Kathryn's smile grew in response to his words, and, although they had been sitting a respectable distance apart, she scooted a bit closer to him for the rest of the journey.
There seemed to be no end to the festivities surrounding the wedding and coronation ceremonies. The parade, which served as Kathryn's formal presentation to the common masses, led to the steps of the palace, where a banquet had been laid out. This would be her presentation to the nobles and other important people in Connlaoth.
Kathryn bore the attention with a gracious smile and, outwardly, limitless patience. She watched her husband, curious; he seemed proud, although, perhaps, not enjoying himself (not that she blamed him; this attention was a little much!) Every opportunity they had to exchange a few words alone, it seemed, they were interrupted by a servant or a congratulatory noble or a guard. The Mordecai, in particular, seemed fond of hovering... Knowing the fate that had befallen the previous Grand Duke, it was little wonder...but she was beginning to wonder if the Mordecai were going to join them in their chambers, too.
Finding a moment to speak, at last, she murmured, "Is there always so much attention about your person as Grand Duke?" It was far, far different from the glimpse she had had of him in Allar...
