Diary - Day 1

I have decided to start writing a diary. In part this is an attempt to consolidate the information I am gathering, and in part it will give me an idea of my uncluttered thoughts as things happen. I have a sense that something big is going to happen, and I think it has little--at least directly--to do with the new heir. Perhaps it is just paranoia, but it seems like any time this many relatives are in one place, bad things happen. Perhaps this is also someone's last chance to dethrone King Random before he has a legitimate heir on whom to pass power?

I have finished work on my rooms at long last. When not working on my rooms I watched my cousins, aunts, and uncles and learned my way around the Castle and town. I think that I have gathered enough information to start making contact with my cousins, and the impending birth of a new heir is an excellent time to start making acquaintences.

I received a lovely invitation from Rose. She is hosting a party in celebration of the birth of the new heir, and everyone is invited. She seems quite astute, and slightly more cool-headed than many of my generation. I would like very much to meet up with her, but I don't want to do so while she is in the midst of planning, or hosting, the party. I think that I will make an appearance and try to get a look at some of my kin in a social setting, as well as meeting a few of the nobles.

I have a few sets of clothing to present as gifts for the new heir, and I also managed to get some extract of jasmine for Queen Vialle. It smells like what she was wearing when I met her at the Coronation, although it is always difficult to tell as perfume tends to mingle with one's own scent. I decided on an orange and green kimono for paying respects to the King and Queen. It is somewhat loose, and the pattern is subtle, so I don't think that I will be drawing any attention away from the Queen on her special day.

Choosing an outfit for the party is much more difficult. I do not want to be too conspicuous. On the other hand, I am a Princess of Amber, and as such must dress the part. I decided on a dark blue and green kimono. There are iridescent waves within the blue water and the green contains individual blades of grass. It shimmers when I walk properly and the waves appear to actually lap the shoreline.

- - - -

I decided against going armed at the party. There simply does not seem any point. I am not a target of anyone here, and with so many cousins about, there are plenty of others to do any fighting that appears necessary. No need to show my hand so early. I arrived fashionably late to the party and snuck in without being too obvious. I stayed around the fringes and moved around to avoid meeting any relatives. I feel bad about not at least exchanging pleasantries with Rose, but I'm sure she will forgive this minor faux pas.

I chatted with several interesting people, including a couple of merchants, a general, and several nobles from Deiga and Begma. I left the party around 1:00 a.m., as some people seemed to be starting to get a little tipsy. I did not myself imbibe, and I thought it best not to be around to cause or be the recipient of an incident. When I got back I wrote out a thank you note to Rose, including the suggestion of a meeting. I hope that this works out.

I made an origami rose out of my note and left it for Rose in her chambers. I washed up and am now going to bed. I'm sure there will be little doubt about when the heir arrives.




© 2005 John Eisinger. All rights reserved.