I nodded but dismissed his suggestion. “I’m sure I’ve studied the Prince’s family more times than my eyes can bear without bleeding. If the itch should arise, I will have plenty of time to revisit it on the road to Rothingham. ...I hope the weather keeps. Will our horses trek through this snow?”
“Yes,” he said. “Once we cross into the Riverlands, you’ll see a shift in climate. The closer we get to Chalke, the warmer it’ll be. You won't find ice in the south.”
“The Riverlands?” I asked. “Are we not stopping in North Áire first?”
“Once we return.”
“What of my title ceremony?” I asked.
“It’s more a formality. His Majesty moved it back,” he explained.
“What? Why?” I asked.
“It makes more sense, prioritizing Rothingham, where you’ll be married. We’ll pass through the Riverlands on our way there, then back again when we return. Then we will visit your duchy and stay in Dawne for a few days as a courtesy to your aunt.”
“How lovely that His Majesty told me of such a dramatic change,” I muttered.
“I’m sure he meant to,” he said. “The Crown can be overwhelming. He must have forgotten.”
“I’m sure.” I nodded. “...Is there really noice in the Riverlands?” I asked. “Now? Orever?Wait. Does... DoesChalkenot havesnow? Do they haverain?”
“Rarely do we get snow in the Riverlands; yes, Chalke has rain. They’re well-known for their showery summers,” he said. “In fact, it will likely rain the entire time we’re there and well after. Until mid-July, I’d guess.”
“Mid-July?”I begged. “That’smonthsfrom now!”
“And why your wedding is in August and so far from your birthday.”
I smiled weakly before he could comment on my response; I mirrored his frown. “Is it superstition that drives the date? Or a tradition of some sort?” I asked.
“Most traditions are born in superstition, but if I think about it, I believe there is a phrase, yes.‘Rain on your wedding day, tears in every way.’”
“That’s ridiculous,” I said.“Oreianlore says rain is a sign of fertility. Of growing the seed of love.”
“Alas, there is no curse for sunny days in either land, so you’ll have to settle for the nice weather,” he remarked.
“Unless it rains in August anyway,” I replied.
Elías cocked his head. “Do you have everything you need for the trip?”
“I picked out several dresses,” I replied. “But those were for Dawne. Now I’m concerned. I had anticipated cold winds and snow this time of year. And I shall revise them shortly, but for now, I have been waiting for His Majesty to become available. I have some lingering concerns.”
“Such as?”
“What? I can’t ask him myself?” I asked.
“You know Nikolai will redirect you to me,” he said.
“I just,” I stopped. “What if I muck this up?”
“Muck what up?” he asked.
“I don’t know. All of it? What if the Prince doesn’t like me?”
“Do you like him?” he checked.
“I–Well, what if I don’t understand taxes as well as I hope? What if the court is sore the King hasn’t arrived with our party? What if-?”
Elías nodded. “I see. Your fears are valid; I acknowledge them, but they are not helpful for the task at hand. Remember, I’ll be with you the entire time, and a fortnight will not be the end of Svana Eisson’s reign, no matter how terribly it goes.”
