I raced back to my room via the secret door and passageway, changed into my formal attire, including a fine leather jacket, and hurried through the kitchen. I burst through and said, "Which way to lunch?"

  One of the sous chefs broke away from preparing a bowl of fruit and motioned for me to follow. We hustled to another hidden passageway and I emerged just outside of the dining area, where I tried to slip in unobtrusively.

  The chamber was more compact than anticipated, but it was adorned with luxurious decor. The large round table was completely occupied except for one chair—that would be mine. I recognized a few of the guests, but at least half a dozen were strangers to me. Elixander sat regally next to his daughter. Beside him, Seraphina chatted with a nobleman whose elaborate collar with gold tipped wings practically screamed "royal treasurer." An attractive woman who had to be Princess Elowen Dawnwatcher presided near the head of the other side of the table. She graced me with a warm smile as I tried to sneak in.

  On Elixader's other side sat Triolux, who hopped up on his chair and waved at me. "Friend, Varix. Nice of you to join us!"

  A few looked up and laughed politely at my discomfort.

  "Apologies, all. I have just returned from a long journey."

  The table was covered in sumptuous dishes that would make any royal chef proud. Platters of exotic fruits sat beside wheels of aged cheeses that probably cost more than a week's earnings at my tavern. Cold meats had been arranged in intricate patterns. Crystal decanters of wine, water, and juice dotted the tabletop. Even the cutlery looked expensive enough to fund a small mercenary band.

  Several members of her household staff, distinguishable by their matching silver and blue livery, filled the remaining seats, along with what I assumed were visiting dignitaries based on their exotic attire and the way they scrutinized everything with tactful caution.

  Seraphina waved me over to the empty chair beside her. Her hair was elegantly styled with small gems woven through the dark strands. Her makeup enhanced her violet eyes and high cheekbones.

  "How did everything go back home?" she whispered as I sat down.

  "Great," I murmured back. "There's a lot to tell you. I missed you. Thank you for the sweet letter."

  "I missed you, too." Seraphina touched my arm and squeezed it.

  I wanted to lean over and kiss her cheek. There was so much to tell her, but right now I was happy to have her near me. I was ready to get back home and stay there. Once this wedding was over, I looked forward to doing just that.

  King Alister, sitting three people down from me on the right, leaned in and said it was nice of me to come to lunch.

  I couldn't help but laugh. "Apologies, King Alister. I ran into a few unexpected issues."

  "I see. Welcome, Lord Commander Vel'Naris," the king said.

  A servant appeared with a covered plate and placed it before me. When they lifted the silver dome, I spotted the familiar icefish dish I had helped prepare earlier. I suppressed a smile, keeping my involvement secret.

  Across the table, I acknowledged King Alister's bride-to-be. She had honey-blonde hair arranged in an intricate style and wore a gown of pale blue silk that complemented her fair complexion, though she wasn't as pale as the king.

  "I'm Princess Elowen Dawnwatcher." Her voice carried warmth, and no trace of condescension marked her tone, despite her royal status.

  "The pleasure is mine, Your Highness," I replied with a bow of my head. "Thank you for the invitation."

  "Please, call me Elowen," she insisted.

  She went down the line and introduced a dizzying array of names for the others. Ministers of this, princes of that, and lords of other things I had no chance of remembering. I settled for polite nods and then tried to shrink into my seat, worried someone would ask me a question and expect me to remember their name.

  I enjoyed the meal, and conversation flowed around me. Seraphina reached under the table and gave my hand a tight squeeze.

  Mid-bite into a large piece of icefish, Princess Eloween addressed me, causing me to nearly choke in order to respond. "So, Varix, I was astonished to hear of your adventures. Seraphina tells me you started as a humble tavern owner in Everspring."

  I dabbed my mouth with a napkin. "Yes, uh, Princess Elowen. I wanted a quieter life. The tavern needed someone to care for it, and I needed somewhere to belong."

  "He's being modest," Seraphina interjected. "The Shadow's Respite was nearly abandoned when he found it. Now it's the heart of the community. He has worked tirelessly to reintegrate various races around Everspring. Orcs have built a fortress nearby designed to provide protection. He even has a goblin working in his kitchen. I would say Varix is a true visionary."

  "He's modest, alright. That one," Triolux roared and pointed at me, "found an underground city, a long lost race, and he's friends with a lady dragon."

  "Stop!" I mouthed at Triolux.

  Elowen laughed. "What a fascinating life you have lived. I would like to meet your dragon friend."

  "All of that was accidental, I can assure you. I'm just a tavern owner," I said. "I imagine Frostfire would like to meet you, as well. She is as nice a dragon as I've ever met."

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  This elicited chuckles and sly looks from around the table.

  She leaned forward. "That sounds wonderful. Sometimes the most meaningful places are not the grandest."

  "Very true," I agreed. "But a palace like this makes my humble tavern look meager at best."

  She laughed. "Our home isn't as large, but it is lovely. As a child, I used to hide in the kitchen gardens when royal duties became too much."

  "Did you get in trouble?" I asked.

  "The head gardener would find me among the herbs and pretend not to notice," she said. "He'd teach me plant names while I helped him weed. I learned a great deal about herbal remedies."

  The conversation flowed easily after that. We discussed the upcoming wedding, the traditions of the Radiant Territories, and amusing tales from my tavern. Elowen asked thoughtful questions and laughed freely at my stories.

  As the lunch drew to a close, King Alister rose from his seat and approached Princess Elowen. He bowed and offered her his hand. She took it, rose gracefully, and joined him. The entire table got to their feet as the king and princess walked toward the door. The pair leaned over and spoke quietly to each other before they split up and departed in opposite directions.

  "They're going to get dressed for the wedding," Seraphina whispered to me.

  "Do we have time for a nap?" I asked.

  "You can nap. No way am I risking even sitting, not to mention lying down in this dress, with this hair, these nails, and this makeup," Seraphina said.

  I sighed at the thought of Seraphina sitting uncomfortably for hours while I napped. "You're right. What should we do instead?"

  "We could walk the gardens," she suggested. "The royal gardeners have created some spectacular displays for the wedding."

  "Lead the way," I said.

  Hours later, we made our way to the grand ballroom for the wedding. The massive double doors stood open to reveal a space that dwarfed any gathering room I had seen yet on Mythralon. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, each one ablaze with hundreds of magical dots of light that illuminated the vast space.

  The ballroom stretched longer than three taverns placed end to end. Tall windows lined the walls, stained glass depicting scenes from the land's history. One featured a pair of dragons dueling in the sky. Between each window hung tapestries in royal blue and silver.

  "This place is enormous," I whispered to Seraphina.

  "The ballroom was designed to host diplomatic gatherings from across the continent," she replied. "Fitting for this joining of houses."

  Rows of ornate chairs filled the central space, creating an aisle that led to an elevated platform at the far end. Garlands of white and blue flowers draped across the backs of chairs and wound around the pillars that supported the ceiling.

  The crowd was as impressive as the venue. Dwarven nobles stood proudly in their finest armor, polished to a mirror shine and inlaid with precious metals. Dwarven beards were braided with gold and silver threads, and laced with tiny gemstones strung between them.

  Elven dignitaries glided through the crowd in flowing robes of impossibly delicate fabric that shifted colors as they moved. Their attire featured intricate embroidery depicting woodland scenes and stellar patterns.

  Human royalty wore velvets and silks, each trying to outdo the others with more elaborate designs and richer colors. Jewels glittered on fingers, necks, and crowns. Some were dressed in heavy armor and stood off to the side. They probably couldn't sit down and hope to stand again with all that extra weight.

  Seraphina guided me to our seats a few rows from the front. Her father, Elixander, sat stiffly beside her, his face unreadable. Triolux perched next to him. His gemstone gaze darted around the room, met my eyes, and he grinned broadly.

  "Friend, Varix! Such a gathering!" Triolux said. "My people were rarely assembled in such numbers, even before the cataclysm."

  At the head of the room stood the oldest elf I had ever seen. His face bore deep lines, which was unusual for elvenkind. His silver hair hung past his waist, and he wore ceremonial robes of white and gold. The priest positioned himself between two waist-high marble pillars. A soft, shimmering light hovered above each pillar and gently pulsed.

  "That's High Elder Thaeleon," Seraphina whispered. "It's said he is over two thousand years old."

  "He's seen some stuff," I replied under my breath.

  The crowd hushed as a side door opened. King Alister entered, attired in gleaming armor. Gold inlay traced intricate patterns across the breastplate, and a cape of royal blue velvet flowed from his shoulders. At his side hung a longsword with an ornate scabbard covered in dwarven runes.

  He strode confidently toward the pillars. His pale skin contrasted with the colors of his attire. The assembled guests bowed their heads respectfully as he passed. When he reached the platform, he turned to face the crowd. A hush fell over the ballroom, broken only by the sudden blast of horns that announced Princess Elowen's arrival.

  The doors at the back of the hall swung open. Princess Elowen entered in a beautiful wedding gown. The bodice was adorned with thousands of tiny pearls, and the skirt flowed out in layers of gossamer silk. A train of sheer fabric extended at least fifteen feet behind her, carried by two dwarf children who beamed with pride. Two more children followed and scattered flower petals as they walked.

  A delicate tiara of silver and sapphires crowned her head, securing a veil that floated around her like morning mist.

  "She's beautiful," Seraphina murmured.

  Princess Elowen walked down the aisle with measured steps. When she reached King Alister, they faced the High Elder together.

  The ceremony began with the elder speaking in an ancient elven dialect. He then switched to the common tongue. The vows went on for some time as the old elf spoke of houses, alliances, glorious joining, and the like. To be honest, I might have nodded off a few times. Except for a few coughs, shifting in seats, the gentle clanking of armor, a burp or two, and a few children's voices, the room somehow remained silent except for the voice of Thaeleon.

  He finally reached the end of the long speech, and his voice suddenly boomed around us. "Today, we witness the union of two noble houses, two kingdoms joined as one. All here bear witness. All here acknowledge the joining. If any wish to speak against this union, do so now."

  My eyes darted to Kara, who stood a dozen feet off to the side of the king. Her gaze continually swept the crowd for threats. Her face was impassive, and as those words were spoken, her lips parted but she said not a word.

  When no one stepped forward, the vows were exchanged with clear voices. King Alister promised protection and partnership. Princess Elowen pledged loyalty and wisdom and spoke of the envy of all Mythralon that their joined kingdoms would create. Their words echoed through the mostly silent hall.

  The High Elder produced a golden cord, intricately braided and tipped with small bells. He wrapped it around their joined hands.

  "With this binding, two become one. Two kingdoms unite in peace and prosperity."

  The couple turned and walked slowly back down the aisle, their bound hands held high above their heads. The assembled guests rose to their feet, applauding as the newlyweds exited through the grand doors.

  I rose with them. Beside me, Seraphina beamed at the couple. She glanced at me, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

  Even Elixander smiled and clapped. Triolux stood on his chair so he could see over the crowd. I gave silent thanks that it was over and I could now go home.

  , I'll be at from Friday to Sunday. My wife and I have a nice corner booth. If you're in the area and would like one of my books, feel free to swing by. I'll have a very limited amount of the original Dark Lord's Last Call in paperback. I found a small box of them stuffed in the corner of my closet from last year.