The group arrive in Tristania after a heated night at the Halfway House. Upon arriving at the royal palace, Louise grapples with her feelings toward Michael.
Later that day, the band of four attend their royal audience with Princess Henrietta.
Tristania - Part I - Confession
Louise is taking her sweet arse time in the bath. I worry we might get to Tristania later than planned if she doesn't hurry it up, get out of the water, and get dressed.
Sighing gently, I unfold my arms and lower them to my sides.
The girl lies motionless in the tub with water up to her petite shoulders.
Plus, she barely spoke to Kirche and Tabitha before the two finished getting bathed and went out to wait by the carriage with the rest of our bags.
"Louise, you've been in there for almost an hour," I remind her.
Still no response. A sharp intake of breath draws my attention, and I realize Louise is now struggling to suppress something. A muffled whimper ekes out and I hear her drawing in quick, steady breaths.
I raise a concerned brow.
"Everything okay there, Princess?" I ask, picking up a towel from the stool beside the large, round metal tub. "You've been acting weird all-"
The petite girl huffs loudly, sits upright in the water, and opens her eyes.
Narrowing them, she radiates some seriously intense frustration. Not knowing what to say, she instead shakes her hands in the air and reaches for the towel I have to offer her. I stare intently into her pink orbs and she blushes slightly.
Her mind is clearly in a storm of thoughts, and yet something tells me she isn't going to be vocal about it.
Shaking my head in annoyance, I offer her a hand.
Slapping it away, she steps out of the tub by herself and starts drying her small, wet frame.
No longer feeling any reason to linger, I sigh, shake my head, and spin around to leave the bathroom.
As I push open the door, Louise speaks up.
"I wish to talk with you, about last night," she announces in an icy tone.
Hesitating with my hand still on the doorknob, I listen for more.
"I don't understand why you allowed Kirche to... and allowed me... why?" she trails off.
I bring the door closed, step back from it, and turn around to face my pink-haired mistress.
"What do you mean, Louise?" I ask curiously.
"Why allow Kirche to... do that to me?" she struggles to finish.
Anger swells in my chest.
I don't like where this is going - like it was my responsibility to keep her in check or something.
Crossing my arms and growing angrier, I raise my brows and ask in a sharpened tone,
"So, what the two of you did is on me...?"
Spluttering with rage, Louise grabs her head in an attempt to keep herself from snapping.
"Yes, the responsibility is yours, as my familiar!" she barks, losing her control over her mounting fury. "It's all... yours," she almost murmurs, clenching her fists and lowering her shoulders.
"I don't believe this..." I seethe, "You sure weren't complaining with one of her huge tits in your mouth," I growl, leaning in with a snarl. "Or when you took turns sucking me off."
Louise averts her eyes, turns her back, and grasps the washcloth again in trembling fingers.
Realizing I may have said too much and calmed down a little, I sigh deeply and rub my neck as I wait for Louise to say something else.
"It was all so vulgar," she whimpers in a hushed voice.
"Really?" I ask in a light, mocking tone, moving to open the bathroom door. "You certainly weren't complaining at the time, Princess. So, if you didn't want it, why do it at all...?"
"I wanted to enjoy my time with you, while I have you," she reasons in a smaller, deflated tone.
My gaze lowers to the floor as a creeping unease filters into my chest.
She said something similar when first bringing on Siesta as her maid. Something about me always having someone that cares for me here in Tristain should she ever not be able to.
Setting a hand against the bathroom door, I squeeze my fist tightly to distract myself from the immense worry I'm feeling all of a sudden.
A single burning thought stops me from doing so, though.
"You make it sound as though you're going somewhere, Louise," I say aloud.
A hesitant look dampens Louise's expression. Nodding to herself, she finishes what she's doing, hangs her towel, puts on her clothes, and collects her wand from the stone bathside shelf.
"What is with you, girl?" I probe, "The silent treatment isn't going to solve whatever you're worried about... not a damned thing."
Not saying a word, she walks toward the bathroom door, attempting to pass me. Stunned by her behavior, I stay put in her way and refuse to budge.
Dimming into sadness, her lips part into a slight grimace as her right hand raises toward her chest.
"Move, Michael, that's an order," she growls.
Unwilling to let her use her authority to dismiss this troubling behavior, I narrow my eyes and block her path even further.
Huffing loudly, Louise pushes her dainty palm into my chest, desperate to get by.
"No, Louise," I refuse, placing my hands on her small shoulders.
Shuddering at my touch, the girl falls still and silent.
"Now, why don't you tell me what's bugging you so that I can help," I ask in a lighter tone of voice.
Gulping fearfully, Louise twists her foot nervously and looks away from me.
"You wouldn't accept the crux of my issue, being of another world, Michael," she starts cautiously. "There are customs and rites that apply to nobles, and-"
"Spare me the explanation, Louise," I interrupt, "Just tell me what's on your mind."
"I can't, Michael. Please don't ask me to," she refuses, sounding desperate.
Frustrated with this attitude of hers, I rub my left hand over my chin and take a deep breath.
Then I let go of the pinkette and step away from the door with a deep, frustrated exhale.
"Fine, if whatever it is matters so much, I won't pry," I conclude, crossing my arms.
"Thank you for respecting my wishes, Michael," Louise sighs in appreciation.
Placing her delicate left hand on my shoulder, Louise pushes me toward the exit.
...
The air hangs a little heavy while we ride our carriage the remainder of the way to Tristania. Namely, because Louise refused to speak with anyone since we set off, save for our carriage driver.
The pinkette and Kirche sit across from Tabitha and me, silent in the late morning sun.
Sighing, Kirche flops back against the fine leather of her cushioned seat and crosses her arms.
"My my, everyone is so terribly subdued this morning," she provokes playfully, pushing her toned legs up against me and Louise.
Tabitha shifts to keep herself from bumping into my right side and frowns a little. Her heartbeat is the smallest bit faster all of a sudden, too.
Kirche pulls the tip of my boot with her own and gives a bemused smile.
"Just tired, Kirche," I tell her, a deflection to keep our conversation away from what happened last night.
Not that my being tired is a lie or anything, either. Passing out on that rug with Tabitha sprawled over me didn't exactly make for a good night's sleep. Her giving me a morning kiss helped a little, though.
"Whatever that may be, I'm tired of the silent treatment Louise is giving you, Michael," Kirche continues, winking mischievously at the pink-haired mage.
Louise, annoyed, rolls her eyes and clenches her white-knuckled fist.
"Stay out of it, von Zerbst," Louise warns in an ice-cold tone.
"Ahh, Louise, and here we were all getting along so well last night-"
Tabitha clears her throat gently, cutting the Germanian off.
"Very well, Tabitha, I'll be good," Kirche relents, placing her hands up in mock defeat.
Nodding gently, Tabitha relaxes a little.
Louise, narrowing her eyes even more, drops them to her boots and slouches.
Her heartbeat easing, Tabitha lays her head against my shoulder and links her arm through mine. Her cheeks flush a sweet, soft pink as she does.
A feeling of satisfaction sweeps over me through our shared connection in the following moments.
"You okay there, Blue?" I ask in a hushed whisper.
Nodding lightly, the blue-haired girl nuzzles her cheek into me.
As I put my arm around Tabitha, Louise looks just about ready to flay me alive. Then, as if remembering our earlier conversation in the bathroom, she tucks a long, loose lock of pink hair behind her ear and sighs loudly. Her ears and neck turn a slight red hue, not unlike the color of Tabitha's cheeks.
And, for the first time since last night, I wonder if caving into Kirche and giving these three girls what they wanted might've been a bad idea after all.
mean, things already feel different after last night, that's for damned sure.
Plus, I also have to consider how I'm going to break all of this to Siesta.
If I can muster the heart to.
...
Crossing a small stone bridge into a massive stone tunnel on the outskirts of Tristania, our carriage finally passes through the capital city's main gates.
"Here we are, folks, fair Tristania," our driver announces, tapping the black handle of his worn leather whip against the canvas of the driver's compartment.
Lifting her head off my shoulder, Tabitha gently gives a start and lets go of my hand.
Sighing softly, Louise pulls up the collar of her cape with two dainty fingers and drops back against her plush leather seat.
Eager to see the capital for the first time, I open my eyes wide and breathe in the crisp morning air.
A stunning walled guardhouse stands to the left with its large gate closed to the road. A couple of people trot by on their steeds, two armored guardsmen flanking a rich noble.
Their clothing's cut to fit them perfectly. Shining breastplates, fine silks, white scarves...
My attention then shifts toward the tall, grand buildings that have very high windows, many boasting elegant balconies with large columns that support elaborately detailed carved arches.
"Damn, this is... impressive," I remark in surprise.
Louise rolls her pink eyes and goes back to staring out the window.
Bemused, Kirche crosses her arms, leans back, and nods while staring with me at the passing brick shops and tall stone towers.
"Tristania, the shining jewel in Tristain's crown," the voluptuous mage says, dropping her chin into her cupped hands. "Ahh, what I'd give to spend more time here instead of the Academy."
Louise huffs a little, but I don't think her companions hear it. Or they choose not to.
"Makes Lenore look tiny by comparison," I comment as our driver leads our horses in the direction of what looks to be the city market square. "It's unbelievable: To think I'd see a city like this with my own two eyes."
Raising deep red eyes, Kirche's left brow rises into a soft arch and she pushes one corner of her lips into a smile.
A girl in a long, pretty white dress holds up one of several colorful scarves and stares us down with great curiosity as we pass her by.
"Ohh, you certainly can't beat that vibe of a bustling city," Kirche states, squirming a little in her chair, "the chatter, the merchants, the business -"
Louise's stomach cuts Kirche off, growling unceremoniously, sending a surge of amusement rippling through the Germanian mage.
"Hungry there, Louise?" she asks, unable to help herself.
Silencing her rival with a glance, Louise returns her attention to the window and straightens her already iron-straight posture until she's rigid.
"So, just how many people live here?" I ask, placing my arm behind Tabitha.
"They claim there's over five hundred thousand here, Michael," Kirche states as our carriage turns to follow the road down a ramp to what looks like a service entrance into one of the central market squares. "About a quarter of Tristan's total population."
Genuinely impressed, I whistle.
"Not bad, not bad," I admit.
A mischievous twinkle enters Kirche's eyes, one I note doesn't last for more than a moment before the girl swallows, bites her lip, and lowers her gaze to her cloak.
Her stomach growling again, Louise exhales grumpily and folds her arms.
"To think you're so hungry after you ate so well last night, Louise," Kirche teases in an airy tone.
Face flaring a deep, dark red, Louise buries her head in her hands and leans against the door.
I too decide to keep quiet instead of tangling myself up in one of Kirche's innuendos.
"It'll be another thirty minutes before we reach Tristania Palace, folks," our driver informs us from his spot up front. "Please, try not to fall back asleep back there!" he jests.
Eying a huge, distant clock tower, I realize it's well past lunch.
Yep, Louise's slow, late bath held us up, just like I worried it would.
...
"Here we are, Tristania Palace," the driver announces, bringing his horses to a halt.
I open my eyes, having decided to take a quick power nap, and gaze out of the window.
"Wow..." is all I manage to say.
Tristania's Royal Palace is of impressive design, looking remarkably reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles from one of the old history books I read in school, except only larger and way grander.
The entrance itself is an enormous courtyard littered with rows of regal trees and finely trimmed hedges of all sorts of unique, exotic designs. There are fountains, ponds, beds of flowers, and vast clusters of tall statues of mage-looking folks all around the perimeter, painted in white.
The palace itself has an outer wall of polished marble bricks inlaid with gold that reflect the sunlight brightly.
My jaw just hangs and I can't find the words.
"Cat got your tongue, Michael, dear?" Kirche teases, pushing one hand against my knee.
"Just... I mean, wow," I say again, this time with even more amazement.
"And here lies the end of our time together, ladies and sir," the driver announces cheerfully, getting out and hopping off the driver's seat.
He opens the door to our carriage with an inviting wave.
Glaring at him bitterly, Louise huffs and steps down, but not before shoving a coin purse into my hands first.
"Pay the man for his return trip, you fool," she commands sharply.
Without another word, the girl storms off toward the massive grand staircase leading up to the palace proper.
"Sorry about her, sir, she's... had a rough night," I explain, handing off the coins to the coachman.
The coachman simply takes the coin purse and tips his hat.
"Worry not, young man," he replies. "The duties of a man to his beloved are never easily met," the man says. Then, placing the money into his pocket, he proceeds to help Tabitha and Kirche out of the carriage.
Kirche descends gracefully with the help of our driver's hand. Accepting it and hopping down, Tabitha turns bright red for a second and I feel her heart quicken. It eases as she bows her head gently and takes her place next to Kirche.
"Ah, welcome, welcome," a middle-aged woman announces, stopping at the side of our group with my grumpy pink-haired mistress at her side. "I am Miranda, Her Majesty's childhood attendant," she follows with a curt bow of the head. "I am here to collect you at her behest."
Nodding, I give Miranda a quick once over.
I'd say she's in her mid to late forties, has silvery blonde hair reaching just above her shoulders, blue-green eyes behind thick-rimmed circular glasses, and lily-white skin. She's a few inches shorter than me, her stature very robust, and she wears some rather fancy royal purple robes too.
"And you three are Miss Tabitha, Kirche von Zerbst, and Mr. Michael DeSilva."
As if confirming this to herself, Miranda nods her head.
"Yes, you are, this way, please," she announces in a cool and collected tone, gesturing in the direction of the palace stairs.
But before I can reply, she's already halfway up to them, without sparing a single glance back.
"What of our bags, Miss Miranda?" calls Louise, her tone slightly less hostile and a touch more formal in the face of her closest friend's attendant.
"The servants will fetch them at their leisure, Miss Louise," Miranda responds.
Then, shaking her head, the older woman continues up the stairs.
Louise follows after her.
Kirche proceeds after the pair, shooting Tabitha and me a rather sexy smile as she passes.
Bobbing her head, Tabitha takes my arm and silently tugs my sleeve with two of her dainty fingers.
"Lead the way, Blue," I state with a half-grin, catching a whiff of the vanilla fragrance she put on after bathing this morning as she ushers me along behind Kirche.
Our driver departs in our carriage with a happy whistle as we reach the top of the grand stone staircase.
Entering a high-ceilinged hall with chandeliers and suits of armor lined about its edges, Miranda guides us down a long hall to the left into a grand dining room of some kind.
"Do keep pace, please. Your audience with Princess Henrietta will be at five o'clock, three hours from now," Miranda starts abruptly in a rather authoritarian tone, stopping at the threshold to hold the door for us. "And I wish to have each of you settled into your rooms before then, so you have suitable time to prepare."
"Settle in?" Louise asks with a small tilt of her head.
"Yes, Miss Valliere, I must insist that you are all well-rested and looking your best," Miranda replies with a single nod, and the four of us step through the door into a long, adjoining corridor.
"Furthermore, Her Majesty has provided three rooms in the east wing for the duration of your stay," Miranda goes on. "One each for Miss Tabitha and Miss von Zerbst, and one for yourself and your familiar."
I catch Louise's left eyebrow perking up into an angry little arc, only for the girl to exhale slowly and stare down a large embroidered rug at her feet.
"There is a full bath hall to your convenience as well, located off the lower chamber at the head of these stairs. Lunch has already been set out, however, so you shall be provided your evening meal along with Her Highness at the conclusion of the day's events."
"Thank you, Miss Miranda," remarks Kirche with a bow of her head. "Your hospitality is simply sublime, and I'll certainly express as much when next returning home to Germania."
"As ever, the crown treats its esteemed guests with respect," the middle-aged woman states without a trace of a smile. "All the more so for the daughter of an important family."
Kirche returns Miranda's lack of a smile with a smirk of her own and then steps up to the leftmost of three doors on the right-hand side of the hallway, where the attendant pauses.
"This room is yours, Miss von Zerbst, if you please," Miranda states, pulling open the door for her. "Miss Tabitha, yours is directly left of this one, and Miss Louise, you and your familar will share the room across from Miss Kirche's."
Miranda gives me a rather stern look.
"As a commoner, you will mind your manners while here, Mister DeSilva."
Caught a little off guard by how abrupt that was just now, I hold up my hands in mock surrender and take a step back.
"Hey, I planned to from the get-go, so you needn't worry," I assure the older woman with a shrug.
"I should hope so, young man," Miranda replies. "What's more, Her Majesty has generously decreed that you may go between the rooms of your companions while here: This is a great privilege for one of your station, I hope you understand."
I fold my arms and nod my head.
"Understood, I follow," I reply.
"Good. And finally, you are not to leave this wing of the palace unless you are either in Miss Louise's company, or your presence is expressly requested by Her Majesty, do you understand?" Miranda continues.
Again, I nod my head.
"Got it."
"Then, if all of you would all be so kind as to freshen up and prepare for your audience with the Princess, we will reconvene in the Grand Foyer at four."
"You have our thanks, Miss Miranda," Kirche says with another slight bow of her head.
"Yes, thank you," Tabitha adds in a quiet voice.
Miranda's lips curve into what can barely be called a smile, and she bows her head.
"My pleasure, ladies. Now, if you'll excuse me."
With that, the middle-aged attendant turns and leaves through the doors she escorted us through.
Once she's (hopefully) well out of earshot, I heave out a deep exhale.
"Bloody Hell, she's hard as nails," I remark.
"Indeed, she is, but that's to be expected from a Queen's attendant," Kirche replies with a smirk. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to take a moment to relax and spruce myself up," the buxom Germanian mage declares, opening her door and stepping inside.
She doesn't bother to close it behind herself, so Tabitha does it for her.
"I'm going too," the bluenette follows, and without another word, disappears into the room to her left and shuts the door behind her.
I glance over at Louise.
Louise's eyes dart away from mine.
"Really, Louise, are you going to be like this all day...?" I ask, unable to help myself.
Louise bites her lip.
"Perhaps I am," she replies, her voice icy. "Whatever the case, though, as my familiar you will do as I say."
She steps to her door and opens it, then looks over her shoulder at me with a glare.
"I'm going for a lie-down, and you are to stay at my side until we're called upon... Understood?"
The girl enters the room before us without so much as waiting for a reply and levels a scathing look my way. I notice a faint pink hue rising in the girl's cheeks as she does this.
"So that's how it is, huh?" I say, scratching the back of my head as I walk past her.
"Mmm-hmm," Louise answers, slamming the door closed behind us.
Eyes ahead as Louise storms over to the bed, I take in the room we've been given.
And I'm left astounded for what has to be the third time today.
"Woah," I breathe, my eyes widening slightly as they trace over the enormous bedroom.
This room is huge, about three times the size of the one Louise and I share in the Academy. It's lit entirely by an assortment of wide, short candles arranged in the sort of candelabras I'd expect to find in a church: Each wall is covered by a tapestry of white fur. Each fur-trimmed tapestry has beautiful artwork representing flora or fauna in brilliant shades of red, brown, and green. The fur color varies too: Some being a subtle pink, some a violent yellow, and some a sort of sky blue.
A large pair of French windows with crushed velvet curtains at either side dominates the view of the room beyond, whereas on either side sits a polished bedside cabinet adorned with both lamps and a bouquet made from silver and golden silks.
Louise, either already well-adjusted to sights like these or just not paying attention, simply unclaps her cloak and lets the silky material slink from her shoulders onto a large armchair on the far wall opposite the door.
Then she falls onto the huge four-poster bed between the two small tables, kicks her shoes off her feet, and throws herself down upon a soft bed covered in layers of velvet quilt.
Staring at her, I shake my head and walk over to the nearest armchair. I place my cloak on the seat and then pull my boots off.
"You know, Louise, this whole attitude of yours is a little ridiculous," I point out, stretching my back and taking a moment to admire the rather fancy room we've been given. "What can be so bad that you can't tell me, especially after all we've been through?"
Louise huffs and turns her head away from me.
"Go away, Michael," she hisses, curling herself into a ball.
Sighing, I shrug my shoulders and relax fully into my seat.
"Fine, Louise, be that way," I mutter, staring up at the ceiling.
I close my eyes and let my mind wander, thinking about everything and nothing for a few minutes.
After a while, though, I feel a slight rustle of movement from the bed, followed by a pair of hands grasping either of my knees.
"Louise?" I ask, opening my eyes to find her looking right at me, her cheeks tinged red.
"Get up," the pinkette commands, her tone low.
I furrow my brow.
"Why?" I ask.
Louise pouts and turns her head away.
"Because I say so," she replies.
Shrugging, I get to my feet.
Louise stares up at me.
"Louise, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on," I say with a sigh.
She looks away.
"I... I'm afraid, because I know that what ails me will change things between us," Louise whispers.
My heart skips a beat. Our relationship as master and familiar has already changed so drastically in such a short space of time. What could possibly change it even more?!
I reach out and place a hand on her shoulder.
"Louise, I'm your familiar, and I'm here to look out for you, no matter what," I begin, and Louise looks back up at me with a start, her eyes wide and wet. "And I don't plan on stopping anytime soon," I add, leaning forward and taking her into my arms.
Louise gasps as I pull her close.
"Oh, Michael," she sighs, shuddering in my embrace.
"Now, if you don't want to talk at the moment then that's alright," I assure the dainty mage, pulling away slightly and meeting her gaze. "But just know that whatever's eating you up inside, you can tell me about it whenever you're ready, now or later, I don't mind."
Louise shakes her head and pushes herself against my chest, squeezing me tight.
"I'm sorry, Michael," Louise mumbles into my shirt. "It's just... I..." she trails off.
I rub her back.
"It's fine, love, it's fine," I say, kissing her on the forehead.
"Mmm-hmm. Thank you..."
We stay like that for a few seconds, Louise burying her face into my chest and me rubbing her back in silence.
"Anyway," I say, patting her shoulder. "How about a nap before our audience with Henrietta?"
"I think I'd like that," Louise answers with a nod, releasing me.
I smile and get up from the armchair.
"Good," I reply, walking over to the bed. "I'm game for a little peace together, just the two of us, especially after..." I pause, glimpses of our wild night with Tabitha and Kirche flashing through my thoughts. "Well, you get where I'm going..."
Louise turns away from me as I sit down, her flaring a fearsome red.
"Yeah..." she agrees, fidgeting.
I lean back against the headboard, stretch out my legs, and close my eyes.
Louise does the same, and I reach over and give her hand a little squeeze.
"Don't worry, princess, I won't let shit like that happen again if you don't want it," I whisper, squeezing her hand again.
Louise squeezes it back.
"I don't want to lose you, Michael," Louise whispers back.
I can't help but let out a short, thin exhale.
"So you keep reminding me. Still... it's one Hell of a reason for a foursome," I answer, turning my head to look at the girl, who pouts and squeezes my hand tighter.
"Pride and ego aside, girl, are you absolutely sure it's what you wanted?" I ask her, turning my eyes up to the ceiling. "Tabitha and Kirche were... very forward about all that. It felt like we barely had a choice in the matter. Don't get me wrong, it felt great, but... Shit, it's still kinda sinking in."
Louise huffs and her grip on my hand tightens to the point where I actually wince for a second.
"I... I don't know," she says in a low voice. "I suppose... I was jealous, and I wanted you to myself, but I also..."
The girl falls still and silent for a long time, her gaze turning distant.
"You also...?" I prompt her.
Louise's grip on my hand loosens and her features soften.
"Know my noble obligations mean I won't be able to enjoy such intimacies with you in the foreseeable future, despite how much I'd like to," the girl finally replies in a whisper.
I furrow my brow.
There it is, another ominous hint about the future.
I shake my head, fully aware she isn't going to open up no matter how much our conversations end up winding back to this point. Like a storm cloud rolling in, almost.
Louise turns away and rolls onto her side, facing away from me.
Then, with a fearful shudder, she pulls a tiny piece of folded paper from the front pocket of her shirt.
"You recall our discussion concerning my mother recently, yes?" Louise asks, keeping her voice low as she unfolds the paper. "Specifically, concerning her not believing my magical talents recently awakened?"
I nod my head.
"Yes, I do."
Louise looks down at the folded note in her hands.
"Well, as it happens, there was a second half of that conversation we never got around to having, because I was too afraid to tell you," Louise explains with an anxious undertone. "In which my mother, after chastising me for my continued lack of magical talent, said something else."
Louise's voice catches in her throat.
"And this was?" I ask, feeling myself tense up.
Louise doesn't answer.
She hands the folded piece of paper over to me instead.
I take it and unfold it, finding an entire page of neat, flowing text. Text that I can somehow understand through mine and Louise's pact, I imagine - despite its letters resembling what looks to my untrained eye like a mangled version of French.
I glance from the page at Louise, but the girl simply closes her eyes.
"Just read it, from the paragraph below the paper's fold," she whispers.
So, I do. Aloud.
"Furthermore, If word does not reach me that you have finally made a legitimate breakthrough in your magical studies by the end of this year, I'm afraid I will have no choice but to consider withdrawing you from Tristain Academy and sending Éléonore to bring you home.
There, I will have your father write to Viscount Wardes and request that we make good on your childhood betrothal to him. At least that way, if you cannot become a proper mage, you will still be able to contribute to the family in some way.
As this household's matriarch, I will not risk a second daughter of mine being unwed. Although, your elder sister is at least skilled in matters of magecraft, a blessing of sorts when considering the recent and unfortunate annulment of her engagement to the Count of Burgundy.
Expect another letter from me soon, my dear daughter.
Your mother, Karin."
As I finish reading, Louise squeezes her eyes shut and tears start rolling down her cheeks.
Thoughts race through my head while I process what I just read. Like pieces of a puzzle sliding into place, I vividly remember what she said when first agreeing to bring Siesta into her service.
"...Should there come a day, goddess forbid, that my path in life changes beyond my means to intervene, at least you will always have somebody who cares about you."
I clench my hand into a closed fist, crumple up the paper in my hand, and take a deep, sobering breath.
"Well, that was... a lot to take in, but at least we're on the same page now," I say in a quiet voice, my chest tightening a fraction. "And I also get why you let Siesta become your maid. It wasn't for you, was it?"
Louise shakes her head.
"No," the girl answers, wiping her eyes with the back of her sleeve. "It was for you."
My heart skips a beat.
I let out a deep, shuddering sigh.
"Louise..." I mutter, looking her over.
Louise curls into a ball and faces away from me, clutching her hands together in front of her.
"I... I'm sorry, Michael. I didn't know what else to do," the girl explains. "If you were to find someone else to be with, someone that you truly cherished other than I, then maybe I could still... I..."
I reach forward and place a hand on her shoulder.
"Louise, I... I appreciate that you want to look out for me, but, please, don't think I'd ever chuck you to the curb, for anyone or anything," I assure her, squeezing her shoulder gently.
Louise doesn't react, and silence falls between us for a long moment.
"It won't be so straightforward when the time comes, I fear," Louise eventually answers, her voice cracking. "I'll have no say, and I would not expect you, even as dedicated and stubborn as you have been, to tolerate me marrying another man and baring his heirs."
I'm... at a total loss for words.
Princess is right.
As much as we squabble and bicker, and as much as she can be a right pain in my arse, Louise is a good person at heart. And I've fallen for her in ways I struggle to express with words.
Watching from the sidelines like some third wheel while she's married off, and then having to cope with seeing her whisked away into some stranger's bedroom after her wedding?
It's too much. Not just her engagement, either, but how far she's gone for us. For me.
She let Siesta into our lives and even into her bed, all because she knew that, one day, she was going to be taken away from me and didn't want me to end up alone in this faraway world.
Beyond that, it makes her reasons behind allowing what happened last night even more understandable. Louise, desperate for a memory of me that she could hold onto for the future, acted impulsively, and let Kirche have her way. That's how I see it, at least.
Struck hard by these intense realizations, my heart sinks.
"Even after all I put you through, being so indecisive before we shared how we felt, and even afterward, with all of these worries eating you away," I whisper, tears welling up in my eyes. "You still did what you could for me. Because you care."
Louise doesn't answer, and I close my eyes and pull her into my arms.
"Louise, I... I want you to know that I won't just turn my back on you because of this," I whisper, burying my face in her hair. "I'll stay right here by your side for as long as you'll have me."
Louise's shoulders start to shake, and I feel her hands reach around my back and squeeze me tight.
"Oh, Michael... I'm so sorry," she chokes out, burying her face into my chest.
I rub her back and shake my head.
"No, no, don't be, it isn't like you have a say in any of this."
Louise sniffles and nods.
"Yes, but it still feels awful," she admits.
I sigh.
"I can imagine," I reply, and Louise sniffs again and leans away from me.
"I just wish I could do more, that's all," Louise says, turning her face away from me. "But, as a noblewoman, my life and future are tied to my family, I can't defy them."
I lean forward, place my hand on her cheek, and turn her head back to face me.
"I get it, even though I don't have to like it," I answer with a sigh, wiping the tears from her eyes. "But, for now, let's just remember why we're here, our audience with Henrietta."
Louise nods and pushes herself closer to me.
"Yes, I suppose so," the girl answers, leaning in to kiss me.
I close my eyes, lean in to meet her halfway and press my lips against hers.
When we part, Louise is blushing.
"You know, Michael, despite my misgivings over what happened last night, I did find it... somewhat enjoyable," Louise confesses. "The pleasure Kirche and Tabitha gave you was very pleasing to watch," the pinkette confesses with a shameful undertone colouring her voice.
"Still, I do now wonder, with what happened at the Halfway House, and what you know of my betrothal to Wardes, what happens to our relationship..."
Best I reassure Princess now, so she isn't stressing for the rest of our trip over it.
"Hey, it's like I said, nothing changes between us as master and familiar."
Louise's eyes narrow a fraction and she lets out a ragged huff.
"I don't mean like that, you idiot," Louise hisses, slapping me on the arm. "I mean... what exactly happens between from today onward? What with Tabitha and Kirche, and poor Siesta, I just feel so lost."
My eyes widen at the maid's mention and a shameful twinge grips my chest.
"Shit, Siesta, with everything last night she just... slipped my mind," I admit in a low voice.
Louise rolls her eyes at me.
"Of course you didn't consider her, you dirty dog," she mumbles.
I stare back at her, a little warning.
"Hey, was Siesta on your mind while you sat there sucking on Kirche's tit?!" I fire back.
Louise's expression sours, but her cheeks flare red and she shakes her head.
"No, she wasn't."
I reach out and grab her hand. Then I nod firmly.
"Well, then, I guess we both have a lot to think about."
Louise doesn't answer.
She squeezes my hand, then turns over, facing away from me.
"Michael, I... think it's best we do as you suggested, at least while we're here in Tristania."
I nod in confirmation and lay down beside my mistress.
"Yeah, sounds good. Though I'm sure there's one more thing we've agreed on," I begin, bringing my arm around Louise's middle and bringing her back up against me. "We ask the servants for a key, lock the door before bed, and don't let anybody else in here tonight."
Louise hums, and she nods in agreement.
"Yes, I believe so too," the pinkette whispers, leaning into me.
I smile and squeeze Louise close.
"Well, since we have a couple of things squared away, let's get a little shut-eye, hmm?"
Louise nods.
"Fine."
Exhaling, I shut my eyes.
...
When I open them again, Louise has moved. She's pressed up against my back, her hands resting on my chest, and I can feel her hot breath tickling my ear.
I smile and lean back into her.
Louise responds by tightening her arms around my chest and pulling me closer to her.
"What time is it, Michael?"
"You're the one with the pocket watch, Princess," I remind her while twiddling one of her candyfloss strands with my index. "Probably best you check, though. Our audience with Henrietta's at four, right?"
"Yes, it is," Louise replies.
The girl reaches across me and snatches up the pocket watch from the fancy bedside table. Then, with a click, she pops it open and blinks a few times as she comes around.
"It's... quarter to three," Louise mumbles sleepily.
I groan and shut my eyes.
"We getting up?"
The pink-haired mage shuffles around in front of me.
"In a moment, yes," the girl answers with a sigh.
I chuckle and let myself settle back into the soft pillows.
"Alright, if you say so."
"I would advise the two of you to get ready for your audience with the Princess."
I jump, Louise flinches, and we both sit bolt-upright and look toward the bedroom door.
Toby floats above our bags, which I swear weren't sitting just ahead of our four-poster when we fell asleep however long ago.
"The servants delivered yours and Mistress Louise's luggage while you slept, Michael, hence why I am here," the book informs me with a few clicks of his frontmost latch.
Louise blinks a few times, then looks at me with a frown.
"And here I wished to sleep a little bit longer," Louise sighs.
I chuckle and ruffle Louise's hair.
"Same."
Louise glares at me, but there's a playful edge to her gaze.
"I overheard one of the servants saying that Miss Tabitha and Miss Kirche already departed for the royal audience chamber some time ago," Toby tells us with a flick of his pages, lowering down onto the top of one of our two large bags.
"Yes, of course they did," Louise muses, shifting away from me and sitting upright. "It would be most impolite to keep a princess waiting."
"Indeed, mistress," Toby confirms, floating back over to me.
Louise sighs.
"And, if I am to arrive looking anything less than my best, then I would never forgive myself," Louise adds, swinging her legs around and hopping out of bed.
"Well, you'd better start by fixing that bed hair then, Princess," I comment with a snicker.
Louise's eyes narrow, and she reaches up to try and pat her hair down.
"S-Shut up, Michael, you idiot!"
I dodge a hastily thrown pillow and then get to my feet, stretching.
"Love you too, Louise."
...
My jaw hits the deck as Louise and I are led into the royal chamber behind Kirche and Tabitha by Henrietta's attendant, Miranda.
This is by far the largest room I've been in since arriving in Tristain all those weeks back. It's also unlike anything I'm used to. Red carpet covers the floor, and paintings of knights and men with swords standing victorious over the bodies of what I can only assume are imaginary evil-looking creatures and dragons - like ones out of legend and myth, the depictions are very overblown.
Henrietta's throne is situated at the very end of this room, and it sits on a raised platform beside a larger throne to its left. The throne is made of pure white marble, adorned with golden swirl patterns and rubies that twinkle in the lantern light.
"Best behavior now, Michael," Louise reminds me in a whisper, my wrist held tightly in her grasp. "Make a bad impression, or say something strange for the wrong reasons, and I swear..."
"Relax, I'll be the peak of good manners," I insist.
Louise nods once then marches ahead toward Tabitha and Kirche, her head up.
I quickly follow after her.
Soon, we stand a handful of feet before Henrietta's throne, the purple-haired princess smiling down at the four of us, with Miranda standing off to our side.
"Your Highness, I hereby announce your guests, Miss Louise, and her Familiar, Michael, as well as Miss Kirche von Zerbst, and, Miss Tabitha" the silver-blonde-haired matron states loudly and clearly.
Louise curtsies. Kirche follows suit, and so does Tabitha.
I place an arm around my waist and give my best Tristain-style bow.
Henrietta smiles.
"Thank you, Miranda," the princess begins, nodding to the woman in acknowledgment. "I wish to greet our guests alone now, thank you."
"As you wish, Your Highness," Miranda concedes, shooting me a harsh warning look before she turns her back and departs.
After she and a handful of other staff members and guards exit and close the chamber door, Henrietta lets out a deep, rattling sigh and slumps back into her throne.
"At last, I may thank the four of you with a lessened degree of formality," the girl breathes, shaking her head. "Please, allow me to extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of Tristain and her people. I am most grateful for the part you each played in defeating Fouquet and recovering the stolen staff."
Kirche grins, while Tabitha and I bow our heads.
Louise takes it a step further by dropping right down onto her hands and knees.
"It's an honour to serve you, Princess."
"No no, Louise, the honour is all mine, for you four have saved both myself and our kingdom from a great amount of uncertainty," Henrietta answers in a quiet voice, glancing sideways at Tabitha, then moving on to me.
"I too thank you on behalf of Tristain, Mister Michael," the heir to the Tristanian throne adds, holding my eyes for a few moments. "And it pleases me to see that both you and Miss Tabitha have recovered."
I offer the woman a smile and lower onto my hand and knee like Louise.
Can't say I don't appreciate the compliment, that's for damned sure.
"It's no problem at all, really," I reassure the royal with a tiny, satisfied smirk. "Honestly, my main concern was looking out for everyone else with that giant golem lumbering around."
This causes Princess Henrietta a small, nervous smile.
"Yes, quite, the actions of you and your friends were gallant indeed," Henrietta comments, a hesitant air to her words as if she was almost just a little worried.
"Though I would politely request, as your future queen, that each of you not fight to the detriment of your wellbeing. Defeating a golem is no small task."
Henrietta lets a little bit more of her formal demeanor fall, her smile becoming a little larger and more genuine.
"Enough of that for now, though. Allow me instead to offer the warmest of welcomes to Tristainia Castle. I hereby extend the offer for you to stay as my personal guests for the rest of today and tomorrow, should it please you," Henrietta says while reaching up with both hands and taking off the diadem off her head. She sets it down on the left arm of her white marble throne.
"We would like to graciously accept your invitation, your Highness," Louise confirms, raising her head for a moment to offer a quick nod before lowering it back down.
"And I too do gladly welcome some Tristanian hospitality," Kirche adds quickly, raising her head and flashing the princess an eager grin. "It'll be nice to enjoy a good bath and a delicious meal."
Ever the quiet one, Tabitha simply bows her head.
"I'll gladly stay, your Highness, thank you," she adds in a low voice.
"Lovely," the princess responds, taking hold of her right armrest and pushing herself to her feet. "And you, Mister Michael? I trust you will remain at Louise's side while she is here?"
I nod my head while readjusting my balance on one knee.
"Of course, your Highness. Where Louise goes, I'll follow, always."
Princess Henrietta's smile warms a little.
"Thank you, Mister Michael," Henrietta then claps her hands together twice.
"Now then, I'd very much like a private word with Miss Louise. The rest of you are free to return to your chambers for the time being, if it so pleases you. Or, you may explore the castle as you see fit," the princess suggests, folding her arms behind her back. "Miranda's planned luncheon has been postponed until dinner, so you needn't worry about missing your hero's meal."
Kirche giggles at this, then pushes herself to her feet.
She tilts her head toward Louise.
"Very well then, you have fun with her Highness, Louise," the redhead says spiritedly. "I shall admire the palace gardens in the meantime, I think."
Tabitha rises to her feet and adjusts her glasses.
"I'll go to the library," she decides, "to search for certain books."
Given the twinge I got just then through our shared connection, I think it's safe to say Blue's referring to a book related to our shared situation.
Kirche grins a bit and pats Tabitha on the shoulder.
"Well, I'll see you later then," the redhead coos.
Tabitha simply nods. Then, she glances over to me flashes a tiny smile, and turns to leave.
With the other two girls heading out, I get to my feet.
"And what about me, Louise? Want me to stay, or is this girl time?"
The pinkette looks to Henrietta, who smiles warmly like a ray of sunshine.
Waiting a few moments more for Kirche and Tabitha to leave and close the doors behind them, Henrietta turns to face Louise directly.
"I had hoped we might catch up on the things we discussed when I visited the Academy," the princess explains in a soft, tender voice while taking a cautious step toward Louise.
Louise stiffens in turn, her pink narrowing, and cheeks reddening.
"Y-You can go, Michael," Louise mutters quietly, her face tilting toward the floor.
"Sure thing, Louise," I agree with a quick nod.
Turning my attention to the queen-to-be, I give a small bow.
"See you at dinner, Princess," I say before spinning on my heels to face the door.
"Before you go, Mister Michael, I have something for you," Henrietta tells me.
I stop and then turn to face the Princess again, dipping my head.
"Alright, fire away."
The royal pauses for a moment. She appears to be deep in thought over whether or not she should do whatever it is that she wants to do. After a few moments more, she reaches into the folds of her fancy ceremonial garb and brings out what looks like an insignia or some sort woven into a small piece of white circular silk.
"Here," Henrietta states, holding the thing out to me, "A token to represent your achievements against Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt."
Henrietta swallows hard then closes her eyes for a moment before opening them again, and the girl steps forward to gently place the circular patch in my palm.
"You earned it," Henrietta whispers, smiling slightly as she pulls her hand away. "I do hope you shall accept, especially since I had this item hand-stitched for you against Miranda's wishes, as a gift for protecting my dear Louise while you fought against Fouquet."
Beside me, Louise gasps.
Given her reaction, I look at the sigil sitting in my opened palm with great interest.
It has an outer circle patterned with vines and intricate, Celtic-looking runes running around the edges. At its center is the symbol of a red rose set against a golden sun. I recall seeing a seal quite similar to this on the palace's front entrance.
"H-Henrietta...!" Louise stutters, the girl caught between bewilderment and absolute disbelief.
"Just... what am I looking at here?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "Is this some sort of medal?"
The queen-to-be shakes her head slowly, still retaining that charming smile.
"If you prefer, you may certainly think of it as such," Henrietta tells me in an endearing tone.
"That is a sigil of the royal house de Tristain," Louise clarifies in a distant voice, turning to face me fully and staring at the round token. "You have been recognized by the Princess here as one of few commoners worthy of recognition by the crown."
"Indeed he has, Louise," Henrietta clarifies with a hum of confirmation, "for his role in protecting you, my dearest friend, against Fouquet and her towering familiar."
I glance at the thing, then over at Louise, and back to Henrietta.
"Wait, so does this mean I've somehow managed to become a noble or something?" I ask, trying to keep up with the moment.
The Princess' smile softens into a kind, encouraging look. She then shakes her head.
"Of course not. Rather, it represents your dedication to me," she tells me in the kindest, most sincere of ways, "and, I'd hope, my future rule."
Holding my eyes while I mull all of this over, Henrietta smiles wistfully.
When I blink at her and my expression blanks, the woman giggles.
Beside us, Louise sighs with a hint of irritation.
"Think of it as a mark of recognition, you dummy," she informs me, turning to her best friend, "an honour few have ever received in the history of the entire Tristainian monarchy."
Henrietta clears her throat, her smile shifting.
"It is as Louise says, Michael. Consider this honor as something no one can take from you, a sign that the crown views you fondly, and, should you continue fighting for fair Tristain, that perhaps the future can hold other honors for you. Such as a nobleman's contract, perhaps. Or a role as a royal magician."
I look at the insignia with a smug smile.
Okay, so basically, Henrietta is letting it be known that she's cool with me.
Alright, I'm good with that.
"Okay, alright then, I'm grateful," I tell Henrietta with a long, deep bow of my head.
I gaze down at the red rose insignia with a tiny smile.
"So, being blunt, I'm a really important commoner now, right?" I double-check, just to be sure.
Her cheeks pinkening, the princess holds her sides and chuckles.
"Very much so, yes," Henrietta confirms.
Louise just rolls her eyes and lets out a deep groan.
"Goddess help me, that much should be obvious," the girl mutters before looking past me to her friend. "Please forgive him, he's a moron sometimes..."
I shoot Louise a little stare, and she fires one right on back.
The future queen offers Louise a gracious nod.
"I have nothing but the utmost respect for your familiar, Louise, so you needn't worry," the purple-haired woman expresses in a proud, mature voice. "Though I would still like to speak with you privately if that is alright," she adds, keeping her kind smile up.
Her words seem to settle Louise's nerves some, and the girl stands a little taller as she tilts her head toward her friend.
"As you wish, Henrietta," Louise answers, then shifts her face back to me. "You may go now, Michael."
I nod for Louise.
"Gotcha, no problem."
I turn to leave, then remember the warning Miranda threw my way earlier.
"Actually, are you sure it's okay if I take off without you? Miranda warned me not to walk around the castle unsupervised, remember?"
"She did, yes," Louise recalls, a little bitterness in her voice.
"Yes, yes, but that was before I bestowed him with my sigil," Henrietta cuts in, smirking at me all cheeky-like. "With it, you're hereby allowed free reign of the castle," she explains. "Furthermore, fellow commoners outside of the palace, town guards, and the like, will know you are respectable, and likely treat you more respectfully," Henrietta expands, tapping her fingers together.
That explains it.
Hiding a smirk, I bow for both women.
"I hear you, thanks. I'll see you two in a bit, then."
"Of course, enjoy yourself, Michael," Henrietta voices with another bright sunshine smile.
With that said, I turn to take my leave.
Once the big doors are closed and sealed, set off down the hall with Henrietta's sigil in my hand.
The hallway's high, arching ceiling, a beautiful canopy of reds and violets with a fine cream ivory, stretches several feet above my head. Artistically crafted window panes fill the halls with natural light.
And, strolling on down the hall admiring its pleasant atmosphere, I can't help but smile.
Despite everything that's happened this past day or so, between finding out about Louise's engagement to our crazy foursome with Kirche and Tabitha, I'm just a fraction more important than yesterday.
"And it's all down to you, Henrietta," I utter beneath my breath, pride swelling in my chest.
"Thanks, Your Highness."
To be continued...
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