In Which Xeta's Levity Is Restored

January 10, 1175

"...and if you end up stopping in Naroni on the return trip, I would advise spending the night at the castle with the king and queen. Surely a group of pious crusaders deserves only the finest of accommodations, and I'm afraid that we here just can't offer them."

Xeta might have laughed had Sir Domingo's mere presence not robbed the room of any potential for levity. Pawning unwelcome guests off onto royalty... only her father-in-law would have thought of that. Or, so Jadin's stepmother's glares seemed to imply, maybe it had been her idea. The king and queen did make a point of belittling her every time their paths crossed. Maybe this was Nora's idea of subtle-yet-just revenge. Not that Xeta really cared either way; whatever got Sir Domingo out of her life forever was fine by her.

Luckily for her father-in-law, however, Sir Domingo didn't seem wise to the ruse. "I believe I will. I must say, my lord, that I am most unimpressed with your household and would prefer to avoid your lands in the future."

"Thank God," muttered Jadin under his breath. Xeta nodded in accordance. Nora bit her lip as if trying not to scowl.

Hardly even trying, Severin rolled his eyes. "Shame. Out of curiosity, what did you find made you more uncomfortable? Walking in on my parish priest feeling up one of the scullery maids in the chapel last night, or the fact that today's breakfast conversation was for all intents and purposes a penis joke contest? By the way, I believe your nephew Bernardo clinched the title with his last one."

Sir Domingo crossed his arms and spewed forth an obnoxious harumph!. "I find you both vulgar and offensive, sir."

Severin shrugged. "There are worse things one can be than 'vulgar' and 'offensive'."

"And that is where we disagree." The knight gave an obligatory nod, then turned on his heel and strode toward the door. His footsteps sounded so much more pleasant when they were heading away. "Well, the boys should be done saddling up our horses now. I would say 'fare thee well', but frankly I do not wish the sentiment upon you."

Behind his back, Nora made a rather rude hand gesture. Severin smirked and Jadin nearly burst out laughing; even Xeta had to grin. "Good fucking riddance."

Domingo returned the curse with a glare. As far as Xeta was aware, it was the only time he'd acknowledged Nora's existence all morning. "I would advise you to make a lady out of your wife!"

Before Severin could respond, the knave was out the door, out of sight and hopefully out of mind before long. If Xeta's father-in-law had been at all disappointed about not having the final word, the feeling didn't linger long.

"Well, whatever God he's questing for is the God I'm going to spend the rest of the day thanking for his departure. Now, I wonder if Vera's managed to wake Riona yet; it's nearly midday and the silly girl hasn't even had breakfast."

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