"Have you spoken with Agnes, Sir? I know she was looking for you earlier."
"Yes indeed, I just came from the kitchens. Dinner shall be a quiet affair served in the King's chambers."
The Lord Steward grimaced. "The King could sit for the rest of the week and still not see them all, but I hope he will take his time settling in. Half of these petty lords have no real business, but you know how it goes. If one requests an audience, then they all must have one! They are eager to garner favor with the new King."
"Favor for their daughters, you mean! I think the King should announce his betrothal at once, and put all these noble ladies out of their misery!"
Marion laughed. "Don't be silly, Walter. She will be here in just a few days time, and she's not coming to wait in the supplicant line! I'm sure the King will wish to celebrate her arrival, not sneak her through the South gate like a sack of potatoes!"
Marion eyed him suspiciously. "Tell me what's going on, Walter. Has something changed?" Walter was silent. "Walter, if something has changed, I need to know!"
He sighed with defeat. "I suppose you must know, then. It has come to my attention that the new King...might never have been informed of this arrangement."