Fidelis stood next to the weapons rack, surveying the training ground. Various teams of warriors were having practice spars, the air filled with grunts of concentration and cheers from their fellow warriors. He smiled, happy that his men were enjoying the nice weather and each other's skills. Sometimes it was necessary to exercise one's body as much as one's mind.
"Your Highness!"
Fidelis turned to his left and grinned. Sodalitas, with Blainel in tow, were headed his way. He greeted them with a nod.
"Finally made it out here to train," he drawled, his eyes dancing with mischief.
"Somebody overslept," growled Blainel with a pointed look in Sodalitas's direction.
"Hey! Can't help it if my bed was holding me hostage!"
Fidelis chuckled at his friends' antics. His days would be so boring without the two of them. "Now that you're here, let's head into town."
"Coeburn?"
"No, Sodalitas. Our town. I'm on the hunt for something special for Sera."
"Ah, let me guess. Jewelry?"
"Yes. I want to give her a gift to celebrate our time together and to express my devotion to her."
Blainel clapped him on the shoulder. "That's an excellent idea, Your Highness. Have you decided on the type of jewelry?"
"I have. I'll tell you about it on our way there." The group went to the stables, grabbed their horses, and set a leisurely pace to the nearby city marketplace.
They greeted the shopping citizens on their way to the last street in the Artisan District. Fidelis dismounted first, tying his horse's reins to the waiting post. He walked up to the ornate wooden door and knocked three times. He heard movement and the door was pulled open.
Before him stood a scowling Figura Mata. The hulking man blinked and then hurriedly bowed. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I didn't know it was you."
"That's alright, Olhet. I didn't send word, so no worries."
Olhet stepped aside allowing Fidelis and his friends to enter. The interior was well-lit, giving visitors a chance to ogle the cases of jewelry. Each one was strategically placed to capture a customer's gaze. Though the necklaces were beautiful, they were not what Fidelis was interested in.
"What can I get for you today, Your Highness?"
"Rings."
Olhet's eyebrows rose at Fidelis's words. He stroked his beard and stared at Fidelis for several minutes before grunting. He walked toward the back of the store with Fidelis and company following him.
"Any specific type of ring?"
Fidelis smiled at the subtle hint of interest in Olhet's gaze. Fidelis had not publicized his relationship with Sera to protect her from other humans but also from his people. At least until he told her the truth about his background. By bringing his business to Olhet, he ensured that the famed gemsmith would get bragging rights for having made the future royal monarchs' jewelry. He liked Olhet's work and wanted the gemsmith's artistic touch to grace his present for Sera. "Humans call them promise rings."
Olhet's eyes widened before casually asking, "Anyone I know?"
"Nope. Not yet. You'll get the invite when the engagement party is announced. And, I want you to be our exclusive gemsmith."
"Your Highness, I'm beyond flattered." Olhet gave a deep bow.
"Promise rings?" Sodalitas's confused expression prompted Fidelis to explain.
"Humans who are not of age to marry will give each other promise rings. It is similar to our magical ceremony of promise. They then have engagement rings and finally wedding rings."
"So three levels? Interesting," commented Blainel.
"Yes, our magical ceremony is a combination of the humans' promise rings and engagement rings combined."
"I see. I think humans like ceremonies even more than we do," joked Sodalitas.
Fidelis smiled. "Perhaps. This is one custom I actually like and will use." He turned his attention back to Olhet. "I would like the rings made of silver with amethyst, sapphire, and emerald stones embedded in them. Nothing ostentatious. My love has a rather simple and demure taste."
"I have a design I think you might like," replied Olhet. He shuffled away through a back door, returning a moment later with six drawings in his hand. He laid them out for Fidelis to see. After perusing them, Fidelis chose the middle design for the promise rings.
He picked up the design at the end. "This one I want for our wedding rings. For the wedding rings, you can pick other stones as long as they have green, violet, and blue shades to complement the promise rings. Finally," he grabbed a design at the bottom. "I want this for her engagement ring."
"Do you want a particular stone for this one?" Olhet was writing notes on the chosen designs.
"Surprise me. I'll leave it up to your creativity." Fidelis stepped back, pleased with his choices.
"Sera's going to be speechless," predicted Sodalitas.
"I agree. She'll probably blush," added Blainel.
Fidelis laughed. "Yes, she'll do all that. And, knowing my love, tears of happiness, too."
"When do you need the rings by?"
Fidelis thought about it. "It's November now, so by mid-January."
"It shall be done. Do you want any magic cast on the jewelry?"
"I do. Please put the usual round of royal protections. Also, Michaelus will come and provide divine blessings on them as well."
"I shall keep an eye out for his arrival. Your Highness, again, thank you for this honor." Olhet bowed once more.
"Always, Olhet. You have served as gemsmith for the royal family for six generations. You've proven yourself as far as I'm concerned."
Olhet smiled, his joy filling the air.
Fidelis, Blainel, and Sodalitas gave slight bows and went outside. They rode back to the castle and stabled the horses. Fidelis glanced up.
"Shall we go spar?"
Blainel and Sodalitas eagerly agreed, setting off at a jog toward the training grounds. Fidelis stroked his fated mark and happily followed them, pleased with his purchases. He couldn't wait to see Sera's reactions to the gifts.