Chapter 23
My mother speaks with joy in her voice, "And my dear Bryce brought this back from Orlais last year. The marquis who gave it to him was drunk, I understand, and mistook Bryce for the king." My mother sees me, "Ah, here is my lovely daughter. I take it by the presence of that troublesome hound of yours that the situation in the kitchen is handled?"
"Yes, Mother. Nan is back to work as we speak. I am now just showing one of our guests around the castle."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, your Ladyship. I am Nieena Tabris." She bowed slightly to my mother.
My mother gives her the same respect, "I had heard of a Grey Warden's arrival. Also darling you remember Lady Landra? Bann Loren's wife?"
Lady Landra chimed in, "I think we last met at your mother's spring salon."
How could I forget… "Of course. It is good to see you again, my lady." I give a nod as I say this.
Lady Landra chuckled, "You're too kind, dear girl. Didn't I spend half the salon trying to convince you to marry my son?"
"And made a very poor case for it, I might add." Darren stated.
"You remember my son, Dairren? He's not married yet, either."
"Don't listen to her. It's good to see you again, my lady." Darrien gave a slight bow, "You're looking as beautiful as ever."
NOPE "Thank you." I tried to keep my face as pleasant as I could. How has he not figured out that I am not interested?
Landra gestured to the elven woman behind her, "And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona. Do say something dear."
"It is a great pleasure, my lady," she bows to me. "It is also a shock to see you Nienna."
She looked up at Iona, her eyes widening a bit. "Iona...I forgot you had come to Highever. How are you?" She had an obviously forced smile on her.
"I am well, thank you for asking. How was your wedding?"
"My wedding never took place, and I joined the Wardens." She said, offering no further explanation, and shifting one of her hands from view behind her back. At that moment, I caught a glimpse of a wedding ring.
"Well, I am going to take Nienna on a tour of the rest of the castle. Have a good day Mother," I nodded to my mother. "Lady Landra, Darrien." I nodded to each as I addressed them and continued walking, with Nienna following behind me in silence.