Fred's Coronation Approaches

Fred and Reaibn came into view round a turn in the corridor. "Ah, there's Exotica," Reaibn said, "and I see that Princess Astra is with her. Did you have a pleasant time in the Excuse Room, Your Princessyness?"

"Not really," Astra replied, not wanting to go into details.

"Oh dear. Anyway, we're here because Lord Fred wanted to talk to Exotica. After that, it will be time for both of you to return to your rooms, where servants will help dress each of you in your robes for Fred's Coronation."

"Robes?" Astra asked, wondering just what Reaibn had in mind.

"Of course. This will be a solemn ceremony, and all the leading participants must be suitably attired for it. Your own and Lord Fred's current outfits are fine for ordinary wear but wouldn't do at all for this."

It now seemed unlikely that she would be able to slip away until after the Coronation, Astra thought. "This ceremony, will it involve much sitting down?" she asked.

Reaibn gave her a look which she found uncomfortably penetrating. Mad he might be, but he didn't sem to miss much. "Don't worry," he said. "I shall make sure that plenty of soft cushions are provided for you."

He went on:

1. "Now, Lord Fred, you wanted to talk to Exotica." (All this time, Exotica had been keeping her head down, scrubbing away at the floor without speaking.)
2. "I'm afraid that we are running late, and I don't think that there will be time now for you to talk to Exotica after all, Lord Fred."

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