Gossamer in the Darkness (Fantasyland)

One of the many pleasing things about his wife-to-be was that she was a busy woman who had many pursuits.

And he suspected, even more strongly now, that she was up to something in regards to his father’s birthday, for she had very poorly maneuvered Maxie asking everyone at the table after their favorite pies three nights before when they all shared dinner.

This being something they’d need to know so his father would have his preferred birthday pie.

The problem with this was that Loren had been commanded to meet his king and queen, and bring her with him, and he couldn’t wait for her nor did he have the time to look for her, so now he was there…without her.

“You know her story,” he said low to Tor.

There was a change in the mood of the room, and with it, Loren knew everyone in it knew her story.

Then again, if they all attended the trial, they’d learn it, and considering the story, it was better they were forewarned.

“She’s finally free and she tends to go about enjoying that to the fullest,” he explained.

“I think I’m going to like her,” Cora decreed.

“I know you will,” Loren told her. “She’s the most likeable woman I’ve ever met.”

Cora’s eyes lit and her mouth curled up.

“Is she, indeed?” she murmured delightedly.

“She is,” he answered firmly.

Cora gave eyes to Circe, then Farah.

But Loren looked to Lahn. “It’s good to see you,” then to True, “and meet you.” He returned his focus to Tor. “But may I ask why they’re here?”

“All is well,” Tor assured calmly. “Just visits. We haven’t seen True and Farah in some time and it was Lahn and Circe’s turn to come up.”

“And Hayden and Leighton and Devon?” he asked after the realm’s two princes and princess.

“Hayden’s regiment is stationed on the northeast coast. He’ll be granted leave to attend your wedding. Devon is at school, but will be leaving soon, also to journey in order to attend your wedding. And Leighton is undoubtedly testing the efficacy of pennyrium as he beds the maids in Karsvall while training with Apollo in the House of Ulfr’s seat. I’m afraid he’s too far away to return in time for your wedding.”

“I wish I could refute this about Leighton, but sadly, I’ve birthed a rake,” Cora grumbled. “That said, he’s half Tor’s, so it really comes as no surprise.”

Everyone laughed, except Tor, who looked at the ceiling.

Loren laughed as well.

However, he did being reminded about pennyrium, wondering if Corliss had already taken care of that for Satrine.

The time was nigh for them finally to consummate their relationship. The stitches were probably not ready to be cut out for a couple of days, but the pain was all but gone.

And he could be creative, but his fiancée’s libido rivaled his own. As splendid as his creativity was, and her response to it, it now carried a vein of frustration.

It was time to give them both what they desired.

Loren looked forward with great relish to them having a family.

But in the now, he looked forward to practicing, copiously, making that family.

She needed to be taking pennyrium, which would guard against pregnancy, until they decided they were ready.

He’d be certain to make sure all was well with that and made a mental note to do it tonight.

“Hopefully, she’ll be found before dinner. We look forward to meeting her,” Circe put in.

“That is my hope as well, Your Majesty,” he replied, just as the door opened.

They all turned to it.

Marlow strode in, only two feet, and he stopped.

“Tor,” he said. Then, “Cora, would that I had found you first. I would have made you far happier than this tall, dark lout.”

Cora giggled.

Tor let out an audible sigh but said nothing, as he knew well this was Marlow’s way.

“Royals all,” he greeted casually, then his gaze hit Loren. “I’m afraid I must steal you.”

“Marlow, come in and meet the king of Wodell and his queen,” Tor bid.

“My most fervent wish,” Marlow replied to them. “But I’m afraid a game is afoot and at this moment, Lore’s fiancée, her houseman, and one of their grooms, who is large, but I fear that’s all he has going for him, are meeting with some ruffians in an alley not too far from here. And I’m afraid they’re going to need rescue.”

Fury seized his head while something else took hold of his heart.

“What?” Loren barked, striding toward his friend.

“Search me,” Marlow replied. “They thought they were being clever, and that they’d lost their guard. They did not and he sent word to me. Further word shares this might be about a certain madam. In short, we must be away.”

Loren had a strong suspicion Satrine and Carling touching the sides of their noses had not been about birthdays.

However, as necessity demanded, they’d added that machination along the way.