Kurt had long since given up trying to teach Constantin how to fight like a soldier. They'd come to an unspoken agreement that the prince's son would learn to fence. Initially, Kurt had taken it as a defeat, but he found that now, he looked forward to the sessions. They were light – ethereal and elegant in comparison to what he was usually asked to do.

And he was pleased to see that he'd lost today. That was refreshing too – to be able to perform at a level less than your best with nothing at stake but a little pride. And even then, Kurt was happy to lose some degree of dignity in exchange for the pride her felt in his student.

"You're on good form," he smiled at Constantin, hoping the prince saw the compliment as genuine. Despite his usual eagerness to dissect the session in search of more praise, Constantin neither acknowledged nor basked in the remark. He was distracted, and Kurt soon discovered why.

"My sweet cousin sent a note – she's coming home."

The slight smugness to Constantin's tone was not lost on Kurt and it bothered him. It wasn't so much the smugness in itself – the young prince was often smug – but this seemed to be… directed at Kurt.

"I imagine you'll be glad to have her back," Kurt smiled again, refusing to rise to the bait and ask questions.

He knew what was expected of him – he was meant to perform a merry dance for information. Constantin wanted him to ask what was afoot, to be the master of a secret for at least a short time. Over the years, Kurt had learned that sometimes this tedious practice could be avoided if one simply waited. In these cases, there was a slight… itch to Constantin's words – an eagerness which betrayed that he longed to share his news more than he longed to be the keeper of it.

"She has commissioned some of the Coin Guard," Constantin grinned, "To accompany us to the island."

The easy rhythm of their usual conversation skipped a beat then as Kurt's stomach turned to ice. He recovered quickly though, and said, "I'll see to it she gets the best then."

"She's petitioned the commander…" Constantin smiled, "She plans on taking high ranking soldiers."

The frozen ball in Kurt's stomach began to sink deep into his gut.

- As long as the coin keeps coming, I'll follow you anywhere.
- I'll hold you to that, soldier.

His face must have given him away as Constantin patted him on the back with uncharacteristic fraternity and enthusiasm, as well as a deep belly laugh. It all felt rather like when the former captain had informed him he was going to tutor the children of the royal house in swordsmanship.

"I believe your orders will have arrived by the time you get back to the barracks, if all has gone to plan. She said you rather fancied your hand at being an explorer…"

Kurt recovered himself as best he could and coughed once, as if by doing so he could rid himself of his shock somehow. Then he chose his words carefully – it was difficult to be candid with the prince. "Aye. I always liked the idea of being an explorer – bit of a hero type."

"You're already a soldier," Constantin said, his brow furrowed, "Is that not… heroic enough?"

"A soldier on his own, sure – last man standing, type thing. But when you're one amongst many, you're a part of something bigger than you are. It's hard to be a hero when everyone else is too…"

Constantin laughed again, "I never had you pegged as one for glory-hunting, Kurt."

It was Kurt's turn to laugh, "That is something I am definitely not. But I like looking after people. I like that feeling of… being something, to someone."

The conversation was taking a rather uncomfortable turn, and Kurt found himself trying to think of a way to change the subject, "Sounds like you'll be getting your sweet cousin back from Thélème just to lose her to the sea again – I'm surprised you're so… pleased."

"That's the best part," Constantin said, his smile so wide it looked to be hurting him, "My father seems so keen to be rid of me that he's making me the governor! I'll be joining you both!"

For the second time in his life, Kurt swallowed down all his questions in relation to a royal posting.

Then despite himself, he smiled. Sharing a boat with Constantin for months on end might be wearing, but at least he could hear all about Thélème and De Sardet's training. For all that had happened in the time between her leaving and now, he found that he'd missed her.