A Political Powderkeg

Astra balked at this, "Wait, everyone is banished from court?"

"Oh yeah, it was a terrible idea and I warned him but he wouldn't listen," said Belboz, reaching for another slice of pie. "This is delicious! Anyway, he just kept the servants, the cooks, and now everyone who wants to retain their status and possibly earn back their place in court has to come make their case for why they are not loyal to the old king."

"Is that where he is now?"

Belboz nodded. "Most likely, yes. The line is out the castle gates." Seeing the look on Astra's face, he stifled a laugh. "You are considering running again? Didn't work out for you last time, did it?"

Astra blushes, for that was exactly what she was considering. She had an idea for how to delay the consummation of the marriage, but even the act itself made her nauseous. She had decided to do it, but that did not mean that she didn't fantasize about seizing the opportunity and fleeing once again. "Of course not, Belboz," she said, grinning and taking a big bite of cake.

"Well there we go, then," he said, making a final notation on his paper. "That's that! I will put all of this into the capable hands of the servant staff, and then I will meet you in your chambers."

"Meet me for what?" Astra asked, eying him suspiciously.

1. "Fred is redoing the royal suite for after the marriage, and you need to pick color and decorating options, materials, that kind of thing," Belboz sighed. "I hate this job."
2. "I have to magically seal you in your room, Fred's orders. He doesn't want you trying to escape in the middle of the night."
3. "I am sleeping on a cot in your room, to keep an eye on you. Terrible, isn't it? I promise I won't enjoy it." Belboz spits on the floor.
4. "Well, you see..."

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