His most formal winter tunic was a dark, faintly shimmery gray, trimmed in orange and purple flowers, cinched at the waist with a matching belt of orange and purple stripes, with black hose and high, fur-trimmed black boots. Maybe this was where the smiths had gotten the idea for all the purple and orange in his new weapons and armor. He certainly had no complaints.
When he returned to the dining hall after changing, it was to be greeted by Everard and Odilia in their finest, handsomely dressed in dark blue and green respectively, Odilia's hair done up with orange and green ribbons, a silk flower tucked into it on one side, enameled glass earrings dangling from her ears and gleaming at her throat.
Leonine couldn't wait to drape her in jewels and real flowers, fine furs and silks and anything else she wanted. He kissed them both. "I'm getting the distinct impression something is afoot."
"Maybe," Odilia said in singsong tones. "Now let's go, Sir Knight. It wouldn't do to keep Her Majesty waiting."
Leonine offered his arm, and she took it happily, Everard on Leonine's other side as they headed out. His horse and two others were ready and waiting outside, and though the snow the previous night had not been slight, the roads had been sufficiently cleared that it didn't take much longer than usual to reach the royal castle.
The great hall was even more crowded than usual as they arrived, and Leonine was painfully aware of the hush that swept through as he arrived. Everard and Odilia were escorted away to the high table, which must be giving them heart attacks.
Queen Korena lifted a hand, and behind her two figures rang the gong, ordering silence. Standing, she lifted a cup of wine. "Approach, Sir Leonine of Darting."
Nerves finally hitting him, causing his heart to drum in his ears, Leonine obeyed, walking the length of the great hall to kneel just shy of the dais on which the high table sat. "Your Majesty, I am here to serve."
"Serve you have, honorably and well," Korena replied. "Barely were you knighted when you headed off to hunt down those who murdered my father, our honored late king. You return victorious, despite the weather and other challenges that you faced. We are most grateful. Sir Cimar, if you please."
Leonine started to ask what in the world was going on, but bit the words off at the last, keeping his head bowed only with great effort as Cimar moved from his position just behind the royal couple and rounded the table, drawing his sword as he did so.
What in the world? He'd already been knighted. Were they doing it again, more formally than the first time?
"Sir Leonine of Darting," Cimar, lightly touching the edge of his sword to each of Leonine's shoulders, "For your service, in this matter and others, Her Majesty grants you the Order of the Moon. Arise."
Leonine rose, eyes wide. That order was reserved exclusively for mage knights of significant skill and valor, the sister to Cimar's Order of the Star for shifters.
Sheathing his sword, Cimar took the pin that a clerk presented and affixed it to Leonine's tunic. There would also be ornamentation for his armor and a ring in the same box. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored.
"The honor is mine, to have such an exemplary knight in my service." She stood again and lifted her cup. "A toast to Sir Leonine, Knight of the Order of the Moon!"
Leonine flushed at the noise that rose up, so much joy and approval directed at him.
Better than that was the congratulations he received when he finally took a seat between his lovers.
Fin
About the Author
Megan is a long-time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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