Tehr openly marveled at the archmage's work.  Lifting a cup he examined it, rolling it around in both hands,<strong>"Truly that is an astounding piece of magic.  One I have not seen before.  The magic involved is simple in fact, but the application of a simple magic to such a useful end shows that intellect of your arch mage.  You surround yourself with powerful subjects my beautiful queen."</strong><br/><br/>Tehr smiled and nodded towards Lilian,<strong>"Present company very much included."</strong>He moved to set the cup down just as the Queen asked him to drink.  So he instead he took the bottle from the table and poured into the enchanted mug, noting the white glow remaining soft and steady.  He brought the cup to his face and inhaled the scent.  It was a full bodied red, and while he was no expert in vintage, he doubted that it would be anything but a fine and powerful, but avoided looking at the bottle.  Some things were better experienced without pre judging them, and after taking a second great breath of it in through his nose he brought the cup to his lips.<br/><br/>The red washed across his tongue, a mixture of a sweet and strong with the slightest hint of bitter.  He could taste the excellent wine coating his tongue and sliding down his throat like a warm stream flowing onto dry banks, bringing with it a complex blend of fruity notes and a hint of wooden tones.  He closed his eyes and took a deeper draw, taking that moment to savor the vintage.  While he had never been one for overly indulging in drink, he could see why some people chose to do so.  Then opening his eyes he nodded at the queen,<strong> "It is most excellent my queen, far better when shared I imagine."</strong>He reached down and fetched the second goblet and handed it to the queen.  He could feel the warmpth of her hand as she took it and leaned forwards to him.<br/><em><br/>"Would you think the winter ball the most opportune moment to announce your rise to the status of Prince Consort?"</em>She asked.<br/><br/>Tehr bowed low, then, holding his cup steady, took a knee, kneeling in front of her, his body only inches from hers as he looked up at her and placed one hand on her dress covered knee.<strong>"Elizabeth,"</strong>he said with a familiar tone but serious look upon his face,<strong>"I can not explain with words the honor you would do me in such an act.  We have spoken about my desire to help you, to serve you however you wish.  If you desire me at your side I would gladly, with pride, honor, and joy, do so.  You know this.  You know my desire to serve you, this kingdom, and to help my house.  We spoke of a loose arrangement in the past, but if you ask it of me, I shall renounce my house and move in to the castle, to serve you however you wish.  Your word is my desire, and you know that I will do my all to give you surcease from the hardships you face.  No less than my all will I pledge to you, again and again, as you desire."</strong><br/><br/>Tehr smiled at her genuinely.  He meant the words he said, though in truth they'd spoken about such an arrangement in the past and she knew that keeping him locked up in the castle would serve her little good.  That her own best interests would be far better served if he were given a loose reign, a long leash, and given the freedom to continue his own pursuits in the name of the Queen.  He doubted she wanted more than he did, but the official announcement would serve both of them greatly.  Giving him greater authority and her a perfectly legitimate and open reason to have him by her side as a lover.  No longer would rumors fly about the pair, but it would be accepted and understood.<br/><br/>He may have to be more careful in his dalliances, not wanting to bed those that bore the queen harm, for it would cause the both of them to lose face.  But the previous three rulers of Britannia, as well as rulers all across the known world, often took several lovers.  Were he caught in a tawdry situation, it would not be harmful on it's own.  But he would have to make sure that the queen was always well satisfied, both with him as an adviser and a lover.<strong>"As to the date, I find the time to be excellent, it gives a few days for word of my speech to spread, but not so long that it leaves the peoples' minds.  You are as wise as you are beautiful my queen."</strong>