Kurt had spent the night pacing his room, thinking about De Sardet.
He'd started by going over everything they'd spoken about while they lay there, bathing before the fire.
And then he'd unravelled the memory of their travelling in plain clothes to catch up with the rest of the royal party, his thoughts snagging on his attempt to teach her not to lie.
Then he'd touched upon all the other times he'd gone beyond his remit as a Master-of-Arms – all the times he'd acted as authority figure, trying to impart his own sense of morals on her. The thought of it made him feel slightly sick – who was he to try and control her?
He argued that she'd been a child – that it had been his job – but he struggled against that. Did he marvel at her so much now because he'd somehow influenced her into who he'd thought she should be? Had he betrayed that child somehow because he couldn't rid his thoughts of the Woman Who Had Climbed The Stairs?
Eventually, he gave up trying to sleep – the room was too quiet anyhow – and he made his way downstairs. The staff were awake already, preparing breakfast. He was about to push through the door to the kitchen when he heard voices and paused.
"-s she thinking, anyway? I thought he was some suitor – treated like that! Fetching a bloody bath!"
"Jus' the guard. She had him brought all this way with her when there's plenty Coin Guard already here."
"Maybe he is a lover, then?"
"Who's to say, amongst the dainties."
Kurt recognised two of the female voices as the chamber maid and housekeeper from the previous nights, but the third was unknown – a servant from another household, no doubt. He felt a knot in his stomach – there was the scandal he'd feared, about to leave the kitchen and return to their own place of employ to spread word that the new Legate was involved somehow with her guard.
And whilst he was – in theory – horrified at having tarnished De Sardet's reputation, Kurt felt a slight flicker of lightening jolt through his gut. Apparently part of him was thrilled at the fact others thought he might have a chance.
He stepped back from the door and mentally slapped himself. This was ridiculous. He was a grown man – he'd suffered infatuations before. He was strong enough to admit that's what this was – an infatuation born of familiarity and love. Because he had always loved her, in his way. He'd been too young to acknowledge that before and too inexperienced to recognise that love comes in many forms. Right now, he was still working out one form from another.
Yes, that was it. An infatuation with someone he admired… nothing more. It would fade.
He didn't really believe his own lie, but it was a comfort hearing it all the same.
Happily, he was saved from further soul searching by a sharp knock at the door. Any servants would have used the back entrance, so this was someone calling for De Sardet specifically. And she was still asleep. He could hear the housekeeper fussing about needing to put things down before she could take a caller, so he placed one hand carefully on the hilt of his sword and pulled the door wide.
It was Vasco, staring sheepishly at him.
"Permission to come aboard?"
Kurt stepped to the side and let him pass, "De Sardet's still asleep. Can I help with something?"
As he said it, the housekeeper materialised and tutted something about him having ideas above his station. Kurt could feel his teeth grind against one another.
"I find myself in need of employment," the Naut said with a bitter smile, "But I can wait until she's awake."
The former captain sat down before the fire, causing more consternation from the housekeeper and Kurt decided it was time for him to bow out.
"By all means. I'm going to the barracks, though, so…"
Before he could finish his own sentence, Kurt let himself out into the street.
New Serene was a wash of pastel shades in the early morning. There were whispers of industry waking around the square, but for the most part, Kurt could hear the bassline of birds from the port.
He crossed the cobbles, trying to remember the directions he'd been given the previous night. He had just spied the uniform entrance of every barrack he'd ever seen when a figure stepped from the door.
A woman, square and upright with hair scraped back.
Kurt paused, frozen for a second. As he took a breath to shout her name, she called his and they ran to one another, embracing in the dawn.
"Kurt!"
"Sieglinde!"
They held one another at arm's length, and scanned each other up and down – two sides of a mirror, unsure whether the other was real or reflection.
"I can't believe it's you – when did you get here?" She laughed.
"Our ship docked yesterday. I'm here with the Congreation Legate."
"And who is our representative on this island?"
"The Lady De Sardet."
"Ha! One of your royal ducklings!" she shook her head, teasing, "The dainties always did love you, Kurt."
"You're just jealous of all the canapés I get to eat while I stand guard at their shindigs."
"That's true, I am." There was a short pause – too many questions and thoughts vying to be asked. Eventually, a banality snuck from Kurt's lips.
"What are you doing here?"
Though the day promised heat, the morning was chill and Kurt stamped his feet to keep his toes warm. Almost in response, Sieglinde rubbed her hands together.
"I'm actually on my way to a new posting," she said, "I've been sent to a small base outside town. I just thought I'd take the time to explore New Serene a little before I have to set out."
"Care for some company?"
"You're free?"
Kurt thought of Vasco, back at De Sardet's house. He thought of the conversation they were likely embroiled in – if the legate was even awake yet – and about the servants muttering behind his back. The distraction of exploring a new town with an old friend was a delicious concept and he nodded enthusiastically.
"As long as we can start with breakfast, I'm happy to go anywhere," he said.
And he was happy, he found. Knowing that Sieglinde was on this strange island with him – even if she was posted somewhere else – was a huge comfort. It felt – dare he say it – more like home.
