Chapter Twenty-Three
Devona was trying to keep rapt fascination on the armor that had been crafted for her, while Coran and King Ironhammer commented on it. They were correct, it was masterfully done, and kept much of the design of her original suit, including the crest of her father's guild, Ascalon's Chosen, in the center of the breastplate, nestled in the ample cleavage created by the bust of the armor.
The problem, which both monarchs had alluded to in their comments, was that Karl the Armorer was a pervert. He had to be. She wasn't used to bare shoulders on her armor, and despite repeated assurances from Karl's apprentice… she was downright certain her breasts were going to pop out from the first jarring blow she took. And the last time she had walked around with an exposed navel… she had been twelve… swimming… and her swimwear had ripped.
And the leggings? Hah! What leggings? It was a series of leather straps, tight suede, and the occasional metal plate that left most of her legs bare. She felt like she was wearing glorified underwear. How on earth was this supposed to protect her from a strong winter breeze, much less a foe's steel?
"Well, Coran, Karl is an enchanter as well as a craftsman." Ironhammer noted, the answer to her unanswered question catching Devona's attention. "His armor is blessed by a power that gives them great protective qualities… and thus allows him to play around with appearances. I've heard him use that as an excuse for the price… but one never knows."
"Speaking of which, Jalis… I was hoping you'd allow me the leave of one of your messengers in which to request reimbursement from my private coffers in Ascalon…" Coran began.
"Nonsense. Without this fine lady, it is quite possible I'd be at the mercies of the Stone Summit." Jalis declared loudly. "A mere overpriced suit of armor for a kingdom is a trade I'm willing to make."
Coran smiled and said in a perfect deadpan, "Well, my dear, it appears you now owe King Ironhammer a night he'll never forget."
The mere thought was so hilarious that Devona found herself laughing in spite of herself until she noticed Ironhammer's truly perplexed expression. Suddenly nervous that she might have insulted the Deldrimor ruler, she began to explain "You see, the armorer suggested that I repay Coran in a most… lewd… manner… and now… you… because you… um…" The explanation began to sound like less and less of a good idea to the point where Devona just stopped abruptly, blushing furiously.
"I understood the joke… I was just trying to figure out what I'd be able to do with a tall tower of flesh like you." The dwarf replied candidly. "I suspect such a trist would only end in tears, especially once my wife found me trying to climb you like a tree… if I hadn't already injured myself in the attempt."
"Devona dear, if you don't stop that, I fear the blood vessels in your head will burst." Coran said with lighthearted concern. "I think it's more than enough that I am having a hard time maintaining my blood pressure right now."
"That's it… I'm changing." Devona grumbled, trying to pretend to be disgusted by Coran's definitely suggestive comment even as the rebellious part of her was actually thrilled that he found her desirable. "I can't believe that the day has come that I prefer to be seen in a dress than armor."
"If you're trying to settle my desires, I'm afraid that is being caused by the woman in the clothes, not the clothes themselves."
Devona fell into full retreat, disappearing into the hall, presumably towards her quarters, her rate of departure reflecting her embarrassment.
"My, I fear the tension in that young lady can't be healthy. But I must say I do believe she is fond of you, Coran." King Ironhammer noted. "Poor girl seems to have some sort of complex…"
"She won't tell me what is on her mind, other than she feels she either doesn't deserve to, or can't, be Queen." Coran answered, "She'll come around though, I'm certain of it."
"Ah, to be young… fortunately the condition passes."
"I'm freezing." Cynn complained. "Why do we have to be out here again?"
"Because Coran chose us to be Ascalon's representatives to welcome Queen Salma when she arrives?" Mhenlo said with a raised eyebrow.
"He just wanted some time alone with Devona… this was just a convenient excuse to get us out of the way." Cynn answered with a scoff, not accepting that explanation in the slightest.
"Wouldn't be surprised. I happened to see some of Devona's armor as it was delivered." Aiden replied, seemingly unperturbed by the chilly air of the Shiverpeaks. "I dare say it would look rather scandalous on our fearless leader."
Yuu grunted testily, "As much as I love gossiping about things that are none of our business… I don't."
Before Cynn could come back with a retort, Aiden pointed towards the open gates of the keep, and said, "There comes the Krytan caravan right now."
Much like the arrivals from Ascalon, the Krytans didn't come with a great amount of fanfare and large numbers. Only two carriages pulled through the gates of Thunderhead Keep, emblazoned only with the insignia of the Krytan royal family as any indicator people of any political importance were inside.
The delegation began to disembark, but it didn't take Cynn long to throw proper decorum out the window. "Evennia!" The elementalist squealed, dashing forward to meet the Shining Blade leader. To her credit, Evennia didn't take long to figure out who and where the welcome originated, and the two women shared a friendly embrace before the other members of the party would catch up.
Evennia approached Mhenlo with a warm hug and some whispered words before Cynn not so gently forced them apart with a narrow glare, then turned the lady monk towards Aiden to continue the greetings.
"It is so relieving to see you well." Evennia declared when said greetings were concluded.
"And us as well. We had heard you had come across some trouble with Titans." Mhenlo replied.
Evennia shrugged. "We managed, and had help. The beasts didn't reach Denravi, so we were spared the worst of their destructive presence."
"What are you doing here, anyway?" Cynn queried. "We weren't expecting you!"
"Queen Salma decided to invite me as a representative, as the Maguuma Jungle is technically Krytan territory." The lady monk answered. "Plus, I think she didn't want to feel like the only delegate completely out of place."
"Oh, don't worry… I suspect Devona will share her discomfort." Aiden replied.
"Devona will be present in the summit chamber?" Evennia asked. "Clearly there are some things I must know."
"Devona is King Coran's betrothed." Cynn replied. "Don't feel sad you didn't know. We didn't even know that she had been bonded to the young king until Devona had no choice but to come clean."
"Actually…" Mhenlo began to correct, but went silent due to Cynn's scowl.
"And they aren't married yet? Hasn't King Coran been in power for several months now?"
"Five months." Cynn amended. "And it's because Devona is being stubborn."
Evennia blinked several times. "About what?"
The elementalist shrugged. "Who knows? She loves him… he loves her… anyone with a pulse can see that. But she's playing hard to get, claiming that she doesn't want to be Queen, but won't tell anyone why."
Evennia sighed, turning her head as Coran, King Ironhammer, and Devona emerged from the main hall, and met Queen Salma as she stepped forward from the carriage. Greetings were exchanged between the three monarchs, but Evennia noted how Devona's fist clenched tightly as Salma and Coran exchanged pecks on the cheek. Devona then rejected Coran's arm to escort her back into the hall, taking stride behind the three royals after Salma accepted the offer instead.
"That girl is hopeless, isn't she?" Evennia said with a patronizing shake of her head. "Someone needs to talk to that girl…"
"No one will do any such thing." Yuu said warningly. "Coran has made his desire for us to stay out of his dealings with Devona very clear. I will not tolerate another meddlesome woman trying to play matchmaker."
"Don't worry about Yuu, Evennia. She's always combative." Cynn said.
"You have no idea what combative is, girl." The black clothed woman retorted bitterly, "But you will if you try and pull another stunt like you did returning the king to Ascalon. The same goes to any of you. Leave him and his bondmate alone."
Yuu stomped away indignantly soon after, leaving her threat to hover in the air. That should keep those vultures away while she did what she had planned…