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^{Before Dinner in the Star Chamber}

He nodded and smiled to those already assembled, exchanging token pleasantries as he made his way to the bar where he accepted a dry martini, then looked around the room to take in this growing family gathering.

After spotting Islain, he slid across the smooth floor in her direction. "Good evening cousin. It's been far too long. Are you planning on wintering in Amber this year?" he asked with only partially concealed curiousity.

Islain's face broke into a delighted smile and she bent forward to kiss his cheek, somehow leaving no lipstick behind. "Damien," she purred. "You look as magnificent as ever. Yes, I have come home, and I am very glad I have." She let herself sigh a little, contentedly, which made it seem likely she was taped into the dress. Looking around she added, "This is somewhat different. But perhaps only Flora and Bleys now remember what this room used to be for. And you, of course, dear boy."

Damien made sure to notice her sigh, if only to be polite. "Oh, my memory is still as good as always," he said as he took a sip of his martini and glanced at her drink as she brought it past her neckline. "It is early for mimosas, but the dry sparkling white they've been importing from Variath has been quite good these past few years. I'm not sure we've had a chance to speak, since before then..."

"Not since that... unpleasantness a century ago," said Islain. She smiled. "Poor Johann. He thought I was being terribly unfair to you, when he met me in Arden. He didn't understand I have the highest respect and regard for you. He thought comparing you to me was some kind of insult, I think."

Damien smiled in return and tapped his nail against his glass idly. "Sadly, he placed his political concerns above his personal relations. A most unsatisfying project, but when you're given lemons..." he said with a shrug and sip.

"You either learn to like the taste of lemons, or you squeeze them in someone's eye," Islain finished, and sipped her wine. "Still, it must make things... difficult... here. With all these idealists and hypocrites. Like my sister."

"Oh, I'm not too worried about the Idealists. I stabbed the only man left in Amber fit for that title in the back this morning, and he is safely beneath our feet right now," he said with a smile. "The hypocrites don't worry me either," he said as he momentarily glanced towards Morgan.

"You do, of course... but if you're an idealist-in-hiding, you're cut from different cloth than poor Johann. And a fine fabric it is..."

"You flatter me," Islain nodded. "I didn't think you'd noticed. No, Damien, I like to think I'm a realist. I didn't like exile much. I like it here much better. I will do what I have to do to stay here. I hope that makes my intentions plain enough that you can relax and not worry any more on my score."

"I am epicene, not dead... of course I noticed," he said with a smile and laugh which belied the fact that both knew she knew he had noticed. "Pragmatism is so under-appreciated these days. Sometimes it seems as though even Vikund needs lessons," he said as his smile became more knowing.

As if on cue, the man himself appeared from behind a pillar dressed in a dark navy suit with silver cufflinks buffed to a mirror shine. He adjusted his cravat and scanned the area before his gaze settled on Damien and Islain. Perhaps his ears had been burning. He adopted his most radiant smile and approached. "Indeed it is a rare pleasure to see you in Amber, Your Highness," he said greeting Islain.

"The pleasure is mine, Master Vikund," Islain replied, offering him her hand and a stunning returning smile. "Though I confess to curiosity at how little my arrival seems to surprise anyone. Was I expected?"

"In Amber, we are taught to always expect the unexpected," Vikund replied.

"And greetings to you, cousin," he said to Damien. "I'm pleased to see the malcontents have not yet wreaked their revenge upon you."

Damien simply snorted and saluted Vikund with his glass before taking another sip.

Islain turned from one man to the other with a slightly arched eyebrow at that comment. "Are things worse than I'd feared, Damien? More than dirty looks and barbed commentary?"

"Oh, have no fear. Those who wouldn't lift a hand to do what Johann tried this morning... quite foolishly, of course... are unlikely to sudenly discover their traitor's spine this evening. And even if they should, The Spider will hear about it first," he said as he directed his smile at Vikund.

Vikund chuckled. "You're too kind."

"The worst is Flora... she really was right. I had my reasons... but my methods were so gauche," he added to himself as he clucked his tongue at himself and dipped his head in contrition.

"Don't be too hard on yourself,cousin," Vikund said. "I'm sure it was the drama of the moment rather than its execution which caught the attention. There will be talk of it for years to come."

"I agree. Over dramatic. Never gauche." Islain finished her wine. "Will his Majesty be joining us, or does he still feel poorly?"

"Such is life," he said with a raise of his glass as if it were a toast, then he finished his martini and placed the glass on a passing waiter's tray.

He then looked to Vikund for the answer for Islain's question.

Vikund gave a slight shrug. "I can't be certain, but I'm guessing the royal leveé won't be for a while yet. He won't want to meet guests unless he is his usual ebullient self."

Islain made a small noise, almost a laugh, and snagged another glass of wine. "I cannot wait," she said with only a trace of irony in her tone. "Having met both his brothers and not being able to describe either as ebullient." Her cool eyes traversed the room, and she took a few steps forward, slid by Damien, her pale fingers tracing lightly across his arm as she passed, before her gaze returned to Vikund. "And dear Solitaire? Will she be present or is this strictly family and... ambassadoral parties?"

"I'm given to understand she will be here," Vikund replied. "Though since she and the Prime Minister have parted ways, I cannot be sure. Sorry, I'm not being much use am I?" He smiled. "She has had a difficult time lately, that's all. I'm not sure she wants to be in the castle right now."

Islain returned the smile with one that was reassuring but slightly troubled. "Whatever her troubles are, I know they are not my business unless she shares them with me, but she is a sweet girl and I enjoyed showing her Rebma those years ago. I hope... Perhaps you could tell her that I am here and that I would love for her to return the favor and show me how Amber has changed?"

"I will do that, Princess," Vikund replied with a smile. "I'm sure she will appreciate your concern, and I have no doubt she would benefit from your counsel."

"If that does not prove possible, I hope you will consider this humble servant as a substitute," he offered.

"Vikund," Islain reproved gently, "As if you would ever be anything but my finest choice. I would be delighted if you would oblige me."

"That I shall," Vikund beamed, looking geniunely pleased.

Damien noted the exchange between Vikund and Islain with some interest, even if she'd forgone his arm for that of The Spider.

"If you'll excuse me," he said with a disarming smile as he broke away and crossed over towards Ingrey.

Vikund inclined his head as Damien departed, and his eyes followed him for a few moments. He turned back to Islain then, as if he could not bear to look away too long. "Tell me, Princess, how long will you be gracing Amber with your presence?"

"As long as Amber will have me. This has always been my first and best love," she said. Suddenly her eyes were very direct and very, very clear. "But if I am to survive here, I will have to know much more than I do about... the tangles and intricacies of the new Court. I'd very much like your help." Quietly she added, "I can make it worth your while."

Vikund tilted his head. "I am at your service, Princess. Now you are here, I'm sure Amber will be loathe to part with you. I would be honoured to be your guide so long as it please you."

"Good," she said, taking his arm and leaning her head on his shoulder for a split second, so that he could smell the jasmine and dark amber which perfumed her hair. "Good. Then walk me around the room, and begin by telling me who all these people are."

"Let's start with the pretty blonde speaking with Jurt and Florimel," Islain said with a smile, beginning to steer them around the room so that she could point out those she did not know. "And the Chaosians, where are they? Everyone looks so disappointingly human."

"Appearances, as ever, are deceptive. The lady you speak of is Tasha Minobee. If you seek Chaosians, look no further," Vikund replied, and guided Islain in the direction of the group. He paced their approach perfectly to coincide with a pause in the conversation between Tasha and the Begman ambassador. "My Lady of Minobee," Vikund said. "May I present Her Royal Highness* Islain of Amber."

Tasha turned at hearing her name. Who was this man who was offering her an introduction? She couldn't recall ever seeing him before but he obviously knew her name.

Vikund noted the look that passed her face and filed it for future use. Someone had been neglectful in preparing the lady for Court. Jurt, that is. He should not have been surprised.

He offered a disarming smile. "Forgive me, I am Baronet Anansi, styled Lord Vikund of Amber. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

He nodded a greeting to Jurt. "My Lord, Amber rejoices at your return."

Florimel turned and looked sharply at Vikund, those famous blue-green eyes narrowing dangerously.

"If you will excuse me," she said pleasantly. "A late arrival will necessitate some adjustments to the seating arrangements."

She glided away.

Tasha nodded politely as the Princess left their little group.

Islain almost suppressed her smile so that it seemed a perfectly normal reaction to meeting a pleasant young person for the first time. "Lady Tasha," she said. "I am very glad to meet you. Lord Jurt, as before, a very great pleasure."

Tasha curtsied gracefully and smiled warmly, "And I am glad to make your acquaintance. Do you live here in the castle?"