The next morning I awoke feeling better than I had in weeks. The strange thing I've noticed about the Gift of Healing is that aches, pains and no small amount of fatigue remained after it was done. I had wondered before if that was because our Gift was rather lacklustre compared to those utilised by other Knights, but I didn't bring that up to the Princess. She was rather sensitive when it came to our Gift of Healing, believing she messed it up when she had first created the Gift during the fight with Craven. During our travels to Dunwellen Elora had deepened her understanding and, as a result, had managed to make our Gift stronger. However, she still felt it was inferior to what she should have been able to create, so I avoided talking about it.

I hadn't told her this, but I actually enjoyed the slight discomfort I was left with after being fixed up. It was akin to having sore muscles after intensive exercise. I saw it as my body and soul getting stronger.

While a slight pain remained, a heavy weight felt like it had been lifted from my chest, one that I hadn't even noticed was there. Even the cold floor on which I lay couldn't banish the warmth that blossomed in my lungs as I took a deep breath, my eye still closed.

I had a feeling that today was going to be a good day.

“Orin!” The recently relieved weight suddenly returned as fast as it had left. My filled lungs emptied explosively and my eye shot open to stare into the innocent face of a grinning Delithia who sat atop me. “Wake up!”

“I'm up!” I growled, faintly annoyed that my state of peace was disturbed so thoroughly, but I could never stay mad at Delithia for long. She was still the baby of the family, despite her being older than several of the younger kids here. “Hey, sis. You alright?”

The young girl's grin wavered slightly before it was suddenly locked back into place, “I'm fine, but we're all waiting on you. Everyone's down the stairs having breakfast.”

“I see,” I yawned, “So, you gonna let me up or are you gonna sit there all day?”

Delithia laughed and jumped to her feet, leaping back to stand by the door, “Come on, you've been asleep for ages. Princess Elora sent me to get you.”

“Good to know,” I muttered, pushing the spare blanket I had thrown over myself last night to the side and getting to my feet. I turned to smile at my sister only to find her staring at me with a pale face and wide, shining eyes.

“O-Orin... blood.” The curly-haired girl pointed and I looked down at my tunic, cursing as I saw it was flecked with dark crimson in some places, while almost completely saturated in others. I hadn't had much time to change last night and I was exhausted after the fight with Sig and everything else that happened.

“Shit. Step outside, sweetheart.” I spun away and ripped the thing from my shoulders, tossing it over to the other side of the room. Delithia did what she was told and I heard the door close behind me. I winced and cursed myself silently as I went over to the chest that Gertrand had in the corner, opening it up to hunt down some new clothing. The last thing I wanted was to bring this shit to their door, even if my actions up to that point hadn't really been in keeping with that philosophy. Delithia and the younger kids especially didn't need to see all this. They deserved better. I would try to be more careful in future.

I found something to wear easily enough. While Gertrand was only fourteen and about half my size and weight, we took our clothes from whatever families were giving them out. It was rare that we had any that fit us while we were growing up and I found something that was a little tight, but manageable. I realised that I still needed to go and see Laird at some point to pick up the other set of clothes he promised to make me, though I was really unsure if he would follow through. Especially considering the last set he'd been kind enough to gift me were little more than ashes now.

Taking a deep breath to still the panic that had flared up when Delithia had seen me covered in blood, I opened the door and stepped into the hall. My little sister was just across from me, leaning against the wall and biting her cheek, looking up as I emerged.

When had she gotten so tall? I hadn't taken the time to notice when I'd come back last time, but she really had shot up over the last few years. It made sense, of course. Delithia was twelve now, a far cry from the child she had been when I'd left the city with Boldrin. She was slowly becoming a woman and I didn't know how I felt about that. Maybe I was getting sentimental in my old age?

Yes, that must be it. The eighteen year old going on eighty. I chuckled to myself.

“Sorry, Delithia,” I said, walking over to the girl and placing my hands on her shoulders.

“Was it yours?” She whispered, still not looking at me.

“No,” I shook my head immediately, “Just some people who thought they could hurt me.”

“But you hurt them first?” She asked. Delithia was naive about many things, but she had grown up in the Commons like I had. She had even been a pickpocket for a while, one of the best I'd ever seen. She hadn't had to deal with the kind of trouble that Pater and I had to deal with because we were there with her if a problem arose. If someone tried to hurt our little sister, our response was immediate and intensely violent. We wouldn't allow another one of our siblings to be hurt. Not like Leila.

“Just a little,” I lied, “Just enough to make them stop.”

Delithia didn't look like she fully believed me. It was a lot of blood, after all, but she smiled up at me regardless, her big eyes looking down the right side of my face. “Does it hurt? Your eye?”

“No, course not,” I grinned, “Besides, I've still got one more. I don't miss it much.”

Delithia giggled, “I think you look handsome. Like a rogue from the tales.”

“Elora said much the same thing,” I replied, my back straightening as I placed my hands on my hips, “Very heroic.”

“I told the others not to mention it at breakfast,” Delithia whispered to me, as though it was some big secret and not right on my bloody face, “Didn't want you to feel self-conscious.”

“Well, now I do,” I said back sarcastically. Delithia laughed and I joined her as we began our short walk to the dining hall.

“Elora told me about you two. You're getting married!” Delithia crowed as she locked arms with me, “The Princess has already asked me to be in her bridal party. Can you believe it, Orin?”

“I can,” I grumbled, still a little put out that Elora had slammed the door in my face the night before. Then the memory of that kiss made itself known and I started grinning like an idiot again, “I'm looking forward to it.”

“There's so much to do!” Delithia said, her eyes going vacant as she became lost inside her own little world. I made sure to keep a firm grip on her arm to stop her from walking into a wall or something, “Her Highness asked me to help plan it. She wants to do it all herself and have it here in the orphanage.”

“In the orphanage?” I asked, blinking in surprise.

“Yeah, she doesn't want to give anyone another chance to ruin it. You'll be there from the start this time though. You can beat up anyone who tries.” Delithia beamed, complete faith in my abilities shining through. Honestly it was more than a little heart-warming, but her next words put a little bit of a dampener on my mood, “I feel bad for Duke Cellus though. He was really nice.”

“Yeah, he was,” I tried to be mindful that Cellus had been nothing but a gentleman to the young girl so I didn't say anything too biting. I fell back on my old faithful: Humour, “But you know how it goes, Delithia. One look at me and the Princess didn't have eyes for anyone else.”

Delithia rolled her eyes again and snorted, “Yeah, sure. I'm glad it happened this way, though. You're my favourite person and Elora is really nice. I'm glad you're getting married. The Sister and I were talking a little before I came up to get you. Your kids are going to be so cute!”

I coughed then, something suddenly sticking to the back of my throat as my face reddened, “I-I think that's a little ways off, Delithia.”

“Could be sooner than you think, Orin.” My little sister wiggled her eyebrows at me and chortled in amusement.

I needed to put a stop to this line of questioning, “You know, me marrying Elora means that I'm eventually going to be King. That essentially makes you a Princess.”

Delithia came to a dead stop and looked at me, her whole body shivering with excitement and her large eyes filled with the same, “I didn't think of that!”

I couldn't help but laugh at the plain enthusiasm on her face, “Well start thinking about it. Maybe one day we'll all move into the palace.”

“That would be amazing!” Delithia shouted and began to rattle off exactly how amazing it would be, and in detail. I smiled and nodded as she spoke, the peace that had fled upon waking gradually returning. It was nice to just talk like this, even if the subject of conversation was one I would much rather postpone.

We walked into the dining room with no sign of Delithia slowing down. Everyone had already woken up it seemed and I suddenly felt myself be pulled from every direction as the kids of the orphanage, those I was close to at least, started pulling at me and shouting for my attention.

“Orin, teach me the sword!”

“That scar looks so cool!”

“Are you okay? We were worried.”

I tried to answer as many as I could but before I'd even finished a sentence another question immediately popped up. I noticed Delithia was staring daggers at a few of the kids who asked about my missing eye but I waved her away. The loss had been hard to take in Paldrum, but I had gotten used to it easily enough. Little Sasta moved between the horde of children and hugged me around the waist silently, which I returned with a gentle pat.

“You alright?” Gertrand asked, standing beside me with a concerned look on his face, Albert standing beside him with a broad grin. Gertrand looked a lot healthier since I had seen him last. Seems he had gotten a growth spurt as he'd appeared to have shot up a couple inches in the weeks I'd been away. His dark skin was a healthier shade and he looked happy, if a little upset with me.

“I'm fine, brother. Nothing I couldn't handle. Just a few Knights that didn't know who they were dealing with,” I grinned as a cheer rose up among the children around me, even Gertrand unable to keep up his serious facade. It gave way to relief, something I was very happy about. The kid tried hard to act like Pater and I but he was never the type. The incident with the Common Dogs aside, Gertrand was a gentle sort and needed a touch to match, something the Sister knew all too well. I hoped that his time skirting the law was done for the foreseeable future. Seeing how happy he was among the others gave me a little hope that was the case.

“Good, everyone was worried about you,” Gertrand said, “I didn't want to wake you up this morning, you seemed well out of it.”

“I had a little run in with Sig the pig yesterday,” I said to him quietly as the others broke off and began to return to their tables to finish breakfast.

Gertrand's face paled, “What happened?”

I slapped a hand down on the shoulder of my little brother and tightened my jaw, “He won't be bothering any old women ever again.”

Gertrand's eyes widened before his gaze fell as his fists clenched, “I'm sorry, Orin. If it wasn't for me-”

“Nah, none of that,” I interrupted, pulling Gertrand into a little sideways hug, “Not your fault. Idiots are gonna do stupid shit, can't stop them. He's gone now and that's all that matters. You just keep your head on straight.”

Gertrand nodded firmly, his mouth set into a determined line, “I will. I sent a letter to Mrs Hollies and she sent one back. She was so nice about everything, Orin. Didn't blame me or anything like that. She did say that you shouldn't be so hard on me, though. Made me promise I'd tell you.”

I chuckled. That sounded like the old bat. I was just glad she was alright. My brother looked a little sheepish when he said the last words but I smiled at him regardless. He was back on the right path at long last. Now, if I could just do the same thing for Pater all would be well in the world, but teaching my former partner in crime the error of his ways would be an exercise in futility. Pater did what he wanted to do and I couldn't change that.

“You can tell her I was fair with you,” I replied, “You're a good man, Gertrand.”

My brother nodded and walked away, being replaced by the sweet smile of Princess Elora who was dressed in casual breeches and a tunic, much like the day before. An image of a night-gown flashed before my eyes but I put it to bed with a thought.

“Good morning, Princess,” I said, leaning over and planting a gentle peck on her lips, causing a few of the younger girls to whoop with glee and the younger boys to make gagging noises.

Elora's face turned red at the attention but she smiled regardless, “Good morning, my Knight. How did you sleep?”

“Better than I have in a while,” I slung an arm around her shoulders and walked us over to the Sister. My mother was sipping at the tea in her cup, watching us over the rim. “How about you?”

“Very well,” Elora beamed, “I've been thinking about the wedding. I think we should have it here, in the orphanage.”

“Delithia said as much,” I replied, “Can I ask why? It might be safer in the palace if that's what you're worried about.”

Elora frowned, “No. I want it to be here because it's important. This place means something to the both of us, Orin.”

“I can agree with that,” I said, speaking a little more loudly so the Sister could hear, “But how does the Sister feel about this? A wedding here would no doubt be a pain in her neck.”

“You are a pain in my neck, Orin,” Erin stated, leaning back in her chair as she took another satisfying sip of tea, “But a wedding is nothing I can't handle. It was my idea.”

“Really? Well, isn't that something.” I smirked and took a seat as Elora sat next to me. I helped myself to some bread, still warm from the Inscribed oven I presumed, and slathered some butter on the lightly toasted surface before taking a large bite.

“Elora told Delithia and the others earlier. I've never seen all of them more excited,” The Sister smiled at the group of children huddled around tables on the far side of the room, laughing and shouting amongst themselves. “Though how we're going to get everything ready in a week, I have no idea.”

I near choked on the bread, slapping futilely on my chest to try and force it down while Elora tapped uselessly on my back

“Are you alright?” The Princess asked, looking torn between amusement and genuine concern.

“I'm fine, Princess,” I replied, forcing the last of the mercifully soft bread down my throat, “But isn't a week a little soon? We only just got back from Dunwellen, plus how are a bunch of Nobles gonna feel about a royal wedding in the orphanage?”

“We won't be having any Noble guests. Well, with the exception of Embla and my guard,” Elora explained, “I have none among the palace sycophants that I would even consider calling a friend. Vera and Annabelle come to mind, but after what they did I don't want them anywhere near my wedding.”

“What about your parents?” I asked gently. I didn't like the Queen. In fact, I wouldn't piss on her royal Majesty if she was on fire, but Elora's father was at least a little more reasonable. She would need someone there from her own family before she officially became a part of mine.

The Princess hesitated and her resolve wavered but you would never be able to tell that from her voice, “Mother made her position about our relationship perfectly clear and I really don't think that father will want to attend without her. With the children, Tessa and the Sister to officiate, it will be perfect.”

I cocked an eyebrow when Elora mentioned that Tessa was invited but I said nothing. It seemed that the Princess was past her grievances with the young mercenary, at least for the moment, and I didn't want to do anything to endanger that. I also didn't mention that Cellus was something of a friend to my Princess. I did this because, while dense, I am not a complete fool. Though sometimes it worried me just how much I seemed to vie for that title. Inviting the former groom to the wedding of the woman he was supposed to marry was a definite faux pas, common or Noble.

“Still, it is a little soon. The danger has passed, at least for the moment. We could take our time with this. I don't want you to feel like what I was saying yesterday...” I flicked my eyes to the Sister who stared back with raised brows “... is making you think we need to rush.”

“No, Orin, it needs to happen soon. I've made up my mind. Besides, you're not the only one who is... anxious.” Elora blushed to her roots as the Sister's eyes widened in realisation, a small smirk forming on my mother's lips.

“Have no fear, my dear,” The Sister said, leaning over the table to pat Elora's hand, “I am no shrinking violet, you can speak freely. I wasn't always a wife of the Great Spirit, you know.”

“Sister!” I all but shouted, shivering at the idea.

“What? I was young once, Orin.” The Sister cackled, knowing exactly what she was doing.

“Great, now I've lost my appetite,” I said, pushing the remains of my meal away from me in disgust while Elora stared at my mother, stunned into silence, “Where is Tessa, by the way? I told her last night I'd introduce her to the kids.”

“I went to check on her this morning but she was already gone.” Erin said as she poured herself a fresh cup of morning tea. “She'll turn up, son. Where you go she is sure to follow.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

I grunted at that, still not really that comfortable with Tessa's past. The Sister was right, of course. Tessa would be close by. Shit, she was probably listening in.

“Are you finished, Orin? Your Highness?” I turned to find a familiar face approaching the table, one which had completely slipped my mind over the last few weeks. It was none other than Miss Bella, the pretty young woman that the Sister had hired after the influx of children that had followed Elora's support of the orphanage. The young woman blushed as I looked upon her and smiled at me bashfully with a fluttering of eyelashes. Was she flirting with me, or just uncomfortable and over-compensating? I could understand the latter. It must be strange to suddenly find yourself serving food to the Princess of Venos.

“I am, Bella. Thank you.” I replied kindly, letting her take my plate away. I turned to find my Smith staring at Bella with narrowed eyes. I also noticed that she scooted a little closer to me in her chair. I held back my laughter at the sudden territorial display.

“Will there be anything else?” Bella squeaked, looking anywhere but at Elora, whose intensive glare was following her intimately.

“That's fine, thank you, Bella.” The Sister said, barely concealing her mirth at Elora's behaviour. After the young woman left, the wife of the Great Spirit inspected the Princess, “I believe you scared her half to death.”

“She was looking at Orin,” Elora said by way of response, as if that was somehow an acceptable answer.

“Is that all it takes to earn your ire? We must make sure to avoid such a thing in future,” The Sister chuckled and leaned back in her chair.

“She was looking at Orin... too much,” Elora stated thoughtfully, a hand landing on my arm.

“You don't have to explain yourself, Princess,” I whispered, leaning over and kissing her cheek, “We all get jealous sometimes.”

“How would you feel if a man looked at me like that?” Elora argued, brow furrowed in consternation.

“I'd probably dash his head against whatever convenient object was nearby,” I shrugged, “But I'm the jealous type. Much like you it seems.”

“I-I was not jealous, Orin,” Elora insisted, her expression floundering, “I-It's just best to nip these things in the bud early on, or so I've been told.”

“I agree,” I muttered into her ear as I kissed her again, “But you have nothing to worry about.”

“I know that,” Elora said, not seeming to believe it as she looked away from me.

“Propriety, Orin,” Erin said firmly, indicating how close I was to Elora, “There are children around.”

I grinned, “Oh, I'm sorry, Sister. Is this making you 'uncomfortable'?”

The Sister snorted in understanding, “All right, my boy, point taken. What trouble are you two going to be getting into today.”

“Hopefully none,” I frowned, “Though those are famous last words where I'm concerned.”

“Mother and father will presumably want to speak to us when they return from Paldrum. Probably before the entire court,” Elora mused as she tapped the edge of the table, “Though that's most likely a ways off yet. I don't know if they've even left Paldrum yet.”

“Why would they want that? Your mother isn't exactly my most devoted fan.”

“Oh, most definitely not,” She said, running a hand down my cheek, her fingers brushing against my scar, “but she is left with little choice now. Father will see to it, even if she doesn't. I know how he works. He'll want to present a unified front to the Nobility and that will start with declaring the crown's endorsement for us as a couple.”

“More schemes,” I sighed, “Why can't anything just be simple?”

“Nothing is simple now, my Knight,” Elora answered, looking a little sad, “Everything that has happened over the past weeks will need to be addressed and my parents can no longer use you as their scapegoat. We'll most likely not have to do much, just stand there and appear to agree with their every word.”

“That sounds like a lot.” I quipped, folding my arms across my chest.

“We don't have a choice, Orin. Openly separating ourselves from mother and father would leave us with little protection from the more powerful families in the country. Like it or not, we're a player in their games now. We need to pick a side. Better the evil you know-”

“Than the evil you don't. I get it, Princess, doesn't mean I have to like it.”

“I know,” Elora said sympathetically, “Neither do I. Hopefully everything will be in order soon. Perhaps then we can finally have some sense of normalcy.”

“I hate to interrupt you, Elora,” Erin cut in, leaning across the table, “But if the goal is to present unification, would the wedding not be a problem? I'll be the first to admit that I'm not all that well versed on matters of Noble etiquette, but having a distinct lack of them in attendance, including the King and Queen, could be seen as a slight.”

“Not if we keep it secret,” Elora said brightly, “I've already considered the problems that could arise. It's one of the reasons that I want to have the ceremony as soon as possible. The longer we wait, the more eyes are going to be on us. Besides, I technically already married Orin and did so before the whole of Myrin. This is just for us and close friends. I don't owe the Nobility anything.”

Elora took my hand and smiled at me, which I happily returned. While it was initially shocking to learn just how soon our ceremony was going to be, I was all for getting it out of the way as soon as possible. This might be the last dose of happiness we would have for quite some time, according to the Princess. I wanted to savour every moment of it. Who could say what our lives would be like a month from now?

I had little time to think about being married to Elora after she told me in Paldrum. The crippling assault that was the Severance and Tessa's words had pushed our nuptials to the back of my mind. I had been aware of my feelings for the Princess since I told her about Leila, but I hadn't really stopped to consider the future. I wasn't usually one to do that, after all. I lived in the moment, or tried to at the very least, so that's exactly what I decided to do. I had referred to her as my wife and she had called me husband but there had always been a degree of humour to it. Neither of us was ever really serious about the whole thing. But the animated way in which Elora spoke about it had me both excited and nervous in equal measure. So much so that I had to pull my sweaty hand free of Elora and wipe it against my leg. Shit, I felt more wired than I did right before a battle.

“Orin,” I felt a little hand pull at my sleeve and turned to little Sasta, who had crept up on me while I was distracted, “There's a strange lady in the hall. Her hair is funny.”

I frowned, still absent-minded as I thought about my wedding, before I smiled knowingly. It seemed Tessa had decided to make an appearance after all. “That's fine, Sasta. She's a friend. I'll go and get her.”

Elora, tight-lipped, nodded at me as I got to my feet and the Sister shook her head sadly. I didn't say anything to either of them, they knew where I was going and who this strange lady was. Honestly, I saw it as a massive step in Tessa opening up. I had thought that I'd have to drag her in here kicking and screaming, but thankfully none of that was necessary. If she was going to be a bigger part of my life she would need to be visible and standing beside me, not living in my shadow.

I opened the door to see a pacing Tess. She reminded me of a raging tiger behind the bars of it's cage, a bundle of nerves and dangerous instinct. Her wild eyes and wilder expression settled a little as she caught sight of me, but by no means was it banished entirely. Her hair was a little more untamed than usual and the bags under her eyes made it seem like she'd had very little sleep, if any at all.

“I don't know about this,” Tessa warned before I'd even closed the door behind me, “I think its a bad idea.”

“Come on, Tess, it'll be fine,” I said dismissively, “They're just kids,”

“Important kids,” Tessa replied quickly, “Important to you. They like Elora but I'm not all sappy like she is.”

“You're right, you're not,” I said gently, walking up to my friend and placing a hand on each shoulder to stop her from moving. “You are you. I like you just as you are and they will as well. Come on, this means a lot to me.”

“I thought about running this morning. I even made it as far as the gates,” Tessa confessed, looking a little embarrassed, squirming in my grasp, “But then I remembered what you said about catching me if I tried. I'm not good with... emotion.”

“No? Really?” I replied sarcastically as Tess growled at me. “You were right to stay. This'll be good for the kids, for me and most of all it'll be good for you.”

“What do you mean me?” Tessa asked, confused.

“You've spent too much time alone, Tess. Something like this is scary, I get it, but the kids are my family and I want you to get to know them. You want to be a part of my life and I want that as well, but I have conditions. The first of which is no more hiding. Just tell them a story about the Brigade, they love that kind of stuff.”

“And you believe that this'll help 'fix' me?” Tess grumbled, ripping herself free of me and taking a step back.

“No,” I shrugged, “You don't need fixing, Tess, you're just fine the way you are. I wouldn't want to change you. After all, who'd tell me when I was fucking up? I have a few people who'd give it a shot, but does anyone but you give it to me in graphic and annoyingly specific detail? Nope, that's all you, Tessa.”

“Stupid sappy bullshit,” Tessa rolled her eyes, cheeks flushing with colour, “But...alright. I'll go in, if that's what you want.”

“No, that's not how this work,” I said with a firm shake of my head, “You do it if you want to, Tess. I won't force you, nor will anyone else.”

“As if you could even if you tried,” Tessa said with sigh, eyes fixed on the door, “Alright, I get it. Let's do this.”

I grinned broadly at my nervous looking mercenary friend and made for the doors, pushing them open to release the noise and abundance of children inside. “Guys, can I speak to you all for a second.”

The kids immediately looked up from their plates, freezing mid-bite as I spoke. Delithia sat next to Sasta and held the little girl's hand, while Gertrand, Albert and a few of the other boys seemed to be playing cards. Was that real coin they were betting? Was there some kind of underground orphan gambling den I was unaware of? A mystery to solve later.

“This is my friend, Tessa,” I said indicating towards the shrinking mercenary beside me. “She and I were in the Brigade together. She's like family to me and I wanted you all to meet her. Come and say hi.”

Many of the children hesitated. I could definitely see why. Tess always looked dangerous. Her steely eyes, wild hair and daggers at the hip were enough to stop anyone from approaching her. I knew this was by design but for one terrible instant, I thought none of them would approach.

Thank the Spirit for Delithia. The young girl was on her feet in a second and pulling little Sasta along behind her, whether she wanted to or not.

“Hello! We've never met any of Orin's friends from his Brigade before. I'm Delithia and this is Sasta.” Delithia beamed and Tessa froze like a hare.

“Greetings.” Tessa replied, strangely formal. I nodded at Delithia thankfully but she didn't notice, too focused on the mercenary. She was always excited to meet new people and Tess was no exception.

“You're very pretty,” Sasta mumbled, peering around her older sister with wide eyes.

“Gratitude.” Tessa stated to the little girl, her face tight and eyebrows pulled down low. I was trying very hard to keep a straight face at this point and just about managed it. It was heart-warming and heart-rending at the same time. Tess clearly didn't know how she was supposed to act.

“Come and sit with us. You can tell us stories about Orin. I feel like I've seen you somewhere before.” Delithia took Tessa's hand easily enough and all but dragged her towards their table. The young woman turned to look at me with pleading eyes but I merely smiled and nodded for her to go along with it. If anyone could get Tess to open up a little, it was my little sister. I was surprised that Tessa didn't try to pull away from Delithia's touch, but just chalked it up to the mystical powers that the young girl seemed to possess.

“That went well,” Elora had sneaked up beside me and was wearing a satisfied smile on her face.

“You think so?” I replied hopefully, watching Tess take a seat amidst the horde as Delithia powered on, the words just falling from her mouth. The others were beginning to warm up to the mercenary now that Delithia had taken a shine to her. Tess looked extremely uncomfortable, but the more questions she answered, the more she seemed to settle. I found myself grinning without even meaning to.

“You're worrying and you shouldn't be,” Elora answered fondly, “This will be good for her. Delithia is a balm for the soul.”

“You still haven't told me what you and Tess talked about last night. Care to do so now?”

The Princess looked up for a moment, lost in a deep thought, before she shook her head. “No, we can talk more tonight. You have too much to do today.”

“I do?” I said, looking over at my Princess, “I don't remember making any plans. Besides, I really think that we should get it all out of the way before something else happens. Like the palace blowing up or me being mysteriously teleported to the other side of the continent.”

“Is that likely to happen?” Elora smirked, her hand brushing against the back of mine.

“You know me, Princess. I can't seem to stay out of trouble to save my life.” I was only half-joking when I said the words. I had come to the rather firm conclusion that if anything in my life could go wrong, then it would. Call it being an Heir, or being touched by the Great Spirit, whatever. I just wanted to make sure that everything was settled before the next potential threat reared it's ugly head. Yesterday it was Sig, tomorrow it could be the Hall of bloody Tyra. Shit, I wouldn't be surprised if Craven rose from his grave to have another run at us.

“Calm, my Knight,” Elora said, seeing through my rather thin veil of humour to the seed of panic that lay beneath, “We're not going anywhere and nothing will go wrong. We have the time to relax a little.”

“Strange thing for the woman who wants her wedding in a week to say.” I said.

“Maybe so,” Elora muttered, “As for what you'll be doing today: You have to go and buy me a proposal gift.”

“A what now?”

“A proposal gift, Orin,” Elora sighed, “You haven't asked me to marry you yet and our wedding is a week away.”

“To be fair, I didn't know about this wedding until last night,” I objected, trying to defend myself for some reason.

“Which is why I'm being so lenient with you,” Elora grinned, “But I expect to be asked by the end of the day. Unless you object?”

“You know I don't,” I said, leaning in to kiss the Princess on the cheek, “Despite everything.”

Elora bristled, “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, Princess. Nothing at all,” I answered jokingly, leaning away from Elora and taking her hand firmly in mine. “You're already kicking me out? After what happened yesterday I was unsure if you were ever going to let me go out by myself again. For that matter, why do I need to buy you a proposal gift? You know how I feel about you.”

“Yes, but its tradition, Orin,” Elora explained, “You need to show me how much you care for me by gifting me something that you believe is worth my value.”

“Elora, you're the Princess of Venos,” I dead-panned.

“Yes, and?” Elora blinked at me blankly.

“Its... never mind,” I deflated and began to ring my hands, imagining just how much I'm going to have to spend on whatever I buy, “I'll do the best I can.”

“Thank you,” Elora beamed, “As for keeping you safe, I'm going to assign Embla and a few of the guards to keep an eye on you.”

“Uh-huh, what about Tess?” I nodded my head towards the mercenary, who was in the middle of telling the enraptured orphans a story of our time in the Brigade. Even the more suspicious ones were gathered around and hanging off her every word. I just hoped the story she was telling wasn't too bloody, or made me look like an idiot. Unfortunately, there was plenty of both.

“She will be staying here,” Elora said, her eyes finding the young woman, “I'm going to need her help with planning.”

“You do? What could you need Tess for? She's hardly lady-like, Elora. The last thing I think she'll be interested in is dress colours and decorations.”

Elora rolled her eyes at that, “There is more to a wedding than that, Orin. I need Tessa's help so she stays. I insist. If it makes you feel better, think how safe I'll be with her here. Don't worry, you'll be fine with Embla.”

“I'm not worried about being safe, Princess. More about how you plan on making Tess stay behind. She won't want me to leave without her, especially after last night.” I replied, a little worry working its way into my tone. It did make me more comfortable that Tessa would be here in the case of attack. But while I was still learning about Tessa's emotions and state of mind I knew her need to be around me was quite strong. I didn't know how leaving her behind would work.

“I'll take care of that, my Knight,” Elora smiled and broke away from me, “But you need to get going. I told Embla about you leaving early this morning so she should have a few of her girls ready to escort you.”

“How exactly did you manage to convince Embla to take me?” I asked, squeezing the Princess' hand, “I'd think she'd rather be here with you.”

“Oh, she would,” Elora clarified, “but she's the best warrior among my guard and I trust her implicitly to keep you safe.”

I was a little offended that my Smith had so little faith in me, “I'm not a child to be coddled, Elora.”

“I know that, Orin, and I know you're strong enough to be alone,” Elora replied, her eyes getting larger as she leaned in, glowing orbs of orange light pleading with me, “But would you please let them go with you? For me? I was so scared when the Bond let me know you were in danger and I wasn't there to give you the strength to fight. Trouble follows you, I just want to make sure you're alright.”

“I get it,” I sighed, only too aware of my own need to become involved in matters that didn't concern me, “But its hardly an escort worthy assignment. I just need to get you a little present. What did Cellus give you? When he proposed?”

Elora eyes wondered upward and she bit her lip as was her habit when she was thinking intently, “There was a lot. There was the country estate near Sind, an old manual for Smiths of his House and a dress made of silk from the Duchies. That was only three, but the list was a dozen pages long.”

“Shit, only a dozen?” I asked, pale-faced and suddenly feeling a little ill, “Ah, Elora, I really don't think I'm gonna be able to match that.”

The Princess rolled her eyes again and leaned against me, pressing her body into mine and looking into my eye, “Orin, if you gave me a piece of debris off the side of the road and called it a proposal gift, I'd still marry you in a heartbeat. How much coin the gift costs isn't important. Its what it means to the person you're giving it to.”

“Huh,” I stared into space, “Alright. I can do that. Still, doesn't seem like its going to take me all day.”

“Oh!” Elora's eyes widened and she slapped me on the chest, “I have more for you to do. The Sister told me about a tailor who lives in the Commons market. She says he's better even than Holonzo in the inner city. What was his name again...”

“Laird, he's a friend of mine,” I cut in, “Why do you need to see him?”

“I need something to wear, Orin,” Elora said slowly, as though speaking to a child, “I'll be the first to acknowledge just how comfortable these clothes are, but I can't just turn up to my own wedding wearing breeches and a dirty tunic. Just show Embla the way, she has my measurements. I can't use Holonzo because he's a known gossip among the Nobility. I can't tell you how many dress designs of mine have been 'accidentally' leaked because some debutante wants to impress me at the Winter Ball. I'll deal with everything else.”

“Can't Embla do all that while I pick out your gift?” I questioned.

“I want you to be involved in this, Orin. Its just a dress, and a nice outfit for you. I want to wear white, so you have to pick a complimentary colour to match.” The Princess said, thoughtfully staring into space.

“If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to kick me out of here, Princess” I said slyly.

“I know, I'm sorry, its just...” Elora heaved a great sigh and dragged me closer to the door and away from everyone else, her need for privacy apparent, “I know I'm springing a lot on you with this. I can't imagine waking up and finding out you're getting married in a week. If it was me, I'd be beside myself. So if you're feeling uncertain about anything, or me, you can tell me. I won't be upset, I promise-”

“Princess,” I grumbled and pulled her into a hug. The flower of Myrin wrapped her arms around me and buried her head into my shoulder, “Take a breath. I'm excited and terrified at the thought of marrying you, but I can definitely say that I'm more the former than the latter. Don't worry about me, I'm around for the long haul.”

“I just feel like things are changing, Orin,” Elora sounded muffled against my tunic, “I feel like if we don't do this now then it'll never happen. I want to be bound together by more than just the Bond. I want to tell you that I...”

“That you what?” I said, pulling away and looking her in the eye.

“Never mind,” Elora said, shaking her head, a ghost of a smile on her lips, “I'll tell you tonight. Today is going to be an eventful day, I think.”

“It always is where we're concerned.” I chuckled.

“I suppose so,” Elora dabbed at her eyes, which she thought I didn't notice, before she began shooing me towards the door, “Now go. Quickly now before Tessa sees. I won't be able to catch her if she jumps through the window.”

“You joke, but that could happen,” I warned as I opened the dining room door.

It was like she sensed the door opening. There was no way she could hear it over all the noise. I don't know how she did it, but she did. Tessa's face appeared amid a bundle of children, all surrounding her as they asked for another story from our time in the Brigade.

The mercenary was on her feet in an instant, the kids gathered around her no longer seeming able to hold her attention. I blinked and she was suddenly half way across the room. Fuck, but was she fast.

Then Elora was there, placing a gentle hand on Tessa's arm and leaning in to whisper in her ear. For a second I was worried that Tess was about to throw the Princess, the tension that suddenly overtook her body similar to how she looked before a fight, but then she relaxed.

Relaxed wasn't the right word, more like she was utterly taken aback with shock. Her jaw dropped, her steely eyes widened and she turned to look at the Princess with an almost desperate look on her face.

“Come along, son, I'll walk you out,” I didn't really have time to properly analyse Tessa's reaction before the Sister grabbed my arm and pulled me from the room. I was constantly surprised by the strength exhibited by the five foot nothing wife of the Great Spirit. She pulled me along like I was nothing at all.

“No matter how much I grow, you always seem to be able to move me around like I'm five years old,” I chuckled, temporarily pushing Tessa and Elora's interaction to the back of my mind.

“That's the way with mothers, Orin,” Erin fondly threaded her arm through mine, “It doesn't matter how big and strong you become, you'll always be five to me.”

The Sister guided me through the door and out into the hallway beyond, “There's no need to take me, Sister. I know the way.”

“I know, but we haven't had a lot of time to talk, just the two of us,” The Sister replied, her eyes staring into space, “I'm so proud of you, Orin, of the man you've become. I know that if your mother and father could see you now, they'd be just as proud as I am.”

I coughed in embarrassment, “Thanks, Sister.”

The Sister hummed pleasantly, the sound reminding me of a lullaby she used to sing to me when I was small, “It's probably best you leave now. Elora has been up since before the sun. I came down this morning to find her scribbling notes as her guard ran around like headless chickens. Once she gets an idea in her head its hard to pull her away from it.”

I chuckled fondly, imagining Elora covered in ink with her hair up as she furiously stabbed some paper, “Yeah, I noticed that.”

“She's given me a fair amount of work to do as well.” The Sister said with a small smile.

“Its not too much, is it? I can talk to her if you want.”

The Sister playfully slapped my arm, “Of course not, Orin. I'm happy to help. I get to plan your wedding, and to the Princess of Venos, no less. You know how to pick them.”

“I think its more like we picked each other,” I replied with a grin, “I told her about the flower when we were little. She remembered me. Seems we were fated, after all.”

“It seems so. The Great Spirit works in mysterious ways. Everything happens for a reason, Orin. You have purpose in this world. We can't see the whole picture yet, but I know its true.”

“Sister-”

“I know you don't believe it,” The Sister said, waving a hand through the air dismissively, “You never have. Even as a boy you railed against the idea of a power greater than any you could see. I'm not asking you to believe, just not to reject it outright. All will become clear, in time.”

“If you say so, Sister.” I sounded more than a little doubtful.

“I do.” The Sister smirked as we rounded a corner and Embla came into view. Standing beside her were three members of the guard, thankfully not wearing their cloaks any longer.

“No disguises today, guard captain?” I asked. I still wasn't quite sure where I stood with Embla, but our little heart-to-heart last night had given me hope that our relationship wouldn't be completely hostile.

“No, Lord. Our armour and swords would still be visible in the daylight. Best to go without encumbrance.” Embla replied professionally, straightening up at my approach, with the rest of the guard following her lead. I noticed that there was no real warm feeling for me on the faces of those assembled, but at least Embla's was neutral.

“Be safe, son,” The Sister said, giving me a quick hug, “and try to avoid coming back... how did Elora put it? 'Bleeding on the inside'?”

“I'll try, Sister.” I quipped with a cheeky grin.

Without another word, Embla and her guard gathered around behind me as we exited the orphanage, out into maze of streets beyond.