Due to the necessary haste in making the arrangements, there are only three judges at tonight's Court: Lady Sebille, Lady Dahut, and Paulette herself. Lady Sebille has the chief judgeship, as befits the woman who will be chatelaine in Paulette's absence. Unspoken is the thought that she may hold sway over the Court of Love for many long years hereafter.
Although the judges are short in number this evening, the audience of the Court of Love almost overflows the Great Hall of Castle Lys. The Perian wizards are seated at the front, to honor their presence, as are Dame Argent and other notables who shall accompany the progress to Amber.
Other noteworthies and nobles are seated in the hall. But men and women of even the most common classes are standing in the rear to listen and learn; it is their number that threatens to spill into the courtyard.
His Majesty the King is not present this evening.
Paulette arrives exactly on time for the beginning of Court, as is her wont. Sir Gornevain announces her, and she takes her seat on the dais. As the Princess of Lys, she enters last, and the entrance of the other judges has preceded her own. In Lys, ladies are not late to Court.
Lady Sebille opens the Court of Love with a speech and a brief recital of the rules for those who do not know them. Knights, ladies, and troubadours who wish to hear the judgements of the Court privately submit their dilemmas to the Court. The judges of the Court, who are the most noble ladies of all Lys, render judgement on these dilemmas. Between the judgements, the company is entertained by the troubadours of the court and any visiting troubadours who wish to offer their services.
Lady Sebille does not mention the occasional marvel that happens at the Court of Love, for there are few wizards here tonight, and no one expects the Perians to either make one or to ask on the spot for a judgement of a case.
Sir Soriondes announces the first case.
"A knight who has a lady, but is sworn to the service of all ladies, promises a damsel to do her a service. The knight defeats an enemy knight on the field, and the enemy prays him mercy. But the damsel requires the knight to strike off his head. Should the knight strike off the enemy knight's head, yea or nay?"
"How has the enemy knight pled for mercy?" asks Lady Dahut.
"By the name of a sacred oath which the knight so implored honors," replies Sir Soriondes.
The three judges look gravely at each other and confer for a few minutes. After some discussion, Lady Sebille announces the verdict. "The knight who would be a true lover must strike off the enemy's head."
There is some murmur in the crowd at the verdict. But this case is rather more difficult than the usual ones presented to the court.
During the interval, Alain de Esgales dedicates a song to Paulette. It is a tune about a knight whose lady is far away, and is quite sad. Alain is one of those who will not accompany the progress.
Sir Gornevain announces the second case.
"It happens that there is a knight who serves his true lady. She is being held captive by a wizard in a tower. The knight will only be able to reach his destination if he rides in the cart. He chooses to ride in the cart. Is he a true lover, yea or nay?"
Lady Dahut opines that a knight who dishonors his lady by riding in a cart is no true lover. Lady Sebille is inclined to agree, Paulette suspects, but is reserving her judgement until Paulette speaks.
Paulette chooses her words carefully. "If the knight loves the lady and seeks to rescue her from harm or dishonor, he has no choice. If his lady were to die while he dallies waiting for another means of transport, he would be no true lover. Therefore I say, he who rides in the cart is a true lover."
Lady Sebille considers this for a few minutes and announces: "The knight who rides in the cart is a true lover, but he must redeem his honor afterwards for riding in the cart.
Paulette nods in satisfaction at the outcome.
During the interval, the trobaritz Heleas, who will accompany the caravan to Amber, sings a song of farewell to her homeland. She was born in the southern part of Lys, and has lived on the island most of her life.
Sir Manassen announces the third case.
"It happens that a knight is fighting in a tournament for his lady's honor. She commands him to fight his worst. Shall a true lover fight his worst, yea or nay."
Paulette, distressed, speaks before her turn. "I say she who asks this thing of her knight is no true lover."
There is another murmur among the crowd, and Lady Dahut and Lady Sebille whisper together. After a few moments, Lady Sebille speaks. "We assent to the Princess Paulette's judgement. She who asks this of her knight is no true lover, and should not be admitted to the company of knights and ladies who love truly."
The troubadour Roger sings a song honoring the upcoming birthday of the Princess Paulette. Paulette, who has always had a soft spot for Roger (he has such a lovely voice), reminds herself to thank him in the morning. If it is not too late, she will secure him a place with the caravan. If she cannot, she will reward him otherwise.
Tonight, Paulette smiles at Roger, graciously acknowledging his tribute. She whispers something to Lady Sebille, who requests a second song from Roger. The second tune is a song in praise of the loveliness of Lys, and the sadness of those who are parted from it. If Paulette dabs her handkerchief near her eyes once or twice, and applauds particularly loudly at the end of the tune, well ... she is known to be a particular patron of Roger's art.
Unless there is other business, Paulette permits Lady Sebille to close the Court. The Court being closed, she withdraws from the hall.