The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. Between conferences with the king on how to avoid problems with the trolls in the future, reports to the High Council, discussions about Ann and why her magic was still so weak even though she seemed to have recovered, and celebrations for the defeat of Lyra and the trolls, and the return yet again of Ann, Pt’this hardly saw Sapphire. When he was finally done each day, he dropped into bed, exhausted. One night, he slept on the floor in true form. His room had been built for him specifically and was large enough for him to do that. When he woke, he found Sapphire had curled up against him. He felt bad. She had been staying to see him. She had been keeping busy helping Ann with the wedding plans, but she didn’t like being there. The first time she’d been to the palace she had been attacked by Prince Remtani. She’d been terrified to stay there more than a few hours without a bodyguard since and up until these last few days the only way she’d spend the night in the palace was if Remtani stayed out in the barracks. She wasn’t going to stay much longer. He’d have to talk with Emeton and see if he could get a few hours away to spend with her before she left. He had a feeling it would be some time before he could get away to Thager. He’d talk with her. *** “What about flowers? Ann said your people like lots of flowers. We could have the wedding in the garden.” Queen Tylan suggested. “What if it rains?” Andy asked. He turned to Ann. “Don’t tell me there are spells for that.” “No, there are no weather spells, unless you count lightning bolts. The Hall of Ceremonies is just off the garden If it’s nice, we can keep the doors open. Then, the guests can go out to the garden for air.” Ann suggested. “Oh, I like that,” Tylan said. “And maybe a few bouquets can be picked.” “Sounds good.” Andy agreed. “Your majesty?” A young woman said. “Seamstress Carili wants to know what you think about these dress ideas.” “That’s my cue. I’ll go see how Sapphire is doing,” Andy said and hurried away. Tylan looked confused. “It’s another of his customs,” Ann explained. “The groom isn’t supposed to see the bride’s dress before the wedding. Actually, aside from a few people, no one is.” “How strange,” Tylan said. “Although I’m sure our customs are just as strange to him.” “It gets better. On our wedding day, it’s supposed to be bad luck for us to see each other at all before the wedding.” “Well that may...” Tylan stopped herself and looked at the girl waiting. “Let’s check out these ideas first so she can get back to Carili.” She flipped through the designs. “Here’s the one I like, but these are nice too. The first one I think would show off your tattoo nicely.” Ann didn’t say anything about the tattoo being gone. She had already told her mother a number of times, but the woman wouldn’t listen. It had taken her a long time to get used to Ann having it. The dress was beautiful. It would look good with or without a tattoo. “I do like that too. Let’s go with that one.” She looked through the fabric swatches but didn’t see anything she really liked. She found a pink fabric type that wasn’t bad, but she felt she didn’t look good in pink. She was a pale as an albino. She turned to the girl waiting. “Do you know if Carili has this fabric in this color?” She found a sample of the color she liked. “I believe this fabric is in white so it can be dyed any color,” The young woman said. “That’s a good choice.” Tylan agreed. “These then, please.” She handed the samples to the girl who bowed and hurried away. When she was gone, Tylan asked, “How do you plan on not seeing Andy on your wedding day if you’re sleeping with him?” Ann sighed. Her mother was not happy with the sleeping arrangements. “Blindfolds?” Ann suggested with a smile. “Seriously, I’m hoping I won’t be needing much sleep by that day. I don’t know otherwise.” “It’s just a few nightmares,” Tylan said. “Mom, when was the last time you woke up in terror from a nightmare? Do you know what it’s like to wake up every night and not be able to go back to sleep because you’re afraid to close your eyes? I’m finally free of that. The other night I actually had a good dream for the first time in my life.” “I don’t mean to say stop sleeping with him, just the one night,” Tylan explained. “It’s not like you can catch your bed on fire now.” Ann knew that had not been what her mother had meant, but she didn’t argue. Tylan was trying so hard to be accepting of everything and to get along. “No, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try. And if I do, in this condition, I won’t wake up, ever.” Tylan sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think it through.” “Mother, can I ask a favor before Andy comes back?” Ann asked. “You may always ask,” Tylan said. “I know you’re in charge of guests but would it be possible if we invited Andy’s parents?” Tylan looked surprised. “We could, but how will we do that?” “I’m not sure yet. If my magic were back, I’d try to scry them, and they could come through the gate. I’ve heard it was still open. Now, I’m not sure. The only one I know strong enough might be Pt’this, but I don’t want to ask him. He still would rather not use magic.” “Well, if you can figure a way to make it happen, I’ll give my approval. Keep me informed.” “Thank you, Mother.” Ann smiled. “Yes, thank you,” Andy said as he sat down. Both ladies jumped. “What are we thanking you for?” “Nothing,” Ann said quickly. She made no pretense at hiding their plotting. “I don’t think I want to know,” he said.