6 Court Fashion (1/2)
”Please stand still.” The maids were struggling with the restless Nikolai, trying to drape him with a ceremonial cape and coronet.
”I just want to see what she looks like.” Nikolai grumbled. He'd tried to order them aside, but no one went against Eva Morales, even though he was supposed to be in command. His mother had been strict and ordered him to change and forgo his comfortable clothes in favour of these ridiculous trappings that were supposed to be in fashion at Court. Long flowing robes in his House colours of black and gold dragged on the floor behind him, a silk cape and bejewelled coronet finishing the ridiculous ensemble.
If that wasn't bad enough Chen was grinning at his predicament, occasionally glancing out at the reception in the courtyard and making hums of appreciation or gasps of surprise. All affected, of course, the mans was normally too quiet, except for his… awkward sense of humour.
”Andrei at least tell me what she looks like. Please.” The maids still held onto him, wrestling an awkward obsidian chain over his shoulders.
”Looks like her looks are quite astounding.” Chen chuckled and leaned out of the window.
”Spare me.” He groaned.
”Well, I don't want to spoil the surprise your parents prepared.”
”They just didn't want me to make a break for it.”
”Could you expect any less? You're a flight risk Niki.” Chen shut the window and drew the curtains. ”Receptions over.” He explained when Nikolai tried to raise an eyebrow. ”You shouldn't do that. I get it, but it just looks absurd, like you're surprised.”
Nikolai dismissed the maids and trudged to his bed to pick up his stave of office. Granted by the Emperor in person it was a War-Staff designed for his use by the greatest craftsmen of the Empire. His demeanour changed with the weapon in hand, memories of war flashing in his mind. Chen's hand on his shoulder broke then trance and Nikolai brushed the staff with his sleeve. He hadn't brought it out in a long time and dust had settled in the grooves and cracks. The weapon had been through a lot.
”She's a Suzdal.” Chen said suddenly, his hoarse voice filled with meaning.
Nikolai twitched. House Suzdal had existed since before the founding of the Empire. Along with its cadet branches they controlled most of the north-west including the Grand Duchy of Arkhangelsk, one of only six that existed. More than that, their influence over the military was huge. Most of the direct descendants of the House served in major positions in the Army or various Knight Orders, making them a direct threat to the other great Houses, which left them isolated politically as far as Nikolai knew.
”You saw the silver hair?” he gulped. It was easy to spot a Suzdal.
”Not just that. While I'm tempted to tease you, it would be better if you're prepared. There was a troop of the Knights of Chernigov.” Chen cursed as the War staff fell from Nikolai's grip and scurried away. He'd seen what the weapon was capable of and had no desire to be disintegrated because his friend was shocked by his fiancée. ”Watch what you do with that thing!” He reprimanded, relieved that the room hadn't turned into a ball of fire. It was a trick Nikolai had used often in the past.
”They sent Silver Fang?” Nikolai gulped. ”I thought she was engaged to the fourth Prince.”
”Who knows, she's here and dolled up with both makeup and armour. So, she's here either as your fiancée or your executioner.” Chen giggled at the analogy, ignoring Nikolai's flat expression.
Snatching the stave back, Nikolai brushed it nervously, trying to take his mind off the thought of the woman who would be able to snap him with a clench of her fist. All the stories about her emphasised her abilities and strength, so Chen's comments about her being an executioner had a certain validity, although he hadn't committed any crimes.
That anyone knew of anyway.