In the Name of Safety

Taenya glanced at Gwyn, who had just calmed down from her small panic attack. The girl was probably trying to hold in her worry for her mother again. She would have to talk to her later, maybe get her some sweets and tea. She was proud of the girl. That she managed to keep it together so well all the time was astounding.

“Of course, we will ensure that House Reinhart’s accounts are annotated for that access and its records requirements. May I ask where we should dispatch notices to?” The Guildmistress inquired.

She’s trying to figure out where Gwyn’s mother is.

Taenya faced Lady Batteux. “Her Majesty is traveling throughout the entirety of West Ikios. As you know, getting a message takes time. We will eventually meet with Queen Sloane in Avira itself after Her Highness starts the Academy there. However, until then, we only know that Her Majesty is currently traveling throughout the various kingdoms and Sovereign Cities establishing relations.”

Take that.

Lady Batteux slowly nodded. “I understand. I do not envy her that amount of traveling. It will take time, but we will ensure it is included with our monthly missives throughout the Guild Network.”

Majordomo Siveril had been watching Taenya during the interaction. He looked a bit skeptical, but he continued the ruse. “House Reinhart appreciates the assistance of the Banking Guild. We will send our initial deposit into the House account today.”

“Of course. Thank you, Ser Siveril. Your Highness.”

Majordomo Norric and Lady Batteux started speaking about random niceties. As they talked, Taenya looked to Gwyn’s handmaiden who was watching the princess intently, ready to step in. She was glad that the young woman was attentive and ready to help her charge. Taenya flagged her over.

The woman leaned in and Taenya whispered to her, “Please retrieve some cold milk for the princess. Also, as soon as we’re done, take her for a walk around the courtyard. She needs a distraction.”

The woman, Emma, slowly nodded. “It will be done, milady.”

Emma hurried out of the room, motioning to one of the servants to follow her.

Taenya looked over to Gwyn, who was picking at her food. “Your Highness, today’s going to be a bit of a busy day for us, but I’d like to show you around the city if you’d be amenable to it.”

Gwyn looked up and gave a small smile. “Sure. That sounds fun, Taenya.”

Taenya held in a sigh. She was trying so hard to help the girl, and only hoped everything would work out. She could only imagine what Gwyn was thinking and feeling.

Sabina was sitting in Majordomo Siveril’s office after finishing numerous tasks throughout the night and morning. The aging knight had jumped headfirst into establishing the House. Before the Princess had even fallen asleep, he had sent missives and servants all over the city. That he managed to already have three houses line up their children to enter into the House as retainers of Her Highness was, quite frankly, astounding.

Where Baron Iemes had found the man, she’d never know. The baron kept surprising her with ridiculously outsized influence ever since she had left Castle Iemes. She’d only known Larton and had never had a chance to come to Strathmore. This side of House business was cutthroat and quick. She would need to adapt to keep up, especially if she was going to keep that girl safe.

The door opened and Taenya and Siveril entered. The two had finished breakfast with the Princess and she knew that they had conducted several items of business at the same time. They both seemed in good spirits, alluding to the fact that their meetings had gone well.

“Ah, Ser Sabina. Thank you for waiting for us,” Ser Siveril greeted her.

“Of course, I think I speak for everyone when I say I’m ready to finish establishing the House.”

Taenya smiled. “We’re getting closer. The Guild account is now established. The meeting with the Guildmistress went well. We finalized the paperwork after breakfast. That’s what took us a bit.”

“And we have potentially three ladies-in-waiting lined up. The princess will meet with them and make her final decision. All three houses aren’t especially powerful in the grand scheme of Aviran politics, but they will be sufficient for the Duchy. As the house expands, so too will the number of lower nobles Her Highness can retain.” Siveril ended with a smile.

“Everything sounds like it’s going well. Almost too well, maybe?” Sabina posed.

Taenya nodded her head. “I tend to agree. Everything is going far smoother than I had imagined.”

With a shake of his head, Siveril explained, “It’s early. This is why I moved quickly and will continue to do so. We have to get established before the scrutiny comes. Her Highness will need to meet with the Duke–and soon. That’s inevitable. Strathmore is currently the seat of her House. The next month will be a lot of small things being put together to create a solid foundation. Her Highness is quite likable. It will work to her benefit as she meets the rest of the peerage.

“Now, I need you both to explain the situation with her mother, and maybe a bit more about her people. Including the one that speaks very little Common, that is staying with the guards.”

Sabina was caught off guard. There was no segue. He went straight for the kill with that. She looked to Taenya. It was something she would need to explain.

Taenya sighed. “You’ve obviously noticed she of is a heretofore unknown race of people. She calls her people humans.”

Sabina joined in, “The other’s name is Friedrich, but he seems to be from either a different time or place than her. There was some definite confusion when they attempted to explain where they were from.”

“Exactly, and from what Gwyn tells me, her people had traveled the entirety of their world. The princess herself had been completely around it, traveling in many nations for simple enjoyment.” Taenya elaborated.

Siveril rubbed his hand through his hair and spoke, “I need a drink.”

After he poured them all a drink, he continued, “So, what else can you tell me about the princess and these people? I have heard of them, of course. They have popped up all over the kingdom, Meris, and there’s even word that the Republic of Lymtoria has some. Although, I’d heard them called terrans.”

“Well, the blue flash a month ago brought her–and possibly all of them–here. This includes her mother. Who arrived somewhere else. I have pledged to assist Gwyn in finding her.” Taenya started.

Sabina took a sip of her drink as Taenya proceeded to explain everything that had happened to them. The mention of magic caused Siveril to drain his drink, pour another, then drain it again. Sabina poured him the third glass.

“We have our work cut out for us. It is a good thing we’ve started so quickly. Her Highness keeps her hair over her ears. So, I supposed everyone just assumed her a telv with short ears on account of her age. This is something we will need to address–especially with the servants and staff.” Siveril seemed a bit overwhelmed.

Taenya smiled. “I’ll leave that bit to you, Majordomo. We will likely need to hire additional staff. Maybe some more guards. I want the princess well guarded. I don’t want anyone to get any ideas because of her people. Further, we need to find her a tutor. She needs to attend the Royal Academy.”

“I agree. That is vital for one of her station. We’re going to be very busy. I will say, though, that the thought of building a House from nothing is an enticing prospect. I will start looking for people before other Houses realize they need to spy on us.”

Sabina’s lip curled up as she considered. “Leave them to me.” She would root out anyone who wished to harm that girl or her interests.

Emma was a bit behind the princess as they walked around outside. The young royal seemed lost in thought. However, since she was curious, she decided to speak up. “Your Highness? I know it isn’t my place, but, could I ask from where you hail?”

“Hm? Sorry, what do you mean by hail?” she asked.

“Oh, my apologies, princess. I mean, where is your home?”

“Oh, uhm. I’m from far away…” The girl trailed off.

“Is Ser Taenya related to you in some way? The duchy doesn’t have especially many telv like yourself,” She hesitantly asked.

The princess stopped and slowly turned around to face Emma. “They didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what, Your Highness?” Emma asked, genuinely curious. However, she quickly amended with, “My apologies. If I am not meant to know, I did not mean to pry.”

The girl looked around, then waved Emma close. “You have to keep it secret, but we’re going to see each other a lot. So you need to know.”

Emma realized the level of trust the royal was placing in her. “I swear, Your Highness. I will not betray the trust you place upon me. As is expected of one in my position.”

The girl nodded, then pulled back her hair. “I know you noticed my ears earlier when you brushed my hair.”

Emma’s eyes widened, and she sought to amend any offense she may have given. “Princess, please, I would never say anything about a condition one was born with. Perhaps your ears are just taking a little longer to grow? You are a growing young girl. Telv traditionally have shorter ears anyway.”

Princess Gwyn shook her head. “No, Emma. I’m not a telv.”

Emma’s head tilted in confusion. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand, Your Highness.”

With a deep breath, the princess continued. “I am a–”

“Your Highness! There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.” Both the Princess and Emma jumped slightly and turned. She saw Ser Sabina, one of the princess’ knights, walking toward them.

Emma instantly stepped back and lowered her head slightly.

“You scared me, Sabina! I was… uhh… just about to tell Emma about myself...” The princess looked over to Emma before she hesitated and looked back at the knight.

Ser Sabina nodded. “Don’t worry. Taenya and Ser Siveril will handle that for you. Why don’t you run back inside? Taenya’s looking for you. She said that she wanted to meet the chef with you.”

“Oh yeah! Hopefully, we can figure out some better food options!”

Emma noticed the princess started to run off. She started to follow, but then the princess stopped and looked back at her. “Thank you for the walk, Ms. Emma. See you a bit later?”

“I’m coming too, Your Highness. It’s my role to be with you at all times.”

Ser Sabina placed a hand on her shoulder. “Wait, Emma. I wish to speak with you.” She looked at the young girl. “Emma will be right with you, Princess. I just want to talk to her for a little bit.”

“Okay! See you soon, Ms. Emma!”

Emma was nervous as she watched the young girl run off toward the house. She turned toward the knight and inquired, “What may I do for you, Ser Sabina?”

A weight seemed to press down on Emma’s very thoughts as Ser Sabina got close to her. A deadly gaze locked onto Emma’s as she spoke, “Anything that girl tells you will stay with you. You will not tell a soul. Not your family, not your brother’s dog, nor even the flower you keep potted by your bed.” Emma started to shake as she felt fear roll down her spine. How did she know that?

The knight continued, “There will eventually be spies, and giving away the smallest detail is all they need to cause harm to our House. No matter what you see, you will never mention it to anyone except Ser Taenya or me first. Princess Gwyneth’s safety is our priority. We will inform the Majordomo of anything relevant to the secret. Do you understand?”

Emma stammered, “Y-Yes, milady.”

“You will be one of the closest to her. You will see things most will not. Remember what I have said. I will not repeat it.”

Emma nodded, not trusting herself to speak quite yet.

Ser Sabina instantly smiled. “Good! I am happy we understand each other. Now, let’s go inside. The Majordomo wishes to meet with the staff. You will listen to the full briefing, then you will attend a further briefing meant for those, like you, who will have close contact with Her Highness.” The woman stared at her, expecting an answer.

“Yes, milady,” Emma said.

With a nod, the knight turned on her heel and strode back toward the house. Emma followed behind, still shaking slightly from fear of the woman.

She started to think of the implications of the few short things Ser Sabina had mentioned, but instantly threw out the thought. Emma never wanted to give that woman cause to speak to her again. The knight was the most unnerving woman she had ever met, and Emma wasn’t sure she could take it again without crying. She would explicitly follow her orders from that moment.

Emma gazed ahead as they reached the house, and at the very edge of her peripheral vision, could have sworn she saw a slight smile adorn Ser Sabina’s face.