The Court of Queen Carina

[arvg]

The Duke of Norfolk stood sipping a glass of something green. He knew it probably had a fancy name, and came from somewhere exotic, but given that it had been seized from a trading vessel in Kusari recently, and the label had been in Sanskrit, he had decided he would just refer to it as 'that green drink that made his toes curl.'

He had no idea why he had been requested to be in attendance at court. He preferred to be aboard his Dagobaz out on the frontier, or at Arundel Castle on Leeds with his command staff plotting defensive strategy against the damnable Kusari. Instead he was there, being dragged around by the arm by various noble wives adamant that he should meet their daughter, and eagre to find out if he entertained the prospect of marriage with any of them.

"...Ambassador Holliday's reception..." the Dowager Duchess of Kent was saying.

Norfolk perked up his ears. "Holliday, you say?" he remarked, taking a long sip of the green stuff that made his toes curl.

"Apparently her Majesty has requested him to appear before her..." the Dowager Duchess said. "Have you met my daughter Posie?"

"Yes, yes, delightful..." Norfolk remarked turning away completely ignoring the girl.

He searched the crowd trying to spot Mindrhey or Fortunatus... anyone that might have a gun on them or some other kind of armament that might do the Ambassador harm should he annoy the Queen.

A quick whip-round had old Binkie turf up a batter knife and a punch bowl ladle... it wasn't much, but armed and ready they would be.

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