8

"A feast is in the offing days from now to honor Lady Gramercy and all her train," King Saul explains, his face just as blandly impassive as when he was scolding his child. "These nobles from the north were stalwarts all in the Flenish War so nearly passed."

He stops, and gives a small look to Queen Hero.

Her smile brightens greatly as she leans forward. "Welcome would you be to serve this Court amid the celebrations near to come."

Her Majesty goes on to explain that the Northern nobles have a strong tradition of fooling and spectacle during their meals, and hospitality demands that Westfenster be prepared to satisfy that expectation.

"I am well known for my facility to satisfy expectations," you say with a bow.

"We await your off'rings at the proper time," says King Saul, resettling on the throne and clearly ready to move on. "Now Exeunt, young fool."

A joke, from His Majesty? Could it be? You have a warm, fluttering feeling as you speak your adieus and sashay from the room.

On The Grounds