Peter had not been able to return after he had tried and failed again to claim the Sword of Excavor. However, as the day of the signing of the Dathow Han Accords grew closer, and then arrived, he found his mind wondering not to the sword, but to Saorise's presence there.

It seemed she had been there before, judging by Excavor's reaction. The fact that she had even gotten the god to appear when he never had for Peter was an oddity in and of itself. What was it about Saorise Caramort that allowed her to not only enter his test, but to converse with gods?

Peter had been entering that trial since he was a child. And it had become clear that the only reason he was allowed to enter the trial was because of his bloodline and his status. None of his brothers, nor his sister, had ever indicated that they knew of the trial. His father had been the only one who had, but on the one occasion when Peter had mentioned it, his father had brushed the topic aside swiftly. From his reaction, it was clear his father had no hope of Peter completing the trial. Peter had determined to prove him wrong, especially when it became apparent that his father had never passed the trial himself.

Every victory had led him to the trial chamber in his dreams, but none of them had seemed to be enough. Granted, he had rarely fought in actual battles, his status as an heir meant that while he was meant to prove himself, he was not supposed to visit battlefronts unless there was an assured victory. Despite his incompetence, the Court could not risk an heir's safety publicly. In truth, Peter was positive they didn't send him often because they believed him incompetent. Perhaps now, quite a few of their victories would start making more sense.

This battle, while he had not fought in it with swords, was without a doubt his biggest victory yet. But it had meant nothing in the eyes of Excavor. Exactly what kind of victory was the god hoping that Peter would achieve? Was he hoping for a loss?

That couldn't be right. If the stories were to be believed, as they had been for hundreds of generations, those who wielded Excavor's sword had never lost a battle. Victory must have been essential to earning it. Yet despite his flawless record, Peter had never so much as glimpsed the god until Saorise had invaded the trial.

What did she have that he clearly did not?

It was frustrating to no end.

“Is something troubling you, my King?” asked Selene.

He had made sure to spend at least an hour if not two during the last three days with his Eastern wives-to-be. He had discovered that Selene was more forward spoken, but that Eloise was more insightful and well-read. Both Eastern women however were not easily rattled. They had interacted with many of his generals and the lords serving on this battlefield, despite any derogatory comments that Peter had more than once flinched at himself, Selene and Eloise had continued to smile plainly and either remain silent, or address any questions with his approval.

Peter couldn’t believe he’d once worried about having to teach them etiquette. In fact, he feared now that it would be these foreigners teaching his Wendolan-born concubines how to behave.

Selene in particular, she was quite strong-willed, and very protective of Eloise.

“Nothing of consequence, Lady Selene,” Peter replied with a dimmed smile, “Though I thank you for your concern”.

Selene nodded her head at his reply, then glanced at Eloise subtly. Though, Peter noticed it straight away considering his gaze was on her. Eloise looked hesitant, but it was plain as day that she wished to ask something. She had not requested for anything since arriving but clean water for bathing and new candles for reading. In fact, Selene hadn’t requested much either. Their simple life style almost irked Peter. He was used to lavishing his wives and catering to their whims. Silence from them was something to be concerned about.

Spending the last three weeks talking with Saorise had made it plain to him that he should not expect the same behaviour from Eastern women. He had yet to have them in his bed – wouldn’t until their respective wedding nights – but if they were good there too he was inclined to like Eastern women more than the women of his own country. Though, he’d never let his Court know.

“Is something the matter, Lady Eloise?” asked Peter, desiring to grant his wife-to-be whatever she needed to make her comfortable.

Eloise glanced at Selene then back at Peter before she bowed her head respectfully, “Your Majesty, I hope I do not offend with my request, but it is my understanding that as Concubines in your Harem, we will both be granted ladies-in-waiting”.

Peter nodded, “Yes, that is correct…this isn’t offensive to your customs, is it?”

He’d offended all of the East once already. Once, from experience, had been enough.

“No, Your Majesty,” Selene spoke, though bit back a smile of amusement, “Maids and Servants in Noble Houses are quite common. Though our wages are significantly higher, I believe”.

Peter raised an eyebrow, but decided to inquire more about it later as he turned back to Eloise, “Then, your request?”

“The Ladies…” Eloise began, “Is it at all possible for them to be Eastern women?”

Peter leant back in his seat as he thought. Lucas stepped forward to answer for him, “Apologies, Lady, but I don’t think that will be appropriate-”

Lucas stopped as Peter raised his hand to silence him. His Attendant turned to him in question. Indeed, before he had dealt with Saorise and the Caramorts, Peter likely would have refused her request. But the Caramorts had made a fair point. Unity within his palace, as one people, would be paramount to his victory. Excluding candidates for ladies-in-waiting because of their birth country would play no productive part in that plan. Still, if all of the ladies were of the east, it would give the rest of the Harem reason to isolate them further.

“You will each be given four ladies-in-waiting as Concubines. Consorts had eight, and the Queen, when she is chosen and crowned, will have sixteen,” said Peter, “I cannot grant you leave to have all of your ladies-in-waiting be of Eastern descent, but, for now, you may each choose two ladies from your homeland to accompany you. The remainder shall be granted to you by the Harem Palace. Is this acceptable?”

Eloise nodded immediately, “It is, Your Majesty, I thank you for your generosity”.

Selene too nodded her head in acknowledgement.

“I would decide sooner rather than later, once the Accords are signed this afternoon, we will begin preparations to return to Wesenhall. We should be leaving in two days, ahead of the Main Army,” Peter stated.

“With Your Permission then, may we draft letters to our respective choices?” asked Eloise.

Peter nodded, waving a hand with dismissal. The two women bowed their heads and withdrew.

Lucas, for once, did not question the order.

Good, Peter thought, he’s learning.

“Write ahead, tell John of the arrangements,” said Peter.

“It will be done, Your Majesty”.