"We don't wish to." Sonya clarified. "But if we don't invite atleast one or two, news of this wedding will get around and the press will make up all kinda of bullshit stories. It's happened before."

The implication that she'll soon be part of the Emperor's family made her stiffen. If someone told her twenty seven years ago that she'd be setting up to marry the Emperor of Outworld, she'd punch them out before committing them to electric shock therapy. yet here they were.

"I think what Flagg meant to say is that 'we' don't, and..flattered as I am that you'd consider it already,nothing's signed yet." Not yet, but they seemed close to working out the formal arrangements. "But I think we can all agree that this marriage..and alliance, will go forward?"

There were varying answers to the positive from the men. Inwardly, Sonya nearly dreaded telling all of this to Cassie.