Chapter 35: A Horde Of Girls

Chapter 35: A Horde Of Girls

How did that happen? No, seriously, how... Why... Just... I don't even... Argh. Ok, so...

Aggravation A. Talk with Ed is postponed yet again. Because castle needs to be settled down, blood washed off and things neatened up. One would think that this is a great time to kick Ed out back to the dorms, but no.

Aggravation B. Somehow I am in charge of my rescuees. I could understand fobbing of Roxolane and Rafiqa on me, somewhat. They're here because of my initiative, it stands to reason I'd be the first one to bother on their account. But in the name of all that is sane, why oh why did Abraham ask me to look after Lily-Anne as well? I... feel there is some sort of influence on Lily-Anne's part. We always got along well, and after today, I can sort of understand why she'd want me around. What I do not get is how in the name of all that is sane did she talk Abraham into agreeing. I've been expecting him to put Lily-Anne deep into the castle and assign a dozen bodyguards or something like this... Though, come to think of it, he DID ask to make it low-key, the carriage is nice but not one with royal crest that's usually prepared for the king's family, and... Hrm. Maybe he's onto something - anyone who expects Lily-Anne to be in the castle certainly wouldn't be poking through the academy. Oh, Selene and Alistair are going back with us.

"Al, what's going on?" - I quip at him as we squish together on one seat, three girls on the opposite being in various stages of wary-tired - "Why his highness wants to send princess out, but neither of the princes? What is up with this?"

He winces. "Actually, Edward was supposed to come with us, but he had rather reasonably pointed out that it's going to be crowded in the carriage as is, and that he needs to leave the castle in the official royal carriage, as he arrived on one. After all, he is expected to be in Academy. As for prince Constantine, he had already left. I'm not sure where, I think he wants to keep that secret to recuperate in peace and quiet." - he explains - "Honestly, I thought I'd return with him tomorrow, but he insisted I accompany as a protector."

I quirk a brow at him and he snorts - "Edward hasn't seen your last exploits, he still thinks you're more of a duelist than combatant. Speaking of which. Might we spar when you have free time? I am very curious as to how to handle the weapon you've been using. What is it, by the way? It looks like a pike and a hammer had a baby and it grew up to be rowdy."

"Bec de Corbin. It's more popular in Pharos and Confederacy than around here, it's been designed to breach plate armor, after all." - I explain, and he makes a complicated face.

"I look forward to learning more about this. Any other exotic weapons you have had encountered, perchance? Also, how come you never mentioned anything of the sort before?" - he pouts at me, and I blink. Goodness, Al, what's this?

"I'll see what I can do, but no promises, Al. I have my hands full here, as you can well see." - I tell him, gesturing around, and he acknowledges my point with a nod.

Right. Let's... settle some things.

"Ladies. A moment of attention." - I clap my hands, and girls perk up, looking at me - "OK, so. For reasons assorted and numerous, we're all going to be bunking at the student dorms. Alistair has a letter to the dean from the king that explains the situation, so the cooperation we will have. Now is a good time to tell me what kind of accommodations do you prefer. I can talk to dame Apricotte to have you placed into individual rooms, or we can get a bigger room if you don't feel comfortable sleeping alone, or... yeah, well. We have a whole day to decide and work things out to suit everyone the best. Roxolane and Rafiqa... I'll do my level best to get you on the level the Academy currently is, if you want to join the roll. Lily-Anne, you get to decide if you want me to tutor you ahead the same way or you'd rather wait a year as it was originally intended. His highness permitted you to decide this on your own. So... If you have any ideas, let's hear it."

Rafiqa raises her hand - "Can I get my own room? I... never had one, properly. Father wouldn't permit me to 'seclude' myself without at least one of his wives nearby." That's fair enough. Her departure had been the least traumatic, so she'll probably be fine. And I can understand wanting something you never had.

So, I nod. "Fair enough. We'll get you one of the unoccupied rooms. There should be some basic furniture available, but if you need something specific, make a note of it and tell me, I'll take you to the bazaar to look at what's available." - I offer to her, and she beams - "I can go to the bazaar? Just... go?"

"Well, I'd prefer if you don't go alone to begin with, you don't know the city." - I explain - "But later on, once you learn where things are, sure, you can take a walk at your own leisure." Aaand she promptly begins to illuminate the carriage. Goodness. Some people need so little to be happy.

Lily-Anne grabs the cake and bites into it. Makes a surprised face. "What's that?" - she asks curiously - "What's that green stuff inside?"

"Green tea and sugar, more or less." - I explain to her - "Wait till all the girls get back. There will be much more sweets."

She swallows the rest of the cake, and pokes my shoulder - "Why do you have so many sweets? And why do I see so many ones I never tried?"

I blink at her. "You mean, you never found out? I opened a confectionery. All of those sweets are sold on the bazaar from now on." - I tell her and she squeals and starts batting at me. Why?

"YOU ARE THE OWNER OF 'SWEET DREAM'?" - she shouts - "Why didn't you tell me before! Everyone's dying to know who was the genius behind the shop."

Tired of being batted, I execute a countermaneuver and pull a squirming giggling girl on my lap instead. "Shush. I had no idea anyone cared. It's been a very intensely busy two weeks for me. Just ask Bridgit if you don't believe me." - I tell her. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Roxolane watching the events intently. She's sporting a light blush and is... feeling a little envious, I'm guessing. Maybe? I've been wrong at guessing face expressions before.

"Right. While we are at it, here is a question for you two. Feel adventurous enough to try sleeping on my bed, or should we make preparations to have you sleep in the adjacent rooms? No pressure either way, mind. Just thought you'd want to decide sooner than later to make sure everything's prepared." - I quip. Roxolane, I can see, tenses up. Lily-Anne is oblivious. And baps me again.

"Of course I'm sleeping with you." - she tosses back easily - "Why did you think I pestered dad to let me come?"

Spoiled sweet princess is spoiled sweet, gotcha. I turn to look at Roxolane. "How about you, Roxy? Yes, no, need more time to decide?" - I quip. She fidgets. "I can decide?" - she finally offers, then snaps back - "I mean, of course I can decide. I just.. have to decide."

"Alright, we'll chalk this as maybe so far." - I tell her - "For now, dinner awaits. Well, as soon as Bridgit and Selene are back. I'd rather feed all of the horde at once, if I can help it."

"Horde?" - Lily-Anne muses - "There's... one, two, three, four, five, six, seven... oh my gods, you're right! We're a horde of girls!"

"I'd like to think we're more civilized than that." - Rafiqa quips from the door, as she enters the room - "My deepest gratitude, lady Gi..." She trails off at my nonplussed stare, sighs and musters on - "Alyssa. I am supremely happy right now. Would it be possible to borrow some of your time or maybe your maid to show me around? I'd like to have some idea of where the bazaar can be found and I am curious about the guilds..."

I chuckle. "I might be able to swing something, yes. But for now, come on in and make yourself comfortable. We're having dinner as soon as Bridgit and Selene come back." - I explain as I lift Lily-Anne off my lap, and stand up. "I'm going to do some kitchen magic right now, so be careful. The pan is going to be hot."

"What pan?" - Lily-Anne begins only to cut herself off as I conjure a pair of pans that I use to bake pizza and start stuffing them with the necessary ingredients. I am deeply thankful that I asked Bridgit to prepare dough last evening, otherwise, I'd have to think up some kind of different treat.