Chapter Seven

The Supper

Supper proved to be a more low-key affair than Elsa was expecting. To be sure, it was served in a well-furnished dining chamber, one that sported silver-gilt branch designs on its walls. And the dishes and cutlery were clearly quite fine. But the meal itself was sparse, and almost simple, compared to what she had been expecting.

"Even we aristocrats have had to tighten our belts," Kirstine said upon noticing Elsa's confused expression.

"No, no, it's fine," Elsa replied quickly. "I'm not offended in the least."

"Well good," Rudolph said. "Then we can say grace and proceed."

When the prayer had been said, the meal commenced. Despite its plainness, Elsa had to admit to herself that it was delicious. When she shared this fact, Kirstine smiled. "I'll convey your compliments to the cook. He'll be delighted that your majesty is pleased with his efforts."

"Old Harald has been working wonders under the current restrictions," said Birger. "It might not be as extravagant as what we're used to, but it's nonetheless quite good."

"Oh yes," Rudolph added. "We're quite proud of Harald. Not that I wish to denigrate other cooks. After all, I've had excellent food elsewhere too. Like at your coronation, your majesty." The duke punctuated the comment with a sardonic smile.

He can't stop Elsa mused. He just can't stop. Well, then neither shall I.

"Yes," she replied aloud. "When one is visiting another country, food's a wonderful way to break the ice." She followed up the pun with a smile of her own.

"Hah!" Rudolph exclaimed. "Your wit is in in top form today, your majesty. You've improved your joke-telling skills since we last met."

This time, it was Elsa's turn to struggle to keep her temper.

I didn't tell any jokes at my coronation. I didn't even really mingle with the crowd. And he dares to mock my introversion? My pain?

"Your majesty looks in need of refreshment?"

It was the first time that Elsa had heard Gudrun speak. Her voice had more than hint of hesitation in it. Elsa felt her anger dissipate, replaced by pity.

She seems even more painfully introverted than I am.

Elsa gave Gudrun a gentle smile and nodded.

"Very well, then" said Rudolph. "Time for the wine."

"The ice wine, perhaps?" Kirstine suggested.

"Excellent idea!" Rudolph replied. "Only the best for her majesty." He nodded to a servant who stood by the door. "Tell them to prepare the ice wine, if you please." The servant nodded and left to execute the command.

"It's proven a wonderful addition to our repasts," said Kirstine. "Gudrun and I even went to the vineyards once."

"I can't say I'm a wine expert, your majesty," said Gudrun, "but I can tell you that they freeze the grapes while they're still on the vines."

She seems to like the subject, Elsa thought. Let's pursue it then, for her sake.

"Freezing the vines, hmm?" Elsa grinned. "Perhaps I could have my own personal vineyard."

Out of the corner of her eye, Elsa saw Rudolph's shoulders twitch.

"Perhaps you could," Gudrun replied.

"Sorcerous ice wine." Rudolph snorted. "A fine prospect."

Elsa gave him a sharp glance.

"Then again, it might taste fine, at least."

"And we could sing a song, no doubt, over a glass of it" said Kirstine. "You know, have a peaceful time."

"Ah, yes!" Rudolph jabbed a finger into the air. "We might even choose something a little plebeian for a change. Perhaps The Chicken with the Face of a Monkey. For that matter, we could sing it over the wine that's coming now."

"Father," Birger said curtly. "Let's not."

"But it's a good song, my son, it's a good song."

"I don't think her majesty would find it too agreeable."

The duke sighed. "You're probably right. Never mind, then."

At that moment, the door opened again, and the servant entered, bearing a tray of jeweled goblets filled with wine. Rudolph clapped his hands.

"Oh, splendid!"

The servant began to set the glasses before them. As he placed a goblet encrusted with sapphires before Lady Kirstine, however, Rudolph stopped him with a gesture.

"No, dear me no," he said. "That one is for her majesty. She enjoys the color blue, I believe?"

"I do," said Elsa.

"Then take Kirstine's goblet and give her yours, if you will."

"Does it make a difference which goblet I drink from?"

"Oh, a little whim of mine, your majesty," said Rudolph, smiling. "I beg you to indulge it."

"Very well," said Elsa. She handed Kirstine the goblet that was before her, and took the other. The servant set the remaining goblets upon the table and began to walk back around the table towards his post.

Rudolph raised his goblet. He opened his mouth, and then shut it again. Elsa looked at him quizzically.

Why does he hesitate?

At last, Rudolph spoke. "Your majesty's health."

Oh. That's why he hesitated.

As Elsa reached for her goblet, she saw a form stumble against the side of the table. The goblet was knocked onto the floor. It broke into several shards, spilling the wine onto the carpet.

"Oh, your majesty!" the servant exclaimed, steadying himself. "I beg your pardon! I tripped."

His tone was so sincere that Elsa couldn't bring herself to feel annoyed. Evidently, the duke was not feeling as charitable, for he leaped from his chair.

"Achim!" he cried. "This is most impertinent. How can you stumble on the job?"

"I…I'm sorry, your grace," Achim replied. "This hasn't happened before, I know."

"While make sure it never happens again, do you hear?"

Elsa's eyes strayed towards the shards of the jeweled goblet. Upon one of them, she could just make out a few grains of white powder. Her eyes widened.

"I'm sorry, your majesty," she heard Rudolph say "I assure you, this was a total accident."

Elsa stood up and looked the duke full in the face. "But it was a fortunate one," she replied, "considering you tried to poison me."