The Duke's Bride

[Siegfried]

"As you say, my lady," he sighs. "At least it is work I can do on my bad leg."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I smile "the head steward comes with a raid too. I noticed when I looked over the books we were barely being paid...." I shake my head bows not the time to burden him with math while we start on English. I pick up the fist small book. A children's book called Cinderella. "I'll read this to you. And while I read it I want you to write it down, all right" I sand began

[Siegfried]

"I'm not a child," the perhaps 19-year-old says. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"I know I just like this story." I laugh putting it down "it's your lesso you choose then

[Siegfried]

"Pick whatever you like, my lady," he sighs, looking quite dejected. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I laugh and smile "it could be worse," I tease "I could make you write down one of Tova's stories." I say picking up Cinderella again and this time reading it out all of the things that many leave ou. Even this bits of the birds plucking out the step sisters eyes

[GamesMaster]

The next few days fly by in a flurry of working, getting measured and fitted for formal outfits, and purchasing a carriage, as Siegfried had sold their fine one previously to pay for repairs on the stables. The horses, used to being ridden via saddle, protest at being hooked up to the carriage, but they're soothed into compliance, and Tova takes up driving with Wylde on the seat beside her, leaving Lance, Garrett, Elaine, and two of Garrett's men inside for the long trip to Albany. 

Being of equal rank as the groom, of course they are put up at the groom's castle, given one of the numerous guest suites with side chambers for Tova, Wylde, and Garrett to sleep in, rotating with the other guards who will stand watch at night and sleep during the day. The chief steward shows them to their chambers, assuring them that either the groom or his right-hand advisor will be stopping by to introduce themselves and ensure their comfort in a short time. 

Then all that's left to do is wait. A plate of cheese, crackers, and fruit is sent up from the kitchens; Lance absents himself to the bedchamber, uneasy in the presence of so many of his fiancee's trusted servants, and while Garrett paces, Wylde helps herself to the cheese. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I knock gently on his door and tell him that I brought a calming drought hi. If he want it and barring a response I give up. Chatting lightly with the others until there is a nock on the door.

[NPCs]

As Elaina waits for a reply to her own knock, another sounds out from the door to their suite. After only a second or two, another round of firm, rapid knocks begins. Evidently the visitor is an impatient one. Armoured and oiled ones as well, Wylde would note as she reaches the door to open it. On the other side stands two hulking, muscle-bound men clad in gleaming breastplates, chain mail and silk tabards. Even for a Duke's honor guard, their armour is tastelessly expensive; beyond using silk for tabards, the pauldrons and gauntlets that match the breastplate are embellished with gold and inset gemstones. Topaz and jade, the Amell colors, instead of something more valuable but still a wasteful expense. Instead of swords, both guards have heavy clubs on their belts made out of something that looks similar to bone but too glossy and smooth to be such.

"Hear ye, hear ye! Prepare yourself to be visited upon by Duke Amell of Albany!" both guards cry out in unison, though their voices have little going for them aside from 'loud.'

[Wylde]

Wylde curls a bit of lip at the loudness, but steps aside as she bows. Garrett, seeing her bow, moves to bow as well, though of course his instincts as a bandit tell him to jump the guards and steal their hideously expensive armor. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I turn away from the door to greet Duke Amall. "Duke Amall it's been to long." I say warmly extending my hand with a smile. "May I offer my heart felt congratulations on your wedding." I say sweetly my proper facade clicking into place

[Gamlen Amell]

"We've met? Mean, yes of course! And thank you, thank you, my dear." Lord Amell, Gammy to his drinking buddies, steps into the room after the two guards take positions just inside the door to each side.  He peers around the room, his squint suggesting either poor eyesight or a sly personality. Perhaps both. It's clear enough that, aside from his eyesight, he's doing just fine given his comfortable bulk, finely waxed hair and general cleanliness; he obviously eats well, grooms himself even better and has at least a passing dedication to keeping himself fit in some fashion. The more seasoned people in the room would realize that, whatever said activity is, it's nothing martial given the way he moves, the unblemished palms and fingers of both hands and the slight shortness of breath the long walk from his counsel room to the suite here on the third floor of the castle has caused. 

Spotting her offered hand, he steps forward to met her partway and takes it in both of his own. Bending down, he presses a kiss to the back of it, then lingers for just a second to... sniff her hand. "Lovely indeed," he murmurs. "Lovely to see you again indeed." 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"It's been far to long" I say again. "Please will you sit?" I ask gently "I'm ariad I haven't been in this part of the kingdom in awhile and thus am unfermilair with your bride to be." I say sweetly hoping I can wiggle so knowledge out of him as he can be a key backer should anyone challenge my right to the throne.

[GamesMaster]

Wylde and Garrett take up positions on the inside of the door, one of them standing next to each of the extravagant guards. And glaring at them, in Wylde's case. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I smile warmly gesturing to him to sit "tell me how did you two meet?"