Azriel never realized when lunch arrived shortly for them in the study. Tara and another staff member brought in heaped plates of game fowl, green fruits that opened in many layers and had black seeds in them, thin bits of bread made from gram flour and oatmeal, and a delicious spicy lentil curry. Azriel had never tasted food like this. It was spicy and full of flavour!
Ashdeer enjoyed watching her eat with great amusement. He helped her learn to dip bits of bread in the curry and roll it up and eat it. By the end, she had big splotches of curry on her tunic but she felt satisfied and full. Then the staff brought for them fragrant bowls of a sweet rice pudding, decorated with rose petals and pistachios.
"This dish is called Kheer, it is a speciality of our land and is usually made when an honoured guest comes."
"It's delicious," she exclaimed, taking large spoonfuls of it.
Ashdeer smiled and said, "I've asked them to get you some strong dark coffee after this meal. I would like to take your leave now. Please do rest and Tara will share with you your routine over the next few days. I hope for you to learn a few basic lessons in combat and I have fixed your appointment with Malia, one of our most respected teachers. She will help you understand more of your role here at Irismus as well as help you learn to harness your powers. Victus will be your teacher for history, politics, statecraft and general learnings in life."
She sipped the dark coffee as it appeared in delicate porcelain cups and nodded. All she currently wanted to do was sleep and absorb everything she had heard and understood.
"Also Azriel, there are many things you need to learn of Irismus, yourself and this new role you will play. As my to-be betrothed, there will be expectations of you. You also need to be prepared for your debut in court. I may not always be around and after yesterday's attack I may need to travel more and more to attend to many concerns. I have asked Tara to be your constant companion in such times. Louis and Ilana will keep coming in and meeting you. Apart from that, trust no one else, even here at Fortress Irismus, as the tides are strange currently."
She smiled up at him and said, "Ashdeer, I will truly try my best to live up to any role you offer me. Irismus is now my.....new home....., " her voice choked, "And perhaps, my only home! I assure you I will not let you down."
He nodded, looking relieved and said, "I wish to clarify one more thing for you Azriel. I think it's important we discuss this now and get it out of the way. I know we will be betrothed and perhaps all things going towards the general direction we may even marry. I have made you and your family a promise and I will honour it. However, I do not wish to impose myself upon you. I have no desire for you bear me a child, or to fulfill your marital obligations to me at any time. I can marry another time also. At Irismus it is common for both men and women of high rank to have many spouses or lovers. We do not operate by the word of the Elveren Kingdom completely. here, we have many of our own rules which may seem different to you."
Suddenly he got up and looked out of the window across the mountain ranges, a nerve twitching in his face, "Also, Azriel, even if our marriage is never consumated I have no objection to your taking a lover in due course of time. I completely would understand that....."
"Please.....Ashdeer...., " Azriel protested. "I cannot think in this direction right now. Please can speak of all this near to our betrothal? I am still in grief over the loss of Ashmeer, my father and all that has happened to me."
He nodded, satisfied with that response and said, "Azriel, I have one more request. Please do join me and Layla for dinner tonight. It would be best to get that meeting done as formally as possible so that I may present you to my council tomorrow morning."
Layla, Azriel thought in panic, he wanted her to meet his wife. It felt very odd to her, but she realized that this was to be her life now. She would be the second wife of the Duke of Irismus, and she would do this as well as she could.
A few hours later, well rested and freshened up, Azriel stood in front of a mirror, while Tara draped a deep purple outfit across her. The lovely silken cloth shimmered in the light and was woven with many motifs if gold and red thread. It was tied on her waist, and draped loosely across her shoulders. Golden bracelets bedecked her arms which came out of two loose armholes in the draped outfit. It was pleated at her waist and fell in the same graceful pleats till her ankles. On top of this, Tara draped a a soft red cashmere stole that felt warm and toasty all at once.
She had added a slight touch of kohl to Azriel's eyes, and had set her hair in soft curls which framed her face. In her throat Azriel wore one of the famed sapphire teardrops of Andora. She looked both exotic and familiar as she examined herself.
"You do look lovely Lady Azriel," Tara whispered.
Azriel smiled at her and said, "Many thanks to you, Tara. I do hope Layla likes me."
Tara's face fell and she said, "It changes form day to day with her. She wastes away..but.....perhaps I should not tell you so much. It would be best if you meet her and find out for yourself."
Azriel ignored the butterflies in her stomach and exhaled before she said, "Lead the way!"