Corrian de Borlean knew she had a reputation. To be perfectly frank, she kind of enjoyed it. When she was younger and of age to play the courtship game, she had shied away from it and spent as much time at her father’s country estate as possible, only going to Court when required to by her mother. After her mother’s passing, her father had stopped pushing the issue all together, which gave Corrian plenty of time and space to bed every eligible maid and lad in the county village, plus several ineligible ones to boot.
Time, however, had continued to pass, and what was amusing for an 18-year-old lady, her father found annoying in his 27-year-old unmarried daughter. If she had her own way, she would never have married, and would have continued to find her pleasures in any bed she chose. But her father was all she had left and she would do anything for him, which is how she found herself in the Hall of Games at the palace trying to flirt and compete with girls a decade her junior. She needed a husband, her father had said, but she would not play devoted wife to just anyone.
The gossip in the Hall of Games was her favorite part. This courtier talked of that courtier’s dalliance, all while the first was eyeing a married lady across the room. It nearly shocked her when the topic turned to the King. “His Majesty needs a wife. It is said that his personal assistant is assessing possible candidates as we speak.”
“Oh? Why is it that there is a rush to wed the King?” she asked, trying to play coy, but genuinely interested.
“Wy, the business of Odilia, of course. If the King weds a noble lady, then it will put to bed the rumors he intends to wed his mistress,” said the plump lord next to her, a Monsire Valles.
“I wouldn’t wish to marry him,” said the lady next to him. “To go into a marriage knowing one’s husband has a mistress already? No it’s too much.”
Corrian laughed to herself. A husband with a mistress would be a fine thing. He would be less likely to scoff at his wife’s own dalliances. It had just been a passing thought, truly, but as the night wore on she kept circling back to it. The King was not so much younger than her, so her age would likely be less of an issue. Oh, the idea sat well with her, and by the time she retired to her quarters in the palace she had decided, she would pursue the King.
The ladies who were openly vying for the King’s affections were obvious and dull. If she tried to get his attention that way she would be lost in the crowd. No, she needed to find a different strategy, and what better way to learn what the king likes then to go the her in the first place. So Corrian made an appointment at Dahlia House with Odilia, herself.
Jocaste encouraged Odilia to take the appointment. Lady Corrian de Borlean was not a woman known to be a vicious gossip or noble keen on advancing at any cost. The rumors of Lady de Borlean was that she was a true connoisseur of Naamah’s delights and, so, an assignation with her could be just what Odilia needed to return to herself again.
Odilia sent her acceptance, as well as a date and time, and prepared herself for that duty to which she had devoted her life – Naamah’s Service.
When she arrived, Lady de Borlean would be presented to the salon for rest and refreshment among the younger adepts and other guests of the House. Only once she was relaxed and comfortable, enjoying the music and atmosphere of the elegant Dahlia salon, would Odilia approach her personally.
And when she did make her move, it was with her head held high – upright and unbending – as she greeted her guest.
“Lady Corrian de Borlean. Welcome to Dahlia House.”