Ghis (closed)

[KieranSoares]

"Not at the moment," Kell answered simply with a smile. He would wait until they were alone that evening, which was when they usually made up.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You're impossible sometimes." Kate said as she leaned her head on Kell's shoulder with a long sigh.

 

[KieranSoares]

"It's how I keep up with you." Kell kissed her forehead and sat back with a long sigh.

 

[heartofcourage]

It was nearing twilight when Julia reentered the balcony with Sam and Rho in tow. "I figured we could do with a family meal together out here. The staff will be bringing it shortly. Annie and David are resting with Danny this evening."

 

[KieranSoares]

Kell had been dozing with Kate when Julia returned, and everyone else had been chatting quietly. Kell sat forward as Julia spoke, nodding his approval. "Good. We can test the chef properly."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'm sure they won't be as good as Chessie, but there is always room for improvement." Julia said as she took a seat beside Brogan and allowed Sam and Rho to take their own seats.

 

[KieranSoares]

Justin and Ciaran got the girls settled and Kell joined the table beside Kate. Soon servants brought out try of food and table settings, cordials and wine, and a few things specially requested. The immediate impression was that the chef enjoyed presentation, though she had roots in good home cooking along with her staff.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You ordered apple turnovers?" Kate asked as she looked over at her Ma.

"And pear. I wanted to see what she could do with desserts." Julia said with a smile towards her daughter. "You have a sweet tooth, love. You best learn how good your staff can treat you while you have the chance."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Good thing Chessie isn't 'ere. She'd be ordering th'whole kitchen around t'look after her lass," Brogan said with a smile as he helped Heather cut up her food.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Just as we all would for our darling Kate." Julia said, watching as Kate turned slightly red at the comment.

 

[KieranSoares]

"But I suppose tha's what yer man is for now," Brogan nodded toward Kell. "He can manage for us."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Da." Kate said softly as her brothers started to laugh, the little girls too young to understand what was being said. "I am perfectly capable of fending for myself."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I know, love. But let yer ol' Da have some fun at yer expense while 'e still can." Brogan came over to kiss her cheek.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate glanced up at Brogan as he told her that and she glanced around at the rest of her family. "Maybe I'll make an exception for you, but no one else."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'll try t'keep 'em in line. But Kell an' yer mother are up t'you." He smiled down at her and for a moment, she caught the deep adoration and pride in his eyes that she'd known all her life. His expression alone seemed to say, this is my girl, look at all she's become. He kissed her cheek once more before sitting back down beside Julia.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate returned his smile as he took his seat, the little twins already eating without a care in the world. It seemed that the both of them were ready for dinner and a growth spurt wasn't far behind. Kate quietly watched as her mother graciously dealt with both of the girls, her own meal untouched. She looked so content in that moment with her family around her and someone to care for. Perhaps Kate would be that kind of a mother one day.

 

[KieranSoares]

Eventually Ciaran and Justin made Julia sit down and eat. Between the two of them, they handled the girls with ease, and the meal went on without issue. Once a serving woman brought a letter to Kell, but neither made a fuss of it.

 

[heartofcourage]

"How many people are waiting to meet with us after dinner?" Kate asked, glancing over towards Kell as he was given a letter by a serving woman.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Not many. A few for either of us one-on-one, a few for Warwick. Most are eager to get home and start rearranging as needed." Kell glanced over the letter and tucked it away. "We should be done with them within the evening, we might have to move one or two to tomorrow. And then we have a special guest or two coming from further east."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Who could possibly be coming?” Kate asked, her brow furrowing as Kell explained everything to her. “Surely no one that was expecting to make the coronation.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"One Emperor Lothair of Vienna, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. He wanted to make the coronation, extend goodwill through King Henry and his daughter who he considers friends. But I understand he was held up by some concerns in his capital. He should be here within the next few days with a small entourage."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'm tired of meeting with kings and queens. I'd rather just get on with our lives here at the court." Kate said with a long sigh, glancing over at her father as he chuckled. "Don't tell me that you wouldn't feel the same, Da."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I understand," Brogan nodded. "But ye'll like Lothair. Good man, down to earth an' interested in th'future of 'is people an' those of 'is friends."

 

[heartofcourage]

"It seems that everyone wants to be an ally." Kate said simply. "I never thought that Scotland would be that desirable of a partner."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It's taken a long time, but most o' the north sticks together now, either by friendship 'r family ties. After all, ye've got allies as far as Mongolia an' the Rus through yer Aunt Kayla," Brogan reminded. "An' Lothair's a friend to England. Even if th'lords squabble between England an' Scotland, Henry's still our friend, and so Lothair will be too."