Torgan Wine Ch. 44

Draeseth grunted sourly, "Kamrus Gillaugrim?"

"Yes. He has sent word to the other eight Kamruses as well. There will be a council held at the Temple no matter what I decide. The little Duchess will be the subject of it." He gave Draeseth a solemn frown. "I advise you to gather anyone willing to speak on her behalf and prepare yourself for a difficult battle."

"I understand, father."

Glancing up at him, Isonei saw the large Torgan Prince glowering at the door as if he expected an enemy he could lash out at to walk through it. "Draeseth..."

"I allowed them to dictate how I treated you before, Isonei. I will not allow it again. You need not fear that." His face softened and she realized her look of concern for him must have been misread.

The King spoke before she could, "Good. Perhaps now we can enjoy the breakfast that has been laid."

Isonei looked at the table with a smile, fruits and cheeses, cold sliced meats, slices of various kinds of bread, and sweet batter cakes, as well as two bowls of manirel, honey, and salt.

"Why are there no eggs?" Lislora sounded disappointed.

Burgath spoke quickly in Torgan and Rogath made a face. King Orgath rose and gestured for Isonei to approach the table with him as they began to converse with Lislora.

"What appeals to you this morning, little Duchess?"

"I think... I want to put some Aran manirel on a sweet batter cake and perhaps have some honey and chicken."

He chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he gave her a plate and began to fill his own. Helpfully, he pointed out which of the two bowls was the Torgan manirel so that she was sure to get the Aran for herself, and he insisted that she try to eat some of the sprouted bread from the Strecur as well.

Sitting down next to him, where the King indicated, Isonei began to eat. She asked Mes for the salt and more honey for the chicken and found it went down easier than the batter cake. When she glanced to Lislora she noticed the Torgan woman was sourly picking at the food she had chosen. "Is something wrong, Lislora?"

"What I most wanted is not on the table." Lislora gave her an accusatory look. "Despite it being a favorite of others here as well."

"If it is something that will make me sick to look at or smell, and everyone else wants some I can leave the room-"

"You will do no such thing, little Duchess." King Orgath's tone was deliberately cheerful but his look to Lislora was cutting. "If my son's second Duchess cannot behave herself and give you the consideration you require in your more delicate condition, Draeseth may have upset the Kamruses for nothing. I would be willing to allow you to adopt the child officially and make it an equal to your own if you wish."

"If she chooses not to make an Arrangement with us, then yes, I would ask you to do that. It means a great deal to Draeseth and I would consider the child the equal of my own even without an adoption."

"Your wife will let you have a second Duchess, choose one who dotes on her, Draeseth," Rogath spoke quietly between bites of his breakfast. "The woman wants your happiness, see to hers."

"She isn't arranging herself to me, Rogath. We just need to agree on rules, the time of year, and how often we will be in the same house with all of the children together. What's most important is that she and Draeseth get along well, and they do." Isonei gave him a wan smile and rose to give Mes her plate.

"You should eat more, little Duchess." The King gestured to Mes who pushed the plate back into her hands.

"I can't your Majesty. If I try everything will come back up."

"Come here, my Isonei." Draeseth held out his plate and Krouth took it immediately. "Sit with me." Settling into his lap she let him take the plate. "Krouth has said that unhappiness knots your stomach, and I know that when you are unhappy you need to be close."

She smiled wryly and leaned against him, laying her head on his shoulder. "Both are true."

The men began to speak among themselves in Torgan, with several questions directed at Krouth. After a short while, she began picking at the food on her plate again, finishing the chicken and nearly all of the batter cake, even taking a few small bites of the bread, before she felt unable to eat more.

Isonei rubbed her cheek against his tunic as she half closed her eyes, listening to the rumble of his voice and the amused sound of his father and brothers. Krouth took her plate, returning Draeseth's to his hand, and she was shifted in the large Torgan's lap so that he could try to feed himself. With a smile she took over and began to feed him, breaking his food into little bites and putting them into his mouth.

"That is why we need peace with Ara." Burgath sounded teasing. "I need at least one Aran wife, father."

"I think our brother is doing it the right way." Ougath teased, "One to coddle him and drive him mad with desire and jealousy and a Torgan wife to give him sharp looks and remind him he is not a god among men."

The Torgans laughed and Draeseth blushed as he kissed her head.

Turning her head, Isonei gave them a look of mild annoyance, "I like to reward him when he's being so sweet."

Draeseth nearly jostled her off of his lap as he laughed with them this time.

"Little Duchess, how could he be anything else?" King Orgath grinned broadly. "Not even Kings can expect to be so lovingly tended by their Queens in Torga."

"My Emperor enjoys such treatment." Kresh sounded slightly sullen, "But he would not ask it of his wife, that is slaves' work."

"It isn't work, it's affection, and he didn't ask." Isonei gave the Phaethian woman a cold look.

The Torgans grinned, and Draeseth made a pleased sound in his throat. "My wife's affectionate nature is the greatest joy I have ever known." He kissed her cheek, and teased, "If it were not tempered with mischief she would have been far too perfect a creature for me to ever hope to approach."

The face she made at him set them laughing again. The large Torgan Prince rose carefully and set her on her feet with a contented smile.

"Would you still have me wear my armor for you after I have finished sparring?"

"Yes please!" She rose on her toes and put her hands on his chest.

His father said something cautioning as his brothers laughed at her eagerness.

"How can I refuse my Duchess when she looks at me so adoringly?" Draeseth pressed his face to hers. "I will be wearing my armor on my return."

"You look so proud and formidable in your armor. I like it when you're proud."

He kissed her hungrily and lifted his head with a broad grin. "I would wade into the Melee of Bir Vrahk for a second time to know you were eagerly awaiting my return."

"My Queen will be taking her retinue to find scarves soon. I will see to it she takes the little Duchess." King Orgath stepped forward and clapped the larger Prince on the shoulder. "We are growing accustomed to the way you kiss your wife; at the bouts they might think you to be forcing yourself on the delicate little Duchess."

Draeseth gave a growling grunt. "Go rest, wife. I will send a servant ahead to allow you to have the bath drawn."

Isonei beamed and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Would you like the water to be warm or cold?"

"I prefer cold water after a bout but if I want you to join me in the water it must be warm." He smiled down at her.

"I'll ask them to make it on the cool side of warm."

"You have to let him go if you want him to come back in his armor." Rogath teased gently.

"That's the least fun part." She put on a mock pout and reluctantly released him.

"Agreed." Draeseth stole another kiss and let his elder brother pull him out of the room with a desirous glance back before the door closed.

"Your Grace is in a pleasant mood this morning." Krouth sounded almost cautiously cheerful.

"I woke up and didn't feel sick this morning." She smiled wistfully at the closed door, "And Draeseth was being sweet. It's so nice when he's in a good mood."

"You put them all in a good mood," Lislora muttered and handed Krouth her plate as she retreated to her room.

Isonei frowned after her before noticing Hodrim looking nervous as he hurriedly tried to finish his food. "You don't need to rush, dear Hodrim." She took a seat near him and looked at Krouth with a thoughtful frown. "Does he have many changes of clothes? And does he have toys or...?"

Krouth inclined his head, "I had intended to arrange more clothing for him today and he did not want toys, he asked for tutors. He wants to be a priest and the Temple would offer him many opportunities."

She turned a doting smile on the boy, "He's so young to know what he wants from life. I envy that. Whatever clothing and supplies he needs for studying he should be given, and some nice clothes for anything we may do with the rest of the royal family."

"Of course, your Grace."

"And Krouth?" She smiled impishly as he gave her a curious look, "He should have at least one toy. He seems like a clever boy, perhaps a puzzle box or something like it if you have them here in Torga."

"I will take him to look for something, your Grace." Krouth smiled faintly as he began to speak to the baffled-looking child in Torgan.

Watching Hodrim's face light up made her feel joyful and grateful she was able to give him anything he needed. The thought of gratitude crossed her mind and she waited patiently until Krouth and the boy finished speaking.

"If your Grace wishes, I will take him, after breakfast has been cleared, to have things arranged and clothing fitted."

"That would be excellent, Master Krouth. Before you leave, would you have paper and a pen brought to the table for me? I don't want to intrude on Lislora but I have thank you notes that I need to write."

"Of course, your Grace." He looked to Mes and the Munian woman began to clear the table. "You will remember to rest?"

"I will."

°°°°°°°°°°

Isonei had started with the note for Kamrus Gillaugrim. He probably wouldn't be thrilled with receiving it but it would be worse to be ungrateful. She made certain her wording was gracious if a bit careful and set it aside.

Next, she set about writing the note for Kresh. Blinking she looked up and around realizing she'd forgotten all about the woman. Mes gave her a peculiar look.

"I had forgotten Kresh was here earlier, when did she leave?"

Mes gave her an impish grin showing her dimples. "She slipped out with a very sour look when Prince Draeseth said he would wade into the Melee for you. I think she was envious."

"She said she thought Draeseth was the better brother when I spoke to her before." Isonei smiled wryly and shook her head turning her attention back down to her note.

"I'm certain Prince Rogath will point out to her that if she treated him the way you treat Draeseth he might be willing to find the same passion for her," Mes sounded viciously amused and Isonei looked up at her again. "That woman is hateful. When she was being kind to you it made my skin crawl."

"I thought at first that she wanted a friend but... I think now she wanted a pet." Isonei shuddered. "I still need to write the note. I don't want to be ungrateful, and she should be encouraged to do kind things for people whatever her motivations."

The Munian woman was silent as Isonei carefully worded the note, keeping it relatively brief. She set it aside as she had the one for the Kamrus and took up the next piece of paper. "Does Xagorath read Aran?"

"No, your Grace. I gave him your thanks and told him of your reaction. He was sorry he could not have been here himself but he was glad that you were finally able to receive it and that you like it."

"I love it. I have never seen anything so beautiful; it puts real lavendela blooms to shame." Isonei beamed at her as the woman smiled proudly.

"I'll tell him, and I'll tell him you wanted to write him a thank you note. That will brighten his day, writing notes is a very Aran thing to do."

Isonei laughed and nodded. "We like to express our thanks." Looking down at the sheet of paper she had a thought and dropped her voice to a barely audible murmur. "Would you be able to get a thank you note to the one who sent the book for me?"

Mes moved closer replying just as quietly, "I don't think so. I was terrified of being caught with the book and a note would be worse. Xagorath says the Lerian is content in knowing you received it for the moment."

"The book is a family heirloom for him. It's priceless. To be lent it would be an honor, to be given it is..." She was hunting for the word when she heard Lislora's door open. "I think that may be enough for today. I'm going to go rest now."

"Would you like some peppers or some Mezi before you lie down?"

"Some peppers would be lovely and perhaps some tea?"

"I'll fetch it for you and take your letters to the courier to be put in envelopes and sent."

"Thank you, Mes." She stood from the chair and stretched as the Munian woman bustled out, choosing to retreat to a more comfortable seat, curling her feet under her on the sofa.

Lislora took her seat at the table, lightly touching the paper and eying the pen. "I understand why you wanted a servant of your own. She will wait on Draeseth but she serves you." Lislora glanced at her in an almost conciliatory manner, "She seems loyal."

"I intend to set her free when King Orgath gives her to Draeseth. She may not choose to stay but she is a wonderful woman."

"Why would you set her free if you think she would leave? A well-trained servant is valuable." Lislora frowned fidgeting in her seat before moving to a softer chair.

"Because no one should be kept from home and family just to make my life a little easier." Isonei gave her a wan smile. "Have I done something to make you unhappy?"

The Torgan woman took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose. "No. I... I thought I could do this but the looks we got at the dinner... It was painful enough to watch you charm the King and Princes in a way that I never could hope to; the scandalized looks made me feel so ashamed."

"I won't press you, Lislora. I would not keep your child from you and I hope you know me well enough that-"

"Isonei, stop. Stop being so nice to me." The Torgan woman scowled at her hands and her chin trembled for a moment. "When I... when I realized, I thought now he will have to put her aside. I was so relieved at the thought of leaving the convent and so happy at the thought of having him to myself."

She swallowed and looked up as Isonei patiently waited for her to continue. "I spoke to some of the other postulants, ones who were there because they had been wanton and were sent as punishment. They told me what I had done wrong when I took him to bed and I thought... I thought I could steal him from you."

"And then you learned that I was also carrying his child."

"Yes."

"I know this isn't ideal for you. That's part of why I'm trying so hard to be welcoming. I love you like a sister and sharing him will be miserable for you at first." Isonei waited until Lislora looked up at her, "I don't want my sister to be miserable. I will do anything I can to make it easier on you."

Lislora looked back down and after a moment asked quietly, "What is the other part?"

"I know some Torgans will insult us both, or insult you more than they do me. I'm protected, to a certain extent, by the King. You don't yet share that protection."

The Torgan woman took a deep breath. "I could tell. He allows you to do things that would have anyone else trembling in fear for contemplating them."

"He can be a very sweet man. I treat him like my father. I charm him and try to get around his wishes more than I should." Isonei gave her an impish smile and Lislora looked both horrified and amused. "The Queen is a little more difficult but I think she doesn't hate me. And considering how poorly behaved I was when she was rude to me..." She made a face and Lislora gave a small laugh despite herself.

"You do have a way with people, Isonei. If your son inherits it he would make a better diplomat than a priest."

"With all the trouble he's giving me, Draeseth and the Queen are sure he's going to be a troublemaker." Isonei smiled wistfully, "Draeseth said you've had no trouble at all?"

"No. I have been a little sour and moody but I can eat and I have no bleeding." Lislora frowned slightly. "How bad is it?"

"Usually it's light and I barely need the padding, but last night it was heavier. Draeseth blamed the dancing."

Nodding slowly, Lislora looked like she was forcing herself to ask a painful question. "What... what did you do that made him look at you that way this morning?"

"I was in the mood to be kissed last night, and we did a great deal of it. We also had a lovely conversation and we so rarely do."

"You are not permitted to..." She stopped, looking as if she couldn't bring herself to say the words.

"We can't have sex, no. They advised none at all until after the child is born." Isonei smiled at Lislora's relieved expression. "If you want to I can teach you what he likes. He would enjoy that, I think."

The woman looked startled at her words and almost terrified, "He enjoys your... your mouth."

With a soft sound of reassurance, Isonei tried to put her at ease, "He enjoys my enjoyment. You could use just your hands if you wanted to, but showing him how much you desire and appreciate him and how much you enjoy his body is what thrills him."

Lislora inclined her head hesitantly, "I was told, I should have let him do what he wished and made a show of enjoying it. That is what men want."

Isonei covered her face and sighed. "No. Your pleasure and comfort are as important as his." She nibbled her inner lip for a moment. "Would you be comfortable enough to let me show you?" The way Lislora's eyes widened, she was almost certain the woman thought she was being propositioned. "It doesn't have to be today. You watched me with him once; I'm inviting you to watch more closely and to participate. It would let me teach you both. You lack the confidence and experience to tell him when to change his position and he needs reminders to be patient."

"I... I do not think I could endure it if I were naked in front of him and he looked at you with desire instead." Lislora looked at her hands as her chin trembled again.

"I will make certain he looks at you with desire. I give you my word." Isonei gave her a tired smile. "If you feel comfortable enough, he's going to wear his armor back to the room. You can join me in washing him and rewarding him. I think once you see him in his armor you may want to." She tried to put a little mischief in her smile.

The Torgan woman looked up and blushed, giving a small laugh as she wiped at her eyes. "I have seen him in his armor; it made something in my belly flutter."

"Why don't we both go rest? He has stamina and we don't want to fall asleep in the middle of the fun."

"Mes was bringing you something to eat..."

Rubbing her temples, she nodded, "I had forgotten."

"You do not look well."

"I feel very tired. I had slept all day yesterday before dinner, and I was awake well into the night because of it."

"Rest your eyes until she returns, Isonei." Lislora offered her a faint, reassuring smile.

With a yawn, Isonei curled and laid her head on her arm, "I think I might." It seemed like she had only just closed them when she was startled awake by someone lifting her from the sofa.

Burgath laughed softly, "Go back to sleep, I can carry you. Your maid and Lislora were going to let you lay here but it looks uncomfortable and you have a bed in the other room."

She blinked at him in confusion, "I only closed my eyes for a moment."

"You've been asleep for at least an hour, your Grace," Mes spoke up, following them closely. "I'm sorry I wasn't quicker in returning, the cook made honey blossom buns with lavendela blossoms and they were almost ready. I thought if I waited I could bring them..."