Royal Wedding

I still haven't congratulated the bride!

Savvas follows Ioannis

Methodios smiles a mischievous smile at Anna.

Forward... Yes, you're not the first to say I push a bit too far, your Highness...

I will ask your husband for his permission, then.

By your leave...

Methodios bows then goes to find Ioannis, turning back once towards Anna.

Ioannis leads Savvas over to his wife and gives her a brief smile.

Anna, this is Comes Savvas ek Militou. I suggest you watch your tongue around him, he is quite capable with language.

Giving a cheeky grin to Savvas he continues.

Savvas, my lovely wife, Anna.

Anna gives a knowing smile to both men and addresses her husband.

"Dear husband, Savvas and I are already acquainted."

Then she turns to Savvas.

"It is a pleasure to be in your presence once more. I do hope you are enjoying yourself?"

Savvas makes a perky bow for Anna, smiling at her.

"Mylady, my congratulations on this beautiful day."

Savvas slaps himself on the forehead.

"Oh, I completely forgot! I have a present for each of you. Mylady, one of the mercenaries in my army, is a former arabic horse merchant. I took him with me on the market at Constantinople were one of his former colleagues sells the finest horses and guess what? Tomorrow morning, an arabic mare will be delivered for you at the Palace."

Savvas takes a parchment out of his sleeve.

"This document contains information about the bloodlines of the horse."

Savvas turns to Ioannis.

"And for you, my friend, I have something that, just like marriage, gets only better with age. 8 barrels of my finest wine. I've asked my servants to deliver it at your estate."

Savvas overlooked the wedding party.

"I'm hoping your father arrives soon mylady, so that we can start with music and dance."

Savvas turns back to Ioannis.

"I hope the groom wouldn't mind me dancing with the bride later on this evening? Unless the groom prefers me to dance with him?" Savvas said, slapping Ioannis on the shoulder in a jovial manner.

I thank you kindly for the wine, it is much appreciated.

I think the Basileos may not grace us with his presence this night, Savvas. So drink and be merry now, before it is too late.

Ioannis grins at Savvas

As for the dance, you know I would never refuse an offer from you. But in any case, you have my permission to dance with my wife, on condition that you tell her about my "suffering".

Savvas, Ioannis, it is good to see you. The ceremony is off to a good start, and the drink and food is delicious, it reminds me of my mothers cooking.

"It's highly unfortunate that our esteemed Basileus can't be present tonight."

Savvas turned towards Anna.

"I sincerely hope he's doing well, mylady. Didn't he...?"

Savvas stopped at the interruption by Iakovos.

"Ah, dear Iakovos. Your mother must be a real cooking princess. The ascetic lifestyle of the Order must be difficult for you..."

Savvas' suddenly face lightened up when he heard the musicians setting in the hasapiko and he immediately offered his arm to Anna.

"Dear Iakovos, dear Ioannis, can you please excuse me? Duty calls... Mylady, can I escort you to the group of dancers?"

Anna takes the offered arm and gives a radiant smile to Savvas.

"Since you ask so nicely and have my husband's leave..."

Savvas returned the smile and escorted Anna towards the dancers.

"It's good to see you smile, princess!"

Having approached the dancers, Savvas grabbed Anna's hand and the hand of another dancer in the circle, jumped up and shouted: "And hop we go!" and joined the fast version of the hasapiko, constantly singing and with an expression of pure joy on his face.

Iakovos taps Methodios on the shoulder to get his attention without attracting it from everyone else. He whispers his next words.

"Methodios, may I speak with you? In private?"

Turning to see who so unceremoniously tapped him on the shoulder, Methodios turns with a glare. Seeing that it is a man in Order cloths, his face softens.

But of course... Lead on, my friend... Order sergeants are always welcome by my side.

The garden, perhaps ?

Excuse me, with so many men in the order, I can't exactly place your name and rank...

Waiting for an answer, Methodios leads the man towards the garden.