Side One Hundred And Thirty-Five – Princess Eleanor Elizabeth Diana Windsor

Side One Hundred And Thirty-Five – Princess Eleanor Elizabeth Diana Windsor

Well, so far today has been simply awful. Eleanor drank from a glass of champagne the server passed her, taking big gulps. She wasn’t much of a drinker, really, not like her brother Henry, and less so since she became the Green Knight, but today she felt the need, and cursed as her body rapidly purged her of the lingering effects. Finishing the rest of the glass with a gulp, she quickly procured herself another, biting back on a bitter sigh.

Her gaze strayed to the ever-watchful Mary Stuart, the woman that had been plaguing her constantly recently. Grandmother had set eyes on her and her allies, of course, but the worst thing was that they had no reason to bar her from any of these events, as other than some harsh words about her faith, the woman had done nothing, and the Silver Hands Foundation she was in alignment with, under Maxwell Power, had spent a notable fortune on both charitable endeavours, realising Sarah’s and Mary-Jane’s ideals on various schools and orphanages, as well as providing monetary support for research and other expensive matters. As grandmother says, everything costs money. The Crown is sinking a significant amount of money into training and supporting all the Gods’ Chosen that can be gathered... Putting aside the beautiful yet stern woman, whose probing questions and accusations were guaranteed to set her on edge, she considered the second reason she was in a foul mood. “Those American bastards...” she swore quietly, quite unlike her usual polite demeanour. But if anyone deserves my invectives, it’s surely them... surely her. The Americans, in either a calculated insult, or an act of tasteless hubris, had sent a researcher, most likely one who had performed tragic and cruel experiments on innocent people, her people, good British citizens, abducted from these very shores or vanished while on holiday abroad. It makes me furious. As a Royal, they are our subjects, and owed our protection. To think we weren’t able to...

She would have to meet her later, along with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, as well as several military figures. It was something she was not looking forward to in the slightest, but as the leader of the Gods’ Chosen and a Princess, it was a role only she could do. Then there’s the third reason I am so furious...

She had accepted David’s tales of womanising and careless relationships, mostly because she wasn’t presented with evidence of them, they were more tall tales he liked to brag about during their downtime, and Eleanor was half-convinced he was doing it merely to get under Sarah’s skin. I’m fairly certain David is carrying a torch for her. Well, he does praise strong women... Donovan was a concern, it seemed every week he was romancing someone new, but he was a young man, barely past being a boy, and he was so soft-spoken and timid that she was sure nothing untoward was happening. Well, I’ve warned him not to break too many hearts, but David says boys will be boys... Sir Arthur asked me not to judge him too harshly either...

On her third glass of champagne now, she frowned. Well, Raidre doesn’t trust them. That means I should be wary too. Besides... hearing about the awful polygamy laws Japan had put in place was frustrating, though David seemed to find it funny. Worse was to come, when the Japanese Chosen that claimed he was here to speak to her about something important was brazenly showing off his relationships with a young girl. Damn him! It’s Uncle all over again! How can I trust or work with such a man... not when he has more than one. He is even making moves on Fae! Such a dangerous individual...

Her fist clenched, and she gasped as the crystal stem of the champagne glass cracked. A thin bead of blood flowed before her flesh instantly sealed, healing. Gingerly she called over a servant, who took the glass and asked her with some concern if she was well. Waving her away, Eleanor nodded.

Just why does he annoy me so? Well, it’s obvious, but... Eleanor was starting to feel a little guilty, she had been undiplomatic, and whether the man was a saint or a scumbag, it was true that the United Kingdom needed allies more than ever, the disrespect America having showed them today a clear sign relationships would remain strained.

“No. I refuse to apologise. With great power, one must wield it scrupulously. Using it to satisfy base desires is wrong. It seems to me he is only interested in collecting women like they are trophies. Disgusting.”

“Oh, Princess, it’s you.” A man said, and she turned to see that it was Samuel Davies, the middle-aged man who commanded the Manchester strike team. He was wearing a noticeably better tailored suit than last time he attended one of these events, and on seeing her looking, he grinned.

“Well, I thought it would be better to dress the part. The pay we receive is quite decent, and I’m tired of feeling out of place at these large events.”

Feeling out of place, I see. “I heard that Manchester is coming along well.” Eleanor said, trying to take her mind off more annoying matters.

“Yes, though Callie got injured and is recovering. A bad business, we were lucky there. That’s another reason why I want to dress to impress. No point being frugal, our line of work is very dangerous. It makes one think about their own mortality.”

“Callie? That’s the youngest of your team, right? I haven’t heard...” Eleanor said, horrified. “... will she recover? Has Mary-Jane been called to help her? If not, I can...”

“Calm yourself, Princess. I’m sure Callie will be delighted to hear you’re so worried about her. She idolises you, our brave Knight who leads from the front, despite being a privileged Princess.”

For a moment, Eleanor paused, not sure if she had heard his tone correctly, but then she dismissed it. I’m a little tipsy. Though damn it all, I can already feel it fading. “So she’ll recover?” she asked, and he nodded.

“Yes, it was some sort of poison, apparently, one that has left her weak and feeble. So I don’t believe your healer will be able to help her, since it was far too late to cut out the poisoned areas, like I believe she has done before. Nothing we do is an exact science, is it, but we think she’ll be back to fighting trim in a week or two. For now, the Manchester team is just keeping sharp, training. And enjoying ourselves. As you should. If there were any reporters from the tabloids here, they’d love a picture of the depressed Princess.” He laughed heartily, and Eleanor sighed.

“True. Well, I do hope you’ll continue serving Britain and the populace, Samuel. And when Miss Callie has some spare time after her recovery, do tell me and I will visit.”

Samuel’s smile broadened. “I’ll tell her. I’m sure she’ll be overjoyed. Now, if you’ll excuse me...” with that he headed off, and since he was heading in the general direction of people Eleanor had no wish to engage with, she looked away, only to spot a familiar, friendly face, her brilliant traditional red and gold Sari standing out amongst the suits and dresses of the other guests. At last, someone who I can relax with. Eleanor had grown very close with Aditi over the months they had spent together, her calm, soothing manner always lifting her spirits.

“Oh, Eleanor, it is good to see you.” Aditi said with her melodious accent. It had taken a while for Aditi to stop calling her Princess and use her name, but now hearing that made Eleanor happy, as it was an extra closeness that she had earned.

“Not half as good as it is to see you.” Eleanor said fervently, and the look on her face must have been unusual, as Aditi leaned in, surprised.

“Oh Eleanor, just what is wrong? If it is something you can talk about, I would be most happy to listen. I do not know if I can help with any weighty matters, but a trouble shared is a trouble halved, is it not?”

“I don’t know about that.” Eleanor said, a smile on her face for the first time in a while. “But you do have an aura about you, Aditi. You always seem so cheerful, despite everything.”

“You are most kind, as always.” Aditi laughed with gentle humour. “I simply have no reasons not to be cheerful. Yes, what we do is dangerous and terrible, but we do it together, working as one. As long as we have harmony, we shall succeed. Besides, seeing the smiling faces of the children and all those we have helped... is that not a more precious reward than any amount of money or fame?”

I’m very fortunate grandmother managed to find these members. Aditi, Sarah and Mary-Jane are all so kind, while Sir Arthur is someone I can trust. Even David and Donovan, despite their... problems... are good people at heart. Good at heart, hmm...

“What troubles you then, dear Eleanor?” Aditi pressed, jolting her out of her gloomy thoughts. “I know you do not enjoy these events, to raise funds and awareness, but they are necessary. Even those who hold some reservations about us know we have to work together.”

Ugh, that hits a sore spot. True, if even Mary Stuart offers us support, despite clearly disliking me, can I reject foreign aid merely due to personal feelings? But... it’s not right. It isn’t! Eleanor had very traditional views on love, and having watched her brothers go through very different paths of romance, she had firmed up an idea in her head of what love should be. Not... not treating women as trophies to be won, young impressionable minds to warp. “Yes, well, I just find some of our guests today rather intolerable.”

“That is not like you, Princess.” Aditi observed. “You normally do not let your displeasure show. But then, I have noticed you have been on edge recently. David has noticed it as well.”

David? Really? But then, he has been there whenever I enter Avalon recently... Looking around, she realised she couldn’t see David anywhere in the hall, nor the Japanese visitor and his too-young fiancées. Just where did they all vanish to? She spotted Raidre, leaning on a table, expression lifeless, and she had never seen the powerful, brave Fae look so shellshocked.

She caught the eye of Henry, who was with Melissa, his current girlfriend, one he seemed very serious about, and he waved at her to come over. The only downside was he seemed to be with a group of Asians, likely more of the Japanese delegation. Well, I’ve seen him now, so...

“Are we going to talk to your brother? That will cheer you up.” Aditi smiled softly, and Eleanor once more was glad of her soothing calm.

“I suppose so. Well, I’ll just shake off this gloom, then I will mingle, I promise.”

“That’s the spirit.” As they approached, Henry called to her jovially.

“Ellie, Miss Aditi, come over here and meet an old friend.” He gestured to the oldest Japanese man.

“This is Katsuro-san...” Henry surprised her by using a polite honorific. “He’s the head of the JSDF, and we’ve met several times at my Games, and also to discuss Veteran matters. He’s a man who believes in looking after those who’ve served.”

“Well of course, Prince Henry.” The man, Katsuro, returned the favour. “The JSDF is an army to protect the people, but the soldiers themselves are of the people. To let their service be a detriment to them is something no righteous country can countenance.” As her brother let out a boisterous cry of “That’s damn right!” Katsuro turned to her. “I am charmed to meet you, Princess Eleanor. The rumours hardly do you justice. I am Tsumura Katsuro, and this is my son, Minoru, and my daughter-in-law Hikari.”

Tsumura? Eleanor froze for a moment, before venturing a question. “So, the girl I met earlier with that... Chosen...” she looked at Melissa cautiously. I hope Henry hasn’t been indiscreet. Yes, she’s here so she knows the basics, but there’s a lot we can’t disclose to outsiders, and until they marry, sadly Melissa still is. “... she was Motoko Tsumura...”

“Yes, my granddaughter. Isn’t she lovely? She was delighted to be meeting a Princess such as yourself on her engagement debut, but...” he looked around. “I can’t see her, I wonder where she and Akio-san have gone.”

So frustrating. She exchanged a glance with Melissa, who looked equally tense. I see we agree on some things. Not even Henry had been foolish enough to mention their uncle to Melissa much, considering she was an American and often championed women’s rights. “If I may be a little forthright then...” Eleanor managed, annoyed. “Just what possessed you to allow your young granddaughter to be engaged to such an older man, especially one who has other women? Don’t you care about her wellbeing at all?”

Katsuro reacted at that, smiling wryly, while Hikari looked embarrassed.

“Whoa, it’s not like you to be rude to guests, Ellie. You should calm down...” Henry began, only to shut up as she faced him with a sapphire-eyed glare.

“Be quiet, Henry. Don’t make a scene in front of your girlfriend. Don’t call me Ellie during state events, and I hope you haven’t been... indiscreet, or grandmother will have your hide!” Beside her, Aditi was shocked by her vehemence, shrinking back a little.

“Oh, no... well, I’ve talked to Melissa, of course but... only about how cool and brave you are, and how proud we all are of you, Ellie... uh, Eleanor. Nothing bad. Besides... she’ll be part of the family soon. I... uh...”

So, my useless playboy of a brother is settling down at last? I’d normally be happy, but I’m too furious.

“I am sorry if we have offended you, Princess. That was not our intent. Not when we had such important news to bring you.” Katsuro said with the dignity of a true noble. “I understand our culture might be foreign to you, but from what I know, you only have to go a few generations back and your partner would have been chosen for you.” he said and Henry agreed.

“He’s got you there, Eleanor. Grandmother’s marriage was hardly free of meddling.”

“In Japan, arranged marriages are, if not common, still a notable percentage of the population. Curiously, do you know which has the higher divorce rate? Arranged unions or marriages for love?” Katsuro said mildly, and Eleanor frowned.

“Since you are asking, it must be love marriages. That’s not the point though...”

“No, but it is an illustration. With marriages of love, love can cool, and then they divorce. Arranged marriages need to be worked at. Both parties make more of an effort, and therefore they last.”

Aditi spoke up, surprising her. “That is true, in my culture, certainly. Arranged marriages are very common, our parents wish for us to marry well, so... I had my own marriage meetings and proposals. Now I am one of your team Princess, they have been cancelled. My status now is hard to calculate.”

That’s a relief. “If you want my aid to refuse any offers or orders, I shall surely give it.” Eleanor declared stoutly, and Aditi smiled benevolently.

“Oh, I thank you. Your kindness is ever radiant to me. If I truly hate it, then I will take you up on that. But as I said, it is not unusual, nor is there any stigma amongst those of my culture.”

“I think it’s just terrible.” Melissa defended Eleanor, while Henry tried to keep out of the conversation. “Young girls should be able to choose to love freely. It’s like slavery, forcing a marriage just on status or family ties!”

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“Sir Arthur?” Eleanor asked, feeling rising misgivings about the whole situation. The Prime Minister was saying something, drawing laughter, and the girls in their white ballgowns that invoked wedding dresses, all smiled charmingly, nodding.

“Yeah, looks like they didn’t have any dresses fit for that fairy maid. Oh shit, look at Raidre, he’s lost it...” David chuckled, and indeed, Raidre, on looking at the maid in her white finery, was stunned, his legs shaking as he leaned on a table, shocked. “... so he asked Sir Arthur, and apparently he borrowed one of your dear mother’s dresses from when she was younger. That’s a statement, right?”

Wait.. Sir Arthur allowed that? “Well, it is odd, but she does look rather fetching.” Katsuro said, interrupting her scattered thoughts once more. “And we could argue it’s showing the respect and affection your two nations have for each other, that you would give us such a thing? I think, Princess Eleanor, that we should start again. Talk to them properly. Put aside your misgivings. If you speak to my Motoko and think she is being exploited or abused after hearing her out, then I give you my word I’ll listen.”

Biting her lip hard enough to draw blood, the wounds instantly healing, Eleanor sighed. I hate this. I made a rather large scene. David is right. But I will still demand he explains how he ended up fighting this Akio later! And losing too, it’s shameful!

“Here they come!” David grinned. “Now play nice.” He paused, before giving her his honest thoughts. “Those girls aren’t anything like you worry about. They’re nothing like the girls your no-good uncle was caught with. No, they are fighters, and they have guts. It’s wrong to assume they aren’t capable of making their own decisions, or that the guy is fooling them. Trust me, when a man crosses fists...”

“Aye, he can tell the character of his damn opponent. Ye’ve done nothing but yap on about it since then, David.” Sarah snorted, still clearly amused at his defeat.

“Very well. I... I need to hear what he has to say, don’t I?” Eleanor managed. I can’t let my pride ruin things grandmother has set up. Especially not with those women here... she glanced at the American envoy and also Mary Stuart. I can’t show any more weakness or discord. As the group approached, she took a deep breath and forced a smile. “I see you are being rather more... brazen.”

“Why yes, I am, Princess Eleanor. I am not ashamed of the three of them, how could I be? They are lovely, kind and loyal, and any man would be proud to have even one of them in his life. I have them all. I will say that keeping them safe, happy and fulfilled is going to be quite the task, but look at them and tell me it won’t be worth it?” Akio said calmly, a smile on his face that quite annoyed her.

“I can see that. But don’t you worry you might draw ire and scorn?” she shot back.

“I do worry,. But not for me. Scorn me if you wish, Princess. But never take it out on them, or you’ll find out just why I got so strong.”

“No kidding. He hits like a fucking dump-truck.” David sniggered.

“Language!” Mary-Jane said, scandalised, and David waved her off.

“I’m serious now. I’d kill to have him on our team. We might really have London back by Christmas.”

“I don’t understand.” Melissa said, and Henry looked apologetic.

“I know. There’s a lot we can’t tell you yet. I want to, my darling, but... grandmother wants it under wraps. You know Ellie has these powers, and the others too. And that we have to protect Britain. Well... how they do it is complicated. I wish it was me or the boys in the military, but...”

“I too am prepared to fight.” Motoko said cooly. “It is an honour to meet you, Prince Henry. Grandfather is in awe of your support for Veterans and your commitment to raising their profile and treatment worldwide.”

“You’re a polite one.” He said, and Eleanor had to admit she was.

“Forgive my rudeness, but... you’re not concerned by sharing a man who can never give you his whole heart? You’re young, it might not matter now, but...” Eleanor began again.

“From one warrior to another...” Motoko said, sighing. “... do not insult me, or my intelligence. Worse, do not insult my love. I too know what it is to fight in the Boundary. How I know this... is not for me to say. Therefore, my respect for you is immense. I ask that you accord me the same in return. A person who has fought to defend others is no child. I may not have his whole heart, but if I did, then I would weep for Natsumi.”

“She’s right.” The bodyguard girl, who had an entirely different allure out of her suit, nodded. “I love Motoko. Not in a way that I would wish to marry her. No, we are friends, bonded in battle and in love. I thought I could never be more than her bodyguard, and we would be parted soon. But Akio changed that for us. He loved us both, and showed us we could both be happy. I too have fought monsters, again I’ll not say how. I knew Akio loved others before us. I am not a fool. But...”

“It doooes not matter.” The maid, Hyacinth, spoke up. Seeing her in that familiar dress, it’s strange. But she is beautiful, definitely. Though it is a cold, unapproachable beauty, yet... as the maid looked at Akio, her face changed, her harsh edges softening, her vivid violet eyes with a tinge of silver going gentle. “Akiooo loves freely, but loves deeply. To rest in his arms is to know peace. But he doooes not stifle us. If he kept us as trooophies or toys, we wooould never have grown. Mistress Shaeula wooould never have reclaimed the Spring, earned the respect stupid little selkie must give her, ooor else.” She threatened Raidre so casually that Eleanor was momentarily amazed. Raidre is a powerful warrior, is she so bold?

“I know I’m a bastard.” Akio laughed sourly. “But I made a promise to let that go. I accepted responsibility for them, so I can’t berate myself. No, instead of that, I simply have to love them, Princess. And to me... love is...” he looked at the three girls fondly. “... protect them, yes, but also allow them to spread their wings, grow, achieve their dreams, and then find new dreams even more glorious. It’s hard, but I honestly wouldn’t do things differently now. Each one of them I love, and each one of them I’ll see happy. It’s why I fight.” He looked at Eleanor then, his steel-grey eyes earnest. “Strength for oneself is meaningless. Only when you have things to protect and cherish will you ever be truly strong. The only worry I’ll allow myself is that I might not have enough time to spend with them all, but...”

“That is why we work together.” Motoko said calmly. “We learn to love each other as well. For me it was easy.”

“Me too! I love Motoko, I always have, and the fact that we can spend as much time together doing what we want is a dream for me. But the time I have with Akio is just as precious.”

“Indeed. I feel the same.” Motoko agreed. “The others all have their quirks, but they are all good girls, strong girls. Not foolish, easily tricked girls who do not know their own minds. You are rather fortunate it is us who are here tonight, Princess.”

“Oh my, yes...” Natsumi looked at Eleanor, and also at Melissa, who had a sour expression, unconvinced. “... we are definitely the mildest of Akio’s fiancées.”

“If you two are, I’d love to meet the others.” David laughed, only to curse as Sarah slapped his head, and Mary-Jane told him to be quiet.

“If mistress Shaeula was here, she wooould declare her hostility to yooour country for this. Mistress Eri wooould grab her axe and rage...” Hyacinth giggled, amused. “I did want tooo strangle you, or tear out yooour poisoned tongue. But Hyacinth is a goooood girl, Akio says so, sooo I refrained.”

“Yes, you can’t do that.” he said, patting her head. “I understand people aren’t going to understand us easily. But all that matters is that we are happy.”

He’s very frustrating! That Fae just threatened me to my face! “Even so, shouldn’t you respect the customs of the countries you are visiting?” she protested.

“Yes, but that goes both ways. Princess Eleanor...” his gaze was intense, and I stepped back a pace, swallowing nervously. “I must speak with you in private, but if you refuse, then I’ll need to speak with the Queen, or failing that, Sir Arthur here has agreed to listen, though that would be a last resort.”

“I understand. But what can be so urgent that you need to speak with me and would come here, showing off like this?”

“Showing off? This is Motoko’s time to shine, though I decided actually, I wasn’t being fair. Natsumi was happy as a guard, Hyacinth as a maid, but I thought I’d kill multiple birds with one stone. Sorry, grandfather-in-law, Hikari, Minoru. But Motoko liked the idea too.”

“Yes. Making happy memories with others is better than just me alone. And I do wish to share.” She met Eleanor’s gaze. “Shaeula and Eri often say, if Akio has to split his love ten ways, if he is a hundred times the man anyone else is, we still end up happier than we ever could with anyone else. And I believe it. I have never been so fulfilled and full of joy as these last few weeks. And I know that despite the hardships, the battles that we will willingly fight to protect our happiness and the happiness of those we love and cherish, our happiness will only grow.”

“This young man is like you, Princess. He carries the weight of Tokyo and Kyoto.” Katsuro said. “But it is reassuring to know that should the worst happen and Japan was to fall...”

“Yes, I’ll get them out safely, even if I have to die. Which I won’t, as dying will only make them sad. I have the will, the intent to die for them, but I know I can’t actually fail.” Akio said decisively.

“Shit, that’s a real man’s... wait...” David was once again clouted by Sarah, and Mary-Jane dragged him off, saying they had heard enough of his crudity.

Carrying the weight. It is heavy and hard, and lonely... Even Aditi, David, Mary-Jane and the others, they didn’t know the true weight that Eleanor carried. There was another secret beneath the Tower, one that nobody but the Queen and she knew of. Unless... has this man somehow found out? Worried, she nodded. “Fine. I don’t approve, I still believe what you are doing is immoral, but I will do my duty and set that aside for the good of the United Kingdom.”

“That’s my Ellie. We all friends again?” Henry said, and Melissa scowled. You’re not making a good impression, my brother.

“I honestly believe you believe your words, but... I want your phone numbers. If you ever realise you have been wronged, mistreated or exploited, text me without delay, and I will see you rescued and this man punished, I’m not sure how, but I will use all the tools at my disposal!” I should let it go, but... I have to at least say this to these foolish girls.

“Yes, that’s a good idea.” Melissa agreed. “I’ll support you!”

Akio merely smiled. “Fine. That’s fair. But first... this is the engagement debut, a Japanese noble custom. It’s hardly gone to plan, has it, but... can’t we at least get your blessings for now? In fact...” he grinned. “Since you owe me an apology for attacking me verbally, why not introduce me to the Queen? I can see her watching. If we could get a picture of us with the Royal Family, I think that would go down very well back home, right?”

“Yes.” Motoko agreed happily. “The other girls at Hanafubuki would be most awed, even Mayumi-sama. It would also be a memory we can treasure.”

“Why not? Grandmother loves some excitement.” Henry laughed. “Besides, don’t you think they’re adorable young girls?”

As Melissa scowled at him, Hyacinth laughed.

“I am ooolder than anyone else here, likely ooolder even than the stupid selkie. Hyacinth is nooo child.”

“But you are adorable” Akio snorted, and the maid blushed, her smile blinding.

I somehow feel like I’ve lost. No... it is still wrong. But... I understand Katsuro’s thoughts. If London was to fall, who would I give my all to save, above all else, even at risk of my life? As Eleanor pondered that, Akio was smiling.

“I’m glad we sorted all this out. Change won’t come overnight. But in a world where people like Hyacinth and Raidre exist, where the Gods themselves hand out Favours... we must change. All I ask is you judge us on our actions, and how happy we are, not by what you’re used to. We’re not enemies, and honestly, with problems like Christina Bakker around, we shouldn’t fight over such things. Princess Eleanor, what I have to tell you later might be painful to hear, but rest assured it’s true. I’m an ally, and I want us to help each other. So please, keep an open mind.”

“I think he speaks wisely, Eleanor.” Aditi said quietly, having observed politely as was her usual way. “Securing happiness in this dangerous world is surely a good thing, whatever shape it takes, no?”

“Even you, I see?” Eleanor’s shoulders sagged, defeated. “Very well. But you chose this. If you ever hurt them, if they regret it, you’ll be my enemy!” she said boldly, only for Akio to laugh happily.

“I welcome that. If you see me straying from the path, not thinking of my girls, being selfish, I’d welcome a kick up the arse.” He said the British idiom smoothly. “But for now, let’s meet the Queen. That’ll make a statement, won’t it?” He was looking at someone, and as Eleanor followed his eyes, he could see he was eyeing the American, accompanied by her huge bodyguard.

“Yes, I suppose it will...” Eleanor agreed. “I suppose it will...”