A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 32: Day 48
On the morning of the day before the coronation, Matthias and Lilia departed Newtown at first light for Haven, accompanied by Milos, Karla, and Bella. Lilia and Bella rode in a two-horse carriage driven by Lucas.
"I would never have dreamed of attending the coronation of a King!" Bella exclaimed.
"Truthfully, nor would I," Lilia agreed.
"Your father chose an excellent match for you!"
"And when you are ready, the Count and I will choose one for you, if you desire, and do not have a preference of your own."
"Someday, my Lady. But not too soon, as I do not wish to leave your service."
"Nor do I want you to leave. But I know it must happen someday. Perhaps we'll find you a handsome young Knight?"
"Oh, yes! I would love to be Lady Bella! But until then, I wish to serve you."
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"Are you with child?" Robert asked Miri when they awoke later that morning.
"I believe so! But wait one day before making it known to anyone, please."
"A perfect coronation gift for my father," Robert observed.
"Shall we get out of bed?"
"Perhaps a celebration of our own, first," Robert suggested.
Miri smiled invitingly and threw off the down comforter. Forty minutes later, they got out of bed, washed, and dressed. Their breakfast was brought in, and Robert arranged for hot water to be brought the following morning to fill the tub so they could bathe properly before the coronation ceremony.
When they finished breakfast, the seamstress brought in Miri's gown for the coronation. Robert took his leave and went to see his father while the seamstress and her assistant fussed over Miri to ensure a proper fit for the gown.
When the seamstress and her assistant departed, a female servant entered, accompanied by two guards.
"My Lady," the young woman said, "I bring the jewels of the Crown Princess."
She opened the case she was carrying and showed Miri a sapphire choker, a sapphire bracelet, and a small tiara set with sapphires.
"Thank you," Miri said. "Set the case on the dressing table, please."
"Yes, my Lady."
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When Matthias, Lilia, and their companions reached Haven early in the evening, they were greeted by Miri, who was accompanied by a squad of King's Guard.
"Welcome, Count Matthias! Welcome, Countess Lilia!"
"Good evening, Lady Duchess!" Matthias replied.
"Milos and Karla, it is good to see you," Miri said.
"And you, my Lady," Milos replied.
"The Count, Countess, and Bella are in the large guest quarters and should come with me. Beth will show the rest of you to your quarters, and Bertrand will take charge of your horses and carriage."
Three porters collected the luggage, and Miri led Matthias, Lilia, and Bella to their quarters, accompanied by the Guardsmen.
"Sergeant, you and your men may wait outside," Miri declared when they reached the suite of rooms.
"Those are not my orders, Lady Duchess," he replied.
"I am countermanding those orders. Count Matthias is a dear and trusted friend from my youth and is the last person in the Realm who would try to harm me. Now, wait in the corridor, or I shall turn you into a newt!"
The Sergeant paled, nodded, and he and his men remained in the corridor while Miri, Matthias, Lilia, Bella, and the porters entered the suite of rooms. The porters deposited the luggage and left, closing the door behind themselves.
"So you're a witch now?" Matthias asked with a smirk.
Miri laughed. "An entire Realm who have no idea about Monty Python! Lilia, I would like to greet your husband properly with a hug."
"I am in no position to refuse a Royal request, Lady Duchess!" Lilia declared.
"That was not a command, but a request to a friend."
"I do not object, Lady Duchess."
"Please call me Miri in private; I am positive Matthias will do so."
Miri moved to Matthias and hugged him tightly.
"I am with child!" she declared happily. "But it is not known publicly as yet."
"With child?" Matthias asked. "How did THAT happen?"
"You know very well, as Lilia will deliver your child less than a moon before I deliver mine!"
"Sudden memory lapse?" Matthias teased with a grin.
"Lilia," Miri said sweetly, "does Matthias know how to plough and fertilize a field?"
"Quite expertly!" Lilia declared happily.
"As I suspected!" Miri declared.
"I am very happy for you, Miri," Matthias said.
"Lilia, you must come visit often," Miri declared. "You and your handmaiden are welcome at any time."
"Thank you! Perhaps when Matthias is away from Newtown, fulfilling his duties."
"Wonderful! I will see you both for the evening meal."
Miri left, and Bella set about unpacking while Matthias and Lilia removed their traveling clothes and washed away the road grime.
"Do you wish to dress for the evening meal immediately?" Bella asked. "I believe it's about an hour until you're expected."
"No," Lilia replied. "Bring me my dressing gown, please."
"Right away!"
Bella did as requested and then went to her small room to give Matthias and Lilia privacy.
"It is strange how familiar Duchess Miri is with us," Lilia observed. "I have heard stories of royalty punishing those who used familiar forms of address."
"You will find Miri is no typical Royal," Matthias replied. "I believe when she eventually becomes Queen, things will be very different. King Ludwig was cruel and uncaring; Miri will not allow Duke Robert to behave that way."
"But the King is the absolute ruler," Lilia protested. "He can do as he pleases!"
"Yes, he can, but just as I listen to your advice, so, too, Duke Robert will listen to Miri's advice. She, rather than the First Minister or the Bailiff, will be the power behind the throne, just as you are in our domain."
"So you will always do as I ask?" Lilia inquired with an impish smile.
"So long as it's in the best interests of the Realm, Newtown, and our marriage, yes, I will. But I also trust you not to make unreasonable requests."
"I would never do so! And you have agreed to everything I've wanted to do with the estate and bought me everything I've desired!"
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