Miss Edwards, do you have another shirt in your locker my second period Spanish teacher, Mrs. Buck, asked me on my first day of high school, making sure the. Authors Thank you, as always, for your lovely comments. They keep us going And were glad to hear that so many of you enjoyed Septimus Dont worry, it wont be the. Each of the indicators of thyroid function can be useful, but has to be interpreted in relation to the physiological state. Increasingly, TSH the pituitary thyroid. At His Majestys Pleasure Ch. Non. ConsentReluctance. Authors Thank you, as always, for your lovely comments. They keep us going And were glad to hear that so many of you enjoyed Septimus Dont worry, it wont be the last you see of him. And for those of you who participated in the comment game by providing words for us, youll see the fruit of the results in this chapterWeve used at one word from each comment. See if you can spot yours We hope you enjoy a slightly longer chapter In the aftermath of the glorious battle, the feast was duly served. And what a feast it was The silk tablecloth was soon laden with dishes upon dishes of bountiful and exotic wares herring pie, stuffed peacock, poached pheasant eggs, sage baked capon, slow roasted hares, full haunches of spiced veal, field mushrooms garnished with cheese and that was only what was in her immediate field of vision. Alais was no stranger to affluence, but this was extravagant even for royalty. She wasnt surprised anymore the King seemed to enjoy his affluence but she was a little remorseful that shed been so greedy with the muffins before. Theyd left less room for her to sample all these delicacies. As they dined their way through the array of courses, she opted to listen more than she spoke. Those at the table were his closest family, honored to be seated with him any observations she could draw might be invaluable. Adeline continued to be amiable toward her, although her attention was primarily occupied by her children and her attempts at feeding them. Alais still did not know fully what to make of her and how much of her kindness was feigned. That would not deter Alais herself from persisting in their friendship, though. There was little chance Adeline would be turned against her brother, considering their closeness, but perhaps the princess could be an advocate on her behalf. Alais was able to make quicker work in the study of the princess husband, the blandly handsome Duke Randall. Most of Randalls contributions to the conversation consisted of deferring to the King or pronouncing facts of common knowledge. The Seven Deadly Sins is a classic interpretation of seven basic concepts that will lead your soul to ruin. Originally they were termed the seven deadly. He was quick to quiet whenever the King spoke and quicker to laugh when the King made some amusing comment. No, Randall did not seem particularly cunning, nor anything but a happy follower. But he seemed harmless. On her other side, Count Gavin was the principal speaker Boris had long forsaken the table in favor of a certain Duchess of Toussaint. Gavin appeared to be on close terms with His Majesty, for they conversed with easy familiarity and though the King still controlled the conversation, Gavin was evidently not afraid to make a few good natured quips about the excess of the wedding or the speed with which it had been conjured. Toward her he was charming and solicitous, quick to explain Obsivian customs or include her into their discussion. He had a way with sly jokes, too. She was disposed to think well of him. The same could not be said of his mother. Out of curiosity, might I ask why you waited so long to wed intoned Countess Lucille, now seated next to her after the departure of Boris. She smiled thinly, into her goblet. You certainly had no dearth of suitors. Alais bit into a candied almond, and was pleased with herself for displaying no sign of insult or discomfort whatsoever. What a curious question, she said, pleasantly. The same could be asked of His Majesty. Lucilles expression was claimed by a wide and unconvincing smile. Oh darling, you neednt be evasive, she said. I meant no offense, of course. Is it such a curious question After all, men like to have their dalliances, whereas we do not have such license. She placed her hand briefly over the younger womans, as if in show of solidarity. And it seems you had your share of advantageous matches, hmmI think my mother is attempting to pay a compliment on your eligibility, said Gavin, with a wry smile. It was no such thing, of course, but she did appreciate his attempt at lightening the mood. Yes, I suppose, Lucille continued on, ignoring a look from him. It must be very pleasant to enjoy the attention of multiple suitors. You cant be blamed for wanting to lengthen their affection for a little while longer. She gave Alaiss hand one final pat and retracted it, drawing up her handkerchief to lightly dab at her slightly smirking lips. Do not worry. We all grow out of such phases. Alais peered at her for a moment. Perhaps the unsolicited inspection of her past dalliances should have insulted her. That would have been a little silly, considering her very virtuous and blameless husband likely hadnt hesitated one moment before inviting another woman to his bed. On the third night past their wedding. Slowly Slowly Slowly Said The Sloth Spanish AnimalAnd yet it was she who was meant to feel guilt or shame for all those suitors who hadnt even the faintest hope, and never again, of spying a peep of skin beneath cloak and gownActually, she corrected, apparently happy to trade one vice for another the latter being far more accurate, it was more sloth than vanity. To be inextricably tied takes. I think. I had hoped to laze about for as long as possible. She was smiling almost innocently now. I think I can also understand the logic behind your theories but I cant help but wonder, why is it that the husband, in your customs, is free to take as many mistresses as he like, while the wife must be beyond such reproach upon penalty of death. Forgive me for my ignorance. Im still learning, you see. Gavin coughed briefly, though she caught his expression before he concealed it one of surprised amusement. Lucille blinked, caught off guard for a moment in a way that seemed to irritated herself. She sniffed. Oh, I quite agree, she said, airily. The world can be very unjust. But nonetheless, it falls upon us women to be the paragons of chaste virtue. Oh in Obsivia, I mean. I understand if foreign standards are. I confess that much of the outside world mystifies me. Not as much as you are mystifying our Queen, I am sure, said Gavin, with a quiet smile past his mother. Yes, it is easy to see how she might be confused, said Lucille. It must be difficult to get a sense for all these new traditions particularly if they so diverge from your own. And learning can be difficult for the what was it, slothful She smiled, behind her lacy handkerchief. But I wouldnt worry. Given enough effort, Im sure youll begin comprehending our customs, even if they might elude you now. And I assure you that any embarrassments are to be perfectly expected, and understandable. The King shifted, next to her. Hed been preoccupied with a conversation with Randall about the qualities of different swords, so it seemed, but he appeared to have overheard the gist of the other conversation going on besides him. Yes, he cut in smoothly. The Countess is exceptionally knowledgeable in our customs she is wise, in all her years. The comment was casual, but cutting Lucille was not past her mid forties, and her frilly dress suggested that she aspired towards appearances of youth. Her expression took on a faint look of distaste. It is not wisdom, she said, attempting to sound indifferent, but merely You do not do yourself justice, dear aunt, said the King, interrupting again, with blithe rudeness. He set down a filled goblet for Alais, his smirk rather conspiratorial. Im sure Alais appreciates your advice not all of it is outdated yet, I should think. Lucille looked like she had come across a vaguely unsavory scent, and merely sniffed and muttered something inaudibly into her handkerchief. But perhaps all this selfless dispensing of wisdom has tired you, remarked the King. You look unwell. The Countess was surprised. I assure Your Majesty that I am perfectly You look unwell, the King merely said again. A note of casual command entered his voice. You will go rest now. It would be a shame if I had to worry about your health. The entire table had quieted. Lucille stared at him. Comprehension had dawned on her that this was a dismissal, and a look of utmost indignation was now painted on her face. But the Kings smile looked dangerous, and she was evidently not fool enough to challenge him. May the Gods bless your marriage, she said, stiffly. Rising from her chair, she obediently departed, in a huff of perfumed silk and ladylike displeasure. Slowly, the conversation resumed again, though she could see some of the nobles at the other tables eyeing the empty chair with curiosity. The King looked vaguely amused.
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