A royal audience

King Aethalmund was proof that clothes make the man. Average height, average looks and average weight, at least for Malta, although for Urda, he might be on the heavy side. Almost everyone else living on Urda had been slim or muscular so far. Even his voice was average as he tried to get through his overly long speech. Lucija wasn’t particularly interested, yet Silvia carried on translating.

'On this auspicious day we welcome these intrepid heroes from another world...'

Lucija’s mind began to wonder, thinking of what life would be like in this new world. This king clearly had a liking for good food. She wondered what food would be like here. She ate fresh bread this morning and those chocolate with her tea. She began to worry she might not be able to eat pasta or pizza again; or, worse, pastizzi.

'Their adventure will be long; their deeds will fill the annals and sagas...’

Lucija also wondered what they did for entertainment. It would be too much to hope there was television. She had just started watching a famous anime with pirates not too long ago.She would never know how it ended now.

'I know they will be great champions of my reign and also that of my heir...'

Lucija’s ears perked up. An Heir? Judging by the king’s age, the heir must be early twenties at most. That was a good age. She imagined a tall man, a robe drabbed over his shoulder and a sword clasped to his hip. However he might look, she hoped he didn’t take too much after his father.

Onto the dais walked a mountain of pink, trimmed in bows and frilly lace.

The heir gently bowed her head. Why are all the heirs princesses, Lucija thought to herself. She had to admit the princess looked quite pretty. Lucas and several of the other men in the hall seemed to think so as they lapped up every word she said.

But crinolines? Why would she want to look like a giant pink bell? This world clearly had an early medieval vibe going on. The Dickensian look is out of place.

Lucija’s attention drifted to the tapestries around the room. The largest and most impressive hung above the royal dais. On it, mythical animals ran, flew and swam. Other than the two dragons, one western and one resembling a hairy eastern dragon, the lion-like creature attracted her attention.

The beast was fierce with a great mane, sharp teeth and large pointed ears. And it was blue. Blue with a stripes of orange on the back. It was a far cry from the smug cat she saw walking the streets of Malta, but how many other blue cats could there be. He must be important in this world. Probably why he looks so smug.

The strangest feature of the tapestry, however, had to be the large black circle in the bottom corner. It distracted from the beauty of the whole and the eye couldn’t help gravitating to it. Yet it wasn’t a covering or patch up, the black circle was an integral part of the design. There were eleven mythical beasts in total and one large black circle. The number was odd and the black circle odder.

As she was staring at the tapestry, the king made his final remarks. Lucija missed most of Silvia’s translation, but something along the lines of him wanting to give thanks to the newly arrived summoned, future heroes of the Imperium.

The king descended the stairs leading from the dais and walked towards Lucija and the others. He removed his crown, passing it to an attendant. The crowd was silent as the king bent down, bowing his head to the summoned.

Every important person in the room, no matter how fine their clothes followed the king’s lead and kneeled. Lucija swivelled back and forth at the heads around her. Greying heads, heads decked in fine hair combs and ornaments, balding head, and luscious, styled heads of hair, all presented to her.

Silvia took Lucija’s hand in hers and looking up said, ‘My lady, the king and the dignitaries all offer you their heartfelt welcome and thanks for your future service to the Imperium. They and I will forever be in your debt.’

Lucija turned red from ear to ear as she tried to fumble out some words. She had often imagined a gallant knight kneeling and taking her hand. There were a few details that didn’t quite match, but it still made an impact.

‘Erm, yes. Thank you. Nice words. Thanks. Erm, arise?’ She managed to blunder out.

As they made their way out of the inner council and towards a reception being held in their honour, Silvia rattled on about the people that had been present at the royal audience. A long list of dukes, alderman, earls and thegns; court mages and religious leaders; and high-ranking military officials. Many of them would also be at the reception, along with some of the finest food and drink the Imperium had to offer.

‘All of these people bowed to you, my lady.’ Silvia said.

‘Yes,’ was all that Lucija could manage back.

‘Are you OK, my lady?’ Silvia asked.

‘Yes.’ Lucija was staring into space in front of her.

Silvia linked her right arm with Lucija’s. ‘It’s quite a lot to take in isn’t it, my lady?’

‘Yes.’ Lucija said. ‘Erm.’

‘What is it, my lady?’

‘Erm, could you just call me Lucija? It doesn’t really feel like you’re talking to me when you say, “my lady”.’

‘If that’s you wish my l... Lucija.’

‘Thank you, that’s much better.’