Delphinium, or A Necromancer's Home (TCoLaD Book 2)

Cold Iron

~ (Continued) Dvoday, 11th of Maius, 11831 ~

That night there would be a formal dinner. The table was set with a level of caliber that had been absent on Pierre's first night, or even the second when it was deemed more appropriate to have a welcoming dinner after such a long journey. Perhaps the staff were merely trying to outdo themselves as the prince had returned, or they thought it expected. The duc did not mind, far more interested in just conversing with his brother again and being able to do something.

Given the formality of the affair Pierre played official host and guided Lady Maiolaine to the dinner room on his arm, she being the woman of highest rank at this gathering. His advisors followed, along with a few of the prince's entourage. Last walked in Prince Aimé with Elizabeth on his arm.

Pierre seated Lady Maiolaine at the highest seat on the left and then sat at the head of the table himself. The prince sat at his right, Elizabeth seated beside Lady Maiolaine.

The advisors found their seats, also along the right hand side, with Vivien across from Elizabeth and Wolfram the very last before the prince's men. Beside Lizzy was Perdita, Salome, and then Síofra, across from Renaud rather than closer to the head of the table, though she should have been at Lizzy's side— but that was her doing as she had nudged the other women ahead. Cordelia still refused to leave her quarters, and while Perdita had wanted to stay with her, both her lady and her cousins insisted she attend the meal. Delia would rest and be brought her own dinner later.

Aimé handed his gloves over to a servant who put them aside and the duc shook his head when offered the same. He knew it to be rude, but it was something he had not done in years. It was easier to keep away questions if his hands were always in satin and his scars unseen. He took off his gloves only for bed, cræft, and surgery. Neither the staff at home nor his brother cared, and if in this formal setting his advisors did, they said nothing.

The dinnerware was ornate this evening, heavy and another kind than had been used previously. Darker in color. He picked up a knife and found it quite heavy and almost warm. Was there a custom of warming utensils here that he did not know of?

The first course was served, a vegetable soup, and the guests all waited until Prince Aimé ate his first bite before before beginning to eat as well. Small conversations between the guests new and old started up around the long table.

"Did you have any time with Lady Elizabeth yesterday to speak of cræft before His Highness arrived?" Pierre asked Vivien.

"Oui, we had a short lesson."

"Lady Elizabeth wishes to be a mage?" the prince asked, interested.

"I am a blancwitch," Lizzy said, blushing slightly at repeating this so often, but truly liking the new status. "His Grace has been so kind as to make certain my education is not lacking, and the Lord Steward is a blancmage. It is certainly not the same as what His Grace and my brother were taught, but I find it fascinating. I aided with the surgery His Grace performed and it did wonders."

"Good, next time I am feeling unwell I will come to you, my lady. I trust your delicate hands over Pierre's already. Why, when I was—"

"Aimé, don't—"

"This is an important story. As your prince, be quiet. Now, this was perhaps five years ago. I was ill. I was to spend the day with Hélaïse, but could barely get out of bed. The Royal Physician was away, and I was told to wait until this passed. It took three or four days in most cases and, well, I simply did not wish to wait, but did not want her to catch my illness either.

"Pierre, who had been studying very hard under Ophion for quite a few years, told me he could make me better in an hour. He brought me a tea of.. Some kind. He will not tell me what was in it still. I drank it and... Well, I was quite a bit more ill, for about a whole hour. I think the guards were wondering if Pierre was trying to assassinate me. But true to his word, an hour after drinking that damned tea I was cured."