The Missing Princess Book 1: Obi's (Back)Story

by RyuuNoOkaasan

Obi finds himself assisting Shirayuki in tending to a woman found in an accident in the mountains. Upon learning who she is, Obi must face his past and Zen, the new Regent of Wilant, must desperately return stability to the Region. At the same time, Shirayuki has to focus on what is really important to her or she won't be able to stand by Zen.

21. Bringing New Strength into the Castle

CHAPTER 21 Bringing New Strength into the Castle

Obi had ordered for his horse to be ready the day before. It wasn't long before he was on his way to Falcon's Hollow. On the way, he used the hour hard ride to calculate the passage back. It was a good distraction for him from the other thing his mind kept wandering to. At some point he patted his horse. He was glad Fenrier loved to run as hard as he did. When he slowed down to approach the guard station, he realized he'd left without lunch. Maybe there would be someone in the kitchen who could throw something together for him.

"Sir Obi! We didn't expect you today," the day's guards had come out of the station when they saw a rider coming down the road, but he had to be closer before they saw it was him.

"It was decided late last night," he told them, his signature relaxed grin on his face. "That's what I get for being the Regent's Messenger - woken in the middle of the night with new orders and sent out to strange places without warning." They grinned back at him.

Then, his face a little more serious, he told them, "I've been sent to bring two of them up to the castle, Master's orders. Then I'm off to collect the next set. We should be arriving in four days, at most five. Has everything been okay at the house?" He hadn't received a daily report for two days and had expected one to arrive today.

"Yes, sir. Things are quiet here, just a few to turn away every other day or so. Everyone at the house has settled into a nice routine, though they're all calling it their 'vacation home'. Most of them are picking up hobbies to keep themselves busy. The ones that aren't have actual jobs to do."

"That's good. I'd hate to see problems crop up due to boredom...like in the soldier's quarters," he waggled his finger at them. "I know what you guys do when you're on down time."

They laughed, embarrassed. "Well, we're trying to be good," they claimed.

"That'd be nice, if it was the truth," Obi said. "Well, I'll wave on my way out." He kicked his horse into motion again and headed at a run down the road towards the house.

The sound of a horse arriving wasn't too unusual, but it was rare enough that everyone that heard it looked for the source. Thayne and Foster were the first to recognize the horse and rider. Thayne ran out towards Obi while Foster started passing the news around that Father had come. Enough clamor went up that even Captain Garen came out to see what was going on.

Obi slowed a bit, then leaned down and extended an arm to Thayne as the horse came up by him. Thayne grabbed his arm and leapt up behind him. "You're coming back with me," Obi said to Thayne. "Get Dane and meet me in the kitchen. I've got to talk to the Captain first, but I haven't had lunch yet."

"Got it," said Thayne as Obi pulled his horse to a stop in front of the crowd that had gathered. Thayne slid of the horse before it was at a full stop and ran towards the entrance of the main house.

Foster took Fenrier's reins and Obi jumped off. "I'm not to be here long. Saddle Thayne's horse, and pick one out for Dane." Foster looked at him surprised, but nodded, then led Fenrier to the stable.

Obi picked up Thom, who was headed for his leg, and threw him in the air. "And how's Master Thom today?"

Thom grabbed him around the neck when he came back down laughing. "Hello, hello!" he crowed. Sallie trotted up to him and held out her hands for Thom. "Thom, Father's here on business. Come here." Thom went.

"I'll come play in a few more days, okay, Thom?" Obi promised.

"Okay!" Thom nodded.

The adults all got interested in that comment, but Obi was grabbing up Micky, who was prepared this time, and throwing him in the air next. "Have you been having a fun adventure so far?" Obi asked him as he set him down.

"Yup!" Micky said. "Grandpa Roy, Mat, and I get to go exploring up in the little caves every day with Mister Robert and Peter!"

"Hoh? There's caves are there?"

"Yup. We're making some of them bigger so we can play fort and the girls can play house. Mister Robert knows how to do it so they don't fall on us." Mat was nodding enthusiastically, too.

Obi smiled at them. "That sounds like lots of fun. Maybe I can come up and see them some time." He looked around for Robert and caught him trying to hide a blush. Obi was glad he'd found something to do that helped the Family as a whole. It must mean that he finally felt part of.

"You can't stay long? That's too bad." Elandra said with the signature pout she liked to show him.

"Are you keeping busy doing good things?" he asked her, really already knowing the answer since the Captain kept him updated.

"Yeah," she sighed. "I might even forget how to be a bad girl at this rate."

"Well, that's not all bad," Obi said, and she mock frowned at him. "Your workload is going to double, though, after today."

"Eh?" she was surprised.

It looked like Obi had everyone in the Family group he was going to get. He turned to the Captain. "I need to talk to you first, to make it all official, but I'm going to ask the Family a question before that. Are you okay with me making it all confusing?" The Captain nodded a bit resignedly. He didn't really have the clout to say no. Obi turned to the Family. "I'll explain after I talk to the Captain, but I need your approval for one thing first."

Everyone got quiet and listened. "How do you feel about a very few of you being taken back, for reasons of the Regent, with the approval of Mother, and the rest having to stay?"

Everyone was very quiet with their thoughts for a while. Robert raised his hand. "I'd like to stay. It won't bother me if someone's needed by the Regent."

"I'd leave in a heartbeat, you know that," Elandra said, "but you were right. Sitting on the stable roof is really nice."

"If Foster had to go, I'd want to go with him, and Thom, too," Sallie said. "But if someone was needed, that's okay with me." Betty and Roy nodded. They'd want to stay together, too.

Obi could see that Peter was torn by that. He'd want to stay with Robert, but he'd want to go with his adoptive family. He called to him, "Peter, I know you'd just be happy wherever there was food, as long as it wasn't onions you'd have to peel." That got a few chuckles. "That isn't what I want to know. How would you feel if someone else was taken and you weren't?"

"The same," he shrugged. "If they're needed, then they need to go."

Rose was the last one in the group. Obi looked at her. She smiled. "It's okay. We all feel the same."

"All right then," Obi said. "Gather everyone and meet me in the dining hall in about twenty-five, thirty minutes and I'll fill everyone in at once."

They nodded and began to scatter. Obi turned to the Captain, "Let's go to your office."

It didn't take long for Obi to tell Captain Garen what his orders were.

"Why did you ask them if it was okay first? It's an order from the Regent, isn't it?" Captain Garen wanted to know.

Obi paused for a moment. "They're a family, right? It isn't right to cause them friction without knowing it. If any of them was going to get jealous, or worried they were going to be betrayed, your job would be a lot harder. And...they're part of Mother's household. Her rule is that it's a house with no walls, no restrictions on leaving it if you want. She's asking them to let her bend those rules by asking them to remain here peaceably. Yet, now she's also asking them to let her break her own rule again and bring two back. We can't afford to mess with their loyalty to her. That's what's keeping them here and happy."

Captain Garen nodded. "Yes, that makes sense. ...You said you'd be back soon?"

Obi nodded. "When I deposit the two boys where they belong, then I'm off to pick up the next set. I'm sorry I can only tell you I got eight names this time. I get to find out just what ages and how many people that really means this time before I go, but I don't find out until tonight. So I won't be able to give you any more heads up than this, like last time. Sorry." The Captain shrugged. "We should be back in four or so days, like last time, only faster since I just have to pick them up, not hunt them down. At least, that's the goal." He grinned ironically.

"Well, they'll probably settle in just as quick as this lot. At least that's what this lot claims," Captain Garen smiled back in a similar vein. "I'll tell the guards to be watching for you, then."

"Okay," Obi stood. "I'll go talk to everyone and let them know what's going on. I've brought news for them, too."

"I'll come tag along," the Captain stood as well. "I've decided my hobby while I'm stuck here is to write up my research on how a group of families becomes a family group, and doesn't kill each other in the process."

Obi laughed. "Well, you'll have to come meet Mother some time then, and interview her. She's the glue, you know."

"Yeah, I've kind of figured that out." Captain Garen looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "You remember I asked you when you left last time why they called you Father, and you were playing along?"

"Mmm, yeah, I guess I do."

"You said to ask them, so I did."

"Did they tell you?"

"Not directly. But I have noticed that you're almost as much glue to these folks as Mother is."

Obi looked at him. "Somehow, I already knew that. I just don't know why yet. ...Except Mother's decided I'm Father, so everyone accepts it."

"It's definitely more than that. In listening to them, it also has to do with why you naturally 'play along' with the title."

Obi paused internally. That struck a chord deep within him that resonated with Ilena's sleep talking earlier. I'll find him when Obi's ready for me to find him. He wondered why the two fit together. He pondered that as they entered the house. He told the captain to wait in the dining room with the others, then went to the kitchen himself. There he found Thayne, Dane, the cook, Bill, and a plate of food set out for him. "Ah, thanks, Bill, Thayne," Obi said. He sat and began to eat quickly. "We'll go into the dining hall in a bit. Bill, if you'd go ahead and go now..." Bill bowed slightly and left the kitchen.

Obi thought while he ate. Dane looked at him curiously, wondering if they should really also be there. Thayne saw him shift. "It's okay Dane. Father can only do two things at once. Right now that's eating and thinking. He'll talk once one of the those is done."

Obi rolled his eyes at Thane, but kept eating and thinking. Actually these two would have the answer for him, if they'd tell him. Or at least another clue. "What does Mother expect me to become?" he asked them, swallowing down his drink. He caught the look they passed between each other. "Don't answer it now. Answer it once we're on the road. Then you'll have had time to decide how much of the answer you can give me."

"You're really taking us out?" Dane asked.

Obi nodded. "Do either of you have a problem with the fact that Master and Mother have called for you?" He was careful to keep his voice neutral.

"No," they both shook their heads. He could see that they were firm in their commitment to serve both.

He stood. "Good. Come hear the news, then gather up whatever you've got to bring. Foster's getting your horses ready. If he's not here you can tell him before we go." He led them to the dining room.

Indeed, everyone but Foster, Alice, and the four little children were there. Obi took the central area inside the square of tables, where he had stood just before he'd left them. "Master and Mother have called for Thayne and Dane to be brought to the castle. They'll be protected there, as Mother is, and have specific jobs to do that only they can do. I don't expect them to return here, though if any of you wish to visit with them at the castle once this is all over with and you can go home, that would be acceptable. At that point they will be free to leave the castle when their duties permit it. My understanding is that these are permanent assignments."

Everyone looked at Dane and Thayne in excitement. They were looking stunned, though not completely opposed to the idea. Sallie looked at Thayne with that sad but proud look all mothers look at their grown sons with when they move up into full adulthood and leave home. Obi reminded himself he'd have to give him time to say his goodbyes to her and Thom, who would miss him terribly. It was good Peter would be here for him, and the other young boys.

"Also," Obi continued, "this evening I begin the collection of the next eight-plus witnesses." Everyone looked at each other with knowing looks. "I expect to take about the same amount of time, or a little less, as it took to get all of you here." He closed his eyes halfway. "This time I actually get Grandfather's help." Dane laughed and Thayne smiled. "I'm sure you'll take good care of them. I'll stay a short while to give them the same speech I gave you, and if we're fast enough I'll stay to visit for a few hours. I would like to stay longer, but...I have further news about Mother."

Everyone got very alert and very quiet. He didn't realize it, but they could see that the light he shone with was shadowed. "Doctor Elliot performed an experimental surgery on Mother's hip this morning to graft a new tendon onto the hip bone and the natural tendon in her leg. The surgery went well. If the graft isn't rejected by her body, she'll be able to begin learning to walk again in six weeks. She's allowed him up to three tries, as it's painful both physically and mentally. She is already teetering between testy and tantrum from the first six weeks she was required to remain immobile on her back." There were looks of sympathy around the table.

Roy and Betty looked at each other in worry, and Sallie looked worried, too. She looked over to Roy and Betty and some unspoken communication went between them.

"Master has approved Grandfather to visit every evening, and has allowed Leah and Rio to come sit with her and brave her tantrums so that Mistress doesn't have to." There were satisfied nods from those who knew the maids. They were pleased she would have the support.

"And, Master has made her his Director of Intelligence." He carefully watched their reactions to this news. Dane sat upright in his chair in shock. Many looked surprised. A few nodded, as if they'd expected some sort of news like this eventually. As his eyes passed over the captain, he noticed that the captain himself was shocked by this news. Obi smiled inwardly. He would have some interesting new data for his research now, if he was really doing it.

"That's everything I have for now. Thayne and Dane, gather your things quickly, then say your goodbyes. Peter, help Thom. He'll be losing his big brother for the second time." Peter nodded. "I'll be at the stable waiting." Obi turned and left the dining hall. He wondered who of the line of people following him would reach him first.

Captain Garen reached Obi first just outside the house. "He really did that? He made her Director of Intelligence?"

"Who put together all these witness all those years ago, Captain Garen?" Obi asked him. "And kept them loyal to herself until they were needed?" That stopped the mouth of the Captain. "Continue to do your research, Captain, but begin to dig a little deeper, open your eyes a little wider." He left the captain behind.

No one else caught up to him before he reached the stable, but when he turned around after checking on his horse, he was surrounded by the two couples of the group, Sallie and Foster - who had been filled in quickly by Sallie - and Roy and Betty. He looked at them quizzically. "What can I do for you?"

The individuals of the group shifted until an unspoken spokesperson was chosen. Foster crossed his arms and Roy said, respectfully, "Father, you are not okay."

Obi grimaced. Of course. These four would know it. "No, not really, but Master's done his best to give me what I need in the midst of having needs of his own. He allowed me to stay with Mother through the surgery, until I knew she was through it myself. She's given me Thayne, with Master's approval, to watch over her while I'm gone. He'll stay with us in the same capacity I've stayed with Mistress for Master." Foster nodded his approval. "When I return to the castle, he'll allow me leave from my duties until she's sufficiently recovered - which will likely be when she starts to throw her tantrums and I shall wish to escape." He smiled a lopsided smile. Foster grinned back at him. Roy hid his smile, but it was knowing all the same.

"That's good," sighed Sallie. "To be sent out on the same day..." She shook her head. "I'm glad that Thayne can be a support for you. I think of all of us he's wished the most to not be here, but to be where he can be of use to you. Thom will be okay. It was different when Thayne was meanly stolen away and we were all sad. For you to take him, Thom will be happy to share his brother and we'll be happy with him. It will help that we can tell him we'll visit his brother later."

"That's good to hear," Obi said.

"If it's okay with you," Betty said carefully, "we'll explain it to everyone after you've gone. Then they won't press you more than you can bear when you return. There will be other times we can visit with you that your heart won't be weighed down and your desire conflicted."

The other three nodded. "It would be wise to allow it," Foster said, looking at him meaningfully. Obi remembered that he'd been through the loss of one wife already.

Obi nodded. "You may tell them after we're gone."

Betty and Roy each extended a hand to him. Not normally physically demonstrative, except with Mother, he paused. Then he took their hands in his. This was Mother's world. They pressed his hands to extend to him their strength, then they released him and left. Sallie threw her arms around him and gave him a hug. He tried not to be too distressed. Then she stepped back and Foster took his arm in his big hand. "Mother is strong. Rely on Thayne. He won't fail you." Obi nodded, and they, too, left saying they would go find Thayne and say their goodbyes. Sallie called to the children and they said that Peter had already collected Thom.

As he watched them walk off, Obi felt Elandra's presence above him. He looked up and into her face that was peeking over the edge of the roof. She grinned at him. "It's very quiet up here. If you'll join me, I'll promise not to say or do anything."

She was right. That really was where he wanted to be right now. "You promise?"

"Yup," she was just as serious as he was.

Obi was on the roof quickly. He found his favorite view and sat down. After a while, the peace of the openness and the distant sounds of people began to seep into him. He noticed that even Elandra's quiet presence was surprisingly calming. It was good to know he wasn't alone at this time.

After some time had passed, Elandra said quietly, "They're coming."

He looked over to the house and saw that she'd been sitting so she could watch for them for him. He slid over to the edge of the roof. "Thank you," he said to her.

"Take care of her for us," she requested.

"I'm doing my best," he answered before he slipped down to the ground.

Dane and Thayne tied their bags to the backs of their saddles, then looked at Obi expectantly. He smoothly climbed into his saddle, and they followed suit. They took one last look around Falcon Hollow, then followed behind him as he led them out onto the road. The guards waved them through as they passed the station.

Obi estimated they had about three hours they could be out. There was a place on the same route they'd come in on where he could detour and arrive at the castle earlier. He would need about two and a half hours for that way. They could shave it down if they ran hard. His companions wouldn't be surprised if he did that, having experienced his impatience on the way there, but first he had things to say to them. So for now, he went at a somewhat slow trot. Fenrier wasn't pleased. He liked to either take it at an easy walk, or run hard. It was difficult to get him to take the middle speeds. Obi forced his way - Fenrier could use the training.

He motioned to the two other young men to come up on either side of him. He found it interesting that when the Family was all together, he really did think of them as being much younger than him, or he as much older. When they were like this, it was more like what they really were, all young men roughly the same age. "Dane, Master has taken your brother Tairn into his office where he is studying under one of his direct aides, Miss Kiki, the heiress to the Earldom to the east. Her father is now requiring her to spend half of her year at the Earldom to learn her duty. Master, of necessity, has need of two who can take her place when she can't be at Castle Wilant." He spoke directly ahead so both could hear him. Now he looked sideways at Dane. "It was you and your father's example to me that decided him in the choice."

Dane was looking pleased and surprised. "It takes two to replace her?"

"Yes. She is excellent at everything she does, because she feels she can't afford to be bested by any man, as the sole heiress of the Earldom. However, this makes her loss to Master more difficult to compensate for." Dane nodded. "I wasn't present for Tairn being called up, but Miss Kiki's told me that she was careful to call Master to remembrance that he already had one heir he would lose, and he was calling another. He calmed her by saying that he understood and that he was only calling Tairn for the time it took Miss Kiki to train her second understudy to be as efficient as she. In this way he'll only have to continue to look to one permanent aide." Dane was still listening politely. "You'll need to work hard. She returns with her father to the Earldom after the Lord's Court this year, and will likely not return again until next spring. Tairn should be able to help you with the work, but she isn't putting as much effort into training him in her methods as she will with you."

"Wait. I'm being called up to be Miss Kiki's eventual replacement?" Dane was flabbergasted.

Obi nodded. "The stacks on my desk need attending to as well. If Miss Kiki gives you any time to rest at all, please help Mistress with my stacks. She's only had one day of training."

"Mistress Shirayuki is in the office?!" Dane's eyes were even bigger.

"She requested it. Ilena's allowed it temporarily while she isn't available for her training. When Ilena recovers, Mistress won't be able to help me as much, I'm afraid. She will be very busy with just as difficult a task mistress as Miss Kiki, learning to be Master's Princess." Obi put on a sad face. He really would have liked to have more of Mistress's help.

"Mother's doing what?"

"Mistress has asked her to help her become Master's Princess. Master's been unable to do it himself, so the matter has been taken out of his hands by the two Mistresses." Obi shook his head. "Ilena warned me that she was going to be difficult. She was not lying."

Dane worked to wrap his head around the news. He squirmed uncomfortably. "Umm...has my brother said anything?"

"Yes. He's told us he is King Brother's man and you are Ilena's. Master says that's fine. If he forgets to tell a thing to his brother, Tairn may tell him. If something comes through the office you believe Ilena should know, you may tell her. He doesn't want something important to go missing."

"Ah, I see." Dane seemed to be feeling very enlightened.

"Ah, is that why you were so surprised that she's been asked by Master to be his Director of Intelligence?"

"Yes."

"Mmm, well, Ilena made it very obvious what she wanted her place to be. When she's finished proving herself, Master will place her where she belongs."

"Wait." Thayne protested. "She's been given the Directorship while she's still in testing?"

Obi nodded. "Master understands that King Brother already recognizes her skills. That isn't what Master's testing."

Now Dane was surprised again. "The King already knows she's a…"

"Yes. He's been watching her and their networks cross in several places. ...It's how she found me again, she says."

"Oh," Dane said faintly. Then after a pause, "Then I should be able to work with Tairn. It's always been a difficulty for us that he couldn't understand her place in the workings of Clarines. That has never mattered to me."

"Yes," Obi said smiling. "He was as surprised as you when he and Master talked. I think he was muttering just yesterday that he was wishing you could come soon and help carry the burden that is Miss Kiki."

"Will it be that hard?"

"Yes, but it will be well worth it." Obi looked at him with Father's eyes, though he didn't know it.

"All right, then," Dane nodded, finally content.

"Actually, they were going to wait until all of Falcon Hollow was released to bring you to the Rose Office, but you were Master's price for me to gain Thayne. Master has been waiting for that excuse for some time. He hated to be the one who owed Ilena. But then you would have had only your brother to train you for most of a year...or you would have been sent to the Earldom to train with Miss Kiki there. Mister Mitsuhide didn't like that idea, though, particularly now that they are engaged, finally."

"What? Isn't he the close aide to Prince Zen that no one believes would ever leave his side?"

"Of course. It's likely he still won't leave Master's side, though they have yet to work out their plan. But if he does, I do hope Master doesn't make me stand in his stead. I have enough difficulty with the little, in comparison, he has me do. Ah, but already Mister is giving me other tasks of his own to complete...and he already has the entire Rosebud Office to call on, while Obi has no one other than an untrained Mistress." Obi was sad again.

"Um...if he does that, Father won't be able to stand in the place Mother wishes to place him."

Obi looked at him sharply for a few seconds. "We will come back to that," he said shortly. Dane nodded, though he was surprised Obi was willing to put off hearing the answer to the question he'd asked earlier.

"Thayne, Ilena has given you to me. She asked at first if I should like you as my man-at-arms." Thayne gave a start. Obi found that interesting. "I told her I wasn't in a position to have such a thing. She said to me that she would give you to me to stand in my place beside her when I can't stand there, and that she would send you with me when she can't go with me. Master approved, if Dane was brought as well. Thus here we are." They both nodded.

"When we arrive at the castle I'll take you both to your quarters and give you your keys, then introduce you to Master. We'll leave Dane there in the cold ungentle hands of Miss Kiki and the desperate embrace of his brother," Dane was looking a little pale. "Ah, sorry, Dane. It isn't that bad, really." It didn't look like he was going to believe him. "And I'll take you, Thayne, to Mother. The location of her room is secret. You mustn't let anyone know you know of her, or where she is." Obi looked at him directly, his eyes fierce.

Thayne nodded, "Yes, Sir."

Obi turned the same look on Dane. "Yes, Father."

Obi continued. "I'll introduce you to her guards and Mistress. Mistress, Leah and Rio are sitting with Ilena. You'll also sit with her in my place. Typically my watch is the last watch from the middle of the night until breakfast is served. I can't stay. They'll train you in what you need to do. Always be respectful of Mistress. Because you are in my place, I'll expect you to also stand behind Mistress as she has need, for during this time neither Ilena nor I are there. She's promised to spend her time away from Ilena at the Rose Office where Master can watch over her. You will at the very least see she arrives there safely. If she knows when you should go to fetch her, you should also see her away. But if you take her to her rooms at night, never enter them or Master will send you away immediately. Call for Miss Kiki. Her rooms are next door to Mistress's." Obi paused. It was a lot of instructions all at once.

Thayne nodded his understanding again. Obi sighed. "I'd originally thought I would like to have you with me again. Ilena would send you with me, being as concerned about me being gone as I am about her being alone. But my need is greater than hers, and I'll have another guide from Grandfather." He almost missed the look that went between Dane and Thayne.

"Ah, there are others of the Family in the castle, I'm sure many I don't know yet, but Thayne, you'll remember Marcus and Henry, the runners from the Black Cat." Thayne nodded. "They've arrived since Master let Ilena speak with Grandfather. She's called them to do her work. This morning they arrived outside her door to wake us up. As she put it, they were 'finally admitting they knew where she was'. I've told the guards they may be admitted, but for the first week of her recovery, only those who are required to assist her should be admitted. If she's strong enough after that, we'll see. I've required them to bring her a gift in four days. It's to remind her to get better for my sake."

"Now, Dane, let us have the answer. I asked 'what does Mother wish for me to become', you said '...in the place she wishes to put me'. They are two different things. Which one will you answer?"

Dane considered it. "I don't think I may answer the first one. I'll answer the second."

Obi nodded, and Dane continued. "I think perhaps you may already know it, though it hasn't been said yet. Mmm...A high level court appointment requires many staff, and most importantly, the one who stands next to the one who is in the highest position. In the case of the Department of Intelligence, the person who stands at the first level must be completely loyal to the crown, or regent, lest they plot and execute the downfall of that crown or regent. The second to that person must also be of the same level of loyalty. Not only because they know all of the information, but because they fulfill the will of the highest level person."

After some deciphering, Obi said, "Because Master will put Ilena in as Minister of Intelligence, she will put me as her Assistant Minister, in order that I may carry out her and Master's will."

Dane nodded. "You have understood it."

Obi nodded. He could see it. He could also see it conflicting with what Master wanted if they didn't agree early where Obi should be placed. It was good Dane had told him. He must tell Master about it, so that they could set Ilena's expectations appropriately.

He remembered what Zen told him, That Princess claimed you long ago, and she will make you one who can stand beside her, the same as she will make Shirayuki someone she can stand behind. Just as Shirayuki must become a princess to have a princess stand behind her, just as Ilena must become a Minister for a princess to stand beside the Regent, that Princess Minister couldn't have some stray dog picked up out of the gutter to stand beside her, whether or not he was the Assistant Minister, though that position would also not be handed to any stray dog. In his thinking over lunch, he had come to understand that she would bring his own past back to haunt him again. But Dane was right, it wasn't his place to tell Obi. Ilena would tell him in her own way, in her own timing. While she might say she would wait for Obi to be ready to reveal Wellesley's hiding place, he knew she wouldn't wait if it was detrimental to her plans to wait. He needed to become prepared, or he would have to fight against her very hard. He didn't want either at the moment. He shook his head.

"I'm done with my speaking. Let's hurry to the castle." He finally allowed Fenrier his head and he leapt ahead at a run. The others hurried after him, their horses just as happy to stretch their legs and feel the freedom of the speed.

-o-o-o-

Zen had told Obi to quarter Dane in the same wing as his other aides, so Obi had given him the room next to Mitsuhide's. Obi pointed out so Thayne would know, who's rooms were who's. The lower corner room on the right was his own, then Mitsuhide's, then Dane's. The rest were empty on that side. Above were Mistress's, then Kiki's, then the rest empty. The rooms on the other side of the wing were all empty, and were suites - two bedrooms to either side of a main sitting room/office. In the middle was a 'great hall' with seating around the edges. A breakfast cart was brought there early in the morning for the aides to eat from before they went to work in their respective offices. The stair rose from the far end and a set of doors at the landing led out into a small private garden where the aides could go to relax on their down time, though it was used most often as a private trysting spot for Zen and Shirayuki when he had the time to walk her to her rooms. Of course private was relative. One of them was always with them unless Zen sent them away. Then they stayed just inside the door where he could call them if he needed them.

Outside the hall, towards the castle, the door was guarded by two guards. This prevented unwanted entry into the wing, and if any aide would need anything, they could let the guards know. Obi took the time at that point in the explanation to introduce both Thayne and Dane to the guards. "Here's your key, Dane. Go explore for a minute. I'm going to stop by my room while I'm here." Obi hadn't been back for a while and he needed to get properly dressed for going to the Glass Bottle that night. That took a little longer than he expected. He didn't want to wear his dress formals, and his normal castle uniform wasn't quite right either. He finally settled on his one 'costume' that he kept to get into such nice places. He just didn't like it very much. Maybe he should ask the castle clothing department to make him a new outfit that was more comfortable.

Thayne whistled when he came back out and Dane looked at him approvingly. "You dress up nice!"

Obi tugged at his jacket, then checked to make sure the rosebud and greenery were set firmly in place. He'd worried he might have lost them on the run back, but he hadn't. "I'm meeting my guide at the Glass Bottle."

Dane nodded, understanding. "That should go over fine there, but are you going to have to wear it the whole trip?"

Obi looked at him aghast. "Absolutely not! I have other things packed, of course."

Thayne smiled at Dane. "Don't you remember what he wore into your house? He seems to keep various costumes around with him everywhere he goes."

"Well...this is my only costume. The rest are real work clothes." Obi said. "Let's get moving to the next thing. In the interest of time, Thayne, I'll take you to your room later. It's closer to Ilena's."

To the people who saw them pass in the hallways, it looked like a new lordling had come to the castle with his two men at arms behind him. Obi would have been horrified to know. The few times he greeted people he knew, they had to look twice to understand who it was they'd seen. Even the guards at Zen's office door almost didn't let him in at first glance. It wasn't until he gave them his 'do I need to be angry with you' look that they believed it really was the Obi who tortured the Regent so much. Before they knocked and announced them, Obi introduced Dane and Thayne to them, so they could have correct passage into the room later.

Kiki opened the door to let them in. She stood in the doorway a moment sizing up the three young men. Then she said to Obi, "You look more like what I was expecting than them. I don't think I can let you in."

"You want this one," Obi pointed to Dane. "Are you going to let Master greet them or not?"

Kiki moved one step and turned to let them in, then closed the door behind them. Zen was still sitting at his desk, as this wasn't a meeting, but he'd put his work aside for the moment. Mitsuhide was standing next to Zen's desk and Tairn was standing at his own desk, looking very relieved to see his brother enter the room. They gave each other careful nods of greeting when Dane first entered the room.

Obi led them up to Zen's desk. "Master, this is Dane Malkin, second son of Earl Malkin. This is Thayne of Wexford." He indicated each of them in turn.

Zen greeted them both in proper order, then addressed Thayne first. "Thank you for coming to stand behind Obi for Ilena's sake." He understood that the people in her house would respond well to gratitude. "I'll entrust her to your care while Obi is gone. As I'm personally interested in her welfare, I wish you to understand that if there are any significant changes in her status, you will please inform me right away."

"Yes, Regent," Thayne bowed.

Zen turned to Dane. "Dane, you'll stand with your brother to support Kiki. In my office, please refer to me as Zen. Thank you for showing mercy to Obi when you first met him. You have my gratitude for forgiving me as well, and being willing to come with him."

"It's my honor," Dane bowed.

Zen glanced at Mitsuhide who took his turn. "I am Mitsuhide Lowen. Welcome to the Rose Office. I'll have your castle staff badges for you by tomorrow afternoon, however without having Obi here, Thayne, it may be a few days before we can get yours to you. You understand that we can't send a page with it."

"Ah, that," Obi said, shifting. All the regular's eyes turned to him. "This morning two of Ilena's who've come since Grandfather has begun coming, arrived at her room, barking to be let in. It was a disturbing alarm clock for this morning. Ilena said they were finally admitting they already knew where she was so they could wish her well before the surgery. Their names are Marcus and Henry and currently they are working as castle pages. If you need to send messages between here and Ilena's room, you may use them. Ilena has said they are used to hard work. Apparently they keep asking her for it."

Zen, taking the news in that she had indeed started acting right away, was actually pleased it had been an action he could use. Not having a convenient way to communicate between the two rooms without Obi had been a concern. His eyes lifted in a minute smile. "See to it," he said. He looked at Kiki, signaling it was her turn to speak.

"I'm Kiki Seiran. I hope you'll be able to learn quickly what I have to teach you, Dane. Tairn has proved most helpful. I look forward to working with you also."

Dane bowed to her. "Please take care of me."

"Then, please come over here. This will be your desk." She placed her hand on the desk behind hers, next to Tairn's. It already had several stacks of documents on it.

Obi waved a 'good luck' wave at Dane as Dane gave Obi a 'good bye' look. Obi was about to take Thayne off, when Zen called to him.

"Obi."

"Master?" he looked curiously at Zen to see what it was he needed.

Zen looked at him closely. Obi's eyes were worried, but they weren't shadowed, and his shoulders held the burden of his partner, but he was no longer was unsure of himself. Zen nodded. "So, did you end it with the same kiss as you began it?"

Obi blushed a bright red and everyone in the room looked at him in shock. Even Zen had only expected an off-hand comment like usual. Obi had been so suddenly filled with a confusion of emotions he wasn't sure how to respond. Zen also noticed this fact. It was obvious to him...Obi had, and it had probably been received well. If it had been otherwise, Obi would have easily deflected the comment. "Ah," Zen said contritely, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have teased."

Obi, still not really knowing what to say, for the first time in a very long time, finally settled on a quick retreat. He bowed to Zen. "We'll take our leave." Then he turned and led a still shocked Thayne out of the Rose office.

After he was gone, Mitsuhide looked at Zen. "You've managed to make Obi mad, I think?"

"I wonder?" Zen said. "I certainly didn't expect such a strong reaction, or I wouldn't have said it."

"Who did he kiss this time?" Kiki asked.

"This time?" Mitsuhide asked, not understanding since he thought he knew Obi didn't go around kissing people generally.

"Wasn't it Zen last time?" Kiki said as if she was keeping score.

"He didn't!" Zen protested vehemently.

Kiki just gave him one of her signature cool looks, and Zen knew she was punishing him for having said it and making Obi mad. He sighed and rested his chin in his hand. He would have to remember to apologize to Obi again properly when he returned.

Dane looked at Tairn, wonder and questions in his face. Tairn shrugged, saying, yes, this is typical of this office. Dane smiled a little. Even if Miss Kiki was a hard taskmistress, he would enjoy working here.

-o-o-o-

After walking in silence for a while, Obi asked Thayne, "How would you go about getting Marcus or Henry to know you needed them?"

"Ahh," Thayne was startled by the question. "...Like this," he pursed his lips and whistled.

Obi quickly memorized the whistle, then noticed with his street awareness that quite a number of people had melted from side aisles into the farther parts of the castle. He paused to see if they would return to their places. "That's an interesting way to communicate with them. Would you do that for any of Mother's Children in the castle?" Thayne shook his head. Obi crossed his arms. "Thayne, for someone who supposedly was stuck in a back country hunting lodge, you seem to be particularly knowledgeable about Ilena's household matters."

Thayne flushed. He'd been found out. "You said earlier that Tairn had admitted to Prince Zen that Dane was an agent of Mother's. I...am also one. She had me be sure to stay at the hunting lodge this last season particularly in order to be taken up by Viscount Delay, so that I could learn what his intentions were. Prior to that, I was stationed mostly in Lyrias. However, Marcus and Henry are never far from Mother. I learned this way of contacting them when she was visiting there."

"I see," Obi said. The messengers who had disappeared were already reappearing back at their posts. Most of them seemed to be maids and low level castle staff, which he would expect. In the end he counted five, no six. They hadn't been gone long. There must be a chain of communication. He wondered if it could contain moving information. He started walking again along his route, and kept track of how long it was taking the pages to arrive.

As he moved beyond the original location, he noticed the people behind him didn't move again, but people along the path he walked took note of his passage. So they would go to the original location and then be sent in the right direction? He was surprised when they rounded a corner and Marcus, with Henry running up behind him, was in front of him. Had they read his intentions of where he was going? Or had there been some communication he hadn't understood?

"You called?" Marcus grinned at him. Henry was trying to catch his breath. He must have come from far away. They were very fast to respond, and therefore indeed practiced.

Obi kept walking. "Well, I had Thayne do it this first time." They fell in behind him. "While I'm gone, Master will need trusted hands and feet to deliver information between the Rose Office and Mother's room. I've told him about you. You're being assigned to this. Please inform the page office. If they need corroboration, you may let Mister know you need notice sent down."

"Mister?" Henry asked.

"Mister Mitsuhide," Obi clarified. "That is one of his jobs." He said it just because he was glad it wasn't going to be his job this time, and he wanted to pay Mitsuhide back for pushing that on to him these last few days. "But you can't say you're being assigned to Mother, just to Master." They nodded. "Make sure you properly introduce yourselves to the Rose Office and Master so they may know who they're trusting. Thayne," Obi pointed at him with his thumb, "will be with Mother while I'm gone. Be obedient to him." He watched from the corners of his eyes as they gave Thayne serious looks, then they nodded to Obi again. "Ah, and, you may deliver gifts to Mother, but this week, at least, you aren't to disturb her."

"Yes, Father," they both said obediently.

"Off you go, then," Obi said casually, and they took off towards the part of the castle the page's office was in.

Thane followed him quietly for a while, then said, "I was right before, you know. You are a natural."

Obi would have shrugged it off, but it clicked into place with the other pieces he'd been considering that day. Ilena was going to put him in a high place, and Thayne was telling him it was a place he naturally fit into. Obi sighed. "I'm thinking I would rather not be, right now. I'm still not sure I'm ready to fit into that place."

Thayne looked at him, then smiled his secret smile. Obi wanted to wipe it off his face, but held himself still. "Have you been paying attention to the path?" Obi asked him.

Thayne nodded. Obi pointed down a hallway to their right. "Going this way will take you to your quarters. You're in the same wing as Leah and Rio. I thought it best to keep you all together. Here's your key. The room number is on it." Obi handed the key over and Thayne looked at the number, then put the key in a pocket. "You'll have to learn the way later. Maybe one of the ladies can help you to find it. For now, we go this way."

Obi turned to the left, then took the next right. "This is the medical wing." It was a rectangle, with rooms around the perimeter, then a covered hallway area concentrically within the rooms. In the center, as was the case with most of the wings, was an open courtyard, divided into three sections by more covered walkways that joined the opposing long sides of the rectangle. At the ends of the crossing walkways were exits from the wing that took pedestrians out to other parts of the castle. On the left hand side they were walking down, those exits would take one out to the gardens and the herb greenhouses.

"This side," Obi motioned to their left," is the pharmacy, with the gardens on the other side. "That side," he motioned to the right, "is the doctors and surgeons. Doctor Elliot has his laboratory and office in that room." He pointed to a specific set of rooms about at the half-way point on the right-most side of the rectangle from them. "If Mother has need this week, that is where you must go to fetch him. He'll be standing close by until he's satisfied that the graft has been accepted. He says a rejected graft is a very serious thing and will need his immediate attention." Thayne nodded soberly, marking the office well.

They were nearing the end of the side they'd been walking down. "These doors," Obi indicated a set of doors that had two guards set on it, "are the entrance to the pharmacy proper. This is where Ryuu, the head pharmacist, and Mistress work. I don't know how much time Mistress plans to spend here this week, but if she wants to work here, bring her without her knowing it." They turned the corner and began to walk up the short leg of the wing.

Half-way up was another guarded door. Obi stopped in front of it. "Sailte, Hue, this is Thayne. He's standing for me while I'm gone. Do not interrupt his work." They nodded and looked at him closely. Thayne nodded a greeting to them, and looked them over as well. Obi paused, then added, "The two brats from this morning are being assigned as pages between the Rose Office and here. Feel free to confirm they are on Master's business if you think they are here for fun." The guards nodded. Hue's eyes sparkled. He thought it would be fun to have them come by to visit now and again.

Obi took a breath. He considered not entering for fear his presence would wake Ilena up. Then he realized that was just an excuse. She would have already heard him talking, even with the door closed, and probably from most of the way down the wing. She would not be pleased with him if he left without saying goodbye. He'd learned that from Master and Mistress. Not that that had stopped him before, but he still had to introduce Thayne to Mistress. He nodded to Sailte, who knocked on the door, waited a pause, then opened it.

Obi led Thayne into the room. It felt small again, because they'd decided to leave Ilena's bed in the middle of it. They would move her back against the wall after Doctor Elliot declared her secure. Shirayuki and Rio were in the room. Shirayuki had a book in her hands, as always, and Rio was hand stitching some cloth. Obi noticed Ilena was still breathing peacefully, but he was sure she was already beginning to rouse. It didn't make him happy. He would rather she stayed asleep. With a strange presence in the room with them, now, she surely wouldn't be able to until her street sense was satisfied.

Shirayuki stood when they entered. "Obi, was your trip successful, then?"

Obi nodded, "Yes, Mistress. This is Thayne of Wexford. Thayne, this is Shirayuki, Ilena's mistress." He remembered what title she had claimed for herself in cases like this.

Thayne bowed respectfully. "Mistress Shirayuki. Please take care of me."

Obi saw Ilena shift her hand slightly and the corners of her lips seemed to pull up a little. She liked Thayne as well, he could see. That was good. "Mistress, I must leave it to you to instruct Thayne. Rio, I've pointed the way to the wing you are housed in. If you could be sure he understands how to get there?" Rio nodded.

Obi sighed. Ilena was nearing fully awake. He turned and looked at her. "It would be better if you stayed asleep, you know," he scolded her.

Rio hid a smile and Shirayuki looked at him in surprise. "She's awake?"

"Almost. She can't bear to have people in the room she hasn't acknowledged. Go say hello, Thayne."

By the time Thayne was at Ilena's side, she did indeed have her eyes open. "Welcome Thayne," Ilena said thinly, still very weary from her ordeal. But a smile was on her face and in her eyes. "Thank you for coming."

"Mother. ...Mistress Ilena," for some reason using her correct title for his position made him blush. "It's an honor to be asked to serve."

Obi knew it was true. "His own mother, Sallie, said he'd been pining, wishing he could be here in this place."

Ilena looked at Thayne closely. "Have you had a desire fulfilled, Thayne?"

Thayne blushed deeper. "...Yes, Mother."

"That's good. Then it's a full circle." Obi didn't know what that meant for sure, but the words made Thayne's eyes go wide. Ilena let her eyes close briefly. Thayne stepped back, making room for Obi, looking at him expectantly.

Obi sighed internally. He hated saying goodbyes. The one he'd already said earlier was enough for him. He worked up his courage, then stepped to the side of the bed and looked down at Ilena.

"I'm sorry, Obi," she said, "for waking up and making you do this again."

He stared at her for a moment. Then he shook his head with a small, wry grin. "Ah, well. It was inevitable, having to bring Thayne in. Also, I knew I would leave you feeling sad if I didn't come in with him. I didn't need you crying more tears on my account."

She looked at him and smiled. "Thank you for desiring to decrease your own burdens."

"Was that supposed to be a slight?" he furrowed his brows at her.

"No," she continued to hold her smile.

He gave up and his hand reached for hers. He really was going to have to do something about that, having his hands do things without his permission. She accepted his hand and held it warmly, then she gave up and fell back to sleep. When he was sure she was asleep, he let her hand go gently and turned back towards the room.

Shirayuki had her head tucked into her book. That meant she was embarrassed, but her expression was happy. Well, if he'd made her happy, that was alright. Rio was pragmatically back at her sewing. Thayne was watching him with an interesting expression on his face, but Obi couldn't quite interpret it.

"One thing I've learned is, when all else fails, hold her hand and she'll fall asleep. I'm not sure I like the thought of you doing it, but if you need it, now you know, too." Obi told Thayne. "I'll leave you to it."

Thayne bowed. "I will not fail you, Master Obi."

Obi nodded at him, then bowed to Shirayuki. "Mistress."

"Have a safe trip, Obi," she smiled at him.

He bowed to her again, then finally was able to escape the room, though once he was through the door, he paused and looked back. At least with this leaving he was leaving her much better protected than for the first, and...he knew he would be coming back.