"Why do I get the feeling I'm about to be ambushed," Blaine asked, setting his crown on its pillow as he, Santana, and Matteo entered his private study. "You two never ask for private audiences. You're both refreshingly transparent about your royal dealings. What is it?"
The three of them sat down around a small table, and Lord Rutherford grinned over at Santana. "Get on with it, then."
"We have a proposition for your majesty," Santana said. "And though the rest of the High Houses are not represented, we've sought their opinions and they quite agree." She passed him a scroll and continued, "Succession and betrothal. We can't pretend that our...modern sensibilities aren't giving us pause in the matter of our children. Of course, we understand securing our dynasties...but well...we've all been allowed to marry who we love. We should ensure that they can as well."
"What we propose is an alteration, rather than a...er...complete rejection of the old ways," Matteo said. "It was Santana's idea."
"Betrothals go through on their fifth birthday, if a proper match has been found at that point. However, they are not to be married until they've finished the schooling of their choice," Santana explained. "By that time, we'll be aware of any...preferences. It gives them time to get to know their betrothed, as well."
Blaine, who had been reading along with the scroll, smiled slowly. "I have to congratulate you for fixing one of our more archaic problems. Very well," he said, pulling his pens toward him. He signed the scroll with flourish and handed it off to one of the pages standing in the shadows. "Well done."
They'd waited the three-day seclusion period to have the celebration for Tasi's birthday. Rachel and Santana mingled with a small group of nobles while Tasi, the Rutherford twins, and a couple of court children played in the middle of the room.
Sam and Quinn, now working in the palace, had been invited. Tasi had been practicing her Forma (the building blocks of magic), and was keen to keep the two Magi close to her.
"I want to fly," Tasi said, pointing out of the window at the airships.
"You do?" Sam asked, holding her up for a better view. "Like Lady Chang?"
"Yeah!"
"Well, I don't have an airship," Sam said. "But I can help you fly." He levitated her a few feet off the ground, much to the delight of the princess and her friends.
"Hi Mama!" Tasi squealed.
Sam plucked Tasi quickly from the air and spun round to see the Archduchess quirking an eyebrow at him. "Er…your grace," he said, bowing.
"Again!" Tasi said, pulling at his robes.
"As the princess says," Santana said, smiling so Sam didn't think she was cross. "I've come to ask you a professional question."
"Of course, your grace," Sam said, as he floated Tasi and Alexa around the room.
"My young man, Nigel, is head of my menagerie. We acquired a Chimera years back, and he's become ill. Sir Fluff, not Nigel."
"You named your hellbeast Sir Fluff?" Sam asked, trying to repress a grin.
"It suits him, trust. But Nigel is a bit flummoxed as to what he should do. We could do with your expertise down in the Lowlands."
"I must ask my master for leave," Sam said, nodding. "But I should love to be of assistance, if I can."
"Good man. Now, let my child down. They're about to bring out the cake."
"How are you feeling?" Santana asked, placing Isav in his bassinet. She crawled into bed with Rachel. "It's been a long week."
"I'm fine - though I'm glad we're taking the airship back as well."
"I wouldn't subject you to that long of a carriage ride after you've just given birth. When we're back, are you planning to continue the plans for your library?"
"I am," Rachel said, smiling. "It's taking quite a lot longer than I expected."
"It always does. I've seen the plans for the music section- it's going to be marvelous." Santana sighed and smiled into Rachel's shoulder. "What beautiful children we have."
Rachel looked over to Isav's crib and Tasi's hanging bed. "We do, don't we?"
"I want another," Santana said, grinning in anticipation of Rachel's reaction. "Ow!" she yelped when her wife poked her.
"Shhh, you'll wake them. And as for another, you're going to have to wait until I've forgotten this one's birth," she said, nodded to Isav.
"As you say, little songbird."
"I was thinking...shall we invite Finn and Lady Carroway to the Manor for the Year's Feast?"
"That's a fine idea! Besides the fact that I'm sure they could do with a vacation, I want Finn's opinion on railways. We're one of the largest territories in the kingdom - we need a major transportation system. Plus, if they come down for the feast, they can meet the children."
Rachel rolled over to kiss her. "I'll write to them as soon as we get back."
"Let's get some sleep. We've got two darlings to wrangle back to the Lowlands tomorrow."