The Early Chronicles Book Four: The Queen and the General

Chapter 1

"Do you take this man to become your lawful wedded husband?"  The elderly Sir Kauffman asked in his surprisingly strong voice.

"I do."  Laurel said with a big rosy smile.  Swanwhite beamed as she stood to the right of Sir Kauffman in the Great Hall.

"Then by the power bestowed upon me, I pronounce you man and wife."  Sir Kauffman announced.  A cheer arose from the room as Laurel and Thasian shared a kiss.  The couple turned towards Swanwhite and bowed low.  Swanwhite took their hands and raised them to their feet before embracing both of them.  Hats and flowers were thrown in the air as they happily descended to the aisle, laughing arm-in-arm.  

"Truly a beautiful ceremony, Sir Kauffman."  Swanwhite nodded to the retired knight.  Sir Kauffman closed his books and nodded.

"Indeed.  A very fitting ceremony for a suitable couple."

"You will join us for the banquet, won't you?"

"But of course.  I would be honored."  The older man offered her his arm which she happily accepted.  Sir Kauffman had been a loyal knight in the early days of her parents' rein.  When she was a child she loved following Sir Kauffman around and begging him to let her shoot his bow and arrow.  He had received a small estate in the west from her parents upon his retirement and so she relished the times when he came to visit.  

"I must say, your highness.  I hardly recognize you since last I saw you at your coronation.  You've grown so much."  Sir Kauffman patted her hand.  

"I have?  It's only been eighteen months since then!"  She laughed.

"That may be so, but I see a great deal of wisdom in you, my dear.  You are growing into a fine and regal queen."  

"Do not flatter me as you did when I was young."  She chuckled.  "You always did feed my ego far too often!  If I seem grown, much of the credit goes to my attendants and advisors."

"Don't ever lose your humble spirit, my dear.  Speaking of your advisors, where is Captain Rufus?  I should love time to speak with the old fellow."

"Oh I'm certain he will be at the banquet.  He won't miss a chance to attend such a feast.  I'm afraid I must attend to some preparations, Sir Kauffman."  She kissed the old knight's leathery cheek.  "I shall see you at the banquet."  She curtsied in response to his slight bow and then scurried off to find Genevieve.

"My lady!  I'm so glad I found you.  The florist is absolutely beside himself because there was a problem with not having enough purple flowers."  Genevieve rushed up to Swanwhite holding a long list.

"I'll talk to him.  How is the food coming along?"

"If Captain Rufus keeps his hoof out of it, we will manage."

Swanwhite chuckled.  "Very good.  Thank you for all you've done, Genevieve.  What would I do without you?"

"Not look nearly as fashionable, I'm afraid."  Genevieve placed a hand on her slender waist.  "I must re-do your hair before the feast.  And would you like to change?"

Swanwhite looked down at her dark blue dress with its black and gold trim.  "I think this will do nicely.  I doubt I have time for much more than hair."

"One thing more,"  Genevieve lowered her voice, "there is a man who attended the ceremony I didn't see on the guest list.  I've never seen him before."

"What did he look like?"

"Thin frame, about your height, caramel skin, and a pointed beard.  He looked Calormen."  She said with a furrowed brow.  Swanwhite searched her memory for such a man.  Suddenly she remembered that Laurel had been nearly engaged to a Calormen count nearly six months prior.