Amid chatter and clinking of plates the King must have given a silent command. Servants milled in, removing dirty plates and setting new ones. A mellow but milky rich smell wafted in. Large dishes containing something that looked like rice porridge were carried in together with accompanying bowls filled with whipped cream, meringues and fresh raspberries. Christian felt eternally grateful for something containing fiber. 

“This is the latest fashion,” Lady Catherine told Christian, “it’s called Italian porridge, and it is divine.” She looked very pleased as she scooped up a large amount of cream and meringues on her plate.

Christian helped himself to the porridge and berries.

“Won’t you have some meringues?” Lady Catherine asked.

“No, I don’t eat any added sugar.”

“Added sugar?” Lady Catherine looked perplexed, her large gray eyes bulging, she looked over his shoulder at her mother-in-law.

“Don’t mind her,” Lady Eleanor said, “you are free to eat whatever you like, as long as you don’t eat my horse.” She laughed, as if she actually thought she was funny. Christian made a sound somewhere between a cough and a laugh, hoping she wouldn’t find him rude.

“Can I ask you about the last witch you had here? Why did he or she come and how long did they stay?” Christian asked Lady Eleanor.

“I believe that he came in the 1940s and he lived here for a long time. I remember him when I first moved here in 1984 to be married. He was already an old man, but he helped me deliver both my boys. Unfortunately, he died only a few years later. All of his notes from the years that he was here are kept in your chamber, in case there is anything in there that is useful for you.”

“I’ll read them.” He meant it. Anything that could help him thrive would be of great value.

“I think it is exciting that we finally have a Witch of our own. I’ve never met one before.” Lady Catherine was getting more and more talkative as the evening wore on, possibly the wine. “And if I bear a child, I am sure you will help me in my delivery.”

He put on a broad smile and nodded. The thought of delivering a baby was not just terrifying, it was grotesque. He had never had the stomach for blood, unless it was a video game. Hopefully, this was just a dream, turning into a nightmare and he would wake at any moment.

Disconcertingly Lady Catherine leaned over and stroked a hand over his thigh. Usually he would have jumped at any invitation from a good-looking woman but she was married and her mother-in-law was sitting on his other side. Besides, there was something about her he didn’t really like. He withdrew his leg just ever so slightly and complimented the pudding and berries. It was actually fantastic, creamy and the berries tangy.

“Lady Eleanor, I would like to know more about you,” he said. Ignoring Lady Catherine who was leaning against him.

“Well, aren’t you a dear,” she said, “really there isn’t much to tell. Ever since I came to Stockholm, I have done my duties. Had my children and when asked I have had contact with other queens across Europe. Maybe you didn’t know but as a queen you can have quite the influence if you know how to play your cards right.” She smiled smugly.

Christian didn’t doubt that she knew how to get things her way. She would make an excellent ally.

The evening passed, fruit was brought in together with cheese. A jester juggled and a bard sang, accompanied by the harp. People milled about, talking to one another. Some young men came and sat up at the high table conversing with the King, they seemed to be friends and laughed and drank together. Lady Eleanor informed Christian that they were dukes with little money who knew how to get a leg up. She could be very useful, full of gossip and small observations about people. On the other hand, he would most likely have to keep her at arm’s length.

The evening finally ended when the King clinked his glass and stood. 

“Thank you for joining us this evening. As some of you have noticed we have a new guest among us. You seem shy Witch, but please step forward.”

Christian got up from his seat, the feeling was surreal as if he wasn’t really there. He stepped unsteadily towards the King. 

The King pointed at him and said, “Tomorrow we will know how he will help me get better, heal all that ails me. Won’t you?” He slapped Christian on the back and chuckled. 

The King expected miracles he didn’t know how to perform.