Tonight I am definitely going to get some sleep to make up for last night.. What Sintria lacked in experience he made up for in passion and energy, although he still fell asleep before I did. That suited me fine as my dress had not survived intact, and allowed me to slip away to my own quarters in the late-early hours of the morning. I put the jewelry on the dresser, dropped the remains of the dress at the end on the bed and went into the bathroom.
I'd just got into a nice bath when I heard the commotion and several people stormed into the apartment. I could hear Dara's voice amongst them, although she seemed a little perplexed that the bed hadn't been slept in. She must have then spotted the dress because she came storming into the bathroom followed by Mr and Mrs Minobe, Mandor, and Hinkin.
She then proceeded to level accusations of seduction at me, until I asked who I was supposed to have seduced. The was a squawk of "My Son" from Mrs Minobe and a rather embarrassed look from Mr Minobe. By this point Mandor and Hinkin were trying very hard not to laugh. I exacerbated the problem by asking where he was since there was only myself and the loofah in the bath. They were welcome to check and if they didn't perhaps they should bloody well get out of my bathroom and I'd expect a full apology later. Dara on the other hand was furious. I'd obviously foiled some plan of hers. She grabbed Mandor, who winked at me, and left followed by the Minobes.
Breakfast after that was almost an anti-climax. Since the Minobes were Merlin's guests we were expected to eat in the main breakfast room rather than the private family one. By the time the Minobes came in I was halfway through my breakfast. They tried to get away with a mumbled an apology which I made them repeat properly, much to their chagrin. Sintria followed his parents in looking bushy tailed and was about to come over but I shook my head. He at least read that one correctly and went and sat with his parents.
Merlin then appeared accompanied by a young lady who I didn't recognize and Hinkin. They moved to join me. "This is Lady Phoebe Barriman, the eldest daughter and heiress to the Barriman estates here at the Courts. I just need to go and have a quick word with the Minobes then I'll be back". I indicated Phoebe should sit.
"So are you and my brother an item then? I don't recall seeing you together last night". She blushed and looked round. "Don't worry about Hinkin" I said "He's the archetypal ladyboy of discression". She made a so of "Oh" sound then said "It's something we've been trying to keep quiet but we nearly got caught by Dara this morning, so we're going to have to make it official shortly. Since we're discussing secrets- did you seduce Sintria last night". I smiled. She laughed "Gena Chanicut - the one who was sitting next to him last night has been trying to make it with him for ages. She claims to have made it with with everyone including Hinkin"
Now it was my turn to laugh. Hinkin just glared at me. Phoebe asked what was so funny. "Well if I can't do it by making him an offer he can't refuse she has no chance." There was another "Oh" and then Merlin returned.
"I shall be glad when they're gone. I'm sure Dara is scheming again. So far though I've managed to foil all her schemes. Including last nights."
I glared at him.
"I've no objection to you doing what you wish as long as you're discrete about it - at least you've learnt not to romp through the stables in broad daylight."
"How'd you know about that"
"We'll I was in and out of Amber around that time, heard rumors, and made a few inquiries. By all accounts you caused quite a stir. Apparently even Flora was impressed."
Phoebe was looking at me
"Side effect of walking the Pattern. Now can we change the subject? Have you set a date yet?"
"Just keep quiet about that or Dara will throw a spanner in the works. I may be King but there are limits to even my power, especially as I've been here no where near as long as she has."
We finished breakfast and I returned to my room with the intention of doing some meditation. Whilst I needed some new armour I wasn't inclined to go and get it until my father had recovered consciousness. I was about halfway through the second repeat of the 72 step Tai-Chi form when I was interrupted by the arrival of Sintria. He was obviously wanting to pick up where we left off last night but I wasn't in the mood. In the end I got angry and said some things I probably shouldn't have. What the future repercussions will be I'm not sure but I can hopefully handle those.It would have been nice to have established a casual relationship and he's been the best candidate, other than Fred, I've met in a while.
After he'd gone I tried to get back to the form but couldn't settle into a rythum. In the end I gave up, showered, and went to check on my father. My arrival coincided with the doctors decision to cease dispensing the drugs that kept him unconscious. It would be several hours before he was awake so I decided to come back.
When I returned Merlin was there and he was just beginnng to wake. His shoulder still showed signs of heavy bruising and it looked like it would be several more days before he had any freedom of movement with it. Merlin and I sat a talked for a while until Corwin interupted us, wanting to know where he was and what had happened.
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| Supporting Cast - Cordelia | The Keep of the Thirteenth Hour |