Between three seas a golden lady reigns
Upon the throne her people to inspire
To acts of valor with their hearts afire
While in her own bright embers still remain.

The call of Duty sends her on campaign
Where hounds of battle bay a martial choir
‘Til eveningtide reveals her fond desire:
To dance to fair Terpsichore’s refrain.

The wise man knows that two sides has the heart;
That Duty over Love can hold no sway.
When Kingdom calls she gladly does her part
But by her true love’s side shall ever stay.
No archer’s barb can match swift Cupid’s dart
Nor armies drive the faithful heart astray.

This is an Italian sonnet dedicated to HRM Eridani Aureus, Queen of Trimaris. It was presented to her in August 2009 at Pennsic 38. The illuminated page can be seen here.

Each morning as the new sun shines its light
Arriving o’er the heaving ocean’s swell
I wonder what it knows of She who dwells
In castle strong, ‘neath golden crown so bright.

Just once a year, when summer nears its height
Have I the chance to take her hand and tell
Of how I long to yield unto the spell
That fills the air when dancing feet take flight.

When time has made its solemn march to war
And minstrels take up arms to make their song
My tongue is silenced by my joyful feet
That caper as they drag my heart along.
Words fail before the music’s merry beat
And silently I smile and ask for more.

This is an Italian sonnet dedicated to HRM Judith de Northumbria, Queen of Drachenwald. It was presented to her in August 2009 at Pennsic 38. The illuminated page can be seen here.