32 – Check-mate
SPRING - YEAR 599
"Sauren! It is time."
The tone in his father's words instantly made the half-elf desist from the mindless frivolity in his chambers. The young man had been enjoying some last minute freedom with his trusted 'henchmen' before he committed to the young woman who would become his bride.
"I will be there in just a moment, father," he replied, slightly tight.
Sa'themar eyed his son and his friends, then with a grunt he turned and left the room.
Sauren sighed, a mixture of irritation and disbelief at being spoken to as if he were still a child. His father had got wind of how he had spent the last few weeks and no doubt last night. Although the Guild Master did not openly voice his disapproval, he nonetheless made it known in his disparaging looks and unintelligible grunts.
Of course, a fragment of the groom-to-be's agitation also stemmed from a degree of pre-marital nerves churning his stomach (although he would never admit to that). Plus, he was a little worse for wear as he and his friends had been whoring the previous night. They had fondled their way through Odette's prime stock; a gift from the Madame for his last night of bachelorhood. Don and Reed chose to remain with their elite ladies of the night but Sauren had slipped away to spend it with his favourite fruits, Maya and Leola.
He now had special access to the Keep, albeit still by a secret entrance. The Queen had deigned he could meet with the concubines in their chambers as long as he was discreet and maintained his side of the bargain to keep her informed on the ostentatious Dar'khan Drathir.
This he had done dutifully over the past three months occasionally writing to the young magus inquiring when next they might meet. He had penned that having given considerable thought to their earlier meetings, in particular, that of the grand opening for the Guild, he was now ready to discuss the 'vision' the young mage had spoken of.
Dar'khan's eagerness to comply turned out to be fortuitous indeed. The information Sauren surreptitiously gleaned from the vain mage bore some very interesting connotations, the measure of which he decided how much the Queen needed to know, and that which would benefit himself in later days. All in all, the 'arrangement' had proved fruitful for both parties.
But, for now, the big day had arrived - Sauren's wedding. His father had declared the complex closed for business for the three-day event and as such the trainees had ventured home for the duration. Only those attending the wedding would be present and of those, many would be going home at the end of the evening.
"You have the ring?" Sauren asked Don.
"Yes." His friend proudly patted his inside pocket.
The half-elf nodded and shrugged on his jacket. He smiled as he looked at himself in the mirror. Mr Atherton how out-done himself. The suit was exquisite; cream trousers with an azure piping down the outer seams matching that of his long-tailed, beautifully cut jacket. The fabric was unlike anything Sauren had worn before. It was a type of satin the tailor told him, though he was reluctant to divulge its particular qualities or origin; he did like to keep certain things under his hat did Mr Atherton.
The azure material had been tastefully embroidered around the collar and cuffs which also had three decorative silver buttons on each. A waistcoat of sage-green, fitted to perfection was finished off with a fine silver chain looped through one of the button holes and attached to the pocket-watch Sauren had purchased at the Mid-summer festival. It in itself was not an expensive item, but he had grown rather fond of it and it did go well with his wedding attire.
All three boys squeezed themselves into the reflection. Sauren grinned as Don and Reed took to cutting certain poses. Mr Atheron had outfitted them in the sage, their suits otherwise similar in style but not quite as exquisite as the grooms. "Remember, she is to throw the posy to me," Reed said with a grin, puffing out this chest.
"Oh? And who do you plan to marry?" Sauren asked.
Reed shrugged. "Spoiled for choice, although I rather like Esther."
"You cannot marry a whore! Besides Odette would be furious to lose one of her finest." Don guffawed.
"Those women have the same right as any other to a life of marital bliss and let's face it, with me it would nothing other but blissful."
The groom and best man laughed out loud to which Reed feigned offence.
"Come on, we better make our way downstairs, or my father, let alone Catherine will have a fit." Sauren moved towards the door.
"Not the bride then?" Reed teased him.
"No. She knows well enough I am worth waiting for," Sauren retorted with a wide grin.
"You really are an egotistical son-of-a-bitch, aren't you?"
"Yes. And I get better at it every day."
The three young men were in good fettle again, laughing and joking as they made their way to the small chapel. It had been decided when construction of the headquarters was underway, that no one faith would be granted the privilege of a house of prayer. With the guild open to more than one race, it was deemed appropriate that the room would serve all beliefs. It could also be used as a sanctuary for moments of quiet contemplation, which, considering the nature of a rogue's lifestyle was seen as a necessity more than a luxury.
The pews were filled and as Sauren and his two friends entered with ripples of laughter still falling from them, expectant faces turned in their direction. Their mirth left them rather abruptly and they moved silently to the front, Reed taking a seat while Don stood dutifully next to the groom.
The half-elf quickly scanned the guests. The majority of the elites were present - a slight sting hit him when he noted the Firefurys were not amongst them. Nevertheless, there was a good attendance. He also saw some serving staff dotted around the perimeter of the room, peeking around some of the pillars. Heidy was one of them. He lingered long enough to award her a small smile. The corners of her mouth trembled before she quickly looked away.
On the bride's side, there were a number of guests too, some obviously family going by resemblance; others no doubt close friends, possibly neighbours or even customers of the Alstons.
Catherine looked at him, her face stern as always. He inclined his head just a fraction, and her severe lips gave way to a semblance of a smile. A tweak at the corner of his own mouth threatened as he found himself thinking perhaps Reed should give her a 'good seeing to', it may make her less rigid and more likely to stop her suspicious mind always cranking up every time she laid eyes on Sauren.
A diplomatic cough from his best man made him look towards the door. There, arm linked with her father's stood Piper. She was stunning. Smiling, he watched as a little flower girl walked a few steps ahead scattering petals on the floor offering a scented walkway for the bride.
Piper's gown of soft white satin, its skirts, long and flowing, whispered along the stone floor as she neared him. His smile, warm and appreciative, brought a slight flush to her cheeks as if she was seeing his adoration for the first time.
Oscar steered her towards her beau and then went to stand beside the gargoyle that was his wife.
Sauren leaned towards Piper. "You are breath-taking," he whispered. The dimples in her cheeks were pronounced as she beamed a smile.
Placing her hand on his forearm they stepped before the priest who would be presiding over the ceremony. Her fingers lightly gripped the fabric of his sleeve, her nerves starting to show.
Silence fell over the room and the priest began. "We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of these two fine young people. The union between a man and woman is a blessed, sacred bond and should not be entered into lightly. I see many gathered here to celebrate this couple's exchange of vows, but should anyone object to this marriage then speak now or forever hold your piece."
Quietly confident though he was that no-one would oppose their union, his keen sense of hearing picked up stifled sobs from the rear of the room. He shifted a little uncertainly on his feet then inwardly sighed relief when the priest continued.
It was not a long ceremony, both Piper and Sauren had asked that it be kept simple but eloquent so that the guests could then partake of the festivities and celebrate their marriage. As they left the chapel, guests then hurried along to offer their congratulations as the bride and groom entered the dining hall.
Sauren shook hands and Piper offered a small bow of her head in appreciation to the well-wishers and their messages of good fortune. One guest, however, took Sauren completely by surprise but he forced himself not to show it. "Your Majesty." He bowed deep, Piper lowering to a curtsy in front of Queen Lianne.
The monarch smiled and waited for the young couple to rise. She looked at Piper, a look of mild indifference in her eyes before turning her attention back to the man of the hour. "You make a lovely couple," she said, one corner of her mouth betraying her amusement at his slightly pained expression.
The half-elf bolstered himself and stood tall and proud in front of the Queen. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your presence is a great honour indeed. I did not imagine for one moment my wedding would take priority over your many stately affairs - no doubt all of which are dying to have your undivided attention."
Queen Lianne stared at him for a moment, her eyes narrowing just a fraction before her mouth split into a wide smile. She had become accustomed to his slightly procacious barter, in fact, it was something she particularly looked forward to at their meetings. "Well, I couldn't miss one of my most favourite subject's greatest mission to date, now could I?" From beneath her long lashes, she quickly glanced at Piper again then back at the groom.
Sauren's eyebrows pinched. "Well, we are delighted that you have taken time out of your busy schedule to help celebrate our happy union. May I introduce my wife, Piper."
Queen Lianne inclined her head to the young woman as Piper curtsied once more. "Charmed," she said, "I have no doubt you will just be as happy together as I am with my husband."
Sauren's mouth tightened.
The Queen continued. "Oh, and if I may, I would like to introduce my two accompanying Ladies in Waiting..." From behind the royal personage, Maya and Leola stepped forward, both resplendent in gowns of the finest silk.
The Queen liked to play games there was nothing new there. Still, at his wedding? For the time being it felt they were in a slightly crude check-mate. Suppressing a grin, Sauren bowed curtly. "You are most welcome," he responded. "I hope you have a very pleasurable evening."
"Thank you," Maya cooed. "We wish the same for you."
With that Sauren quickly progressed along the line of well-wishers.
"Highly unusual," Piper whispered.
"What is, my darling?"
"The Queen! You did not mention she was invited. Furthermore, she is without her guards."
Sauren smirked. "Her guards are here, be rest assured. As for not letting you know, I thought it best not to say as I assumed wedding day nerves would have the better of you as it is." He tried a reassuring smile as he lied through his perfect teeth. "I did not want to risk you running from the altar and leave me looking like a fool."
A small gasp escaped her. She tugged at his arm. "I would do no such thing, Sauren Nightflame. And perhaps a little more faith in my ability to handle such esteemed company would not go amiss."
He looked at her and her eyes sparkled as her lips played a soft smile. "Duly noted, Mrs Nightflame."
As always the fayre was plentiful and musicians offered a delightful variety of music from beautiful ballads and folk-based tales to both sedate and vivacious dances. The gaiety of the evening even managed to get Oscar up to dance with Catherine, quite possibly encouraged by Mary and Brett who spun each other around the dance floor very impressively.
Piper went to mingle with a group of guests; friends of hers from Darkshire. Sauren watched as she showed them her wedding band and they huddled and giggled together, as girls do.
He lifted his glass to his lips, surveying all in attendance as they too drank, danced and laughed together. He caught sight of his father talking with Queen Lianne. They were engaged, it seemed, in a most fascinating conversation.
Reed and Don, as ever, were sniffing around single girls, showering them in compliments and if lucky, being awarded a dance and a peck on the cheek.
He glanced down inside his glass, catching his reflection in the red glossy vintage. He looked almost happy, content. Strange considering there seemed to be an underlying torrent of emotions just waiting to surface - and not all good.
Yet, he could not deny he felt a semblence of joy, one which he had not felt before. His eyes looked back at his wife. Was she the reason? he wondered. Or was it more to do with the knowledge that the woman actually loved him, unlike any of the others who merely wanted to serve him. With luck, he would find some happiness with her and he would try to be a good husband; she at least deserved that. He pondered the Queen's words from earlier - her implication that his marriage would end up as emotionally stagnant as hers would be disconcerting to most, but he felt it held a horrible truth.
Piper was beautiful, attentive, compassionate and funny - she was all and more which most men would wish for in a wife. He was not 'most men' though; he had no delusions on that front. She simply wasn't enough for him. Whether he would find that 'missing' element of himself, he knew not, he just sensed he had not discovered the one who would make him feel - complete.
"You seem inordinately pre-occupied with thoughts of self. Should you not be focusing on how your evening is going to end with that divine creature who has succumbed to your charms?"
Lifting his eyes to look across the room, he saw his father now chatted with Mr Atheron and several of his elite. Sauren grinned knowingly as Queen Lianne stepped up beside him. "And just which divine creature do you refer to, Ma'am?"
Soft laughter fell from her lips. "Why, Sauren, I swear every time you open your mouth, I like you even more."
"I am unsure whether to be extremely flattered - or afraid by that remark." He retorted. They laughed softly together.
A waiter approached with a tray of glasses. Sauren beckoned him over and placing his empty one on the tray picked up another two. The waiter offered a polite bow to the Queen before continuing his rounds of the guests. Sauren offered a glass to the Queen. She cocked an eyebrow at him.
"Do you require me to taste it for you, Ma'am?" he asked, a sly smile tugging the corner of his lips.
She accepted the glass with a grin. "I shall put my life in your hands, Sauren." She sipped.
A moment or two passed before he simply had to ask the obvious. "Why have you brought Maya and Leola?"
"Oh, you are very fond of them aren't you?" she smirked.
"They are delightful ladies, Ma'am. I have enjoyed my... education, shall we say. But, is it not a little inappropriate to have them attend my wedding?"
"As inappropriate, I dare say as you spending your last night of bachelorhood with them. You were all rather vocal, I hasten to add."
Sauren felt the heat rise from beneath his collar. "Oh! Forgive me."
"No need to apologise. But, do not be a hypocrite, it does not suit you."
He remained silent, chewing over her words for a few moments before reminding himself now was not the time. He turned his full attention to her. "So, if you do not object to my asking, what really brings you here?"
"I don't suppose you would believe I simply needed a night of gaiety and joyfulness?"
"At a cut-throats' wedding?" He laughed lightly. "I think not, somehow. Your presence here is far removed from etiquette. Neither do I think you were even invited." He surveyed the guests and afforded a reassuring smile to Piper who was trying, albeit dismally, to disguise the fact she was keeping an eye on them.
The Queen's eyes narrowed. "I do enjoy our little secret assignations, Sauren, but sometimes you do border on impudence."
The half-elf did not even flinch. "Am I wrong though?"
She held his stare until eventually, she gave way to a grin. Raising her glass to her lips she muttered. "No, you are not." She drank. "I did, however, inform your father last week that I would attend."
Although Sauren had suspected this, to hear it had been deliberately kept quiet, irked him. He did not react other than take a generous gulp of wine. "I take it you were hoping to see Dar'khan?"
"Well, yes. I thought it seemed a most innocuous setting for meeting him again."
Sauren grinned for all his muscles tensed. "Well, Ma'am, I have to tell you I did not invite him either. I'm afraid you will be disappointed."
"Tut! What kind of friend are you?" She guffawed then sipped her wine.
A careful one, he answered inwardly.
"I took that liberty myself," Queen Lianne confessed, a small hiccup escaping from behind her gloved hand. Her eyes, however, betrayed any sign of inebriation; she would not allow herself to lose control.
Sauren fought very hard to stop his jaw clenching. This was his day. And Piper's. Not the Queen's. Still, he had to remember he was but a pawn. It would not do to show such displeasure. And as if to make his inner conflict even harder, the swaggering, bombastic magus announced his presence.
With an elaborate bow to the manipulative monarch, he then turned a slightly salty look Sauren's way. "Congratulations are in order but, I was truly hurt not to receive your invite," he said, smug.
The half-elf was not without a response, however, and his 'outside' surveillance was about to hit two birds with one stone. "But, I have a sound reason for that. You see, I heard you were in Northrend for a number of weeks with your fellow magic practitioner, Kel'thuzad..." He watched the magus pale. "I, therefore, considered it pointless sending an invite to my wedding when you so obviously enjoy the company of said learned gentleman with his intriguing studies of magic."
Sauren noted the Queen's eyebrows creep towards her hairline and the ripple of annoyance behind Dar'khan's eyes. Sauren had enjoyed that and just could not resist one final little dig. "Her Majesty kindly wanted to give you the opportunity though and so invited you anyway. Your tardiness this evening, however, could be deigned as impolite."
Dar'khan was silently raging but kept his annoyance at bay. Sauren smiled. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must mingle with my other guests. Enjoy your evening." He bowed reverently to Queen Lianne, relishing the fact she now looked duly amused. He awarded a curt nod towards the magus before turning away.
He was quietly confident he had just manoeuvred himself out of check-mate.