6
Gregor stood with Luxa trying not to look nervous in the crowded High Hall. There were so many people there, so Gregor was glad they would be focusing on only three. The queen's team had already met and dispersed to spread positive opinions about her plan for a mission. Now he was waiting to be introduced to one of the three council members.
Luxa, for her part, looked perfectly regal. Her flowing white dress hung off her shoulders revealing scars, but Gregor thought they made her look more formidable. A thick gold belt wrapped around her waist, and perfectly matched her crown. Gregor felt like nothing next to her, even in the formal Regalian uniform and sword. After some time, the queen spotted Roth, a stout man with a bad comb over. She directed Gregor over to him.
"Council member Roth, meet you Gregor the Overlander," Luxa said. The man was polite enough, and exchanged some friendly banter in his gruff voice. Finally Luxa brought up the meeting.
"Though it is not mandatory, I would like you to attend the meeting tomorrow regarding my proposed mission," she kept her tone friendly.
"To be perfectly honest, Your Highness, I do not support such a mission. I know you intend to be a part of it, and I cannot support that."
"It has not yet been determined who will be a part of the company (Gregor knew that she was lying), and if you have complaints, you may present them at the meeting." Roth was not convinced. Gergor tried to recall all he knew of the man.
"Even if you do not go, others will, and some will surely perish on the journey. What for? Suitable land is not guaranteed. I do not want Regalians dying in vain for some woman's prophecy. You are both familiar with allies dying without purpose for these missions." This got Gregor mad, and he could not hold back. He tried to keep his voice steady.
"First of all, you will not refer to Nerissa as 'some woman.' Second, no one who attempts to help this city dies in vain. I recall reading something about your grandfather refusing to go on a mission, but dying a short time later anyway. That is dying in vain. You should show respect to those who sacrifice their lives for Regalia and its queen." Roth looked offended, but Luxa smiled proudly. He agreed to go to the meeting, and excused himself. He walked away quickly, bumping right into Stellovet.
"Excellent work, Overlander," Luxa said happily. "Shall we meet with Rodrith now?"
"Lead the way."
Luxa led him to a middle aged, though still handsome, man speaking with Wynnora and Howard. Howard was also in a formal soldier uniform, while Wynnora wore a blue gown that hugged her curves a bit. Gregor and Luxa decided to stay back and listen, and Gregor was shocked to notice that Rodrith was flirting rather openly with his cousin. "Wynnora has to be less than half his age," Gregor thought.
"You wish to speak of this mission, but this hardly seems a fitting place," Rodrith said, speaking only to Wynnora. He smiled at her amorously. "Perhaps a trip to my quarters is in order to discuss the matter."
"I think here is fine thank you," she replied, keeping a sweet smile.
"Oh but surely some privacy would be beneficial."
"You should listen to her," Howard cut in. "I am uncertain a man of you age has the stamina to maintain a discussion with Wynnora." Gregor thought this was not what they should be talking about. "Then again, perhaps you could introduce her to your daughter. She is only, what is it, a year younger than the Overlander?" Ouch.
"Alright, boys," Wynnora said forcing a smile. "I just want Rodrith here to attend the meeting tomorrow. I will be there myself," she said giving Rodrith a flirtatious look. "If you go, I'll save you a seat next to me."
"Then I will most surely attend." The council member kissed her hand and left. Gregor was not thrilled with Wynnora's technique to get Rodrith to go, but it worked. He watched where the council member went, and saw Stellovet stop him and talk. "Wasn't she just doing that with Roth?" He was pulled back to the party with bickering.
"Don't talk about me like that," Wynnora snapped at Howard.
"I said nothing inappropriate."
"Oh don't act all innocent. We all know what you meant." She walked off.
"That woman is like a river," Howard said to no one in particular, and went after her.
"What does that mean?" Gregor asked. Ripred appeared next to him.
"It's a gnawer phrase. Rivers are uncontrollable and strong," he said. Gregor watched as Howard got his cousin to dance with him, and he felt a pang of jealously. He knew he was not allowed to ask the girl he wanted to dance.
Luxa sighed. "The plight of being queen."
"What?" Gregor asked.
"No one ever asks you do dance. They are too afraid." Gregor did not what to say, he was not sure if that was an invitation. Ripred hit Gregor's leg with his tail and winked. "I suppose I must do all the work. Gregor, may I have this dance?" Who was he to deny a queen? Gregor accepted, and walked to the dance floor.
He ignored the glares they got from their cousins who both disapproved. Instead he focused on dancing. He probably would not get a chance like this again. Her hand in his, he pulled her waist in closer, though he made sure it was still perfectly appropriate for a queen. He made sure to memorize the moment.