Chapter II

The young woman known as Daine stretched in bed. Yawning hugely, she flicked her eyes to the figure next to her. As if he knew she was looking at him, Numair suddenly snorted. Daine chuckled and nudged him.
Wake up! she whispered.
He mumbled something incomprehensible. Daine chuckled again. Planting a kiss on his cheek, she climbed out of bed and got dressed.
Numair kicked out in his sleep.
Daine threw a withering glance at him then scribbled a note.

Numair, my sweet, [it read]
I've gone to talk to the King about the banquet-dress-up-thing. I'll be back by lunch, the latest.
Yours forever,
Daine

She left the parchment under his nose, knowing that he wasn't going to find it otherwise, then left. She made her way to Jonathan's study, trying to remember what she going to say to him. All too soon, Daine found herself in front of Jonathan's door.
She knocked.
Come in, a male voice called.
Daine drew a deep breath and entered, rewarded by the handsome sight of King Jonathan, splendid in a thick, royal blue robe that was tied over his long sleeping shirt. But Numair's sight is more pleasing, Daine thought with a grin. Jonathan saw it and returned it with a smile of his own. Now that he had shaved off his beard, he looked years younger and so much more attractive. Numair could beat him any day. Daine discarded the strange thoughts and turned her attention to her task.
Good morning, Daine. Sit, please. Jon gestured; a chair drew itself from the table. Daine sat in it, astounded.
Where'd you learn that? You aren't gifted with ESP!
Jonathan smiled crookedly. Numair gave me the spell. After he experimented and made sure he got the good part of the deal.
Of course, snorted Daine defensively. Jon held up a hand.
Anyway, that's not why you're here. You're here-
Because I think that what you're planning is preposterous! Daine snapped. I think your idea of celebrating the longest night of the year is great! Wonderful! Time to get creative, sure! But not at the cost of skinning thousands of animals to make loin clothes and breast bands!
The King chortled. I guess the theme for Midwinter is kind of extreme, he admitted.
Daine grunted. Oh yes. You want all of the nobles dressed as cavemen. How could I forget? She glared at him. And my arguments aren't just against the skinning of animals to make scanty garments; think about the sex appeal! Rape, sex...those will be the main things on the men's minds!
Jonathan sat still, deep in thought. Daine fidgeted, embarrassed about the words she had chosen. Finally, the King winked.
Very well. I see your point. I'll change the theme for the Midwinter's Banquet.
Daine sighed. Thank you.
began Jon, but Daine cut in.
No, think about the animals you've just saved.

I thank you on their behalf.


Daine, please stop interrupting me, Jonathan said loudly. Daine blushed and mumbled an apology. He waved it aside, saying, Pick a new theme.
Daine's eyes widened. Quickly getting over her shock, she worked her mind furiously. lemme thinkthe Divine Realms?
Jonathan asked, eyes fixed on her intensely.
Everyone comes dressed as a god – or goddess. There thousands of them, from religions not our own. I personally think it'll be fun!
Jonathan thought about it and then nodded. Nice choice. Daine shrugged – but gasped with horror when he added, I command you to be the Wave Walker.
She stared at her king, mouth working soundlessly. He laughed softly. You choose a theme and I choose your goddess. It's only fair.
Daine nodded slowly. Something soft and squishy is going to be in your bed very soon.
Alanna used to say that to me.
the woman is wise. Daine stood and bowed, then walked to the door. She opened it. Ta-ta for now! She skipped out, leaving Jonathan staring at the door. He shook his head.
Yep. Numair's definitely overworking the girl.

ÒH7ž

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Daine returned to her room, only to find that Numair was still sleeping. Growling under her breath, she ripped up her note and pulled Numair into a sitting position. He still slept.
Gods forgive me, she muttered. Then, she violently pressed her mouth to his and kissed him savagely.
Numair's mouth responded before his eyes did. When Daine pulled away and found the man's eyes still closed, she hissed something into his ears – he jerked awake, grabbed and shook her.
LET ME AT HIM!!! he bellowed.
it worked.
Numair looked confused.
I only said it to wake you up, cause my kiss didn't work.
Numair sighed and rubbed his face. Good, because I've seen how that Perin-what's-his-name looks at you.
Daine smiled, gave him a softer kiss, and pushed him out of bed. Numair groaned,
I'm coming, I'm coming.
I'm going to the seamstress, Daine announced.
Why? All you need for Midwinter's two scant bits of fur – awfully convenient for ripping off, I must say.
Daine glared at her teacher. Unfortunately for you men-folk, I've done away with the theme, and given the King a new one. I'm going as the Wave Walker; youyou're going as Gainel. Or would you prefer Da?
Numair finally awoke. So the theme is now gods and goddesses? Good. Even better.
I'm going. Daine walked to the door.
The Wave Walker is renowned for wearing scanty clothes, Numair continued, ignoring his fiancé.
I'm opening the door. Daine did the action.
But when the Wave Walker does bother to dress up, the clothes are awfully tight-
Daine stormed out of the room; the door slammed.
Sometimes, she wears nothing at all, Numair mused thoughtfully.

ÒH7ž

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