"Your Majesty, your guests have arrived." Teegan interrupted Alistair's reverie.
"She is among them?" Alistair asked moodily.
"Aye." Teegan nodded.
"And is she fair?" Alistair asked, unable to keep the bitterness from creeping into his tone.
"She is." Teegan nodded, a quirk of a smile on his lips at his nephews peevishness.
"Well? What of it?" Alistair rose to his feet and paced before the fire. "Has she long dark hair? Pretty eyes?"
"No." Teegan said slowly. "No. Short white hair, I believe, scattered with braids."
Alistair frowned. "What?"
"Short. White."
Alistair tapped his fingers on the mantelpiece over the fire. "And her eyes?"
"Hard to tell from such a difference, but I heard tell she had eyes of clear green."
"And her manner?"
"Ladylike and sweet, Your Majesty."
Alistair glanced up sharply, but could gain no indication from Teegan's bland expression.
"Elanna Cousland is elegant and refined and will suit you well as Queen, Your Majesty." Teegan continued. "Do try to be charming."
"I can be charming," Alistair scowled.
"Not with a face like that. The dogs are more like to howl."
"You are an exceedingly irritating man, Teegan."
"Likewise, Majesty."
Alistair sighed under sufferance. "I suppose I should go meet the wench, Teegan."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Though I would suggest Your Majesty not call her a 'wench'."
"Probably not a good idea." Alistair yanked open the door. "But I can still think it, damn it."
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
There was something enigmatic in Teegan's voice and Alistair really didn't like that.
His Royal Majesty, King Alistair Theirin, stared dumbfounded at the woman apparently destined to be Mrs Theirin. He cursed Teegan. Oh yes, this Elanna Cousland was quite fair. And regal. And poised. And all those things that he was meant to look for in a wife. She vaguely terrified him.
He longed for nights under the stars with only the warmth of the campfires and Ari's arms. He wished for the simple thud of steel against flesh. The crackle of magic.
This was simple. This wasn't what he wanted. This was noble politics – a uniting of two houses that had suffered during the blight and wished to rebuild. This Elanna Cousland was the most…politically neutral bride that could be found for him. No one had anything overly ill to say about her bloodline and that was the best he could hope for. And she wasn't a mage.
He scowled down at his hand, clenched around the pommel of the king's blade, his own battered steel weapon relegated to display in his study. He missed the familiar worn grip. He bloody well missed Ari.
He was standing at the forefront of the small crowd. They all watched him avidly. He realised he wasn't truly paying attention. The contingent from the Cousland household – lady and her retinue of ladies in waiting and guardsmen swept through the hall.
He admired a good sweep and she had it in spades. It wasn't just in the choice of dress although that helped. Hers was a rich, royal blue deeply embroidered with silver on the hems. It's susurrant sound drowned out conversation. It was also in the way the sweeper held themselves. Her chin was tilted proudly, her hands held in elegant repose at her waist. Her back was of a military straightness that would give the Templars pride.
She paused the required distance and curtseyed deeply.
Teegan's drawling voice echoed in the hall.
"The Lady Elanna Cousland, sister to the Teyrn of Highever."
A sharp glance is given Alistair's erstwhile herald from the bright green eyes, and he wondered about that.
At his acquiescence, she approached a little closer, leaving behind her retinue.
"Your Majesty," Elanna bowed her head. Her hair was indeed interesting. Bright white. Small braids ending in silver beads were scattered through the strands.
But he still longed for long, dark hair, damn it. White was just so…colourless.
"Lady Cousland." Alistair managed after a brief pause. "It is good to finally meet you."
"Indeed. One is glad to do so before the marriage ceremony takes place."
If he didn't know better he would assume she was making fun of the situation. But her expression was schooled into one of cool severity. She didn't look like she ever laughed.
"The castle is a bit overwhelming at first." He offered kindly. "But Teegan is a great help and there are many who can assist you."
"I'm sure there is." Elanna bowed her head again. "I am grateful to Your Majesty's thoughtfulness."
Was she mocking him?
He glanced across at Teegan, who just shrugged his amusement.
But he had certain duties to fulfil, so he held out his hand toward her. She placed her hand in his and they both turned to the gathered assemblange, who watched with curiosity.
"My betrothed, and soon to be your Queen." He lifted his voice above the murmurs.
A scattering of applause grew in thunderous approval. He glanced across at the woman who would be his wife. She had a faint smile on her lips and was accepting the approval with demure meekness.
A shy, retiring bride. That was just what he needed. He sighed. He was startled when her gaze suddenly met his. Her voice was a low, husky drawl.
"I should like to take my leave for the time being. It has been a long journey and I am weary."
Alistair looked at her consideringly before good manners won out. "Of course, my lady. You have a suite prepared for your arrival." She really didn't look tired.
He bent over her hand, and hovered his lips over her fingers.
"Sleep well. I hope we shall speak soon."
Elanna retrieved her hand with a soft laugh. "I expect we shall."
She descended the steps to where her retinue waited and retreated down the hall. At the end, he thought she glanced at him, but couldn't swear to it.
Teegan shifted to stand next to him as the crowd gathered into their little groups.
"Well, there goes your future wife, Your Majesty."
"I think she was laughing at me." Alistair scowled.
"Surely not, Majesty," Teegan said dryly. "You had her completely fooled that you are charming, albeit humourless, royal."
Alistair narrowed his eyes. "Some days, I really don't like you, Uncle."
"That is what family is for, Alistair, my boy." Teegan's eyes crinkled mischievously at his annoyed sort-of nephew and King.