Torgan Wine Ch. 15

It was far easier for her to share Daga Liadith's bench than it was for her brothers to share one, or for the two Torgan Princes. Draeseth was the larger of the brothers but Burgath was not a small man. She gave them an encouraging smile as they gamely made the attempt.

After a moment Ialath inquired in Aran, "She still intends to go? I understood that he took back a gift."

She felt the Daga stroke her shoulder, encouraging her to give some answer. "I do." Glancing at Draeseth before looking back to her brother she continued delicately, "There are many differences in our customs. To be upset with him over one of them would be to be upset with him for being Torgan."

"What gift did you take back, brother?" Burgath looked at Draeseth as if he were surprised.

"I had not intended my mother's carcanet, the Kroscur carcanet, as a gift. Krouth insisted I make it clear." Draeseth's jaw clenched and he looked to Isonei apologetically, "Had I known it would hurt her so greatly I would have given it to her. She is my wife. My Duchess."

"She is not your Duchess until father allows you to wed her properly." The smaller Prince gave her a smile. "Having seen the two of you together I have no doubt you will be given a royal wedding befitting your station as a daughter of Liadith the moment you are permitted it."

"I would prefer to wed her in Kroscur not at father's Court. I have already agreed to bring her back for a Lerian ceremony afterward."

"If you choose to argue father's wishes..." The warning edge in his tone made Isonei tense, but the large Torgan merely made a loud unpleasant sound in his throat.

"I would have your mother's support. A wedding befitting my wife's station would require her to publicly wish me well."

Burgath's lips twisted with amusement. "True."

"I have brought the wine you requested, Prince Draeseth." Krouth arrived carrying two bottles, trailed by servants carrying glasses.

"I don't understand." Isonei murmured half to herself.

"I think he means that Burgath's mother would rather defy the King than wish Prince Draeseth well." The Daga leaned down to whisper to her.

"But why?" She turned her head to look up at the leaning Daga.

"You should ask him, privately."

She nodded as Draeseth began to speak, standing between the benches. "As thanks for your hospitality, Daga Liadith, I wish to offer you some of my favorite wine. I had several bottles sent. May you enjoy it as much as I do."

Krouth began to pour it into the glasses and the servants distributed it as everyone adjusted themselves on their cushions.

"You are most welcome in my house, Prince Draeseth. I hope you will bring Isonei back to us often."

"As often as I can." He bowed low. "She will return to you as often as she desires."

"Bring more of this when you come, Isonei. You were right about the pleasant notes behind the first harshness." Arissa smiled at her, sipping the wine slowly.

Isonei sipped her own, glancing to Draeseth who had resumed his seat. The pride in his dark eyes and in the satisfied smile on curving his lips made him look magnificently regal.

"Most Torgan wines are meant to be had with food this... tastes much better on its own. I regret thinking so poorly of it for so long." Daga Gildith inclined his head to the larger Torgan Prince warmly.

"Flower wine is meant to stand alone. Other flavors often enhance the harshness of that first taste." Draeseth gave a half bow from his seated position.

Risking a look at her brothers, she saw them trying to sip the wine graciously but it was clear they didn't find it pleasing.

"There is a certain... smokiness to it." Daga Liadith offered thoughtfully. '"I can see why Isonei would choose to acquire the taste."

"It's a good wine to choose if you wish to sit and lose yourself in your thoughts. It has to be sipped and sat with." She gave Draeseth a warm smile and watched the pride in his eyes turn to heat of desire.

"It has never been one of my favorites, but Lady Isonei is very right. It has a reputation for being a wine that serious men sit and savor."

"A perfect choice before tomorrow's celebrations." Daga Liadith took another sip. "I'm told, as a gift, we'll have Phaethian Vresin to drink tomorrow."

Daga Gildith's eyes changed color as he heard the name. "True Phaethian Vresin?"

"From my private cellars." Draeseth finished his glass, "I purchased it in the city of Bir Viccord. The decanter and glasses were made in the Torga Kroscur."

"You may be invited to many ceremonies if the decanter is as lavish as the gift you've brought to fill it." Daga Gildith looked at him with something bordering on amusement.

"It is a special gift for two whom my wife considers family, and whom I consider friends."

"Whether the match stands or not you will be welcome here, Prince Draeseth." Daga Liadith smiled, lifting his glass in a gesture to have all of them refilled.

"That makes me glad." Isonei smiled and hurriedly finished her glass before allowing it to be filled again.