I gave Al the summary of what happened, and he sympathized with Zed but agreed that we were not compatible. Part of the blessing of the mountains that allowed him to give couples his blessing also allowed him to tell if a couple was compatible. If not, then he would not give his blessing. That was one of the reasons for all the happy marriages in the Kanta region.
We talked for a while about the progress of the inventions. Hopefully, the heated water system will be installed soon. It would make the winter more bearable. They could also work on the hot air balloon over the winter.
I planned to stock up on paper and pens, as well as other arts and craft supplies. I could use the time indoors to create a comedy book for the Duke.
Katie came home with the kids after a while. I told her that Kirin had proposed. She squealed in delight as she hugged me. "Oh my goodness! This is so sudden, but great news! We can plan the wedding over the winter. It will be so much fun!" The kids clapped and cheered with their mom. They did not know exactly what was happening, but their mom was happy, so they were happy.
Adam remembered his Aunt Abby's wedding and was more excited than Aza. She clapped and squealed with her mom. Adam asked, "Will we have another party like Aunt Abby's? Can I be the ring bear again?"
I laughed at his enthusiasm and replied, "Yes, you can be my ring bearer, and Aza can be the flower girl." I looked towards Aza and poked her cheeks gently. She laughed and grabbed my finger.
Adam corrected me, "It's ring bear." He put up his paws and growled like a little bear cub. It was adorable. "Rawr!" I laughed and patted his head, "Ok, you can be the ring bear, just be a nice little bear cub." He smiled
Katie and I exchanged a knowing smile. She had explained the wedding customs to him when Abby got married, but he didn't understand the ring bearer, so he insisted on being a bear cub. It was adorable!
We were all in a good mood for dinner. Abby and Blaise came over for dinner, and they were both happy for me. Abby shared some of the details from her wedding and helped us plan how to incorporate some of the traditions from our home into my wedding.
Blaise looked like he had just solved a puzzle and said hesitantly, "Is that why Zed asked for the morning off and came back looking dejected?" He felt bad for him, but understood that it was not meant to be. It was not good to force something if it was not a good match.
I sighed and gave them the same summary that I had given Al earlier. They all agreed that it was not a good match, and Kirin and I would be happy together. Al agreed. "I gave Kirin my blessing to court and marry Alisa."
The rest of the dinner was spent talking about the upcoming wedding. I let Abby and Katie plan most of it because they knew the traditions of this world better than I did. I only contributed that I would make my own wedding dress. I refused to wear a corset and wanted a bohemian-style wedding dress.
I wanted a high-waisted, long A-line gown with flared sleeves. I could let them braid my hair and add a crown of spring flowers. It would be beautiful!
We discussed the details while Al and Blaise played board games. The kids went to bed early, and Abby had to wake up early to get ready for school the next morning, so they left a little early.
I had beautiful dreams of the perfect spring wedding. Blissfully unaware of the problems that were brewing across the sea in a tower in Stanarussi.
In Stanarussi...
Alexander Blanchard, the new Baron of Stanarussi and brother of the original Elisabeth Blanchard, knelt in front of the furious Count Silas. "Baron Alexander, it has been months since your sister escaped in the hot air balloon. Where is she? My men traced her whereabouts to the border town in the Kingdom of Lancri, where she was attacked by bandits. I was then informed that she was rescued by a warrior from Shibatsu and flew away with him across the sea. You are to bring her back to me to be my bride, or I will no longer fund your research. I will give you three months time. If you have not returned her to me by then, you can forget our arrangement and pay back all of my investments."
Alexander tried to stop himself from trembling in terror, but his voice wavered in the presence of this older and more powerful man. "Count Silas, I have been working on the faster flying machine, but the plans were stolen by my sister. I had to start over from scratch. I will need at least another month to complete it and two months to travel across the sea and back. I beg for your patience a while longer. Once I return my sister to you, she will never be able to escape again. I promise."
A loud clanking sound could be heard as Count Silas threw the metal goblet of wine in his hand towards the ground near Alexander. "Three months! I have limited patience, and have waited long enough. Do not test my limits. You had better return her to me, or else!" He threatened Alexander.
Alexander flinched as the wine stained his robe. The fury in his heart towards his sister grew. If only she had stayed and obediently married the Count, he would not have had to deal with this man's temper. Count Silas was not known for his kind benevolence. Just wait until I find you, dear sister. I will tie you up with chains and drag you back tohell.