Dark Armor: Temporary Partings

Pallian took a step backwards before he realized what he was doing, then took another as he realized that he didn't want to be standing beside his father in a crowd of Teregor courtiers. The Wizard-King didn't really need his protection, and all of a sudden it was all too much. He couldn't leave, not yet, but if he could just get out of the crowd...

He felt himself start to relax again as he neared one of the smooth obsidian walls, and forced himself to slow and then stop. 

"We must gather our forces," the High Magister was saying, loud enough for her voice to fill the chamber, "and so we must depart, for now. I hope, when this is done, you will accept our hospitality at the Crystal Towers."

"It will be our pleasure," said the Wizard-King, in a tone that Pallian didn't trust at all. "Lady Vathira will see to your needs until you are ready to depart."

The High Magister turned, her eyes effortlessly finding Pallian despite his change of location. For a moment she looked speculative; then she turned her attention back to the Wizard-King. "We remain grateful for your hospitality, mighty king."

She turned away as Lady Vathira stepped up, and they made a slow, dignified exit from the room. Her body-servant fell in beside her, and second-princess Arwidden trailed behind her. 

"Well, that was sudden," said a voice in his ear. "Are you ready to get married?"

Pallian had been half-expecting it, so he didn't react except to say quietly, "Why? Are you proposing?"

"And me without a ring to offer," Ashmiren said, keeping her voice too soft for anyone else to hear. "I'm not ready either. I hope your brother is good man."

"I do too," said Pallian. There was a faint sense of movement and something brushed his cheek; then she was gone, leaving him alone and very much feeling it.