Book Three
Chapter Eighteen - Counting Down


When Robin checks in at her room earlier in the morning of Archer 6, there are two messages waiting for her.
 
The first is --

"The Coronation's FQA:
by Random, soon-to-be King.

1: A major exercise in bladder control, the coronation is organized as follows:
     A: The arriving of the people, and the excited milling around
     B: The arriving of the nobles and ambassadors, and the dignified milling (around)
     3: The arriving of the royal family and the bored milling (around)
     4: The arriving of the King/Queen/Prince and the swooning, reeling, writhing, and
            fainting in coils.

     5: The vague promises and reminders of past prosperity
     6: The coronation.  Note: Crowns, not cornets.  V. thought cornets bad idea.  Not
            musical.

     7: The meaningless platitudes and intimations of future security and stability
     8: The giving (by you) and receiving (by us) of oaths of allegiance.  Again.  Really, the
            point of this thing is to do this in front of me and everyone, so we've got to.
            Winter will send you all copies of the oath.  It's crufty, but serviceable.

     9: The standing by and watching while everybody else does the same.  In order of
            precedence.

2: Precedence.  Who comes first, except in a stuffy way.

3: Martin, Benedict, Corwin, Caine, Fiona, Bleys, Llewella, Florimel, Julian, Gerard, Reid, Lilly, Aisling, Cambina, Jerod, Merlin, Marius, Conner, Brita, Paige, Brennan, Lucas et. al,  Jovian, Robin, Solange, Vere, Ossian, Folly, Dukes and Duchesses, Counts, Countesses and Earls,
Marquesses and Marquessites, Barons, Baronesses, and Life Peers.  Knights, new Knights and nobles, Representatives of the peepul, chosen for their peepul-ness, and/or importance to the realm."

Robin breathes a sigh of relief when she reads that order.  Though she has to chuckle at her and Solange's proximity regardless.

"D: The blessing of the fleet.
E: Then you better get me the list pretty quickly, don't you think?

VI:  Queen Vialle will be in charge until I get back.  She may set up a Queen's council.  Or she may rule with a despotic hand.  Either way, it'll be interesting.

VII: A coronation masquerade.  In the grand ballroom, with the candlestick."


The second is hand delivered by an extremely sleepy page, who has obviously been 'staking out' her room

"Dear Robin,

            I hope you will join me and some other ladies this evening for a late supper and light entertainment. I realize that this is somewhat short notice, and understand if you have already made other plans.
            Please let me know if I can expect you. I look forward to seeing you this evening, or at the Coronation.
            Yours,
           
Vialle"

It is written in the handwriting of Vialle's secretary, Ember, who has also worked with Cambina.

Robin sends an immediate response back with the page in her own handwriting, which is a very solid, easily read block print.  With a few ink smudges on the corners of the paper.

Majesty,
            You honor me greatly with your invitation and I treasure your consideration.  Unfortunately, I am afraid that I must miss what sounds like a wonderful evening.  I hope that we will have future opportunities to meet.
            Thank you,
            Robin

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