Free Strangers and Shadows by John Kowalsky

Asher.  And for the remainder of the evening, see that you don’t do or say anything that will embarrass us.  Or our Verse, for that matter.”  
    What could he say to that, Asher wondered.  He hid his extreme annoyance at being scolded like a five year old child and responded, “I will do my best, Your Highness.  My humble apologies.”
    Ava nodded her assent and Asher pushed his feelings farther down, willing them not to show on his face.
    Dorian seemed amused with the exchange.  “Shall we?”
    He led them into the large dining hall.  Long tables lined the walls with a large open courtyard area in the middle leading up to a raised platform with a lone podium on it.  Behind the podium another table was set, this one not as long as the ones on the side walls.
    Guests had already arrived and were seated at the tables.  Dorian took them straight toward the podium, past ornate centerpieces, water fountains, and platters of appetizers.  
    Asher felt his mouth water at the smells coming from the serving trays.  He hadn’t realized how hungry he was.  Then again, he couldn’t remember the last time he had eaten a decent meal either.
    As they walked, the ongoing conversation died down with the room’s growing curiosity at the new arrivals.  When they were halfway to the dais, Dorian stopped, and a woman stepped up to the podium and began speaking. 
    The woman was beautiful, that was plain to see, even at their distance.  She had long white hair even though she appeared to only be in her mid-thirties.  She carried herself with an air of grace and power.  She reminded Asher of Ava’s mother, Queen Emille, in bearing, if not necessarily in looks.
    “Senators, cabinet members, and esteemed guests, I’d like to welcome you all,” the woman began.  “Thank you for coming on such short notice.  I apologize for the haste, but I thought you all would cherish the opportunity to meet our visitors from the Fourth Verse.
    “In these trying times, it is our deepest hope that our dear friends from the Fourth can help us in our time of need, and that we may, in turn, extend our arms in friendship to them.  Please join me in welcoming our guests, Princess Avialle of New Britain and her Chief Economist and Royal Consort, Asher Bancroft.”
    The room erupted into applause.
    Ava curtsied, bowing slightly, graciously accepting the welcome.
    Asher, having never been in such a situation before, found himself blushing with embarrassment.  He quickly followed Ava’s lead and bowed low.
    When the applause died down, Ava raised her voice and addressed the room.  “Citizens of the Seventh, and gracious hosts, on behalf of myself and my world, thank you for your warmest welcome.  It is indeed my hope that our Verses may be friends and allies forever more.”
    Again the gathered guests showered the room with applause. 
    As it died down, the woman at the podium spoke again.  “Very good.  Our friendship is begun.  Now then, let us celebrate the arrival of our new friends!”
    With that, dancers streamed into the courtyard from all sides and an orchestra, descending from the ceiling on a floating platform, began to play.
    Dorian led Ava and Asher up on the dais where the white-haired woman waited.
    “Hello,” the woman said, extending her hand first to Ava and then to Asher.
    Dorian introduced her.  “This is the Prime Minister, Lady Julia White.” 
    “A pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Ava said.
    “Prime Minister, may I introduce, Princess Ava, and Asher,” Dorian said.
    “The pleasure in our meeting is all mine, I assure you,” Lady White said.  “Come, there will be time for talk later.  Let us eat, I’m sure you must be famished by now.  You’ve had quite a trip, from what Dorian tells me.”  She showed them to their seats at the table and they all sat down.  Asher beside Dorian who sat next to Lady White, with Ava on the other side of her.
    The dinner consisted of course after course of every