A/N: Ugh, rain! So much rain the day I wanted to go hiking! Damn you rain! I guess I'll give you guys another chapter :) Maybe reading the reviews will cheer me up!
Saberin: Scout's still a little young to start the Scaniel ship but...I guess not by medieval standards when they were marrying off girls at 14 and 15...
Raider: I'll add that to the list :)
HP-LotR-HS-HG: Really need to find a nickname for you...welcome back from camp! Hope you enjoy catching up!
Aubrey: Well...technically Caitlyn was born in Hibernia and they're cousins...it's like being shipped off to live with some distant relative you've never met.
Gold: Do you too have that little voice in your head that says "No, you're an adult!" when you want to do something fun? I tell that little voice to shut up more often than not... but unfortunately my bank account agrees with the voice instead of me.
Eggy: Eggy! Welcome back! I hope your studies are winding down for you to enjoy a holiday!
Disclaimer: I'm not John Flanagan. And still not Australian.
Scout unpacked her bag. She bit into one of the apples. "You're Kineta?" she asked.
"I am."
"You are a queen?"
"By marriage, yes."
Scout took another bite. "And you want me to be the future queen?"
Kineta's shoulders stiffened. "I understand this must shock you. Your mother said she never told you or Caitlyn about your titles. That was alright originally. She and Liam wanted to protect the two of you from that life where your decisions are so rarely your own. But my husband and I can't have children…we've tried. The only others entitled to the throne are your mother, your sister, and you. Your mother resuming her birthright would uproot your entire family. Your father would have to give up being a Ranger and you and your sister…you'd both have to come be heirs to the throne. Your parents are Araluen now and are needed in Araluen. This leaves you and your sister. If you choose to come to Hibernia for the next few years you would not be making any lasting commitment. You'd simply be trained to become a crown princess and, should you decide to walk away, you may go to whatever life you wish and we will bring Caitlyn to fulfill the role of heir."
Scout crossed her arms. "If I reject it now?"
"Your mother and Caitlyn will go to Hibernia."
"Do you still get custody of me when we get there?"
Kineta nodded. "In Hibernia the cut-off for adoption for girls is age sixteen. It would only be on paper. You don't even have to change your last name if you don't want to, but our last name is your mother's maiden name so it's not like you're turning on your family."
"So you are saying Mama and Caitlyn would have to go if I refuse?"
"Your father has responsibilities as a Ranger. Your mother's designed the Battalion in such a way it can continue without her."
"Mama said if Caitlyn went then both of them would be gone for a few years."
Kineta nodded. "Caitlyn is young. She still needs a true parent."
Scout realized what exactly was being asked of her. Either she would be in Hibernia for five years or Caitlyn and her mother would be in Hibernia for three years. It didn't seem fair to send her little sister off without warning. She'd like being a princess but still. Scout thought about how her parents were when they were separated. It'd be a long hard three years for her family until Caitlyn turned fifteen. But she…she was fifteen and fifteen year olds left home to start apprenticeships all the time. She took a deep breath.
"What will I do if I go?"
"Your mother will come to sign over your custody. You will learn how to properly speak, dress, and carry yourself. You will learn how to dance and charm a crowd. You will also learn to negotiate, follow procedure, the laws of Hibernia, as well as international law. Because you seem like you can take it, we'd also arrange for you to learn how to lead an army. This will keep you from being pressured to find a husband before you ascend."
Scout frowned. It sounded dull but...was escaping it really worth losing her mother and sister for so long? She could always return and resume being a huntress later. As for the Royal Scouts, they always favored nobility anyway Maybe openly claiming she was a foreign princess would help her. "I'll go," she finally agreed.
The two ate lunch and then walked back to the cabin together. Scout opened the door and stood aside for Kineta. The queen walked into the small house Scout grew up in. Scout went in and closed the door behind her. She stayed by the door as Kineta went towards her mother, who sat at the table doing paperwork. She surveyed each woman before her. Kineta, with her striking red hair twisted and woven into tight designs framed by the braided leather ornament, looked very much like a queen. Her skin was fair and flawless. Lina's hip-length dark hair hung mostly free with a plain string keeping it away from her face and her skin had color from being in the sun and was scarred from past battles. Kineta's clothes were finely crafted and made especially for her. Lina's Charmed Battalion uniform had been mass-produced and was made from durable material that would stand up to the elements.
Scout looked down at her own simple brown dress and boots. She wore a green bodice the held a hidden dagger and her leather belt would need to be replaced in another year or so. She didn't look or feel like a princess. "When do we leave?" she finally asked.
"Tomorrow," Kineta told her, nodding at her decision.
"Where's your music box?" Lina asked. Scout pulled it out of her pack and set it on the table. "We named Caitlyn after Sean's mother. This belonged to her."
"It did?" Scout asked. She studied the gift. "It's got my name on it though."
"When it came into my possession the lid was badly damaged. Since it is yours now we had the carpenter who fixed it mark it with your name. It is Hibernian tradition to personalize heirlooms before passing them on." Her mother held up the diamond-crystal pendant that rarely left the inside of whatever dress or tunic she was wearing. It caught the light and the light of a rose with thorns played into the shadows. "Sean did the same for me. I didn't have any heirlooms for you except for the music box. Now, you've got the rest of the day to say your goodbyes and pack."
"See you tonight, Princess Scout," Kineta said. Scout narrowed her eyes and got her cloak.
"Be back for dinner," Lina called as Scout opened the door. Scout paused.
"Can I borrow Prince?"
"Yes."
Scout went outside and retrieved Prince's bridle and blanket. She didn't want to waste time on the saddle. Prince was ready to go in no time. Scout jumped up and guided him towards the Treaty cabin first. Will sat on the porch with Quinlan. Scout wanted to say good bye to Daniel and Carissa, but they were grown and had their own lives outside of Redmont now. Daniel was on some mission for the Ranger Corp and Carissa had moved to Castle Araluen to be Rosalina's lady-in-waiting. Quinlan was the last remaining child of theirs at home and the boy idolized his father. Scout didn't think the youngest Treaty would become a Ranger. He was too caring and offered the benefit of the doubt too often.
"Scout," Will greeted her as she dismounted.
"Did you know?" Scout demanded. Will put his hand on Quinlan's shoulder.
"Go run to the archer field and pick up all the arrows. Take Strawberry with you."
Strawberry, the Treaty's dog, trotted up to the porch after hearing his name. The Treaty family had a dog ever since Scout could remember. The first one, Ebony, had died of old age when Carissa was small before Scout was born. Next they had Bonnie, Ebony's niece, and now Strawberry, a stray Quinlan showed up with a few years ago. Quinlan nodded and ran in the direction of the field they used for target practice with the dark red dog bounding behind him.
"You knew," Scout said once Quinlan was gone.
"I knew."
"Why didn't you ever tell me?"
Will crossed his arms. "You really asking that?"
Scout sighed. "No. If I write a letter to Daniel will you send it to him?"
"Of course."
"Can I borrow some paper and a pen?"
Will nodded. "You know where it's at. Leave it on the table. I'm going to give Quinlan an archery lesson. Good luck, Scout. You'll need it."
Scout nodded. "Were you prepared to become a Ranger when you were my age?"
"Not in the least. I entered the apprenticeship thinking I'd fail and looked for another life at the beginning."
"But?"
"I was later offered a place with the Royal Scouts. I turned it down."
"Why?"
"Well, I learned being a Ranger fit. Maybe being a princess will fit you. Give it a fair shot."
Scout nodded. "Good bye Uncle Will."
"Good bye Scout. You'll be missed."
Scout went to Will's desk in the far corner of his bedroom.
Daniel,
There's not much to say. I'm a princess and I'm going to Hibernia to become a proper one. It's hard to explain but it was either me or Caitlyn and Caitlyn's too young. Hope to see you soon.
Scout
Scout folded the small sheet of paper and left it with Will's Ranger correspondence. She took a few more sheets and scribbled out similar notes to the rest of her friends. She rode to the village and handed them to the postmaster, their recipients being easier to find than a Ranger. Scout went to a secluded place and counted out how much money she had. In addition to her birthday money she had three crowns from selling game to a local tavern.
"I don't think this would get me from Dun Kilty to Castle Araluen," she told Prince. The horse snorted. Scout smiled and closed her fist around it. "I bet princesses are provided a horse as well." She looked back at the money. "Hibernian gold is probably marked differently than Araluen gold anyway. What do I do with this?" Prince threw his head. "Well it is quite a bit. Maybe I should get something for Papa and Mama." Prince seemed to raise an eyebrow if horses had eyebrows to raise. "You're right. They don't need anything. Caitlyn doesn't need anything either."
Prince looked down the alley. Scout followed his gaze and saw to dirty children younger than she going through a rubbish bin. They both jumped when they saw her and pulled away as though they were caught red handed. "Sorry, miss. We'll be going," the older one, a boy that couldn't be older than Caitlyn said hurriedly.
"No, stop," Scout told them. She put the money back in her purse and walked over to them. Prince stayed at her shoulder. "What are your names?"
"I'm Thomas and this is my sister Jessica."
"Where are your parents?"
"Ma died," the little girl Jessica said. She reminded Scout of Gilan and Jenny's youngest son, Dalby. "Pa is at the tavern."
"What's he doing at the tavern?"
"Drinking."
Scout understood. These children needed things Scout had always been given. "Does he know you are here?"
"He's down the block. He told us to wait outside but we were hungry and…well…"
"Come with me. I'll buy you some good food."
Scout lifted Jessica onto Prince's back. He didn't throw the typical fit if it was a child riding him. She took Thomas's hand and led the two towards a restaurant she loved going to with her father when Lina was traveling. She tied Prince out front and took the children inside. They ate the soup provided hungrily and tore at the bread. The waiter, a boy Scout's age and a long-time acquaintance, brought out two loaves of bread wrapped in cloths. "These are from yesterday. They were going to the Ward before the dinner rush but I think we cans pare them."
Thomas quickly tucked them beneath his shirt. "Thank you."
"Thank you," Scout repeated as she slipped two gold coins to the waiter. She stood up and took Jessica's hand. "Come on you two. I think you could use some new clothes."
Lina wasn't a seamstress. She could mend well enough but sewing entire garments was beyond her skill. There was a vender in the market who provided the family with clothing. She went and sure enough the woman had children's clothing that fit relatively well. Usually Scout's mother or another seamstress tailored the clothes to better fit the wearer but the general-sized trousers, tunic, and coat fit the boy better than the tattered oversized garments from before and Jessica's too-small dress was comfortably replaced with a new dress, apron, and cloak. Next Scout bought the two children new socks and boots and then she got a ribbon that she tied into Jessica's mousy brown hair.
"Here's some more gold. I want you to spend it before you return to your father."
Scout gave each child a coin. She waved as they ran away and then retrieved Prince. She still had more than half she'd begun the day with but her mother would serve dinner soon. Lina was a loving, caring, gentle mother who had a firm enough voice and sharp enough mind physical discipline was rarely used in the Leaf household. Liam and Lina were strict but there were few reoccurring offenses Scout's mother was truly irritated with. Being late to breakfast wasn't one of them. Being late to lunch wasn't one of them. Being late to dinner, however, wasn't tolerated.
She had Prince running at full speed. Scout was about the same weight as her mother but without a saddle he flew happily down the narrow winding paths. Scout had been on a horse for as long as her memory went and was a natural rider. She loved the feeling of freedom and the bond between horse and rider. Liam said she got it from her mother. Lina was a good rider, Scout knew. Not many hobbled people could pull off the stunts and speeds she did without both feet to guide stirrups. Despite all that Lina was still nowhere near the level of Liam or the other Rangers.
Scout rubbed down Prince and sprinted to the table just as Caitlyn was setting the last dish on the table. "You were almost late. Mama's going to be angry."
"Caitlyn stop being mean to your sister," their mother's voice called from the other room.
"Have you met Kineta?" Scout asked her sister as she took off her cloak.
"Yes. She's nice and I like her. She's going to take you away."
"Why are you so sweet to everybody but me?" Scout asked. Caitlyn stuck out her tongue. Scout did the same.
"Princesses don't stick out tongues," Kineta said as the door opened. Both their parents and Kineta filed out.
"Are you staying for dinner?" Scout asked the queen. Kineta shook her head.
"I'm expected at the castle. Perhaps you should come. It is official business and you need to learn how to handle such matters."
Scout looked to her parents for help. "It's her last night here," Lina said gently. "You get her tomorrow."
Kineta nodded. "Very well then. I'll see you all tomorrow."
Scout sat with her parents and sister. The family ate quietly. There wasn't much to say. Caitlyn was used to her parents preparing to leave but she and Scout had always been together. Caitlyn could be a pain but in reality the two were closely bonded. Their being separated was rare. Scout looked at each of her family members. She and Caitlyn had the same dark almost-black brown hair of their mother. Scout was really just a younger less-scarred un-hobbled version of Lina. She got a few minor characteristics from her dad but not enough to matter. Caitlyn had a lot from Lina too but had enough of Liam in her outward appearance she looked like she actually belonged to him.
The family cleaned up together. Liam went outside to sharpen his weapons. Scout went with him while her mother put Caitlyn to bed.
"Papa, why did you and Mama hide it from us?" Scout asked. There was no question as to what 'it' she referred.
Liam shrugged. "We didn't hide it intentionally. It wasn't like we sat down and decided the royalty would be kept secret. We hid the details of the Academy and I suppose the royal blood just never came up. Your mother gave up that life and it wasn't really ever mine to begin with."
Scout looked down at her lap. "When I leave, will I ever see you and Caitlyn again, Papa?" she asked softly. Liam stopped his work.
"Of course you will, Scout. We'll go to Hibernia as often as we can and I'm sure in a few years or so you'll start being sent on diplomatic trips to Araluen."
"I have to finish growing up without you."
Liam smiled. He moved to sit next to his oldest daughter and wrapped his arms around her. "Of course you do. I know I'm not an expert but it seems people your age find out who they were really meant to be once they leave home. Think of it as an adventure."
"What if I'm not suited to be a princess?"
Liam laughed. "Then you can pursue something else and Caitlyn will go be the Hibernian heir."
Scout pulled her knees to her chin. "It seems as though I'm the one who gets a choice. What I choose determines Caitlyn's future."
"Caitlyn is old enough now for us to see that her place is outside what your mother and I chose. She goes along with whatever life throws at her and waits to be told what to do rather than choosing herself."
"How do you know?"
"If I came home with a single slice of melon and a single cup of berries and offered them as treats to the two of you but let Caitlyn pick first, what would she do?"
Scout thought for a few moments. "She'd ask me which I wanted."
"And if you insisted she chose?"
Scout looked back at her lap. "She'd choose the berries because she knows I like melon."
"Exactly. Caitlyn's decisions are always influenced by the will of others. A good leader makes decisions based on the greater good."
"I better get to bed." Scout hugged her father. "I'll miss you, Papa."
"I'll miss you too, Scout."
"I love you."
"Love you too."