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Lianokami of Conté
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Mequid of the Copper Isles, son of Queen Dovasary, was two years younger than Lianokami. His older twin sister was the heir to the Kyprish throne, therefore a marriage contract had been drawn up between him and Princess Lia. Now they were meeting for the first time.

Lianokami felt very graceful in her new gown. It was a deep red in color and the neckline dipped down generously, showing off the bosom she had inherited from her father's side of the family.

A ruby necklace that Mequid's family had sent when the marriage contract was finalized hung just beneath her throat, glittering with the gems that had been set into her sleek black hair. Lia's skirt swept back and if she twirled at all on the dance floor that night she would be surrounded by a glorious satiny mass. The very best thing about her outfit was that the dress covered up the horrible scar that ran across her left arm and torso.

Lia hated to be reminded of the assassination attempt that had been ignited by one of her fellow squires when she was a fourth year. When she had recovered she had barely been able to talk her father into letting her take her Ordeal of Knighthood, but in the end he had come around, and now Lia was a lady knight and the heir to the Tortallan throne.

Mequid was dressed as majestically as she was, in his Copper Isle finery. He carried a ring on a delicate pillow, another betrothal gift. He strode confidently down the red carpet in the throne room, to Lia's throne, which was a smaller version of the ones behind her that her parents occupied.

When Mequid got close enough, he bowed. Lia saw mischief in his eyes, the same that she detected in his handwriting. He straightened, spouting what sounded like a rehearsed statement.

"My lady, Princess Lianokami, It is my great pleasure to finally meet you."

Lia smiled, standing, and took his hand, accepting the ring he offered. He squeezed her hand, obviously no more comfortable in front of crowds than she was. Her tension was immediately eased. It seemed she had a lot in common with this young man, with their mischievous natures. Mequid was kind; he'd make a good husband and a good king.