Days were shorter as summer gave way to fall, the heat that had even cooked the Capital had eased back, and it was the perfect time for the fireworks Event; no real bugs or intolerable weather conditions to deal with. Later in the month it'd rain but for now it was still pleasant, and left Derbie recalling his own Debut, seven months ago; how the beginning of the Season had still been chilly but full of potential. Now he'd seized that potential, fell in love, got married, and learned that his wife would one day be Queen, and their offspring would be tasked with unifying Cador and Taroton. He'd felt anxious, and unready to join the Debuted nobles, and now he was learning to help his wife rule them; a lot can change in seven months.
"I love you," Ban's soft voice pulled him from his mind, and Derbie smiled at her, not bothering to school his expression. 
"I love you too," he liked hearing it and saying it, and he really liked that he was her husband. 
"It occurred to me that your answer to Queen Akiyama on our Debut night has really happened. You found a love match and you will serve your Queen well," he recognized the slightly teasing tone she used. 
"I serve Queen Akiyama well, I plan to serve you as Queen VERY well," he played along, loving how she looked as they flirted. 
"It'll be High Treason if you don't," she warned with a stern look. Although Queen Akiyama was intimidating, Ban hadn't inherited that trait so instead of fearsome, to Derbie she looked seductive. 
"We can discuss the terms of my imprisonment later love, we're here," it was time for the Taroton nobles to socialized with their future Queen, and Derbie would always be at her side to support her. "If you faint today, I'll catch you."
"Have you carry me out of the part in your arms, like the dramatics of that book you had us read?" she smiled and stepped out of the carriage as the herald announced her arrival. 
Interim Duchess Aoyama curtsied to Ban and Derbie, older than both but lower in rank. That was another adjustment Derbie was making; only four people out ranked him; the Queen, the Dowager Queen, his wife, and Prince Consort Levi, he bowed to no one else. "Thank you for receiving us personally, interim Duchess, you honour us," he'd learned the right thing to say.
"It's my pleasure, Crown Prince Consort, being the first Estate to officially host Taroton's Crown Princess and her Consort is all its own reward," she wasn't wrong about that, there'd be an increase to her reputation if the night went well.
Being the last social Event of the Season was the coveted position, as it was usually the Event most remembered during the winter season. After tonight, many of the southern families would depart; intending to get back to their territories before winter could make the journey uncomfortable. October would rain, but it wasn't unheard of to have snow in the Capital for the start of November, so Aoyama Hatsune had spared no expense to ensure the fireworks she was hosting were memorable. Every arriving guest was greeted by a serving of spiced wine, and offered a wide variety of delectables once they were inside the Estate, while all the lighting appeared to be glowing crystals instead of candles and lanterns. It allowed for a wide variety of colours, and Derbie especially appreciated the inside lighting repeating the display the fireworks would put on outside soon. It was a luxury he could see quickly becoming a trend amongst the gray and dreary norther winters; the effect alike to the sun through stained glass.
"I must make a point to compliment Lady Aoyama, her Event is breathtaking, and the fireworks haven't even started yet," Ban spoke as if to remind herself.
"For a Season full of Events," Derbie mentally included a few things that weren't Social but still counted, "this will still stand out over the next few months."