Go to see Valerie, your Mistress

You have considered before that you are a most fortunate king, in that you have surrounded yourself with advisors who are both wise and loyal; however, there remain some matter where their advice is still found wanting. When it comes to insight into the hearts and minds of women, there remains one who knows more than any of them.

"I shall return to the castle," you say to Duncan, "and take some rest until it is time for the opening ceremonies."

"Of course, Sire," Duncan says. "With your permission, I will ride out to the encampments of the foreign lords and ensure that the needs of our guests are being met."

"There are matters I could profitably attend to at the tournament grounds, Sire," General Ferdinand says.

You nod to them both. "By all means, my lords, take your leave."

Duncan and Ferdinand ride off, leaving you with Lady Trina. There is a strange look on her face... she seems attentive to her duty as always, but there is clearly something on her mind. The encounter with Queen Alyana seems to have left her uncharacteristically flustered.

You have never been one to put much stock in rumors and whispers, but you have overheard comments not meant for your ears, to the effect that Lady Trina seeks out sensual comforts exclusively among other women; could it be that Queen Alayna's seductive overtures struck an unintended target? It is certainly understandable that Trina, if she does indeed prefer women to men, would be drawn to one such as Alayna. Perhaps it would be best if Trina's duties focused more upon the City Watch rather than guarding the King for the time being; that decision would normally be left up to Captain Navarre, of course.

The Innkeeper's Road remains very crowded, and although people make way for the King, it is still slow going until you are through the main square. Even the bridge to the castle gate is more populated than usual. At last, you are able to step down from the saddle and turn Steelheart over to the stable boys.

"I am sure you have your own preparations to make, both personal and professional," you say to Lady Trina. "Go and attend to them; I do not need an escort to my own bedchamber."

"Of course, Sire. I take my leave." Trina spins her horse about and heads back toward the square at a quick trot.

You ascend the many steps to the King's tower, and dismiss your valet when you reach your bedchamber; he has already laid out your ceremonial robes and breastplate. Stripping off your riding cape and tunic, you whistle briefly into the speaking-tube which leads to Valerie's chamber.

"Yes, Sire?" comes the small, girlish voice of Yvette, Valerie's handmaiden.

"I would enjoy Valerie's company before the festival, if she is present," you tell her.

"With regret, Sire, I must say that she is not. Mademoiselle has gone to the cellars, to choose wines for the feast tonight."

Of course, you might have guessed. Valerie has always preferred to take a personal interest in the selection of wines, and she does have a talent for matching the drink perfectly with the food. "I shall see her there, then. May you enjoy the festivities today, Yvette."

"Thank you, Sire."

As magnificent as your palace is, you often wish it had been designed with fewer stairs. Still, it could be hours before Valerie returns from the cellars (she takes her wine selection very seriously!), so there's nothing else for it but to head down to the cellar. It's a rather interesting day to walk about the castle, at any rate; everyone is so busy with preparations that hardly anyone notices you, and it's been a long time since you could walk anywhere without being constantly noticed!

"No, save the Bordeaux for the beef medallions," you hear Valerie say as you approach the cellar. "The spiced Granarde will do for the suckling boar, and a lighter touch with the honey would be best. I know the King likes it sweet, but most of our guests have a more refined taste than that, so just put an extra drop of honey into his goblet."

"Now, if I liked everything as sweet as honey, would you still be warming my bed?" you ask as you enter the cellar.

Anyone else might have been mortified at having been overheard as Valerie was, but she knows you better than that. "I'm simply saying that you have a blacksmith's taste in wine, dear Xavier," she says, shrugging her shoulders gracefully. "But, we must learn to endure each others' faults, mustn't we?"

"You look radiant, Valerie." And indeed she does, dressed in a long and elegant gown the color of the sky, her hair worn loosely about her shoulders, the only adornment a silver tiara upon her head which was a gift from you at the last midwinter festival.

"Well, if you truly are seeking a queen during the festival, it's best that I show the maids of the kingdom the star they must outshine," she replies. "And why must I hear of such things through the kitchen staff, rather than from your own lips?"

"Truth be told, it wasn't on my mind until barely two hours past. It seems that rumors travel faster than Steelheart."

"In that case, I forgive you, my love."

You notice that the servants are all standing somewhat awkwardly, with their heads bowed, uncertain as to whether they should continue with their duties or show all due homage to the king. "Please, everyone, carry on," you tell them. "The festival will not wait!"

The servants go back to their work, which involves vacating the room (not coincidentally, you are sure) and leaving you and Valerie alone. "So, I imagine you've come seeking my advice and counsel as a woman?"

"You know me too well, Valerie."

"Since you've become King, you've acquired wisdom beyond your years," she says. "Naturally, you would come to see me about this matter sooner or later. Let me ask you this... who would YOU choose, if you could have your pick of maids at the festival?"

"I daresay that may be the choice I face. Once the word gets out, practically every eligible woman in the kingdom will be thinking of herself as the next potential Queen of Elyssia - even those who would not want it, if they knew what it really meant."

Valerie approaches you, kisses you lightly on the lips. "You speak of women who would want to be Queen," she says. "But that is not so important as who would want to be wed to Xavier... and I assure you, if all the maids in the kingdom knew you as I do, you would have even more to choose from than you do as King."

"It is good of you to say so, dear Valerie, but the fact remains that most of them do not know me as anything but a king."

"You must have a queen, and you must have a wife," Valerie says. "But only one woman in a thousand could be both, and that is the one you seek. It is much easier to know whether a maid would make a suitable queen, and so you should begin with that, and narrow down your options. Then, to the ones who could be Queen, show them who Xavier is, and learn who they are behind the smiles and the flattery which they are sure to lavish upon you. See who among them is one with whom you could share your life as well as your kingdom."

"You make it sound so simple, Valerie."

"Oh, not at all - it will be the greatest trial you have ever faced!" she says with a smile. "But, in the end, I believe you will know your bride when you find her.

"Now, there is one other thing," Valerie says, stepping back from your embrace. "It goes without saying that the women who seek to become your queen will do whatever they can to seduce you, and offer their bodies for your pleasure... and it would not do for you to be distracted by such temptations, I am sure you will agree."

"What can we do about that?" you ask with a smirk.

"What, indeed?" Valerie replies, raising her dress slowly up her legs...