Chapter 38: The Engagement
"I hate her."
Bea gave her sister an arched look. Em's expression remained bland, but the scholar knew her sister well enough to know when she was hiding her emotions…
"Is that really fair sister," she inquired, "You just met her today after all."
Margaret snorted at that.
"Doesn't take that long to know how you feel," she replied.
Bea shook her head.
So much for a night of family revelry, she thought.
They were currently standing in the corner of the great hall of the Arl's estate in Denerim. Half the capital had come out tonight to honor their family, and of course, to get a better look at the blushing bride.
Bea pursed her lips.
Not that the Lady Jayne was blushing very much.
The woman's expression remained…cold to say the least. She greeted each passing noble and merchant respectfully, but showed little or no emotion. Papa remained at her side, grinning from ear to ear. Arl Wulfe stood beside him, saying little, giving no clue of how he felt personally about these festivities.
As for Quentin, the future groom…well…
He was enjoying the party.
Her brother was grinning like the cat that ate the canary. He graciously accepted the various nobles' congratulations, that and continued to help himself to generous quantities of the Arl's best wine.
Quentin gave Jayne a wide silly smile, the bride to be nodded coolly, accepting his regard.
Bea was not sure what to make of that.
Quentin, he did not act like a man about to be married. He acted like a child, happily showing off his shiny new toy to anyone who would meet his gaze.
The whole thing did not seem conducive to a long and happy marriage.
Em's sniping comments did not help much either.
"Look at her," Bea's older sister said with a severe frown.
"And what am I supposed to be looking at?" the scholar inquired.
Again Margaret sniffed.
"All those young men parading before her, you think she was something more than her uncle's bargaining chip."
"Sister!" Bea gasped; she still could not believe her sister had said that.
"That isn't nice at all."
Em shrugged, clearly not caring too much about how nice it was. The elder of the Glass sisters did not like being ignored.
Jayne's presence alone was enough to make sure that she was.
Bea sighed.
Green was not a good look on Margaret, and the green eyed monster that now stared out from behind her eyes was never a welcome guest.
Em shook her head.
"Poor Quentin," she cooed, "Our dear unfortunate brother."
Bea gave her a questioning look.
"And why is it Quentin should be considered…unfortunate?"
"See for yourself," Margaret said, gesturing to the dais.
Bea followed her sister's hand.
The sight before her was…surprising to say the least.
Mother Allison had entered the estate, the priestess flanked by two Templar guards.
She made her way straight for young bride.
Jayne's reaction was almost immediate.
She dropped to her knee before the Revered Mother. Her whole manner changed, no longer was she the proud cool noblewoman…
Lady Wulfe lowered her head, a loyal and willing member of the chantry.
The mother placed a hand on the girl's forehead, murmuring a prayer for her protection and continued health.
The sight surprised Bea. She had never considered the Mother a friend of their family…
The fact that she was here, that she was offering Quentin's bride her blessing.
It sent a message, one that was not in their family's best interest.
The scholar shook her head.
She seriously hoped that father knew what he was doing by making this betrothal.
Still, she held her own council, for Quentin's sake.
Em was not so…discreet.
"That is all we need," she said shaking her head, "A chantry sister in the family. Wonder why she was sent to the chantry? Was she scared of men or did she like them too much."
The elder Glass sister rolled her eyes.
"Poor Quentin," she said again, "His bride is either going to be a complete and utter prude, or a good for nothing whore."
"EM!"
"What?" Margaret said innocently.
Bea blushed and glanced around.
Maker help them…
She prayed that no one had heard that!
If that little statement got back to Arl Wulfe…
The lord of West Hill could make things…difficult for the Glass family.
Em leaned in closer.
"Did dear little Lis say why the Lady Jayne's parents sent her into the chantry?"
Bea shook her head no.
From what she had gathered from Elissa, Jayne Wulfe had willingly chosen to enter the priesthood. She had been only a few short months from taking her final vows when Arl Wulfe had sent word that she was to marry Quentin.
"Pity," Em said.
Bea shrugged, but at the same time she found herself wondering about the Lady Wulfe's motivations as well…
What was going on in the head of the tall icy blonde noble woman?
She could not even begin to guess.
She seemed so cold, cold and numb.
She was not sure what to make of that?
So far, she was not sure what to make of her future sister in law. Jayne was pretty to be sure, tall and elegant, but at the same time…she seemed so cold, frigid really.
The scholar frowned.
What kind of wife would the Lady Jayne be for her brother?
She truly could not say.
Of course, it might have all been a defense mechanism. After all, how would she have felt had father ordered her to leave the University? If he had ordered her to leave her life, and everything she had believed in behind?
Bea shook her head.
Perhaps she would have chosen to behave cold and aloof too.
Perhaps that would have been better than revealing how scared and angry she was.
Once again she hoped that Quentin would not be hurt in the process.
Her brother did not deserve such a fate.
He deserved at least a chance to find some happiness with his new bride.
Who knew, they might even grow to love each other eventually.
Em gave her a sly look.
"If there is a dance later," she purred, "You want to trip her, send her sprawling across the chamber?"
Bea gave her elder sister a cold look.
"This is not Val Royeaux sister," she reminded her.
"I know."
"That kind of thing will not have the same effect here it would have in the empire."
Margaret shrugged, likely still weighing the possibility of her plan. It would be a petty vengeance for sure, and for an imagined slight at that.
Bea shook her head.
They really should have been doing everything they could to make their new sister feel comfortable. She was going to be family after all.
Did family not look after each other?
Two young noblemen passed by them, handsome in their way, but clearly deep in the cups, speaking louder than they should, too loud.
They did not give the Glass sisters a second glance.
"Lord Glass is a lucky man," the first one said, "I mean, Maker's breath, just look at those legs."
The man leered.
"Can you imagine having those wrapped around you?"
His friend chuckled.
"Who knew that old Wulfe had such a beauty in his line," the other man said, "The man made a mistake that was for sure, had that girl been at the gathering of the ladies, she likely would have been our queen by now."
"Tell me about it," the first man snickered.
He glanced up at Lady Jayne.
"That right there is a woman fit for a king."
The scholar's eyes widened.
What?
She glanced up at Lady Jayne, her old insecurities surged to the forefront.
Bea's eyes narrowed.
Fit for a king was she?
Her fingers curled into angry fists.
Perhaps Em had a point.
Perhaps they should hate their future sister in law.
Em distracted her from any further jealous musings.
Her sister frowned as she glanced around the room.
"Where is Lis," she asked, "She might want to help take our dear sister down a peg or two?"
"She had things to do," Bea replied.
It was not even a lie.
After Arland's sudden disappearance, Bea had sent her large friend to search for him. It was unlike Arland to just disappear like that, especially not without at least saying hello to his siblings.
Bea worried her lip with her teeth.
She still could not figure out what had happened. Perhaps when Lis found their brother they would learn more. In the meantime…
…she sighed heavily.
The Glass sisters had to support the newest addition to their family, or at the least, pretend to support her.
It was what was expected of them after all. They…
"HIS MAJESTY! THE KING!"
All heads turned at the Herald's announcement. Royal guards stood at the entrance to the chamber.
Alistair entered a few moments later.
As one the nobles fell to their knees, all paying homage to their lord and sovereign.
Even the bride and groom, the guests of honor at tonight's festivities bent the knee.
All eyes fell to the floor, in respect for their king.
Bea heard his footsteps approaching.
She fought the urge to smile.
Once she would have been cursing Alistair for such a faux pas, now…she was grateful.
She saw his boots standing before her.
"Lady Bea?" he said warmly.
"Your Majesty," she looked up shyly.
Alistair smiled and offered her his hand.
Smiling, she took it and let him pull her to her feet.
Around them not a few nobles made comments about the king's rather brazen act, an act made even more brazen when he linked his arm with Bea's and led her across the floor.
The Scholar noticed Mother Allison glaring at her.
She tried not to smirk.
Let the old hen grumble, she thought.
I tried to fight this…
Now, I no longer care.
The King led her up to the happy couple; Quentin glanced at his sister, who shrugged in response.
"Lady Wulfe," Alistair said regally, or as regal as he could.
"Your Majesty," the future bride cooed, still refusing to meet his eyes.
He took chin in her hand, making her finally look up.
He gave her a gentle smile.
"A thousand blessings on your impending nuptials," he said, "May you both find the happiness you deserve."
Both Quentin and Lady Jayne thanked him for his kind words.
The king smiled and addressed the full assembly.
"May this union be the first of many," he said, "May the growing love between these two people contribute to our still healing land."
More than a few nobles applauded. Even Em jumped on the band wagon.
"Long Live the King!" someone shouted.
"LONG LIVE THE KING!" the crowd cried out in unison.
Alistair smiled and started for the door, Bea in tow.
She chose to remain silent until they were out of ear or eyeshot of the rest of the party.
The scholar gave him a knowing look.
"Let me guess," She murmured, "The chancellor told you to come here and say those things?"
The king chuckled.
"Couldn't I have come up with that myself?"
She shrugged.
"Probably," she said with a hint of teasing in her voice.
Alistair smirked.
"Well, I didn't," he blushed, "Mister Rich suggested it might be a good idea to pay a visit here tonight."
Bea nodded.
"Did he tell you to walk arm in arm with me?" she asked.
Alistair blushed.
"No, that…um...that was all my idea."
He looked down at the floor.
"It wasn't a mistake was it?"
Bea blushed, suddenly feeling a little too warm.
She smiled coyly.
"It definitely sent a message," she said.
"But was it the right one?" he asked.
She smiled and kissed his nose.
"We will see," she cooed.
Alistair smiled brightened.
"Will you be coming back to the palace tonight?"
She felt a nervous flutter in her belly.
She…she…
Oh my.
"I...uh... should probably stay here," she said, "To support my family, you know."
The king nodded.
He had been around enough nobles to know what was expected of them.
He leaned in and kissed her on the nose.
"Try to have fun tonight," he said.
She nodded, though part of her wanted more than just a peck on the nose.
She sighed.
She would just have to be patient, for both of them.
It would not be easy.
She waited a few minutes after the king left before returning to party.
No doubt many would have questions about what had passed between the two of them.
Bea was not at liberty to say.
Let them all speculate.
She cared not.
IOI
The party went on long after midnight. Slowly the nobles of Denerim returned to their homes. Arl Wulfe went to his rooms in the guest's quarters.
Quentin retired to his room, assisted by two of Father's guards.
Bea said nothing as they carried her brother away.
Jayne remained behind, not sure what to do next.
Bea felt sorry for the girl. If Jayne was angry about being left behind by her betrothed she said nothing.
She retained the icy calm she had shown all evening.
At last she slipped away, returning to her room in the estate.
Bea stayed up for most of the eve. Em had disappeared with some of her friends shortly before midnight. That left the hostess' duties to her younger sister.
Bea handled them to the best of her abilities.
An hour after the last guest had left; she let out a tired sigh.
She glanced around at the chaos around her.
She sighed.
She did not envy her father's servants cleaning up this mess.
She had been just about to retire to her own quarters when Lis finally returned. The warrior woman had come in through the servant's entrance so not to wake the whole household.
Bea's eyes had widened at the sight of her.
Lis looked like she had been in a scuffle. Her lip was split, and her dark hair was dirty and matted with sweat.
Still the warrior woman grinned.
"You should see the other guy," she said.
Bea had chuckled and shook her head.
She could just imagine.
She glanced down at the ground, at the warrior woman's feet lay Arland Glass. He had not even woken when Lis had sat him down, his dress uniform was a mess, blood leaked from his nose.
Bea wrinkled her nose.
Her brother stank of cheap liquor.
Which surprised her truth be told.
She had never known her brother to get drunk, not ever.
Seeing him like this.
It was a bit of a shock.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Not sure," Lis said, "Your brother picked a fight in one of the roughest bars in Denerim."
The warrior woman shook her head.
"He was too drunk to tell me why," she continued, "Maybe you can get something out of him tomorrow."
Bea nodded.
It was all she could do, given the circumstances.
She sighed heavily.
Poor Arland.
She looked at Lis.
"We should get him to his room," she said.
Lis nodded, reached down and slung her brother over her shoulder.
Bea blinked at the mere sight of that.
"um...ah...Do you need... help?" she asked.
""No, I've got him," the warrior said with a slight grunt, "Thanks though."
Bea nodded, and led the way.
Lis trailed after her, carrying Arland like a sack of potatoes.
The scholar pursed her lips.
Perhaps it would be better not to mention this to Arland in the morning.
The two women went up the servants steps, not wishing to disturb their sleeping guests or family members.
Bea glanced around hoping not to bump into anyone.
She had no desire to explain all this to father, not when…
"Oh Maker!"
The two women froze.
Jayne Wulfe was standing in the middle of the hallway.
The woman was dressed in a long flossy white nightgown, she took one look at Arland and her whole face changed.
"Arland," she said coming around behind them, concern radiating from her gray eyes.
"Oh Arland."
She looked up at Bea.
"Is he all right?"
The transformation in her future sister in law shocked the scholar. Jayne had been so cold all evening, now for the first time it appeared that she did have emotions.
The realization surprised Bea.
Lis gave her a cold look.
"He will be fine Jayne," she said flatly, "Return to your room, we have this."
For a moment it looked like the blonde was going to refuse, or snap off some angry retort at the warrior woman.
Then as quickly as the anger appeared it faded.
Once again Jayne Wulfe's face was cool bland mask.
"As you wish," she said, "It is none of my affair."
"Thank you," Lis said pushing past her; Arland looked up weakly as they passed by.
"Jayne?" he murmured drunkenly.
Arl Wulfe's niece did not respond.
Lis carried Arland into one the guest room. Bea did what she could to help her, they lay Arland on his side near the edge of the bed. Lis slid the chamber pot out and placed it near her brother's head.
She gave Bea a knowing look.
"He will likely need it in morning," she said, "Hangovers are a bitch."
Bea nodded, but said nothing else. She moved out into the hallway. She had not heard Jayne retire to her room.
Her soon to be sister stood in the hall, watching them. She said nothing as Bea and Lis slipped back into the hall. Leaving Arland to sleep off his revels.
As for the lady herself, once she was sure that Arland was safe she made her way down the hall to Quentin's room. She said nothing to either Bea or Lis as she quietly opened the door.
She glanced one last time at Arland's room before slipping inside, closing the door behind her.
Bea was not sure what to say.
What was to say, her conscience chided.
Jayne is going to become Quentin's wife in two days' time. If she desires to spend the night with him…?
…Who was she to stand in the way of that?
They were both consenting adults, of course given the state that Quentin was in…she…she…
She frowned.
Once again Bea found herself worrying her lower lip with her teeth.
There was too much going on that she could not quite understand.
Arland's odd behavior, now Lady Jayne's…
Nothing seemed to add up.
She tried to push it out of her mind.
She would talk to Arland tomorrow.
Hopefully, by then, she would be able to get to the bottom of all this.
Only Arland likely knew what was really going on.
Bea sighed.
It was time for him to talk.