Chapter 2
Daine awoke in the darkness of her room under the boy's dorm in the Rider barracks. Suddenly the door burst open and light flooded the room. A teenage-like Onua burst into the room, with a more composed Buri following.
"Is it true?" Onua squealed happily. "Are you and Numair really getting married?"
Daine answered through a yawn. "Yeah, we are."
Onua squealed again, and Daine grinned at her antics.
"Congratulations," Buri added.
"Thanks, you guys." Daine was getting emotional.
Onua had calmed down considerably, and confided, "I always knew you two would get married. I could feel it in my bones." Her eyes lit up. "Wonderful idea coming on! We'll have a banquet! Must tell King Jonathan!" She ran out the door, dragging Buri behind her and muttering, "Why didn't I think of it before? Brilliant!"
Two shapes—one reptilian and one equine—appeared in the doorway. Kitten and Cloud.
So you're marrying the stork-man, Cloud said with no emotion.
Kitten whistled forlornly.
"What? I'm not leaving you, if that's what you're thinking." Both of the animals brightened at that. "I could never leave you! You'll come with me!"
I knew that all along, Cloud lied.
*****
Of course, both the king and queen loved the idea of the banquet, and so, the day arrived.
The summer's day was warm and breezy, and the celebration was going to be held outside—until it started raining. It was a light rain, at least, nothing to transportation-crippling. So everything was moved inside again.
Meanwhile, Daine had a maid help her get ready for the banquet. The maid picked out a gorgeous dress for Daine; it complemented her eyes, hair, and figure perfectly.
It was a light shade of sapphire blue silk, with a darker blue petticoat showing beneath the split skirt. A light, gossamer material covered the dress from the empire waist down. The skirt flared out when she twirled, making it look as if she were floating. Short sleeves and a scoop neckline completed the dress. All of the material was light and airy, suited to the warm weather.
Daine also consented to a little makeup and had the maid do her stubborn hair into a neat uptwist, with a few curling tendrils of smoky brown hair left out to frame her face.
She looked in the mirror and saw not herself, but the elegant young woman she was transformed into for balls and banquets.
Numair had also gotten ready, but he had started two hours ago and still had to hurry to meet Daine on time. He was dressed in a green silk shirt with his best black linen breeches. Most of the two hours was spent getting his hair to behave, however.
He knocked on the door of the room where Daine was dressing. The door opened, and Numair drew in a breath. Standing before him was a breathtaking young woman, quite unlike the usual Daine.
"Magelet, you look more exquisite than I've ever seen you."
"Thank you," Daine said, blushing. Then she extended a hand for Numair to kiss. He not only did that, but he also planted little kisses up her are and across her cheek to her lips.
"Shall we?" Numair asked as he offered her his arm. Daine graciously accepted and they made their way to the banquet hall.
