Chapter Eleven: Wooing

POV: Martin

I slipped my white linen shirt over my sore shoulders. Duke Ylis had challenged me to a horseback race the day before, and Arod XIII had thrown me. Of all my old horse's descendants, XIII had been the most head-strong, stubborn, and mule-headed. There must have been some sort of irony in that, but at the moment I didn't care.

I drew the little chain down over my neck, and tucked the rings -a pair of simple gold wedding bands- down the front. I felt the inner loop of both rings, as I often did, and felt the etched lettering still there.

"'Til death, and then forever."

But no, that had not been, and perhaps might never be.

"Best not to dwell on it."

I looked over to the excellent breakfast one of the maids had brought in. Toast, grape jam, bacon, and a pancake, cinnamon and sugar cooked in, lay on the plate, alongside the silver tea service they insisted upon using. I gave silent thanks to the Lion as I sat, and tucked my napkin down the front of my shirt. No need to dirty clean linen. I ate contentedly, enjoying the meal full well.

The tea was a little grainier than usual, but still excellent. I dabbed my mouth, and walked over to my wardrobe and took out one of my leather jerkins. Casual would do for today's needs, barring unforeseen circumstances. His Grace was a casual dresser himself, and I had no other diplomats to deal with at the moment.

After lacing the jerkin, I slipped on my favourite boots, which were comfortable and well worn-in. I buckled Star-night onto my belt, and proceeded over to Einan's room.

"Awake Dearest?"

"Yes Da. Just a moment."

I stood by the door, whistling softly to myself. Life was good. I had a wonderful daughter, and quite possibly a bride. No, wait, that couldn't be right. But why couldn't it? I had no bride. Or did I?

"Come in Da!"

Einan was sitting on the side of her bed, the breakfast tray near the end of of said furniture item. Laterose had one of Einan's hands in her own, and was helping her into her chair. I dashed forward and took the other. A moment later Einan was seated quite comfortably, a beaming smile across her face.

"What has you in such a cheerful mood?"

"Laterose is taking me to visit Beaver's Dam today. I'll get to see the dam where the Four stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. Isn't it wonderful? And after we visit the dam, we're going to see the Lamppost in Lantern Waste."

"I'm glad to see you're enjoying your history lessons," I chuckled.

"You will have an escort, of course?"

"Of course Sir Martin," Laterose interjected. "With all the rumours flying about, I thought it best to request one from General Oreius. Flash has volunteered to come along as well."

"Lovely. When are you due back?"

"Tomorrow afternoon."

"Would you care to take tea with me tomorrow evening then?"

Laterose seemed surprised by this request. On closer inspection, so was I. There was no harm in it of course, but something seemed odd.

"Certainly Sir Martin," she smiled.

Einan coughed.

"Why don't you come along Da? Then you could have tea with us this afternoon."

I smiled.

"I'd love to Dearest, but his Grace's presence here means I am needed here and-"

It was then that I heard a voice behind me.

"I hope the 'his Grace' you're referring to isn't me. My purpose here is to represent Telmar to the Narnian people, not to prevent them spending time with their families. That is hardly going to encourage an alliance, is it?"

Ylis was smiling and jovial. He strolled up and shook my hand.

"My lord Duke, it is a most kind offer, but-"

"No buts Martin! I insist you go along with your daughter. Goodness knows I've deprived her of enough of your attention already."

His smile and tone were not to be refused.

"Alright then. When are we due to leave?"

"As soon as you're packed Da!" Einan giggled in glee.

Half an hour later, I rode up next to the lead cart, Einan and Laterose on the seat, and the column started off. We reached Beaver's Dam about noon, and unpacked. After strolling 'round the edge of the dam for an hour or so, (we dared not tread on it, old as it was) we all of us sat down to tea, Laterose pouring for each of us.

"One lump or two?"

"As many as you care to give marm, but pray do not damage my head."

She giggled, and even Einan suppressed a smile.

"Two then," Laterose conjectured.

"Three!" I exclaimed.

"Though truly, I prefer kisses to blows."

Rose blushed to a colour befitting her name as she dropped the requested amount of sugar cubes into my now luke-warm tea. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed an unhappy look on Einan's face.

"Odd," I thought. "She's getting just what she wanted. But should she?"

Even as I payed my attentions to Laterose I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something was wrong, even if I couldn't tell what.