Daughter of War

Chapter 19 - Never Miss

As the afternoon approaches, Thora and Alden ready for the feast.

"Do make sure you try the fish," Damia says with a smile, "I have a cousin in the kitchens who says the fish tonight will be to die for."

"I'm glad you're with me," Thora says, turning to her lady, "I could not have asked for a better friend."

Damia's smile falters for a second, but then she helps Thora into her dress, the dress is elegant yet fierce, the skirts are red like rose petals and hang off of Thora's hips like a waterfall, the chest of the dress exposes the tops of her breasts. The dress is mostly backless, save for the golden songbird whose wings connect on the dresses right shoulder and left armpit.

"You look stunning, your grace," Damia says as she finishes pinning Thora's hair up.

Thora smiles at her reflection, then she turns as her husband walks into the room, holding their son in his arms.

"Wow," is all Alden says. Thora's cheeks turn bright red as she twirls for Alden, allowing him to see the songbird on her back.

That evening, the dining hall is brightly lit by candelabras and a giant crystal chandelier. There is music floating through the room and dancing through the castle coming from the musician nests above the crowd.

In the gardens, high lords and ladies play games as the sun sets, there are candles set outside and fire pits burn in the center as acrobats entertain those who wait for their turn to see the young prince.

Thora sits at the royal table with her family and the king, her child is cradled in her arms and she watches the room with a sparkle in her eyes, but Thora finds herself looking around the room nervously; her eyes watching for any sign of danger.

"Relax, your grace," Fredrick says, murmuring silently from his post by her side, "Let us do our jobs so you can enjoy yourself."

Thora nods her head but still glances around the room from time to time.

As the Lords and Ladies take turns in the room, they present Thora and Alden with gifts for the young prince, as they lay down their gifts, they try to guess the name of the young prince.

"A gold piece to the first man who guesses the prince's name," The king wagers, holding up a single gold coin so it glitters in the light.

"Perhaps Thestion?" a lord guesses, "After you father?"

Thora tries to hide the look of disgust on her face, her nose crinkles as she shakes her head making the Lord sighs and walks away with his head hanging.

Suddenly an old, hooded, lady hobbles up to the dais and kneels before the royal table, she places down a small crystal and removes her hood.

"Ragana," Alden smiles, "Welcome!"

Thora turns to her husband, wondering how he knows the seer, her face pales as the old crone smiles a toothy grin at Thora and the babe in her arms.

"A boisterous child will he grow," Ragana says, leaning heavily on her cane, "With golden locks and heavy feet. His name is Blaine."

Thora frowns and holds her baby tightly as the king laughs and congratulates the winner, he gives her the golden coin and Ragana bows low, but as she stands, Thora can see that the old crone's smile has faded and her face has turned grave as she hobbles away, talking to herself in an unknown language.

"I'll be back, my love," Alden says, standing and placing a kiss to Thora's temple.

Alden chases after the seer and Thora watches with wide eyes as he speaks to her, his voice is drowned out by the music and the conversations.