Chapter Seven: River of Time

"That is one person you should not fight if you care for your life."

- Agnes

~XXX~

The royal council sat in the conference room chatting about plans to control Henrietta's behavior. They heard a few days ago, Count Mott was stripped of his title, land and wealth. It would seem that the princess found out about his activities and decided to punish him in the most cruel way.

"How can we reign in this little girl. Surely there must be a way to control her." One of the councilmen spoke with a sneer at the mere mention of the princess.

"She has already dispatched a bandit group by the lake with just her familiar, captain of the commoners and commoner servant." Another noble referred to Agnes and Marcel as though they were lesser beings.

"It doesn't matter what she does, all we need to do is dispatch that servant that flutters beside her and she should go back to being that feeble girl." A good suggestion to get rid if Marcel first.

"What about the commoner captain and familiar?" Agnes would pose no threat to a noble but would always stand beside the princess no matter what. Her familiar was a problem. The little lizard proved to be quite powerful of a beast. No one knew how to beat it since no one had ever seen one.

"We can send the captain in a suicide mission. She wouldn't dare refuse a command from us."

"What about Mazarin?" That was also a serious question. The old fool use to be the princess's father's close friend and advisor. When the girl was born, he had the privilege to take care of her as a baby. A privilege no one else had.

"If he won't let us control the wench the way we need to." The question was up in the air.

"We'll find a way. This country should be ruled by king's not a child."

~XXX~

Agnes rested under the lone tree in the training area with her sword on her lap and her eyes closed. It had been a few days since the kiss she gave Marcel and couldn't help but think back on it over and over. She left after it was over with only a goodbye and nothing more.

It wasn't like she didn't feel anything from it. On the contrary, it felt like she was being repaired from the inside out. Like her body was feeling alive for the first time. It was like when she found a member of the mage squad that burned her village. Cunning was her best friend with that type of enemy. She would feel the anger and hate that made her realize she was alive. Except it wasn't the case with the kiss. It was not poisoning her as well.

Marcel tried to talk to her a few hours later but she couldn't look at him. After trying in vain, all he told her was 'if you ever want to talk about it, just call,' leaving her alone to her thoughts.

That was a few days ago. She spent all this time thinking on how she came to be attracted to him. She didn't like him at first because she believed him to be arrogant like any other noble, but he wasn't. After he kicked her ass in record time without gloating she came to respect him. When he spoke of himself, it wasn't like he was narcissistic. The more she learned the more comfortable she got.

Now that he was training her and it was working out, she couldn't help but feel more. After seeing him fight in just passing glimpses, she couldn't deny that she came to admire what he could do and liked the way he moved on the battle field.

The gift in the form of the chain-mail helped her survive from an arrow to the head as well as blunt hits and major burns. While she wouldn't be won over with jewels and other pointless items, she like the practical things. What confused her and probably scared her was how she felt about him. She likes him, that is her realization. She likes his company, the talks they have about things like weapons, the creatures he commands, the way he cooks for them. Hell, she even likes when he embarrasses her. It just means she is not a broken woman, that she is able to feel more than just anger to fire mages and follow orders with a straight back and plain expression.

That was decided. She would find him to straighten things out and attempt a relationship outside of the professional one they had now.

~XXX~

Agnes found her princess in her study going over more reports that failed to be delivered. The woman had the cutest frown and pursed lips she had ever seen. She wouldn't admit it and it was improper for her to say, but the girl could be adorable that even her training in being serious couldn't keep her from smiling.

"Your Majesty," she spoke once her presence was known.

Henrietta looked towards her knight before going back to her paperwork. "Yes Agnes," she wasn't being rude, just the fact that she found more reports on help requests troubled her.

"Do you know where Marcel is?" She tried not to sound too eager to find him.

Henrietta looked up as she spoke. "He should be at the village by the lake." She answered in a thoughtful manner. "Did you know that place has no name." She giggled to herself.

The blonde didn't know how to answer to that. "Does he have another mission?" She was curious why she wasn't told if her did.

"No, he just went to help with the clean up as he calls it. The rebuilding is taken care of by the locals, but he said he would revive the land for them." She finished, then moved a piece of paper to a pile at the corner of her desk.

Revive the land? Now she was confused. "What do you mean?"

Henrietta just shook her head and giggled again. "I don't know. He said that once it was finished I would see."

"I see. Then I shall take my leave." Agnes left without another word.

Henrietta couldn't get a word in before the captain left. "I wish she would've stayed and kept me company." She sighed and went back to work.

~XXX~

Another day had come and gone. Marcel walked into Henrietta's room just as a body was slammed hard to the floor. He could see the princess on her bed give an awkward smile to the two other people with her. One kneeling, the other groveling. The pink hair was an instant give away to who it was as well as the boy in blue. Henrietta was the first to notice Marcel and gave a bright smile, erasing the previous tension.

Louise saw the man that walked in with disinterest. It was probably a guard coming to inform his sire about something important. He was rude for not knocking first, but what could you say about a commoner.

"Hey Henrietta, am I interrupting?" Marcel spoke in a cheerful tone, even his eyes smiled. He didn't mind his actions around people if it made his princess happy. Which it did.

Henrietta was about to answer when Louise stood up fast and screech in a high pitch voice. "How dare you show disrespect to her Majesty!" She stocked towards the man in black with heavy footsteps. Once close enough, she poked him in the chest while she continued to rant. "Such disrespect should be punished!"

Marcel looked at the girl. The tiny, only coming below his chest, girl. He was torn between being angry or patting her head. This situation called for drastic action but he didn't know if he could do it. It was a dilemma that required precision and subtlety to disarm what could become a bomb. If necessary, he would escape with the princess.

"Aren't you adorable." He gently patted the top of her head. Now we see.

Louise stood shocked. Henrietta wanted to laugh but could not bring herself to on account of her dear friend Louise's expense. The familiar, Saito, didn't have such reservations and was rolling on the floor.

Louise turned and gave a death glare to the boy and it worked. She faced Marcel again and pointed to his face. She was about to speak again to tell him who is superior.

Marcel didn't let her. He bit her finger gently while suckling. The girl blushed and squirmed, but was afraid to pull her finger back. He let go with a chuckle as he watched her back pedal behind her familiar, clutching him for dear life.

"Marcel, please don't tease her." Henrietta face became serious, but the pull from he lips betrayed her.

"Fine. I never get to have any fun." He sat on a chair near a dresser.

"Now Louise, the reason I called you here." Henrietta pulled a scroll out from behind her mantle and gave it to her friend. "This is a document that identifies you as my Court Lady. With it you report to me and only me."

Louise read the document. Still, it didn't clarify what she was suppose to do. "What do you wish of me your Highness?" She stood tall and pushed Saito away to the side.

Henrietta's face fell for a fraction of a second before it became serious. "I want both of you to live in Tristania for a while and investigate any rumors that depict nobles abusing their power or wrongful acts towards the common population."

"But nobles are examples of good education and proper manners. They would not be caught performing savagery against the powerless."

Instead of Henrietta, Marcel decided to speak. He would be damned if he heard about the superior nobles and the uneducated commoners again. It grew tiresome overhearing it from the many nobles that walked the palace halls. "Tell me, what is a noble?"

"What?" Louise tilted her head to the side in confusion.

"What is a noble?" He repeated slowly. Marcel crossed his legs and rested his elbow on the armrest with his head on his palm.

The pink haired girl wasted no time in answering. "A noble is an educated person who is able to perform magic. They govern their territory and protect the commoners that live on it. The commoners pay taxes to the nobles which in turn pay the king."

"Stop right there." All parties looked at Marcel. "You say a noble can perform magic, yet Fouquet is not a noble and can perform magic."

"That thief lost her title." Louise crossed her arms and frowned.

"Still she is considered a commoner with magic, so magic does not define a noble." His eyes looked at the girl. She wanted to debate. To say that it was because it was. "A noble protects the commoners. I went to a town where a noble left the people to their fate at the hands of bandit attacks."

Again Louise wanted to retort. This time, Henrietta spoke. "I witnessed my people suffer for the first time. The one to protect them was not there. In fact, his home was empty and abandoned." Agnes, Marcel and the Henrietta went to the nobles home to discover he had left sometime ago. No trace was left, only dust and cobwebs.

Marcel continued to dissect what made a noble a noble, even throwing what made Henrietta a royal. The conclusion was nothing but a title.

"You are all human. Some more fortunate than others. A king can still love a common woman and a noble woman can find and love common man." By this time he had changed his leg and arm positions. "You are not made of diamond and this princess is not made of gold. You may be a royal, noble and common; but you can bleed the same and die the same."

Louise wanted to scream. To say that he was wrong and that nobles were indeed what she said they were. She wanted to tell him, it wasn't possible to tell him since it seemed the princess accepted his words.

Before things started up again, Henrietta pulled out another scroll and a pouch of gold. She gave those items to Louise as well as a sad smile. "Please read this after you have things ready."

"Yes your majesty." The girl was more subdued this time. She walked out along with her familiar after she gave a final bow.

Once they were gone, the young woman turned towards her friend. She had mixed feelings over what had occurred. "Was it necessary to say those things?" Her voice was soft.

"Yes. She's under the illusion that a noble could do no wrong. That a commoner was bred to serve her hand and foot. Why do you think she mistreats the young man next to her." He walked towards the bed and sat next to the upset girl.

Henrietta leaned over and placed her head on his shoulder. She sighed when he ran his fingers through her hair. "Was there any better way to say it?"

Marcel chuckled. "I could have been blunt and crude."

The princess raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"I could have told her how her father had to have sex with her mother to conceive her. They rolled around like animals, grunting and wheezing until they produced a little Louise in the womb just like any commoner." Marcel watched her bury her head into his shoulder, trying to hide from the embarrassment.

"I'm sorry I asked." She squeaked when she felt a poke on her ribs.

"Come on, I'll make you something for lunch." He stood and walked out the door.

Henrietta followed albeit a little hesitant. "I must be careful what I ask." She thought.

"You know I can her you." Marcel answered back.

The princess stopped in her tracks. "Right. I forget we can talk in our minds." She walked along side her friend only to freeze with his next words.

"So Henrietta, how was the kiss."

Her head turned mechanically to face Marcel. His eyes gleamed and his face split into a grin.

"Um," was her only word.

~XXX~

It was nearing nighttime and Agnes was tired of waiting. She had spent most of the morning and afternoon waiting for Marcel to return.

She debated whether she should go and find him, but tossed that idea. If she wanted to talk, it had to be in private. Standing up and dusting herself off, the blonde began to walk towards the barracks. She hadn't walked far when a delicious aroma assaulted her nostrils.

Searching for the source led her to a small table and two chairs in the middle of the field. A bowl of stew was resting in the middle while the man she was looking for fanned it with a giant leaf. At the scene she couldn't help but start laughing. She thought it looked ridiculous. "What are you doing?" She was still giggling.

"I was trying to get your attention. What better way than with good food." Marcel looked into her eyes and could see them sparkle. Her cheeks were a little red from her fit of laughter. To him, she was beautiful.

"Seeing as how you went to all this trouble, I suppose I could go for a bowl." She sat down and dug in. Marcel placed a bowl of warm bread along with a cup of tea.

Marcel didn't say anything. He was waiting to see if blonde wanted to speak to him about what happened a few days ago. Frankly he thought about it constantly as he worked on his project. She gave him a warmth he hadn't felt in years. A little smile here, a little laugh there, it was all great.

Agnes continued to eat while thinking how she was going to ask him. She had days to think about the kiss and what it meant. What she felt about the man and how he felt about her. So far she accounted her actions as part of the high she felt after the battle. The accomplishment of knowing she handled herself well enough to survive the fire and wind mages with only the daggers as a means to attack, brought her fulfillment. That still didn't explain why she felt the need to. She sighed. Of course it did.

He didn't treat her with kid gloves. While she was being instructed, he would demonstrate how each technique felt and would feel to her opponents, even if it meant being sore for a while. He was honest and not afraid to speak his displeasure on the current system of life. She also felt something when he was close. She didn't need to act like a soldier all the time and could relax with a drink and a pleasant chat on any of her favorite subjects.

First she needed to find out what he felt for her.

"Marcel." She looked at him as he fixed another cup of tea. "About what happened after the battle."

Marcel stopped when she spoke. "Yes?" He waited for her to continue.

The blonde was hesitant. She didn't know how to phrase what she felt for him. Mind knew something, yet wouldn't say it. It wasn't love, but not mere friendship either. "I...I like you."

"I know." He return to finish his task.

"You do?"

"If you didn't, you wouldn't have kissed me. If I didn't like you, I wouldn't have held it as long as I did."

"You mean, you like me?" She asked, a bit shocked at what he said.

Marcel smiled at the face she was making. "I do. I feel comfortable near you. If I didn't, I wouldn't tell you half the things I do. You wouldn't have seen me after the first time we met. I would have stay out of sight and let Henrietta enjoy her day even if you found her."

"I see. What do we do now then?" She looked into the bowl hoping it would give her the answer. She didn't ask a ton of questions for they weren't needed.

"We could leave it as it is, continue training and hold a business friendship." He waited to have her complete attention. "Or we could see where this goes and take it slow. Train and explore what could be."

"I suppose we could." She smiled briefly. Then went back to her meal.

Marcel did the same while thinking about what else to do for her training. She would speak more when she was ready.

"If we do, can we keep it a secret." Agnes spoke low with a hopeful tone.

Marcel smiled, if it meant progress, he would whisper of it to know one. "If you want."

"Thank you."

~XXX~

Henrietta sat in her study, nervous. Time was coming for her and soon her freedom would be gone. Before that, she needed to take care of a few things. A knock on the door alerted her of a visitor.

"Come in," she spoke in a firm voice.

The door opened slowly and a head of long silver haired appeared along with a well dressed man in blue, a blunt gray metal wand on his hip.

"You called for me your Majesty?" His voice was deep and calm. His eyes sharp, like a hawk. His posture was perfect, fit for the soldier he was.

"Yes, I have. Please close the door."

The man did so and stood in front of the princess at attention.

"Captain Wardes, what I'm about to tell you is a secret and I hope you will be discreet."

~XXX~

Louise returned to the princess after several days in Tristania. After a few bad calls and having to work for a perverted establishment, she was able to find what she was looking for. A corrupt noble tax collector was stealing from the commoners and the palace alike. He would grope the waitresses and leave no tip behind. With her excellent skills she was able to make him stop and run in fear along with his associates. Now all she had to do was deliver the great news.

A palace guard told her the Princess wanted to meet her in her bedroom. The guard was confused as he relayed his message, but did his duty none the less.

After locating Henrietta's room, Louise knocked on the door and heard a come in from the other side. When she opened the door, couldn't see anyone. Still she walked in with her familiar in tow and closed the door behind her.

"I'm so glad your okay Louise." Henrietta's voice came from the right of the girl.

The pink haired mage and company turned to see the princess kneeling on the floor, out of breath and glistening from her chest up. She wore nothing more than a simple white dress which she held by the front while the straps were off her shoulders, so as not to reveal her breasts to her childhood friend. Marcel stood behind her with his hands massaging her neck and shoulder.

To Saito, the scene looked too erotic that he feared he would pass out. With every jerk, those globes would jump up and down in a beautiful hypnotic dance.

Louise was shocked to see such a display of perversion. Her eyes only saw one thing, a man was molesting her Majesty. "Get your hands off the princess at once!" She screamed while taking out her wand.

Marcel paid no mind to the girl. Henrietta was complaining of a stiff neck and shoulders. He could not, in good conscience, refuse her request for a neck rub. Although she was willing for a full massage, it would be rude of her to be nude on her bed while she had guest.

"Louise, I can assure you Marcel is doing no wrong." She stopped to moan when a knot on her neck loosened. "I was working too hard with documents, I spent to much time hunched over on my desk." She moaned again when his fingers dug into her shoulders. "I cramped after a few hours."

Louise tried to comprehend what was happening. The princess ordered this?

"I believe you have a report to give." Henrietta replaced the straps of her dress after Marcel wiped down the majority of the oil of her back.

"Yes." The girl snapped into her noble role. She pulled a folder that contained a stack of papers as thick as two centimeter.

"This is your work for a few days?" The princess was surprised. This would take her a day or two to look through thoroughly.

"I can assure you that I found what you were looking for." The girl was proud of herself. She had completed her task and didn't need to use her magic to do it.

Looking over the documents at a cursory glance proved to be painful. Louise explained about a tax collector for Tristania and his affairs based on testimonies from the serving staff. A few other incidents involving drunks were listed but those could be ignored since it was part of the establishment.

After a few more moments, she gave the stack to Marcel to read for himself. "Tax fraud, extortion, harassment of female employees, blackmail, bribery of a palace officials; this guy really has a good rapt sheet." He said sarcastically.

"It would seem. That's why I'll invite him to congratulate him on his accomplishments." Henrietta spoke in monotone. She walked behind a changing screen and stripped down to put on her regular gown.

Louise slammed Saito's head in the ground to prevent him from seeing anything.

The princess walked out with only her gown and white flats. It was a little warm to be wearing her stockings. "I wish to thank you for your deeds Louise. You have brought to light a dark secret that was unknown to me." She had a sad smile. More secrets.

Louise quickly knelt to her sire, something she forgot to do when she came in. She forced Saito to do the same and reprimanded herself for not showing proper respect despite the awkward situation. "There is no need to thank me your majesty. It is my duty to serve you." She was happy that the Princess had a use for her, despite her lack of magic.

Marcel looked to see his princess' sad face. He looked at the girl kneeling in front of them and decided to try something. "Louise," he waited for the little mage to look up.

It was confusing for Louise to hear the servant call to her.

"What is her name?" He pointed to his sad friend.

Was the man joking. "Henrietta, it is so obvious." Louise spoke to him like he was stupid.

"Then why do you not call her by her name. Every time you refuse to call her by her given name, the name that makes her human, you make her feel sad and an item." He didn't pussyfoot around. If he had to be blunt and say words not for polite company, he would.

"She is the princess, it would be rude of me to call her by anything else." She struggled to say the words. The more she spoke, the more her childhood friend's face fell.

"I did say that you all bleed the same. What you do is not respect; it's idolizing and putting her on a pedestal." He walked over to Henrietta and gave her a hug.

The princess could not do anything more than return it. He was right. She would hope that her first friend would see her as more than a girl with a crown. It killed her to think that it would be the only thing people see.

After the much needed hug was over, Marcel excused himself and left the three alone. Maybe Louise got the message.

~XXX~

Agnes walked to the training field with a hop to her step. After the talk with Marcel and the air they cleared, she couldn't help but be a little happier with her life. While she still felt strange liking someone, it wasn't as bad as she thought. She could still focus on herself and training.

Once around the bend she came to an odd sight. In the middle of the field stood Marcel, tall with his arms crossed. Surrounding him was the near entirety of the Musketeer Corps, swords drawn and ready to fight.

While this would normally put her in alert, she knew better. The women saw someone suspicious and are trying to apprehend him. She was about to order them to withdraw when the glint of Marcel's stopped her.

What are you doing? She thought as looked at him with narrowed eyes.

Marcel got the message from her stare. He chuckled giving his idea to Agnes and causing the Musketeers to bristle with anger.

Agnes got the message from his smirk. She debated whether to allow him to fight her unit or observe how they worked together to fight one strong enemy. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't seen her unit train ever since she began her training with Marcel. Not once did she see a knight stumble in on them. They never seen the man around the grounds or the palace. She gave him the go ahead.

"So, what do I owe this pleasure to." He stood in the middle with his arms crossed and a smile on his face.

A tall woman with blue hair and a shorter tunic than Agnes stepped forward. "I am Michelle Vice Captain of her Majesty's Musketeer Knights. You are trespassing."

"I been coming to this spot for the last couple of months and no one has said a thing. No one even shows up while I'm here."

"That's a lie. We train here on our days off. Now who are you and what is your business here." Michelle raised her sword while the others did the same.

"Oh, do you intend to fight me? Please say yes." He bounce on the balls of his feet like an excited child begging to play. Agnes nearly giggled at his antics while the women found it disturbing.

"Surrender or we'll be force to strike you down." This guy is insane. Michelle thought. She had never seen anyone so excited to fight them. People who knew them tended to stay away while they escorted the Princess.

Marcel would give them a final push. He reached under his coat and pulled out a sword familiar to the knights and easily recognized by the vice captain.

Agnes saw her, partner. Yes, that word was now accurate with what they have done and been through. She saw him reach onto his back below his heavy black leather coat. At the same time, she felt something on her hip. She looked down to see her sword pulled out of its sheath into a warp in the air.

Marcel pulled the blonde's sword and held it parallel to the ground, pointing at the vice captain. "I must warm you, I will not go easy on you."

"Are you mocking us?" Some of the knight's anger flared.

Marcel chuckled again, a little longer this time. "No, I just want to see what Henrietta's knights can do." He readied himself.

Agnes watched in baited breath who would start first. She would have to ask Marcel how he was able to do that dimensional stuff. It could prove useful in the long run.

The Musketeers were surprised and angry that this man called their princess by her name so casually. Two brunettes charged in first with opposite diagonal slashes; they performed a battle cry as they did.

Right away Agnes could see Marcel frown. She thought the execution was perfect with two more knights behind him ready to strike. When the man stood his ground, both sword strikes were stopped by the flat side of her blade. The two behind him weren't offered the same courtesy. He slammed Agnes' sword into the ground along with the two he blocked while he snapped his left leg back, kicking a knight in the chest. With a pivot of his right foot, he swung his outstretched leg, making contact with the side of the two knights in front.

The lone knight behind him didn't move after seeing her comrades tossed around like rag dolls. Musketeers surrounding got ready and charged. They ignored the instinct that told them to run, choosing to charge all together to increase the chance of bringing him down. A war cry followed in their wake.

Again, Agnes saw Marcel frown. What's wrong? She thought.

Marcel took action again. He struck the nearest knight on her left arm with the flat of his blade. Another was kicked in the chest at the same time that one was struck in the stomach.

It was hard to watch such an embarrassment. Now Agnes knew what it Marcel meant those times ago. Her knights were uncoordinated, brash, and lacking tactics. In her mind she saw them as single unit capable of united movement. It seemed her pride blinded her to the truth.

The more time passed, the more the knights were injured. Marcel was usually not this ruthless.

Michelle watched in utter shock as her unit laid on the ground, some unconscious others in pain. "You will pay for that." She said through gritted teeth. Her grip tightened on her sword.

"If you can fight better, then you can try." Now he spoke with little emotion. Nothing taunting or belittling.

Michelle raised her sword high and charged. Her lungs screamed as she made her way to get opponent. The tail of her cloak dragged and whipped behind her like a shear in the wind. The sword fell in a half crescent arc right at the head of Marcel.

"Slow, predictable and weak." He brought his sword up to block the strike when the look of surprise struck his features. Michelle's attack produced more power than he thought. For the first time, his arm buckled from the force. "I stand corrected."

Agnes watch with interest her second in command hold herself better than the others. Just looking at Marcel's new expression, she knew he was impressed.

"Now tell me, why can you fight so well while the others seem to struggle just to swing a hunk of metal around?" He was baffled by the difference in skill even though they should all train the same. He didn't struggle holding her at bay while he spoke.

A bead of sweat trailed from her forehead, neck down her cheek and disappearing into the collar of her tunic. "I don't know what your talking about." Michelle ground her teeth. Her muscles quivered from exertion trying to over power her opponent.

Marcel held her at bay with a single arm while she used both hands.

Agnes had seen enough. If this continued any longer, Michelle would suffer the same fate as the others. "That's enough," she yelled as loudly as she could, walking into the field with confidence and energy.

The others notice for the first time the way she walked. Marcel had seen it happen, but the rest of the knights never did, until now. Her legs crossed over each other with every step, careful and silent. Her hips swung a bit with her hands holding onto the butt of her pistols.

"Just as well. I saw all I needed to see." He stepped away from Michelle.

Still surprised to see her Captain, her sword never lowered and her stance never relaxed. "Captain," was all she could say as the woman passed her and stooped in front of the man.

"I am disappointed."

"Captain," Michelle called again in a more subdued manner.

Agnes turned to face her Vice Captain. "Are you all right?" She wasn't concerned in a sense, just needed to know they weren't injured.

"I'm fine, I don't know about the others." Michelle sheathed her sword but didn't relax. For whatever reason, her opponent stopped completely after the appearance of he captain. It didn't make sense to her.

"Was it necessary to go that far Marcel?"

"Their team work was great at first, I just got annoyed by the RAWR at the beginning. No one should shout when they attack, it's wasted breath that could go into a solid strike."

Agnes thought about it for a moment. True words. The other reason was the simplest one she could think of, you gave your position away if you scream. "Your right."

"Um Captain, who is this guy."

The question was asked by Michelle. She still kept a careful eye on Marcel, her hand never too far from her sword.

"This guy happens to be a friend of her Majesty, Princess Henrietta." She was calm, still analyzing the battle and just answered in a strange response. Like she was paying attention but somehow far away at the same time.

Some felt guilty, others thought they might be punished. If he knew the princess well, why didn't he act entitled like most of the nobles and spout a phrases like they would be punished, they will pay or even whine that they were just lowly commoners.

"Because I'm not a noble and I enjoy a scuffle once in a while. That's my answer to what you were thinking." He saw the looks of shock on some of them and laughed. Some peoples' thoughts were predictable. "Anyway Agnes, I need to see what Henrietta needs."

"Yes, I see. Well talk after you finish," she said, not caring about the others presence.

"It might take awhile."

"That's fine. She needs your assistance."

"Alright, see you later." He waved to her.

Marcel walked away with his hands in his pockets and whistling a lively tune. It sounded like a range of flutes playing a medley.

Agnes raised her eyebrows, she wasn't sure if to be surprised or impressed by the performance. What can't he do, she thought.

"Who the hell is that guy?" One of the knights stood up, a little wobbly from being kicked in the head. The world spun around in a tornado of color and mosaic of fractured images.

Agnes moved fast to catch the woman before she fell again. Her reaction and movement synced to near perfection, shocking those who were conscious.

"That is one person you should not fight if you care for your life."

~XXX~

Julia was busy cleaning the mess a first year made from a failed potion. Who new that the explosion would be able to over shadow Lady Vallière's own.

For the last few days she had been in a sort of high. She would float around the school and finished her task at greater efficiency than the rest. Even Siesta could not compare to her in diligence. This was the result of a single meal and act of kindness from Henrietta de Tristain herself. The princess sat with her, talked with her, showed a respect that no noble had ever shown her and it didn't feel false or misleading.

The two of them and even the maid with her talked throughout the meal like equals and old friends. However, not everything seemed fine. After the day was over and the princess left, she was reprimanded by the head of staff for poor conduct and not knowing her place. Some of the students even out right insulted her for the same reasons, only with more anger and a lot more insults.

Still, it was all worth it even if she spent the rest of her life not feeling the genuine warmth and kindness that she felt from her ruler again.

~XXX~

"So you want me to find Julia and bring her to you?"

"Yes. I wish to see her again and hope to form a friendship."

"OK. It shouldn't be hard to find her."

"Thank you, Marcel"

The halls were sparse of students and staff alike. A cool breeze blew through the open windows removing the scent of old literature and the horrible perfumes these teens wore.

"Strange, where is everyone?" He whispered more to his surroundings than to himself. Walking the halls proved to be fruitless. He didn't bump into anyone; student, teacher or staff alike.

The courtyard was the same, the only difference was a lone table in the middle with an empty glass. He turned around to the sound of a cart being pushed and a cute sigh.

"Found you!" He yelled, nearly making the maid fall in surprise.

Julia's heart was racing. She wasn't aware that anyone was close to her as she was busy day dreaming of the good time she had with the princess.

"Sorry, just excited to see someone in this ghost town." Marcel apologized for scaring the poor girl.

"It's all right...Marcel?" The maid was surprised to see the same man who was nice to her currently trying to reel back his laughter at her antics. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, Henrietta wanted to see you again. Said she wanted to have lunch with you." He started to tell her directly, but soon turned to the table. More precisely to the glass on it.

"Her Majesty, she wants to see me?" Julia's heart swelled at the news.

Marcel picked up the glass and ran a finger on the rim. "Have you learned nothing from your time with her. She doesn't want you to treat her like she's made of gold."

"You mean she..." She didn't know how to finish the sentence.

"She invited you as a friend." He frowned at the glass.

"But, why would she want to be friends with a commoner like myself?"

"At the end of the day; after all the work she puts in to make sure her fellow countrymen are taken care off, she's just another girl in need of honest friends." He placed the glass down to see the maid's reaction.

"She has noblemen who would kill for her friendship, doesn't she?" There were other weren't there?

"Hollow friendship. She has a noble friend since childhood that can call her every title, but not her name." That was one thing that irked him of Louise. She was self righteous and ignorant to the feelings of others.

"I see. Does she say when she wants to meet me?" Julia twirled her fingers and blushed. The princess wanted to see her. In her mind she squealed and danced for joy.

"Today if your up for it."

Julia didn't need to think. She was more than happy to go. "I shall ask the head of the servants quarters if I can go."

"No need," he cut her off before she could leave. "Henrietta gave me this letter for the Headmaster to excuse your absence." He held a folded piece of paper with the royal wax seal.

"Then I shall change so we can go." This time there was no stopping her. Her enthusiasm drove her body.

He smiled at the sight. This is the most honest thing I've seen so far.

~XXX~

In a cabin hidden in the woods a lone figure, cloaked in black, moved silently and with caution as they made their way inside the wooden structure. Once inside, the woman took off her cloak to reveal a head of long green hair. Fouquet or Matilda as she was called, took a bundle from underneath her robes and placed them on the table.

"Another successful heist and another noble in tears." This particular job involved a noble of fifteen years of age who's parents have her a serious of jewels for her birthday. Normally Fouquet would feel bad, but the girl was beyond insufferable.

She stripped down to nothing and changed into a simple light green dress and lace up brown leather boots. Her hair was free of its bindings letting it flow naturally behind her.

"What to do, what to do." It would be a few days until she could cash in her bounty. She needed to avoid any authorities for a while. "Maybe I'll inspect the town."

The thief left for Tristania. If she was lucky, the guards would not recognize her since her wanted poster still bore her hooded picture. That was the plan until a tall, imposing figure in a white mask stood in her path. She recognize the person, the only thing strange was his motive.

"Can I help you." Her voice was mocking. With a hand on her hip she titled her head and smirk.

"We have a job for you Matilda." The masked man spoke low.

"Oh, and what does his highness want with a thief like me?"

The man walked forward, getting close enough to see the details of her eyebrows. "We have to get a letter from the Prince of Albion. With it, we can move towards our greater goal."

"And you need me for what?"

"A simple task. You need to distract a few people while I make my escape with the second target."

"Interesting, now who will be my victims?" She was positive she could take out anyone, or at least slow them down.

The mask man grinned to himself.

~XXX~

Julia was surprised to be led through the palace by the female knight captain. After Marcel picked her up and brought her here, he departed at the front gate and instead was escorted inside by the Princess' guard.

Before this though, she was surprised to see her Majesty's carriage waiting for her outside. It was indeed a vehicle fit for a princess. Plush, soft seating and beautifully decorated.

Both woman ended in front of a beautiful white wooden door. Agnes knocked hard and prayed that her princess was decent. It was hard to look at the woman sometimes knowing what the shape of her breast were and the color of her nipples. She was one random walk in away from discovering if the carpet matched the drapes.

A call from inside brought her out from her train of thought. When she open the door, she let out a sigh of relief. The princess was fully dressed except for her shoes. It was even better to see that Marcel was not there with his hands all over her.

She had to admit, she gets a bit jealous at their relationship.

Henrietta was on her bed slipping on her flats. Her white sun dress was as clean and pristine as new fallen snow. "Julia, I'm glad you came." Her face lit up when she saw the maid.

Julia was treated to a bright, genuine smile from the princess. Just looking at it made her day. She was about to bow down to the purple haired woman, it was in the nature of every commoner to do so in the presence of a noble. She would have bowed if it wasn't for Marcel's words. For a moment she stood thinking on what to do. Could she do it.

"It's wonderful to see you again as well...Henrietta." She spoke the last past with caution, ready to feel the burnt of her indiscretion by calling a member of the Royal Family with familiarity.

Instead of being angry, Henrietta was shocked, then surprised, and finally joyful. The power of her smile was increased by ten. Julia didn't know it was possible to fall in love with a persons smile. "I have been well. How about yourself?"

The maid let out a sigh of relief. Her heart was pounding and her legs shaking, but the smile was worth it. "I as well my lady."

"No, no, no; none of that." She had a name and someone better use it.

"Yes." Julia looked away in embarrassment.

Agnes decided to interrupt before things got anymore awkward. "Your Majesty, Marcel is ready."

A spark of Henrietta's happiness died a bit. She wished for her knight would call her name as well. If she didn't, she might just need to show her how to have fun. "We are ready," she looked at Julia and her clothes. The maid wore a white blouse and heavy brown skirt. Casual and acceptable. "But you need to change."

The blonde was confused. She wore her standard uniform without the addition of her chain-mail gloves. A glint in the eye of her princess made her a bit worried.

Henrietta was going to be selfish today and do what she wanted. And she wanted the captain of the Musketeers in regular clothing.

The blonde began to walk back as Henrietta advanced on her. A grin nearly split her face and her eyes looked dangerous. She was about to run out the door when her back hit something soft and squishy. The Tide Surfer stood behind her blocking her path.

"You can't escape from this." Henrietta giggled as her hands grabbed Agnes' shoulders.

All that anyone heard afterward was a high pitch scream that penetrated every corner of the castle.

~XXX~

The group made it to the town with no name, as Henrietta began to call it. Marcel drove the carriage with Agnes by his side. While he was relaxed behind the reigns, the blonde knight was fidgeting in her seat. The reason was the black dress she wore. Probably the first dress she ever wore in her life along with black flats.

"Do I need to scratch your back or something. Eight" He spoke while looking at the surrounding forest.

"Why do you say that." Agnes grunted as she moved again.

"Nine. You've been wiggling around since we left. Ten."

"I don't understand why her Majesty decided I needed to wear a dress." She was seriously uncomfortable. While it was a breeze to move in, it did little to protect her. The other fact was the amount of cleavage displayed for the world. Modesty was second to a knight, but trying to have a relationship with Marcel made her self conscious about her looks compared to the fairness that was her princess. Her skin was always radiant without the muscle she had.

"I don't know why she did it, but I can tell you." He faced her with a warm smile. "You look beautiful." He saw her fidget. "Eleven."

Agnes blushed at his comment. She never cared for someone complimenting her looks. It was usually followed by attempt to bed her. Marcel on the other hand proved to be honest. "Wait, why are you counting."

Marcel chuckled. "I count every time you flash your panties." The dress fit Henrietta like a glove, on Agnes it rode a little more up.

"What?!" The blonde stood up quickly nearly falling of the carriage.

The Shadow Knight grabbed her by the waist before she went over. "Calm down." He tried hard not to laugh.

"How can I calm down when you just saw my underwear." She was blushing mad now. Both her face and breasts were glowing red.

"That's what happens when you fidget." He let he go once she was secured. Then he took a more calm demeanor and spoke softly. "Your just uncomfortable without a weapon."

She looked at him in surprise. "How can you tell?" It was almost a whisper. Her eyes were big and round. Deep pools of liquid emerald.

"Your like me. We were born with a sword in our hands and fire in our blood." He guided the horses to the final stretch.

"Her Majesty didn't leave much room for a concealed dagger." She cupped her breasts and pushed them up to prove her point.

Marcel breath out slowly. It was hard not to hold her, kiss her and make her feel safe. They hadn't gone on a date yet unless you count this as a date. He just needed to do something to calm her mind. "Here, take the reigns."

Agnes did, as he search a chest he materialized. After a minute, he pulled out a blue dagger sheath with leather thigh straps. He combined it with his water dagger and gave it to the woman.

"Thank you." She didn't need to say how much she appreciated it, her face told him everything. She even went as far as to lean in and kiss him.

A simple kiss made these small gestures worth it. He didn't have a problem making her happy, even with simple little things.

The captain fastened the straps to her right thigh, one on top the other on the bottom. Just the weight alone brought her peace of mind. She pulled her dress down and it concealed perfectly.

"Twelve." Marcel chuckle.

Agnes was ready to hit him, but she knew he could dodge at this range. It would require subtlety, nuance and grace. It would also mean a sacrifice on her behalf. She made sure no one was watching. Her Majesty and Julia were busy engaged in a talk about former Count Mott and what she did to him. Satisfied, she got Marcel's attention.

"Hey Marcel." She spoke while trying to be casual. "What do you think of this."

Marcel turned his attention to her and froze. His eyes widened and his jaw slackened. Beside him, Agnes had grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it up high. What use to be small glimpses turned to a full showing of her crisp white panties.

The blonde took the opportunity to use her training to its fullest. She snapped her right arm like a whip and managed to hit her partner right in the middle of his forehead with the back of her hand. His head snapped back and his mouth closed into a hiss. He rubbed his head with vigor trying to soothe the sting.

Agnes smoothed out her dress as she laughed. She had done it and all it cost was part of her dignity and the health of her hand. It seemed that Marcel's head was harder than it looked.

"Well played love, well played." He was still running his head.

"That's what you get for being a pervert." She was still laughing.

"You do know that in combat that would not work, right." He wasn't sore about it. After all, she did present him with a rare gift.

Agnes wasn't bothered. "A victory is still a victory."

"True. Well done." He congratulated her in this simple yet effective strategy. "Your lucky no one else saw." Beyond them was the town. "We're here."

Marcel pulled onto the cobblestone path that was the main street. Right away one could see the difference of the town. Before it use to be a sorry state with buildings nearly falling apart. Now they were renewed. Even the people were happier and plentiful.

"What happened to this place?" The blonde was in awe.

"This is what happens when people are allowed to flourish." He only assisted in the process. The town folk worked diligently to fix their homes and businesses.

A stable at the front of the town took care of the carriage and the horses. The party of four move through the main street and took in the new ambiance. The princess was in shock to see so much activities in such a short time. Julia thought it was another town, although she had never seen so many people at once. Henrietta never told her were they were going.

"This is beautiful." Henrietta spoke while taking it all in. She remembered the previous state. She was saddened by the thought of not knowing how much her people suffered.

All around town were stalls of food and people mingling. More from the outside came in when they heard of festivities being held. Some were reluctant to come from hearing the bandit rumors, but when others heard if the Princess taking care of it; they were sure it was safe.

When people saw Henrietta walk the streets, they were more than happy to greet her. A group walked up to her and thanked her for her help, some even knelt to her and bowed their heads low to show how much she appreciated.

"It's fine. It is my duty as princess to ensure my people are well."

~XXX~

Several men in uniform knelt in front of a man in cleric robes. his eyes seem rotten with the color of sewage.

"How are our spies fairing with their assignments?" The man spoke. His voice sounded greasy and dirty.

"Quite well Lord Cromwell. They have discovered the existence of a letter from the Princess of Tristain to the Prince of Albion." A man with silver hair and beard spoke. His posture suggested great respect to the man in front of him.

"That is excellent news Wardes. Do we know what the letter entails?" Cromwell asked, pleased with the information

"It is believe to be a love letter. If we can acquire it and show it to Germania, then Tristain will not have a way to form an alliance." Wardes gave his assumption and suggestion.

Cromwell was please to hear this. Without and alliance, Tristain would fall to Reconquista in a matter of days. All they needed to do was secure Albion and it would be easy. "Will you be able to acquire it?"

"I believe so. I have already made contact with Matilda. She will serve to separate the void mage's familiar from his master and any other person the princess may send."

"Excellent, excellent. With this our crusade will be much closer to our goals."

~XXX~

Throughout the day, many still thanked her. They however didn't feel the need to bow since the young woman was not wearing her crown or mantle.

All, but Marcel, enjoyed themselves with various treats like crapes, cakes and other types of pastries. Henrietta treated Julia who felt guilt to accept the princess big, weepy, clear blue eyes.

Agnes was as vigilant as ever. Every person that walked up to her princess was analyzed for motive and hidden weapons. That still didn't mean she was oblivious to the purpose of this trip. It is meant to relax and enjoy oneself and she would.

"I don't remember the last time I saw so many people at once being happy." Julia was astonished by the feel of the ambiance. It wasn't like Tristania where everyone was holding onto their coins from thieves or the vendors with simple business motivation. These people were happy to hold conversations with patrons and vendors without rush.

"A wonderful thing to see insist it." Henrietta loves to see peace. Even if this peace was attained through bloodshed.

They made their way towards the inn. The outside of the building was renewed with a beautiful crimson red paint with white trim. The doors still sported some damage, but it was all cosmetic to the owner. A reminder on what she had been through.

"More customers?" Claudette was behind the counter when she saw more people walk in. It didn't take her long to realize who it was and made sure to have an open table for them. "Your Majesty, welcome." The redhead moved fast to wipe a table down for the party of four.

"Please none of that. I am just someone on an outing with friends." She said with a bright smile.

Claudette nodded in understanding. Still, she wasn't going to be familiar with the woman. "Very well my lady. Would you like a table?"

"Is it so hard to just call my name?" Henrietta thought with a sigh.

"A lifetime habit is not broken in a day. Give it time." Marcel answered.

"Yes, we would like a table." She wasn't happy. They were seated and asked what they would like to drink. "Wine would be lovely.

"Wine Henrietta?" This confusion came from Marcel. His princess never drank anything stronger than black tea charged with a little extra caffeine when she needed it.

"Yes. I think that we should celebrate. I know I would since I am currently surrounded by good people and no mishaps have occurred." She smiled at everyone on her table.

"Okay, I guess we'll have that."

The redhead nodded and walked away, not far mind you. She pulled a box from under the counter and pulled an old green bottle. "Here we go." She grabbed some glasses and took the to the table.

"Wow, that's really old." Julia had never seen a vintage bottle of wine before. All the bottles at the academy were only a few months to a few years old and inexpensive. This one should be worth her entire salary from her start to now.

"This bottle was bought for my fiftieth anniversary. The only good it does now is gather dust." Claudette couldn't help but give a sad smile. Her husband would take the bottle out every year and tantalize her with it. It would give them motivation to keep going.

Henrietta didn't know what to say. To think a bottle could hold such value. "I don't believe I could accept an item that holds such sentiment."

"It's fine. I don't plan to taste it in this lifetime. Just take it as my thanks for saving us." Claudette was hoping the girl accepted without trouble. She was sad letting go of the bottle, but needed to let go to move forward.

Henrietta wanted to refuse but was cut off by Marcel. "Sometimes the best gift you can give someone, is to accept the gift they give you."

That made her think. She suppose she could take it. "Then I accept."

With glasses and a good bottle of wine, the four talked a bit about what they have done. Marcel told them about the small river he carved from the lake to a well on side of town. It was a way to get clean water for the fields as well for the people. That's what he was up to these past days.

All Julia had to say was the work load she received after the fiasco at the academy. She was embarrassed to say anything, but the questions asked by Henrietta made her feel comfortable to participate.

Agnes wasn't going to say anything. There wasn't much to say or to share. That was until her princess gave her a look of disappointment. She felt guilty at giving her such a look. With a sigh, she shared. "For the last few months since the academy, I've been training constantly with Marcel to improve my skills."

"See, that wasn't so hard."

"I might not be hard but still inappropriate." Agnes whispered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing your Majesty."

They talked for a long while in every subject they could think of. Some questions Marcel was reluctant to answer. It was the first time anyone asked where he was born and it seem to be a sore spot by the look of sadness in his face. What ever it was, it couldn't be to bad, could it.

Henrietta was about to ask about Julia's home town when a the voice if a man swept the place.

"I'm not joking, the town is underwater. Had to take the long road just to get here." The man was built like an ox, muscles bulge from his well worn gray shirt. A leather satchel rested on his hip by a strap crossing his chest.

"Can't say I ever notice or even heard if it. I'm sure someone would have mentioned it before."

"Excuse me," Henrietta spoke in a cheerful tone. "What do you mean a town is flooded?"

~XXX~

The lake was as beautiful as the day he first saw it. Crystal blue waters with a calm surface was the perfect place to have a picnic or even bathe. Marcel came alone, just to reckon and see things, leaving Agnes to guard both Julia and Henrietta.

Following the road that traveled beside the shore led to the town the merchant spoke of. It was submerged with only the roofs peeking from the surface along with a few trees.

"I found the town. Not much left I'm afraid." He spoke as he looked at the scene to give Henrietta a picture.

"Marcel, can you tell me if its part of Tristain territory?" Henrietta wanted to know to see if she could send help.

"I'm afraid not. It's on the other side of the lake into Gallia."

She was disappointed. They couldn't do anything to help if it was foreign land. From what she could see, the water was barely rising. A good water mage knew just by looking how the water was affecting the area. It didn't happen over night making her believe that the towns inhabitants left without a casualty.

Marcel stopped his inspections when he heard a noise behind him. The distinct sound of hooves was coming down the road towards the spot he was standing on. With extraordinary prowess, he jump high and back into a tree close to the shore.

Henrietta watched as her friend hid in a tree. She was confused why until she saw a horse come over the hill and slide down until the rider fell over and hit the water with the horse stopping on the edge. Two others joined seconds later and stopped short of the edge.

Academy students? The princess thought when she saw the uniforms. What was more shocking was the boy in blue and the girl with pink hair get of the horse. Louise!

"Wasn't expecting to see them here." They couldn't be further from the Magic Academy, yet they ran into students this far out.

"The question is, what are they doing here?" She wasn't sure as to why they were here. Students weren't allowed to leave school without permission. Unless. "I forgot. The whole school is on vacation. They must have come here to enjoy their time." Maybe this was a rare chance to talk to Louise.

Marcel wasn't sure that was the correct assumption. It did explain why the school was nearly empty. What was interesting was the girl with the odd blonde hair. She and Saito spoke of a waiting until nighttime to call forth the Water Spirit.

"Can you hear what they're saying?" Henrietta could only hear a whisper compared to Marcel.

"Something about summoning the Water Spirit and curing Louise. They want to obtain a Tear of the Water Spirit." He looked at Louise to see her trying to cuddle with Saito and giving the blonde girl the stink eye.

Henrietta saw her friend with worry. Cure her of what, she thought. From what she saw, besides the high displays of affection, she seemed normal. Normal if the nuzzling and declarations of love was overseen.

"What do you want do?"

Thinking for a while, "Marcel, come for me, I want to see this with my own eyes."

~XXX~

Night was slowly approaching. Henrietta sat on Marcel's lap with his arms wrapped around her waist so she wouldn't fall from the tree they were in. Marcel managed to sneak them both without alerting anyone of the students they weren't alone.

Henrietta looked at her friend fall asleep while her familiar waited with the students she saw through Marcel.

"I didn't think the town was this flooded," Henrietta said, a little worried for the townsfolk.

Marcel used a single hand to prepare tea. "If the water crept slowly, the towns people should be safe."

She felt a little better hearing that while she got comfortable. This reminded her of the time her father read her stories and she sat on his lap. She still remembered a day when she was filthy and her dress was caked with mud. Her father didn't mind at all and still read to her, after which her mother came to bathe her, not angry surprisingly.

"Look," Marcel brought her attention to the blonde girl with a orange frog in her hand.

They watched her prick her finger and drop some blood on the back of the frog. She told it to find a friend and lead her to the surface.

I took a few minutes to see the disturbance near the shore. A column of water erupted high as everyone gasped. The girl walked to the edge of the water and spoke loudly to the spirit to communicate in a way they could understand. Apparently her name was both her first and last.

"So she is Montmorency, strange name."

"I know them," said Henrietta. They are a minor noble family with a strong affinity to water magic. There is a few of them that produce some high quality potions and perfumes."

"Not bad. A few good potions could bring some good money. Do you think the tear is for a potion?" Marcel watch with fascination as the column morph into a nude version of the girl with her toes just barely touching the water below. "That is beautiful."

"It is." Henrietta wasps fascinated by the display. Although, it would be embarrassing if she was the model.

Both waited in silence to see what was going on.

"I feel terrible spying." She never took her eyes away but her message was clear and slightly sad.

"Your concerned for other people and a friend. Besides, we're in the open, not so much privacy here." He hoped that would ease her conscience.

They heard the whole conversation and both were surprised. Mages were attacking the Water Spirit with the hope to end her. After a bit more talking, the party agreed to stop the attackers, a compromise to gain the tear they !br0ken!

"I think we should wait and see how this goes."

Henrietta agreed with Marcel.

~XXX~

The tree provided the cover necessary to hide. That still didn't mean they didn't have a few close calls when Saito and a blonde boy stood underneath them. All they needed to do was look up to see Henrietta and Marcel sipping tea while looking at the lake.

Marcel saw two figures in cloaks walk at the edge of the water and stop a few meter from the boys. They didn't seem to notice. Using their link, Marcel showed his princess a closer look at the assailants. One held a simple wand, nothing fancy. The other one possessed what seem to be a shepherds crook.

Only when they started to chant did they notice. A plan was made, quite hasty mind you, that involved a two pronged attack. It was an effective strategy, if it worked.

The fighting didn't last long. The cloaked figures show a great amount of cooperation that would make the best military jealous. Attacks from the blonde were stopped by wind and fire cast back to back. Even Saito couldn't get close without receiving one of the attacks.

"I think we should help them." Henrietta was on edge by the way the boys were losing.

"Do you want me to stop them?"

"Yes."

A loud explosion rang through the night alerting the two of trouble. Louise had woken up and used her magic. The result was a cease on all attacks from both sides and the identity of the attackers revealed.

"Let's go now." Henrietta wasn't about to wait any longer for this to escalate further. She gulped the rest of her tea and jumped.

Marcel jumped after her, falling faster to catch her. He cradled her close then placed her on the ground.

Henrietta walked out if the trees with confidence, illuminated by the moons light, her face set into a scowl. She had seen everything, heard everything, now she was going to teach these people not to mess with her friend.

~XXX~

Standing in front of both the Princess and the Water Spirit was terrifying. Montmorency wasn't sure how it happened, but now she knew she wouldn't escape this without being punished if it was a light sentence. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't look at her Majesty's disappointed face. Its weight was too heavy on her conscience.

Henrietta was indeed disappointed. One reason was the stupidity this girl would go for just to keep her boyfriend. False love leads nowhere. Another reason laid in front of her. Her friend Louise was caught in the scheme and was now making a fool of herself.

"Is there anything you can do to fix this?" She ask the girl in front of her in a voice that held nothing but a chilling presence that even the ice user, Tabitha, felt it. If she couldn't do anything, maybe Marcel could.

"If the Water Spirit can give me a tear, then I can make an antidote." The blonde didn't look up. She was too ashamed.

"Then why haven't you got it." The more she saw Louise embarrass herself, the more her voice gained an edge.

Everyone stayed quiet for a moment. Tabitha and Kirche weren't about to say they were gonna murder the water spirit. Guiche and Montmorency were too afraid of the punishment they would receive. Louise was just happy to be near Saito while the boy didn't know how to answer the question.

In a chance to surprise, the Water Spirit herself spoke for everyone. "I did not grant their wish, for they had nothing to offer. Only if my attackers cease their actions, would I present them with what they seek."

"Attackers. You mean, these two weren't the only ones?" Henrietta was confused.

Marcel raised and eyebrow as well.

"For the last few moons when night has fallen, I find myself at the mercy of the humans who wish to destroy me." The spirit spoke. Her body shifted and rippled in what could be called fear.

"Why would they do such a thing?" The princess whispered.

While the others thought, Saito decided to ask his question. "Why do you flood the town? What purpose does it serve?"

"Some time ago, someone came into my realm as I slumbered and stole the treasure I would guard. I can only move with water. If I flood the world, then I can search for it."

"What sort of treasure?" Henrietta asked, intrigued about what could be so valuable that someone would risk the wrath of the Water Spirit.

Marcel waited to hear this as well.

"My treasure is the Ring of Andvari."

No one ever heard of such a ring except Montmorency. "I heard about it. It's a ring that can revive the dead by giving them a false soul."

The others gasped with the exception of Henrietta who was worried and Marcel who was thoughtful.

"A ring that can be used for easy necromancy? How troublesome."

"Necromancy?" Everyone around asked the same question.

Marcel turned around and began to pace. If he was going to answer their question then he needed to think. "Necromancy is the art of communication with the dead. Many think it's raising the dead but that's not true." He stopped in front of Montmorency. "What better way to speak with the dead than to hear it from their own cold lips."

Saito asked another question. "Wouldn't it take too long to search for the ring if you have to flood the whole world?"

"The Water Spirit is immortal. Time has a different meaning to her." Montmorency answered. Her only mistake was to cross eyes with the Henrietta.

The princess could do nothing about the ring. Being here in this spot was also a violation since she is technically on Gallian soil. "As much as I would like to assist in finding the ring, I must first decide what to do with you."

The blonde girl squeaked. Tears formed in her eyes at the thought of punishment to herself or more precisely, her family would have to pay damages to the La Vallière and be shamed as well.

"Your right." All turned to Marcel. He turned to the blonde. "The Water Spirit does have a different sense of time, but they are not immortal. Like time, life has a definite start and finish no matter how long it takes."

"Then I make a promise." Saito walked to the spirit with confidence. "I promise to find your ring and return it to you."

"You idiot, that would take too long."

"It doesn't matter if it's now or later as long as I get it back." Saito was confident he could keep his promise.

Guiche almost laughed at the absurdity. "Your a commoner, she would never accept."

The Water Spirit had other ideas. "Very well. I accept your proposal."

Almost everyone was surprised. They never heard a spirit agree so easily.

"Why him?" Was all Guiche asked.

"The Gandálfr from a time before has kept his promise to me, I will trust him again." Her pupiless eyes scan the face of everyone and landed on Marcel. She looked at him for a moment.

Henrietta saw it the same way as the others did. She looked towards her friend, then to the spirit. They seemed to be communicating in silence.

A piece of the Water Spirit broke of and moved towards the group. The blonde, Guiche, caught it in a small glass vial. Without another word, the spirit disappeared into the water.

"Now I would like an explanation." She stared hard at Montmorency willing her to cave in quickly.

~XXX~

Returning to her room late at night proved exhausting. For the first time in her life, she tore into another human being with just words. For the first time Montmorency and the others saw what Henrietta's training to take the throne was capable of. She left the girl crying at the lake asking for forgiveness with the boy next to her bowing and pleading as well.

By the time she returned to the inn she was ready for the day to be over. Yet again a perfect day turned sour, like vinegar, by the foolish actions of a child.

Julia didn't say a word, too afraid to be caught in what ever made Henrietta upset.

Agnes was no better. She was ready to tear apart the one who made her princess sad. She would ask Marcel after everyone went to sleep. This would also give them some alone time. She left both young woman to themselves as the princess dismissed her.

"I guess I should go to the servants quarters," Julia said, trying hard not to sound disappointed.

"Why? I was hoping we could stay up late and talk some more." She was hoping to end the day on a positive note.

Julia's brain stopped for a moment. In her mind she never thought that she would get to sleep in such a luxurious bed, with the princess no less. She prayed to whoever was the one that brought her such good fortune and thanked them from the bottom of her heart. "If you insist." She failed to hide her giddiness making Henrietta smile.

They changed into sleepwear, getting into bed and talked well into the night.

~XXX~

While Julia slept peacefully, Henrietta remained awake. As her time neared, so to did the guilt in her conscious rose. It feasted on her like a ravenous wolf on a deer. Slowly stripping her confidence, her freedom and the courage she acquired until only the sad, lonely little girl remained.

She got up form her bed and found a change of clothes and her trusty cloak. Slipping on her flats, she made it to the window of her room and opened it slowly. With one last look at Julia and to make sure no one saw her, she jumped into the abyss below landing on her waiting familiar with a soft thud.

"Lets go," she whispered. She needed to see a friend and return before dawn. Probably before in order to avoid anyone finding out she was missing.

~XXX~

A few days had passed. Henrietta paced in her room in loose concentric circles. The time had come sooner than she thought, having too much fun to feel it creep up on her. It was the best time of her life, but now those times were over.

A messenger came to the palace to deliver a letter without a clear sender. Random as it was, it spoke that her love, the Crown Prince of Albion, was held in New Castle as the war to overthrow the Royal Family raged on. The family was losing and soon would be taken.

This was the thing that sent the march of current situation in progress. She was to marry into the Germanian Royal Family to cement an alliance. It was the only way to protect her small kingdom.

Summoning a familiar was just one thing she wanted. A companion to keep once she was on the throne in a foreign country. What she got was better than she had hoped. Marcel brought happiness to her life, friends in the form of normal people, food that had a taste that made her smile and a familiar as unique as a snowflake.

Those days would soon come to an end.

A knock in the door alerted her of the person she wanted to see.

"Come in."

The peach blonde hair of Agnes passed through the door first then her body followed. Her princess called for her for something. She even went as far as to tell her not to let Marcel know. "Your Highness?"

Henrietta gave a sad smile. "Thank you for coming."

"May I ask what this is about?" The blonde wasn't so much as curious just confused.

"I will wed the King of Germania soon." Henrietta sighed. "Before that, I must take care of some business and I need your help."

Marry. The princess was going to marry the king of barbarians. "Why?" Agnes spoke in many tones. Rarely did she speak in low and sad.

"Our country needs it. We are to small to defend ourselves for too long against Albion if it is successfully taken over and used against us." She stopped in front of her knight and took her hands. "We wont be able to defend ourselves with our small army. They have the advantage of the dragons and Albion's aerial location."

"I still don't understand why I'm needed."

Henrietta sighed, "What I'm about to tell you is my secret. I trust you as my captain to keep it to yourself and let no one hear of it."

"Of course your Majesty, I will not tell a soul." She would not do anything to disappoint her.

"Thank you," Henrietta said with a bit of a tearful smile. "As you may know, the Crown Prince of Albion is Wales Tudor, my cousin. Long ago, we fell in love and vowed to love each other forever. With that, I wrote him a letter, expressing my feelings for him."

Agnes didn't need to hear more. Wedding to a foreign country, love letter to a cousin, if the letter was discovered by the wrong people, then the union of two countries would not be carried out. "If the opposing faction dethrones the royal family, then the letter could be used to dissolved the union."

Her captain was indeed intelligent. "Correct, that is why I need to retrieve the letter."

"How do you plan to do it?" Agnes let go of the princess hands to think.

"I will send Louise with her familiar, Captain Wardes of the Griffin Knights and you as well."

Agnes looked at the princess in confusion. Wardes and Louise. What about Marcel. "I don't mean to question your choices, but what about Marcel." She thought more and realized. "You don't trust him?"

For some reason, Henrietta felt those words as a cold slap. Of course she trusted him, more than any other person. The only thing stopping her form asking him was guilt. He had done so much for her and her kingdom, she felt guilt in asking him for more. To fight her battles, protect her people, kill in her name. The bandits from the town by the lake shed blood because she asked him to do it.

"I'm sorry, but you don't need to know my reasons Captain. All I need you to do is follow my orders, please I beg you." A few stray tears fell. Her eyes sparkled from internal agony.

She was begging her. Agnes didn't know what to feel about that or how to respond. This was unexpected, but the solution was simple. "Do not worry, I will follow with loyalty." She got on her knee to prove herself.

"Thank you," A happy tear fell. "You can't tell Marcel about this and we need to find a way to distract him for a few days."

Agnes ran a hand through her hair and closed her eyes. She sighed once and went through many ways to keep Marcel busy. Then she had it, a way to distract him and cross something from her list.

Henrietta was thinking as well and her solution came a little faster. She still needed to find a suitable punishment for de Montmorency. Maybe not informing her parents yet was wise. Marcel could take care of it in his own way that didn't involve bodily harm.

"Do you plan to tell Marcel about the wedding?"

"I will, when the time is right." She couldn't say more. Her only hope was his understanding on why she did it.

~XXX~

"No."

"Marcel, please!

"No."

"Why not?!"

"They are a bunch of self righteous women who bully the people around Henrietta." Marcel started to walk away as fast as he could.

"You don't know that," Agnes said with a huff. She chased after him with the same brisk pace.

"Oh but I do."

Agnes was currently arguing with Marcel over her request to train the rest of the Musketeers, only to be shot down immediately. It was the only thing she could think of that required time. Long enough to complete the mission without him knowing.

"I can assure you that with your training, my squad can become a more effective unit to protect her Majesty." She tried to plea with him. It was something she clearly didn't like to do but she was desperate.

She herself had been deep in her training to the point that she actually cut Marcel for the first time. It was another day of training when it happened. She was shocked at first, so shocked that her sword was shaking.

Marcel's was facing sideways towards the ground with wide eyes as his fingers felt the wetness of his left cheek, coating them in red liquid. He rubbed his thumbed and finger together as he inspected the damage. His eyes fell towards the woman who managed to cut him and couldn't help but smile, then smirk and finally grin.

Agnes expected anger, lightning, and pain. Probably not in that order. What she received was to have him wrap his arms around her waist and spin her around, her feet off the ground in celebration of her success making her drop her sword. She too got caught up that she wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed along side him.

It was only seconds later that she realized what she was doing that she let go while blushing mad. He didn't seem to notice her dilemma and put her down in favor of wiping the blood from his face.

With that in mind, Agnes thought that the Musketeers could benefit from such excellent training.

Now the hard part was trying to convince him.

"Please, just do me this favor. I have been able to improve and I believe they can too." Right now, she was just short of getting in her knees to beg.

Marcel looked her in the eyes. Her plea caused him to remember a time long past, one that made him smile. After a minute of contemplating it, he decided to give it a try. With a few conditions.

"Fine," he sighed. "I'll give it a go only if you can convince them without ordering them to take the training." That was his condition.

Agnes thought about it. A reasonable condition. She knew they would eagerly accept if she showed them the fruits of her own training. "Very well. I'll ask them and you'll see, they will agree in a heart beat."

"If you think so, go ahead and try." He didn't say more and just walked away.

Yes. She was happy to kill two birds with one stone. This was going to be great.

A/N

Took a bit longer but her it is. This one is just a setup for what's to come so nothing major happens.

I would like to ask you all to tell me if the chapters are too long or just right. Also if you have any tips to make my writing better, do be afraid to suggest.

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Cheers