“So have you been putting your time to good use in Shuluk?” Aled asked.

“My men are currently facing down a siege at one of the castles I have taken, other than that I am uncontested.” Braydon was not at all surprised that the King had been keeping tabs on his actions. And given that his messenger met Braydon at a besieged castle, it was obvious that the King himself would know.

“So I am led to believe. But I am sure that you get more out of this than just a few castles?” That was obvious, if Braydon wanted a few castles there were easier ways to get them. He had the money to buy out a number of impoverished nobles in Fiveria. And it was unlikely that the King would have opposed much given his contributions.

“I am sure Your Majesty is aware of the Brimstones’ iron mines. So long as I kept them out of rebel hands, I could keep them.” An awfully simplified version of the agreement but accurate nonetheless.

“So it seems.” The King nodded, keeping his thoughts to himself.

“Seeing as though I have been called forward, I think now would be as good a time as any to present my wedding gifts.” Braydon had noticed Gerald at the side of the hall accompanied by a palace servant, both of them carrying one box each. Since the King had called him forward early, he wanted to use this to ease the conversation a bit.

“Why not, let us not bore my wife with matters she has yet to be informed of.” The King acquiesced.

That left Braydon unsure if the King meant that he would confide in his wife in the future or that he was trying not to talk about private matters of state with her. And given his impassive face it could just as easily mean either. At the very least he was taking her into consideration, whether or not that was a good or bad thing.

“These are a pair that I had commissioned from the finest gemsmiths in Boshil.” Braydon motioned for the servant to present the box in his hands first, letting Gerald wait. The tiara was the more important of the two pieces and would wait until the necklace had been given.

“This piece is a necklace, I am fortunate that Her Majesty is wearing complimentary colours. It is my hope that this is something that suits your tastes.” He introduced as the box was opened before the pair, addressing the Queen directly with his last comment.

“It seems that you really did spare no expenses.” The King nodded in approval, being his Kingdom’s largest industry he was well versed in gems and could immediately ascertain its quality without Braydon mentioning it.

“I thank you for your well wishes, it is beautiful.” Queen Agate spoke for the first time since Braydon had been summoned to their table. Her tone was much firmer than Braydon was expecting from someone that Duke Burn had tucked away for years.

“I am glad then. But there is a matching piece, and I hope that it catches your attention even more.” Braydon took the box from Gerald’s hands and presented it personally

“Oh my.” The Queen raised a hand in front of her mouth when she saw it.

“A bold choice, it does make a great pair with the necklace.” Aled remained silent for a moment before finally nodding in approval.

“It would be my great honour if you would accept these as my wedding gifts.” Braydon Stepped back from the royal table and once again slightly bowed.

“There is no reason why we would not.” Aled smiled slightly, what felt like the first in their conversation so far.

“Then I would like to take the liberty of wearing these right now.” The Queen, whilst measured in her word choice was clearly quite taken with the jewellery.

“It is to my great joy that you like my gifts, I am sure that the craftsmen will be greatly honoured knowing their work will be worn at your wedding banquet.” He could at least be sure that if he needed any jewellery making in the future he could turn to them without fail. He had managed to get one of their pieces worn on such a prestigious occasion.

“Then you may return to the merriment, I am sure you can feel the daggers being glared at you would become real ones if I kept you much longer.” The King joked.

“Though I am sure it would not be to that extent, there are no doubt some minor confrontations to deal with.” It was at least one way to get acquainted with the newly ennobled members of the King’s court.

“We should continue our conversation once the festivities have died down.” Aled added at the end. Clearly, their earlier topic was not over yet.

“Certainly, Your Majesty.” Braydon bowed once again and made his way back to his seat, Gerald in tow.

“It seems like I will be staying at the palace tonight. Feel free to return and drink, though I do expect you to be back at it tomorrow.” He mentioned quietly to his knight.

“You say that like I did not intend to drink even if you had returned to the mansion.” Gerald smiled. Nela had not had the time to hide the alcohol in Braydon’s residence in the capital before she had to leave to make her own preparations so there was little stopping him there.

“Fair.” Braydon would not have stopped him either. If the wedding of the King was not an excuse to celebrate with wine and booze, then he did not know what was.