MorningStar's Kitten

Cade stood up and set Keira on the floor, he pulled his cloak around him, and then put his arm around Keira and then walked to the door. Danae waited in the hall and fell into step behind them as they went downstairs. Kelly stood behind the counter and waved a piece of paper at Cade. When he reached for it, Kelly pulled it back with a grin.

“You’d better buy your Aunt a pretty present, laddie,” He said “or I’ll be stuck doing it and you have more gold than I do.”
“I’d already planned on it, Uncle.”
“In that case have a wonderful day.” Kelly said with a smile.

He handed Cade the paper and reminded him about their ‘meeting’ after the noon meal. Cade nodded and he led Keira out the waiting carriage with Danae close behind. Keira had never seen one and was thrilled with it. The carriage was black, with set of double facing seats and a seat for the driver up front. A matched pair of chestnut mares who tossed their heads and snorted with impatience pulled it.
The driver started to climb down to assist them, but Cade waved him back, lifted Keira into the carriage, and climbed in next to her. Danae sat across from Keira facing backwards, while Cade told the driver their first stop.

“This first shop has gowns readymade, you can pick a few for now, and then we’ll go to the others for the custom ones.” Cade told Keira.
“How many will I need, Cade?”
“Two or three from the first shop, and another ten or twelve custom ones.”
“That many?”
“My mother has a dressmaker come to the stronghold twice a month, each time she gets at least two new gowns.”
“What does she do with them all?”
“I have no clue.” Cade admitted laughing.

Keira shook her head giggling and turned to look around her at the city as they passed through it. The buildings were mostly two or three stories with shops on the ground level and living quarters above. The streets were crowded with vendors and stands, people looking at their goods, neighbors gossiping, and all the assorted types that are drawn towards big cities. Several of the merchants, soldiers, and those obviously of noble birth called a greeting when they recognized Cade. He responded to no one, but put his arm around Keira and pulled her close. A short time later the carriage pulled up in front of a small shop, the front window filled with mannequins wearing elaborate gowns.
Cade stepped down and lifted Keira out of the carriage setting her gently down next to him. She held onto his arm tightly and he covered her hand with his and smiled down at her. He led her into the shop with Danae close behind. Keira had never seen anything like the gowns in the shop. There were silks, satins, velvets, brocades, and materials she could ever have imagined. She let go of Cade’s arm and went straight to a gown of green that nearly matched her eyes, it had gold threads mixed in and trimmed with a soft gold ribbon. Keira lifted the sleeve and was amazed at how soft and light it was.

“That would be perfect with your eyes, M’lady.” Danae said with a smile.
“Do you think so?” Keira asked uncertainly.
“If my opinion matters at all, I agree.” Cade said.
“My apologies, Lord MorningStar.” Exclaimed a large older woman who came out from the back. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Quite alright, Helene. I believe my wife has already found one she likes.”
“Your wife? How wonderful, congratulations.” Helene said turning towards Keira “I hope I can help you Lady MorningStar.”
“I do like this one.” Keira said softly.
“You have excellent taste. That’s one of my finest, and I believe it should fit almost perfectly. Would you like to try on any others as well?”
“Yes.” Keira said, looking around her, she was feeling overwhelmed and turned to Cade “Do you like any of them, Cade?”
“Personally I prefer you out of your gowns, Kia.” Cade smirked.
“Cade!” Keira exclaimed, blushing a bright red.
“He’s trying to annoy you so you’ll let him leave.” Danae whispered to Keira.
“Cade, if I’m stuck shopping for gowns I don’t want so are you.” Keira snapped, “So pick one!”

Cade shot a dirty look at Danae, and then walked around the store for a few moments before picking out a dark blue and silver gown. Keira had Danae choose next and she selected a cream-colored one with a small lavender floral print. Keira and Danae took the gowns in back and Helene showed Keira where she could change. She decided to try on the one Danae had chosen first and after changing went to show Cade, who approved. She returned and slipped out of the gown and into the blue one with Danae’s help. She turned to leave to show Cade when Danae stepped in front of her.

“May I ask something, M’lady?” she asked.
“Of course.”
“Why did you want me to come with you? Was it just to rub it in my face that you’re his wife and I’m just a slave?”
“No, Danae.” Keira said softly “I know you love him too, and I’m hoping if you see he’s happy with me that it will be easier for you to let him go.”
“It’s not like I ever really thought I’d be his or anything.” Danae said looking down.
“I know, and I do want us to be friends. I really have no clue about any of this, I’m so afraid I’ll disappoint him, or worse embarrass him.”
“He’d love you anyway.” Danae said sadly.
“I know, but I want him to be proud of me.”
“I’ll help you all I can.” Danae said, making her decision “I’m sorry I upset you last night.”
“It’s forgotten, now let me show Cade the gown.”

Danae nodded and stepped back as Keira hurried away. She returned with a smile and told Danae he had liked it. She quickly changed into the green one and Danae gave her a broad smile. Keira walked back out front and Cade stared as she came over to him. He turned and gestured to Helene, who came over to them.

“She’ll take all three.” Cade said “and she’ll wear this one.”
“Of course, M’lord. Will there be anything else?”
“Under things?” Keira said looking at Cade and blushing.
“Already packaged, M’lady. Your husband thought of it and chose some he thought you’d like.”

Danae carried the other two gowns out and one of the shop girls wrapped them. Cade told Helene to send a bill and he promised to bring Keira back in a month or so. They left the shop and Cade lifted Keira into the carriage then climbed in after her. When Danae was seated, Cade told the driver the next shop and put his arm around Keira. He looked over at Danae who was watching the passing scenery. He looked over Keira’s new gown then into her eyes and smiled.

“It does look as if it was made for you, and matches your eyes very well.”
“I’m glad you like it, Cade.”
“I liked them all. Shall I tell you why I chose the blue and silver one?”
“Why?”
“It’s the colors of my mother’s family. I thought you could wear it when you meet them tonight and her when we get home.”
“A subtle hint that I ‘belong’?”
“Perhaps a bit.”
“What are your house colors, Cade?”
“Black and gold. The crest is very similar to the sign for The Rising Sun.”
“It sounds pretty.”

The carriage stopped in front of a large shop with huge display windows filled with stands draped in fabrics of every color and pattern. There was a large open area next to the shop with several fancy carriages parked side by side. As Cade lifted Keira down from the carriage, two noble women followed by their lady’s maids paused to watch. Cade put his arm around Keira as Danae climbed down and followed them into the shop. A small bell jangled as Cade pushed open the door and heads turned to see whom the new arrivals were. At the sight of Cade, a small bird like woman hurried over. She smiled as she approached them, stopped in front of Cade and curtsied.

“Lord MorningStar, what a wonderful surprise.” The woman gushed “Dressing up your new girl?”
“My wife,” Cade snapped, “Is in need of gowns. I was thinking a half dozen for now.”
“Your wife?” the woman questioned paling “Of course, M’lord. I’ll see to it she’s shown only the finest I have.”
“And most expensive, I’m sure.”
“Quality is not cheap, M’lord.” The woman said arrogantly.
“Neither am I.” Cade growled, “My wife will have only the best.”
“Yes, M’lord.”
“Cade…” Keira said uncertainly “I don’t like this.”
“Kia, we discussed this.” Cade said softly.
“I know, it’s just…” Keira pulled him down to whisper in his ear “they’re all staring.”

Cade straightened and turned towards the women, an angry look coming over his face. Keira saw his eyes turn almost black as he stepped away from her and closer to the women. Several of the closest ones took a step backwards and their maids cowered behind them.

“Ladies, I realize I wasn’t raised in the Court, however the last time I was with His Majesty I’m fairly certain it was still considered rude to stare.”

The women all turned away hurriedly and were suddenly fascinated with the fabrics around them. Cade returned to Keira and gave her a hug. She wasn’t entirely happy, but gave him a smile anyway. The shop clerk asked Keira to please follow her to be measured and she grabbed Danae’s hand and pulled her along as she followed the woman. After being measured Keira was shown several styles of gowns the women felt would be the most flattering to Keira’s figure and when Danae agreed Keira picked six of them. She and Danae started to look at the fabrics and Keira brought several to Cade for his opinion, but he was still in a foul mood and completely useless. In frustration, he asked Keira if she minded if he went to the armoury across the street for a few minutes, and she agreed. He slammed the door behind him so violently the little bell fell off its hook, and everyone looked up at the door. A few moments later after Keira and Danae had chosen several fabrics and the women was taking the newest choice in back, Keira looked up to find they were surrounded by the other women. Danae slipped her hand into Keira’s as a large woman spoke.

“Are you really, Lord MorningStar’s wife?”
“Are you calling my husband a liar?” Keira asked her.
“Of course not.” The woman stammered.
“Well, there was no announcement of an engagement.” Another woman said, “Never mind one about an actual wedding.”
“We only arrived in Dareth last night,” Keira said calmly “Cade thought it proper to inform his family before anyone else.”
“Seems a bit sudden.” A small beady-eyed woman said, eying Keira’s waistline “Perhaps he had to marry?”
“Perhaps you’re all just jealous he chose such a beauty as Lady Keira over all your spoiled, whiney brats” Danae snapped, then said to Keira “Don’t mind them, M’lady. They wouldn’t be so bold if His Lordship were here.”
“But he is.” Cade said his voice deadly cold.

The women scattered and Keira ran to him and into his waiting arms. He held her tight for a moment, then picked her up and headed for the door. The sales woman started to say something and he glared at her. He told her to send whatever gowns Keira had chosen but that he would never patronize the shop again. Danae hurried ahead of Cade and opened the door. He paused and turned before he left and glanced around the room.

“There are reasons I avoid the Court.” Cade said “and the lot of you are perfect examples of why. I can promise you my mother will be mentioning this little incident to Her Majesty when next they have lunch.”

He turned and carried Keira outside with Danae following. He put Keira into the carriage then turned and lifted Danae in as well. She looked at him in surprise and he smiled at her. As he started to climb up, he saw Donell come out of the shop next door and told Keira he needed to speak with him. He called to Donell, who stopped and waited for him. Cade spoke to him briefly, Donell nodded and left. Cade returned to the carriage and climbed in. He told the driver where to go next, pulled Keira into his lap and held her tight.

“I’m so sorry, my pet.” He said. “I should never have left you.”
“It’s alright, Cade. I had Danae.” Keira said
“So I heard.” Cade turned to Danae “Thank you.”
“I don’t want to go to another shop, Cade.” Keira said quietly.
“We’re going to the jewelers, and I’m having Donell arrange for the other shops to be open only for you later this afternoon.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry I’m such a problem.”
“You’re not, Kia. Those women were the problem. I won’t have you treated badly by anyone.”
“What if they’re right, Cade. That I’m not good enough to be your wife.”
“They forget I’m only the son of a merchant. I’m no better than you, just older and had a bit more luck.”
“How did you get your title?”
“I saved the King’s life. He’d been injured in battle and I managed to get him to safety and a healer.”
“He left out he’d been badly wounded himself.” Danae said
“Who told you that?” Cade asked scowling.
“Your uncle tells the tale often at the bar. To any who’ll listen”
“I’d say he’s proud of you, Cade.” Keira said, “How old were you?”
“Old enough” Cade grumbled
“He was nineteen.” Danae whispered to Keira
“That’s enough!” Cade snapped

The girls looked at each other and burst out laughing. Cade couldn’t be cross with Keira smiling again, so he held her close and listened to the girls chatter. Danae was pointing out the things she thought Keira might be interested in as they passed. Soon they were travelling into a quieter part of town with no street vendors and smaller more conservative shops. Cade explained that the jeweler would give them a private showing so they wouldn’t be bothered by anyone else and Keira nodded. The carriage pulled in front of the shop and Cade once again helped Keira down, and then Danae.
Keira’s eyes grew wide and she glanced all around her at all the jewels and ornate gold and silver work, as she entered the shop. She was so enthralled she didn’t even notice the two large guards who stood on either side of the door. Keira and Danae moved over to a glass case to ogle the necklaces as a small thin man appeared from the curtained doorway to the rear of the shop. He motioned to the guards, one of them locked the door, and the man stepped towards Cade and smiled.

“Good day, Lord MorningStar.” The man said, politely “Looking for some sparkly trinkets for your girls?”
“My wife is in need of jewels.” Cade said, his tone hinting at his anger.
“Your wife?” the man said blanching “My apologies, M’lord. I hadn’t heard the wonderful news.”
“Accepted, Jakob. Now, you’ll know best what she’ll need for Court.”
“Of course.” Jakob turned towards Keira “M’lady, if you will allow me to choose some pieces for you to look at.”
“Alright.” Keira said “Thank you.”
“Danae.” Cade said, “Would you choose something for my aunt. You know her tastes far better than I do.”

Danae hurried over to a glass case near the back of the room and waved Cade over. She pointed to a small butterfly brooch set with precious gems. Danae explained that Colleen had admired it the week before and was trying to find a way to get Kelly to buy it for her. Cade laughed and instructed one of the shop girls to wrap it and keep it separate from Keira’s items. Jakob had laid out several velvet cloths with necklaces, bracelets, and rings arranged on them. Keira walked over and stared at the jewels then looked up at Cade.

“They’re all so fancy, Cade.” She said softly.
“I should have pointed out that my wife has simple tastes, Jakob”
“Of course, however an audience with the King or Queen would require something a bit more elaborate.” Jakob pointed out.
“Agreed. Kia, pick the one you like most then Jakob will show you others.”
With Danae’s help, Keira settled on an elaborate design of white gold, set with diamonds and emeralds. Cade agreed it set off her eyes and a short time later Keira had chosen several simpler ones, as well as bracelets. She ignored the rings except to glance at them and when Cade commented on it she told him that her mother had told her once that the only ring a girl needed was her wedding ring. Cade’s face fell and he told Keira to choose a brooch or two and hair ornaments. He then stared at the case of rings and one of the shop girls moved over next to him. Keira chose a few pieces that caught her eye and agreed to a simple tiara that matched her emerald and diamond necklace. Jakob had a girl wrap the items and Danae took the packages from her.
When they were settled back into the carriage Cade turned to Keira and told her to turn away. She did so with a puzzled glance at Danae, who only shrugged. Keira saw Cade’s hands above her and a moment later something cold touched the front of her neck. She reached up and felt a small necklace. Keira turned to look at Cade who smiled and told her it was a small silver heart set with emeralds. When she went to hug him he held her back, took her left hand and slipped a ring on her finger. Keira stared down at the ornately woven silver band set with emeralds and diamonds.

“I hope you like it.” Cade said, “Jakob can adjust the size if needed.”
“It’s beautiful, Cade.” Keira said as she started to cry. “And it fits fine.”

Cade pulled her into his arms and held her, confused by her tears. Keira hugged him and assured him they were happy ones. He kissed her gently and told her he loved her and only wanted her happy. Keira told him she loved him too and she was happier than she’d ever been before. Cade told the driver to take them back to The Rising Sun as he handed Danae a small box. She looked up at him curiously and he explained it was a small thank you for taking care of Keira earlier. Danae opened the box and found a pair of silver earrings set with a small sapphire and diamond. Cade told her they matched her eyes. Danae thanked him and a tear fell as she put them on.

“Please,” Cade begged, “I can’t handle two women crying.”

The two girls immediately started to laugh and Cade breathed a sigh of relief. The girls chatted happily the rest of the trip back to the inn. Danae pointed out various shops and people to Keira as they passed. Cade watched her and smiled at how she looked at it all with such wonder. He worried how she would cope with her first encounter with the Court and was glad it wouldn’t be for some time yet. The next formal invitations would probably be for the Yule ball that the King and Queen held every year. With that over, two months away it would be plenty of time for Keira to be taught all she would need to know.