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The sun shines lazily in through the half-open blinds. Gen ignores it.
“No sparring with the guard today?”
“They’ll have to manage without me. I expect they’ll cope.”
When Irene comes out onto the terrace for breakfast her husband is already on his second cup of coffee.
“You’re late,” he says.
“It takes my attendants a little longer to outfit me for the day than it does yours.” She touches a hand to her hair.
“Perhaps you should cut your hair.”
“Perhaps I should,” says Irene, unmoved. She knows Gen delights in her beautiful and elaborately arranged hair, which when released from its pins almost reaches her waist. “Helen manages to have short hair and her subjects appear to be quite unconcerned.”
“That’s only because they’ve had years to get used to the idea. The fuss when she insisted on cutting it was monumental. Tears and tantrums all round. Except for Helen herself, obviously.”
“And of course Helen prefers simpler clothes. Trousers, even.”
“Soldier’s uniform, sometimes,” says the king, looking at his wife. Clearly he is giving the matter earnest consideration.
“We could have another coffee,” says Irene after they have finished eating. “It’s a beautiful day, and I’m still feeling a little sleepy.” She stretches luxuriously in the warm morning sunshine, and gestures to the nearest attendant.
“Why not. And you know we’re due to see Relius and Orutus this morning to discuss palace security? It occurs to me that meeting out here might help with the tears and tantrums there too.”
Irene smiles and agrees. It’s true that these are two men who generally prefer to avoid being in the same room. She signals another attendant, who nods and leaves to make the necessary arrangements.
“Let’s walk in the gardens while they clear the table,” she says. “We have plenty of time.”
“We can see how they’re getting on with the new fountain.” The king looks around to check that the guards have heard. He gathers his attendants with a glance and takes Irene’s hand to help her up.
“Stay here if you prefer,” she says to her own attendants with a smile. She knows that not all of them enjoy walking out so soon after breakfast, particularly when the sun is high, and anyway on occasions like this she sometimes feels as if she and Gen are leading a parade. The king takes his two attendants with him, but they leave them both at the entrance to the queen’s garden, while the guards go ahead to make sure the area is secure.
“Alone at last!” says the king with a smile and a kiss, as if they have not just spent a pleasantly extended night together. They follow the pathways between the high hedges, discussing the warmth of the day and the possibility of dining outdoors, in these agreeably temperate weeks before flying insects make evening meals outside less attractive.
******
Arriving a little early for the meeting, because he dislikes the idea of being beaten by Relius, Baron Orutus chooses a place at the table. He sends one of the attendants to collect a report he has forgotten and allows another to pour his coffee while he selects from the platter of snacks. Relius is only just not late, but with a similar purpose in mind. He nods to the Baron and chooses a seat not next to him, but not too far away, one which overlooks the gardens, where he can see the king and queen strolling peacefully, hand in hand.
He smiles to himself. Clearly the children are still visiting their beloved ‘cousin’ in Sounis.