Chapter 31

                                        

                                              
Her Father and new Stepmother arrived less than fifteen days before the wedding, delayed because they brought with them the Piiklanis and also the Second Imperial Princess Leia of Stussica. It was quite the procession through the Capital, and even buried in paperwork Emberlee heard the hubbub of their arrival. 
"I truly hope that's Father arriving, I could use the pleasant company," she admitted tiredly to Lady Nimue, her latest lessons with Princess Vivian not unpleasant but a drain on her time regardless. 
"It does seem to be," her Lady-in-waiting confirmed for her. 
Lady Nimue helped her freshen up before she headed out to meet the very important guests. By now Ludwig and Sir Eloise were back from their vacations, though he was still called for almost daily 'reports, with the Empress. Outwardly there still wasn't much indication that the Knight had been as thoroughly drugged as the Empress, though Emberlee knew by now both were addicted to the poppy-tainted wine. It left her uncertain if he'd react in time to an attack even as he followed her to witness the Emperor greet the second Stussican Imperial Princess. 
"I greet the Sun of the Xutian Empire, and my brother-by-marriage, long may you reign," Imperial Princess Leia curtsied, looking like a slightly older version of the Empress but with short-cut hair and a more petite stature. She wore what seemed to be typical Stussican attire, the embroidery on the sheer top in an eye-catching pink hue stitched to look like snakes. 
"I greet her Imperial Highness, second Princess and my sister-by-marriage, thank you for making the long journey to join us for such a joyous occasion," he greeted back. 
"It's my pleasure to accompany my fellow Stussicans as a guest to your son's wedding. I believe Countess and Count Piiklani have visited your court before," she neatly reintroduced the foreign guests, and Emberlee understood why Clara was such an astute opponent. The Empress had been born and raised in the Game that Emberlee was only beginning to properly play, but she had no time to be cautious despite her lack of experience. 
"Of course, welcome back to my Court, and I hope you enjoy attending a Xutian wedding," the Emperor quickly bade and then focused on Emberlee's Father. 
"I greet the Sun of the Empire, long may I serve you," he bowed, now Marquis Bergerac instead of General Matthias. 
"Welcome my friend, I'm pleased to see you and your new wife, and am excited to see our children find happiness together," the Emperor welcomed her Father warmly. 
Given that Leia was her elder sister, Empress Clara should have been here to receive her greetings. Instead, gossip was buzzing with speculations about why the Empress was absent, though they remained unaware of Ludwig's daily visits. Prince Damien was a little late to the introductions, but he came to Emberlee's side before her Father had completed his greeting. 
"I'm thrilled to be here for such an event, your Imperial Majesty," her Father's etiquette remained perfect. Once freed from courtesies though, her Father didn't hesitate to come over to hug her, even with the Imperial Crown Prince holding her hand. Her new Stepmother stood nearby, smiling and quiet but not awkward. 
"Congratulations on your marriage, did you enjoy the gift?" she asked Lady Guinevere while her Father briefly greeted Prince Damien. Having discussed her Father's intent to re-marry she'd purchased a leisure ship for their coastal March. 
"Enjoy would be the wrong way to phrase it; I had dreamed of being a pirate as a small girl," Lady Guinevere admitted without shame. 
"Then the Bergerac territory suits you very well, how did my Father handle being at sea?" Emberlee knew he didn't get seasick but had no love of the ocean.