Dimitri mock glared at a laughing Lewen as he tossed back another brandy at the bar.

The wedding reception was in full swing and it didn’t appear to be ending soon. His new bride had already departed the festivities to prepare for bed and though he wouldn’t admit it, especially to the constantly teasing Lewen, he was eager to be off as well.

He turned to get another drink but stopped, thinking better of it. He didn’t want to be too tipsy when went to his bride tonight. He couldn’t help but grin at the thought of her but it quickly left his face as Lewen let out another guffaw of laughter.

He turned away from the bar and Lewens grinning countenance and faced another obstacle in his path to his marriage bed.

 

“Lord Blaise,” Sofia Montague stood before him smiling sweetly.

“Lady Montague,” he said politely bowing over her outstretched hand.

He didn’t see the cold smirk she tossed behind him but a low growl from Lewen caused him to frown slightly.

“I just wanted to personally offer you my congratulations on both your marriage and your future crowning.” She fluttered her lashes and Dimitri smiled politely trying not to turn to look at Lewen as the man gave a loud snort.

Unable to ignore him any longer she glanced past Dimitri. “Mr. Royson, how nice to see you again.” By her tone both he and Dimitri could tell that it wasn’t nice indeed.

 

Lewen glared coldly at her a moment. “It’s Lord, Royson if you please.” He said, his glare becoming even more dangerous when she laughed.

“Lord…right.” She turned her attention back to Dimitri but before she could say anything Lewen stepped forward.

“So, lady Montague”, his tone implied she was anything but; he glanced around before continuing. “You seem to be on the prowl. I’m afraid though Lord Blaise is off the market. He’s only gained a wife, I doubt he is already in need of a mistress.”

Her cheeks flamed bright red and she leaned up to hiss angrily into his face, her words low enough so only the three of them heard, “Better a Kings whore then a paupers wife!” She glared angrily at him before turning on her heel and walking away.

Dimitri stared at his friend his eyes wide in shocked surprise. Lewen barely glanced at him, instead turning to the bar and retrieving another drink.

“Is there something you aren’t telling me?” he asked his friend as he watched him toss back one brandy then another. When he reached for the third Dimitri put his hand out to stop him.

Lewen glared angrily at the hand restraining him but didn’t move. “No, just putting her in her place.” Turning he glanced around the room his eyes seeming to hone in on her petite form as she spoke with one of the new bishops.

Seeing the direction of his glare, Dimitri nudged him; “You might want to stop shredding her gown with your eyes then. Her mother is watching you.”

Lewen quickly turned away as said Lady approached.

“Lord Blaise,” Lady Montague smiled warmly her and extended her hand.

Dimitri accepted the offered digit and bowed low. “My Lady Montague, how are you?” He smiled back at her. He genuinely liked her, as did most people in New Cornwall. Though no one spoke of it, they all sympathized with her and secretly hated her husband.

“I am quite well thank you lord Milord. I wanted to congratulate you on your vows and impending kingship. Lady Donovan was a dear friend of mine. I know she would have been delighted to have you as a son.” She spoke to him though her eyes glanced behind him to the back of Lewen who was trying to look unobtrusive.

“Thank you for your well wishes my dear lady. I am glad you could attend.” He tried not to glance at Lewen as he said this.

Peering over his shoulder she lifted one golden eyebrow. “Lord Royson, How nice to see you again,” She addressed his back.

Lewen turned somewhat reluctantly and nodded slightly his drink held a loft. “My lady…”

She smiled sweetly though it did not reach her eyes. “I wonder Lord Royson if I might have a word with you?”

Lewen nodded curtly and Dimitri smiled and clapped him on the back.

“Well, I’ll let you two talk. I am going to see if I might sneak away from the festivities now.”

He walked toward the door trying hard not to listen to the somewhat whispered conversation behind him.

Lady Montague: “Lewen, may I call you Lewen? I wanted to first congratulate you on your Lordship….”

Dimitri waved a goodbye to Corrinne who smiled and nodded deep in conversation with the priest. Confident that she and the competent staff could handle things he exited without further interference.