Viscount's Rise

“So who will be presiding over the wedding?” Braydon asked, hoping Ethan would know more than him.

“The Bishop I presume.” Boshil was the seat of a bishop so it would make sense.

“Is he even in the Kingdom? I have never heard of him presiding over a service any of the times I have been here.” That was why Braydon had asked, it was no secret that the Fiver royal house had conflicts with the bishops appointed by the church in the past. It was to the point that there were very few clergymen above the rank of a simple priest in Fiveria, Boshil was the seat of its only bishop and even he was mostly absent.

“I believe the King sent word to the church before anyone else. There is no way that he is going to say nothing if the church only had a priest marry the King of Fiveria.” No matter the relationship with the church, that would make King Aled a laughingstock. 

“Not that I would be able to recognise a bishop from a priest if it were not for his robes.” As far as Braydon was concerned most of the clergy were old men in robes, and there was truth in that. Just that a bishop’s robes was far more embroidered than that of a priest.

“No need to worry, I confirmed, myself, that the Bishop is in Fiveria. He passed by my territory a week ago.” A larger than life voice sounded from behind the pair as they turned around to see a brightly smiling face.

“Cinar, it is good to see you. Or should I be calling you Duke Burgess now?” Braydon smiled nodding to Nela who was standing just behind her father as he spoke.

“Not unless you want me to take my daughter back for good.” Cinar said with a smile that had not changed from earlier. At least Braydon could understand where Nela got it from.

“Then I shall refrain from doing so, I think my territory might just collapse without her aid.” Not quite true but Colin would likely be much more overworked than he was now. He did not want to take his chances that the elder chamberlain would be able to handle it.

“Now on from such a dour topic, what are your thoughts on the bride?” Cinar moved on as quickly as usual, there was rarely a slow moment when talking with him.

“Would we not have to see her first?” Ethan pointed out. And it was true, Very few people not close to Duke Burn had met his daughter. Whether by choice or not, she did not attend many banquets or formal celebrations.

“But surely you must have some thoughts.” Cinar egged them on anyway, clearly looking for their opinions on any rumours. Likely so that he could then give his own contrarian take.

“You make it sound like you have met her already.” Braydon probed. 

“Haha, you caught me. I have been to visit Duke Burn before. I had the chance to meet his daughter then.

“Recently or when she was a small child?” Ethan poked fun, knowing Cinar’s sense of humour it could be. He had at least been around long enough.

“Well back then I did too, but no, more recently. Not long after the victory celebrations I made my way to the snake’s den. I have to say that rumours of her lacking appearance are overblown. She may not be a stunner but it is not like she lacks beauty.” Of course, since the Duke’s daughter was unusually cloistered there were rumours amongst bored nobles that it was due to her being physically abhorrent. 

“Then Elanitia has spared Aled from a fate of a kind.” Braydon doubted that the wedding would be for all of the nobility to see if the queen was ugly. 

“Is  there anything other than her appearance that was remarkable?” Ethan asked, slightly interested. 

“I did not have the opportunity to speak with her so I cannot say for her character but I at least know that she makes a hobby of embroidery. Apparently a number of the Duke’s own clothes are embroidered by his daughter.” Cinar shook his head, it was not like it would be proper for him to have an in depth conversation with the unmarried daughter of Duke Burn, especially when she was already engaged. 

“Well I hope for her sake that she is as politically deft as she is with embroidery.” Ethan shook his head, not at all interested in the Duke’s fashion sense. Aled was marrying for a queen, not a tailor.

“It seems like you were right about the Bishop.” Braydon commented looking to the front of the cathedral, where the altar had stood empty before, now stood a man of the cloth distinguished from the priests surrounding him by his far more ornate garments.

“Since he has arrived, it should not be long before the King appears either.” The nobles that had been standing around in their small groups had all noticed the man at the front of the altar and were slowly dispersing to sit in their proper places. As with something so formal, the seating was prearranged and based on status. Of course foreign monarchs, Dukes and Marquesses at the front and everybody else behind. Though given the number of remaining Dukes, the front row would be relatively sparse.

“Is there anybody from other countries coming?” Braydon asked Cinar, if anybody knew what King Aled had arranged, it would be him.

“An invite was sent to Duke Tetland.” Cianr thought about it but it was not a long list. Braydon did not have to spend much time looking, seeing the man already sitting with what Braydon presumed to be his wife, two daughters and son at the front of the hall.

“Well Ethan, if you were looking for a wife how about trying your luck over there.” Braydon turned the tables from earlier on Ethan.

“Perhaps not right at this moment.” Whilst it was true that it was probably not the right time, Ethan’s comment focused more on the age of the two girls. They barely reached their father’s waste. 

“Well ,wait a few years and then try.” Braydon snickered.

Darkwood

Hi Hi. 

Come join me and others on my discord server and have fun chatting together! You can come and talk to me about my thoughts on the novel or point out any mistakes I made in my chapters. Or if that doesn't suit your taste then just talk about whatever random stuff is on your mind.

And if you are willing and able, you could always show me some love by contributing to my snack fund over on Kofi. =P

                                                                                                   |Discord|