Torgan Wine Ch. 43

The one who had played by himself followed looking proud, and Isonei made her way back to the royal table. Draeseth rose and touched her face before running his hands down her arms almost as if checking her for injury. Placing a hand on his chest she gave him a contented smile.

"You could dance at least that well if you wanted to. I'm certain of it."

"If you must dance, I would have you learn Torgan dances. I do not enjoy watching you dance that way."

"I will be glad to learn Torgan dances." She tilted her chin down as if being meek and he made a sound of amused annoyance.

"My second Duchess does not drive me mad with jealousy."

"I am amazed at your restraint, brother." Burgath placed his elbows on the table. "She is not my wife and even I had the urge to draw a blade."

"It was a pointed reminder that the Tengk Ramols furh Kroscur comes from Ara. A Torgan would not allow his daughter or his sister to dance that way. His wife may do it behind closed doors with him if she chooses." King Orgath muttered before he rose and took the Queen's hand making an announcement of some kind. The guests began to talk quietly amongst themselves as they stood and began to mill around the tables.

Looking at him with a faint frown, Isonei murmured, "I don't understand why it upsets Torgans so much. It's a beautiful dance."

"The last dance was graceful, Duchess." Ougath brought her cloak and put it over her shoulders. "But it was also scandalous. When he leaned you back it was very... suggestive."

"The music was more lovely than I had expected." King Orgath moved closer with the Queen to mingle.

She gave him a slightly rueful smile, "I had never heard the music for a Seivenis Jara played on only one instrument, but it was incredibly well done. It gave it an air of etherealness. He's obviously talented. Does he write music as well?"

"I will have inquiries made." The King's eyes had begun to sparkle. "Burgath said that the Court in Ara has musicians waiting to play for the Queen at a moment's notice."

"It's true! King Tamnaeuth very famously decreed that she should have music wherever she goes because she moves so gracefully."

"He only has one Queen?" Queen Deventha smiled frostily.

"He had two, your Majesty. But..." Isonei hesitated with a frown.

"Did she die?" Kresh asked standing almost at the Queen's elbow.

"No. She was banished from Court." Isonei fidgeted uncomfortably and moved closer to Draeseth. "I don't know who she was or what she did. Her name isn't spoken and it was made very clear that any inquiry about the matter, no matter how discreet, from a single member of a House would put that House out of favor." She looked at the King with a nervous frown. "It is not discussed."

"His fury must have been impressive if you still fear it and it was done... when?"

"Before I was born."

King Orgath raised his eyebrows. "Such fury would be impressive even for a Torgan. She was Andnaeuth's mother?"

"Yes, your Majesty."

"Did he travel with his mother?" Queen Deventha frowned.

"Your Majesty, I didn't ask him. He never spoke of her and I never pried."

"He mentioned once..." Burgath offered his hand to Lislora helping her out of her chair. "He was not raised in the Court as Daeira was."

"The Arrangement must have been dissolved in the traditional way." Isonei inclined her head. "A child would stay with his mother, only visiting on the holidays that would require it until he came of age."

Draeseth made a surprised sound. "The father's House is the most important."

"A child needs his mother. An Arrangement can be amended so easily because the happiness of both parents is necessary to keep the family intact. A child belongs to his father's House, everything he requires is paid for by his father, he is named by his father, but until he comes of age he remains with his mother."

The way the Queen squeezed King Orgath's arm was not quite subtle enough for Isonei to miss. He inclined his head with a smile. "A child does need his mother. Duchess Isonei, perhaps you will join me and my Queen as we speak with our guests? You should be introduced to the nobles that make up our family and our inner circle."

The King offered his other arm and Isonei gave him a bright smile, "It would be my pleasure, your Majesty."