Sure enough, they ended up back where Jon had started. He even saw one of the maids who had helped bathe and dress him, carrying some sheets into his apartment. She smiled and half-curtsied, and Jon had to look away. He didn't need any reminders of that particular humiliation.
Besides, Pinnir was already hurrying to open a another door. He stepped in first, saying "Madam, your daughter Allaria." He stepped aside, and Jon gulped and followed.
For Pinnir's earlier anxiety, Jon had already imagined an angry, ugly witch of a woman. But he stopped short when he saw what could be his twin -- or Allaria's, anyway. There were two elves at the table: one male, and one female. The male was dark-haired and looked young, but Jon couldn't say more as he was dressed in an unadorned green robe. The female was a slim, blonde, classically beautiful elf, just like Jon.
Of course, ageless elves, thought Jon. She's probably a thousand years old. And I'm over a hundred if I'm a day. And we're both shaped like eighteen-year-old models.
Unlike Jon, she had selected a gauzy, low-cut gown to show off her features (like everything else, a match for Jon's), thought it was heavily embroidered and didn't have the bare midriff or exposed legs that Jon had to put up with when he first transformed. With dawning fear, Jon realized why almost everything in his wardrobe looked like a harem outfit: so people could tell him apart from his mother. An elf maiden like Allaria would show off as much skin as possible, while her mother, with the privileges of age, could at least dress with some dignity.
"There you are, Allaria," Jon's temporary mother smiled. "It looks like you have had your fun this morning. Dressed in your most casual clothes," -- there is is -- "sneaking off, doubtless seeking that mercenary friend of yours-- ah. Good morning, Dara. I trust you continue to keep my daughter out of trouble. But I shall thank you to return her to me more promptly, especially on an important day like this."
"Sorry." Karyn had appeared behind Jon. She might have added an excuse, but Jon's mother continued.
"In any event, you had best be starting your day's work as well. We only briefly met the Kornostan captain of the guard on our arrival last night. You must establish a working relationship with him, and review your plans for our security. This is a mission of the highest importance to both our kingdoms, and you know there are elements who would frustrate it."
"Sure. By your leave." Karyn dipped her head, spun on a heel, and marched out. Jon couldn't help but smile a little. It was hard to imagine her so instantly obedient at school.
"As for you, Allaria, have a seat. You'll have to change your clothes to be presentable, but first, Iroldu and I were about to break our fast. I gave the chef precise instruction in elven cuisine; let us see how he did." While she spoke, human servants brought in bowls. It looked like oatmeal, or grits or porridge, but the spicy aroma was new, and it was garnished with some kind of green leaf. Jon suspected, on top of everything else, that he was going to be a vegetarian for the coming week. But the smell did remind him he hadn't eaten.
As they ate, the elven man, Iroldu, explained the schedule. Apparently they had arrived quite late last night, hence the slow start for all but Karyn. The king knew they were here, of course, but they had yet to meet. The formal presentation would also be an announcement.
"The details have been decided between the king and your father. But this announcement may come as a surprise to the rest of the court here. Therefore it is critical that we handle it delicately. You will introduce yourselves. The king will speak, and welcome you. Your mother will 'propose' the alliance against Morbanem" -- is that a kingdom, or some evil wizard's name? -- "and the king will agree. That much is expected by all observers. Then the king will wonder aloud, are both our kingdoms truly committed to uniting against this menace? That's when your mother will offer your hand to his son."
"I believe there is a ring in it for you," winked Jon's -- Allaria's mother. "After all, we cannot have them taking my daughter for granted."
"Indeed," noted Iroldu. "At every step both sides must remind the court that these two families are uniting as equals. The humans must accept you as their princess. Anything less, and this alliance will fail. And if it does, neither kingdom will survive."
"I am honored to help my kingdom in any way," Jon said. Dammit! I'm trying to tell you, I hate the whole idea!
"Our position is terribly vulnerable," added Jon's or Allaria's or whoever's mother. "Many, foolishly, will think they can protect their kingdom by leaving ours to fight alone. They will know our armies are already committed. It is plain enough, now that we arrive with nothing but Dara and her mercenaries to escort us."
And just imagine if they found out Dara is really a human from another world trapped here like me. "Dara is a dear friend and I will not have you belittle her." Heh, this is kind of fun.
"I do not know what you see in her, but that is neither here nor there. The appearance counts. Now, the hour approaches, so you must have your ladies-in-waiting dress you more appropriately. Hurry, my dearest Allaria."
I hate you, you stupid bitch. "I love you, mother."
