Chapter 16, the queens court 3

(Trisha)

Feeling like an abused rag doll, Trisha winced, gingerly slipping from her training robes. Every muscle in her body ached as she washed the sweat from her bruised body in the large copper tub. Trisha loved the thing. She basked in the amazing sensation of warmth, relaxing as the soapy water that smelled of sage and juniper sunk in to her muscles. She pulled a plug, watching the mostly clear water drain. A spout hung above the tub, with both hot and cold levers. Apparently some genius mage had devised the idea and water could be created with runes in either hot or cold for baths.

Trisha stood in the tub carefully so she didn't slip. Soap clung to her arms and toned stomach. She picked up a clean towel from beside the tub and methodically dried herself off. Trisha felt spoiled, the soft towels feeling amazing against her body. She never did laundry, and yet every day her towels appeared dried and folded. Her clothes would also be dried and pressed to have no wrinkles. The weirdest part was the fact that Trisha never saw whoever the culprit was. How the staff of the cathedral moved around with being noticed was a mystery she wanted to solve.

In the corner was a privacy curtain, where Eliya changed. Trisha couldn't help but smile at the outline of her friend as she, too, slipped into fancy clothing.

Her shoulder twinged in pain as she slipped on her silver embroidered purple robes. A polished white belt with silver embroidery waited next to her sword. Trisha sighed as she examined the items. They were beautiful, and the most expensive clothes she had ever touched, much less worn. Fastening the belt through the scabbard, she pulled the supple leather snugly around her waist. Her sword gleamed, and she rested her hand on the pommel as she walked around her room, testing her movement.

Next to the copper tub hung a mirror, and she stopped to look herself over. Her shoulder length curly brown hair was a mess compared to the emasculate robes and the snug white belt with her long sword. The young woman in the mirror took Trisha's breath away. The robes fit her like a glove snugged tightly to her body In all the right places. The fabric accentuated her small breasts while clinging tightly to her flat stomach and narrow hips. Trisha sighed. Her body was lean, honed for combat. She knew big breasts were impractical for combat, but that didn't detract from her envy of them. Men seemed to be attracted to that sort of thing, well, and a big butt. Trisha turned, eying her narrow hips.

She ran a comb through her hair, straightening the curls as best she could. Trisha scowled. She glanced at the curtain.

" Hey Elli, can you come comb my hair?" Asked Trisha, frustrated with her troublesome hair.

" Yeah, give me a minute." Said Eliya, her voice echoing from behind the screen.

Waiting patiently, Trisha kept admiring her new outfit, wondering what others might think?

" Wow, you look amazing." Said Eliya, stepping from behind the changing curtain.

Eliyas' hair draped past her shoulders in a waterfall of curled dirty blond hair. Her intense hazel eyes analyzed Trisha. Eliya wore a colourful yellow ball gown with a glimmering silver necklace.

" I never thought I would see you in a ball gown." Said Trisha, cracking a smile.

Eliya fidgeted with the layers of fabric, performing a twirl.

"Yeah, I don't know Trisha. Wearing a dress is weird." Said Eliya uncertainly.

" You look great." Said Trisha. Eliya turned away, her cheeks flushing a deep red.

" I'm still surprised Anita invited me." Said Eliya, her eyes wide and her lips turned up into an unusual grin.

" For someone so smart, you sure are dense sometimes. I told you she was going to invite you." Said Trisha.

Eliya smiled and twirled, her excitement getting the better of her.

" I hope I don't have to dance. Otherwise my feet are going to get caught in this dress and I'm going to fall on my face." Said Eliya.

" Why do you think I'm wearing robes? It's because I don't want to make a fool of myself today." Said Trisha.

" Does that even matter? I can't dance, and I doubt you can." said Eliya, furrowing her brow.

" Nope, I can't dance at all. I'm simply going to politely refuse when people ask." Said Trisha, smoothing her immaculate form fitting purple robes.

" Me too." Said Eliya.

" And what if Anita asks you to dance?" asked Trisha. She winced as the comb in Eliyas' hands tangled in a knot in her hair.

"Sorry." Said Eliya, her tone unapologetic. Unlike Eliya's curly blond hair, Trisha preferred her hair combed straight. The damned locks were a pain to brush out every day, but the look was worth it.

"Let's go, our carriage will arrive shortly." Said Trisha. She glanced at her satchel, and ponder whether to bring it. The court was an excellent place to make promises, but not the place to bring contracts. She would find people to fill the contracts and then deliver them later.

Trisha led the way down the stairs and through the maze of corridors inside the cathedral.

" How do you find the way? This place is a maze." Said Eliya softly. Their footfalls echo on the polished marble floors, the large chamber smelling of stone and the faint smell of lilac. Large pillars supporting the vaulted room lined the large chamber, each adorned with a beautiful rune lantern.

"I'm not sure. I think there is some magic at play. Sometimes the route I take is completely different and I end up in my room. While other times I try to explore and still end up at the stairs to my room." Said Trisha, shrugging.

" But why?" Asked Eliya

" I think it's the bishop's magic, she is doing to to test me. Or maybe to make anyone trying to sneak in get lost." Said Trisha.

A familiar guard came into view, positioned against one wall next to a suit of armour.

Trisha waved at the man and smiled to herself. He always was positioned randomly around the cathedral, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get to or out of her room without seeing him.

They left the church, Eliya giving Trisha a weird look. Some Students loitered about on their day off, but the usually bustling church grounds were mostly empty.

A man whistled loudly as Trisha and Eliya approached the gates. Trisha grinned as Harry cuffed the soldier upside the head.

"Sorry about that lady, Trisha. Roman wasn't trying to offend you." Said Harry, glaring at the others. Eliya and Trisha had all eyes on them, as this sort of attire wasn't normal day clothing.

Trisha graced Harry with a smile.

" That's alright, Harry. Maybe you could send the soldier to the courtyard later for training? Her lady ship, the bishop, says I need more practice. I would love to learn a thing or two." Said Trisha innocently.

The other soldiers chuckled at that, patting the man who whistled on the back. Harry grinned.

"Alright, How about tomorrow morning?" Said Harry.

Trisha nodded. The gates opened to the cheers of the guards. Trisha caught more than one of them talking about bets while Roman flushed in embarrassment.

An opulent carriage waited out front, blocking half of the street. The carriage was being pulled by two opulent brown geldings, their dark black manes cut short, and their tails braided. The coachmen lept down and placed a small stepping stool for both Trisha and Eliya to step inside.

The coach rattled as the door shut behind them. Trisha sat back in the plush seat and the carriage rattled. With a lurch, they were off, the clip clop of steel shawd hooves faint from the inside of the carriage.

Buildings rushed past in a blur as the opulent coach rolled down the thoroughfare. Trisha was feeling sick with anticipation by the time the coach pulled up to the palace. Sprawling on a high rise in the center of the city, the palace towered, its opulent facade a wonder. If not for the rocking of the carriage, Trisha would have gawked at the marvel of human construction. She hated riding inside moving things. Her stomach rumbled unhappily, and the taste of bile filled her mouth. Pushing down the motion sickness, Trisha took in a deep breath.

She stuck her head out of the window, wondering why the damned carriage was driving so slow. Her eyes widen as she took in the line of carriages waiting ahead. Ahead of them there were at least thirty carriages on the wide roundabout. As she watched, two people stepped from the carriage and strode through the massive double doors to the palace. She watches as more carriages emptied. Every single person who climbed out was dressed in immaculate robes, pristine jewel studded doublets or opulent gowns that had to cost a fortune. Her carriage crawled forwards closer and closer. The more people that exited onto the plush carpets of the walkway, the more Trisha realized how far out of her element she really was.

These people, they were all absurdly wealthy. And not to mention powerful. Trisha was just a common thief, pretending to be in Bishop's apprentice.

A hand rested on her shoulder and she meet Eliyas' reassuring stony expression.

" You can do this. Show these rich fops just how cunning you can be." said Eliya. Trisha smiled, her stomach clenching from more than the motion of the carriage.

She swallowed as their carriage halted and the door swung open. She stepped out onto the soft red carpets of the walkway. Anxiety welled in her chest as Eliya stepped gracefully beside her. Damned Eliya, and her effortless grace.

" Your invitations miladies." Asked the orderly, holding out a gloved hand.

Trisha smiled and pulled a sealed parchment from her purple robes. Her sword rattled slightly as she jostled it. The orderly raised an eyebrow at the weapon. Trisha cursed herself for her rashness. Now she would stand out even more. All the women that she had seen so far, and she was the only one carrying a sword.

Eliya presented her own letter of introduction. The orderly bowed deeply to Trisha and gave a slight nod to Eliya.

"Please follow me." Said the orderly whirling on the heel of his polished leather boots.

Trisha strode down the plush red carpets, noticing the attention on her. Dozens of people were still waiting to exit their carriages, and they all got their first look at the bishop's apprentice. The two handed long sword, famed for its previous wielder, gave her away.

The weapon, once wielded by the first bishop, was said to have slain a dread lord. And one of the few people who was unaware of the weapons' true worth was Trisha.

The orderly led them through the large double doors to a high vaulted ball room. Chandeliers hung from the roof and beautiful paintings adorned the roof. The guests sat in opulent chairs of gold leave and silver brocade. Gold and silver dinner wear filled to overflowing with finger foods lining the tables. Trisha gaped, barely noticing the orderly as the man presented their letters to the crier.

"Presenting her ladyship, Trisha Auveriant, heir to the Auveriant household, and apprentice to the bishop. Also presenting, mistress Eliya, bronze rank inquisitor of the order of Lytheria." Shouted the Crier. All eyes turned upwards as the crier shouted their names.

Many were curious, some wore calculating expressions, while others glanced away dismissive.

Smiling to hide her anxiety, Trisha descended the stairs to the massive ballroom. She searched the unfamiliar faces and before long found someone familiar. Crossing the room, she approached Lord Byron and Anita Wesser, with Eliya in tow.

" Greetings, lord Byron. Lady Anita, it's a pleasure to see you again." Said Trisha, curtsying in what she hoped was a graceful display. Both of the Wessers' rose.

"My lady Trisha, you look stunning today." Said Byron, bowing, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he glanced from his daughter and Eliya.

" This is my long-time friend, Eliya. She is a sister to me." said Trisha gesturing Eliya forward.

" Are you the young lady that has been helping Anita with the mana rail designs?" asked Byron.

" It's a pleasure to meet you, lord Byron. And I try, it's mostly your daughter coming up the ideas, she is brilliant." said Eliya, performing a graceful curtsy.

" Who am I supposed to believe? Anita says it's you, and you say it's Anita." said Byron, shaking his head in bemusement.

Trisha laughed, patting Eliya on the back.

" My lady Trisha." said a Male voice from across the room. Trisha turned and was graced with a toothy grin.

" Lord Tony, and Lord Ferdinand. This is lord Byron and his daughter, lady Anita Wesser. They are the geniuses behind the contracts." said Trisha.

"You don't say? You are the man with the brilliant idea?" asked Lord Ferdinand, shaking Byron's hand.

" You think that is a good idea? Wait until you hear about the ship we are designing." said Byron.

" Go on, I would love to hear it." said Lord Ferdinand, his face breaking out in a smile

The two men moved away from the group, Lord Byron gesturing animatedly.

Tony shook his head.

" Dad is a sucker for ships." said Tony, shaking his head in amusement at his father. Tony ran his hand through his plated, silky brown hair. Tony's silver tassels fluttered around his silken grey doublet.

" I hate ships, they are awful." said Trisha shuddering.

"They aren't so bad. I find the gentle rocking soothing." said Tony. Over Tony's shoulder, was a familiar woman dressed inconspicuously in a dress that hugged her curves and a slit up the side. The woman was Lela Fen, striding around the hall and talking to differing groups of people. The high priest smiled and laughed as she made small talk.

More people funneled into the large hall, their names being shouted by the crier. Trisha watched the affluent people fill the room, spreading around the tables. She made small talk with Eliya, Tony, and Anita while the seats of the dining room filled up. Only one table remained Empty. It was positioned at the far side of the ballroom with five seats.

" Ladies and gentlemen, Presenting! Her ladyship the Bishop, Clarice Auveriant, grand champion, blessed of Lytheria, and defender of the kingdom. And His lordship, Noah Auveriant, also known as the raging tempest, and High priest of the church!" shouted the crier.

Trisha shook her head at the titles. But had to admit the bishop looked stunning in her form fitting white robes. The bishop wore two dark daggers sheathed on her polished leather belt. And three symbols adorned her chest, one for each of the gods. Her midnight black hair fell down her back to her waist swaying as she saunter down the center of the room, her every moment stunningly graceful.

Noah, on the other hand, wore his usual dark black doublet with silver embroidery and silken grey pants. He wore a sword on his hip and his shoulder-length brown hair plated with grey ribbons. Noah's hair was greying at the temples, and his face was worn by long hours under the scorching sun.

Trisha met Noah's eyes, giving the man a smile. As always, he showed no emotion, only nodding his head slightly to her. Trisha made eye contact with the bishop, No Clarice, and noticed the faintest of smiles on the woman's usually dispassionate face.

The bishop and Noah made their way to the head table and took a seat to the far right. One mostly normal chair remained behind the head table. One of dark wood imported from the south studded in rare gems.

"Presenting his royal Highness, Prince Gregary, defender of the weak, slayer of monsters. General, of the southern armies, and heir to the throne." Shouted the Crier. The young man that walked in was perhaps twenty-five, his dark hair cut short over bright green eyes. The prince wore a bright blue silk doublet with half a dozen medals adorning his chest. He strode across the room, his hand resting on a gold and silver hilt of his cavalry saber. Once the prince took his seat to the left of the throne, all that was left were the king and queen.

" All rise, for their royal majesties!" shouted the Crier.

Trisha rose, her sword jostling against her plush chair.

" Presenting, Her royal majesty Queen Hellen, Commander and chief. Spy master to the king's armies, and field marshal. With his Royal Majesty King Primus, ruler of the kingdom of Laurentia!" shouted the Crier.

The royals crossed the large room towards the head table. Trisha noticed a few oddities immediately. For one, the king was short and portly, with a protruding gut. He carried a jewel encrusted scepter and wore a large crown over his thinning grey hair. While the queen was tall and lean. She wore her greying hair in a cue and wore a pressed general's uniform. She carried a two handed long sword on her back, and walked with a calm assurance, her long legs eating up the distance to her throne. The royals sat down, with the queen taking the larger of the two thrones.

It appeared it was a kingdom in name only. Trisha wondered about that. The queen was clearly in command, but they hoisted the king up as the de facto ruler. She wanted to ask someone, but that kind of question was dangerous. Like getting stabbed in an alley dangerous.

The palace staff flooded the room at an unseen signal. They carried silver platters to all the tables. Trishas mouth water, but she didn't dish herself food just yet. Trisha reached over and smacked Eliya's hand before she could grab a steaming loaf of bread.

"Hey, what was that for?" asked Eliya, shaking her hand.

" You can't start eating until the king and queen eat." said Trisha, glancing around to make sure no one had seen the blunder. As was Laurentian tradition, the king and queen always ate their appetizer first. Rumour had it that defying this rule could get you a hefty fine.

"So, Trisha, are you courting anyone?" asked Tony, fidgeting, seemingly from nowhere.

Startled, Trisha turned her head to where tony was sitting on her left. From behind tony, his father lord Ferdinand shook his head disapproving.

"Nope, Trisha is single." said Eliya, leaning around Trisha.

Trisha scowled at her friend. Tony's eyes widen in excitement. Trisha flushed but decided to let him down easy.

" Sorry, I'm not looking for a relationship right now." said Trisha, elbowing Eliyas ribs.

" Can't you go ask the bishop to court Trisha? She is Trishas guardian now." said Eliya helpfully.

"Well, my father would need to approve." said Tony, glancing back to lord Ferdinand, who was scowling in disapproval.

" Elli, stop helping. I have no desire to court anyone." said Trisha, her cheeks burning.

" I think you should consider it. He will inherit the county." said Anita from over Eliya's shoulder.

" I will think about it. Give me some time." said Trisha, smiling kindly to Tony.

Trisha paused in thought. A county, that was no small thing. The fact Tony was asking was incredibly sweet, and he seemed so earnest. Right now, Trisha was the bishop's apprentice. And even adopted into the bishop's house. She technically was landless nobility now. Her old self, that one where she fought for every scrap, ready to kill to survive, was pondering the absurd wealth a count had. Eliya seemed all for it, but Trisha was not so willing. Tony was nice, witty, and interesting to talk to, but he was far too naïve.

She knew it was foolish, and she didn't like to admit it but Trisha already liked someone else. It was absurd. He was a demon, and she an inquisitor of the church. The sheer weirdness made her want to shake her head. But, the fact he had risked his life to save her, and then taken the blame for being a mind mage, was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for her. She wonders where he was? Probably getting up to something ridiculously dangerous. That made her smile. She doubted he could go buy a loaf of bread without getting into some sort of trouble.

Her thoughts were cut of as the room filled with the ponderous notes of a lute. The long, drawn out notes of the harp blended together with the lute for an upbeat tune.

" Now you can eat." said Anita, reaching forwards to take a small tube of ham.

" What is the point of all these rules?" asked Eliya, taking a steaming roll.

" Well, many of the rules are pointless, but as my father always says, without the rules the noble courts would have nothing to do." said Anita with a cheeky grin.

" Hey, I didn't say that." said Byron Wesser.

" Ooh, it must have been mother then." said Anita.

" You wait until i tell her you said that." said Byron, chortling with laughter.

" Can we just forget I said anything?" asked Anita, chuckling nervously. Trisha smiled, listening in.

Trisha took a tube of succulent meat stuffed with cheese. She took a bite and groaned in pleasure. She took several sips of the meat broth, that was the appetizer wiping her lips. The rich soup was deep and flavourful, a perfect shock to her tastebuds. Anita laughed as Eliya gulped the broth down, draining the bowl.

" You are not supposed to eat it all. You won't have room for the main course." said Anita.

The tune of the music changed to a deep strumming of the Harp with slight overtones of the lute. The staff came out taking the appetizers and placing a small, perfectly cooked hen in front of each guest. Trisha cut off a piece of the steaming white meat and took a bite. The skin cracked under her fork and the meat melted in her mouth. Was that thyme, or Rosemary? She chewed, lost in the wonderful flavour.

"So tony, how has your time at the academy been going?" asked Trisha. Tony was eating his food with a lack of enthusiasm, clearly upset at her rejection.

" Okay, I guess, we are going to be doing structural advancement tomorrow. Professor Nijel is going to be guiding us through the process." said Tony, his eyes falling back to his food, dejected.

"Well, that is, if Tony actually shows up to class this time." said Lord Ferdinand, with a cheeky grin.

"Hey, it's not my fault there was a tournament last year. If I recall correctly, it was your idea to attend, father." said Tony, cracking a smile.

Trisha placed a hand on his forearm.

" Lord Noah and the bishop have been helping me through the process. Lets hope you can pass this time, otherwise I will leave you in the dust." said Trisha cracking a smile.

Having already eaten half of the second course, Trisha was already feeling full when the main course arrived. A rack of lamb, stuffed with herbs and resting on a bed of sweet broth. Trisha forgot the fact that she was full after taking her first bite..

" I could swear you are in love with that rack of lamb." said Tony, glancing from Trisha to her food. Trisha smiled, wondering how in the nine hells someone could make something so delicious. She took a small bite, savouring the lamb. Tony reached under the table and pulled something from his bag. Her eyes widen as he turned up her unused glass. A butler approached, taking the bottle of royal red wine before popping the cork.

" Where did you get this?" asked Trisha, melting at the bold scent of strawberry wine. So far she hadn't touched the fine tart cherry wine on the table. Glasses clanked, and the large ballroom filled with the soft drone of light conversation.

" I have a friend at the academy. He is my guy for getting wine." said Tony, swirling his wine in his glass. He took a drink, sighing happily.

" Really, could you introduce me? If he can get more, I will buy them off him." said Trisha seriously. Royal red was in low supply. Most restaurants didn't even serve it anymore, as the war was restricting the supply from Pentir. Now, a single bottle was sold for twenty times its usual price.

"Bah, I'm not giving away my guy. If he sells you all the wine, I won't be able to get more." said Tony.

During the meal, a group of five musicians set up their instruments in the corner, preparing for the dance. Stuffed to bursting, Trisha took slow sips of her full strawberry wine. It was the perfect compliment to her meal, and she had to admit, it was very thoughtful of Tony.

" You know, if you agree to that date, I might be able to bring a bottle of royal blue." said Tony, cracking a mischievous smile.

"Have you no shame? Using bribery to get a date?" said Lord Ferdinand.

" Well, if it gets me a night out with a lovely lady such as Trisha, I am willing to do whatever it takes." said Tony, cracking a mischievous grin.

" Well, that sounds nice. To bad there is no way you have a bottle of royal blue wine." said Trisha, happy Tony was back to his usual self.

" So is that a yes?" asked Tony. Trisha laughed.

"Fine, if somehow you acquire a bottle of the infamous royal blue, I will go on one date with you." said Trisha.

Tony's face lit up, and he practically bounced in his chair. The food was cleared from the tables and the band began to play. A string cortex filled the air and several of the affluent guests rose, striding to the center of the room to dance. It was a slow song, perfect for a two-step waltz.

Trishas heart sank as an older man crossed the room, his eyes dead set on Trisha. She was thinking of excuses until the man introduced himself.

" My lady Trisha, I am duke Kenton, of the southern duchy. Would you join me for a dance?" asked the Duke.

Trisha rose, her sword jostling in its scabbard. Her stomach clenched as she rose and took the older mans hand. He was a tall, athletic man, with a full head of greying blond hair and intelligent hazel eyes. He had an immaculate black moustache. His hands were rough, thick with the calluses of a swordsman. Trishas stomach clenched as Duke Kenton lead her out onto the dance floor..

They fell into the two-step waltz, following the growing flow of dancers. The southern duke lead the way.

She placed one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand. They moved slowly, Trisha watching her feet the entire time, to not stumble.

" My lord duke, what can I help you with?" asked Trisha, moving as gracefully as a duck.

" I wanted to inquire about the contracts you are working on." asked Duke Kenton, the man's eye sparkling with amusement, as Trisha stepped on one of his shoes.

" I didn't think your Eminence would be interested in the contracts." said Trisha, her heart racing as the duke guided her gracefully. Duke Kenton cracked a grin. She couldn't help but smile as he spun her, his brawny arms guiding her through the steps perfectly.

" My lady Trisha, you must understand. We dukes have a bit of a rivalry. I can't just allow that rogue Darnel to grow fabulously wealthy." Said Duke Kenton, the older man giving her a cheeky grin. For a man in his sixties, the duke held himself like a man in his prime.

"You mean Duke Darnel? The lord of the northern duchy?" Asked Trisha, her thoughts whirling. The music died and Duke Kenton lead Trisha by the arm from the dance floor.

" Of course, that man couldn't find a good stick of lumber if it smacked him in the face. I swear the thin air up north is making him go mad. In fact, with the cold I doubt he has even seen a quality tree like I have in my duchy." said Duke Kenton.

" Bah, I see you have met the vagabond of the south. Dont listen to Kenton, there are so many mosquitos in his jungles that he needs nets just to sleep." said a portly man swayed in immaculate robes, and wearing a tiger skin cloak. Despite the jokes made, Duke Kenton shook the man's hand firmly, giving him a friendly smile.

" Dear me, I am being rude. This is the rogue Duke Darnel I was telling you about." said Duke Kenton, winking at Trisha.

Trisha curtsy politely to the new man.

"You must Be Lady Trisha? I was shocked to hear someone so young was taken into the bishops' house." said Duke Darnel, stroking his perfectly quaffed hair.

" Well, her ladyship has been generous." said Trisha, not wanting to talk about it. The cost of Trishas new station in life was heavy indeed.

"I would agree. With that sword, you are the envy of the capitol." said Duke Kenton, gesturing to her long sword..

" She is going to need a stick to keep away all of her suiters." quipped Duke Darnel, chortling and resting his hands on his ample gut.

Trisha found the two dukes to be rather amusing. They were not at all what she expected when she thought of some of the most powerful people in the kingdom.

"Have you heard, morgan Duval backed out of two major contracts recently. I hear he may need to declare bankruptcy soon." said Duke Darnel, cracking a malicious grin.

"Bah, he didn't back out. You out bid him for the contracts." Said Duke Kenton, gesturing wildly.

" Thats what that scoundrel gets for daring to lay a hand on my daughter. She has much better prospects than a count." said Duke Kenton, glancing towards the prince at the head table. They stood on the edge of the dancefloor. Trisha could see several people loitering nearby, glancing at her and the two powerful people she was talking to. Her heart raced. For now, the two dukes kept the wolves at bay. Fearing to appear idle and be approached, Trisha added to the conversation.

" My lord Kenton, how long will you be in the capital?" Asked Trisha.

" For a week perhaps, maybe two depending on the weather." said Duke Kenton.

" Perfect. Duke Darnel, if you are willing, I would like to discuss a potential deal for lumber. With Two dukes I'm sure we can come to some arrangement." said Trisha, making sure to not promise a contract.

" She is a sly one. Make sure to bring white wine when you visit his estate, when he drinks his purse strings are much looser." said Duke Darnel, fake whispering to Trisha.

" Now that is a heavy blow, revealing my weaknesses before a potential deal." said Duke Kenton. Darnel Chortled, his laugh drowned out by the upbeat string quartet. The dance floor churned, the affluent figures all performing the same complex dance that made Trisha dizzy to watch. Until the musicians played something for a waltz, she was going to stay right where she was.

" And what is your weakness, Duke Darnel? Perhaps a fine Royal red?" asked Trisha, taking a page from Duke Kenton and winking at him.

" My weakness is a lucrative contract. Think of it, a friendly duel of wits and coin like the old days." said Duke Darnel.

" Perfect. When you have a date, you would like to meet send word to the Cathedral." said Trisha.

" Of course. I will send you both a letter later this week. I dread to think of having our meeting in Darnels meager estate." said Duke Kenton, mischievously. Trisha couldn't help but laugh. She performed a low curtsy to each in turn.

" It was my pleasure. Thank you for the lovely dance, Lord Kenton." said Trisha, before taking her leave from the two likable Dukes. She glanced at the head table, meeting the eyes of the Bishop. Clarice Auveriant gave Trisha a nod of approval, clearly pleased Trisha was meeting with such esteemed people on her own.

She hadn't made it more than a dozen steps before an unfamiliar man in his thirties approached Trisha. He performed a courtly bow, sweeping his coat back with a flourish.

" My lady, I am Danial of house Teramir. Could I bother you for a dance?" asked the man.

" Of course." said Trisha, doing her best not to scowl at the man.

They danced to a soft sonorous beat that left many of the guests to perform a simple single step waltz. The man, of course, wanted to strike a deal for a piece of the steel contract. He was a landless noble, but had an extremely profitable trading company. The man was of no real significant, but Trisha was considering giving him thirty-five percent of the steel contract. To this landless noble that could elevate him to a baron, or even count status, well, not in name, but in terms of wealth.

The slow song ended after several long minutes, and Trisha headed for her seat. She was excited. So far, it was going smoothly. Her momentary good mood faded when an unfamiliar young man approached her for a dance. This repeated for the at least an hour. She was approached by young men, middle-aged men, and even some older men in their forties. The most entertaining were the several young women that wanted to dance. The women wanted to gossip, while the men wanted to inquire about potentially courting her. She wanted to turn them all away like Eliya was doing, but the purpose of attending the court was to meet the nobles of the kingdom, to strike deals, and even make allies.

She passed Anita dancing several times, and the bishop even did a dance with lord Noah. Trisha found that odd. Seeing the bishop and Lord Noah arm in arm was weird. Sure, he was her consort, but that was the first time she had ever seen them so much as hug.

After an hour, Trisha wanted nothing more than to take a seat. Her feet were killing her in her uncomfortable shoes. Maybe next time she would wear a gown so she could wear a comfortable pair of boots. She excused herself from the latest partner and made her way to her chair. As if summoned, there were two more, Tony and Daren Daros. Trisha turned to Eliya for help. Her friend was sitting next to Anita and watching the dancing. Trisha grinned, well if Eliya was too embarrassed to ask Anita, then maybe she could steal Anita for a dance.

Trisha didn't know the upbeat song that was filling the room, but she was more stealing Anita to get away from another dance with a suiter. Anita grinned as Trisha took her hand and lead her out to the dance floor. Trisha rested her hand on Anita's waist in the lead position and took Anita's hand. She glanced over Anita's shoulder and gave Eliya a wink that had her friend bright red.

Later, Trisha moved out on the dance floor with Daren Daros. The strangest thing was, he didn't talk with her more than the basic pleasantries. They danced to the soft melody in silence, and Trisha had the strangest feeling from the man. Like when she delivered news of Talu Darose's death, Daren had a confidence about him. His eyes were intense, and she couldn't help but wonder what had changed? Trisha glanced at the table where Tony was pouting. She smiled. Once again, someone had gotten to her before he could.

" Thank you for the dance. It was pleasant to have a few minutes of peace." said Trisha, curtsying low to show her thanks. She liked the man. He was quiet and intense, but she found she liked this new Daren.

"Of course, lady Trisha. Business is for when you have a fine wine in hand, not for the dance floor. If you wish to discuss business at a later time, I have an excellent store of wines that you might enjoy perusing." said Daren smoothly.

" You are speaking my language. I will be sure to take you up on that offer sometime next week." said Trisha, surprised at the young man's tact. Deciding she had made Tony wait long enough, Trisha approached him for a dance. They made their way to the dance floor, and Trisha couldn't help but burst out laughing.

" Whats so funny?" asked Tony, leading the way as they twirled around the room, much more gracefully than the first dance of the evening.

"Watch Eliya, she keeps stepping on Anita's toes." said Trisha. Anita was leading the way, doing her best to keep Eliya from tripping them both. Eliya's face was as red as a tomato as she stepped on Anita's dress for the tenth time. Tony laughed and pulled Trisha into a spin that had her grinning ear to ear. Dancing was actually a lot of fun after she figured out a few of the dances.