Let Justice Be Done Ch. 52

"It says here, we need to be there six months! That's, wow, that's a lot of time." Raguel said to the frantically packing Viviane. 

"No. No, it isn't." She was using magic to quickly gather up their basic necessities, clothes, food, weapons etc. "We have to be there at the Snow World, as soon as possible, and then wait till the appointed time for the Queen to summon us." 

"O...kay, but how come? Also 'Snow World'?" Raguel raised an eyebrow. 

"When the Queen gives someone a personal summon, she gives them a period of time to prepare themselves. The longer that time period, the more favored they are, as long length of time given for someone to prepare, is a generosity. Shorter time is when someone is disfavored." She explained, as she finished packing for herself and Raguel, and was now checking that she got everything. "Snow World is a pocket dimension within the Fae Realm the size of a country, and it acts as Winter Queen's personal realm and palace. Not to be confused with her actual palace, the Ice Crystal Palace at the center of the Snow World."

"Not confusing at all." Raguel with a mock wise tone, as he shook his head. 

"Quite." Viviane said, missing the sarcasm, before feeling Raguel's emotions through their bond. "Um, dear." She turned to him. "Please be careful about your words and actions while we're there. We can't afford to be...lax as we are here. Together."

Rageul went to Viviane, took her hands, and pulled to the couch. She thankfully followed, but still looking a bit frantic and worried. 

"Is six months considered a short period of time? Are you disfavored by her for some reason?" Raguel asked calmly, while rubbing her back. 

"Six month is given to those very favored by the Queen, with a year being considered beyond magnanimous, and a time given to those 'beloved' by her." Raguel could literally feel the air quotes on the word "beloved". Viviane said, her tone still a bit hurried, but calming with Raguel's presence. "However, to show respect and appreciation to that generosity, the sooner one arrives, and waits for their appointed time, the more respect and deference they are showing the Queen. With those arriving just on time being seen as throwing away her generosity, and would be seen in a bad light from here onward."

"Are you usually summoned with this much time by the Queen?" Raguel asked, slowly building a picture of the politics within the Fae Courts and annoyed by it. 

"No, I've only ever been directly summoned once, and that was to receive my Lady of the Lake title. Back then I was given a month but..." Viviane had a conflicted look. A feeling of fear and gratitude slipped through their bond. "The Queen knows her subject. She knows I don't like mingling with others, and so she gave me the least amount of time, that would still make my summoning seem favorable. Being given so much time is an honor but..." 

It feels like a punishment, huh. Raguel noted. 

"...The Queen knows we got married give the contents of her message. Is the honeymoon period seen as important or sacred in any manner?" He asked. 

"Yes, unofficially, but those recently married are expected to be left alone, if they don't come to you, and if you want to congratulate them, then send a letter to ask to visit them, or just send them gifts." Viviane explained, a saddened look of understanding on her face. 

"Uh-huh." Raguel frowned, piecing how this situation looks now. "I'm really am starting to dislike royalty or nobility politics or whatever you want to call it."

Viviane giggled, which made Raguel smile in return. 

"Now you know why I preferred my lonely lake." Viviane said the joke with an empty smile. 

"Yeah, I get to have you all to myself." Raguel said with a cheeky smile. 

"You--Stop that!" She poked Raguel's shoulder but couldn't stop her smile from being real. She let herself lean into her husband, and he hugged her to his side, letting her rest her head into the nape of his neck. 

"It's going to be fine, Viviane." Raguel said reassuring her. 

"Hmm," she made a noise of vague agreement. 

"Besides, if they do anything to harm us, or just being annoying, I can always threaten to 'Banishment' them." Raguel said with a mischievous grin. 

"DON'T!" Viviane shouted, which only served to cause Raguel to laugh.

===x===

Having packed their belongings, and wore their best outfits. Or rather Viviane did, wearing her second best outfit, saving the best for when she met the Winter Queen face to face.

Viviane muttered complaints about needing to get her husband some good clothes, while at the Snow World. It should cost some wealth and favors, but she would manage to ensure her husband's image isn't marred within the Winter Court. 

"So when does this 'special invite ride' come here, if we want to get there as fast as possible." Raguel asked as they stood outside the cottage, the water around but not touching them. 

"It's this right here." Viviane held up the summons letter, which he could see now glow with magic, as a magic circle lit up upon it. 

An arrow of blue magic shot out of the letter and went far up. Raguel focused and could see a summoning portal manifest far away. Then a large creature pulling a massive house-sized carriage swimming toward them. 

"Is...is that--!" Raguel couldn't believe his eyes. "Is that the Loch Ness Monster?" He ask in excitement, as the long necked serpentine creature with fins for hands and legs came closer to "park" in front of their home.

"What? No." Viviane answered as the carriage arrived and opened up, a large staircase unfolding for them to walk up to the carriage. "It's one of those ancient beast for the time before Man."

A sqee that could be heard all across the lake erupted from Raguel. 

"IT'S A FUCKING DINOSAUR!"