The elaborate ceiling staring down at her was the first sight 'Queen' woke up to in the morning. The curtains were drawn from the window, allowing the sun to completely fill the room as the birds chirped melodically outside. It was difficult to move from the comfortable pillow, but she eventually peered around the room. When she looked to her left, she noticed an empty space on the mattress again.
'He must already be awake…'
After having dinner, she and Kane retired to his bedroom last night. But there were more on their minds rather than sleeping. Some considerable time passed since the they shared a similar space, and they celebrated with a small 'reunion' of their own. She'd been craving him, and to receive him in the walls of his own home was a privilege she was honored to have.
It was strange sleeping in such a comfortable bed. The sheets were soft and her pillow was exactly to her liking. It was hard to believe Kane rarely slept in here - she didn't want to leave the blankets as it is! 'Queen' noticed her nudity and put on some clothes. She spent this time properly unpacking her things, starting with the dresses, shoes, and jewelry she brought.
After all was said and done, a knock sounded from the door. The taps were so quiet that she almost didn't hear them.
"Come in." She called, holding her mask over her face.
The doorknob twisted and slowly opened, revealing a tall figure from the other side. She jumped when a plague doctor mask tilted curiously at her. The figure did not step inside the room, though it wasn't necessary. She recognized him as one of Kane's sons - a member of the Elite she met yesterday.
"Kane wants you to join us in the workshop." Bishop informed her.
"Workshop?" She repeated, meeting with him at the doorway. "May I ask what for?"
"He will inform you once we are there."
She preferred freshening up first, but she didn't want to keep him waiting. She followed Bishop down the hallways. He led her without uttering a word. She exchanged some questions with him during dinner last night. She learned that Bishop worked with Kane and contributed to many of his projects. Judging by the way they spoke passionately to one another over the table that night, they seemed to collaborate a lot on these sorts of things.
As they carried on, she found it strange that Kane's home - or rather, mansion - was so quiet. It made little sense, after learning how many people lived here. She didn't get a chance to question this, as they arrived at a door. She was promptly led inside and the sight took her aback.
The workshop was a large room in every sense. While the floor they walked on was clean, there wasn't a space empty in here. The countertops and closets were littered with tools and structures. One part of the room appeared to be a small laboratory, as she spotted beakers and equipment laying about. The rest had large machines did not recognize. 'Queen' noticed a chalkboard that sat uncovered in the back - but she couldn't understand a single thing written on it.
They found Kane standing in front of a large desk. There were piles of papers and objects strewn about. He was observing one of them until they stepped in his line of sight. His girlfriend was the first one to approach him, a smile lighting up her face.
"I see you're awake." He commented. She pulled her mask away to leave a kiss on his lips. "Did you sleep well?"
"Of course. It was most comfortable." She looked around. "Bishop said you wanted me here?"
"Indeed. Today will be the start of what I - and the rest of my family - can teach you." He led her to the middle of the room, where he gestured to their surroundings. "-This is where I primarily work. Bishop shares the space with me, and we conduct most of our research here."
"-Do not touch anything." The tall plague doctor warned her from behind. He retreated to the part of the room that she believed to be a small lab, searching through some cabinets without another word. Kane waved him off in his absence.
"He's only protective of his work. I doubt you'll break anything in here."
She was looking around with amazement in her eyes. The sight was something she would've seen in a movie - filled with so many books, and complex machinery everywhere she looked…She approached one of the structures and looked at it curiously. Kane followed closely. After a moment, she turned to him and pointed at what she was staring at.
"What is this?"
"A prototype of a weapon Bishop is designing." The other man looked up from across the room. "-You must be careful."
She gave him an odd look before turning around again. There was so much to see. She was nowhere near understanding exactly what Kane does . He explained he was a sort of inventor - but seeing such work in front of her was another experience. With so many prototypes laying about, sketches of designs and notes in different languages scattered on the tables…'Queen' was absolutely fascinated.
"So this is where you do everything? Where you invent, design, and build?" He nodded along to her words. "I did not think it was this…. big …"
"I work for the King. Not only do I design for my army, but for various improvements to Valencia as well. That is not something I can do without all the resources available."
She hesitated. "May I look around?"
"Be my guest."
She gazed around the room with curious eyes. She went to the tables and inspected the work laying on them, reading everything she could. She kept a respectable amount of space - not laying a hand on anything she saw. Kane watched her intently as she went around the workshop, a gloved finger tapping his chin in interest. Bishop joined his side and eyed the woman with more indifference.
"I do not like this." He stated bluntly. "You are exposing her to our plans. Do you have any idea how dangerous this is? Some of this information is highly confidential, and she may stumble right upon it."
"I'm aware." At Bishop's insulted look, he elaborated. "-She is not just anyone to me. I will ask you to remember that." The plague doctor went quiet. "If she is going to help us, then she will need to see this. We need her assistance."
"Do we, really ? You and I work perfectly together. I do not see why we need someone else in the picture."
"Believe me." His blue eyes went over to 'Queen'. She was attempting to decipher some mathematical equations on the chalkboard in the room. "-I know what I am doing."
The rest of the week was spent in Kane and Bishop's workshop. 'Queen' was sent there every day. In that time, she observed them working and listened to the lessons they gave her. They worked out the structure of the Valencian army to her, and elaborated on some things that were not known to the public. Even though she'd been a soldier herself, she received information that even she didn't know - which obliged her to listen carefully. They explained loopholes and unspoken rules within the system. How could she not be interested?
In this time, Kane was open and answered any of her questions. He was honest, albeit blunt, but she appreciated his truthfulness, nonetheless. Bishop appeared to be another matter - as he avoided talking to her beyond their lessons and would repeatedly remind her not to touch anything in the room. He was defensive and snappy when she was around, so she seldom talked to him. She would offer help if she found him struggling, to which he'd insist he was fine, and that would be it between them.
She asked Kane why he was like this. He told her he was stubborn and a perfectionist like him. He assured her that his defensiveness was not personal.
. . .
A few days passed before she was summoned again. This time, it was Deacon on the other end of the door. She'd just gotten out of the shower when he knocked. She didn't want to keep whoever it was waiting, so she hastily opened the door. Although her frame was completely covered by a towel, he averted his eyes the entire time they spoke. She found his respect rather charming.
"Your training starts today, so please, get ready." He told her.
She realized she had business with the entire Elite, and not just Kane and Bishop. Rooke and Deacon were going to train her in combat. She prepared as promised. She was led to a small training ground - with targets and weapons prepared beforehand. Rooke was already there, sitting on a crate and polishing the guns innately. When Deacon and 'Queen' arrived, he stopped what he was doing and began preparing their setup.
"We're going to start out with seeing your progress so far." Deacon explained as the larger man moved along in the background. "Rooke informed me of your performances in training. I'd like to see that today."
"Yes, sir." She responded confidently.
As strange as it was, she sort of... missed this process. Of being a 'promising soldier. It felt so long since she fired a gun or performed on the battlefield. She almost craved it. Rooke equipped her with a vest and a gun, informing her what type it was and how to properly handle it. She was surprised when Deacon offered some earplugs, which she gratefully accepted. All she was instructed to do was hit a target. She took her time aiming and executing her shots, all of which were notably accurate and hit the targets.
Deacon was impressed. He offered her criticisms on her performance. After following his advice, she was more accurate and thanked him. After he was done teaching her, Rooke took over. She was excited to be taken under his wing once more, as he proved to be an excellent instructor before. He asked to show her performance with physical combat - which was executed with training dummies and mats.
'This feels familiar…' 'Queen' thought as she hit these dummies, with full force and focus.
Rooke was similarly impressed. He had little to mention on improvement, but gave her advice as well. His input was as great as Deacon's, and with his help, she was able to hit harder and quicker. He informed her he was planning on teaching her various fighting techniques throughout their time together. This was exciting - as she longed for the days of showing what she was capable of, and to be recognized by high figures such as Kane's Elite was an honor.
. . .
The process kept up for the next few days. Deacon would retrieve her in the morning and bring her to the training grounds for her lessons. Rooke met them there and taught her what he could. The two worked so well together. Rarely did she find them butt heads on anything . Rooke moved targets around while she practiced with Deacon, and in return, the spymaster was used as an example when she was being shown fighting moves and strategies.
She couldn't help make a remark during their time together.
"You get along well." She commented. "I've never seen brothers as close as you two."
Deacon and Rooke exchanged glances before returning their eyes on her. It was difficult to say how they reacted - but they seemed intrigued. The taller one looked down at his twin, his tone a mixture of delight and wonder.
"-That's the first time anyone ever said that. Do you think we work well together, Deacon?"
His response came quick. "Of course."
The General's spirits were lifted, judging by the way he resumed their lesson with new vigor. 'Queen' noticed an appreciative look showing her way from Deacon and smiled at him in return.
A few weeks passed while she spent time with Kane and his Elite. She was learning plenty from Bishop and Kane - who showed her their notes and told her secrets of the army. She was also grateful that her sessions with Deacon and Rooke were getting her back into a normal routine of training. She noticed her muscles were toning again and was finally getting back into the spirit of a soldier - all while understanding the mechanics of it.
She was learning more than she ever would've if she had started her AITs.
She was so invested in what she learned from this new family, that she forgot about the lessons from someone else. When a knock sounded on her door that morning, she expected either Bishop or Deacon. She was surprised to find a jester on the other side. The bells on his cap jingled as he moved his head, giving her an impatient look from the unmasked part of his face.
"Well? Are you ready, or not?" Phule asked at her silence.
She blinked as she held onto the door frame, trying to understand what he was exactly talking about.
"Oh, ah - yes. I'm supposed to learn…. something from you, aren't I?" She flashed a smile nervously. She felt terrible for not exactly knowing what .
"Kane told me what you have to learn. So, you're going to join me while I work." He explained bluntly.
"And what exactly is that?"
He only laughed in response.
She realized he wasn't going to answer any of her questions, so she wasted no time following him out. Kane's eldest son was the one she's barely spent time with over these weeks. While he was around for dinner and came into the house often, catching sight of him was rare. At least, when he'd be willing to stick around. She can't recall exchanging any conversations with him before. He kept to himself and would not pass a second glance if he'd caught sight of her.
If he means 'work' , her best assumption would be his jester act. What did she have to learn from that, exactly? Her time will be wasted watching this man pretend to be silly. It was more productive to learn about the army or how to fight. Why would Kane send her out with Phule like this? Questions gathered in her mind by the second as he led her into the heart of Cadiz.
The higher classes leisurely walked around as few children played in the streets. While Phule strolled around with ease, she carried a slower pace from behind, looking around in uncertainty. She had to admit one thing - he carried a lot of confidence with himself, even though plenty of noblewomen and gentlemen chuckled at his appearance as they passed by.
"What am I supposed to do?" She asked.
"Watch, observe. That's what he wants you to do."
'He wants me to watch him perform?'
She was still confused by the request, but complied anyway. Phule motioned when they approached a small group of women, sitting and talking on a bench. She got the message and allowed him to do his thing. The way his voice changed was natural, and his movements became theatrical in an instant. He jested about their clothes and the way the girls were sitting - which resulted in titters and giggles their way. He told them a few jokes, only which 'Queen' found a couple amusing enough to laugh at.
When he was done, he returned to her side. She couldn't understand it. He made fun of those women, told a few jokes, and they laughed. At her lost look, he rolled his eyes and continued his way - grabbing some plastic balls from his pocket and juggled as they walked along. She admired how he did this while moving.
"You're a good jester," She complimented. She did not get a response.
A few children laughed and surrounded them while Phule performed. This was when he added more to what he juggled, impressing the little eyes that absorbed him intently. Eventually, a circle was surrounding him, filled with various nobles looking amused and expecting more. 'Queen' stepped aside to blend in with the crowd. He took on a showman's role as he called out to them. He made snarky comments towards their clothes and wealth, done in such poor taste that 'Queen' was surprised to hear them laugh. He performed a few card tricks while he was at it. The crowd ate him up in a contagious way.
He eventually removed himself from the scene and 'Queen' followed intently. He stopped to look at her - waiting for a response of some sorts. She still didn't know what to give him.
"You're talented. But I don't know what it is I should say." She thought for a moment. "-You're funny."
"Of course I am." He crossed his arms. "But what exactly did I do ?"
"You performed tricks and acts, then joked with them. It was fun to watch."
He sighed. This confused her more. She grew aggravated with his guessing games. "Well, what do you want me to say?"
"You don't understand what I do. But...not many people do."
As she opened her mouth to inquire, he walked away without a word. He led them to a bench so they could talk properly. As he took a seat, she joined his side, holding her mask in one hand while resting the other in her lap. He had poor posture as he sat there, crossing one leg over the other and humming thoughtfully.
"You might know my job is to make others laugh and pretend to be silly, isn't it?" She agreed. "-You're not entirely wrong. But there's a lot more to it than that. I have what's called 'jester's privilege'. You heard me pointing out those noble's clothes and riches - and they didn't bat an eye. If I were a commoner, they would most certainly have been punished for such words."
She blinked, listening carefully.
"-However, we jesters are not expected to be taken seriously. I can tell the King he's ignorant and he would laugh in my face. We keep everyone honest this way, to point out their selfishness and conceited ways. I'm allowed to manipulate them - and that's what Kane would like you to do as well."
Her lips parted in surprise. Now the dots were starting to connect.
"I don't know why, but I'm going to be your teacher for this sort of thing." He tilted his head to the side. "Father is too busy to teach you himself. And my job is the perfect example of manipulation. Those are his words, anyway."
"That's a good point, isn't it?" She agreed. "You tell them their flaws to their own faces, but they don't take you seriously. How do you manage that?"
"I assume he's taught you a little bit of this already, hasn't he?" She recalled her time in Florenza, when he told her how to blend in with the nobles. She nodded right away.
She did not expect to have this type of insightful conversation with a jester. Now it made sense - she learned how to copy others during her time in Florenza. She'll have to do the same here, but in a more difficult way. These people are of the highest class, and even the royals themselves are here. Learning this will be a useful trick while she's out, if she is to establish her presence as Kane's girlfriend...
She turned to Phule and smiled. "I have to say that I... admire what you do."
He sounded sarcastic. "Really?"
"You know how to do this so well. Lying to them, keeping them honest while also being funny and talented... I've never understood what a jester does until now. Thank you, for teaching me this."
He looked surprised at her words. Being this close made her notice that he had two different colored eyes - his right a similar blue to Kane's, but the left a brown like hers. It was mesmerizing to look at, but then he turned away. He returned to the scornful tone he had earlier.
"I'm sure this won't be the last time he asks me to do this with you. So expect this to happen again."
She grinned. "I'm sure I will."
She retired to the bedroom that evening. Deacon and Rooke attended tonight's dinner while Bishop and Phule were nowhere to be found. She was getting used to such a thing, so she didn't find it out of the ordinary. She had a nice time talking with the two about their lessons, informing Kane on how they went. They've been giving positive reports about her, and it felt like she was a soldier all over again, wanting to impress her Supreme Commander.
She was relieved to speak more with his sons, considering their difficult first meeting. Their company was delightful in different ways. She wanted to spend time with them, not only to further learn in their eyes, but to get to know Kane's family. It meant a lot to her in that aspect, although she was uncertain if Phule or Bishop liked her yet. She'd have to try harder with them as time went on.
She changed into her nightgown and approached the bed, where her boyfriend waited for her. She hopped at his side. He laid a hand on her back as she rested her head on his chest. He hadn't changed from his clothes yet, but it was still early in the night. He noticed her good mood and quirked an eyebrow when she started humming under her breath.
"How did it go today with Phule?" He asked.
She never informed him on how it went. She had been busy talking with Deacon and Rooke at the time. "I was confused with what you wanted me to learn from him. I guess he got impatient when I didn't catch on."
"And?"
"It was interesting learning how his job worked. And that it's something similar to what I was already learning." Her eyes traveled downwards. "I never thought I would learn from a jester. It sounded ridiculous when you first told me, but now I want to know more ."
"It's not a humiliating job, you know. Court jesters are looked highly upon, especially ones that work for royalty like he does."
"It's funny - I never met one until you introduced me to Phule."
He stared at her for a moment. In a serious tone, he asked, "He did not act out today, did he?"
"What? No. He was in a bad mood when he got me, but he wasn't unkind. I found it charming how the children loved watching him juggle."
"Good, good...it is normal for him to seem upset, at times. Take no offense when that happens." He sat up, moving her off in a smooth movement. "-I take it you are learning plenty from my children?"
"Oh, yes...Bishop is as smart as you, and Deacon and Rooke have taught me well with how to fight. I know Phule will help me understand how to act around here - they are all so talented…I'm honored to work with them."
Kane stood from the bed to start changing into his nightwear. She watched him move around with hungry eyes, eagerly waiting on the blankets. He took off his shirt in an almost teasing pace, pulling it from his shoulders slowly. His words snapped her out of her trance. "-When I have the time, I plan on teaching you how to fence."
She couldn't hide the excitement in her voice. "You're going to give me fencing lessons?"
"Of course. As soon as I am caught up with my work, I will begin teaching you the sport of swords."
She took on a flirtatious tone, sliding her finger on her bottom lip as she eyed him hungrily. "You know, back when I was in those barracks...there were a lot of rumors that you had quite a long sword…"
"My rapier? Yes, I was taught by the finest instructor in Valencia. He crafted me-" Kane's words stopped when he turned around and found the inviting smile on 'Queen's face. When she licked her lips, he realized he misunderstood. "-I see."
He gave her an excited smile of his own, pulling off his gloves and meeting with her in the covers of his bed. In their embrace, he thought of how well she was getting along with his family. Rooke and Deacon told him she was a worthy student, but they admired her kindness as well. Even Bishop appreciated her help at times, despite presenting it otherwise. He was sure Phule would learn to come around, as there was no other option. He understood his children - and they liked her.
This will make things more convenient.
