C6 A Double Affair

Hugo

Her hand grips mine, and I'm more aware of the present around me.

Ephene's eyes are fixed on the door before us while I reluctantly linger on her face.

Pale pink lips and a cream face under a glimmery veil that distracts from her raven plaits and ringlets.

Still she was nothing less of a beauty in a flowy gown that fell against her soft features.

"You are slowing me Hugo." she whispers and I look to see the minister staring curiously at me.

Quickly I look ahead and lengthen my strides to the thrones.

"The time has come to crown the two in their union not just to each other, but to rule Phylin and Niarciss as one."

"Aye." the people chorus, and I smile that the day has come.

I hope it pleases you Father.

Ephene remains perfectly neutral, but I cannot miss the sparkle in her eyes as she stares at the crowns on the red pillow.

"Hugo Redmund Boreale," I kneel before him. "son of Fineas Redmund Boreale, and crown Prince of Phylin. I hereby crown you acting King of the merged Kingdoms of Phylin and Niarciss."

Heavy metal slides against my hair, and blood surges through me as I raise my head -now a ruler in his own right.

It didn't matter that Ephene's father still held the throne. Phylin is under my command by blood, and King Spen has been glad to vest me with shared ruling power till he dies.

The old man is mentally unwell, and facing the troubles of old age.

"Ephene Mau Boreale," she curtseys to the floor. "daughter of Spen Dean Thyke and Daphne Faye Thyke. I hereby crown you acting Queen of the merged Kingdoms of Phylin and Niarciss."

"Subjects, your King and Queen." the man cries, and finally we rise hand in hand to meet the thunderous applause of my people -or for now, ours.

I escort her down the steps as we wave at hundreds bowing before us, and to my surprise when I look at my wife she waves kindly at the supporters.

Vivacious eyes meet mine and I squeeze hers for reassurance.

To this she only smiles, and faces the long path leading to the courtyard.

After a nuptial ceremony, and coronation in one day, the Kingdom will not rest with festivities till the day does.

...............

Bright lights glitter from all corners, and sounds of strings and pipes intermingle with 'hurrahs'.

By now dark orange seeps across the blue canvas and our exit is soon to come.

Yet a pure orchid in the midst of them, Ephene swirls and glides across the floor with the nobles.

Another glass of wine is emptied as I watch her hair wrap around her, and delight adds a softness to her usually composed features.

"A lovely one isn't she?" a voice says and I turn to look at the figure beside my throne.

My heart pauses for a moment as I see a familiar gaze of violet.

She bows and I am forced to remember how beautiful she was even when she left me.

"Your Highness." Kelia says rising to look me in the eye once again.

I have but a few seconds to drink in her orange hair pulled back and dotted with the same jewels on her cheek, before another figure comes in view.

"I have come with my husband, to pay due respects."

His lean frame towers beside her, and my arch rival smiles from content pleasure.

A King himself he only nods before speaking. "Congratulations Hugo, I never thought I'd see the day you'd have one as distinguished as Ephene."

Yes, always inferior in his eyes.

It is no news that Niarciss had always gravitated more to Berdonia.

"It is a pleasant surprise." I say, making a show of lingering on Ephene's exquisite form, as she whisked by -lost in a world of rhymes and turns.

Kelia clears her throat and I turn to look at the red woman.

For embarrassment or jealousy I do not know the cause.

But she is married, and permanently out of reach.

I snap my hands to a servant and whisper a few words to him. "Bring my wife please."

"I appreciate your coming. Thank you."

Gevin shrugs, laying his hand on his sword belt; the object itself laying hidden under his velvet coat.

Typical of a troublemaking state like Berdonia.

"I'm only returning a favour. Afterall..." his arm snakes around her waist and tear my gaze upwards, "...you were there for ours. We only wish we could have made it earlier and witnessed the ceremony."

"Tis' fine. Please, make yourself at home."

Kelia nods smiling all too eagerly, to which I only grimace.

"Really, finishing the pleasantries without me? Oh dear..." Ephene says, a cold glint to her previously warm gaze.

More so on Gevin, yet her eyes shift to Kelia who is forced to curtsey once more.

Instead of anger, detachment and civility greet the woman Gevin had spurned her for.

We must be quite a sight.

A pair of rejectees facing the couple who had done the rejecting.

My funny bone remained quiet, and rather disgust brewed on my insides.

The day will come when I will be second to none, soon.

When Kelia rises her brow twitches, and she struggles to keep her mouth from falling in a flat line.

"Congratulations Your Majesty."

Ephene waves it off, her cordiality extending even further. "We are equals, consort or not -a queen is a queen. Call me Ephene."

Her eyes widen, and she wipes it off with a small nod. "Kelia."

"Pleasure to meet you. And thank you Gevin for coming -I am sure your recent wedding will have worn you both out." Ephene says, some of her restrained venom now seeping in.

Gevin smirks, rubbing his wife's side as he quirks his head at Ephene. "No problem. I always knew I was meant to be there on your special day. There will be plenty of recuperation when we return."

Her breath sucks in, and I narrow my eyes at the man for whom my dislike had only intensified.

"Yes, I hope you will find our suites to your liking." I add.

"Ah, Phylin isn't known for scant furnishing. I am sure they will be up to my tastes."

Kelia nods, unaware of her husbands hidden insult.

"Very well then." Ephene interrupts.

Her hand snakes through my arm and I look down at her warm touch.

"The day has been long, I would like to be the first to retire." she looks at me for approval and I nod along.

"Indeed. Do enjoy the rest of the party, I must see to my wife now." I finish, leaving the two with a parting gesture.

Though late, at 6 in the evening, the night was still very young.