Preparations for tonight had already begun in the first courtyard outside my room. Barrels were brought in to support the planks that would serve as tables. I joined them, looking forward to the feast. My appearance also singled out the newcomers, who immediately turned to an old servant to ask about this creature who had just lifted a barrel as if it were a vase. I loved seeing the surprise on their faces when they were told that this creature was a countess and had run faster than Prince John on his horse. And then their embarrassment when they realised I was looking at them, and could hear them with my large ears. Well, I smiled at them and winked.

The heavy barrels were a good balance to the delicate exercise of writing and also served to work out the last of my aching muscles.

I even helped with the planks. Since all the returning and new servants would be present tonight, we built three long tables again.

But then I left the rest to them and relaxed a little in the late afternoon sun. Now the linen was laid over the boards and the first bowls were placed on the tables.

Time to get ready, a quick job given my few belongings. There was the gold earring (or clip, as it was just bent to hold on to the ear) that I already wore. I also had a few white and green ribbons that I tied around all six of my ankles. And the heavy necklace, of course. And then I waited, daydreaming.

I had fallen asleep and was awakened by a knock at the door. It was Count Radel. I wanted to hug and kiss him but he stepped back, shook his head and smiled. "Countess, the feast is ready."

This time the nobility sat in the centre of the tables. Right in the midst, at the middle table, sat Administrator, Vice-Administrator and the upper nobility, among them Sir Hofengart, Dame Grendel and the senile Baron from the palace and, according to Count Radel's whisper, a few more residents from there. We were sitting at the outside table that faced my room. And we were about a quarter of the way from the centre, where the high servants and the lower gentry mingled. On Radel's left sat the old and frail Baron Clement, the liege to his domain, Karenburg. I had forgotten what the Baron’s domain was, Karen? On my right was Freya and three other healers. Then came the servants.

This time Administrator stood up. He did not bang any lids. Nevertheless, the conversation stopped.

"Fellow citizens," he spoke in a calm voice that still carried a distance. "Let 148 continue as 147 has ended. On to be a better year. Please, Sir Hofengart." The latter rose. "A blessing on the new faces, a blessing on the familiar faces, and a blessing on those who have gone." He raised his hands above his head, fingers intertwined. "Bless the food and enjoy."

"Enjoy!" we shouted.

That was the end of the speeches, and the feast began. I dug in, well, still with knife and fork, but hungry for anything that did not resemble a bun, bread or cabbage. There were also grapes in my salads, the very first grapes of the year. It was so good.

As the feast went on and the first hunger was satisfied, Count Radel and I walked around the nobility, then the clergy, the healers and the servants. Far too many names for me to remember. And for the nobility with the added difficulty of longer names that included their domains. My homework for the time to come.

Tonight, there was no sign of music or dancing, although there was a stage and the sun had already set. I just sampled some berries and other unknown sweets, as even my stomach was full, and chatted and drank. Suddenly there was a bang and the people cheered.

Then a rocket shot up from the gate tower and two big sparklers were held to the left and right of the gate. Another rocket shot up and exploded. Now a Bengal light in the shape of 148 was lit. Yes, I could read it now!

When the light had burned out, the musicians gathered, and the dancing began. At last! Tonight, the count and I danced, and if it was a row dance, we came back together. I did not care about the talk.

* * *

Another hungover morning. At least I had made it back to my room, the proximity of which was a great asset for these events. Lifting my head I groaned again. I had slept on my paws. Next to me lay Count Radel. I smiled and regretted moving my facial muscles.

He was fully dressed and I was wearing my shirt: I had not missed anything.

Nature was calling, so I sat up very slowly. The chamber pot had to do.

Then I cuddled up to the count, my right hand playing with his red curls and my right forepaw on his left bottom.

Then the noon trumpet sounded and woke the count. His reaction was exactly the same as mine, he opened his eyes, saw me, smiled and then groaned.

"Good morning," I whispered.

"Good morning," he mumbled.

I pointed to the chamber pot and turned my head away.

When he had finished, I had to get up. The stench was too much, even with the lid on. I took the pot by its long handle and opened the door. Larina stood on the other side and retreated a few steps.

"Good morning," I muttered, balancing the pot past her to the next slit in the wall.

The bright midday sun was great for clearing the mind even if it stung in the eyes. I went to the well to fetch a bucket to wash my face and the rest for the pot. Indoor plumbing and running water, I had to do something about that.

"Hello? Countess?"

I didn't register that Larina had come over. "Sorry, I have a hangover."

She laughed. "No one would have guessed."

I tried to make an angry face without straining my facial muscles too much. I failed comically, Larina almost toppled over, laughing so hard she started wheezing. I tried pouting, but with her laughter, I could not keep a sour face. It took a while for Larina to breathe normally again. "Sorry," she panted, "no offence, but you should look at yourself in the mirror. Anyway, tomorrow Tarik will try to fix my soul for good. I am so excited."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Yeah, great," was the lame reply. But I was excited for her. And I was curious to see more soul magic in action. And this time I would not eat breakfast. Well, the thought of food made my stomach growl. And the kitchen was open for business again. I brought the chamber pot back and then went down to the kitchen. I asked for a table for three this time, Larina would join Radel and me.

* * *

It was a long hangover brunch that dragged on well into the afternoon. Finally, we were full and ready to face the outside. Or to be more precise, to go to old Baron Clement, the liege of Count Radel's domain. And to ask him to make the marriage official. I was a little disappointed, as I had imagined a great celebration, especially when nobility was involved. Despite being here for over a month, my mental image was still that of a pastel-coloured castle with a ridiculous amount of spires as a backdrop, with singing birds and white dresses with long trains.

"Will no having feast?" I asked the count.

He smiled. "Of course, my dear countess. But before my parents or anyone else intervenes, let's make it official. And then, for the feast ..." I did not catch half of it, but the length of his enthusiastic description alone was encouraging. I was relieved that it was not far from what I would imagine a royal wedding to be.

I gently steered him away from the spiral staircase, to which he was automatically aimed, and continued to the third courtyard, where the broad straight stairs began. He apologised and was so sorry that he had forgotten. But it meant that he had only thought of the human Kiara and thus I was fine with it. As I climbed the stairs, I repeated the baron's correct name over and over again.

A servant opened the door and led us to the baron in his larger room next to the windows.

"Well, well, Countess Kiara of Earth and Litra and Cound Radel. Have a seat." He looked at me and shook his head. "Countess, I am sorry, please make yourself comfortable in any way fit for you."

"Thank you, Baron Clement of Karenland the Elder."

He smiled appreciatively.

"Dear Baron," the count began.

"First," interrupted the baron, "I want to know if it was really you who proposed?"

"Er, how, do you know? I mean," the count blushed.

"Well, well, I may be an old bloke, but one would have to be blind not to guess the reason for your visit so soon again instead of your monthly check if I am still alive." Seeing the face of the count, he added, "You two were practically standing less than a step apart the whole time, holding hands like walking through a storm, and you both retired into the countess' room."

I blushed even more than the count.

"Well, well, young Radel, then it was the countess?"

Count Radel straightened. "No, in words, I asked first."

"Well, well, there seems to be some story behind it. Perhaps the countess can tell me more?"

Oh no, and certainly not to the old baron. Even if my vocabulary was up to the task. "No, I cannot telling. Not enough words. But Count Radel askinged first, yes."

"Well, well, young Radel, now you want my signet for the marriage?"

The count nodded, face down, like a child caught in the act. He suddenly looked so much younger, almost frightened.

"Well, well, young Radel, you should know that it is not for me to give."

His head dropped further.

"You mean I have to... "

The baron laughed asthmatically. "Young Radel, surely you can speak to my son. And you must speak to your parents. I am just an old retired baron."

"But they, baron, you know."

"Well, well, you want her? Then fight for her!" He looked at me. "Countess, do not make it too easy for him. He must be eager. He must prove his intentions."

I nodded, guessing what he wanted me to understand. "Dear Baron, parents, er, if saying no."

"Countess, then the parents say no. But Count Radel is the heir to the title of Karenburg, even if it is only a dependent domain. These things have to be done properly."

My shoulders slumped.

"Countess Kiara," he said earnestly, this time not sounding like 'lass' at all. "You are the countess of an independent domain. There would be more eager suitors for you, but they would see you only as their way to a title and a domain."

"But that is not," the count protested.

The baron cut his words and looked at him sternly. "Count Radel, let me speak to her, please." Only Dame Grendel had used 'please' in the same threatening way before. I wonder if I could do that too after twenty years.

He turned to me again, smiling. "Dear countess, there will be many who will do anything for a title. They do not care about you." He shook his head gently. "They will marry a fly if it has a title."

I swallowed, I had the idea. "But Count Radel talkinged I before I get lady."

The baron raised his bushy eyebrows, the only place on his head with significant hair. "I heard you got your first New Year's present from him too?"

I nodded.

"Please Baron Clement, Kiara is so cheerful and entertaining. And it is true, we talked even before she became a countess. Way before, I met her the morning after she arrived when nobody wanted to talk to her in the Nobility Hall. And I helped her to get a second shirt, so I introduced her to Dame Grendel when she had just been bestowed her ladyship. No, I am not for her domain, only for her heart."

I had only caught half of it, but it was enough to make me blush and cry with joy.

The baron let out his terrible, choking laugh. "Then, young count, I don't think your parents can sway your resolve."

The count nodded, still blushing.

"And you will have their approval," the baron finished. "Well, well, the world has become too strange a place for old barons. But young Radel proposing, and then even to a full countess, well, well, I had not expected to live to see this day. Let's celebrate." He signed to his servant who came with three small cups and a clay bottle. "Count Radel, Countess Kiara, let me propose a toast to your determination."

Each of us took a cup filled with a brown, fruity-smelling wine.

"To your proposal."

The wine was nearly vinegar but mulled with spices. It tasted a bit like drinking salad dressing. I tried not to cough.

The baron looked between me and the count. "Well, well, where is the joy of young people? You still look so serious.Your life lies ahead of you. What are a few days? Countess, do you love him?"

"Yes," I said. "Yes, I loving him! Yes!"

"Well, young Radel, you have nothing to fear. Show the same determination as the countess. Speak to your parents, convince my son. Prove that you are worthy of the countess!"

"We going together," I began.

"No," said the baron and count together, but Count Radel went on, "It is my duty. And, no offence, but seeing you might bias them against marriage. I am sorry. I will miss you," his face turned sad, "even if it is just for a few days. But then," he smiled again, "we'll have the greatest wedding, and"

The Baron choked almost on his laughter. "Young count, I see you burn for her. Leave tomorrow morning and be back in fifteen days." Then he looked at me. "Well, well, only eyes for each other. So get out and have fun."

I jumped to my paws and immediately bent my forelegs again to bow with Count Radel. Then we left while the baron was sitting in his chair.

"Sorry, we couldn't make it official today."

"More time for big feast," I smiled at him.

He shook his head, smiled and we hurried to his place, just two doors down the corridor to the left. Jacob was standing on the other side of the door. "Jacob," the count said, "I have to leave for Karenburg in the morning."

The servant nodded.

"So could you please ask Kendrick to get Feldor ready and then ask the kitchen for a nice special dinner for tonight. I will dine here with the countess."

Jacob nodded again. "Count Radel, shall I accompany you?"

"Yes, that would be best."

"Then I must go to town immediately. I will order your dinner."

"For sunset, please."

He bowed and then left.

I let him lock the door. Still, one or two hours to sunset. Now, he was mine. A hugging kiss for starters.