Dyder sits down on the wooden seat across from ?nnywella, Enlynn, and Ede. The three women look up from their breakfast.

  “I figured you would have already left; was the thought of a good meal more tempting than an early arrival?” ?nnywella cuts through a thick slice of bread; a thin beef patty and a poached egg sit on top; she puts the piece in her mouth, covering her mouth as she chews.

  “I was planning on doing so, but I heard from K?spar that you already have the dates planned. Though, I could eat something more filling than porridge,” Dyder responds. The meal Gekaryna, Konst?nze, and Myna have before them looks very appetizing.

  ?nnywella turns to Konst?nze and gives her a look: the two have done this many times before, she then watches as Konst?nze stands and promptly heads for the kitchen to request food for Dyder. She turns back to Dyder, “Yes, I do; I spoke with High Priestess Seliani yesterday—much to the chagrin of Gyores.”

  Dyder runs his hand down his face, knowing exactly what his brother had done.

  ?nnywella continues. “We will be using the great hall of the College on the 17th of Enora, and I would like you to have the one in Sk?dstan scheduled for the 20th; please find the time to discuss it with the High Priestess at the temple there—I believe it is H?the Wiese.”

  “Do you not think this is too short notice for a wedding?” asks Ede.

  “No, not particularly; is it rushed? yes—but it’s a little under a full 29 days’ notice.” She passes Dyder a letter. “I wrote this originally planning to send to High Priestess Wiese explaining that the wedding must be on the 20th, but since you are here, you can deliver it to her; if she initially denies the request due to a conflict with other events, please tell her that I will cover any and all costs lost from the rescheduling or cancellation of the previous event; this is also stated in the letter.”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Enlynn returns, placing a silver tray in front of Dyder.

  Dyder slides the letter into the pocket of his overcoat and begins to eat; the meal, which Konst?nze has placed before him, is identical to Gekaryna’s, and sits upon an ornate white porcelain plate.

  “I’m sorry if this is a bit short notice, but I was wondering if I could go with Dyder? I would quite like to visit my family,” Ede asks, covering her mouth as she chews.

  “?denora should be returning tomorrow if the weather grants quick travel; I don’t see the harm in you going as well,” ?nnywella responds, getting a large grin from the sister of the bride-to-be. “Now, Dyder, I heard you purchased a linshkh.”

  Dyder stops chewing; he looks at Gekaryna, confused: how does she know—does word really travel that fast?

  Enlynn and Ede start talking in a frantict and excited, manner over each other, both demanding to see the piece of jewelry.

  Dyder removes the velvet case from his pocket, handing it to Gekaryna.

  “I’m flattered, Dyder, truly, but we have both been accounted for, for so long; it would be oh so wrong if I accepted this.” ?nnywella jokes, getting a nervous chuckle from Dyder.

  “How did you know I bought one?” Dyder adjusts the collar of his shirt as he looks around the room, making sure no one notices—the last thing he wants is rumors.

  “I heard it from Konst?nze, who heard it from F?nth, who heard it from Herle, who heard it from Otily.” She looks to Konst?nze, checking that she got the order correct, who nods in response. “You never, never, tell anything secret to Laex; every woman in the crown will know within a day.”

  “And Herle,” adds Enlynn, “Somehow always Herle.”

  “Yes, and Herle. I’m sure Ilsenyla will know before you even arrive; rumors spread like plague among squalor.” ?nnywella opens the case; her ladies-in-waiting crowd over her, peering at the piece of jewelry; after a few moments, Konst?nze and Myna return to their seats— ?nnywella looks at the case for a moment longer, wondering how a linshkh of a similar design would look on herself—she closes the case and hands it back to Dyder. “I suggest you two be off shortly, unless you want rumor to ruin the surprise; ask Lype to use one of the coaches.”

  Dyder nods and quickly finishes his meal and heads to the stables.

  Ede excuses herself to pack a small travel bag; she has enough clothing at home that she will not need to bring much.

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