The mages provided humanity their greatest gift when they wiped out the children of the night. A vampire has not been seen in generations but history tells us they were a menace. They are fading into folklore. For that, I am forever grateful to the mages. But my graciousness does not accommodate their dictates on me or my kingdom.

  Their guilt is not my concern.

  -Harald Erling, as dictated to Leif Olander

  ***

  Estrid in her white gown was like the dawn on a clear spring morning. The way the sun illuminates the world to imbue creation with its light and energy. She certainly lived up to her moniker as a diamond. Her smile and joy infected the entire hall. She and Vigo danced among the other dancing wedding guests. They were a beaming light in an already beautiful and bright hall.

  It was strange to see Vigo engaged in such a jovial and non-violent activity as dancing at his wedding, but he excelled at it as he seemed to excel at everything.

  Leif had never seen so many beautiful women gathered in one place. The effect was pleasant and more than a little intimidating.

  He couldn’t help but feel the warmth and energy from the room despite his own exasperation. The other diamond, Karalee, emitting her own radiance, danced joyfully, over and over, with Magnus. The surge of warmth he felt at seeing her happiness was marred by who she danced with.

  Leif was hoping they would separate for long enough that he could have a turn with her, when Vigo and Estrid stepped towards him, arm in arm. Vigo broke off and took the seat next to him.

  “Your turn, Leif.”

  “Don’t be silly, Leif,” Estrid added, “you can’t just sit there through our whole wedding. There are far too many pretty girls here who need a partner. Come.”

  Leif laughed as Estrid pulled him from his seat and onto the floor. She put his arms around her and they danced along to the music. Hestan swept by with his pretty, long-haired partner and bumped into them before sweeping away with a chuckle.

  Estrid spoke warmly, “I have it on very good authority, Leif, that at least two lovely ladies in particular have been watching you very closely these past weeks.”

  Leif’s eyes caught Karalee and Magnus trotting around the floor before he chuckled at Estrid, “well, perhaps I shall humor them.”

  Estrid took the lead from him and bumped him into a group of young women on the side of the dance floor. “My dear friends, my feet are aching but Leif here refuses to leave the dance floor, would one of you save me and be his partner?”

  The group was jovial and their smiles beamed as they looked up at him. Two stepped forward at once.

  “Of course princess, you must rest between dances you know!”

  “I was here first, sister.”

  The young lady stepped in front of her sister and grasped his hand.

  “How do you do, my lady?” He asked as they walked to the floor.

  “I’m wonderful! Is this not a perfect night? Estrid must be so happy. I’m Katya, Karsten’s little sister, and it is a pleasure to dance with you, Leif.”

  They danced for a short time before her sister cut in. “Hello, Leif, I’m Saxa. Wonderful to meet you.” Leif couldn’t help but laugh.

  The dancing continued with the group of maidens cutting in to partner with him. He couldn’t complain because the girls beautiful and vibrant and the energy in the room was such that he couldn’t help but enjoy himself.

  He stole glances at Karalee, however, whenever she crossed his vision. Her attention rarely shifted from Magnus but he finally caught her eye. She smiled at him before twirling away again.

  The band phased out their current song and the melody was taken up by a beautiful young harpist. She played by herself and the music coming from her strings was enchanting. Several of the dancers stop to listen and watch her play.

  In his pleasant stupor, Leif leaned down to Saxa’s smiling face who had once again stolen in. “I must beg your forgiveness and your leave, my lady, there is someone I must dance with before the night is through.”

  They separated and Leif stepped to Karalee and Magnus. He tapped the shoulder of the man who had tried to have him killed.

  Magnus paused and looked at him, “Sorry Leif, you’re not welcome.”

  “Oh Magnus, don't be so cold. Of course you can have a dance, Leif,” Karalee moved towards him, her light brown curls bounced with each step. Her pink gown clung to her in a way that took the breath from him

  They came together and the dance began. She was a precious diamond in his hands. “My lady, I simply had to save you from that ruffian.”

  Karalee gifted him with a small laugh, “I saw you dancing with Karsten’s sisters.”

  “Yes, Katya and Saxa are quite the lively pair.”

  They swept by Hestan who was now speaking through an open smile to the pretty harpist at the edge of the dance floor. Leif did not notice Magnus, also at the floor’s edge, or his malicious smile. But as they swirled around, the hem of Karalee’s dress swished under Leif’s foot. Leif felt the pull of the dress, and heard the tear, before Karalee tripped and fell to the floor. In trying to catch her, Leif himself tumbled over her.

  Shame and burning heat swept through him. The music continued but Leif felt the eyes of the guests and the dancers. He sprung himself up and helped Karalee to her feet. “I am so sorry, my lady, I don’t know what happened.” But he did know, or he had a guess. His footwork had been fine and her dress had not been in the way the moment before.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “You stepped on my dress,” her tone was unreadable.

  “Karalee, please accept my apology, I-”

  “Leif, it’s fine. It’s a small tear that can be mended in an afternoon. And I’m not so fragile that one spill on the dance floor can break me. Just be wary of your feet next time.”

  Leif closed his eyes as her last words cut through him like daggers. He would have preferred the physical pain of actual daggers.

  She laughed at his obvious discomfort. “It’s fine, Leif! Perhaps it’s time for dinner.” She led him away from the dance floor.

  As they left, Leif looked up to see Magnus watching him with his evil smile, betraying the utmost satisfaction.

  ***

  Leif took his seat just off the family table. With so many children in the royal family, the next closest guests were still far from the king and queen and the newlyweds. He had initially been grateful to have been seated so close. After falling over Karalee in front of the king and queen and the entire wedding party, he was mortified. He wished he could make himself disappear. His anger at Magnus was like fire burning through his insides.

  “That was quite the fumble, eh lad?” it was the uncle, Lord Allard next to him. He smelled strongly of alcohol. “Bet that one stings, eh?” Allard's wife slapped his arm but she chuckled along with him.

  As they feasted, several guests brought gifts to the newlywed couple. When it came time for the Bakkens' turn, Magnus and Isabella came up along with several attendants carrying large boxes. Isabella was like an obtrusive and unsavory flaw on an otherwise perfect canvas. She wore a self-satisfied smile as Magnus opened one of the boxes, and drew out a bottle of wine. “Princess Estrid Salversen, Duke Vigo Salversen, in honor of your marriage, I present to you a selection of the finest wines of Maedelund. May you raise many toasts to your love and happiness.” And Isabella added, “and may your children number as many as the king and queen of Danaria!”

  Estrid expressed her appreciation. Vigo just nodded with a blank face. Harald took the bottle from Magnus to examine. “Well now, this is a fine gift. Maedish wines are the most desirable in the continent. Perhaps we uncork one now?”

  And so they did. Harald swirled the wine before tasting it. “Delicious. I wonder what Leif’s opinion will be. Leif! Come and bring your glass, as an Olander I must have your opinion.”

  Isabella’s smile quickly departed. Magnus stammered out, “This was intended for the newlyweds, I don’t think it appropriate-”

  “Nonsense.” said Harald. At the same time Vigo added, “Of course he should have one.”

  Leif stepped over and Harald filled his glass. He recognized the bottle of course. The Bystrom vineyards had several fine varietals.

  Arja and Karalee had declined so Harald, Vigo, Estrid, Magnus, Isabella, and Leif all raised their glasses. Leif inhaled the aromas deeply through his nose. They were good. They were familiar. He glanced at Magnus and then again at the bottle. He sipped the wine then looked directly into Magnus’s eyes. He swirled it in his mouth but he knew from when it first touched his tongue. He savored the wine as he savored the moment before he would savor the opportunity to shame his rival.

  “What say you, Leif? Did Magnus and Isabella bring the best of Maedelund?” Harald was giving him an opportunity.

  “Pine needles, spice, tobacco, a hint of chocolate.” He inhaled the aromas deeply from the glass again, “roses…I picked these grapes. I sorted them, I crushed them, I pressed them. I filtered and blended the juice and barreled it in oak. They did indeed bring the best of Maedelund, your majesty. This is my family’s wine.”

  Magnus arched his neck back then peered at Harald and the rest of the royals, “Pure nonsense, Leif. The bottle clearly is from Bystrom. You’re simply jealous of a competitor.” Magnus said. Isabella added, “what a silly thing to say, Leif.”

  Leif looked at Karalee who was watching and listening intently and perhaps, slightly alarmed, as was the rest of the Erling family. Harald looked to Magnus, lips pursed and eyebrows raised. Leif wore a small happy smile and gave a small bow to Vigo and Estrid. “Of course, perhaps I’m mistaken and it’s simply quite similar. Thank you for sharing the wine,” before he returned to his seat.

  Leif didn’t hear the rest of what Magnus and Isabella said to the royal family. He was still mortified from his dance with Karalee but he was pleased with the turn the night had taken. Moreso when Magnus turned around and gave him a sneer through gritted teeth.

  ***

  Harald sat by himself watching the party for a brief moment. His wife danced around with their younger children on the dance floor. Despite birthing seven, and with one on the way, Arja was still the most beautiful woman in the room. He smiled inwardly. Hestan was again speaking with the pretty young harpist. Her playing had been graceful and excellent before Hestan claimed her time and the other minstrels had to carry on without her.

  She was Brockdorff’s daughter, Else he believed, who had taken to music. William Brockdorff was a powerful Danarian Earl who owned vast tracts of southern farmland. They corresponded regularly and Brockdorff was always present for the League gatherings, but the last time Harald had seen Else was when she was but a child. Naturally his friend had provided his daughter with every resource and instruction his money could procure.

  Only Harald’s daughter Karalee remained at the table with him. She sat a few seats away, occasionally scratching at the food on her plate.

  Harald opened his mouth to call her closer to him when he felt a hand on his right shoulder. He looked up as she said softly, “you’re a hard man to find alone.” Isabella sat on the wooden arm of his wife’s chair. She had overindulged in the cake and there was still chocolate in the corners of her mouth.

  Harald did not like that she’d snuck up on him. He didn’t like that she was speaking to him. He continued watching the dancers. “What do you want, Isabella?”

  “Oh the question is, what do you want, Harald? I’m sure you’ve noticed how much time Magnus and Karalee have been spending together?”

  Harald ignored the question, “I’ve heard a disturbing rumor, Isabella, that Maedelund is considering violating the pact against the wyrm. I’m sure there’s no truth to this?”

  “Ha! We’d never dream of violating the pact. Although I have thought you and my dear Boe perhaps underestimated their utility, palace renovations are expensive as you know.” she winked at him then, “but enough about the wyrm. My Magnus and your Karalee are both completely smitten. I think a union of our families would add considerably to the strength of your empire. I’m only sorry Boe couldn’t be here to witness it. Nothing would have made him happier. Should we formalize the arrangement? Promise Karalee to my son. Magnus may ask for your approval as early as tomorrow.”

  “Tell me Isabella, how exactly did Boe die? Convenient that he falls ill just before he was about to dissolve your marriage and strip you of your station.”

  Isabella was taken aback for a moment, but recovered quickly and continued on. “Harald, of course I loved Boe. I was devastated when he died and all I can do is carry on as best I can without him. He was so old fashioned though, all you silly boys are with your “League” and your games and your…plots,” she winked at him and continued on. “Oh come now Harald, their marriage can only benefit you. Is there anything else I can do to…sweeten the deal?” She caressed her fingers down his chest and squeezed his arm.

  Harald reached over and gripped her hand, tightly, then shoved it off of him. He pushed his chair back so he could look her in the eyes.

  He spoke calmly to her, “You disgust me, Isabella. Get off my wife’s chair and go back to your seat.”

  “But Harald can’t we discuss–“

  The tone of his voice became firm, “you are only here because of my friendship with your late husband but my hospitality, my tolerance for you, has reached its limit. One more misstep and I will banish you and your son from my shores. Your son will never marry my daughter. Do not speak of it again.”

  Her mouth was opened to respond but at his words and the stern set of his face, she closed her lips. Isabella turned and walked back to her seat.

  Harald got up and took the seat next to Karalee. His daughter leaned her head against him and he wrapped an arm around her.