Hadbel and his son were ushered into the throne room. This chamber had nothing of the austerity of the great hall in Errid Keep. They were in a beautifully decorated room. Bright marble columns topped with fanciful and gilded ornaments stood against the walls, which were painted in a light blue shade. Similar floral motifs appeared on the walls. The floor was also made of gray-blue marble. To the right and left were tables and high chairs with cushioned seats. Straight ahead, after climbing three steps, stood three ornate thrones belonging to the royal family. Latamor with his new young wife and daughter stood in the middle of the hall surrounded by the most noble courtiers.
Latamor smiled brightly as they entered. The king of Prenian, dressed in blue robes with a golden cloak and an opulent crown on his head, was a perfect fit for this place.
Unlike Hadbel, he had no belly, was slim, tall, and had short blond hair. His long straight nose, thin lips, and long face gave him a slightly stern expression, and he looked to be in his early fifties. The young woman standing next to him could be his daughter. Dressed equally richly, she looked very feminine, with light brown straight hair, full lips and large hazel eyes. Gorsep knew, however, that it was not Dagrana. His future wife was hidden behind her father.
"I welcome you dear guests, what brings you to me? Latamor asked the usual question.
"My son, having reached his age of manhood, wishes to marry your daughter, my lord." Hadbel recited the formula standing in the middle of the room with his legs slightly apart.
"I have a beautiful daughter who is already a woman." Having said this he took Dagrana's hand and gave her hand to Hadbel "I am passing her over to you, be a good father to her."
Hadbel took Dagrana's hand and, nodding to Gorsep to come closer, he handed him the hand of the girl who was the key to Prenian.
"Here is your future wife, take care of her."
Gorsep leaned over and kissed the princess's cold hand. He looked at her, trying to smile, Dagrana looked at his face with huge blue eyes.
"I'd like to invite you to your chambers, you are probably tired and in the evening we will have a welcoming feast."
Hadbel and his son were escorted to their chambers, the rest of the Equerds' entourage were placed in the castle or inns. When they were alone, Hadbel looked at his son and asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"And how do you find your wife?"
Without a word, Gorsep approached the table, poured himself a glass of wine and drank the entire contents in a gulp.
"The soil here is fertile, it will be our granary. Latamor is rich. You saw the villages you passed by yourself. Thanks to this marriage, we effortlessly conquered this country." Hadbel slapped his son on the back.
"Pour me one too, I'm sick of this blue and golden color."
The feast began in the evening and lasted almost until dawn. Hadbel and Gorsep took their places at the high table next to Latamor. Dagrana sat to the left of the Prince of Gardynia. She stole a glance at her future husband. He had long, dark, almost black hair, and equally dark eyes were set under thick black eyebrows. A straight nose and nicely shaped lips. His face was thoroughly shaved. He was well built and taller than his father. His complexion was darker and when he held her alabaster hand, she felt as if they came from two different worlds. In a word, her husband was handsome. She felt her heart pounding in her chest in frustration. Gorsep spoke to her several times, but she couldn't reply to anything in a sensible manner due to her nerves. The father spared no effort and many dishes were prepared for the feast, and the best white wines for which this area was famous.. were served. Dagrana didn't eat much, but she noticed that Gorsep was eagerly reaching for the wine cup every now and then.
At noon, after sleeping off the night's drunkenness, Hadbel and Gorsep, accompanied by the scribe and lawyer Iridius, went to meet Latamor. The King of Prenian received them in his study at a beautifully carved table. He was accompanied by two courtiers. Documents were lying on the table, next to it was an inkwell with a white pen. The king himself greeted the Equerds with a smile.
"And how are you? The wines here can be quite strong." He smiled knowingly.
"Please." - he pointed to the prepared chairs - "take your seats.
It's time to talk about the formalities."
Hadbel took his place without a word, so did Gorsep and the lawyer Iridius.
Latamor took the initiative after a moment of silence.
"We have already prepared an appropriate marriage contract, please take a look" - saying this he pushed the letter under Hadbel's nose - you should sign here next to me." - he pointed with a slender finger to the right place.
Hadbel scanned the text quickly, then handed it to Gorsep. Gorsep's face was expressionless as the documents landed in Iridius' hands. Latamor calmly observed the whole procedure without commenting on the behavior of the future matchmaker and son-in-law. After a while, Irydius, having looked at Hadbel, who gave him the floor with a short nod, began.
"Your highness, after getting acquainted with this contract proposal, we would like to make a few remarks." - Latamor raised his eyebrow slightly and adjusted himself in the chair - "First of all, by giving your daughter as wife, you accept the supremacy of Gardynia" - Latamor held his breath for a moment - "Another important point is sending a five-thousand army at the call of the king of the Equerds, and the most significant change, the issue of inheritance. Prenian is lawfully inherited by your Majesty's daughter Dagrana and her children, and in the case of childlessness, the husband. It is not possible to change this record in favor of a possible heir from a subsequent marriage." Irydius, with a polite smile, placed the previously prepared documents on the table. "Here's the marriage contract, your highness."
Latamor looked at Hadbel and slowly spat out every word
"This is an ordinary robbery."
"No, it's politics. These are the conditions we offer. You can accept it and in two days we will celebrate our children's marriage, or you can reject it and then we will meet under different circumstances." Hadbel looked down at his hands and played with the ring, showing a bored expression.
Latamor got up and began to pace nervously around the room.
"Are you threatening me in my own home? I can make an alliance too." Latamor slammed his fists on the table with all his might. Iridius jumped in surprise. Gorsep was silent. Hadbel straightened up and looked Latamor straight in the eyes and said calmly.
"Make alliances, but with whom? With Gemmor? Only first you will have to arm them and then provide food. These are our terms and we will not change them.
There was absolute silence. Gorsep unfolded the documents Iridius had prepared, passed them to Latamor and added
"Sign at the bottom, right here, next to our signatures." He showed the king of Prenian the suitable place.