"Bretton", Darius said, "Speak to the king, will you? Tell him that I think Lady Elizabeth and I would prefer a private dinner in my own dining-chamber".

"Your Royal Highness, I think their Majesties would expect you to be present during the feast..."

"Lady Elizabeth is my personal guest for dinner, Bretton. I want her to be comfortable and not to have a million pairs of eyes staring at her. Now please speak to the king..."

Bretton bowed.

"Yes master".

"...and of course I told him that he could, but you know what he's like, he went ahead and...Uh...Yes Bretton?"

Bretton bowed.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince begs permission to host a private banquet for himself and the good Lady Elizabeth in his private dining-room in his apartments, sir".

King Chandler stared at Bretton. Then he looked at Darius and then at Lady Elizabeth. She was a wonderful young woman from a fine family. Chandler always wanted his sons to marry well. And he knew that Darius would be a prize catch for many an eligable young woman. Better that Darius spend time with a girl he was familiar with, rather than having a whole heap of other noble daughters throwing themselves on his belly and rubbing it for his pleasure...

"The Crown Prince is to be reminded that this is a public celebration, not a private one", the King said.

"Yes, your Majesty".

"However...since it IS the Lady Elizabeth and I have a fondness for her and her family, I will allow..."