Introducing...Ozorne (I'm sorry, but I couldn't have a fanfic without him). And I think I reveal just *who* King Trystam's love' is *grinz evilly*
Unfortunately, it's just one chapter at the moment - I'm still working on part X.
~*~ Happy reading!
Giovanna xoxo
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Part IX
Let's review the plan, proclaimed Master Chioké, glancing at his emperor for aproval. Ozorne nodded, his thoughts somewhere else. Reassured, Chioké cleared his throat and began yattering away.
After a few moments, Ozorne snapped his fingers. The carriage stopped; his council looked at him in surprise. Without a word, Ozorne stepped out of the carriage.
Bring me my horse! he called, looking forward. Immediately, a rider from the procession trotted up, a magnificent ebony gelding strung behind him. Ozorne accepted the reins and mounted without help. Then he kneed the animal towards the beginning of the line of imperial soldiers, nodded curtly. They started to move again.
Master Chioké had gone over the plans over and over again - Ozorne was sick and tired of it. That's why he left the carriage. Besides, he didn't have to explain himself to anyone - he was the emperor, by Mithros, Mynoss, and Shakith!
It is so damn cursed cold in this country! he thought for the hundreth time, rubbing his arms. How can these people live here?
Who cared. Ozorne was there to investigate' the magical sickness and go home. There was no way he was going to waste his valuable time in this savage country!
Trystam was settling himself in his massive throne when his uncle, Duke Christer, stopped by his shoulder.
They're here, the elder man muttered before moving into the ranks of assembled nobles. Trystam sighed and caught his lover's eye - she was among the numerous ladies-in-waiting, dressed in an emerald green gown that fit her like a second skin. When she realized he was looking at her, she grinned and licked her upper lip; Trystam took heart in that and straightened himself.
After a few moments, the herald posted at the doors banged his metal-shod staff on the ground three times, before announcing in a booming voice,
In the name of Mithros and the Mother, I present to you, ladies, gentlemen, and noble knights, His Most Serene and Imperial Majesty, Ozorne Muhassin Tasikhe, Emperor of Carthak and of the Empire of Carthak...
Trystam stiffled a yawn just in time; the doors suddenly swung open. Then, two parallel lines of troops - all dressed in crimson kilts and gold-washed armor - marched into the room. In between the lines was a tall, broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted man. He was dressed in loose black silken trousers, which were tucked into knee-high black leather boots. A gray cotton shirt was only slightly visible underneath his black tunic. An emerald-studded belt, strange lines drawn under his eyes, and a flowing emerald mages'-robe completed his costume.
to His Royal Majesty, King Trystam of House Nivue, complete and absolute ruler of Galla and it's holdings, finished the herald.
The man between the lines of soldiers stopped ten meters away from the throne, and gave Trystam the correct bow a visiting monarch gave to another. In reply, Trystam ducked his head, all the while aware of the small group - probably the emperor's council - which had arranged itself behind the man.
Trystam stood; his velvet darkblue cloak (you know, the things that the kings put around their shoulders and which trail them and which are trimmed in a spotted-white-tiger's' fur?) fell gracefully behind him.
In the name of our people, he began, using the royal we', we welcome you to Galla. We hope that your stay, however long, will be uneventful and full of interesting experiences, and that you will achieve whatever goal you may have.
The emperor ducked his head; the movement suddenly made lights flash. The man was bedecked in riches! Rings on every fingers, an opal pendant, silver beads in his braided hair...he was like an idol!
I thank you for your hospitality, he replied in smooth, unaccented Common. As he wasn't in his empire, Ozorne didn't refer to himself with plural pronouns. I also wish it to be known that you and your kin are welcome in Carthak.
Trystam nodded in appreciation, smiling. That is good to hear. He looked around. You must be hungry - let us dine! He stepped down from the throne and exited through the Eastern doors, Ozorne a step behind him, everyone else following the king.
Daine was woken by a hollow thud, and a whispered curse. Quietly, heart fluttering against her chest, she pulled on her robe and slipped her feet into soft slippers, then changed her eyes into a cat's.
Useful, this magic she thought, making her way softly down the living quarters of the Silver Temple and into the kitchen.
When she reached the kitchen door, she paused. There came another thud. Taking a deep breath, Daine barged in, expecting a thief, or a busy couple - instead, Juliana's emerald eyes met hers.
gasped Daine. She shaped her eyes back to a human's. What...aren't you supposed to be in the palace?
Juliana nodded, her mouth curved in a smile. But Trystam's having his one-hundreth dinner party with the emperor, and I'm so fed up of dining with those stuffed-up, arrogant women who look down their perfect little noses at me because I am the king's favorite woman! She grinned, flashing white teeth. I came back for a decent meal with my dear friend!
Daine yawned. What's the time?
Two hours till the midnight call. You haven't entertained anyone today, have you?
No. That's why I was sleeping. So, what do you want to eat?
Meat, cakes, and some hot cocoa sounds good.
Meat, cakes, and hot cocoa it is, replied Daine, smiling. She bustled around the kitchen, preparing the late-night meal, silently rejoicing that Juliana no longer was anorexic.
Half an hour later, the two friends were on their third cups of cocoa. The candles were burning low, and their bellies were full.
So, Juliana, what's it like, being the favorite woman of the king?
Wonderful...and yet, sad.
Daine wanted to know.
Well, I know he loves me, and I know I love him - but I also know that that's how far we can go. Juliana looked at her hands, eyes over-bright. Daine, they call me...things at the palace, she whispered, blinking rapidly. I know that many people don't respect what we do, but I have never met such...scornful people before! Two tears trailed down her face; impatiently, she brushed them away and tried to smile. I told Trystam that perhaps I should leave - he laughed it off and told me that they couldn't hurt me. But he isn't the one who dines and assembles with the ladies. He isn't the one who has to endure hours of mutterings, looks, and out-right disrespect and hate.
Opening her mouth to reply, Daine realized that Juliana wasn't done.
The emperor of Carthak came today, she was saying quietly. There was a huge banquet - I sat far away from Trystam, but he visited me. When he did...oh, gods, it was awful! The last was a cry of pain; Juliana began to sob. Hesitantly, Daine went over to her side of the table and hugged her, crooning softly.
Daine...they thought...they thought I slept with all the men at court...not just the king...I don't...because...because...
prodded Daine gently, stroking her friends golden hair.
Because I love him.
I like the way that ended. AWWWWW... ;o)
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