Royal Wedding

[deguerra]

Ioannis Kalameteros rises from the main table, looking around him rather nervously. He waits for silence until he begins speaking, his voice getting slightly more confident as he goes on. By the end, it is hardly shaking at all.

I am humbled to be here today. I am a young man, lacking in the experience and knowledge of many of my elders. I am a minor noble, lacking in the wealth and power of many of my betters. As such, I have been given great honour to be able to stand in this place today, and fear myself incapable of ever returning the favour I have been granted.

I hope that, in his exalted eyes, my loyalty to the Basileos and the loyalty of my House is beyond question. Rome has accomplished much these past years and the accomplished shepherd who has so skilfully led his flock towards restoring the glory of old deserves the allegiance of all his subjects.

But I wish to restate that as I am bound now to his daughter, beautiful not only of appearance and surely more gifted a wife than I ever dared dream of, as I am bound to her, House Asteri is and shall be bound to the Basileos, shall stand by his side, serve him faithfully, and support him unconditionally. I hope this conveys, in a small way, the thanks I owe him this day.

At last, I do wish to thank you all for coming to celebrate such joyous an occasion. I will keep you no longer with extensive words, and instead attempt to compensate you for your attendance with food, drink and entertainment.