Magic of the Marriage Market

Knew that the secret of Eniola's pregnancy had gotten to the Queen's ear when he and Eniola were both summoned to her Castle, without guardian or chaperone. The Royal Invitation listed quite specifically that it was a private discussion between the Queen and the expectant parents, and the time he and Eniola were expected to present themselves to the Queen. As it was a Royal Invitation, they couldn't reject or ignore it, and Gavin knew that it wasn't a secret they should try to keep from the Queen, but still he rather wished this wasn't something he had to do.

The absence of his parents, and Eniola's father, on the Queen's Expeditions meant little with the Queen being the ultimate chaperone; everyone was under her authority and her word was law. Technically, Gavin and Eniola could be punished under her authority as they had engaged in married intimacies while unwed and underaged. Though even Gavin knew it was unlikely that she'd chose to exile them, it was possible for both their families to pay the price for their actions instead. His own family would probably be tasks with completing a public works project, as they had the funds to do so, and the Sikali Dukedom would have its own, reasonable, punishment as well.

It was just unexpected to be called before the Queen himself, Gavin had though it'd be decreed to Alaric through a Letter, and then expressed to him via his family. That's be easier to bear somehow; now Gavin had to calm his nerves, help soothe Eniola's, and face the Queen himself.

Eniola was about three months with child, and although her belly wasn't starting to show her bodily changes yet, Gavin couldn't help but notice how her bosom were. And she was quick to share with him the details of other aspects that had changed. Her nausea was starting to ease, though now she was finding herself falling asleep anytime she sat down for too long, and despite their serious destination, she'd been sweetly affectionate the entire carriage ride to the Castle.

As they were still unwed, Gavin wore his Briggs scarlet while Eniola donned her Sikali orange, the richly saturated colours striking together as he escorted Eniola into their meeting with Queen Akiyama. The page that led them along ignored the Royal Guard that followed them, and Gavin tried to emulate the same level of ease. And although he'd had to come without an adult, Alaric had done his best to help prepare Gavin for it.

Gavin took controlled, steady breaths, focused on keeping his hands relaxed and open, and tried to hold a charming smile on his face as he'd seen Alaric and Edwina do. It didn't banish his nerves, but Gavin did feel more confident as they were led to an unexpected destination; the Queen's tea table.

And she wasn't alone.

Queen Akiyama sat in a silk gown, the purple hue unique to the Taro Royal Family suiting her delicately beautiful features, while the foreigner at her table wore a strange, dark green attire that left some of his chest exposed. On the table before them lay the expected tea cups and pot, but also an almost amusing amount of sweets. It was incongruent with the serious, notoriously efficient Queen Gavin had heard the adults all discuss amongst themselves. But there were little cakes, and cookies clearly nibbled on still sitting on her plate, and the man across from her had the fork to his mouth as they arrived.

"Your Majesty," Gavin bowed deeply to his Queen, seeing Eniola gracefully curtsey in his peripheral vision. Since they didn't know who the man was, they couldn't properly address him yet, and Gavin had to hold his bow until the Queen acknowledged his greeting.

"Lady Eniola, please sit; in your condition you should avoid undue exertion," Queen Akiyama called for her ease but Gavin had to hold his bow still. "You, Lord Gavin, can endure a little discomfort now so you can keep in mind all the discomfort your young wife is going through growing your first child."

He nearly stood upright in surprised at her words, but managed to maintain discipline by the snap of his teeth. The Queen deliberately calling Eniola his wife had to mean something, he was certain of it. Gavin wanted desperately for it to mean exactly as it implied, that the Queen was acknowledging them as a married couple despite being underaged, and he knew intellectually that his marriage to Eniola would eventually happen, but he also knew there were still traditions to follow. Although he loved Eniola completely, and they were expecting a baby together, Gavin also knew Eniola deserved all the proper Courting he could provide anyways.

"Tell me, Gavin Briggs, how you plan to live with your young family. Look me in the eye and tell me what your future will be," Queen Akiyama commanded and Gavin stood from his bow but didn't dare sit yet.

"I have loved Eniola since the day we met, and I will love her long after my body is dust, and my future is full of that love; for Eniola, the babe we made, and any others were may have after. If you mean logistically, my brother Alaric has agreed to set up an allowance and maintain our marriage home while we complete our schooling. I am planning to work with the Trades Bureau in their food distributions department, but, like my parents, I want to be directly involved in raising my children so my primary focus will be on raising them and supporting Eniola as she has aspirations to be a part of the Diplomatic Bureau like her father, the Duke." He didn't try to lie, or massage the truth to sound better. Though he wasn't as bold as Blair, or blunt as Hida, he lacked Alaric, Calvin, and Edwina's skill to work language. Gavin, Farran, and Derbie all seemed to walk the fine line of polite honesty while their siblings covered elegant obfuscation to brutal directness.

"And what do you see in the future," Queen Akiyama aimed the question at Eniola, sliding her the tray of cookies to pick from. Gavin was glad to see she felt well enough to select one and start carefully eating it; Eniola's appetite was slowly improving.

"I always planned to marry Gavin, we will be Lady and Lord Briggs-Sikali as neither of us are inheriting our familial titles, and we will raise our children as support branches for both Duchy and Countship." Eniola may look even younger than her 16 years, but Gavin knew she was far shrewder than he ever could be.

Queen Akiyama smiled, as if already expecting such an answer, "And what do you think, my Prince Consort?"

Gavin's eyes flashed to Eniola's seeing surprise reflected as they both digested the revelation; when had the Queen married? And who was this man?

The foreigner, who was apparently now the Prince Consort, leaned back and gave a friendly smile, "in Cador, they are already adults, so their current predicament isn't all that surprising to me. We would simply post the marriage announcement, wait the allotted time for an objection to be lodged, and then handfast them so the child can be raised by both parents. The only step skipped would be the proposal Sash and betrothal Knot, but you Tarotons don't use those anyways."

"How very short sighted of us," Queen Akiyama teased her husband, and Gavin still didn't know who he was outside of Cadorian.

"You all exchange Letters and heirloom rings, it's less ostentatious than a Sash and Knot, but it's the same thing; visually staking a claim. At least neither of our Kingdoms participate in the marriage tattoos that the Republic of Yang uses; THAT is barbaric," the Prince Consort shook his head.

"Lord Gavin please sit. I'd like to informally introduce my new husband, Prince Consort Levi Tuccillo; formerly Prince Royal Levi of Cador," Queen Akiyama at last relented.

"My titles are a mouthful, I will humbly accept Prince Levi," the Prince Consort insisted, but Gavin looked to his Queen for direction.

"Sit, I plan to use you as I have the rest of your family this Season, so you may as well be informed; it's not like you can object now." Queen Akiyama was like a sharp edged blade, beautiful but capable of deep lacerations.

Gavin sat across from Eniola, astonished to find himself in such prodigious company. But the Queen's warning that she was going to use him, and was already using his family, kept him from voicing anything but quiet concern, "You Majesty, I am already your humble servant, how can I be of help to you?"

"Your magic is the ability to imbue fortitude into foods, or even beauty products; you will work for me in my castle once your school is complete. Your wife will finish her schooling after she decides to resume it, and she will serve in my Diplomatic Bureau as I see fit," the Queen drank her tea with a smile that didn't feel all that friendly.

"As you say, my Queen," Gavin had no reason to argue, not if this was all that was required to secure his married life with Eniola; Gavin would gladly be the Queen's personal chef. "And may I ask, how is it that you're using my family?" he knew better than to ask and still the question came out.

"No, you may not ask, little Lord Briggs-Sikali," his Queen admonished, and Gavin bowed his head in acceptance while the Prince Consort laughed.

"Be glad with our celebration of your marriage, and know that we are gifting you a residence in the Capital, and sharing with you the anniversary date of our marriage," Prince Levi explained and Gavin saw Eniola's eyes widen in understanding. She'd explain to him what he'd missed contextually later, for now Gavin trusted Eniola enough to simply thank the Queen and Prince Consort.

"As far as our records will state, you Lady and Lord Briggs-Sikali, are married and expecting your first child. In three years I expect you, Lord Gavin, to begin your position in my Castle. Lady Eniola, I understand that childbearing and birth are extremely taxing on the mother; you are granted a year after your child is boron to continue your studies, so I expect to see you in the Diplomatic Bureau once you've settled into being a mother."

"Thank you, your Majesty," Eniola couldn't curtsey while sitting but she still inclined her upper body in modest gratitude, "I take this to mean that Gavin and I are now a married couple?"

"Of course you are, you're expecting a baby," Prince Levi made it sound like a forgone conclusion, which told Gavin more about Cadorian culture than was spoken out loud.

"You are married," Queen Akiyama calmly confirmed and Gavin felt like sitting down even though he already was.

He was married to the love of his life. They had a permanent home, and careers, here in the Capital and they were expecting their first child. It was everything he could ever want, at a cost Gavin was more than willing to pay. "Thank you, my Queen, and may I please congratulate you on your own marriage to Prince Consort Levi?"

"The announcement will be made public soon, by day's end, but I have another Event planned to announce to hide your particular 온라인카지노게임 under, so for now you may discreetly begin your married lives together." The Queen passed Eniola the marriage license, signed and sealed by her Majesty, and a deed to a modest Capital home. "And you will come to understand just how important your families are to me."

Gavin looked at Eniola and saw her already looking at him. They didn't needed to verbally discuss it, "Thank you again your Majesty; for your understanding, your trust, and your belief we are worthy of serving your crown," Eniola seemed to know exactly what to say, and Gavin would always agree with her.

"I've already made use of your brothers Derbie and Calvin, your sister Farran, now yourself, and soon enough your Knight-hopeful sister Hida; that's over half the Briggs siblings already doing what I want. Give me a little time, Lord Briggs-Sikali, and I'll find a use for the rest as well." Gavin did not like Queen Akiyama's list, nor her confidence, but he knew not to argue either.

"Of course, my Queen," Eniola understood it all far better than Gavin did, so he felt confident letting his new wife answer for him. "Our families serve you, we serve you, and we thank you for your generosity."

"Clever girl," Prince Consort Levi laughed again, "it took me far longer to learn that its easier to agree to Akiyama's iron will."

"You make it sound like I've coerced your compliance," her Majesty objected politely.

"The terms of our marriage are far too beneficial to both myself and my former Kingdom of Cador; I wasn't coerced I was simply convinced," Prince Consort Levi seemed more naturally casual than Queen Akiyama's perfect etiquette. "And I'm thrilled that I'll be married in the same day as two Briggs siblings."

Gavin saw that Eniola was as confused by that remark as Gavin felt, so it had something to do with the Queen's reference to Derbie, Calvin, Farran, or Hida, and only Derbie was involved in a marriage as far as Gavin knew. It didn't make sense, none of the other siblings were married yet, Alaric and Aayina Ram were planning a group wedding with her sister Deepa marrying Borka Polumenta, and Derbie to wed Ban Ruma. Gavin had been planning to quietly marry Eniola on the same date, but now that wasn't necessary.

"Is Lady Farran marrying Duke Dorland in Cador?" Eniola asked, and Gavin felt the shock of that question show on his face. Farran was only a year older than Gavin, but they were discussing her being married as if it were no matter.

"How very astute," Queen Akiyama indirectly confirmed, "but do not discuss the matter until we announce the news."

"Of course, your Majesty," Eniola seemed able to speak while Gavin felt like his tongue was sealed to the roof od his mouth.

"The carriage you'll take from here will take you to your new Capital home; it is fully furnished but I have left the nursery at its most basic state for you to complete yourselves," Queen Akiyama was clearly dismissing them, so Gavin rose quickly to help Eniola get to her feet.

"Thank you for your generosity," Gavin was able to say, feeling Eniola's hand hold onto his tightly.

"I'll be generous until you convince me not to be," her Majesty's warning sent a chill down Gavin's spine. "Remain the obedient, loyal subjects you've presented yourselves as being, and my generosity will know no bounds."

"Of course, your Majesty," Eniola curtsied now that she was standing, so Gavin bowed as well. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Consort Levi," she turned the politeness into a farewell.

"I've been truly charmed by all you sweet talking Taroton nobles," Gavin wasn't certain if Prince Consort Levi was being sarcastic or not.

"If my sister, Hida, succeeds at being a Knight, and I highly anticipate that, you will see what a plainly spoken Taroton noble is like, Prince Consort," Gavin found himself explaining.

Prince Consort Levi looked at him directly, and Gavin found himself frozen under the man's sharp, jade green eyes, "is she so very honest then?"

"Hida doesn't see the point in wasting energy lying; it's easier to be honest and deal with it once than lie and deal with it when the truth comes out anyways," Gavin couldn't help admitting.

"That'll be refreshing," Prince Levi winked at him. "Is she almost a Knight already then?"

"Her Debut is still 4 years away; she's had a rather eventful first year as a cadet," that was probably summarizing it too briefly, but Gavin still felt guilty that his method to sneak out and see Eniola had been used by Fabrizio Lazzarini to sneak in and attack Hida.

"I forget how large your Taroton families are sometimes," Prince Consort Levi laughed.

"The Briggs have eight siblings," Queen Akiyama explained, sounding clinical despite Gavin Briggs being present. "The eldest is Alaric at 22, the youngest is Hida at 15, and all of them will serve me to the best use I can find."

"I need to remember that your nobles aren't considered adults until 19, it feels so late," the Prince Consort's green eyes almost glowed as they held Gavin in place, "is there anything else you think I need to know about your siblings?"

"Hida sees her future and knows she'll be your Royal Guard," Gavin couldn't stop the secret from spilling out; his own siblings didn't know he'd learned it.

It was amazing what he could learn simply by listening when his siblings spoke to each other.

"So Hida's a Knight cadet who can see her own future, and she knows she'll be my Royal Guard once she's a Knight?" Prince Consort Levi already knew it, but Gavin felt compelled to answer again anyways.

"I've heard her talking to our sisters about it, she had Winnie draw your likeness and your Knot helped Farran identify you. But no one mentioned you being Queen Akiyama's Prince Consort," his explanation was as complete as he could make it.

"Fascinating, I should meet her since she'll be my personal Guard," Prince Consort Levi looked away from Gavin, and the room suddenly had enough air to breath; Gavin's eyes burned with the need to blink.

"We'll let the child continue her training without our interference," Queen Akiyama rejected, and Gavin felt Eniola lean against him in a surge of fatigue.

"Your Majesty, by your leave I'd like to take Eniola home to our new marriage house," Gavin felt brave enough to request.

"Good idea Lord Briggs-Sikali, I'll send a message to both your progenitor families explaining your new address," the Queen acquiesced generously.

"Thank you, my Queen," Gavin managed before all but escaping with his wife Eniola in his arms for support.

His whole life had just changed, but Gavin focused on Eniola; knowing the rest would be figured out once they were home.