On their day of rest, Lenore decided to speak to some of the council members again as well as some of the students that seemed interested in the several notices that they had laced around the school. If she could get more people to join their protests then the council would eventually have to give credence to their plight.
As she did so, she found that Santh walked directly behind her. He did not speak to anyone but stood stoically nearby as if to scare off anyone who might speak harshly to Lenore, as she knew no one would dare touch her.
Of course, Lenore had smiled at first when she found Santh ready to leave with her at first, but as time went on, it seemed that people were distracted by his appearance and not hearing anything she had to say.
"Is there a reason you are following me around like a lost puppy?" Lenore asked as she pinned another notice to the notice board in front of the library. "No one will dare to harm me. Shouldn't you be spending your day drinking as per usual?"
"Judgment of my drinking coming from the most prolific lush I know." Santh snorted at the thought before continuing to speak. "I am not here to protect you, but to ensure that you keep some standards to prevent harm from coming to the women that follow you. Ophelia is just the beginning of the punishment that will befall these women."
"So you do not care for my physical well being?" Lenore spoke in a faux pained voice as she walked next to her Mondue guard through the crowd of students. They all stepped aside to let her pass which was rather normal, though Santh seemed to believe it was his influence.
"Not in the least." He held his arms behind his back and walked straight as he scanned the area around them.
Lenore chuckled and touched his arm just beneath his elbow, which caused him to look toward her. "We both know that is simply false. I..." Her voice lowered when she noticed Krius' head towering above the other students and as the sea of students parted, Lesatan came into sight as well.
He headed toward the duo with his eyes deadlocked on his sister's. This caused both Lenore and Santh to stop and wait for him to approach. When he did he looked Santh over briefly, and then toward his own Mondue companion and grinned. "I see you have taken to Mondue escorts as I have." His grin told that he was trying to be friendly, but his voice sounded sharp. "It appears I have beaten you once again, however. My Mondue is larger than your own."
Lenore pressed her lips together unamused by his attempt at a joke, as was Santh but he said nothing and stood in silence. He knew that only the Princess could handle this situation at the moment.
"Is there something you wished to discuss with me?" She asked as she tried to ignore the Mondue at her brother's side that seemed incapable of looking away from her.
Santh noticed this as well and frowned.
"Indeed. I am curious to know why you plan to go through this. I thought I made myself clear in my letter that this needs to come to an end, and Krius tells me that your little friend was harmed due to your antics." Lesatan cleared his throat as he put his arms behind his back in the same way that both Mondues were doing.
"Did you plan her attack?" Lenore asked accusingly.
With a snort, Lesatan waved her words away. "Sending bullies to shove around a meaningless girl. Surely, you believe me to have higher standards than that."
Lenore did believe her brother, but it wasn't because she thought he could not send someone harm Ophelia, but because she believed he honestly wouldn't give her friend a second thought. He never could see the big picture, especially when it came to people of lower status than himself. "I see."
"How long will this continue?" He asked as waves of students passed him.
Both Santh and Krius noticed that Lenore didn't offer her brother any formal speech in this very public conversation.
Lenore crossed her arms. "It will continue until I am victorious, of course."
The Prince grinned and decided that was the end of their conversation. He simply brushed passed her as he walked in the opposite direction. Krius followed him, but was stopped when Lenore put her hand to his arm much in the same way she had just recently done to Santh.
"I appreciate what you did for Ophelia, Krius. You didn't have to involve yourself, so I thank you for doing so."
Krius said nothing but did give Santh a brief glare before hurrying to catch up with his Prince. Lenore watched him for a few moments, before returning to her task at hand. An action that boiled feelings up in the Mondue beside her.
"Is this truly what your life has come to?" Piera asked her brother as she approached his bed under the wooden canopy. She knew that everyone would be out enjoying their rest day except her brother who would be studying in his room, or his bed as the case may be.
Routine was sitting crossed legged on his bed with several scrolls and books laying around him as he worked on a scroll of his own on the desk. His eyes raised from his work to his sister. "The living arrangements are still preferable to the Souchan dorm."
"Yes, it must have been horrible being treated like the prince you are." She shook her head as she sat down on the end of his bed and rested her hand on the foot board. "Just think in a matter of years, I'll be Queen and you'll have to bow to me."
"I will attempt to keep our meetings few and far between to avoid such a disgrace." He partly teased and returned his attentions to his studies.
Piera watched him for a couple moments, as she tried to decide what she would say to her brother or rather how she would say it. "You do not seem to care that I am engaged to the Prince. Your own bride's brother will be my husband, doesn't that cause you alarm?"
"It is none of my affair. I am afraid that unlike you, I attempt to keep clear of my sibling's personal matters." He began to write on the scroll before him before putting the pen down and grabbing a nearby book to look through.
Leaning forward, Piera removed the spectacles from his face and Routine allowed it as she blew on them then used her shirt to wipe the smudges away. When she was finished, she placed them on her own face and smiled. "What should I do to end this?"
"End what?"
"My engagement, of course." She scooted closer and put her elbows on the desk that laid across her brother's lap.
Routine took the glasses from her and placed them back over his own eyes. "I suspect that if you truly wanted this engagement to come to an abrupt end then it would be done by now."
Piera felt her heart begin to race in annoyance. "How exactly am I to interpret that statement? Are you suggesting that I am acting one way and speaking another?"
Her elder brother looked into her eyes as he leaned forward so they were face to face. "I believe you are enjoying the duration of your stay at the Royal Dorm, and perhaps even with the Prince, himself. After all, if you were unsatisfied, I am certain we would be seeing more of you."
Pressing her lips together, Piera frowned deeply before she stood from the bed. "You are attempting to provoke me on purpose, Byron!"
"Am I?" Routine crossed his arms. "You approach me upon my study day. Harass me about your affairs, and I am in the wrong for offering you the advice you asked for."
"You did not offer advice, you told me... lies!"
A rare smirk crawled across his lips, "Lies? I think not. Truths. Ones that perhaps you were not ready to hear, but truths none the less."
Piera stomped her foot once before turning around and heading toward the dirt path, when she arrived at the mouth, she turned to look over her shoulder. Routine had returned to his studies and didn't seem to mind in the least that she had stormed off. This wasn't unusual for her brother as he never seemed to care when people were upset with him.
Of course, she knew that her brother was not a liar and that what he had said to her had only been the way he interpreted the situation, but she wondered if it was true. Was she beginning to enjoy her time with Lesatan? If that was the truth, then was she betraying the Princess? She didn't know what Lenore had planned, and what if it was to take over her brother's throne? If she was his wife at the time then what would become of her?
Lesatan came to a stop in front of the Royal Dorms and looked at the Mondue beside him. They had walked in silence since they last met Lenore as both men had their own reasons for thinking about her.
"She will continue with these antics until she achieves her goals." Lesatan mumbled under his breath.
Krius nodded in agreement though he didn't know if the Prince wanted him to respond or not.
Placing his hand on his stomach, Lesatan pressed his lips together. "Krius, go to the market and bring those sweet buns that Authin used to purchase us."
"May I send a servant in my stead, milord?" Krius put his arms behind his back.
He shook his head, "No. You know I do not trust strangers with my food."
Krius bowed his head before turning around and heading toward the gate. He knew that Authin purchased the sweets in the poor portion of town, and most of the Royal Party feared to linger there long. He, however, didn't fear much. His size alone caused others to choose another target.
As he walked through the school grounds, the students were quick to move out of his path. His mind focused only on acquiring those sweet buns for his prince so he could quickly return home. However, a small being stepped into his path and smiled up at him.
"Lord Krius La Croix." Ophelia curtsied.
Krius took notice of her leg. It was covered with her uniform pants, but from the bulge it was obvious there was a bandage underneath. He decided to be cordial and briefly bowed his head.
"I never got the chance to properly thank you. Are you heading into town? Through the East Gate?" She looked at the large gate behind her.
He was about to excuse himself when he realized that he had no idea what vendor sold the buns that he was looking for. "My Prince desires certain sweet buns that Lord Authin used to bring to him. May I assume you know where he purchased them?"
Ophelia was shocked at the long sentence that he just offered her, but she quickly recovered. "I know of a few places that sell them. Would you recognize them if you saw them?"
He gave a harsh nod.
Hopping over to his side, Ophelia laced her arm through his own. "Then I shall show you where they are to return the favor owed. Yes?"
Krius looked down at where the traitor's daughter was touching him. He wanted to shake her off him, but he also wanted to return home with haste. If he offended her then he would spend his time in the hamlet and not taking care of his studies.
"Very well. Let us proceed together." He placed his free hand above her own and began to move forward, but his steps were not as wide as he attempted to help the girl beside him keep up.
Ophelia smiled at everyone who passed her as they all took interest of her companion. "I would not think the Prince would be interested in concoctions made by lowly peasants from the East side of town."
Krius knew that normally Lesatan wouldn't be, but there were times that he almost seemed more human than spoiled prince. However, instead of saying such things to her, he simply grunted in response.
"Lenore... I mean Princess Lenore and Prince Lesatan do not have much in common, do they?" Ophelia didn't know why she asked, but figured she was nervous.
He knew they had a great deal in common, but once more he grunted and would continue to do so with every question the girl asked.
In the distance, Remus stood as he watched Ophelia exit through the gate draped over the Mondue Adviser's arm. He cocked his head to the side as he watched and wonder what exactly was occurring. Ophelia had been with him and they were heading home when she spotted the Mondue. She promised she would return to his side, but instead he found himself watching her leave with another. Crossing his arms, he looked around the area unbelieving that this had just happened to him, before he tossed his hands up and turned to return to the dorm.
Lenore had made her way into the East Market and was looking over cloth for new uniforms for her and Ophelia. Santh stood nearby though closer to her than when they were on the school grounds. It seemed this time, he was actually trying to protect her from the commoners that would randomly bump into her.
The Princess took notice of his behavior and would roll her eyes every time he took the physical contact in her stead. She wanted to tell him that she was quite used to the behavior within the market, but another part of her enjoyed the protection a little too much.
"Is that Ophelia?" Santh asked pointing across the center stands in the middle of the market.
The two watched as Ophelia walked passed arm in arm with Krius, but the Souchan and the Mondue took no notice of the other odd couple that was watching them.
"I wonder what business she could possibly have with Krius. He must be in a bad way in order to allow Ophelia to lay a hand on him." Lenore chuckled as she picked up a white roll of cloth from the cart and looked at the merchant. "Do you have something a little softer?"
"No, madam. That is our finest." He informed her.
Lenore nodded, "Very well, I shall take the whole roll."
"As you wish." The old merchant took her coins from her before sitting back down on his stool.
When Lenore placed the roll under her arm, she turned around to find Santh still watching Ophelia. She was showing her companion a sweets stand, but Krius shook his head and they continued on.
"She will be safe with him. Krius is a monster in many ways, but he is almost always a gentleman." She told him, deciding that he was worried about their dorm mate.
Santh noticed that Lenore was walking away after she spoke and he hurried to catch up with her. "What was your relationship to him? You seem as if there is history there when you speak to him."
"Taking an interest in my past, Santh?" She teased.
"I have been told you were once betrothed to him." He continued and ignored her comment completely.
She chuckled as they fought their way through the crowd and Santh was quick to move to block anyone from touching her. It was almost as if he wasn't even thinking about his actions anymore. "I am been betrothed to many people."
"Many people?"
"Well, three. When I was young I was betrothed to a boy, but I heard that he had a tragic ending though my father never explained exactly what happened." She offered the roll of cloth to him as she grew tired of carrying it. "After that, I was betrothed to Krius for a short time, but my feelings for him changed and now I am betrothed to Byron."
"That is a farce."
Lenore chuckled, "Only if we decide later that it is. For now, it is very real. Though, I could end it immediately, if you chose to rise above your station and ask for my hand."
Santh frowned as he adjusted the roll of cloth. "You should take care who you tease in that manner. I know that this is merely playful banter, but another man might take your words to heart. That could end in a dangerous situation for you."
"As long as I have my lovesick puppy at my side, no one would dare." She wrapped her arm around his own.
Normally, he would have pulled away but he allowed her to walk arm in arm with him. Allowing her such an action made him partially worried about who might see them and believe there is more between them, though he recalled that Krius didn't seem to mind the lowly Souchan clinging to him. "Lovesick puppy? Who do I supposedly love?"
Lenore smiled up at him knowingly, but the smile only made him frown.
Anton and Jolon were working on the roof in the market. Remus had offered to pay them both if they could fix a few leaks in some of the buildings. Anton had to show Jolon how to work some of the thatching, but Jolon picked it up rather quickly and they were working by themselves within an hour in hopes to complete the projects with haste.
With the high view of the market, they had witnessed both Lenore and Santh as well as Krius and Ophelia walking around the market together. It had been a strange sight for both men, and though they had briefly tried to get their attention the two couples never heard them or bothered to look up.
Of course, the market place was rather loud with the vendors screaming about their wares and the customers yelling their orders. Even on the roof, Anton and Jolon had to raise their voices to hear each other speak.
"I think we are done." Anton told his partner as he looked over the roofs they had worked on.
"And not a moment too soon. Saena will be here with her cousin, shortly." Jolon checked his clothing and hands to find they were rather dirty.
"Her cousin? Please tell me this isn't another attempt..." Anton stopped speaking when Jolon began to climb down the ladder, leaving him in the middle of the roof alone. He carefully stepped across the roof in order to not damage the gentle material.
When he climbed down, he found Jolon changing his shirt and briefly wiping himself down with a wet rag from the water bucket.
"She tells me that this one will be different." Jolon told him before handing him the cloth so his friend could clean up.
"I am not going."
He frowned, "This will be my last outing with her until she enters the university. All her spare time will be devoted to studying, and her father dislikes when we meet alone."
Anton sighed, "Fine, just this one time."
It was as if Saena was waiting for the deal to be struck before she appeared. Beside her was a slightly overweight woman that looked like she could be Saena's sister instead of a cousin.
"Jolon." She kissed his cheek briefly before looking at Anton and smiling. "Anton, this is my cousin..."
"He is ugly. I am not going." The cousin snapped before spinning around and hurrying off into the distance.
Saena had placed her hand over her heart and watched her cousin disappear. The look upon her face told of her utter horror of the moment, before she slowly turned to Anton. "I do not believe what my eyes just witnessed. I have never seen her... why would she...I am horrified, Anton. Truly, I... I... lack words."
Anton grinned, "You needn't worry, Saena. I was just informed of this outing a few moments ago."
"Jolon." Saena mumbled under her breath as if she were scolding him.
Jolon shrugged his shoulders. He hadn't wanted to hear Anton whine about that evening all day long and chose not to tell him until time was short.
"I need to study. I shall be in the library if you need to find me." He told Jolon before tossing the wet rag that he had yet to use in the bucket. He was still covered in a fine layer of dirt, but didn't seem to mind as he headed back toward the gate.
"We should stay out of sight of anyone that might tell my father that we are alone together then." Saena sighed.
He nodded. "We are to meet Lenore this evening, so we should make the most of the time we have together." He offered out his arm and she took it.
"I am nervous. I have seen the Princess before, but never imagined she would tutor me. She is nice, isn't she?" She asked as they began to walk to the outskirts of town.
"She is... well, she is tolerable."
Ophelia clutched the roll of white cloth under her arms as she walked side by side with Krius. He had purchased the cloth for her when he noticed her looking at it, and told her it was a gift for assisting him that day. However, when he lifted the cloth up, he mentioned how it was not a fine thread and demanded they go to the West side of town to purchase the cloth. It was the first time Ophelia had ever gone, but the journey was short as Krius only had one mission and that was to get the cloth. After they purchased it they hurried back to the university as Krius didn't want the sweet buns to dry out.
When they had entered the gates, she had said her goodbyes but he was insistent that he walk her to the dirt path as a gentleman should.
"Lenore and I both need new undershirts, and this will make lovely ones. Thank you." She knew she had thanked him several times already, but it was the only subject she could think of as they walked through the sea of students together.
Krius grunted in response.
"I have to admit you were right. This does feel a great deal softer than the other roll. I bet Lenore will be pleased to wear something more familiar to her." She informed him as they walked together.
"It might be for the best not to tell Lenore that I purchased the cloth for you." Another long sentence that startled Ophelia briefly.
"Why is that?"
They came to a stop in the flower court. He was dead center but everyone moved around him and Ophelia as if they were statues that the students had long ago gotten used to walking around.
"Lenore and I have a past. She would not appreciate knowing that I purchased something for her use as well as your own." He explained before motioning toward the dirt path.
Ophelia turned her head to see what he was pointing at and realized that she was home. She smiled and turned to look at him, but he had almost vanished into the crowd. Well, vanished wasn't exactly the word, his head could be see above all the other Mondues. With a smile, she hurried down the path to find Remus pacing in the dirt court.
"There you are." He rushed to stand before her. "Where have you been for three hours?"
She smiled, "I was showing Krius which stalls in the East market sell sweet buns, and then to thank me he wanted to buy me cloth but said the stuff on the East side wasn't good enough. So, we went to the West side and he bought me this really soft cloth." She held up the roll for him to see.
Remus frowned at the excitement in her voice. He wanted to tell her how dangerous that man was, but he didn't want to scare her about whom she had spent her day with either.
"Would you like for me to make you a new undershirt for your uniform?" She asked as she continued to hold out the cloth. "Feel it. It's really nice."
The offer made any anger or jealousy he had felt over the last three hours disappear, and he reached out to touch it. "It is very nice."
"I am certain there will be enough for a couple shirts for Lenore and I plus some left over." She giggled with excitement. "I have never worked with such fine cloth. I am giddy with anticipation." Suddenly she frowned. "What if I cut it improperly? This isn't cheap cloth. I will have to be very careful."
"If you make a mistake, I will replace it. You needn't worry." Remus patted her shoulder briefly.
She smiled, "Is Lenore back?"
Remus shook his head, "I am afraid not. She and Santh left together and have yet to return."
"I am going to start preparing to make the shirts then." With all the quickness she had, Ophelia charged around the canopy. "Evening, Routine." She called out as she rushed behind the dorm.
Routine was sitting on his bed, still studying and looked up at she called out to him. He returned to his work and mumbled under his breath. "Byron."
Ophelia clutched the roll of white cloth under her arms as she walked side by side with Krius. He had purchased the cloth for her when he noticed her looking at it, and told her it was a gift for assisting him that day. However, when he lifted the cloth up, he mentioned how it was not a fine thread and demanded they go to the West side of town to purchase the cloth. It was the first time Ophelia had ever gone, but the journey was short as Krius only had one mission and that was to get the cloth. After they purchased it they hurried back to the university as Krius didn't want the sweet buns to dry out.
When they had entered the gates, she had said her goodbyes but he was insistent that he walk her to the dirt path as a gentleman should.
"Lenore and I both need new undershirts, and this will make lovely ones. Thank you." She knew she had thanked him several times already, but it was the only subject she could think of as they walked through the sea of students together.
Krius grunted in response.
"I have to admit you were right. This does feel a great deal softer than the other roll. I bet Lenore will be pleased to wear something more familiar to her." She informed him as they walked together.
"It might be for the best not to tell Lenore that I purchased the cloth for you." Another long sentence that startled Ophelia briefly.
"Why is that?"
They came to a stop in the flower court. He was dead center but everyone moved around him and Ophelia as if they were statues that the students had long ago gotten used to walking around.
"Lenore and I have a past. She would not appreciate knowing that I purchased something for her use as well as your own." He explained before motioning toward the dirt path.
Ophelia turned her head to see what he was pointing at and realized that she was home. She smiled and turned to look at him, but he had almost vanished into the crowd. Well, vanished wasn't exactly the word, his head could be see above all the other Mondues. With a smile, she hurried down the path to find Remus pacing in the dirt court.
"There you are." He rushed to stand before her. "Where have you been for three hours?"
She smiled, "I was showing Krius which stalls in the East market sell sweet buns, and then to thank me he wanted to buy me cloth but said the stuff on the East side wasn't good enough. So, we went to the West side and he bought me this really soft cloth." She held up the roll for him to see.
Remus frowned at the excitement in her voice. He wanted to tell her how dangerous that man was, but he didn't want to scare her about whom she had spent her day with either.
"Would you like for me to make you a new undershirt for your uniform?" She asked as she continued to hold out the cloth. "Feel it. It's really nice."
The offer made any anger or jealousy he had felt over the last three hours disappear, and he reached out to touch it. "It is very nice."
"I am certain there will be enough for a couple shirts for Lenore and I plus some left over." She giggled with excitement. "I have never worked with such fine cloth. I am giddy with anticipation." Suddenly she frowned. "What if I cut it improperly? This isn't cheap cloth. I will have to be very careful."
"If you make a mistake, I will replace it. You needn't worry." Remus patted her shoulder briefly.
She smiled, "Is Lenore back?"
Remus shook his head, "I am afraid not. She and Santh left together and have yet to return."
"I am going to start preparing to make the shirts then." With all the quickness she had, Ophelia charged around the canopy. "Evening, Routine." She called out as she rushed behind the dorm.
Routine was sitting on his bed, still studying and looked up at she called out to him. He returned to his work and mumbled under his breath. "Byron."
Lenore and Santh made their way down the dirt path after a long day of talking to the school council members and shopping in the district. Santh only realized that he was carrying a basket full of items and a couple rolls of cloth once they passed through the gates and the Mondue guards stared at him. He immediately handed her the basket but decided to continue holding the cloth.
Santh had complained several times that they had been out all day and wanted to return to the dorm. Lenore would tell him to return and she would be back later, but the Mondue would just continue to follow her instead of leaving. It was as if he was actually enjoying the time spent with her despite his constant complaints.
As they entered into the dirt court, Remus stood from his bed and walked over to the couple. He took the basket from Lenore and looked at the cloth.
"More cloth? How many uniforms do the two of you plan on making?" Remus asked and then saw the confused look on Lenore's face. "Ophelia brought some home from the West side. Very nice."
"White?"
He nodded. "I suppose you can dye them and make tabards from them."
"The cloth isn't thick enough to be tabards." She sighed before shrugging her shoulders. "I suppose I'll help her make undershirts for everyone."
"Are you sewing now?" Remus smirked at the idea of Lenore stitching together one of his shirts.
"I am learning." She held up a finger that had a bandage on it to prove that she had been stabbing her fingers with a needle.
Santh sighed beside her, annoyed that he had dragged this cloth all over town that day. It had been a waste of time now that Ophelia had something of better quality.
"And how was your romantic outing?" Remus asked knowing that it would bother his large Mondue friend, but amuse Lenore.
"It was wonderful. He is such a gentleman." She squeezed one of Santh's arms before smiling up at him and making loving eyes.
He made eye contact with her when she did so, and offered only a frown in return."It was an outing that was platonic in nature." He grumbled to his friend and gave him a glare that told him he knew what he was doing.
"He's much more flirtatious when drunk." With a yawn, Lenore took notice of Routine studying on his bed. She left the two men she had been talking to and walked over to his bed. He was laying down now with his back against the headboard as he read one of his books. The Princess sat down on the bed before leaning her own body against the headboard and resting her head on his shoulder as she began to read along side him.
There was no conversation between the two as he turned the page as they both knew that Lenore already knew the material and it didn't matter if she was keeping up. After a brief moment, Routine scooted down slightly so she didn't have to strain her neck so much.
Remus and Santh watched before the Merchant looked toward his friend who did not look pleased with the display. He had felt those same emotions early that day and felt a certain kinship with his friend in those moments.
"Ophelia did much the same to me today. Heart wrenching, isn't it?" He spoke under his breath so that the cuddling duo couldn't hear what we being said.
Santh swallowed before he looked toward his friend. "Where is Ophelia?" He asked and then held up the cloth as if to prove why he would need to see her.
"I believe she is behind the dorm, preparing her cloth." Remus watched him walk around the canopy and briefly glare at Routine who took no notice of him at all. When he was out of sight, he shook his head and headed back over to the canopy to once again lay down on his bed.
Krius walked passed the gate guards into the Royal Dorms' court with the basket of sweets in his hands. He wondered if the Prince would be upset that it had taken him so long to retrieve his desire, but then decided that he had probably forgotten that he even sent the Mondue out.
As he made his way toward the double doors, he tossed his head back and forth in order to relieve the tension in his neck. He had found it strange to be out with the traitor's daughter that day, as she held no fear for him and talked non-stop about every little subject that enter her mind. Though, she seemed self aware enough to know that she shouldn't speak of Lenore to him.
"A Souchan girl, Krius?" Enoch's voice echoed throughout the court. "Surely, you know whose daughter that is."
Krius stopped walking and turned to find Enoch and Armand sitting on marble bench near the fountain. The court was empty except for the guards in the distance and the three advisers. "Mind yourself."
Armand stood up and walked over to stand in front of him, which forced Enoch to quickly follow. "I can not imagine you with that girl. This has something to do with Lenore, does it not?" He asked as he folded his arms. "After all, that girl's father is a traitor. It is a failure enough for the Royal Party that Lenore is known to take her into her company."
The large Mondue stared down at his smaller counterparts. "I fail to see how this concerns you, child of Borges."
"Did he just defend the Romanus girl?" Enoch held surprise in his voice. "Armand's father was never deemed a traitor."
"He defaulted from his position and disappeared. Whether the King deems that a traitor or not matters not." Krius growled.
Enoch was offended by that statement but had little in a way of a retort. "The King's decision is final."
"The King can deem the sky is green but that does not change it from blue." Krius looked toward Armand. "I pray you are not your father's son."
Armand chuckled. "Krius, we are not trying to confront you about your choice of company. Which is no doubt the reason why you would defend the girl out of pride for yourself. Granted, I spoke in a rather confrontational way, and I apologize. We were merely curious as to what occurred and warn you..."
"I need not be warned by the likes of you. I understand who the girl is. I also do not need to explain my actions to you either." Krius wanted to cross his arms by he already felt ridiculous carrying the basket and knew it would look more so.
"Chatty today, isn't he?" Enoch sighed and quickly walked passed him to head for the double doors. No doubt he was going to tell the Prince about this argument as he was always the snitch of the group.
"Is this a ploy to get back into Lenore's good graces?" Armand asked when Enoch was out of ear shot.
He cocked his head to the side, "Lenore has made it clear that there will be no good graces in my future."
"Then you have given up?"
"I have not." He snapped.
Shaking his head, Armand walked passed him as well. "Sometimes, I just do not understand you, my friend."
Krius took a couple deep breaths as he waited for enough space to be between him and the other advisers. He didn't know what the two of them were up to, but he didn't trust them in the least. They kept watch on him far too often. He knew there was some sort of plot afoot, though he never could understand why Armand could stand Enoch. He spent more time with the idiot than anyone, and he was certain that eventually he would choke the small man to death.
Lesatan had their meal prepared on the bare skin rug that was pulled closer to the fireplace that evening. Krius eventually arrived with the sweet buns which if the Prince hadn't been in such a hurry he might have yelled at him, but he merely snatched the basket away and demanded he leave immediately.
When Piera arrived for their meal, she was surprised by the lengths that he had gone to. "Are we celebrating something?" She asked after they finished their main course and were now eating their sweet buns.
He shook his head as they sat in front of the raging fire. His fingers were becoming sticky from the sweets, but he would wash his hands after he finished them.
"May I ask you a question, milord?" Piera was sitting on the rug with her feet under her, while the Prince was laying on one hip with his elbow propping him up.
Lesatan grunted a response.
"Actually, it's a couple questions. In private, may I call you by first name only?" Her heart raced at the question as she was still afraid of upsetting him.
"And the other question?" He asked as he swallowed down his dessert.
She tried her best not to pout out her bottom lip because he did not answer her. "I was wondering..." She cleared her throat. "For my own piece of mind, will this be a political marriage entirely?"
The Prince raised his eyebrow and sat up completely to look at her. "Are you asking if there will ever be feelings between us?"
"Of the romantic sort." She added.
He sat stoically for a couple moments as he thought over her questions. "My sister calls me by my first name in private. I do not see why the same familiarity shouldn't be extended to you." He tore another piece of his bun and began to chew on it.
"Thank you." She spoke with disappointment in her voice that she hoped had gone unnoticed by the man in front of her.
Standing up from the rug when he finished his sweet, he walked over to the window where a water basin sat. Dipping his hands in, he used a soap bar to help clean his hands, before drying them on a nearby towel.
"As our relationship stands now, it is political in nature." He finally began to speak once he turned around and waved for her to wash her own hands.
Piera stood up and began to wash them. "I understand that I have to live one way or the other, but I would like it not to be a complete surprise." She told him as she washed her hands and dried them. "Which is why I ask if there can ever be more than purely business."
He nodded in understanding, "My mother and father are married for political reasons, and though they do not get along in private matters when it comes to ruling the country they are compatible. Perhaps that is all one needs."
"I see." She understood. He was telling her that he could never see himself falling in love with her. "Your father takes in lovers then? Does your mother?"
Lesatan snorted, "My parents are loyal to each other in that manner. I believe they are both walking a fine line. My father because he doesn't want the Queen to act against Lenore, and my mother because she is a Vinson and does not wish to remind people of her heritage."
"They never loved each other?" Piera asked with some desperation in her voice.
"In their own way I suppose, but you have to remember their marriage was completely last minute when the first choice refused when she heard the King was to have a bastard child. My mother stepped in to be the bride and was the only one willing to accept Lenore." He looked out the window as he spoke. "No doubt, it was a ploy by her mother who was far worse than the Queen herself."
She licked her lips briefly, "I see. I shall retire to my room. Good night." She began to walk to the door.
"Goodnight." He told her as he continued to look out the window but then turned around. "Piera?"
She turned to face him, "Yes, milord."
"We should be able to better define our marriage with time, perhaps we shouldn't worry about it's classification just yet." He turned back to the window letting her know he was uninterested in what ever response she had.
Jolon walked beside Saena as they made their way down the dirt path, and when they arrived all of the dorm mates were in the court. Ophelia was holding an unfinished shirt that she had made for Lenore. While Lenore was trying her best not to be forced to try it on in those moments, Remus and Santh chuckled together standing under the canopy.
Routine and Anton were both studying on their beds, but Anton would look up from time to time and grinned at the two girls and their antics. Authin was amused as well, but he tried to act as if he wasn't involved as to not draw the ire of the large Mondue.
"It's so beautiful, Lenore! I just need to make sure it fits before I finish it." Ophelia told her as she was holding it up.
Lenore jumped from side to side whenever the girl tried to hand it to her. "I shall do it another day. I do not feel like playing your pin cushion tonight."
"You are such a brat!" Ophelia finally stopped and smacked the Princess' arm. "I poked you twice. You've done far worse to yourself!"
Jolon was smiling at them and then looked over at Saena who looked shocked at the liberties the Souchan girl was taking with the Princess.
"Everyone, this is Saena Ailca." Jolon announced as they made their way toward everyone.
As Lenore approached, Saena bowed. "Milady, it is truly an honor. Jolon has told me what you have done and I am humbled by your generosity."
Lenore placed her hand on the girl's shoulder, "Please do not bow or call me milady. At this dorm, we are always among friends."
Saena looked unsure by the offer, but stood up. "You are Remus Grey, and you Authin Nele." She picked both men out from the group that had come to greet her. "Thank you for giving me this chance. I could never have afford this on my own."
"My pleasure." Authin offered out his hands and she placed both of hers in his own, but their was uncertainty in her action. "Jolon forgot to mention how truly lovely you are." He kissed her knuckles.
With a quick jerking motion, Jolon dislodged Saena's hands from the Royal's. "We should see what she already knows, so we know where to begin." He spoke to Lenore.
"Byron created a quiz for her." Lenore told him and then motioned toward the canopy, "Saena, if you will."
It took the girl an hour to finish their scrolls, and then Routine and Lenore looked them over to grade them. Santh and Remus had gone to get fitted for a new undershirt behind the dorms with Ophelia, while Anton and Authin continued to study. After they finished checking her work, Routine went back to his studies and Lenore stood up with a smile. "You listen to lectures while you work, don't you?"
Saena looked startled as she sat on the bed next to Jolon. "I suppose I hear bits and pieces."
"Getting her into the university might not be as difficult as I initially thought." She smiled. "She got half of the questions right, and what she didn't get right were often more basic questions not taught at this school."
Saena's eyes widened, "Is that true?"
"Indeed." Routine chimed in. "Even I am impressed."
Saena turned her attention to the man sitting next to her, "I never realized that I was retaining so much when I was cleaning near the classrooms."
"Good thing too." Lenore winked. "No doubt you heard many lessons several times over due to the amount of times you have worked here and how often they are given. We just need to fill in the basics and help you with comprehension of what you already know."
As she did so, she found that Santh walked directly behind her. He did not speak to anyone but stood stoically nearby as if to scare off anyone who might speak harshly to Lenore, as she knew no one would dare touch her.
Of course, Lenore had smiled at first when she found Santh ready to leave with her at first, but as time went on, it seemed that people were distracted by his appearance and not hearing anything she had to say.
"Is there a reason you are following me around like a lost puppy?" Lenore asked as she pinned another notice to the notice board in front of the library. "No one will dare to harm me. Shouldn't you be spending your day drinking as per usual?"
"Judgment of my drinking coming from the most prolific lush I know." Santh snorted at the thought before continuing to speak. "I am not here to protect you, but to ensure that you keep some standards to prevent harm from coming to the women that follow you. Ophelia is just the beginning of the punishment that will befall these women."
"So you do not care for my physical well being?" Lenore spoke in a faux pained voice as she walked next to her Mondue guard through the crowd of students. They all stepped aside to let her pass which was rather normal, though Santh seemed to believe it was his influence.
"Not in the least." He held his arms behind his back and walked straight as he scanned the area around them.
Lenore chuckled and touched his arm just beneath his elbow, which caused him to look toward her. "We both know that is simply false. I..." Her voice lowered when she noticed Krius' head towering above the other students and as the sea of students parted, Lesatan came into sight as well.
He headed toward the duo with his eyes deadlocked on his sister's. This caused both Lenore and Santh to stop and wait for him to approach. When he did he looked Santh over briefly, and then toward his own Mondue companion and grinned. "I see you have taken to Mondue escorts as I have." His grin told that he was trying to be friendly, but his voice sounded sharp. "It appears I have beaten you once again, however. My Mondue is larger than your own."
Lenore pressed her lips together unamused by his attempt at a joke, as was Santh but he said nothing and stood in silence. He knew that only the Princess could handle this situation at the moment.
"Is there something you wished to discuss with me?" She asked as she tried to ignore the Mondue at her brother's side that seemed incapable of looking away from her.
Santh noticed this as well and frowned.
"Indeed. I am curious to know why you plan to go through this. I thought I made myself clear in my letter that this needs to come to an end, and Krius tells me that your little friend was harmed due to your antics." Lesatan cleared his throat as he put his arms behind his back in the same way that both Mondues were doing.
"Did you plan her attack?" Lenore asked accusingly.
With a snort, Lesatan waved her words away. "Sending bullies to shove around a meaningless girl. Surely, you believe me to have higher standards than that."
Lenore did believe her brother, but it wasn't because she thought he could not send someone harm Ophelia, but because she believed he honestly wouldn't give her friend a second thought. He never could see the big picture, especially when it came to people of lower status than himself. "I see."
"How long will this continue?" He asked as waves of students passed him.
Both Santh and Krius noticed that Lenore didn't offer her brother any formal speech in this very public conversation.
Lenore crossed her arms. "It will continue until I am victorious, of course."
The Prince grinned and decided that was the end of their conversation. He simply brushed passed her as he walked in the opposite direction. Krius followed him, but was stopped when Lenore put her hand to his arm much in the same way she had just recently done to Santh.
"I appreciate what you did for Ophelia, Krius. You didn't have to involve yourself, so I thank you for doing so."
Krius said nothing but did give Santh a brief glare before hurrying to catch up with his Prince. Lenore watched him for a few moments, before returning to her task at hand. An action that boiled feelings up in the Mondue beside her.
---***---
"Is this truly what your life has come to?" Piera asked her brother as she approached his bed under the wooden canopy. She knew that everyone would be out enjoying their rest day except her brother who would be studying in his room, or his bed as the case may be.
Routine was sitting crossed legged on his bed with several scrolls and books laying around him as he worked on a scroll of his own on the desk. His eyes raised from his work to his sister. "The living arrangements are still preferable to the Souchan dorm."
"Yes, it must have been horrible being treated like the prince you are." She shook her head as she sat down on the end of his bed and rested her hand on the foot board. "Just think in a matter of years, I'll be Queen and you'll have to bow to me."
"I will attempt to keep our meetings few and far between to avoid such a disgrace." He partly teased and returned his attentions to his studies.
Piera watched him for a couple moments, as she tried to decide what she would say to her brother or rather how she would say it. "You do not seem to care that I am engaged to the Prince. Your own bride's brother will be my husband, doesn't that cause you alarm?"
"It is none of my affair. I am afraid that unlike you, I attempt to keep clear of my sibling's personal matters." He began to write on the scroll before him before putting the pen down and grabbing a nearby book to look through.
Leaning forward, Piera removed the spectacles from his face and Routine allowed it as she blew on them then used her shirt to wipe the smudges away. When she was finished, she placed them on her own face and smiled. "What should I do to end this?"
"End what?"
"My engagement, of course." She scooted closer and put her elbows on the desk that laid across her brother's lap.
Routine took the glasses from her and placed them back over his own eyes. "I suspect that if you truly wanted this engagement to come to an abrupt end then it would be done by now."
Piera felt her heart begin to race in annoyance. "How exactly am I to interpret that statement? Are you suggesting that I am acting one way and speaking another?"
Her elder brother looked into her eyes as he leaned forward so they were face to face. "I believe you are enjoying the duration of your stay at the Royal Dorm, and perhaps even with the Prince, himself. After all, if you were unsatisfied, I am certain we would be seeing more of you."
Pressing her lips together, Piera frowned deeply before she stood from the bed. "You are attempting to provoke me on purpose, Byron!"
"Am I?" Routine crossed his arms. "You approach me upon my study day. Harass me about your affairs, and I am in the wrong for offering you the advice you asked for."
"You did not offer advice, you told me... lies!"
A rare smirk crawled across his lips, "Lies? I think not. Truths. Ones that perhaps you were not ready to hear, but truths none the less."
Piera stomped her foot once before turning around and heading toward the dirt path, when she arrived at the mouth, she turned to look over her shoulder. Routine had returned to his studies and didn't seem to mind in the least that she had stormed off. This wasn't unusual for her brother as he never seemed to care when people were upset with him.
Of course, she knew that her brother was not a liar and that what he had said to her had only been the way he interpreted the situation, but she wondered if it was true. Was she beginning to enjoy her time with Lesatan? If that was the truth, then was she betraying the Princess? She didn't know what Lenore had planned, and what if it was to take over her brother's throne? If she was his wife at the time then what would become of her?
---***---
Lesatan came to a stop in front of the Royal Dorms and looked at the Mondue beside him. They had walked in silence since they last met Lenore as both men had their own reasons for thinking about her.
"She will continue with these antics until she achieves her goals." Lesatan mumbled under his breath.
Krius nodded in agreement though he didn't know if the Prince wanted him to respond or not.
Placing his hand on his stomach, Lesatan pressed his lips together. "Krius, go to the market and bring those sweet buns that Authin used to purchase us."
"May I send a servant in my stead, milord?" Krius put his arms behind his back.
He shook his head, "No. You know I do not trust strangers with my food."
Krius bowed his head before turning around and heading toward the gate. He knew that Authin purchased the sweets in the poor portion of town, and most of the Royal Party feared to linger there long. He, however, didn't fear much. His size alone caused others to choose another target.
As he walked through the school grounds, the students were quick to move out of his path. His mind focused only on acquiring those sweet buns for his prince so he could quickly return home. However, a small being stepped into his path and smiled up at him.
"Lord Krius La Croix." Ophelia curtsied.
Krius took notice of her leg. It was covered with her uniform pants, but from the bulge it was obvious there was a bandage underneath. He decided to be cordial and briefly bowed his head.
"I never got the chance to properly thank you. Are you heading into town? Through the East Gate?" She looked at the large gate behind her.
He was about to excuse himself when he realized that he had no idea what vendor sold the buns that he was looking for. "My Prince desires certain sweet buns that Lord Authin used to bring to him. May I assume you know where he purchased them?"
Ophelia was shocked at the long sentence that he just offered her, but she quickly recovered. "I know of a few places that sell them. Would you recognize them if you saw them?"
He gave a harsh nod.
Hopping over to his side, Ophelia laced her arm through his own. "Then I shall show you where they are to return the favor owed. Yes?"
Krius looked down at where the traitor's daughter was touching him. He wanted to shake her off him, but he also wanted to return home with haste. If he offended her then he would spend his time in the hamlet and not taking care of his studies.
"Very well. Let us proceed together." He placed his free hand above her own and began to move forward, but his steps were not as wide as he attempted to help the girl beside him keep up.
Ophelia smiled at everyone who passed her as they all took interest of her companion. "I would not think the Prince would be interested in concoctions made by lowly peasants from the East side of town."
Krius knew that normally Lesatan wouldn't be, but there were times that he almost seemed more human than spoiled prince. However, instead of saying such things to her, he simply grunted in response.
"Lenore... I mean Princess Lenore and Prince Lesatan do not have much in common, do they?" Ophelia didn't know why she asked, but figured she was nervous.
He knew they had a great deal in common, but once more he grunted and would continue to do so with every question the girl asked.
In the distance, Remus stood as he watched Ophelia exit through the gate draped over the Mondue Adviser's arm. He cocked his head to the side as he watched and wonder what exactly was occurring. Ophelia had been with him and they were heading home when she spotted the Mondue. She promised she would return to his side, but instead he found himself watching her leave with another. Crossing his arms, he looked around the area unbelieving that this had just happened to him, before he tossed his hands up and turned to return to the dorm.
---***---
Lenore had made her way into the East Market and was looking over cloth for new uniforms for her and Ophelia. Santh stood nearby though closer to her than when they were on the school grounds. It seemed this time, he was actually trying to protect her from the commoners that would randomly bump into her.
The Princess took notice of his behavior and would roll her eyes every time he took the physical contact in her stead. She wanted to tell him that she was quite used to the behavior within the market, but another part of her enjoyed the protection a little too much.
"Is that Ophelia?" Santh asked pointing across the center stands in the middle of the market.
The two watched as Ophelia walked passed arm in arm with Krius, but the Souchan and the Mondue took no notice of the other odd couple that was watching them.
"I wonder what business she could possibly have with Krius. He must be in a bad way in order to allow Ophelia to lay a hand on him." Lenore chuckled as she picked up a white roll of cloth from the cart and looked at the merchant. "Do you have something a little softer?"
"No, madam. That is our finest." He informed her.
Lenore nodded, "Very well, I shall take the whole roll."
"As you wish." The old merchant took her coins from her before sitting back down on his stool.
When Lenore placed the roll under her arm, she turned around to find Santh still watching Ophelia. She was showing her companion a sweets stand, but Krius shook his head and they continued on.
"She will be safe with him. Krius is a monster in many ways, but he is almost always a gentleman." She told him, deciding that he was worried about their dorm mate.
Santh noticed that Lenore was walking away after she spoke and he hurried to catch up with her. "What was your relationship to him? You seem as if there is history there when you speak to him."
"Taking an interest in my past, Santh?" She teased.
"I have been told you were once betrothed to him." He continued and ignored her comment completely.
She chuckled as they fought their way through the crowd and Santh was quick to move to block anyone from touching her. It was almost as if he wasn't even thinking about his actions anymore. "I am been betrothed to many people."
"Many people?"
"Well, three. When I was young I was betrothed to a boy, but I heard that he had a tragic ending though my father never explained exactly what happened." She offered the roll of cloth to him as she grew tired of carrying it. "After that, I was betrothed to Krius for a short time, but my feelings for him changed and now I am betrothed to Byron."
"That is a farce."
Lenore chuckled, "Only if we decide later that it is. For now, it is very real. Though, I could end it immediately, if you chose to rise above your station and ask for my hand."
Santh frowned as he adjusted the roll of cloth. "You should take care who you tease in that manner. I know that this is merely playful banter, but another man might take your words to heart. That could end in a dangerous situation for you."
"As long as I have my lovesick puppy at my side, no one would dare." She wrapped her arm around his own.
Normally, he would have pulled away but he allowed her to walk arm in arm with him. Allowing her such an action made him partially worried about who might see them and believe there is more between them, though he recalled that Krius didn't seem to mind the lowly Souchan clinging to him. "Lovesick puppy? Who do I supposedly love?"
Lenore smiled up at him knowingly, but the smile only made him frown.
---***---
Anton and Jolon were working on the roof in the market. Remus had offered to pay them both if they could fix a few leaks in some of the buildings. Anton had to show Jolon how to work some of the thatching, but Jolon picked it up rather quickly and they were working by themselves within an hour in hopes to complete the projects with haste.
With the high view of the market, they had witnessed both Lenore and Santh as well as Krius and Ophelia walking around the market together. It had been a strange sight for both men, and though they had briefly tried to get their attention the two couples never heard them or bothered to look up.
Of course, the market place was rather loud with the vendors screaming about their wares and the customers yelling their orders. Even on the roof, Anton and Jolon had to raise their voices to hear each other speak.
"I think we are done." Anton told his partner as he looked over the roofs they had worked on.
"And not a moment too soon. Saena will be here with her cousin, shortly." Jolon checked his clothing and hands to find they were rather dirty.
"Her cousin? Please tell me this isn't another attempt..." Anton stopped speaking when Jolon began to climb down the ladder, leaving him in the middle of the roof alone. He carefully stepped across the roof in order to not damage the gentle material.
When he climbed down, he found Jolon changing his shirt and briefly wiping himself down with a wet rag from the water bucket.
"She tells me that this one will be different." Jolon told him before handing him the cloth so his friend could clean up.
"I am not going."
He frowned, "This will be my last outing with her until she enters the university. All her spare time will be devoted to studying, and her father dislikes when we meet alone."
Anton sighed, "Fine, just this one time."
It was as if Saena was waiting for the deal to be struck before she appeared. Beside her was a slightly overweight woman that looked like she could be Saena's sister instead of a cousin.
"Jolon." She kissed his cheek briefly before looking at Anton and smiling. "Anton, this is my cousin..."
"He is ugly. I am not going." The cousin snapped before spinning around and hurrying off into the distance.
Saena had placed her hand over her heart and watched her cousin disappear. The look upon her face told of her utter horror of the moment, before she slowly turned to Anton. "I do not believe what my eyes just witnessed. I have never seen her... why would she...I am horrified, Anton. Truly, I... I... lack words."
Anton grinned, "You needn't worry, Saena. I was just informed of this outing a few moments ago."
"Jolon." Saena mumbled under her breath as if she were scolding him.
Jolon shrugged his shoulders. He hadn't wanted to hear Anton whine about that evening all day long and chose not to tell him until time was short.
"I need to study. I shall be in the library if you need to find me." He told Jolon before tossing the wet rag that he had yet to use in the bucket. He was still covered in a fine layer of dirt, but didn't seem to mind as he headed back toward the gate.
"We should stay out of sight of anyone that might tell my father that we are alone together then." Saena sighed.
He nodded. "We are to meet Lenore this evening, so we should make the most of the time we have together." He offered out his arm and she took it.
"I am nervous. I have seen the Princess before, but never imagined she would tutor me. She is nice, isn't she?" She asked as they began to walk to the outskirts of town.
"She is... well, she is tolerable."
---***---
Ophelia clutched the roll of white cloth under her arms as she walked side by side with Krius. He had purchased the cloth for her when he noticed her looking at it, and told her it was a gift for assisting him that day. However, when he lifted the cloth up, he mentioned how it was not a fine thread and demanded they go to the West side of town to purchase the cloth. It was the first time Ophelia had ever gone, but the journey was short as Krius only had one mission and that was to get the cloth. After they purchased it they hurried back to the university as Krius didn't want the sweet buns to dry out.
When they had entered the gates, she had said her goodbyes but he was insistent that he walk her to the dirt path as a gentleman should.
"Lenore and I both need new undershirts, and this will make lovely ones. Thank you." She knew she had thanked him several times already, but it was the only subject she could think of as they walked through the sea of students together.
Krius grunted in response.
"I have to admit you were right. This does feel a great deal softer than the other roll. I bet Lenore will be pleased to wear something more familiar to her." She informed him as they walked together.
"It might be for the best not to tell Lenore that I purchased the cloth for you." Another long sentence that startled Ophelia briefly.
"Why is that?"
They came to a stop in the flower court. He was dead center but everyone moved around him and Ophelia as if they were statues that the students had long ago gotten used to walking around.
"Lenore and I have a past. She would not appreciate knowing that I purchased something for her use as well as your own." He explained before motioning toward the dirt path.
Ophelia turned her head to see what he was pointing at and realized that she was home. She smiled and turned to look at him, but he had almost vanished into the crowd. Well, vanished wasn't exactly the word, his head could be see above all the other Mondues. With a smile, she hurried down the path to find Remus pacing in the dirt court.
"There you are." He rushed to stand before her. "Where have you been for three hours?"
She smiled, "I was showing Krius which stalls in the East market sell sweet buns, and then to thank me he wanted to buy me cloth but said the stuff on the East side wasn't good enough. So, we went to the West side and he bought me this really soft cloth." She held up the roll for him to see.
Remus frowned at the excitement in her voice. He wanted to tell her how dangerous that man was, but he didn't want to scare her about whom she had spent her day with either.
"Would you like for me to make you a new undershirt for your uniform?" She asked as she continued to hold out the cloth. "Feel it. It's really nice."
The offer made any anger or jealousy he had felt over the last three hours disappear, and he reached out to touch it. "It is very nice."
"I am certain there will be enough for a couple shirts for Lenore and I plus some left over." She giggled with excitement. "I have never worked with such fine cloth. I am giddy with anticipation." Suddenly she frowned. "What if I cut it improperly? This isn't cheap cloth. I will have to be very careful."
"If you make a mistake, I will replace it. You needn't worry." Remus patted her shoulder briefly.
She smiled, "Is Lenore back?"
Remus shook his head, "I am afraid not. She and Santh left together and have yet to return."
"I am going to start preparing to make the shirts then." With all the quickness she had, Ophelia charged around the canopy. "Evening, Routine." She called out as she rushed behind the dorm.
Routine was sitting on his bed, still studying and looked up at she called out to him. He returned to his work and mumbled under his breath. "Byron."
---***---
Ophelia clutched the roll of white cloth under her arms as she walked side by side with Krius. He had purchased the cloth for her when he noticed her looking at it, and told her it was a gift for assisting him that day. However, when he lifted the cloth up, he mentioned how it was not a fine thread and demanded they go to the West side of town to purchase the cloth. It was the first time Ophelia had ever gone, but the journey was short as Krius only had one mission and that was to get the cloth. After they purchased it they hurried back to the university as Krius didn't want the sweet buns to dry out.
When they had entered the gates, she had said her goodbyes but he was insistent that he walk her to the dirt path as a gentleman should.
"Lenore and I both need new undershirts, and this will make lovely ones. Thank you." She knew she had thanked him several times already, but it was the only subject she could think of as they walked through the sea of students together.
Krius grunted in response.
"I have to admit you were right. This does feel a great deal softer than the other roll. I bet Lenore will be pleased to wear something more familiar to her." She informed him as they walked together.
"It might be for the best not to tell Lenore that I purchased the cloth for you." Another long sentence that startled Ophelia briefly.
"Why is that?"
They came to a stop in the flower court. He was dead center but everyone moved around him and Ophelia as if they were statues that the students had long ago gotten used to walking around.
"Lenore and I have a past. She would not appreciate knowing that I purchased something for her use as well as your own." He explained before motioning toward the dirt path.
Ophelia turned her head to see what he was pointing at and realized that she was home. She smiled and turned to look at him, but he had almost vanished into the crowd. Well, vanished wasn't exactly the word, his head could be see above all the other Mondues. With a smile, she hurried down the path to find Remus pacing in the dirt court.
"There you are." He rushed to stand before her. "Where have you been for three hours?"
She smiled, "I was showing Krius which stalls in the East market sell sweet buns, and then to thank me he wanted to buy me cloth but said the stuff on the East side wasn't good enough. So, we went to the West side and he bought me this really soft cloth." She held up the roll for him to see.
Remus frowned at the excitement in her voice. He wanted to tell her how dangerous that man was, but he didn't want to scare her about whom she had spent her day with either.
"Would you like for me to make you a new undershirt for your uniform?" She asked as she continued to hold out the cloth. "Feel it. It's really nice."
The offer made any anger or jealousy he had felt over the last three hours disappear, and he reached out to touch it. "It is very nice."
"I am certain there will be enough for a couple shirts for Lenore and I plus some left over." She giggled with excitement. "I have never worked with such fine cloth. I am giddy with anticipation." Suddenly she frowned. "What if I cut it improperly? This isn't cheap cloth. I will have to be very careful."
"If you make a mistake, I will replace it. You needn't worry." Remus patted her shoulder briefly.
She smiled, "Is Lenore back?"
Remus shook his head, "I am afraid not. She and Santh left together and have yet to return."
"I am going to start preparing to make the shirts then." With all the quickness she had, Ophelia charged around the canopy. "Evening, Routine." She called out as she rushed behind the dorm.
Routine was sitting on his bed, still studying and looked up at she called out to him. He returned to his work and mumbled under his breath. "Byron."
---***---
Lenore and Santh made their way down the dirt path after a long day of talking to the school council members and shopping in the district. Santh only realized that he was carrying a basket full of items and a couple rolls of cloth once they passed through the gates and the Mondue guards stared at him. He immediately handed her the basket but decided to continue holding the cloth.
Santh had complained several times that they had been out all day and wanted to return to the dorm. Lenore would tell him to return and she would be back later, but the Mondue would just continue to follow her instead of leaving. It was as if he was actually enjoying the time spent with her despite his constant complaints.
As they entered into the dirt court, Remus stood from his bed and walked over to the couple. He took the basket from Lenore and looked at the cloth.
"More cloth? How many uniforms do the two of you plan on making?" Remus asked and then saw the confused look on Lenore's face. "Ophelia brought some home from the West side. Very nice."
"White?"
He nodded. "I suppose you can dye them and make tabards from them."
"The cloth isn't thick enough to be tabards." She sighed before shrugging her shoulders. "I suppose I'll help her make undershirts for everyone."
"Are you sewing now?" Remus smirked at the idea of Lenore stitching together one of his shirts.
"I am learning." She held up a finger that had a bandage on it to prove that she had been stabbing her fingers with a needle.
Santh sighed beside her, annoyed that he had dragged this cloth all over town that day. It had been a waste of time now that Ophelia had something of better quality.
"And how was your romantic outing?" Remus asked knowing that it would bother his large Mondue friend, but amuse Lenore.
"It was wonderful. He is such a gentleman." She squeezed one of Santh's arms before smiling up at him and making loving eyes.
He made eye contact with her when she did so, and offered only a frown in return."It was an outing that was platonic in nature." He grumbled to his friend and gave him a glare that told him he knew what he was doing.
"He's much more flirtatious when drunk." With a yawn, Lenore took notice of Routine studying on his bed. She left the two men she had been talking to and walked over to his bed. He was laying down now with his back against the headboard as he read one of his books. The Princess sat down on the bed before leaning her own body against the headboard and resting her head on his shoulder as she began to read along side him.
There was no conversation between the two as he turned the page as they both knew that Lenore already knew the material and it didn't matter if she was keeping up. After a brief moment, Routine scooted down slightly so she didn't have to strain her neck so much.
Remus and Santh watched before the Merchant looked toward his friend who did not look pleased with the display. He had felt those same emotions early that day and felt a certain kinship with his friend in those moments.
"Ophelia did much the same to me today. Heart wrenching, isn't it?" He spoke under his breath so that the cuddling duo couldn't hear what we being said.
Santh swallowed before he looked toward his friend. "Where is Ophelia?" He asked and then held up the cloth as if to prove why he would need to see her.
"I believe she is behind the dorm, preparing her cloth." Remus watched him walk around the canopy and briefly glare at Routine who took no notice of him at all. When he was out of sight, he shook his head and headed back over to the canopy to once again lay down on his bed.
---***---
Krius walked passed the gate guards into the Royal Dorms' court with the basket of sweets in his hands. He wondered if the Prince would be upset that it had taken him so long to retrieve his desire, but then decided that he had probably forgotten that he even sent the Mondue out.
As he made his way toward the double doors, he tossed his head back and forth in order to relieve the tension in his neck. He had found it strange to be out with the traitor's daughter that day, as she held no fear for him and talked non-stop about every little subject that enter her mind. Though, she seemed self aware enough to know that she shouldn't speak of Lenore to him.
"A Souchan girl, Krius?" Enoch's voice echoed throughout the court. "Surely, you know whose daughter that is."
Krius stopped walking and turned to find Enoch and Armand sitting on marble bench near the fountain. The court was empty except for the guards in the distance and the three advisers. "Mind yourself."
Armand stood up and walked over to stand in front of him, which forced Enoch to quickly follow. "I can not imagine you with that girl. This has something to do with Lenore, does it not?" He asked as he folded his arms. "After all, that girl's father is a traitor. It is a failure enough for the Royal Party that Lenore is known to take her into her company."
The large Mondue stared down at his smaller counterparts. "I fail to see how this concerns you, child of Borges."
"Did he just defend the Romanus girl?" Enoch held surprise in his voice. "Armand's father was never deemed a traitor."
"He defaulted from his position and disappeared. Whether the King deems that a traitor or not matters not." Krius growled.
Enoch was offended by that statement but had little in a way of a retort. "The King's decision is final."
"The King can deem the sky is green but that does not change it from blue." Krius looked toward Armand. "I pray you are not your father's son."
Armand chuckled. "Krius, we are not trying to confront you about your choice of company. Which is no doubt the reason why you would defend the girl out of pride for yourself. Granted, I spoke in a rather confrontational way, and I apologize. We were merely curious as to what occurred and warn you..."
"I need not be warned by the likes of you. I understand who the girl is. I also do not need to explain my actions to you either." Krius wanted to cross his arms by he already felt ridiculous carrying the basket and knew it would look more so.
"Chatty today, isn't he?" Enoch sighed and quickly walked passed him to head for the double doors. No doubt he was going to tell the Prince about this argument as he was always the snitch of the group.
"Is this a ploy to get back into Lenore's good graces?" Armand asked when Enoch was out of ear shot.
He cocked his head to the side, "Lenore has made it clear that there will be no good graces in my future."
"Then you have given up?"
"I have not." He snapped.
Shaking his head, Armand walked passed him as well. "Sometimes, I just do not understand you, my friend."
Krius took a couple deep breaths as he waited for enough space to be between him and the other advisers. He didn't know what the two of them were up to, but he didn't trust them in the least. They kept watch on him far too often. He knew there was some sort of plot afoot, though he never could understand why Armand could stand Enoch. He spent more time with the idiot than anyone, and he was certain that eventually he would choke the small man to death.
---***---
Lesatan had their meal prepared on the bare skin rug that was pulled closer to the fireplace that evening. Krius eventually arrived with the sweet buns which if the Prince hadn't been in such a hurry he might have yelled at him, but he merely snatched the basket away and demanded he leave immediately.
When Piera arrived for their meal, she was surprised by the lengths that he had gone to. "Are we celebrating something?" She asked after they finished their main course and were now eating their sweet buns.
He shook his head as they sat in front of the raging fire. His fingers were becoming sticky from the sweets, but he would wash his hands after he finished them.
"May I ask you a question, milord?" Piera was sitting on the rug with her feet under her, while the Prince was laying on one hip with his elbow propping him up.
Lesatan grunted a response.
"Actually, it's a couple questions. In private, may I call you by first name only?" Her heart raced at the question as she was still afraid of upsetting him.
"And the other question?" He asked as he swallowed down his dessert.
She tried her best not to pout out her bottom lip because he did not answer her. "I was wondering..." She cleared her throat. "For my own piece of mind, will this be a political marriage entirely?"
The Prince raised his eyebrow and sat up completely to look at her. "Are you asking if there will ever be feelings between us?"
"Of the romantic sort." She added.
He sat stoically for a couple moments as he thought over her questions. "My sister calls me by my first name in private. I do not see why the same familiarity shouldn't be extended to you." He tore another piece of his bun and began to chew on it.
"Thank you." She spoke with disappointment in her voice that she hoped had gone unnoticed by the man in front of her.
Standing up from the rug when he finished his sweet, he walked over to the window where a water basin sat. Dipping his hands in, he used a soap bar to help clean his hands, before drying them on a nearby towel.
"As our relationship stands now, it is political in nature." He finally began to speak once he turned around and waved for her to wash her own hands.
Piera stood up and began to wash them. "I understand that I have to live one way or the other, but I would like it not to be a complete surprise." She told him as she washed her hands and dried them. "Which is why I ask if there can ever be more than purely business."
He nodded in understanding, "My mother and father are married for political reasons, and though they do not get along in private matters when it comes to ruling the country they are compatible. Perhaps that is all one needs."
"I see." She understood. He was telling her that he could never see himself falling in love with her. "Your father takes in lovers then? Does your mother?"
Lesatan snorted, "My parents are loyal to each other in that manner. I believe they are both walking a fine line. My father because he doesn't want the Queen to act against Lenore, and my mother because she is a Vinson and does not wish to remind people of her heritage."
"They never loved each other?" Piera asked with some desperation in her voice.
"In their own way I suppose, but you have to remember their marriage was completely last minute when the first choice refused when she heard the King was to have a bastard child. My mother stepped in to be the bride and was the only one willing to accept Lenore." He looked out the window as he spoke. "No doubt, it was a ploy by her mother who was far worse than the Queen herself."
She licked her lips briefly, "I see. I shall retire to my room. Good night." She began to walk to the door.
"Goodnight." He told her as he continued to look out the window but then turned around. "Piera?"
She turned to face him, "Yes, milord."
"We should be able to better define our marriage with time, perhaps we shouldn't worry about it's classification just yet." He turned back to the window letting her know he was uninterested in what ever response she had.
---***---
Jolon walked beside Saena as they made their way down the dirt path, and when they arrived all of the dorm mates were in the court. Ophelia was holding an unfinished shirt that she had made for Lenore. While Lenore was trying her best not to be forced to try it on in those moments, Remus and Santh chuckled together standing under the canopy.
Routine and Anton were both studying on their beds, but Anton would look up from time to time and grinned at the two girls and their antics. Authin was amused as well, but he tried to act as if he wasn't involved as to not draw the ire of the large Mondue.
"It's so beautiful, Lenore! I just need to make sure it fits before I finish it." Ophelia told her as she was holding it up.
Lenore jumped from side to side whenever the girl tried to hand it to her. "I shall do it another day. I do not feel like playing your pin cushion tonight."
"You are such a brat!" Ophelia finally stopped and smacked the Princess' arm. "I poked you twice. You've done far worse to yourself!"
Jolon was smiling at them and then looked over at Saena who looked shocked at the liberties the Souchan girl was taking with the Princess.
"Everyone, this is Saena Ailca." Jolon announced as they made their way toward everyone.
As Lenore approached, Saena bowed. "Milady, it is truly an honor. Jolon has told me what you have done and I am humbled by your generosity."
Lenore placed her hand on the girl's shoulder, "Please do not bow or call me milady. At this dorm, we are always among friends."
Saena looked unsure by the offer, but stood up. "You are Remus Grey, and you Authin Nele." She picked both men out from the group that had come to greet her. "Thank you for giving me this chance. I could never have afford this on my own."
"My pleasure." Authin offered out his hands and she placed both of hers in his own, but their was uncertainty in her action. "Jolon forgot to mention how truly lovely you are." He kissed her knuckles.
With a quick jerking motion, Jolon dislodged Saena's hands from the Royal's. "We should see what she already knows, so we know where to begin." He spoke to Lenore.
"Byron created a quiz for her." Lenore told him and then motioned toward the canopy, "Saena, if you will."
It took the girl an hour to finish their scrolls, and then Routine and Lenore looked them over to grade them. Santh and Remus had gone to get fitted for a new undershirt behind the dorms with Ophelia, while Anton and Authin continued to study. After they finished checking her work, Routine went back to his studies and Lenore stood up with a smile. "You listen to lectures while you work, don't you?"
Saena looked startled as she sat on the bed next to Jolon. "I suppose I hear bits and pieces."
"Getting her into the university might not be as difficult as I initially thought." She smiled. "She got half of the questions right, and what she didn't get right were often more basic questions not taught at this school."
Saena's eyes widened, "Is that true?"
"Indeed." Routine chimed in. "Even I am impressed."
Saena turned her attention to the man sitting next to her, "I never realized that I was retaining so much when I was cleaning near the classrooms."
"Good thing too." Lenore winked. "No doubt you heard many lessons several times over due to the amount of times you have worked here and how often they are given. We just need to fill in the basics and help you with comprehension of what you already know."