Tendred stood at the window watching a very interesting spectacle. A small procession consisting of one cart pulled by two horses and six loose riders was approaching the fortress. At the head of all this chaos was a woman dressed in black. He guessed it was Setia.
The people of Emfer moved out of their way and watched intently. So things started slowly to take shape. It was a bit difficult for him to believe in this rich heiress of a mercenary commander, and here her entry suggested that she actually might be in possession of the money she was talking about.
He quickly left the upper chamber and went straight down the staircase to the audience hall. On the way, he ordered the only two servants he was hiring at present to prepare the chambers in the left wing. He reflexively corrected his hair and sat down, taking a dignified position on the throne. After a moment of waiting, he heard footsteps in the corridor, the door opened and Timor, in a slightly high-pitched voice, announced
"Lasy Setia with her brother Moros."
"Come in," He said in an imperious manner.
They entered the room and Tendred's heart stopped for a moment with shock. His future wife had something like a mask on her face, but what kind? It was made entirely of silver. It covered the left eye and part of the cheek, and was attached to the head with a silver headband, now hidden under long dark hair. Instead of an eye, a large ruby was set on the left side. The mask was very carefully crafted and was a beautiful jewel, but it gave Setia's face a very predatory look. The whole appearance was enhanced by a black dress with red trim. There was a silver pendant in the shape of a dragon hanging on his chest, and there was also a ruby here.
Tendred composed himself, stood up and approached this intriguing woman.
"Lady, you look more and more beautiful every time I get to see you." He gently took her hand and placed a light kiss on it.
"It's been a while, prince Tendred, let me introduce you to my brother Moros." She moved slightly to the side and Moros appeared from behind her back, shaking hands with the prince. He smiled slightly and this took Tendred breath away for the second time. However, he composed himself and returned the handshake. He then turned to Timor
"Take care of my future wife's traveling companions, place them in the left wing. You can leave," He waved the servant away.
"Please sit down." He pointed to the chairs next to the table while placing himself on the head of the table.
There was an awkward silence for a moment, which was broken by the castle's host.
"Well, I must admit that your appearance made quite an impression on me. A very unique decoration." Tendered was staring at the mask.
"Thank you." Setia made herself comfortable, trying to hide her confusion, Moros followed her lead, keeping an eye on Tendred, who had already fixed his hair twice.
Setia remembered the reluctance with which Tendred had initially responded to her marriage proposal; she knew she had to act quickly.
"Let's get down to business." Seta decided to get straight to the most difficult part.
"Maybe we should have something to drink first?" Tendred suggested with a polite smile.
"There will be time for toasts, my prince. – Setia was firm – You have already called me your future wife in front of Timor, probably all the servants already know about it and tomorrow half of Emfer. Today we will establish a marriage contract and tomorrow we will start repaying your creditors."
Tendred shifted in his chair and cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment.
"Well, where's the romance?" He said, trying to cover his inner disgust with his mannerisms.
"We both know what kind of a deal we have." Setia forced a joyless smile.
"If that's how you want to put it," Tendred became serious, "Let's get started."
"I take it that your brother knows about everything?"
"Moros and I have no secrets from each other - she replied, and then turned to her brother - Please bring our lawyer. Do you also wish to send for your legist?"
Tendred looked confused for a moment, then took a deep breath and calmly but loudly called out
"Timor!"
The door opened and the desired servant entered.
"Yes, sir?"
"Please call Marwin and tell him to come immediately! And make him take writing materials.
Timor nodded and quickly left the chamber, followed by Moros. As soon as the door closed, Tendred relaxed a little and said in a light tone
"You didn't say that you had a brother and a one that looks so different."
"You didn't ask me about my family, but you didn't expect me to come here alone in a cart full of gold, did you?" She replied with a bit of irony.
"I hope that my brother's presence is not unpleasant to you."
The prince managed he denied with a shake of his head
"Tendred, we both know what we expect from each other, it's time to write it down as well. This will be our mutual security."
Tendred nodded. He walked over to a small table with glasses and a carafe of wine. He poured and filled two more cups.
"This is for the toast we will drink in a moment." He said, putting the glasses on the table .
"You haven't wasted any time these few weeks I see."
"No. And I still don't intend to lose it." Setia glared at Tendred. "After our marriage, we will begin preparations to take over Fenigrid."
"With you as my wife by my side," Tendred concluded. Setia smiled in confirmation of his words.