Master Mages Marriage 6 Court Fashion

"I just want to see what she looks like." Nikolai grumbled. He'd tried to order them aside, but no one went against Eva Morales, even though he was supposed to be in command. His mother had been strict and ordered him to change and forgo his comfortable clothes in favour of these ridiculous trappings that were supposed to be in fas.h.i.+on at Court. Long flowing robes in his House colours of black and gold dragged on the floor behind him, a silk cape and bejewelled coronet finis.h.i.+ng the ridiculous ensemble.

If that wasn't bad enough Chen was grinning at his predicament, occasionally glancing out at the reception in the courtyard and making hums of appreciation or gasps of surprise. All affected, of course, the mans was normally too quiet, except for his… awkward sense of humour.

"Andrei at least tell me what she looks like. Please." The maids still held onto him, wrestling an awkward obsidian chain over his shoulders.

"Looks like her looks are quite astounding." Chen chuckled and leaned out of the window.

"Spare me." He groaned.

"Well, I don't want to spoil the surprise your parents prepared."

"They just didn't want me to make a break for it."

"Could you expect any less? You're a flight risk Niki." Chen shut the window and drew the curtains. "Receptions over." He explained when Nikolai tried to raise an eyebrow. "You shouldn't do that. I get it, but it just looks absurd, like you're surprised."

Nikolai dismissed the maids and trudged to his bed to pick up his stave of office. Granted by the Emperor in person it was a War-Staff designed for his use by the greatest craftsmen of the Empire. His demeanour changed with the weapon in hand, memories of war flas.h.i.+ng in his mind. Chen's hand on his shoulder broke then trance and Nikolai brushed the staff with his sleeve. He hadn't brought it out in a long time and dust had settled in the grooves and cracks. The weapon had been through a lot.

"She's a Suzdal." Chen said suddenly, his hoa.r.s.e voice filled with meaning.

Nikolai twitched. House Suzdal had existed since before the founding of the Empire. Along with its cadet branches they controlled most of the north-west including the Grand Duchy of Arkhangelsk, one of only six that existed. More than that, their influence over the military was huge. Most of the direct descendants of the House served in major positions in the Army or various Knight Orders, making them a direct threat to the other great Houses, which left them isolated politically as far as Nikolai knew.

"You saw the silver hair?" he gulped. It was easy to spot a Suzdal.

"Not just that. While I'm tempted to tease you, it would be better if you're prepared. There was a troop of the Knights of Chernigov." Chen cursed as the War staff fell from Nikolai's grip and scurried away. He'd seen what the weapon was capable of and had no desire to be disintegrated because his friend was shocked by his fiancée. "Watch what you do with that thing!" He reprimanded, relieved that the room hadn't turned into a ball of fire. It was a trick Nikolai had used often in the past.

"They sent Silver Fang?" Nikolai gulped. "I thought she was engaged to the fourth Prince."

"Who knows, she's here and dolled up with both makeup and armour. So, she's here either as your fiancée or your executioner." Chen giggled at the a.n.a.logy, ignoring Nikolai's flat expression.

s.n.a.t.c.hing the stave back, Nikolai brushed it nervously, trying to take his mind off the thought of the woman who would be able to snap him with a clench of her fist. All the stories about her emphasised her abilities and strength, so Chen's comments about her being an executioner had a certain validity, although he hadn't committed any crimes.

That anyone knew of anyway.

"What do you think Seven?" he asked. The Hand was privy to a lot of information that even most of the aristocracy would be unaware of. The black-clothed shadow in the corner shrugged and signed exaggeratedly, gesturing in front of his chest and hips.

"How could you even tell through the armour?" Chen said incredulously.

A few more signals from Seven had them gaping.

"I don't know what I should say. Should I be angry?" Nikolai wasn't sure how to respond to the shocking revelation.

"If it was after the engagement you'd have to defend her honour, but right now… what can you do to the Hand that peeks?" Chen grinned at Seven lasciviously, feeling a connection with a kindred spirit.

Seven was indignant and signed defensively, claiming his innocence.

"What 'protection'?" Nikolai snorted. "Do you peek on me while I'm bathing?"

Seven crossed his arms emphatically and mimed that he was vomiting.

"I think I should hit you." He murmured, and Seven pulled his mask down to grin like he was ready for the challenge.

"I think he'd hit you if you tried. Probably bury you." With a shrug Chen picked up Nikolai's sword from a chair. He would act as the Count's Swordbearer for the meeting, a position normally taken by a retainer dedicated for the task. It was an a.s.signment that just offered prestige and indicated favour for a Lord's va.s.sals, but in the tumultuous political climate of Volhiniya it would be a spark for conflict and Nikolai had begged his friend for a.s.sistance.

"So how big was it?" Chen sidled to the Hand. Seven's eyes sparkled, and he gestured lewdly.

"Alright, that's enough. Stop talking about my fiancée like that!" Nikolai demanded, threatening them with his staff, but was met with identical smiles.

He stormed from the room, trying to ignore their whispers and signs.

"That much?"

"…" The sound of clothes rustling as Seven signed excitedly.

"No way! I'm not going to sneak a peek at a Dragon slayer!" Chen spat, chuckling in horror at the idea.

"Hey! No more peeking!" Nikolai shouted back in frustration.

So, what if she looked good? She sliced up Dragons for a living and that was terrifying.