King Kaster's eldest son, and heir to the throne, Prince Laster was bound to arrive in one week.
Kara's only brother had been gone from the castle for almost a year, spending eleven of the thirteen months in the Fortress of Trevuli, at the border with the allied reign of Elisia. There, he had the mandatory military training any future ruler was expected to receive, that would allow him to guide his soldiers in eventual -yet undesired- battles, gaining this way the rank of Marshal.
That promotion concluded his long journey, making him technically ready to succeed to his still healthy father at any moment, if the need arose. Only a few officers graduated each year: celebrations were in order. As both Princes from the confining countries had completed their course, another letter arrived shortly after: a great party would be held to honour Laster and Alliome in Jirel, Elisia's Capital, on the day before Year Day, eight weeks from then.
This news brought new life to the castle: servants were preparing for the young prince's return, officials were instructed to follow his future lead, and the King, who had kept his distance from the daughter for a long time, started appearing during supper.
The first time that king, queen, princess and lover sat at the same table was destined to be certainly awkward.
As he first arrived, his flimsy air of determination seemed to quickly vanish, confronting once again the pair. Queen Lizàr, unable to hold back, teased his husband with a mischievous smile:
«Kaster, are you temporizing? Please, greet your daughters.»
Verina's face visibly shifted red, while the princess' expression contorted, trying not to laugh. The King, visibly embarrassed, inhaled profoundly and gave his salutation: «Kara, Lady Verina. It is a pleasure to see you both.»
As they took place around the table, the 'in-laws' facing the two young women, only the clatter of the servants filled the room. Verina tried her best to keep her composure and look as nonchalant as her girlfriend, but both she and the king were no match for the two royal women on their respective sides.
It was Kara who started, after the appetizers arrived: «I hope you are doing well, father. I heard you have been quite busy, this last month.»
The King, dismissive, tried not to go into detail «Yes, these weeks... my presence has been crucial.»
«Undoubtably.»
Another moment of silence. Queen Lizàr, trying to reconnect the three, continued «You know, my husband and I often discuss about you two before slumber.»
The king's fork screeched on the plate. Kara had her mother's look in her eyes: Verina understood they were having quite the fun. She had come to understand the princess well by then: joking and teasing was a love language of theirs, apparently.
«I hope, only good things» said Verina, looking into Kaster's eyes, trying to convey the message 'we are not enemies' with the most uncharacteristically pitiful look she could conjure.
«S-sure...» replied the king, caught off guard by that gaze «The books, the meditation, the journeys to Tardeburgo... my wife has told me wonderful things.»
«Tell them what you told me the other day, dear.»
«W-what exactly?»
«That you think they are a good couple...»
«I-»
The King almost choked on his last bite of the plate. Looking at mother and daughter, he understood what Verina was trying to warn him about. The witch smiled lightly, placing down the silverware.
«Lady Verina... I think...»
Princess and queen instinctively got closer to him, with the same, unequivocal face.
«I think you are... are a good match for... my daughter, and that... having the great Violet Sorceress marry into our family is a great honour, regardless of... the pair that made it possible.»
Kara and Lizàr exploded in a loud cheer, exulting in triumph. Verina shook her head with a smile, and Kaster exhaled, defeated. «Thank you, King Kaster. I'll be honoured to call you 'father', when that time will come.» The princess, resting her hand on the other's, sneered playfully «Don't be so hasty, you two..! I have yet to propose, after all.»
King and witch averted their eyes, bashful.
«So... Prince Laster is coming back. What does that mean to you all?» asked Verina, finally attacking her dessert.
«It is a happy event. I've missed my brother this year...» replied Kara, a bit nostalgic.
«Our son is now a man. He will be entrusted with several responsibilities, to ensure the kingdom's safety and wellbeing.» The King puffed his chest proudly, playing with his mustache.
«...you know, there's one thing I wanted to say since my very first visit, King Kaster.»
The man looked at the witch confused «Speak then.»
Verina giggled a little, tasting her cake with delight «The men of your family sure don't excel in creativity, don't they? Kaster... Laster... Before you, I met your late father, Jaster. And I know for a fact the one before him was Iaster...» Kara and Lizàr laughed viciously, starting from the third name. No one, outside of the Royal Family, had ever questioned him about it directly.
The King's face turned purple, as the daughter in front of him almost fell from her seat. «How is the next going to be called? Master?» The Queen at his side hit her fist against the table, unable to breathe correctly.
Kaster looked around, at the three women with him. He gave a faint, sincere smile, and replied «We are going to pass over the M. Naster.»
All four laughed together. Only one was missing, to say it was a family dinner.
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