Alarice had to stifle her laughter as Robert suggested he stay behind in case Eirian somehow couldn’t find her way to them. His dark-haired partner, ever droll, suggested that perhaps she wouldn’t “do.” If she couldn’t locate the Princess when she was less than three feet in front of her; which, they literally would be when Eirian and her father exited the room. The halls at the palace were wide enough to accommodate four or five ladies with voluminous skirts walking side-by-side. They were wide enough that even when courtiers stopped to greet the Princess there was no stoppage of traffic.
The three of them stood patiently…well…Robert stood patiently. Herbert and she quickly resorted to discussing the fight – her mistakes, Eirian’s. “You haven’t been practicing.” Chastised Herbert who had her sword hanging on his hip. He was the only person she could ever imagine entrusting it to…for some reason, weapons and Princesses didn’t mix in the Lician court. “I haven’t particularly had time.” She replied, a little shortly. “Why don’t you try getting O…King Orion to add it onto my list of duties?” Herbert had no reply, only gave her an expecting look… “I’ll be able to practice regularly once I’m back in school. It’ll be the first thing I do on the first morning back, all right? I promise.”
“I’ll talk to the King about giving you a few sessions during this week. I’d feel a lot better about this entire thing if I knew you were ready to protect yourself too.”
“Her Highness has no need of being able to protect herself. She has us to watch over her and Miss. Lindval as well.”
“We can’t be there for her always.”
“It is our duty to do as such!”
Robert seemed irritated she thought; normally, he let Herbert go about his self-sufficiency rants without complaint (even the occasional agreement.) Even Herbert seemed to notice, but his response was…less than constructive.
“Your girlfriend made it in, Rob. Relax.”
Instinctively, Alarice smacked her hand lightly against the side of Herbert’s arm. But it was too late. Robert had gone from irritated to downright flustered.
“Eirian Lindval is a child, Herbert. She is my former pupil and now our co-worker. In no way has she or will she ever be my girlfriend. The very idea is laughable.”
“Testy.” Herbert grumbled into the Princess’s ear just as the doors swung open.
Clearly, someone in the room had called for the palace blacksmith – as one of his attendants was approaching Eirian with a request for her meteor hammer and assuring her that they would return it to her quickly. “Miss. Lindval,” She smiled at the young woman. “In the meantime, would you care to join us for afternoon tea?”
“I’d be honored, your Highness.”
Behind the two women Robert and Herbert were laughing to themselves – a welcome sight given Robert’s very recent snap. Alarice raised a questioning glance at Herbert, who shrugged dramatically and walked up to her to offer her his arm. With a gentle pat she informed him she’d prefer to walk with “Miss. Lindval, if you don’t mind Herbert.” To which he replied in the old language of Deamone, a tongue not at all commonly found in Licia but which her nursemaids had (inexplicably at the time) insisted on teaching her. His response was something to the effect “I’ll just have to escort Robert then, Princess. Do you think he’d want to be the gentleman or the lady?” Which, in turn elicited a laugh as she looped her own arm through Eirian’s. Robert, having begun to pick up tiny bits of the language over their time together gave a short, awkward sort of chuckle…the kind one gives when one is not actually free to laugh but feels inclined to do so anyway.
Despite herself, she felt a sort of giddy excitement at the prospect of finally having female companionship. It hadn’t exactly been a group of her peers that had raised her – all older women and one older footman who scorned at all but the most necessary of conversations. She was good at playing the part of the proper Court Lady with the others when it was expected of her – but there was something immensely tedious about it all. And while Herbert and Robert were kind, if overprotective, they weren’t exactly the type of company she felt she could gab to in the way she watched other girls her age do.
“Robert has told us some things about you. But it’s quite different to hear about a person from another party than it is from the person themselves. Please , tell us about yourself.”
“Well…I attended the Royal Academy starting at eleven. Mr…Ward was my squad’s mentor and leader…”
Herbert chuckled, raking a hand through his dark hair as a few courtesans stopped to giggle at the sight of the two handsome men flanking Eirian and herself. He liked to play up to the image in the court, but sometimes it caused problems. She’d already had a stern talk with him about not flirting with Eirian and hopefully it’d sunk it. “I think what her Highness meant was to ask about your personal interests. What little Robert hadn’t already bragged about we discussed for two hours prior to your admittance to the review meeting.” Alarice bit back a smile and Robert appeared to look as disconcerted as possible. “Bragging implies the impressive statements have no merit, Herbert.”
“I think we’d all agree Miss. Lindval has merit, Rob. There’s no need to get so uppity. Geesh.”
She was used to their back and forth banter. At first, it’d caused her genuine distress…the two men were so opposite each other that it seemed it would be impossible for them to get along. But their shared purpose and ultimately similar dutiful natures had bonded them fairly quickly. They seemed to have civilizing influences on each other. Robert had been almost robotic, practically suicidal in his overzealous dedication to his job. Herbert too had a broody aura of heavily burdened purpose when he’d come to his job. It was true that they’d bonded quickly enough once reunited, but the addition of Robert to their mix had given Herbert license to hope. So, rather than brood (as would have been his tendency) Robert just grinned at his partner and continued along with him, Eirian and herself as they headed towards her suite.
“I…am quite partial to…reading and study, Highness. Ah…expanding my knowledge of unfamiliar subjects…”
She thought she could hear a hushed, breathy chuckle behind them but at this point the halls were so filled with courtiers and buzzing servants that it could have easily been her imagination. “I’m quite fond of reading myself, Miss. Lindval. Perhaps we can give the Royal Library at school some much needed attention.”
It took the some time to move through the palace, especially when she had to stop so often so as to not slight anyone at court. Within the palace walls, she was expected to pay respect to everyone to whom respect was owed. At least in the gardens, a passing nod would do. Luckily, the novelty of the recent events kept most of the stops to well wishes and expressions of concern for her safety. Eventually, they left the public floors and reached her own. There were several ways to her rooms, the one they took this time did not lead her past Francois Moreau’s a fact that she regretted considerably. Never mind – if she planned on getting away with visiting him later, she had to fulfill her duties now.
Soon, they were seated in the small dining area of her floor. Because it was that off time between breakfast and lunch, the larger dining table was gone and in its place was a more intimate tea table. Atop it sat several silver trays of pastries and small tea sandwiches: Cucumber, watercress, turkey, Chicken and artichoke and various cheese spread sandwiches. A selection of maids are available, most of them borrowed from the school. Their golden skirts swept the floor as she entered the room and swished against their legs as the pulled out chairs for Eirian and herself. “Thank you.” She murmured. There were no menus in the palace, foods were made to order – so she calmly placed her order, waiting for Eirian to finish doing the same before continuing with her line of small talk.
“I understand your father works for General Sewe’s family, Miss. Lindval. Is that how you came about your military aspirations?”
“Yes. The Lindvals have traditionally been successful in guarding, and it had always been my intention to follow that path, as well. My father is…a very inspiring man, to me.”
“I see.” She nodded in response to Eirian. “How proud he must be of you.” The Princess added on, proud herself at the only slight twinge of sadness that crept into the statement. “And what do you do when you are not training?”
“More training?” Suggested Herbert. Already the food had arrived and all but one of the maids had left. Perhaps a little too casually, he dropped himself onto the seat next to her and lifted a sandwich from off her plate with a winsome grin.
“Studying…actually.” Replied Eirian, who seemed perhaps a touch uncomfortable. “Herbert’s company is an acquired taste.” Robert called from his corner of the room. Unlike Herbert – he didn’t care to join them for meals. He’d cave more and more often at school when they were all running from classes to paperwork to meetings like scared rats but never at the palace. “Quite.” She agreed, giving Herbert a warning glance. “But he’s perfectly harmless.”
Herbert just smiled his easy smile and grabbed another bite off of her plate – she’d ordered them for him more than for herself. “And surprisingly adept at his job for all the sandwiches he eats.” Robert joked, his face impassive save for the slight twist of his lips.
“Am I?” Herbert blinked, quickly accepting the glass of water the maid handed him without having to be asked. “Rob…I think that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me. Does…does this mean we’re friends now?”
Robert merely ignored his partner, though the hint of a smile never left his lips. Alarice watched Eirian sympathetically. Certainly, it couldn’t have been easy to suddenly be thrown into this group. Especially not when they behaved as they did when alone – that is, so completely differently from how they behaved to the public eye. Unfortunately, Herbert seemed keen on increasing the discomfort.
“Miss. Lindval, I must say – your hair has grown out quite beautifully.”
Instantly, Robert’s and Eirian’s faces appeared to flush; a mirror reaction which amused the Princess considerably and caused both herself and Herbert to laugh softly for a second. “I…I really must apologize for Herbert, Miss. Lindval. I think we were both a little curious to see how your hair recovered from the incident.”
“I…incident?”
Alarice smiled as reassuringly as she could manage. “Ah…the induction process of the Academy involves regulatory haircuts?”
“Yes, Highness. It does. But…what…incident?”
She and Herbert glanced at Robert expectantly. His face was still a mask of serenity, albeit one with a few cracks visible to the trained eye.
“I had not expected to meet my cadets on that particular day, Miss. Lindval. I took note of your…stoicism during the regulation process and was impressed. I believe that is the incident to which her Highness and Mr. Dubhan refer.”
“Robert isn’t easily impressed.” Explained Herbert, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin and polishing off the water. When he was done, he strode back to the man in question and cocked his head in his direction. “So, suffice to say that his high regard of you means quite a bit to us.”
Us Alarice’s mind repeated, making her smile. Herbert had once told her that Prince Dwayne had shared his belief that, had they grown up together, she and Herbert would have been raised to treat each other as siblings. It wasn’t necessary. As soon as they had been reunited, they’d fallen into that pattern and remained that way ever since. It was nothing against Robert, though she knew it bothered him sometimes, but Herbert Dubhan was the only other keeper of her secrets inside the Palace walls. And the other one was…well…elsewhere.
Teatime was over sooner than she would have liked. Unlike most court ladies, Eirian had only seemed shy…not removed or cold or judgmental, particularly when it came to the way she acted around her guards. It was not usual, she knew, for noble ladies to speak to their guards. Let alone have them nicking sandwiches off their plates or throwing inside jokes back and forth. It was a closeness she was thankful for and one she hoped to extend to the young blonde woman.
“This has been lovely, Miss. Lindval.” She said, placing her napkin on the table and ascending. “But I’m afraid I have something to attend to. I shall look forward to continuing our acquaintance tomorrow.”
“Your schedule has nothing until your dinner meeting, Princess.” Robert interrupted, looking at her quizzically.
“I intend to visit Mr. Moreau, Robert.”
“Is that wise…Highness?”
Robert rarely questioned her actions. He almost never complained about the time she spent among her plants or books or about her occasional disregard for protocol. So it took her by surprise when he did…of course, she knew why.
“Given the state he was in last night? I think so.”
“The maids and nurses will look after him, Princess.” He continued to press, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
“Like they looked after him last night?” Herbert snorted. “The boy was half dead with fever Robert. I had to let the nurse go, she said she didn’t think it was prudent to attend to the savage third realmer. Even though he saved her future sovereign’s life.”
“It is the duty of all citizens of Licia and Deamone and those who pledge fealty to the Princess to give up their lives for her if necessary.” Robert quipped, sounding like a manual on propriety.
“Robert…” Alarice finally interrupted. She’d stood quietly as he and Herbert argued but that last statement had done it. In a span of twenty-four hours, one man had died because of her (and her Uncle), another had almost died to protect her and two more had asserted they would have done the same. It left a bad taste in her mouth. “Can you deny that every injury, even bit of pain that Mr. Moreau is suffering was intended for myself?”
“No, Princess. I cannot. However…It is the honor of…”
“Yes. I know.” She mumbled irritably. “It is also the honor of the sovereign to observe noblesse oblige. He travels to Licia from the third realm to pledge his loyalty and the least I can do is insure he recovers smoothly from the injury he sustained while preserving my life. What kind of Queen will I make if I expect others to suffer for me and am not willing to go out of my way to ease that suffering as much as possible?”
“Princess…”
“I want to hear no more objections regarding my attending Mr. Moreau. I owe him a great debt and I intend to pay it off.” Her eyes softened and she walked up to Robert and patted his hand. “Don’t fret so, Rob. I promise I won’t do anything unseemly. Why don’t you see to it that Miss. Lindval recovers her weapon and returns safely home?” She turned her eyes to Eirian, who’d been put in the unfortunate situation of having to witness their first spat of the school year. “Excuse me, Miss Lindval. I hope you have a pleasant day.”
She held onto Herbert’s arm, who chuckled as they walked towards Francois’ room that she’d “sure told him.” Quietly, she inquired as to whether or not Herbert had seen to it that Francois and his attendant be provided with medicine and food. “They should be drawing his bath now.” He confirmed, knocking on the door on her behalf – though his trademark impatience made him open the door before a reply was made. Still smiling, she let go of her guard and slipped into the room to find the-savior-of-her life sitting up on the edge of the bed. Stretched before him was the arm that had become recently acquainted with quite a bit of poison, medicine and a fair share of needles.
“Mr. Moreau.” She said, trying suppressing what threatened to be a rapidly spreading flush across her cheeks. “Good afternoon. You seem much recovered. How wonderful. Do…do you mind if I take a look?” Focusing her eyes soley on the general area of his wound,
“Not at all.” He said, seemingly unaware of his state of (un)dress. Tentatively, she strode towards him and knelt down a little to be at eye level with the wound. From the looks of it, the new nurse (a male – Herbert had told her, less afraid of being ravaged than any female nurse) had seen to his task relatively well. The swelling and mottled color was considerably improved. She let her still-gloved hands run over the path she’d stung along his arm and shoulder and found that they had resulted in no hard nodules. “It’s healing very well.” She commented, breathing a small sigh of relief. It was a job well done she had to admit, especially given how long it’d been since she’d had to give emergency first aid.
“It’s a privilege and a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness.”
“You’re mistaken. The privilege is mine, Mr. Moreau.” She smiled up at him, releasing his arm and clasping her hands in front of herself.
There’d been something strange about the ripple of his muscles and the way they moved underneath her fingertips – but she said nothing. His attendant, still silent, stood in the room as well unnoticed until she’d risen. “I…have been meaning to ask. What is your…companion’s name? I’m afraid I have not had much success communicating with him. He has been most dutiful and I’d like to thank him for it.”
“His name is Edouard. I’m afraid he’s not much one for chatter…” He laughed, a sparkle in his eye that automatically made her want to laugh as well…though she settled for a smile “His knowledge is limited in regards to any of the more common tongues.”
“Then I must ask you to thank him for me.” Oh wait. “And…I don’t believe I’ve properly thanked you for saving my life.”
“Please…no thanks are necessary. You’ve shown more than enough kindness in the stead of one. And, regardless, it was not an action I would even need to think twice of repeating.”
She couldn’t stop the frown in time, she knew. That would be the third person today. She thought guiltily. “The necessity could be debated. Your deserving of any assistance I might provide could not be.” She murmured, a little more demure than before. “But I thank you nonetheless.” Herbert peeked into the room then, or rather, pretended not to do so as he casually opened a door for a maid. This one was clearly a Northerer, like Robert, with her thick brogue. Dipped into a deep curtsey she informed her Mr. Moreau’s bath was drawn and ready “…as well as one for his …companion…Highness.”
“Forgive me Mr. Moreau. I took the liberty of requesting it. It would be best if the wound was kept clean…” She explained, “If you and Mr…Edouard would follow Miss. Kent I’ve also ensured that a change of clothing be provided for you both.”
When the two men were gone, Herbert joined her. “I already asked for someone to come in with what you asked for: entertainment stuff, flowers, reading material, movies, snacks. Need help changing the sheets?” He knew her too well, sometimes.
“I think I can manage.” She smiled, completing the task faster than last night and having just folded off the discarded bedding when the rest of the things came in. She took care in arranging everything around the room. She’d opened one of the larger windows to let in fresh air and was neatly tying back the curtains when Francois Moreau returned, looking worlds better.
“Mr. Moreau, Mr. Edouard. I hope your bath was pleasant.” She felt herself breaking eye contact quickly and motioning to the changes. “I’ve taken more liberties, I’m afraid. I hope you will consent to stay until you’ve fully recovered and that the room is to your liking.” Straightening her shoulders determinedly she began to make for the exit. “I should…leave you to your rest, I think. Mr. Moreau. Unless there is anything else I can do for you?”