He rather did have a point. No one else would have the authority to preside over a king’s wedding.
Lady Kitchingham smiled warmly. “In truth, I’m glad. I’ve seen how attached King James is to you, and I think he’d have burned the castle down before doing some political marriage.”
“You’re not wrong. In any case, please be aware I’m very much a part of both ceremonies.”
“Noted. Which, all said, we must finalize the guest list today. That must be sent out immediately,” Marchioness Maitland said firmly.
“I think we can invite only those who can feasibly come on such short notice.” Lady Kitchingham had a massive bag with her, and she fetched a sheet of paper out before handing it to Marchioness Maitland. “This is my short list, as I call it. Theones listed are those nobles who generally stay in the capital in the summer season and are available for last-minute parties. You’ll see it’s only for a hundred or so people—”
Only. Gods help me.
“—but they are reliable in attendance, as they adore any event. Please do look through it and see if there’s someone you wish to strike from the list or add to it.”
“I certainly shall. May I mark on this sheet?”
“Of course.”
While they conferred on guests, I tacked on, “My own family will also be in attendance.”
Marchioness Maitland waved this off. “Kin are handled differently.”
“Ah. Very good, then.” I focused on Judge Galbraith. “Aside from the formality of the former king handing over the crown to the new king, what else needs to be done?”
“Hmm, there is, of course, the signing. Of not only the rulership but the wedding certificate. To do that, we must settle something. I’ve heard people refer to you as consort, others as king—which are you officially?”
“James and I have agreed to me being king and co-ruler.”
“That’s fine, if that’s what you’re willing to do.”
“Then we will. Lady Kitchingham, I want both ceremonies to be as streamlined as possible.”
She opened her mouth on a hot objection. “This is the crowning oftwokings!”
“We have a week,” I reminded her.
Her objection changed into sad whale sounds.
“We can do flowers in key places, and fabric wreaths over the doors and windows, but no wrapping the columns. We just don’t have time for all the fuss. Get the court mages involved and have them make up for any illumination with some subtle mage lightsalong the ceiling. It’ll look pretty and take no time at all on their part.”
“Fabulous idea.” Lady Kitchingham whipped out a notebook and started scribbling. “Food?"
“A formal dinner for this is a must, but let’s take advantage of the season,” I said. “Fresh seafood, a light salad, with an array of desserts. Invite the bakeries in the city to donate their own choice desserts up here with little placards to show what desserts are from whom. It’ll take the stress off our bakers and allow the citizens to participate in this event, after a fashion.”
“Also shows that our citizens approve of your marriage and ascension,” Marchioness Maitland said while inclining her head toward me. “Very shrewd. I suggest handling the alcohol in the same way.”
“Oh, now that I like. We’ll of course provide the bulk from our own cellars but will take any donations as gifts and well wishes.”
“Announce your intention today so people have time,” Lady Kitchingham suggested. “Also…”
We moved on from food to music and other major details. The decorations for the event were set colors, as of course they’d need to be red, white, and gold, so there wasn’t much to decide there either. Still, it was a lot of rapid decision-making in a short amount of time, and I needed a break.
I got up from the table to stretch—I had been sitting too much today in meetings—and wandered over to the buffet near the window. Some hot tea to perk me up and perhaps a scone would be nice. I’d rushed through lunch and felt peckish now.
I stared idly out the window as I made my tea, letting my mind rest from planning details. It started to wander into daydream land before notifying me something outside wasn’t quite right. My mind also insisted Titan was somehow involved?
Now, why would my husband’s beloved horse be in theformalpalace gardens visible from this window?
Suspicious, I focused on the sight once more, half sure I had seen it wrong.
