there."
"That sounds like a good idea, we have yet to sample many of your local dishes."
Sissy pulled discreetly at my arm, I looked at her. "I don't want to go out," she whispered. "I want to eat and fall in bed."
"If you wish my love," I whispered back. "But this may be our last chance and there is a fish that has been recommended."
She smiled weakly at me, "Alright then, but I must change my clothes."
I looked to the cook still standing and told her that we would eat out and could she tell where the best cooked 'Snapper' was to be found. Sissy took herself off while I took directions. Better still Robrik walked in and insisted we use the coach. I was reluctant as to whether he had the authority to loan it, but it would save Sissy walking so I agreed.
The sky was dark with neither moon nor stars showing, even though the waxing moon should be near full bright in the sky at this time.
We rode the carriage to a grand building on the docks itself. The restaurant was on the second floor and commanded a good view of the lighted ships, bobbing about in the wind across the harbour.
The fish, served on a bed of rice and with a side salad, was worth the visit. The grey flakes of flesh crumbled in the mouth, the spices played tunes on the taste buds, making the wine served with it taste like nectar as well.
We stayed a full hour, enjoying a boiled pudding with a thick yellow sauce after the main course. After, we sat a while satiated, enjoying a full stomach and looking out at the harbour lights, dancing madly on the wind swept water.
On the carriage ride back home, I watched the clouds scudding bye as Sissy cuddled up to me, tired out by her day and ready for bed.
We slept together in her bed. She complained about my bristles and wanted to shave me again but I refused, saying that it could wait till the morn, till she was fresh and bright again.
When we woke it was to a knock on the door. She grumbled and pushed at me but I pushed back; it was her room.
A second louder knock came, then through the door a voice. "Princess Sisoft, you are needed; the dressmaker is here to attend to you."
More fittings for the dress, and another day of me kicking my heels. She walked to the bathroom and back to the bedside, where I watched her dress. I could hear the wind blowing, sending moans and shrieks through the window and I told her to wrap up warm.
After she was gone, I picked my clothes and returned to my own room. Dressed and shaved I took myself to the breakfast room. Robrik was there and told me that I was to attend the fitting of my wedding suit. There would be a carriage waiting for me outside to take me there after I had had breakfast.
The carriage took me to the door of a drab shop. I knocked hesitantly and walked in. The shop was filled with rolls of cloth, half made clothes on hangers and a little old man, who immediately pumped my hand vigorously when I announced my name.
He brought out a guild ceremonial robe and had me try it on. He walked around me inspecting the fit and making little chalk marks. Satisfied, he bid me disrobe and took it, hanging it on the wall.
We parted with another energetic handshake and the carriage took me back to the house. With nothing to do and no one around and the darkening clouds threatening rain, I retired to the library.
It was there that Antic found me an hour or so later. He was complaining that the weather was threatening to spoil the grand procession.
As we walked to eat lunch he told me of the Bishops impending arrival.
"We have arranged for them to be accommodated in the royal palace. They will accompany you home the next day. You will all go in procession, accompanied by a small detachment of their majesties personal guard."
I thanked him for the information and continued. "I have learnt that there is a prohibition on marriage between royalty and wizards."
"Yes," he said. "I've just heard of it myself that is but a minor matter. No one has bothered with that law for more than a hundred years; put it out of your mind."
"So," I said. "All preparations are in hand. We are to be married in two days and then we will return to our homes, free to continue with our lives."
He agreed. "S'snoyme has had its nose bloodied; I don't think we shall have trouble from them in a while."
We finished our meal and he went off to busy himself in some domestic matter, while I returned to the library.
Sissy arrived with the rain. A light drizzle was falling, sprinkling her hair with glistening drops. She shook herself and found me in the library.
