Chapter 757: Tea Party

“You call this a tea party?”

Jadis stared around her selves with barely concealed incredulity. She had never been to a tea party, aside from ones that she had imagined for herself when she had been an imaginative kid with several large stuffed animals. While not directly experienced, she had certainly seen representations in all sorts of media, from books and comics to shows and movies. They were generally small events, maybe a dozen participants at most, with high-class ladies in fancy dresses sipping on imported teas from delicate porcelain cups, eating finger foods and chatting about the latest gossip. Jadis supposed her expectations still held up when compared to what she observed around her in all respects except one: the number of ladies involved.

“Is there something that upsets you?” Eir asked as she strode arm and arm with Syd.

“No, not upset,” Syd immediately assured her worried lover. “I just didn’t think there would be so many people. I know you said that all the noble ladies would be invited. I guess the full picture hadn’t come together for me until this moment.”

“Ah,” Eir nodded sagely as they continued their leisurely stroll along the garden path. “I understand. When you heard tea party, you assumed that this would be a more intimate affair.”

“I really did. Aren’t they usually?”

“Yes, they are,” the elf nodded and smiled at a small group of older noblewomen as they passed them by. “For the average noble, or really, anyone who wishes to, a tea party is usually a small gathering of friends and family. However, this is a royal tea party, an event that is held regularly, usually at least once a year, that has a different purpose from the typical social function.”

“You mean everyone here isn’t gathering as much information that they can to use for gossip and blackmail?” Syd commented darkly while keeping her voice low.

“No, they are,” Eir made no attempt to deny the shady side of noble interactions. “Information has great value, and these sorts of gatherings are one of most fertile landscapes for gathering public news, guarded secrets, and everything between from across the whole empire. However, that is not the only function, or even the intended one.”

“Then what is?”

“The children.”

As Eir spoke, two small boys and a slightly younger girl crossed the path before them, running in a playful game that was causing a pursuing nanny a small amount of distress. The trio stopped in their tracks to gaze up at Syd with wide eyes and open mouths, giving their caretaker enough time to gather the three in her arms and escort them off to the side of the path. As Syd passed them by, she waved and grinned at them, while also noting that while one boy and the girl were human, the second boy was a full-blooded orc, and thus was likely not related to the other two.

“Yes, the children,” Eir agreed as she also smiled at the awestruck trio. “The children you see here today are the inheritors of the empire’s future. In time, they will be the lords and ladies who rule the territories that have been passed down through their families for generations. Therefore, it is considered vital that the sons and daughters of the nobility are not only introduced to each other, but form bonds of friendship that will, ideally, last them into adulthood and beyond.”

“That actually makes a lot of sense,” Syd murmured as she thought the concept over. “If they’re all childhood friends, then they’re less likely to go to war against each other when they’re the ones in charge.”

“Precisely.”

After a few more moments, Syd continued her thoughtful assessment.

“Of course, looking at how the politics of the empire is going right now, it’s not a foolproof plan.”

“No, it isn’t a guarantee,” Eir agreed with a sigh. “There is always conflict, even between siblings. However, I firmly believe that if these gatherings had not been regularly held for the past twelve hundred years, the empire would have fallen apart to civil war centuries ago. Even now, with the tension caused by the factions supporting Prince Hraustrekr and Prince Kestil, the conflict is restrained to words, rather than swords.”

“Mostly words,” Syd corrected Eir.

“Mostly. That is still a better result than I believe we would have if the men and women who make up the different factions did not know each other since childhood.”

That, Jadis conceded, she had to agree with.

As Syd continued to walk with Eir along the smooth stone walkway, her other selves walked with Alex and Severina just behind. With Alex on Jay’s arm and Sev on Dys’, the small group moved like a procession through the sprawling hedgerows and flowerbeds, following the meandering path to the heart of the imperial palace’s garden. Around them, hundreds of eyes watched them without staring, except in the cases of the children too young to have yet learned how to conceal their interest.

For her part, Jadis did little to hide her own interest, though she wasn’t staring at the people. Instead, her focus was on her surroundings, both floral and culinary, as both were on full and appeal display.

The number of exotic flowers that lined the curved pathways was astounding. Jadis had been to three Dryad groves in her life and while it was unfair to compare the garden to the groves that had been damaged, she could say with confidence that the palace’s flowerbeds were on par with Yorath’s domain, if not exceeding it. The sheer variety of flowers was staggering, yet somehow not overwhelming thanks to the way the colors of the various blooms complimented each other. Nothing about the garden was an accident, Jadis realized the further she went inside. Every plant, every petal, every leaf and twig had been carefully curated and grown in exactly the way that the groundskeeper had intended. There was nothing wild about the garden, that was for sure. Jadis doubted that Meli or Tegwyn would approve of such purposeful control of nature, but Jadis had to admire the skill and dedication that had gone into the creation of a living work of art.

Then there were the foods.

Tables had been set up all throughout the garden, some small and round, others longer, closer in scale to banquet tables. Upon all of them were trays, platters, tiered stands, and crystal vessels of extraordinary craftsmanship, all of which contained a feast of finger foods. Tiny sandwiches made from every variety of bread possible were elegantly stuffed with savory meats, cheeses, egg salads, and other things that Jadis couldn’t even begin to guess at based on the mouthwatering smells. Scones, biscuits, muffins, and rolls were served with jams, jellies, preserves, and marmalades made from dozens of different types of fruits, as well as thick, creamy butters that stayed cool in the warm weather thanks to enchanted silver dishes. And the sweets… there were so many different kinds of sweets. Cookies, cakes, macarons, and tiny fruit tarts Jadis could identify. The strangely shaped and wonderfully colorful pastries that decorated some of the trays she could not as they were entirely foreign to her. However, judging by appearance alone, Jadis was exceptionally keen on introducing those pastries into her diet.

While her focus was on the flowers and the food, Jadis didn’t neglect to observe the people observing her, either. The majority of the people present were women, as it had been the wives of the noble houses who had been invited to the tea party. There were, however, many children as well, of every age. From newborn infants to teenagers on the cusp of unlocking their primary class, toddlers and teens were represented in equal measure. There were also servants, and not just those who clearly worked for the palace. Most were nannies, Jadis assumed, though there were some who seemed to hold more of a general status and simply followed around their particular parties, most of whom seemed to be on the older side. And then there were, of course, the guards.

Palace security was never light, in Jadis’ experience, and this gathering in the garden was no exception. The palace guards did a good job of remaining in the background, their presence unobtrusive and easily ignorable, but in every corner that Jadis looked, she saw at least one sharp-eyed and well-armed man or women standing at polite attention. If anyone was thinking that there might be a repeat of what had happened at Trummelton’s over the winter, those worries had to be allayed thanks to the show of force apparent inside the palace walls.

As their group neared the center of the garden, Syd continued to ask Eir questions, her curiosity about the gathering and the habits of imperial nobles peaked.

“Are these tea parties always so crowded?”

“No,” Eir lightly shook her head, causing her beautiful purple hair to fall over one shoulder. “Usually, these events are set up months in advance, giving time for nobles across the empire to make their way to the capital. Still, many are unable to attend due to travel and time constraints. Only those who are local to the capital attend every time. Absences are expected and condoned, so long as you do not go too long without making an appearance.

“Today’s event, while not planned far in advance, has the greatest number of attendees that I have ever seen. Many nobles were already here thanks to the demonic invasion and even more came to the capital due to the emperor’s announcement that he was personally leading the armies into the Rubaline Dominion. There would be little excuse to not attend, and many reasons to want to.”

Eir didn’t need to elaborate on why so many nobles would want to be present for the tea party that day, not when Jadis, Alex, and Hope made up at least three of those very noticeable reasons.

“So, you’ve been to many of these tea parties?” Syd asked with a faint smile on her lips as she looked lovingly at her favorite saint.

“Eight times,” Eir smiled back at her. “Always with my mother. I was a child for all of them, of course. By the time I was old enough that I might warrant an individual invitation as heir to my family’s household, I had joined Lyssandria’s temple and had no more time for such events.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Syd nodded thoughtfully. “I’d probably rather spend time in the temple baths with all those priestesses, too.”

“Jadis, please,” the elf hushed her teasing. “No lewd jokes.”

Then, with a sly wink, Eir whispered for Syd’s ears only.

“Even if they are true.”

By that point, their unofficial procession had led them to the largest gathering of noble ladies who had come together in the center of the garden complex. Several tables with more of the delicious treats had been set up in the round open area, and a small crowd stood or sat together, drinking from delicate teacups and chatting softly. A definite knot had formed at one location, though, and even those who were on the periphery seemed to be keeping at least one eye on that gathering. Some of the women in that circle were people who Jadis recognized, if not through introduction at least incidentally from trips she had taken to the palace. The one woman who she focused on, though, was the one in the center, who she knew by face and by name alone. Princess Lynn Alfhilderunn, wife of Prince Hraustrekr.

Princess Lynn was, as Jadis had previously observed, a human woman who was in her late thirties. She wasn’t a gorgeous woman; her nose was sharp and aquiline, her lips were thin, and her chin was a little weak. However, she was still pretty with a heart-shaped face, luxurious dark hair, and bright green eyes. She was taller than average, though not greatly so, and while her figure was hidden under a beautifully embroidered green and gold dress, Jadis could tell that Lynn was fit and healthy. At a guess, Jadis presumed Lynn would have a runner’s physique and was probably far more physically active than a lot of the other women surrounding her. The most noticeable aspect of the princess’s appearance, however, was her smile. She had a wonderful smile that exuded kindness, and at that moment, she had turned that smile onto Jadis and her loved ones.

Stepping forward, the crowd around the princess parted for her as she warmly greeted them.

“Good day to you, Lady Jadis Ahlstrom,” Lynn smiled with genuine warmth. “I am so pleased to finally meet you in person.”

“I’m very happy to meet you as well,” Jadis said in unison while all three of her selves bowed at the same time.

“Oh, that is a delight,” the woman grinned at her. “Such a fascinating and unique class you have! Should I address a specific body when speaking to you?”

“It makes no difference,” Jay replied since she was currently in the middle of the line that Jadis had formed with her companions. “I’ll answer the same regardless.”

“Fascinating,” she repeated herself, a perceptible curiosity in her eyes. “I have so many questions to ask that I hope you will indulge me with your answers. However, first, I believe I owe four more greetings before I reveal myself as a terrible bore.”

Turning to her left, Lynn smiled and nodded her head at the Seraphim standing next to Dys.

“Lady Severina. I hope you are well?”

“Yes, your highness,” Severina bowed politely. “I pray that Valtar’s blessings are upon you and your children.”

Jadis knew that technically, Sev was a major figure of the political faction that opposed Hraustrekr taking the throne and, as such, would be at odds with the first prince’s household. However, there was no sign of animosity between Lynn and Severina. At least, they seemed to be well acquainted with each other and were, possibly, even on friendly terms. Whether that was for some kind of political reason, or because the two women just genuinely got along, Jadis wasn’t sure. But at the very least, she was glad to see there wasn’t any tension between them.

“Lady Eir!” Lynn warmly greeted the smiling elf. “It has been years since you attended one of my little gatherings! I’m so happy to see you again.”

“Your highness,” Eir curtseyed politely. “I agree, it has been too long. I hope my mother conveyed my best wishes and prayers in my absence.”

“She always does,” the princess nodded, then turned her attention onto the two who stood out more than even Jadis in that gathering of noble ladies. “And you must be Lady Alex.”

“I am…” Alex agreed as she performed a perfect imitation of the curtsey that Eir had just displayed. “Thank you… For inviting me…”

“Thank you for coming,” Princess Lynn replied, her gaze wandering over Alex’s unique form before settling onto the bundle of orange that rested quietly in the Demon’s lower set of arms. “And this must be Hope.”

“Yes…” Alex said while holding the baby Succubus out so that she could be more easily seen.

“My goodness,” Lynn breathed out as a whisper of sighs echoed from the women behind her. “What a beautiful baby girl.”

“Yes…” Alex agreed again. Then, without concern for image or station, held Hope out towards the royal. “Would you… Like to… Hold her…?”

“Yes, of course,” Lynn cooed as she swept the infant into her arms. “My, you are adorable, aren’t you? You precious little sweeting.”

The idea of anyone calling Hope “little” was certainly amusing, but before Jadis could spare a thought to that comment, she had a bigger concern to address. Specifically, the one that most mattered to a royal princess being within range of her greedy daughter.

“Uh, just a warning, but—”

“Oh my!” Lynn suddenly exclaimed in surprise as Hope made a happy squeal.

“…yeah, that,” Jay winced. “Hope eats magic, and she likes to taste new magic, even when she isn’t hungry.”

“Well,” Princess Lynn responded with an amused look as she rocked Hope back and forth in a practiced motion, “I’m glad she seems to enjoy my flavor.”