A/N: Why is it fashionable shoes are so uncomfortable? Even my new wellies feel weird.
Audrey: Ah rehearsals...such a blessing and a curse. You know, I have been surviving with online TV for 6 years and my family still stares at me when I remind them I don't have cable or satellite...and then continue staring when I point out it's an unjustifiable expense? They are seriously addicted.
Hammy: Yes, so many. Whittling down who would be the focus took some work...a lot of work...
Raider: Go check Hammy's review of Chapter 5. You got a shout out.
TheRanger'sDaughter: Yes, you will see Russ and Holt...later. I'm not sure I'll do Themes anytime soon, but we all know how well my plans when it comes to writing work out. I'll make sure that's on the list if I do.
Alex: I looked up orchestra festival and got a long list of them. Thanks for the compliment!
Disclaimer: I'm not John Flanagan.
Robin had been to Roscrea enough times to know the layout of the city. She easily diverted from the crowd of people who rushed to greet the visiting royalty. The Araluens were common enough visitors everyone in both capitols had seen the visiting royalty more than once before, but Empress Sun's display drew people to every window and balcony. Anne wore ribbon around her eyes, but the closeness of so many people would still frighten her. Robin looped around the city to a different gate opposite of the port and entered the castle through a door usually meant for those seeking an audience with royalty…which technically, Robin was. Anne held her arm and kept pace, though she didn't say a word.
Robin had to show five people her ring with the seal of her aunt's company before they were finally brought to Mason and Scout in a banquet hall. Obviously they were post-ceremony. Uniformed teenagers exchanged congratulations with one another and family members as they waited in line for a buffet. Scout hugged Robin tightly before turning to Anne.
"Is Mara here?" Anne asked the moment she realized who Scout was.
"No," Scout told her gently. "She's at another event with Jasmine. Do you remember her? They're at a birthday party for one of our baron's daughters."
Though Anne's eyes were covered Robin could see her little sister was disappointed. She rubbed Anne's shoulders, trying to think of something that would comfort her. Luckily, Scout was one step ahead.
"If your parents approve, we've already got Mara's room set up so you can stay with her while you're here."
"Will the others be there?" Anne whispered, almost as though she was frightened of what the answer may be. They didn't have to ask who the 'others' were. Anne had met Mara a couple of times since her adoption and considered her a friend. Jasmine, Halle, Iris, Lily, and Maggie…those got too loud for her. Anne liked spending time with Lily, and Maggie was good at leading her without running her into corners, but Mara was the girl Anne bonded closest with. It was a shame the two weren't in the same country.
"No," Mason assured her. "At least, not most of the time. The night before each wedding there will be a big sleepover party for all of you. All the girls will be there those nights, but the rest are just for you and Mara."
Robin looked to Mason while Scout went into the details of what they had planned for Anne and Mara.
"Do my parents know?" Robin asked. They'd been worried about Anne the entire voyage, as they usually did. She'd worried too. Anne still wasn't independent enough to be completely safe traveling. Staying with Mara would mean she'd always have eyes on her and friendly helpers nearby. Robin had planned on being on hand for Anne should she need an escape from her squealing peers, assuming all the girls would stay together as they usually did.
Mason shook his head. "It was Mara's idea. She came to our bed a couple of nights ago asking if the fleet of girls could go with Jasmine for this trip while just Anne stayed with her. We talked it over with Warden and Carissa. Max has already temporarily moved in with Hazen so the girls will have run of the flat. The only thing we couldn't work around was the night before each wedding. Carissa is needed to prepare the brides and Warden's heading up security at each. They can't be on the hook for the girls and be expected to do their jobs the next day."
Robin nodded. She leaned next to Anne, stroking her little sister's hair. "Does that sound good to you, Anne?"
Anne beamed. She nodded her head vigorously, latching herself onto Robin's skirt as she did when she became too excited or nervous.
"Great," Scout laughed. "As soon as your parents arrive we'll let them know the plan."
Robin mouthed a silent thanks to the royal couple. Mason and Scout both shrugged.
"In the meantime, how about some chocolate cake?" Mason said as desserts were brought out. Anne giggled. "Would you like to come help me taste which is best?"
Anne easily went to Mason. She didn't have her cane, something Gabby would surely scold Robin for if she ever found out. Mason guided her with his hand on her back to where maids were slicing up a wide selection. Robin averted her eyes from Scout's after realizing the Hibernian queen was staring at her.
"What?" she finally asked.
"Your hair is…different."
Robin reached up to toy with the ends of her hair. "Uh…yeah. I cut it."
"I can tell. It's very…"
Robin held her breath as Scout paused.
"Fashionable."
Robin laughed nervously. "Fashionable…is that good?"
Scout nodded, letting her have a slight grin. "I like it. I've been trying to talk Caitlyn into doing something similar with hers."
Robin grinned again. "She should."
Scout surveyed the party and then slipped her arm around Robin's shoulders. She guided her away from eavesdroppers and dropped her voice down to a whisper. "Tell me, how much is Reese dreading spending time with Hazen?"
Robin bit her lip. Scout sighed.
"That much, huh?"
"They just don't have a lot in common," Robin pointed out. "I don't think any of the boys get on so well as the girls, to be honest with you."
"We all know that's true, but still. I wish they'd both make a little more effort."
"You and Queen Anamaria both."
Scout sighed. She put her smile back on, the one she perfected since becoming queen. "Did Lucy send you here on business?"
Robin nodded. "I'll need to speak to Caitlyn and Mum together at some point."
"I'm sure that can be easily arranged. Carissa will want to talk to you about taking a shift with the girls, I'm sure. We all agreed to take them in turns. Mara and Anne will be alright on their own with the usual supervision from our staff, but the others…"
"Put me down for two nights," Robin laughed. She knew the young girls looked up to her. They'd listen to her better than their mothers, and to be honest she enjoyed them. Perhaps Anne would consent to spending those two nights with them if she volunteered to head the madness.