"What does it say?"
Kaddar, emperor of Carthak, looked up from the letter. He smiled at the blue-eyed blonde who had spoken. "It brings no bad news. It's from Daine. She's...getting married."
"That's a surprise! Who to?"
"It doesn't say. She's requested 'the presence of the Emperor of Carthak and the lady of his choice.'"
Varice almost laughed at the expression on her emperor's face. "Still in love with her?"
Kaddar nodded, sorrowfully. "Fancy being the 'lady of my choice'?"
"I'd be offended if you asked anyone else."
********
Numair scowled at his future wife. "I don't see why you invited him."
"Stop your endless whining! I did and he's accepted. He's arriving today."
The expression on Numair's face was laughable.
"What?"
"He's arriving by Stormwing."
Numair pursed his lips. "So why couldn't I have anyone?"
"Not many like to travel with Stormwing smells, and the water is icy." She ended their conversation. "They're here."
*******
Kaddar and Varice landed in one of the palace's courtyards. It had not been a pleasant journey. A female figure rushed to meet them. "Kaddar! And...Varice."
Varice looked Daine over. The years had blessed her with mature curves and a blissful look, temporarily hidden by the digusted expression she wore while looking at Varice.
"Who are you marrying? Anyone new?"
"Oh, you know him."
"Is Numair here?" Varice enjoyed the possessive look that crossed her rival's features.
"Follow me."
*****
Numair was standing with his back to the arrivals. "You found them, I take it."
"I did. Still sulking? Turn around." Numair acted as though he didn't hear her; Daine pretended to be offended and ignored Numair's apologies. Daine was facing Varice and Kaddar; Numair hadn't moved.
"All right!" He gave in and twisted around, one arm circling Daine's waist.
Varice was surprised by his intimacy with a betrothed woman. And she was caressing his arm lovingly!
"Kaddar! Nice to see you." He made it plain it was not nice to see him. "Varice. Pleasure! Married yet?" Both shook their heads.
"How about you, Numair," purred Varice. "Anyone new?"
"Yes, in fact. You know her. I've been with her for seven years."
"Seven...years!"
"I see you turned into a parrot since I saw you last," said Daine, sardonically.
Numair smiled at Daine. "I'm going to marry her."
"Who? What? WHEN?"
"You really need to read your invitation more clearly." Daine's voice was smooth.
"What?" The Carthakis spoke in unison.
Numair turned to Daine, a dreamy look in his peaceful brown eyes, and kissed her.
"Told you that you knew my bethrothed." Daine felt a victorius smile settle on her face.
Varice struggled with her emotions. "I'm very...happy for you." The pause let them know she was anything but.
