18 Tethore II

The sun had started to set behind Tethore by the time the masters of the estate finally returned. Calluna had ended up falling asleep for the majority of the day, the fatigue of constant travel still weighing on her recovering body heavily. Her two confidants had resigned themselves to doing their usual tasks when she laid down to take a nap, and weren't in her room when she awoke.

The crown prince sat up carefully on the mattress, a loud (and painful) yawn pressing past her lips as she did. She groaned to herself quietly at the soreness and reached to her travel bag that rested beside her on the bed. She pulled out the leather-bound journal she wrote all of her findings in to do some last minute studying before she met with the Baron and Baroness.

She also decided to write a small entry, as she hadn't had the chance to do so very often during their travels thus far.

'After speaking with Guin about Tethore, I've come to the conclusion that it's in a decent place financially and socially. It does appear that there is a shortage of government officials or soldiers stationed here to uphold the law, however, which does pose a great issue for everyone that lives here.

I'm going to make that my main appeal to the Evgardes today, so hopefully it resonates with them. I'm still somewhat nervous, but I am hoping that Baroness Evgarde finds room in her heart to defend me and help reason with her husband about giving their support for my crowning.

From what I can tell the old Calluna hadn't visited these two before, so there's a better chance of success here than there was in Stanint. They're newer to this scene than Baron Shen.

I best get ready. I'll have to update more frequently to help my constantly strained mind remember everything.'

A rhythmic knock on the door marked Vincenzo's return to her chambers, and she immediately called that he could enter. Calluna closed the journal and reached to put it into her bag so that she could get ready when it was suddenly torn from her hands. She turned to face the culprit and her dear Captain was holding the leather book.

"What's this? Is it a diary?" He jeered.

"Sort of, I guess," the prince replied, trying to keep a straight face.

"I'm gonna read it."

"Go on, then. Read it."

"...You're fine with me reading it? Don't you have several pages of confessions of your undying love for me?"

"Oh, of course. Pages after pages," Calluna teased.

Vincenzo opened up the leather book and his face immediately contorted into a confused frown. "What the hell?"

Her amusement couldn't be contained any longer and she began to laugh at his antics. He looked from her back to the journal several times over.

"I can't read it." Vincenzo decided.

"Nope," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "I guess my confessions of love will have to wait."

"It's not even in Kili. What the hell language is this? Did you make it up yourself?"

"That's a secret."

Vincenzo frowned and placed the journal into her bag, then looked up to meet her gaze. "Keep your secrets, I'll figure it out eventually. Do you need any help?"

"If you wouldn't mind, a little help getting up would be nice."

The tall man moved to the side of the bed she was on and scooped his arm beneath her armpits for extra support. She allowed him to lift her weight while she slid off the bed, and once her feet hit the ground, she sighed in relief. It had been quite the chore getting in and out of bed comfortably, and although the pain had started to subside somewhat after several weeks of healing it was still pretty overwhelming.

"V, I've been meaning to ask you something," she said once she was back on her feet, kneeling down to tie her tall boots.

"Hm?"

"Could you teach me swordplay once I'm in better health?"

He tilted his head slightly, "Sure."

"What, did you not expect me to ask that?"

"Not really, no," he said with a smile, raising a hand to the back of his neck. "It's a pleasant surprise, though."

"That's good, then. Should we go?" Calluna asked.

With a nod, Vincenzo held out his elbow for her to take. He had basically become her human cane, but she wasn't exactly mad about having a handsome guy to hold onto all the time. The two set out of her temporary room and headed to the dining hall. Smells of savory meats hit Calluna's nose far before they had even arrived at their destination, making her empty stomach growl in protest.

Vincenzo laughed when he heard her stomach grumble, but quickly turned his head and covered his chuckle with a cough. Calluna stuck her tongue out and pinched his shoulder with as much strength as she could muster. He pretended as though he had been shot, rubbing his shoulder with an exaggerated expression of pain.

The two quickly recovered and returned to their usual sophisticated postures as they entered the dining hall. A small table was set up, presumably to allow easier discussion, and already sitting there were two red-headed and freckled individuals. Just as Vincenzo sat Calluna into the seat nearest to the Baroness, the crown prince blurted to the elegant woman, "You're so beautiful."

"Oh- thank you, your Highness!" The Baroness giggled, her pale cheeks turning a soft pink. "You are quite lovely yourself, though I'm tempted to say handsome instead."

"Please, both are such high compliments when coming from someone like you," Calluna said with a soft smile, then turned to face the Baron. "Hello, Baron Evgarde. Thank you very much for your hospitality, I hope we are able to have a productive discussion this evening."

The red-bearded man looked from her wife to Calluna with furrowed brows before returning the greeting. "Yes, of course. I hope you've been comfortable."

"Mhm, your accommodations have been very pleasant and your estate is lovely. I also wanted to comment on how well the town seems to be doing; it looked as though it were absolutely thriving on our way into Tethore."

"Thank you, Your Highness. We've worked hard to manage the city's finances just as the late king asked of us when giving us our titles," Baroness Evgarde replied excitedly.

"You're doing well." Calluna said, taking a sip of the drink that had just been poured for her. It had the signature tang of alcohol, but tasted like guava or peach juice. "This is delicious."

Vincenzo made eye contact with her as she drank, and gave her a nod of understanding. He was going to ask a messenger to tell Fyodor to stock the palace with whatever the alcohol was. Calluna returned her attention to their hosts.

"I did notice that there aren't very many royal officials to enforce the law here, so as soon as I return to Newleigh I will send soldiers your way," the prince stated. "In return, I implore that you give me your support for my coronation."

The Baron seemed surprised by her words, and his mouth hung slightly agape. "W-what? You are really going to become king?"

Baroness Evgarde elbowed him in the side and gave him a frustrated look. "That's very ambitious of you, Your Highness."

"It is. I'm taking it very seriously, as well. That's what this tour is for, after all."

"You said that you'd send extra law enforcement if I give you my support?" Baron Evgarde asked, forehead wrinkled in thought.

"Yes."

The four of them ate in a slightly uncomfortable silence for the rest of the evening, but when supper was finally over the Baron spoke up again, "Okay. I will do it, you can bring the papers to me now and I will get it done. I hope you don't let us down, Crown Prince."

"I don't plan to."

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