Lord Forster and his son will be at the second table. Remember that they have a hatred of music, because the son finds it painful to hear…

Trying to remember everything about our guests? King Godwin asked. Were the ones who are meant to be making the day perfect for you.

I still have plenty to do though, Lenore said. I will be meeting so many people, and I want to acquit myself well; I wouldnt want to embarrass you.

You could never do that, King Godwin promised her.

Then theres the tour of the kingdom, Lenore said. It takes a lot of preparation.

King Godwin smiled at that, remembering when hed toured it with Illia. People had come out to see them, and had given gifts, and more importantly, had pledged their loyalty.

Im sure it will be fine, he said. He looked around at the sight of the doors to the Great Hall opening. And here are your brothers and sisters.

The brothers, at least, which caught the king a little by surprise. Vars and Greave walked in together, Vars looking like he was nursing a hangover, his shirt and doublet disheveled as if hed thrown them on in a hurry. Greave was dressed in gray and black, a book of some sort in his hand, his expression downcast. Honestly, Godwin didnt know what it would take to ever make his youngest son smile, and he wasnt sure he had the energy to care. His presence always put Godwin a little on edge, simply because he resembled his mother so much, from his shoulder-length blond hair and blue eyes down to the almost feminine lines of his face.

Where are your sisters? he demanded.

Greave shrugged, and somehow managed to do even that mournfully. I have not seen Erin. Nerra is in her rooms, unwell, I believe.

Godwin flinched at the thought of Nerra unwell again. He would have to see her and make sure she was all right. As for Erin…

He turned to a couple of his knights, Jolin and Borus. Both had served him for many years now. Both were utterly loyal. Find my youngest daughter, wherever she has gone, and bring her back.

Yes, your majesty, they chorused, heading for the door together.

King Godwin returned his attention to his sons. What about you two? Why have you not been doing what you should to help with the wedding? Vars? You were not on the hunt.

I found more useful things to do, he said. I will of course aid in any way I can.

Then you wont mind being Lenores guard and champion on her wedding procession? the king said. It was the sort of job Rodry would have volunteered for, but his other sons needed some hardening up. Let Vars learn what being a warrior meant.

Of course, Vars said, although his voice was tight. That only told Godwin just how much his son needed to be made to take responsibility.