Author Allen M Werner

“Nikitas,” Gherardus said, “I’m so pleased you have arrived on time, as arranged but I regret to begin this affair with a heartfelt apology… My son, Rugerius, is not here to receive his bride.”
Excerpt from The Crystal Crux – Blue Grotto

After the Seppioline docked, Anthea and her father, Nikitas, came down the plank to learn from Gherardus Fabbro that his son, the Castellan Rugerius Fabbro, who is meant to wed Anthea, is not present.

Gherardus tells them that Rugerius wanted to be there to greet his new bride but urgent affairs of state prevent him.

‘I should have swooned by now,’ Anthea thought. ‘Perhaps I still will.’ Fancifully she imagined the Castellan might finish his business early and ride in at the last minute on a white roan wearing a kingly robe.
Excerpt from The Crystal Crux – Blue Grotto

Gherardus proposes they walk to the palace which Anthea is more than happy to do after being on a ship for several days.

Gherardus motioned to the cordon and a handsome, blond-haired knight dressed in burnished gold plate with a black ship emblem over his heart, stepped forward. His stride was long and sure. He struck an impressive figure, confident and earnest.
“Rugerius can’t be here,” Gherardus said, “but his Second, Sir Bergus of Brinidisi has volunteered to escort the Lady to the palace.”
Excerpt from The Crystal Crux – Blue Grotto

As the crowd at the docks cheer, the party begin to walk.

After a long walk, they get inside the palace and are taken to the gardens beneath the tall building. As they walk through it, Anthea is terrified by what she sees.

Anthea flushed red and turned her head away. She couldn’t believe a thing of such lewd design would be displayed in such a beautiful garden. She tried to turn elsewhere but found that the entire lawn was filled with similar pieces of erotic art.
“God forgive me, I swear I shall never walk these gardens again.”
Excerpt from The Crystal Crux – Blue Grotto

Bergus, sensing Anthea’s discomfort, rushed her through the garden. Once inside the palace, Anthea found a place to sit and regain her composure.

As Gherardus moved away, Nikitas, his knees aching, took a seat beside his daughter. He whispered in her ear, aware of the acoustics and echo in the hall. “How are you holding up?”
She shook her head, battling images that still troubled her. “It is wonderful, and it is dreadful. But I suppose all new places are.” She found a smile for her father’s sake. “I’ll get used to it. I must. I’m not a child anymore. And this is my home.”
Excerpt from The Crystal Crux – Blue Grotto

While the Manikos’ rested, Gherardus went to speak with his other son, Talento, who was standing near a statue of Janus with Bergus.

“Where the fuck is he?” Gherardus whispered loudly, knowing all too well how the south wing amplified every noise.
“I still don’t know, father,” Talento responded coolly. “We’ve looked everywhere for him. Rugerius seems determined not to be found.”
“This is scandalous.” Gherardus was livid and tired of holding it in.
Excerpt from The Crystal Crux – Blue Grotto

Since this was a deception and they needed more time to find Rugerius, Talento suggested his father take Anthea and her father up to a seldomly used hall at the top of the palace called Suadela. Talento would arrange for food and drink to be sent and the Manikos’ could rest while the search for the groom continued.