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The weather was threatening to turn. The storms heralding the change of season were on the horizon and they had to leave.
It had been several days since Engrid had been brought out of the Embassy and taken into custody. Laun had not exactly relaxed, but she allowed herself to visit with people clamoring for her attentions. She had eaten meals with nobles inside and outside the Palace. She had walked the green strip around the Palace several times, being flirted with and seduced and allowing the men to think that they had broken down her defenses. She had been in meetings alongside Falmir. She had carved out time to talk with Lucas more in depth.
Laun was having several assignations a day and it was mentally tiring more than physically tiring. Keeping things straight, remembering names. Being fresh for the next person who wished her attentions. She did not know how Mimi and the other red scarves did it.
Things were being packed up in the rooms. Some of the jewels were being sent along, much to the chagrin of Laun. Some of the dresses were put into travel bags, some into chests. The chests were to go to the Sand Castle, the first of Laun’s presence there. Erin had pulled Laun to the side and had asked to stay at the Sand Castle, to be it’s guardian until she could come back to it. Laun had liked the idea and had asked Lucas to allow some of her stipend to go to the upkeep.
Lucas had smiled and told Laun about Falmir’s orders. There had already been funds set aside. And, with Laun’s permission, one squad of the Fourth was to be installed to keep the maintenance, and security, of the small estate.
She knew that it had already happened. She graciously said yes and started having things taken over to the Sand Castle. She left the most elegant items for the Palace, but most everything she was not taking back to Salam-Dir was going with Erin to the Sand Castle.
Including Mimi. Laun had escorted her back to the House, talked with the family and had bought her contract, in the name of Mistress Peach. It did not take as much as Laun had expected, in fact she thought that they were selling Mimi off for far less than Laun thought she was worth. Laun handed the contract to Mimi and told her that she worked for herself, if she wanted to work. Mimi had thought as they had gone back to the Palace and had handed the contract back to Laun. Until Mimi felt she could be on her own, she wanted Laun, Mistress Peach, to have the contract. Laun had smiled and arranged for Mimi to have her own room at the Sand Castle.
They needed to leave the Capitol City in the morning. Traveling at night was still dangerous, if the reports from that week were any indication. They had to leave before the storms hit. Word was left with the stables to have the horses saddled and at the front at dawn. Laun was not sure if she would be ready at that hour herself, but it was something to strive for.
The last evening meal in the Palace was in the Gallery again. Even more people were there. More nobles. More merchants. More diplomats. And entertainers.
Laun saw Emmy and her father in the crowd as she was at the top of the stairs. The girl had grown, but she was still as enthusiastic as ever as she ran to Laun, calling out, “Aun-Nana!” Nothing breaks formality as a five year old who runs and jumps into your arms, expecting to be caught.
Laun had to sit, her butt hitting the floor as the weight of the child pulled her down. They were both happy to see each other and Laun held her hand to Emmy’s father, a kiss on Launs hand and then another, tentative kiss before Laun pulled the boy into her arms.
“I was worried for you all! How are you?” Laun looked at the boy, only a few years older than Emmy and already looking like he was going to grow to be at least as tall as Fount, if not Hunter.
He did not care about the adults watching as he pressed his bad arm into Laun with his hug. “Lady Laun, we are good. Thank you for letting me go with them.”
“Highness, Greg. Not Lady.” It was a simple correction with a light tone. “We have the household running again. We both miss my wife, but these two are a handful to keep track of. They keep me busy.”
Laun gave another hug to the children and started to stand, saying, “I’m glad you were able to come, I wasn’t sure if I remembered correctly-”
Laun’s hand was being steadied by a familiar hand, but not one she had felt in a while. “Highness.” Alchemar bowed, his large hat in his hand.
There was a whoop from behind him and a set of tumblers came running and flipping down the gallery, landing behind their troupe leader. Hands and arms were everywhere and the greeting was enthusiastic. Laun was certain that at least one hand had a bell and twine in it, but she would have to check after the greetings.
Laun felt like she almost could relax. There were people around her she loved and trusted. She was protected. She was being honored by the people in the Gallery. But she could not go that last step. It was like not letting herself let go to be able to come to a sexual peak. Something was nagging her at the back of her mind and she could not just have fun.
There were clutches of people in the Gallery. Nobles and Diplomats and soldiers. Laun started to go down one side of the gallery, greeting and being greeted as she went. She knew that Falmir would want to put something on, and had invited some of the people she knew. It was not a large number, but it offset the people she didn’t know.
Laun was at the end of the Gallery and turned, meaning to go back up the other side to greet those who were there. Coming up the stairs was her Father, dressed as a King, his seven pointed crown shining even at that distance. His head had been shaved on the sides again, taking away the few grey hairs that he had at the temples, his layers of long tunics and vest decorated with metallic trims and in the colors of the Hawkwells and his own chosen colors, blending and showing solidarity with his father. He was surrounded by many of his councilors, all looking like they had been through something they had not wanted to do.
His voice boomed and carried, quieting the gathering. “Your Highness.”
Laun heard a little humor in the voice. She dropped into a deep curtsey as the people between them parted. “Your Majesty,” she called out, not as loud, but it carried as it would have over the fields at home.
Falmir started forward, his council trailing him by a few paces. He had eyes only for Laun and did not stop until he was at the other end of the Gallery, Laun still in a deep curtsey. He held his hand out and she rose, needing the hand for some support.
He had seen her in the corridor as she left, so the look on his face, appraising her, was mostly for show. Laun did like the feeling of approval as he nodded, looking at the dark green dress with just a little cleavage showing. “You look good, Thorn.”
“Thank you, Sire.” Her hand was at his lips, and then he bowed forward, bringing her knuckles to his forehead. She had been able to delve into more of the meanings of things like that, reading between meetings, and now understood what it was supposed to mean. She felt herself flush slightly and made a small curtsey in return.
Her hand was still in his as he turned, looking about the Gallery as if seeing the people for the first time. “Good gentles. Thank you for attending this evening. We are here to show our appreciation to our Princess, and to do so, we are letting a few of the usual rules slip.” He walked, pulling Laun along slightly. “If you wish to eat, serve yourself from the sideboard. If you wish to drink, pour your own tankard. There will be entertainment to watch, and if you wish to join in, do so.”
There was a small rumble through the gathering, people looking around and realizing that, indeed, there weren’t any servants showing themselves. The usual implacable blue and grey dressed people were not there, though a few non-noble faces that would have been in livery were spread about, having been invited to be part of, not working at, the gathering.
“Eat, drink and enjoy yourselves.” Falmir stopped walking and turned to his daughter again. “As for you, my little Thorn, I have a little surprise for you.”
In the middle of the Gallery, Falmir took Laun within his arms and embraced her. Her head was on his chest and she felt safe. He relaxed his hold and motioned to one of the council still around them like phasma flies over a marsh. A scroll was presented to her and she had to turn, Falmir’s arms around her as he read the scroll with her over her head.
Her eye scanned it and her head tilted. She had to re-read it to make sure what she had seen was what was written. “By the hand and seal of Falmir Hawkwell, King of the Midlands, shall the laws and governance of the land be changed. It has been brought to Our attention that ill thought laws are in our books and We have need to change them. From this day forth, free women, regardless of rank, station or marriage, shall be afforded the same rights of self-rule and inheritance as free men. The women of the Midlands shall no longer have rank and lands taken from them upon marriage. Undeclared fathers shall not be a punishable crime for women who bear children. Done this day, the Fifth day of-”
Laun squealed. If Falmir’s arms had not been around her, she would have jumped up and down. His voice was low and caused a slight shiver to go down her back as he said into her neck, “For you, Thorn. Marry or not, it is now up to you, not the laws of the land.”
She pivoted within his arms and kissed him on the lips. She did not care that others were watching, but she did only meet his mouth with a closed one. She smiled as she let her head fall back. “Hehehehehehehe,” was what came out, a slight bounce in her.
Then she stopped, but not because she was causing a bit of a scene. Falmir let one of his arms drop, one staying around her shoulders. He looked at her wide eyes as she straightened up, a fright on her face. “What’s wrong? I thought you liked it.”
She let one of the councilors take the scroll from her hand before she made a fist and hit Falmir in the stomach. Many people around them heard the sound of the King’s breath being forced out of him, a groan as he used her to stay standing. Soldiers stepped forward and paused, seeing the King take the blow and not defend himself. “Now I have to actually decide. And what about the adultery laws? And cuckoldery? And the fact that men may have multiple wives as long as they are all supported, but women cannot?”
Falmir took in a breath and gasped out, “I can have multiple wives?”
“It’s in our own laws, Sire. Read a book on occasion.” She kissed the side of his face and put her palm there. “Thank you, but fuck you. It’s just another bucket of sludge dumped in our path.”
“You are never satisfied, are you?” Falmir tried to sound stern, but broke into laughter. He held his stomach and bowed to her. “I’ll see what I can do about the rest. Multiple wives?”
Laun winked at Falmir and nodded to him as the rest of the council bowed to her.
There was music starting and dancers were swirling and wiggling at several of the clutches of nobles along the Gallery. Laun watched as she strolled through, greeting those who she had not seen before. Evan approached, a tankard of cider for her in his hand. He was the only one of the assassins, her servants and protectors, that had chosen to stay in the dark green of Salam-Dir. Laun took the tankard and put a hand on his arm before he went back to the sideboard.
Silar came up to Laun and bowed, a slight formality in his actions that befitted a Prince greeting a Princess. He had chosen breeches and tunic that were of a style and fanciness that went with the station he had outside of Salam-Dir. He had even been afforded a silver twisted wire three pointed crown, amber chips at the points.
“Highness.” Laun saw the dark humor in his almond-shaped eyes. He kissed her offered hand, keeping his eyes on hers. They continued to touch as he rose, turning slightly away from each other as he said, “I was not expecting such a crowd.”
Laun smiled and nodded to a passing entertainer. “I contacted some people, but most of it is Falmir. Including the troupe.”
There was a touch of tiredness in his voice as Silar said, “I’ve already been challenged to wrestle. I’m not sure I want to, after taking the time to look like a noble, not a servant.”
Laun tightened her grip on his hand and said, “You do not have to if you do not want to. But,” Laun turned to him and lowered her voice slightly, “I love seeing how you take them down so effortlessly.”
He looked down briefly and Laun was certain that there was a coloring under his dark skin. “There is effort, Laun. I am glad that you like what you see.”
Laun’s hand went to his cheek. “I always have.” She was about to lean in and kiss him when a giggle cut through the crowd noise. Silar's eyes flicked towards the familiar voice and Laun turned to see.
Gem was in the middle of a group of noble men, her chair surrounded. She was accepting a goblet of something and smiling at the man, her hand lingering on his for just a little long as he slowly pulled back. Laun appreciated the dress and shawl Gem had chosen for herself, a strand of moonstone around her throat being played with as she listened to the men around her. There were a few motions and a low voice and Gem laughed.
“She has come quite a ways, hasn’t she, Highness?” Silar kissed the palm of Launs hand, a small bite to show his playfulness.
“Careful what you start, my Prince.” Laun took a sip of cider and looked unblinkingly into the dark man’s eyes.
“Perhaps when we are on the road, you will allow yourself some time for that?” He bowed and started to back away, seeing others approaching for Laun’s attention.
The King of Rosemond approached, military officers and his Ambassador surrounding him. He bowed slightly and took Laun’s hand onto his fist. He kissed the back of her hand and then, while looking at her from below his eyebrows, put her knuckles to his forehead. Laun smiled and felt a small thrill that the leader of another country would consider her worthy to pledge himself to her.
“Princess Laun. I am glad that we both had the chance to meet before leaving.”
“Your Majesty, will you be leaving tomorrow, too?” Her hand was still on his fist and he stepped closer.
“Yes. We have Her already on one of the merchant ships under guard and will be sailing before the storm hits.” Ifahyd saw the look of relief on Launs’ face before she knew it was there. “Your courage was able to bring her out, bella Laun. She will be facing a grim future back in Rosemond.”
Laun smiled. That was what she needed. Something in her mind relaxed. Engrid was still in custody. She was going to be gone in the morning. It was over.
Admiral Killian stepped forward and took Laun’s hand, kissing it and putting her knuckles to his forehead before saying, “I promise that she will be under guard and will not escape while under my care.”
Laun made a small curtsey and her smile became wider, and slightly infectious. All the people around her, including the Ambassadors wife, could not but smile back. Laun accepted a few more hand kisses from those around her, and a warriors grip from one of the Generals. His eyebrow went up slightly and then he nodded, confirming the rumor he had heard of the Princess always being armed and finding the lumps of the knife harness under her sleeve.
Ifahyd brought Launs attention back to him with a light touch to her arm. “Highness, I hope that we meet again.”
Laun tilted her head and smiled. “Your Majesty, the future is uncertain. I hope, once the children are grown some, that I can do some traveling outside the Midlands.”
He turned to his Ambassador and said, “Make sure that our Cousin has a permanent safe passage writ.”
There was a nod and the Ambassador turned to his wife who also nodded. Laun saw some communication between them, showing years of marriage and companionship. “Please consider it done, your Majesty.”
There was a burst of laughter from part of the Gallery. Most of the group turned to see several of the acrobats in a mass on the floor. A feat of agility and strength had gone wrong and now there was a mix of bright colors and arms coming out of the pile of people. Laun let herself get drawn towards the chaos, the Rosemond people following.
There were several minutes of disentangling the acrobats, some of it for show as two of the contortionists had wrapped themselves around each other in an impossible position. There was much laughter and then one of the acrobats started to climb one of the larger nobles, to his chagrin. A strongman was behind, just in case, but the noble was able to handle the small woman snaking her way up him and draping herself over his shoulders. He was bright red, but with a large grin on his face.
There was laughter and the entertainers started to have fun with the other onlookers. Drummers started up and the dancers came through, pulling some of the men to in their midst. Laun made a show of pulling away from them, but knew that she would have to get involved some how. The dancers swirled around her and Laun made a few tentative steps.
The hesitation wasn’t just for show. Only a few people in the Gallery had ever seen her dance. She suddenly became self-conscious. It did not last long as she caught the steps the dancers were using, a familiar choreography. She had been able to keep limber, strengthening herself with the morning routine, and the many other physical sessions each day. The dance was her core, and always was.
More and more people were drawn to and into the dancing. It was not like festival dancing where there were dances most people knew, at least a little. It was movement for the sake of movement, the trained dancers leading those who did not know, and accepting whatever movement there was. Emmy knew fun when she saw it and was running around, chased by Greg, as the adults moved to the drums and whistles from the entertainers.
Laun’s hand was taken by one of the other Ambassadors, a more staid step coming from his feet. Laun followed and felt herself blush, more for the touch than for the dancing as he knew how to draw his fingers along hers to cause little shivers up her arm. Another man took her hand and continued the dance, his steps slightly rougher, but enthusiastic. Erin poached her hand as the other man turned in the dance and led her to the edge of the moving people. He danced well, his courtly training giving him a slight edge when another man came up but could not take Laun’s hand.
“You are good at this, Baron.” Laun’s voice was a little high as she panted out the words as they moved.
“Highness, I would fight off all these men to be able to dance with you.” He bowed slightly as they parted in the steps, her fingers brushing his lips.
“I am honored. And grateful that you would guard the Castle while I am in Salam-Dir.”
They were pressed together by several others, Erin holding her hand against his chest, over his heart. “I wish I could do more. For you, as well as myself.”
Laun stopped moving and stayed touching Erin. “I hope you are happy with your choice, love.” Her other hand went to his cheek and he leaned into her hand, smiling down at her.
“It was easier to decide than it was deciding to come to the Midlands. Laun, I-”
Another crush of people and Laun was pushed into Erin. He went down and wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her gently to the floor on top of him. Laun giggled and he took the opportunity to kiss her. She returned the kiss and found her arms around his neck as he rolled her to beneath him.
His mouth went to her ear and he whispered, “My Lady, I would do anything for you.” He pulled back as hands went to help them up, his eyes saying more than his words had. Laun kept looking at his eyes, not knowing what to say as they were helped up by well-meaning people.
“Are you well, Highness?” The young noble had an earnest look about him, thinking he had stepped on either of the two who had been on the floor.
“A bit bemused, but I will survive.” Laun’s eyes were still on Erin’s, until another group of dancers pushed their way through and separated them.
She had to beg off after a while and went to the refreshments at the side board. She did not know if the man handing the tankard to her was a servant, she did not know if the woman offering a bite of pastry was a noble. She accepted, with smiles and thanked each of them equally, smiles returned. Laun found an empty chair and sat, enjoying the sight of people enjoying themselves and others.
“Highness.” Liam was next to her chair. She had not been able to see or hear him coming through the chaos in the Gallery.
“Liam. I am glad you were able to make it.” Laun took another drink and cleared her mouth, ready for a discussion she was certain was to happen.
He was dressed plainly, the only thing about him noteworthy to most people would have been the slightly foreign cut to his clothing. To Laun, her eye went to his boots, a smudge of mud on one and a knife with a broken lock carved into the handle in the other. His posture was not formal, but it was stiff, his eye trying not to rove over the people around them but focus on the woman sitting next to him.
“Highness, you do know how to throw a party.”
“I could have snuck out of the city, but it would seem odd. Not that this gathering won’t lift a few eyebrows for a while, anyway.” Laun motioned to the wrestling match that was finally dragging Silar into the fray, and his clothing to the ground.
Liam stood and watched for a moment before turning and saying pointedly, “You have a debt, Laun.”
Laun nodded and looked him squarely in the eyes. “There are things I need to attend to, but unless the snow comes sooner than expected, I will be back to fulfill our contract in about two weeks. If that is satisfactory?”
He blinked. He bowed his head slightly and Laun could read some satisfaction under the confusion. “Thank you, Highness. It is rare that I do not have to pursue the completion of debt.”
Laun did not smile as she continued to look into his eyes. “I do not know what you have planned for me. I do have apprehensions. Allowing me to bring my children and one of my people helps with that, on some levels. I do wish you to know and remember that I do not wish to be pregnant again any time soon, if those are some of the activities you wish to attend to in our time together.”
The smuggler blinked again. “I keep forgetting that you are so straightforward, Highness.”
Laun smiled, but she did not feel the humor she was trying to project. “I may have some learning in other ways, but I find I get more done, with less confusion, if I am direct with my words and actions.”
Liam bowed slightly to her and started to turn. He stopped and turned back, saying, “I will send someone to you in a few weeks to escort you to where I will have my schooner anchored.”
“Thank you.” Laun noted that he had not tried to bow over her hand, did not try to kiss or touch her in any way. He went through the crowd along the outside and she could tell he was not staying. A small coldness went through her. He was not expecting a willing subject. Either he liked the hunt more than he was letting on, or what he was going to do while they were together was more enticing to him than she had been while sitting there, waiting and available.
Her eyes closed and she drained the last of the cider from her tankard, putting it on the floor next to the chair, still with her eyes closed. She leaned back in the chair and listened to the people around her. There were happy noises coming from all sides. Singing from one end of the Gallery, laughter from the other.
There was a clearing of a throat and Laun opened her eyes and smiled. “My Loves.” Her hands went out and each was in a strong, masculine hand.
Edgar and Fount were both dressed in the Salam-Dir dark green. They both had boots and breeches under their tunics, a belt on Edgar’s hips, none on Founts. Launs eye went to their shoulders and their heads and the tilt of her own head showed the confusion she had.
Edgar knelt at her side, Fount following his older lover’s lead. “We both have had several surprising gifts given to us this evening, Love.”
Fount nodded and his hand went to his shoulder. “King Ifahyd gave us these. He called them tokens of friendship.” Laun saw the gold rose with a single ruby on one of the metal petals, the same pin on each of them.
“One of his people said that it is more than that after Ifahyd had led his people away. I’m not sure, but I think we have been adopted or something.”
Laun giggled. “And those?” Laun nodded to the slim silver circlet on each of their heads, Edgars with a small knot of silver in the middle of his forehead, Fount’s with a small, round piece shining there.
Edgar touched the circlet on his head and had a slight redness come to his cheek. “Your father said something about being royal companions...or something.”
Laun looked back and forth between the two and laughed. “He just gave you rank.” Her hand went to her own three pointed crown.
“I’m just surprised it fit on the old man’s head-” Fount laughed at the look Edgar threw at him.
“I’m not that much older than you, boy,” Edgar growled. There was a smile on his lips and his hand went to the younger man’s shoulder, a companions’ touch. A lover’s touch.
Laun put a palm on each of their cheeks. “Falmir gave me something, too.”
Fount looked at Laun trying to see something pined or draped on her. “What?”
Her smile was gentle, a little worry creeping into her tone as she said, “The scroll he showed me when he came in... He gave me you.”
“Me?” Fount seemed almost insulted.
She shook her head. “No, Love. He...” She looked between the two men and then closed her eyes. “There are still details, but I can-” She couldn’t actually say it. She looked back up to them and felt a rush go through her that she had not felt in a while. The love and wanting that had been missing from her being. She loved them both, wanted them both.
“What she wants to say, my boys, is that she needs a wedding bower.”
They turned and saw Falmir, one of the acrobats almost literally hanging off his arm. He looked like he was just out of the mass of dancers, his chest heaving to try to catch his breath.
Edgar looked back to Laun and said, “Is he marrying you off to someone?” There was a tone of anger and Laun put her fingers on his lips.
“No, my boy. I’m not. But she can.” Falmir knelt between the men and put an arm around their shoulders. “Tomorrow, when you are on the road, I’ll make sure our Princess does not have to choose.” He brought his arms together, embracing the two confused men.
Laun sat back and watched as Falmir talked to the men in low tones, their faces brightening. The anger that had crept into Edgars face smoothed away. Fount looked stunned. Falmir pounded both of them on their backs and stood.
“Though, if I find that either of you have shirked your duties as husbands-”
Edgar was on his feet. “No, sir! Thank you!”
Fount’s hands were around one of Laun’s. “You would...?”
Laun nodded, tears welling up, threatening to take her calm.
Falmir put a hand on Edgar’s shoulder, nodded to him and then went off with the acrobat. Edgar did not look after the King of the Midlands. He turned and pulled Laun off the chair, Fount standing along with her.
Lips and hands met. Laun kissed Edgar first, then Fount and then Edgar and then... Laun saw the men of her life start for a kiss and pause. Fount looked around, a nervousness going through his grey eyes. Edgar looked at Laun and then back to Fount. A hand went to the long, but still ever scruffy, black hair of the younger man and forced his head to go back before kissing him fully.
“It will take a while to get out of here.” Edgar was still looking at Fount after pulling slightly back from the kiss.
“We should start now, if we want any time before we leave in the morning,” Fount looked at the older man, going from eyes to lips and then turning to Laun.
“I’ll take point.” They laughed. The three of them turned, at first arms around each other until they stepped towards the stairs at the end of the Gallery. It was seen that they were trying to leave and everyone needed to get in a word, a touch before they could go.
It was more than the three of them that were at the top of the stairs after almost an hour. It had been exhausting getting through the revelers. Laun turned and looked back, taking in the people being left behind. She turned and started down the stairs, a hand supported on each side by her chosen men.
Laun was happy. The last year had been hard and wonderful and difficult and amazing. The future held more of the same. Laun was ready for the challenge.
End of Book Three
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