(very nice)
It had been around 5 when Uriah delivered the message. He'd been gone an hour, while she got ready, and when he came back to let her know the household was prepped, he stepped in the door and froze, briefly.
" My Lady … You look lovely."
He meant it, though not in any problematic way.
"We've not heard back from the Prince yet, but even at a dead sprint, they'd be about 3 hours out still."
(I wasn't sure how you the thing with the pic so like I just did the link lol)
Ebony turned turned to Uriah, giving him a small smile. "I'm a woman, Uriah, the more time I have to get ready the better. Who knows, I might decide to change last minute."
She stood from her vanity and strode over to him. "I need to go talk to the children and have them get ready." She only hoped she wasn't going to disappoint them if the prince decided not to show.
She strode out of the hall, knowing Uriah would likely follow. She found Clavin and Lily in the library with their tutors, whom she quickly dismissed for the evening. She rounded the desk to sit in front of them.
"You can finish your work tomorrow. Prince Romulus will be riding through the city. I've sent a messenger to invite him to the estate for the night. And while I have yet to receive an answer, it's better to prepare now for his arrival."
Uriah chuckled quietly. "Only the seasons are as ever changing as the mind of a woman, Milady." He sobered as she mentioned going to talk to the kids. He nodded, and followed her out.
The library was massive, and Uriah knew that Lily in particular spent a lot of time here. Calvin was more active, wanting to learn to ride and fence and other active things.
When Lady Ebony told them, they had two different reactions. Lily beamed, excited to see him again. "Should I dress up, Ebony? You look amazing!"
Calvin, though still clearly excited, had a different reaction. He squared his shoulders and glanced at Uriah. "Can I be with the guards that bring him in when he enters?" The boy's admiration was clear, but rather than showing off, he wanted to serve. Uriah gave him a smile and nodded.
"If it's alright with My Lady, yes."
Ebony turned to Lily first. "Yes. Your maids are already putting together the clothes for both of you to wear. You get to wear your finest." Then she turned to Calvin. She placed her hand on his. "I need you by my side, Calvin. You are my ward and heir. I need you standing next to me as one. When, if, he arrives, I fully expect that you will show him everything you have been taught with a sword. But if he arrives, I need you by my side, love."
She knew of his fascination and dedication. It was good he was learning to fight, how to use a sword. It was a good trait for a Lord. Perhaps she would see if any of her knights would take him on as a squire, even if he was a bit too old. But for now, he was needed here.
"This isn't the only news I have." She wished she didn't have to tell them at all, but they would find out sooner rather than later. It was better they heard from her. "The King will be throwing a week long celebration for his birthday in a months time. I have been summon to the palace to attend. Calvin, you will persume over Morganshire with Robin guiding you. Think of it as a test trial to see how well you've retained your lesson. Lily, you will continue with your education. Here. You will both remain here."
Lily seemed delighted, if a bit nervous.
Calvin, on the other hand was clearly disappointed. His face fell, though he nodded after a moment and schooled his features. "Yes ma'am. I'll be here."
Uriah watched his reaction closely. The boy was mature enough to make his wishes known without demanding them. That was a good trait.
The second bit of news made them both react in different ways. Lily seemed excited for Ebony, and only mildly miffed she'd be staying here. She wasn't aware of the… awfullness of the King, and Uriah guessed that was likely calculated. Her idea of Vespasian royalty was Romulus, and that was an entirely different picture from the King.
Calvin looked at first worred for Ebony, then he squared his shoulders as the full weight of responsibility landed on them. He glanced at Lily, his expression inscrutable, but it seemed he processed the whole situation differently than she did.
Uriah spoke up. "Calvin, I'll let you pick your guards for that period before we leave. You'll need to get to know them over the next month." The ward nodded appreciatively.
Ebony smiled at Calvin. "I know you will do well. And Robin will be by your side to help guide you, as insufferable as he is, he's good at his job."
She leaned back in the seat she had taken. "Alright. Enough of all that. We still have a few hours until his arrival. Finish on what you're working on then go get dressed and ready. I'll summon you if he shows. You'll both be standing by me. When he arrives, you will curtsy and bow to him. I'll welcome him to our home. Wait until he addresses you to address him. He is still the prince."
She stood up, giving them both a smile, before turning on her heels.
Uriah gripped Calvin's shoulder, for just a moment, reassuring him that his request wasn't unreasonable, before turning and following Lady Ebony out.
He wasn't sure how they'd spend the next few hours, or if the Prince would even show. But he intended to stay with her till then.
~~~~
4 hours had passed, and they'd had no word from anybody. If Lear had ben correct about their position, they'd be past the Manor by now.
A soldier found Uriah with the Countess. "Sir! There's what looks like a messenger heading this way. He's by himself."
Uriah nodded and looked to Lady Ebony. "Would you like me to go check on that?"
Ebony spent her time around the manor, checking on preparations and mentally setting aside anything else she needed to renovate. She had replaced most the furniture already that needed replacing. It was just the rooms that were outdated and falling apart. Perhaps she would purchase some art to place on the walls.
She was on the kitchens, watching the cooks and stealing a bite or two. She was starving, having forgotten to eat earlier. She turned as the solider approached them. She nodded at Uriah. "Please."
Uriah gave a small bow and headed out to the walls. The Manor didn't have thick stone walls like a castle, per se, but it did have a defensible palisade.
He looked out into the night, and saw a massive form riding towards them. A form he immediately recognized.
"Good grief, that's the Prince! Get the gates open!" He scrambled back down off the palisade and hustled inside. He made it back to the kitchens in record time. "Milady, it's the Prince, he's here!"
Outside, the Prince rode through the gates on Ruir, the massive Wulf rearing as he slowed to a stop. Huge, muscular, and imposing as ever, Romulus Vespasian had come to Morganshire.
Ebony jumped, startled, as Uriah burst right in. She couldn't help but roll her eyes. Of course the prince would arrive with a procession or attendants. Even now, a couple months later, he was stressing her out. "Grab the children. We'll meet him at the front door."
She turned to another staff member and sent them to alert the household that the prince had arrived. She took a deep breath, smoothing over her dress. Then she walked to the front door and stood just outside it, on top of the steps, awaiting the prince.
(I have a new boss who's picky about phones so I moght not be on very much.)
(totally understandable! Focus on your work :) )
Uriah hurried down to the library, where he found only Lily. She knew where Calvin was, though, so he sent her after the boy. They had instructions to meet Lady Ebony at the front door. He hastened to do just that.
Out front, the guards all looked like they'd been caught sleeping. They hadn't, exactly, but the Prince was such a recognizable figure, Uriah wondered how they could have missed that it was him approaching.
Romulus leapt off of Ruir's back, landing with an earth shattering clank. He strode past the guards, who were either bowing and scraping, or were at stiff attention. A gentle "At ease." was all he said to them, the guards relaxing a bit.
The Prince stood at the bottom of the steps in his full armor, helmeted head tilted up to look at them.
Lily and Calvin scurried out just then, Lily smoothing her dress as she fell into place next to Uriah, Calvin squaring his shoulders as he planted his feet next to Lady Ebony.
Ebony stood with her back straight, watching the prince approach. She dipped into a curtsy, the children following suit. She stood, placing a hand on Calvin's back.
"Welcome to Morganshire, Your Highness. We thank you for acceoting our invitation. A room has been prepped for your stay. You must be tired from your long journey. Let me show you to your room for the duration of your stay. Dinner will be ready in an hours time, should you find yourself hungry."
She had used perfumes to cover the smell of wine on her, bit if one was close enough, they would still be able to smell it on her breath.
Romulus performed an elaborate bow, made all the more impressive by doing it in armor that weighed as much as a whole other person. He climbed the steps and stopped one step below Ebony, Uriah, and the kids.
He was still taller than all of them.
"Countess. Uriah. Master Calvin. Lily." His greeting was friendly, if a bit stiff. No point in tipping off the staff that he knew them all well. "I regret that I am unable to stay for long. I must be on my way soon. However, I wanted to see how you all are getting on here on the Estate." His voice had an odd echoey effect from inside the helmet. "If I may, I'd like to sit and talk to the 4 of your in particular. Perhaps a study, or sitting room?"
Ebony pursed her lips but didn't comment on that. It was alright. Her staffed worked hard on prepping the estate but it was fine. It was all fine. She wasn't hurt at all. She wasn't hurt that he didn't say goodbye, that she hadn't heard from him at all. She wasn't hurt one bit.
"Yes of course. We can speak in my office. I must insist you stay for dinner. Our kitchen has been slaving over it for hours. They would be disappointed if you did not have any." She moved her body to allow th prince to walk inside. She lead them all to get private office, clicking the door behind them all and turning the lock. She wanted to ensure that they would not be interrupted.
Romulus nodded slowly. "Have them prepare the food as a pack. I shall enjoy the fruits of their labors on the road." He really couldn't stay super long. The group he'd been with were continuing on, and he had to get back to the Palace tonight and be ready to ride hard for the Eastern Border in the morning.
Really, that was the only reason he'd stopped at all. He was going to war.
The Prince stepped inside and pulled off his helmet. He shook his head trying to clear it of the helmet sense he always got from being in the armor a while. Uriah moved to take his helmet, and Romulus handed it to him as they entered the office.
He looked good. Healed. His injuries hadn't left any permanent damage, except a small scar over his eye. But he was moving just fine, and for the first time in a while, he looked as healthy as the first moment Ebony had seen him. Better, in fact.
"Thank you, Uriah. I trust things go well for you?"
"They do, My Prince." He didn't need to say more. What Romulus hadn't asked him about, he didn't want to know about just now.
Romulus took a seat, the weight of him causing the chair to creak quite a it.
"Lily, my dear, how have you been?" He gave her a gentle smile, and that was all the girl needed.
"Oh, your highness, I've been learning so much and I've been so happy and…" She proceeded to babble for a few minutes about the privileges she had now and the opportunities she'd been given and how grateful she was for all of it. Romulus could feel his heart warming as she gushed about how happy she was with this life.
Eventually, she realized she was the only one talking, and wound down her happy monologue. The Prince gave her a warm smile as she blushed slightly at her own behavior.
"That is exactly what I wanted to hear. Your happiness brings me joy, Lily."
He looked to Calvin. "And what of you, young Master of Morganshire?"
Calvin squared his shoulders again, and answered him. "I have found the weight of responsibility heavy, but you only get stronger by lifting what's heavy." He proceeded to talk of a few of the same things as Lily, how grateful he was, and how much he enjoyed the privileges and opportunities. He also talked about some of the things he was learning, specifically as it related to Lordship and military movement, and surprised Romulus by asking a question at the end of his 'report'. "My Prince… why is the King sending you in as the front line?"
Romulus's smile faded just slightly, and he raised an eyebrow. "You noticed that oddity, did you?" He thought for a moment, before smiling again. "Would you be satisfied if I explained that move in a letter? It would ake too long here." Calvin nodded, and Romulus smiled wider. "Good."
He stood up. "Now. If you 3 wouldn't mind, I'd like to talk to Lady Ebony alone, please." He looked at her, knowing they wouldn't go anywhere unless she dismissed them.
Ebony took a seat at the head of the desk. Her back was straight and poised. Her expression was neutral, though she did quirk up her lips at Lily's rambling. She listened to Calvin, pride swelling in her. She knew one day he would make a great Lord. Better than she ever could be or even dreamed of it. She just didn't to continue their lessons. Ensure that no matter how old he got, he understood how to care for his people.
But any emotions she may have been feeling were ripped away when the king addressed her directly. She stiffened more, if that was possible. She looked at the children, Uriah, and gave a small nod. A silent dismissal. She waited until the door clicked shut before pouring herself a glass of wine. She had a feeling this conversation was going to warrent it.
There was so much she wanted to say. So much she wanted to ask. What had he been doing? Why hadn't he written to her? Why didn't he say goodbye? And while the words were the tip of her tongue, she swallowed then along with a sip of her wine.
Romulus watched them go, before turning to Ebony with a small smile on his face. "Well. Lady Ebony. How are you adjusting?" It was a genuine question that he sincerely wanted an answer to.
The Countess looked beautiful, but… she also was definitely hiding the effects of stress and a drinking problem under makeup and that lovely dress. He'd seen hints of her alcohol problem before, but didn't know her well enough to really see how it would affect her. But now… well, Lily had written about it, worried, and Lear had relayed that to him.
She hadn't started behaving erratically yet, but it was sure to start happening if she kept this up.
Ebony offered him a glass. She tapped her own nails against her glass in an attempt to hide her shaking hands. She was sure if it was the lack of sleep, anxiety, or that she had gone hours without an ounce of wine and her body was suffering the side affects of it.
"I'm adjusting well enough. I have a good household and a patient enough staff manager. He's been teaching me well. We've started renovations. The manor is old and hasn't had anyone to truly look after it. It's falling apart. It's expensive but we can afford it well enough." She paused, taking a sip of her wine. "Why are you here, Romulus?"
The Prince didn't immediately answer her question. He took the offered glass, noting her shaking, and quaffed it in one go. "That's delicious." He set the glass down.
"Send your costs to Lear. I told you I'd help with the cost of wardrobe, education, and renovation, and I plan on it."
He sat back in his chair, looking at her for a long moment.
"Why am I here?" He smiled. "Why did you invite me?"
He'd planned on just riding through, and didn't want her to get reports of unknown soldiers riding through her lands. Lear had sent the message with that intent.
Ebony watched him. "There's no need. We can afford it. We can more than afford the costs. And you've sent more than enough. Well, Lear has I suppose." Because he had never once sent anything personally.
"It would be rude of me not to invite the prince riding through my lands. Though I'm surprised to see you alone." Another sip of wine. "So why are you riding through my lands? And what's so important you couldn't possibly stay for supper."
Romulus smiled at her. "Don't worry, Lear's not funding you out of his personal pocket. You know I'm going to send you more anyway, you may as well send us your costs."
He tilted his head sideways. "It wouldn't be rude at all. I don't expect every noble to spread the red carpet for me."
He sat up a bit straighter. "Well, let me roll 3 answers into one. I've been pulling more children from bad situations for the last two weeks, and my travel back to the Palace took me across your lands. I'm alone because Lear needed to stay with the kids. It's just Lear, Carth and I, and Carth has been hurt. So they're riding back still. It's just the three of us because my father has the rest of my guards gearing up for war. We ship out tomorrow, and I couldn't convince him to spare them. That's also why I can't stay." He leaned forward. "I leave before dawn to ride to victory and glory, defeating my enemies on the field of battle." The sarcasm dripped off of his tone, his frustration with the whole thing showing clearly. "And seeing as I'm still 2 hours from the Palace, and we need to get those kids placed tonight, I've got a lot of work to do before dawn."
He wasn't looking for sympathy, but she'd asked.
Ebony listened to him carefully, letting the words mold in her head. She tapped her fingers against the wood desk, needing something to do with them. "You can take them here." She said finally. "The kids. Calvin and Lily will know how to talk to them. It's safer here and more welcoming. I can work with Lear with finding good homes for them. One less thing off of your plate and we both know they will be safe with me."
She would never let anything happen to them. She would guard children with her life. They were innocent of most things. They hadn't yet lived and deserved a chance with loving families.
The Prince looked at her evenly for a moment. "If you're sure, I'll take you up on that. Though, I'll have to entrust Uriah with advising you on homes. Lear will be with me when we go." He smiled at her. "I trust you to make good decisions though, and there are only a few. They'll arrive in the morning, though, because they're ahead of me. The Manor wasn't exactly on the way."
He scooted forward in his seat and leaned towards her, resting his arms on the desk. "Ebony… how are you really getting along?" His icy blue eyes locked on hers for a moment, his expression gentle but earnest.
"It's no trouble. It would please me to help them." And it would. It would Ebony a sense of belonging. It would certainly add more to her plate. More stress. More sleepless nights. But now she would be doing something more than just learning to manage her own household. "I'll have the staff prepare enough rooms and food for them."
She stiffened at his question and leaned back into her chair. She stared at him for a moment, wondering why he would ask such a thing. "Yes. I am fine Romulus. And you would know if you had bothered to send a letter."