Chapter 10 Operation Red carpet: Stage 1

40 years after the Great War

Londinium

During the Great War, both sides took great pains to protect the true identities of their top mages, there was a great worry that these mages would be bought low by underhanded tactics off the battlefield. It is perhaps because of this, we have so much trouble revealing the true identities of these so-called 'named mages.' – Andrew WTN special correspondent.

March 24th Unified Year 1925

203rd Temporary Command Centre 15:00 hours

Christina Zerbst tinkered with her master's flight gear in the converted stable at the back of the royal summer home. It was a warm afternoon, during the short but quiet period between companies switching out for combat duty. She found the mixture of old timbre and oil in the air oddly relaxing, and she often tried to find time to come out here alone when her duties would allow.

She was currently trying to adjust the prince's imperial flight gear so it would function slightly more like the Letzenbourg style he was used to. The prince preferred the low level hovering his old gear allowed, but Major Degurechaff had decreed that they all use the imperial variant, to prevent them being marked as targets to the enemy, a decision Christina herself endorsed.

She had no doubt people would find it strange that she, the prince's governess, would be out here making adjustments on highly advanced and intricate military equipment. After all, how could she, a mere slip of a girl from a poor background, know about such things? The answer was so unbelievable to most people they wouldn't have even considered it. She'd taught herself, as she had with medicine too, and everything else she'd ever had to do. With the prince's help, of course.

She had always been a quick learner and had applied any new abilities and skills in everything she put her mind to. She would never say she was a genius like the prince, she had had to work incredibly hard for everything she had achieved. She had needed to, for the survival of both her and her sister. Besides, you had to be a quick study, when your ward has an almost supernatural understanding of things. Sometimes it felt like he'd been born with knowledge, and just needed some guidance to unlock it.

She frowned, as her thoughts turned to her prince, he had barely been eating or sleeping again. Most people had always dismissed him as being a picky eater, but the prince had a very good reason for being careful about what he ate. It was probably the reason he was sleeping so poorly too. Although he'd always had irregular sleeping patterns, she'd been having difficulty persuading him to have more than a few hours recently. It was only due to the intervention of Major Degurechaff, that he was asleep now. It seemed even out here surrounded by the empire's elite's, he was living in fear.

She sighed to herself, as she reached for a wrench. Attaching himself to this battalion was supposed to alleviate his fear, not exacerbate it. He was convinced his brother was going to have him killed, although neither she nor Sophia had found any direct evidence, it was clear the regent wanted to lock him up at the very least. She had begged him to seek refuge at the Imperial court, but he feared he would not be safe there either.

As crazy as it sounded, he was adamant that his safest place was on the front lines. He reasoned that if he was deployed with the 203rd, only a limited number of people would know when and where he was deployed, at least while in the air. Additionally, he would be protected by the most elite force in the Empire, they wouldn't risk the disgrace of letting anything happen to him. Then he would only need to worry about being shot at by the enemy, "I'd much prefer they try to kill me, it's their job after all" she remembered him joking confidently. She wasn't entirely sure herself, but the prince had an uncanny knack for these sorts of things, and they would all do their utmost to protect him.

Then again maybe part of his fear was due to the 203rd's commanding officer Tanya von Degurechaff. From the second she had laid eyes on the girl, she had known she would not like her. With her hard eyes and pale complexion, she reminded her of a vampire from one of the horror novels her sister enjoyed. She could almost believe it was actually true, after seeing how drained the prince had been after their private dinner in his rooms, two weeks before.

Then there was the box that Sophia had been sent to retrieve. Neither of them knew exactly what it contained, or even of its existence before Sophia was asked to collect it. This bothered Christina immensely, the prince did not trust easily, it was part of the reason he acted so differently around certain people. He had confided to her in the past, that it was like a shield for him, he would act as he was expected to, while he kept suspicious of people so that they wouldn't be able to hurt him. Sophia and herself had been the only people he trusted enough to let his act drop around, until he met the Degurechaff girl.

She thought back to her first meeting the young royal, she and her sister had only been hired on as maids a few months before. As a new hire, she was kept as far away from the nobles as possible, they didn't want a peasant girl like her talking to the VIP's until she'd learned some better manners. Fortunately, her work ethic and quick mind meant she soon managed to impress her superiors and was made part of the team looking after the Grand Duke's youngest son.

The prince was only 4 at the time, even then he was showing signs of his intelligence, not only could he read and write but he'd already begun outwitting his tutors and current governess with ease. This made him lazy however and his teachers struggled to get him to commit to anything unless he was especially interested in it. He was also very sickly and often had to spend weeks at a time confined to his bed.

It was during one of these times of illness, that he began taking an interest in Christina. He would ask about her duties, what she did outside of work and about sister. Although she had been told not to be too familiar with the boy, she couldn't help but indulging him. He seemed sad and trapped, frustrated by his illness and overprotective guardians.

Around the prince's 5th birthday the Empire began sending their own doctors to the young Letzenbourg prince, abruptly almost all the prince's staff was changed. And suddenly the prince's illnesses seemed to disappear overnight. There were rumours of poison plots, but nobody really paid them much attention at the time.

She had been chosen to take over as his new governess, he had insisted on it in fact, declaring she was too smart to be a servant so she should have lessons along with him. Since he was already steaming ahead in his education it had often seemed she was lagging behind him, but he refused to listen to his tutors if they did not help her, so she had the best education possible, even when he skipped lessons to sneak out with her sister.

She was given access to the Royal Library and the prince's own doctors, bought in from Berlun by the ambassador, began teaching her bits and pieces. They seemed happy to do this, as she and her sister seemed to be the only ones with any control over him, and he would often refuse to see anyone else. It was a happy time, he had helped both her and her sister, and they all felt they could accomplish anything.

Then came the incident on the prince's birthday and everything changed. As his governess, her room was adjacent to his, she was used to him getting up in the middle of the night and had long given up on getting him to sleep all the way through, so wasn't surprised to hear him moving around. She assumed he was probably excited about his birthday, he may have a more mature mindset, but he was still a child, and what child doesn't get excited about presents?

She wished she had checked earlier, there a loud crash and the prince screamed. She leapt from her bed urgently and rushed towards the adjoining door. There was another scream, a mans this time, and then quiet from the room. She rushed in finding the prince shivering on the floor, clutching a sword that had fallen off the mantle, covered in blood. She thanked God, for whatever fool thought to decorate a child's room with weaponry, it had saved the boy's life, she didn't dare look at the man, so just scooped up the sobbing boy and ran from the room calling for help.

Her most enduring memory though hadn't been the scene itself however, it was sometime later. The prince had been shivering in fearful silence, still clutching the sword, she was checking him over as she tried to calm him down, he had hit his head at some point and had a large gash across the back of his head. Eventually, he looked up at her and simply asked: "Why?"

She couldn't lie to him, the prince would see through it, in this case, he was too smart for his own good. An officer had already told her that the man was a suspected communist separatist, and she was forced to tell a 6-year-old boy that some people would want to kill him simply because of who he was.

The news had changed him, he split his private and public personalities completely. Soon after he threw himself into his studies and wrote a paper on world politics. Many experts at the time laughed at its contents, until its predictions began coming true. He declared he would join the Imperial war college and spend time at the Imperial court, so they left for Berlun, despite the regent's protests.

She only remembered him smiling genuinely once after the incident, while first learning mage flight. His eyes had been filled with wonder, and he had been overjoyed skating and diving around in the air while being strapped to his oversized flight boots. Mage flight was one of the few things she'd ever observed the prince ever take genuine joy in. It was why she was working so hard on his flight gear, she prayed one day she would see him happy again.

She snapped herself out of her reverie, she had to concentrate if she wanted to correctly tune the type 97 to the flight system's mana distribution nodes. After a few tense minutes, in which she was acutely aware that she might blow up, she sat back satisfied her adjustments were ready for a field test.

Hearing footsteps behind her, she looked around and saw Major Degurechaff entering the workshop. She stood and bowed in greeting.

"Miss Zerbist, I see you have many hidden talents" the Major greeted.

"Thank you, Major, what can I do for you?" Christina replied bluntly but politely, keeping her face impassive, she didn't want to want to spend a moment longer with the girl than necessary.

"I'd like to have a word about the colonel," Degurechaff said with a slight smile. Of course you do, Christina thought, what do you want from him now harpy? She kept her face and voice neutral and bid the Major to continue.

"I'm concerned about him getting enough rest, I admit he is skilled, but a tired soldier is a liability, can you imagine the damage if something were to happen to him?" the girl asked.

Worried about your reputation, are we? Thought Christina, desperately suppressing a scowl. She bowed to cover her expression before replying.

"Apologies Major Degurechaff, I will see to it he is well-rested in future" she replied neutrally, and the girl nodded back in acknowledgement. "Is there something else miss?" she asked hoping the girl would leave. The major looked back at her and paused for a moment as if choosing her words.

"I'm sure you can agree, a sword is not exactly the best weapon on a modern battlefield, despite the Colonel's proficiency with it" she finished carefully as if skirting around the subject.

Is it so hard for you to address him as prince? Or his Highness? Still, she did have a point, his insistence on using his sword meant he had to get far closer to the enemy than any of his staff were especially comfortable with. Still, it was by far the weapon he was best with, besides how could she ever think of trying to get him to part with it? He would be lost without it now.

"I know what you are asking Major," she said sighing, unable to keep the sadness from her voice "I can't persuade him to part with it." The major stared at her quizzically clearly expecting more, Christina considered things for a moment before settling on an explanation.

"You know of soldiers superstitions don't you major? That sword saved his life, so he won't leave it," she finished hoping the girl wouldn't press further.

Degurechaff considered the words with an unreadable look on her face, before finally seeming to accept that it wasn't worth pursuing any further. Relieved, Christina turned to leave but the major stopped her.

"There is one more thing, a messenger arrived with these letters for me and the colonel, from the Grand Duke," she began with a look of confusion, holding up two envelopes with red wax seals on them. "They're invitations to a ball?"

Christina sighed, she could understand the confusion, wartime was not exactly the best time for a grand party, but the invitations were from the Grand Duke, not the Regent. That would mean the prince's father was in one of his more stable phases, he'd no doubt been informed of the daring rescue and would want to see his son and rescuer. Still, something about the messages was worrying her.

"Excuse me major, who delivered the messages?" Christina asked carefully.

"Wiess said a Letzenbourg soldier arrived in a staff car with them," the major stated, "he left as soon as he'd dropped them off."

Christina had a bad feeling, Letzenbourg command was not supposed to know the 203rd was stationed here, only that the mansion had been sequestered by western command. Even if they suspected the prince was here, they wouldn't just turn up in the off chance, fuel was limited, and why a staff car? Messengers were usually deployed on a motorbike, it all felt suspicious.

"If you don't mind major, could you deliver the message to his highness yourself, I'm sure he'll want to discuss it with you immediately," said Christina. She passed her a key before turning and striding out before the major could argue, she loathed sending her to him, but if her suspicions proved correct it would be wise to place her in a position to protect him.

Right now, she needed to find Sophia and Hausmann, they had an intruder to catch.

Xxxxx

How did I end up having to do this? Tanya thought to herself, she had gone to the maid, precisely so that she didn't have to deal with the troublesome little colonel. Well, that and she had hoped to foster a better working relationship with the woman, and she believed she'd made a positive step in the right direction. The royal seemed reluctant to disobey his governess, having her on side would help her keep him under control.

All in all, Tanya thought it had gone well. She was impressed with Miss Zerbist's professional demeanour, and it was clear she was highly talented and skilled. If she were still a HR manager, Tanya would have been speaking to personnel to better utilise her skillset, the Zerbist woman would make an ideal employee.

Tanya had felt they were coming to a decent understanding on a professional basis, she even seemed to agree with her on the issue of the prince's sword, although she wouldn't have anything to do with parting him from it. It had all seemed to be going well until she'd mentioned the messages, for some reason it seemed to have rattled the usually taciturn servant and she'd scurried off before Tanya could protest.

Now she had to go visit the little colonel in his rooms, she doubted he would be happy about it, after all, it'd only been a few hours since she'd ordered him to bed in the first place. She sighed, he was no doubt going to be difficult, she probably would be too in his place. The maid had said he would want to discuss the message immediately however, if that were so, he'd probably be more difficult if she didn't wake him.

The message confused her, she knew nobles often lived in an almost different reality to the rest of the world, but even they must think it a stupid idea to have a lavish party while there was a war ripping apart their country. Equally, though she didn't know if she could refuse without damaging her reputation, General von Han's would-be probably invited, and it could be undiplomatic to refuse. Unfortunately for her, this was the little colonel's area of expertise, and his 'family' were the hosts, so she had no choice but to consult with him.

By now she had crossed the gardens and re-entered the main building, 4th company was getting ready to relieve 3rd company for front line duty so, troops were hurrying around, preparing their weaponry and heading to the workshop to don their flight gear. She returned the salutes of a few officers as she passed, pleased to note everyone seemed to be seeing to their duties quickly and efficiently, it was comforting to know she had created such a well-oiled machine.

Eventually, she reached the door of her host's suite, he'd placed himself the opposite end of the house from her own rooms, if not for the fact she preferred it that way, she might have taken offence. She knocked on the door and braced herself for a potential grumpy tirade from the brat within. She was met with silence however and knocked again a little harder this time.

Still nothing she thought, remembering the key the maid had given her. She considered leaving and coming back later, but quickly dismissed it, it felt too much like giving in to the brat. Carefully she unlocked the door and quietly entered the hybrid living/Dining area of the suite. She realised the last time she had visited, that his rooms were smaller than the one he had arranged for her, although she wasn't sure if that was part of his attempt to impress her or just a personal preference.

She approached the bedroom door, knocked and listened for any noise beyond the portal. Still, there was no sign of life beyond and Tanya was becoming impatient, she shouted and pushed her way through the door, looking up as she entered. She stopped dead in her tracks.

The colonel was sat bolt upright pistol in hand with a wild look in his eyes, she had obviously startled him, and he looked ready to fire. In his drowsy state, he didn't seem to recognise her, hastily she focussed power through her computation orb and bought up a protective shell, before calling for him to calm down. An eternity seemed to pass, and recognition began to cross the boy's face as his brain caught up with events and he lowered his pistol.

"Degurechaff? What the hell are you doing here?" The boy hissed, breathing heavily with a mixture of tired confusion and fury. "I could have shot you."

Letting out a breath she didn't realise she'd been holding, she began to drop her shield but stopped herself, seeing the bizarre look of horror on his face. He was no longer looking at her but at a table to her left with a porcelain statue on it.

"Why did you bring that?" he stuttered pointing at the statue with the pistol. She looked closer, it was a copy of Rodin's thinker, for some reason the boy seemed oddly terrified of it.

"I didn't" she stated confused, regarding the colonel cautiously, he was angry and bewildered, he obviously hadn't properly woken and composed himself. Your obviously not a morning person then, she observed dryly. She wondered if his servants had to deal with this every time they woke him, or if this was all due to her unannounced visit. She felt her hand instinctively curl around the handle of her own pistol in defence.

He rose, ignoring her and quickly beelined for the statue, grasped it, and smashed it against the table angrily. Before dropping the remains and sitting himself in a nearby chair breathing heavily. Tanya was at a loss, she had thought she was becoming accustomed to his odd behaviours but this was something else. She began to wonder if this was some sign of PTSD or other mental illness.

Eventually, the prince's breathing began to normalise, and he raised his head and gave her an apologetic and worried look. "Sorry major, I'm not myself when I first wake up, please forget that just happened."

As the words escaped his lips, she could see his usual confidence returning and the colour began to return to his face. It seemed he'd been genuinely fearful, she thought back to their meeting on the train, it seemed he really did believe he was in danger. But what was that nonsense about the statue? She thought. Better to leave that can of worms for now, one thing was or certain, she wouldn't be waking him again anytime soon if she could help it.

"I didn't know you were so obsessed with me that you'd break into my rooms" he continued with a mocking grin, clearly, he'd recovered enough now if he was able to start with that kind of comment.

"Your nanny sent me up, Wilhelm" she sneered back at him, willing to bet he was normalised enough to take it. She doubted he would trust her if she pussyfooted around him, neither did she particularly want to, and she was confident she could subdue him until he calmed down if necessary.

"Christina?" he said questioningly with a hint of concern, either not hearing or caring about Tanya's mocking tone.

"Care to explain these?" asked Tanya holding up his letter, he took it quizzically and quickly began reading it. Tanya studied his expression as he scanned the document and noted his face distort into a thoughtful frown. Obviously, this wasn't part of one of his plans.

"Father is in one of his lucid phases, he wants to meet you" he groaned, "I'm sure my brother has something to do with this" he grumbled. Part of her wanted to pass a comment on him referring to them in a familial manner, but she thought better of it.

"It's not for another week though" he continued thoughtfully, "perhaps I can use this to our advantage, I can arrange for some important Imperial officials to be invited, to help your promotion to the general staff." He paused and gazed at her for a moment, "can you dance?"

Tanya was both amazed at how quickly had returned to his scheming self and aghast that he was suggesting going along with it. Had he forgotten there was a war happening less than a few kilometres away? He seemed to sense her confusion and shot her a mirthful smile.

"Ah major, the nobility will find a reason to be opulent even when the enemy is at the gates, look at the François revolution, I'm sure we can arrange enough cover to fulfil our combat duties while we are gone, now can you dance? It's a ball it'll be expected."

Of course, I can't dance! She had, of course, gone to various functions and receptions in her past life, but nothing like a formal ball attended by nobility, and her upbringing in the orphanage in her new life had understandably thought it wouldn't be needed. There had been an optional class in the war college but there had been no point, they wouldn't have been able to find a partner her size. The prince sighed, rising from his chair and beckoned her over, he'd apparently decided he was going to teach her.

She regarded him critically once again, he was still in his nightgown, it looked remarkably similar to her own. As if sensing her appraisal of his night ware he frowned, "It's comfortable" he stated, before clasping her hands and placing one on his shoulder and pulling her close. "I suppose you'll want to lead?" he added with an impish grin.

Suddenly Lieutenant Serebryakov, rushed into the room looking flustered.

"Major! Colonel!" she started but stopped dead as soon as she saw the pair, a blush began to appear on her face, and she looked away in embarrassment. Tanya shoved the boy aside, trying to ignore the feeling of humiliation that felt suspiciously like the propaganda photo all over again, and turned to her subordinate. She would not have barged in if it weren't important.

"Report" Tanya snapped, to refocus the lieutenant. And Serebryakov quickly recomposed herself.

"Sirs" she began smartly with a textbook salute "We've captured a spy."

Author's Note

Told ya I'd have the next one out quickly, to be fair Most of the 1st half was originally part of the last chapter, but I decided to replace that with the other sister Sophia's POV instead.

I didn't originally intend to make Christina dislike Tanya that much, but it fits with her protective nature over the prince, besides once I wrote her calling Tanya a harpy in her head I just had to keep it in.

A few little Easter eggs that'll never get bought up unless I mention them:

Prince Wilhelm Viktor Von Hozollern is actually named directly after the German Kaiser in WWI

Christina and Sophia Zerbist are both named after Catherine the Great

I wish I'd named Hausmann after something too, but I just made that one up

Hope you enjoyed, as always thank you for reading and feedback is appreciated

Xanen