Chapter Twenty
Serron
“Excuse me, Your Highness, could I have a moment of your time?” Serron looked up from where he had been watching Jaq and Patin enjoying themselves on the dance floor, to see one of the lords that he was semi-comfortable with. Duncan, Lord of Coval, was someone Serron knew in passing, although it was his son, Reuban, whom Serron believed to be a closer friend. Duncan had an obsequious vibe that Serron found unsettling. Nevertheless, the man had come to his party, so Serron waved a hand at the empty seat beside him.
“Of course, Duncan, take my husband's seat for a moment. He appears to be having a pleasant time on the dance floor, so I'm sure we would have a few moments.”
Duncan took a seat, glancing across at the dance floor, and Serron could tell he wasn't happy with something. That was reinforced when Duncan leaned closer and said, “I don't mean to be forward, Your Highness, but have you considered telling your new consort that perhaps dancing with Lord Patin, the Duke of Folkon, is not necessarily an advisable idea when it comes to his reputation among new society members that he now associates with?”
Serron frowned, although he kept his words light. “You'd better watch yourself, Duncan. I would hate to get the impression that you were disapproving of my friendship with the Duke of Folkon. Patin and I have been long-time companions, and I consider him my most trusted adviser. I would sincerely hate to hear any insult about him for any reason.”
Duncan's face went bright red. “Of course I didn't mean anything improper, Your Highness,” he said quickly - far too quickly for Serron's taste. Serron’s experience had shown that when somebody said something like that in such a manner, the reverse was actually what they meant.
“I simply felt,” Duncan continued, perhaps not realizing he was in danger of doing the very thing he said he hadn’t intended, “that considering your consort is so new to our country and to our customs that he might not be familiar with the rankings of the society families here. I mean, admittedly, it's a little strange that this wedding is being held here in the first place instead of at the castle…?” He trailed off as though expecting Serron to fill in the gaps for him.
Serron mentally groaned. It would be very normal procedure for his parents to have at least put out a proclamation celebrating his marriage, and while the evidence of the help from the castle was everywhere, from the livery that the waiting staff were wearing to the insignia on the plates that they had just eaten from, clearly that hadn't been enough. Serron struggled to know what to say that couldn't later be proven as a lie.
Flicking a quick glance at Jaq, who was laughing at something that Patin must have said, Serron mentally apologized to his husband and said quietly, “It is not common knowledge, but my husband does not enjoy hosting large crowds or fancy events. Queen Sophie, when she became aware of this, suggested that it was a good idea that we hold our wedding and reception here. The idea was we could invite a select number of society families, people we consider friends, rather than subjecting Jaq to a full-on wedding reception at the castle. As you can imagine, an event of that scale that would involve so many more people and cause my husband undue stress at a time when he is still adjusting to living in a new country.”
“Oh, that is very understanding and so kind of the king and queen to consider your new consort in that manner,” Duncan said, clearly patting himself on the back for being one of those favored family members. Serron reminded himself it wasn’t diplomatic for a crown prince to add that Duncan only got invited at all, because Serron trusted Reuban.
“The only possible issue I can see, Your Highness,” Duncan continued, perhaps emboldened by the idea that he was a friend of the crown, a favored friend, no less. “There have been a few rumors circulating...”
Serron immediately stiffened. If that Crown Prince Rupert has been getting in touch with Monce society family members, I will duel him , he thought fiercely.
But Duncan hadn't finished. “The king has not been seen in public for some time, so of course it's obvious that most of us who consider him with such love and respect would be concerned about him, particularly as your own wedding is being held outside of the castle.”
Serron bit his tongue against the things that threatened to roll off it, like how it was hardly any of Duncan's business what went on in the castle or with the royal family. Unfortunately, he had a reputation to maintain as well. Duncan was only voicing what many other guests were likely thinking.
It was time to take a more diplomatic tone. Serron mentally chuckled, remembering one of Jaq’s tirades during their ride from Elembaum to Monce. He’d complained that diplomacy was just another word for lying, and he did not approve. Unfortunately, this was one of the times when Serron was going to have to use his own diplomatic skills, if only to preserve his father’s privacy.
“The king is suffering from a minor ailment,” he said because that was going to become evident soon enough. “The king and queen had both planned to be present at our wedding and the larger reception I mentioned earlier. The planning has not gone to waste.” Serron indicated the server who came by, removing empty bottles from the table. “The queen simply moved the destination of said event.”
“That was very thoughtful of the queen.” It was there – Serron could see in that moment what Jaq had been saying about how people say one thing, but their responses were merely surface words. Duncan didn’t like that the event was being held at Folkon.
“It was very kind of Patin to offer his estate to host our smaller gathering,” Serron went on, watching Duncan closely. “Its proximity to the castle made things so much easier for the queen to implement her planned event without having the hustle and bustle associated with such an event intrude on the castle.
“I personally felt this was a very sensible and considerate decision by the queen, especially factoring in how busy my father has been in ruling this country and always giving the best of himself to his people. I count myself very fortunate that my good friend and my new consort both agreed.”
“Indeed, Your Highness, I totally understand, and I am so sorry to hear that the king has been poorly. However,” Duncan hesitated and then said in a rush, “in light of the fact that our family is considered so close to the crown, don't you think it might have been more fortuitous if the wedding to the young prince from Elembaum had been delayed, postponed, or perhaps simply held at a time when it was more convenient for the castle?”
Serron shifted in his seat and fixed the man with a glare. “Duncan, whatever decisions the king and queen might make, I am as governed by them as you are. While I might call them mother and father in private, I am also one of their many subjects. When Queen Sophie decided that moving the reception to Folkon was a good idea, I was hardly going to complain or kick up a fuss about it.
“Both Jaq and I were keen on an early, no-fuss wedding, so this worked for us, too. My consort’s family wasn’t available to accompany him, and the wedding was more to preserve Jaq’s reputation than anything else, especially when he did not have a chaperone. I am sure you would agree that there are a few society members who might waggle their tongues at such a shocking state of affairs, and Jaq’s reputation is as important to me as my own.”
Flattening his hand on his chest, Duncan looked as if he was about to burst out into song, which Serron sincerely hoped he wouldn’t. “That is so understandable, Your Highness. I mean, clearly, none of the friends you invited here today would ever dream of suggesting such a disgraceful thing about your new husband, but I can see where your thinking is solid and so considerate to the new consort’s wishes and his reputation.”
“Exactly. I knew you would understand.” If it was possible to be struck by lightning for lying, Serron’s jacket would be smoldering. I’m being diplomatic. However, Serron couldn’t resist adding, “You will never hear a word of complaint from my lips, or my new husband’s, critiquing the king and queen’s decisions. That is not the way a respectful son might treat his parents or his rulers, wouldn't you agree?”
If Duncan's face got any redder, Serron was sure the man was going to combust. “I definitely didn't mean anything untoward by my concerns, and I'm sure you realize that,” he said, his words tripping over themselves he was in such a hurry to get them out of his mouth.
“However, with the new consort being happier to socialize with smaller groups, perhaps I could offer my estate as somewhere that you and the consort might visit for a time? We could host a small gathering. I'm sure my wife would be very honored to organize such an event on your behalf.”
Serron gritted his teeth, showing a smile - that was one of the skills he'd achieved from a very young age. It was a tip from his father that proved a person could clench their back teeth and still relax their lips enough to show the front teeth without looking foolish.
“That is very generous and welcoming of you. I shall be sure to pass on your good wishes and your invitation to my new husband. Please don’t be in a hurry to organize anything for a few months, though, if that is agreeable for you and your wife. Jaq and I have decided to stay here for a while, at least until my father feels more like himself. Once I am convinced of his good health, I will take Jaq on an extended tour to introduce him to our close society family friends. I'll be sure to let Jaq know that yours will be the first of the fine establishments that we will be visiting.”
Serron's smile was more genuine as he looked up and saw Patin escorting Jaq off the dance floor. “I appreciate you discussing your concerns, and I hope you can leave here reassured of your good standing with myself and the king and queen. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to spend some time with my new husband. I'll make sure to advise the Duke of Folkon to put you at the top of the list of the estates we will visit, once issues at the castle have been resolved. Have a lovely evening.”
He waited until Duncan got up, bowed and shuffled away, although clearly the man wasn't happy about getting out of the seat, although maybe he was hoping for a chance to dance with the consort. But Jaq collapsed into the chair, patting his chest and chuckling.
“Phew, that will be the last dance for me this evening. You were very right, my new husband,” he said. “To dance with such an accomplished dancer makes the process so much more agreeable. Not that you don’t cut a fine figure on the floor as well.”
He chuckled again, resting his hand on Serron's arm. “I have to ask though, are we expected to stay for the dancing for much longer? I am ready to retire for the evening. Will that cause a problem?” He leaned closer and whispered, “I’ve done about as much peopling as I can stomach this evening. Everyone has been very nice, but I believe I’ve reached my limit.”
“Thank you for letting me know.” Serron patted the hand on his arm. “How about you and I both leave. That way, the other guests can enjoy the rest of their evening without worrying about keeping up appearances in front of a royal family member,” Serron said with a grin. “I'll escort you upstairs. Patin, can I leave you to take care of things here?”
Patin bowed. “Of course, sire. I will leave some final instructions for Hunter to take care of our guests in the meantime and ensure they all get to their carriages safely, then I will check in to see if you need anything else before retiring for the night. Have a good night, Your Highnesses.”