Cortin glanced at the clock and winced. "I have to call His Majesty and tell him about the Family—stick around and give me moral support?"
"Of course."
"Thanks." Cortin made the call, almost wishing the King wouldn't answer. When he did and she identified herself, though, she could hear a smile in his voice.
"Good work, Colonel. Our congratulations to the newlyweds—please bring them to the Palace when you're free, to accept them in person."
"My pleasure, Your Majesty—but there's more." Cortin took a deep breath, hoping she didn't sound as nervous as she felt. "They've adopted me as mother, and taken Cortin as the Family name."
"Outstanding," the King said with obvious satisfaction. "A slight change, then. Bring them all over as soon as possible—Edward will be waiting to bring you to the Throne Room."
"But what—" Cortin cut herself off. She'd find out soon enough; this was just another example of His Majesty keeping his own counsel. Good thing Dave and Tiny hadn't left yet … "Yes, Sire. Ten minutes, unless you want us in dress uniform."
"Service uniform is fine. Ten minutes, then."
As promised, Prince Edward was waiting when they got to the Palace. All except Cortin left their weapons with the armorer, then the Prince led them to the Throne Room. His Majesty was seated on the Throne, in everyday clothes but wearing the Crown and holding the Sword of State, and the rest of the Sealed ones and Her Majesty the Queen were in attendance. It looked like an informal Grand Audience, Cortin thought, but that was a contradiction in terms—yet she'd never heard of Crown and Sword being used at the same time except at a Coronation or Grand Audience, and this certainly wasn't a Coronation!