by Auryn Hadley
"Tristan! I thought you'd die. I checked the papers every week, and worried so much when there was no listing for you." She pressed her face against him. "Oh baby, are you staying?"
He chuckled. "For about a week, if you'll have us?"
"Us?" Estelle looked up.
He gestured at the group. "Leyli, her guards, the two drivers. There's nine of us. I was hoping to catch up with everyone and everything."
His mother shook her head. "I only have the two rooms. I don't..."
"Leyli and I can take the loft. The men can sleep in the barn. They're prepared for it, and excited to see what we call countryside."
"The loft is not fit for a princess!" She looked at Leyli wide-eyed, then realized what he said. Her head snapped back to Tristan. "And you most certainly will not sleep in the same room!"
"I will, Mama. I promised Ilario that I would keep her safe and not let her out of my sight." He ducked his head. "I also help her dress."
"The Secor is above reproach," Leyli assured her. "Madam Lyone, would it be an inconvenience for us to stay? We can find rooms at the inn, but Tristan has been very excited, and I would hate to keep him away. He's sworn to stay at my side."
"It's just a cottage, Highness."
Leyli shrugged. "I have a fondness for them. I spent over five months as a gladiator. If it's good enough for Tristan, it's good enough for me. I promise, I'm not too proud to wash the dishes."
"I'd be honored," she breathed. "The Princess of Norihame in my home? Yes, Highness. You're most certainly welcome! Come in, please."
She turned for the door and Tristan began issuing orders. Leyli paused, watching. The Lion was in his element, and it showed. He pointed at the barn, told Dario to get the blacks comfortable and move the cows if he needed, then shrugged at Lucien. The driver chuckled, assuring him that the bays would manage. Leyli's guard jumped into action, grinning as they began moving everything to where it would fit.
"Welcome to my home," Tristan said, gesturing for her to step inside.
The wood floor creaked with each step and the interior was dim, but it felt like a home should. Leyli looked around in awe. "Is Astrid married?" she asked.
"No, my Lady. She's bringing up the lambs and should be back shortly. The cows need to be milked at sundown."
"It's Leyli, and I'd very much like to call you Estelle. I feel like I already know you from hearing so many stories."
"I'd be proud of that," Estelle said, reaching up to pat her arm. "You look just like your mother, when she was still with us. But you have the Aravatti eyes."
"And temper," Tristan added. "Mom, what's for dinner?"
Estelle paused. "Astrid and I were going to share a leg. I'm not sure I have enough put back for everyone."
He nodded. "Then tomorrow, we'll help with slaughter and cleaning. Tonight, I'll send Temotio and Dario into town to find them a meal, but on one condition."
Estelle glanced quickly at the Princess. "Of course."
Tristan grinned. "Make a pie? I've missed them so much."
"Of course! The fruit is ripe. What do you want?" She moved into the kitchen. "I have berries and peaches, let's see, and some apples, of course."
Tristan looked at Leyli and she shrugged. "I've never had a pie," she admitted.
"Berry," Tristan decided. "We'll need cream. Ley doesn't know it, but her tastes are very common."
"Hey." She smacked him. "There's nothing common about good food, and the pastry chef in the palace cares more about the gasps from the nobles than the taste of it."
"Tell me about it," he agreed. "Go sit, Ley, I need to get some things and show the men where they can't be."
She headed toward the kitchen. "Ok, but can I help with milking?"
He pointed at her dress. "Not in that."
"I brought training clothes." She stuck out her tongue then turned for the counter. "How do I help?"
"Let her, Mama, or I'll never hear the end of it. Treat her just like Astrid and she'll be happier for it."
Leyli nodded at the woman. "He's right."
Then something clanked on the table. Estelle gasped, but Leyli just shooed her Secor away. "I'm not belting it on, and it's in reach. Go. I promise to yell loudly if anyone tries to abscond with me."
He nodded then stepped out, leaving the women alone. Estelle just stared at the weapon. "Is that his?"
"No, that's mine. His is called the Flame of Oberhame and has defeated Rhia five times over and a bunch of other stuff."
"The King's sword?"
Leyli shrugged. "Now it's the Lion's sword. My father loves him, you know?" She grabbed one of the pots and a cloth. "Most of the court loves him, except my cousin, who would rather see me dead. You know my dad, the King, likes to share a glass of liquor with him after dinner. Says he's never met a man so well spoken and noble."
"My boy?"
Leyli nodded. "Yes, yours." She set the clean pot to dry and reached for another. "I told Tristan we should make an annual trip of this. It's so beautiful here. I love your home."
"Princess," Estelle muttered. "It's a farm house."
"Yeah, and wonderful. I like how the floors creak and everything smells right. It's relaxing."
"But I'm sure you have much nicer things." Estelle gestured to the chairs. "They're old and threadbare. The mattresses are filled with wool. The blankets aren't silk."
Leyli reached over and rubbed her arm. "There's a difference between expensive and comfortable. Often, the two are not the same. Tell me, how many of your lambs were you planning to sell this year?"
"At least a dozen. We've had a good crop, but I wanted Brice to make the decision. Why?"
"Tristan's brother?"
"Yes." Estelle looked confused.
Leyli gestured to the barn. "I'll buy any you'll sell us. It should be enough to feed the guardsmen. They swear that mutton is delicious."
"Lamb is better," Estelle promised. "I can't afford to refuse, Highness."
"It's just Leyli, and I know. I also know that we didn't really give you a chance to prepare, or you would have tried to accommodate us until your next son ended up in the games." She tilted her head. "But let me do this. I want to be comfortable, and I want to relax. I would much rather see what life is really like for most people, so when I sit on that big throne, I will know how to make the best decisions I can."
Estelle nodded, then her smile broke free. "That would make our lives a lot easier, Leyli. I would have gladly given up the farm to keep my boy, but I didn't get the chance to make that decision. I hope to never do it again."
"I swear." Leyli gently clasped the woman's arm. "I know your family is proud, I can see it in Tristan, but I would much rather have a courier bring you the money than see my best friend in tears."
"Let us hope I never have to ask."
The Princess bobbed her head as she turned back to the dishes. "I'm working to make sure you won't."
Chapter 23
"Who are you and why are you in my yard?" a woman yelled, storming toward the barn, long blonde hair streaming behind her. "If my cows are put out - "
Leyli looked through the window to see Horace turn and lift his hands. "Settling in the horses are directed, my lady."
The girl, who had to be Astrid, didn't look satisfied. "Directed by who? I think you have the wrong barn."
"Astrid!" Tristan's voice barely beat him rushing out of the barn. He saw the girl and grabbed her, swinging her around. "You look so grown up."
"Tristan!" She hugged him. "What are you doing here?"
He grinned, set her down, then pointed to the house. "Brought a friend to visit. We're here for a week, but had to move things around." He paused, then turned to the crowd of guards hovering behind him. "Any of you touches my sister, and I will not be pleased, am I clear?"
"Yes, sir," they all said, but Gregori was grinning.
Tristan pointed at him. "You fuck her, you marry her, or I'll cut off your balls. Since I think you want neither, why don't you just n
ot try it."
Gregori pointed at the barn. "I'm going to stack the hay."
"That's what I thought." Then he hugged his sister again. "Not married and nineteen? What happened?"
She flailed her hands at him. "Someone got sent to the games. Brice isn't enough to keep this place going. Takes all of us to get the harvest in before it goes bad, and I don't even want to talk about planting."
Tristan nodded, looking smug. "Just tell me you aren't using the milk cows to pull the plow?"
"What else? And the cost of sheep is down, so while we've got plenty of those, they don't make enough to matter. It's the wheat that pays the bills."
"I see. You know, a good man would help out his wife's family with things like this."
Astrid turned, walking backwards. "Then find me one! What we need is an income, not more children to feed. I can wait, but we almost lost you. We did lose you, for three years!" She paused. "Brice is married, has a son, too. He was expecting to run the farm."
"I know, and I can't." He tapped the Aravatti crest on his uniform. "Now, let me introduce you to my friend. I think you'll like her."
"Her?" Astrid asked. "Tristan, are you planning a wedding?"
He laughed. "I am, but not for me. Leyli?"
She quickly dusted the flour from her hands and headed over. "Yeah?"
"My little sister, Astrid. And Astrid, this is - "
"Leyli," she said quickly. "I've heard a lot about you."
The girl smiled, but her eyes dropped to Leyli's dress. Slowly she took a breath, then curtsied. "My Lady."
"I prefer Leyli from the Lyone family. Your mother is teaching me how to make pie crusts."
Tristan guided the women back inside. "And how are you faring, Highness?"
"Going to kick you in the balls," Leyli shot back. "I was trying not to make a deal of it."
"Mm. Well, I am. I have the Heir baking in my mother's kitchen. I'm kinda impressed with myself right now."
Astrid's face had gone slack. "Princess Leylani Meridia Aravatti?"
Leyli ducked her head. "That's me. I prefer Leyli, the Wolf of Oberhame, or pup when Tristan says it."
"You're planning her wedding?" She giggled, then just stopped. "Wait. The Wolf of Oberhame? You mean..."
Leyli tapped Tristan's shoulder. "She's as smart as you. Yes, my cousin sold me into the games. I got lucky and ended up fighting with the only man who could keep me alive long enough for my father to get me free."
"And she didn't forget me," he said, reaching over to wipe at a streak of flour on Leyli's face. "My last game? It's not something a man can win on his own, but they don't offer us any help. Ley invoked the power of the crown, borrowed weapons from another gladiator, and came running into the arena wearing this horrible pink silk dress. It was amazing."
"You fight?"
Leyli nodded. "I do. Your brother taught me, and he's probably the best man in the King's guard."
"I wish I could learn."
Leyli pointed at Tristan. "Have him teach you. If he won't, I'll order Gregori to do it."
"Bitch," Tristan grumbled.
Leyli giggled. "Yep, that's why you called me the Wolf. Oh!" She turned to Astrid. "Estelle says you'll show me how to milk the cows?"
"You want to milk a cow?"
"Yes! Tristan was supposed to bring me in something I could bend in, but he got distracted." Leyli moved back toward the kitchen. "And we're going to need cream for the pies, or so I was told."
"And those men in my barn?" Astrid asked, moving to Leyli's side without hesitation.
"My guards. I'm not allowed to go anywhere without them. Seriously, though, don't believe a word Gregori says. He's a womanizer. Temotio is kind and Edwyn is handsome."
Tristan grunted. "He's not."
"He is," Leyli insisted. "And they're all very nicely muscled."
"Maybe we'll have to let them show off, later," Astrid said, glancing back at her brother. "Which one is the finest?"
Leyli sighed, making it overly dramatic. "I'd have to say your brother, but he has a reputation for it, you know. Although, the men here are definitely attractive."
"Maybe we'll head into town tomorrow." She bumped Leyli's shoulder gently. "So you can see the local fashions, in case you want to include it in your wedding."
"Need to pick a husband first!"
"Really?" Astrid's mouth fell open. "You don't even know who you're going to marry?"
Tristan threw his hands up. "I'll get your clothes, Ley. Astrid, you're sleeping with Mama."
"K." She paused. "Wait."
Tristan just laughed and kept going. The girl looked over to Leyli. "It's just the bedroom and the loft. I guess we can put him on the floor of the main room."
"Don't need to. He's the Secor."
Astrid shook her head slightly. "Don't know that one."
"It's like a bodyguard, but different. Basically, he's considered to be my shadow, and expected to be at my side constantly. We were roomed together in the games, and my dad ordered him to not let me out of sight while we're here."
She gestured to the door. "Out of sight now."
"My sword's on the table and he already verified that the house is safe. Sleeping is different, because I can't keep my own guard. That's his job, and he does take it seriously."
Astrid chewed at her lip. "How close are you with my brother, Highness?"
"That would be very improper to answer." She grinned and tossed the last scraps of dough together. "Now what?"
"Mom has to finish the filling, which is probably what she's doing. Then she'll use those bits to make the top. I can't believe you got flour all over this dress. Tomorrow we'll get it clean."
"I don't know how to do laundry either."
"Oh, I'll show you." She looked over the Princess with a critical eye. "Pretty sure you can fit in my things. I think you're a bit shorter, but we're close. I have a dress that will work, then Tristan can keep himself occupied bringing the rest in."
"Sounds perfect."
Together they climbed to the loft. Astrid pulled open a few drawers until she found what she wanted, then tossed it on the bed. While she searched for something else, Leyli traded her gown for the home spun cloth. It had been worn smooth and didn't cling like what she was used to. The skirts were thick and full and fell nicely against her legs.
"I need some of these."
Astrid tossed her a pair of trews. "Those under it, so when you bend over, the men don't get a show." Leyli pulled them on, but Astrid saw the scar on her leg. "Is that from the games?"
"Yeah. Have a few now. Tristan sewed them up so they healed fast."
Something heavy dropped behind her. A moment later, Tristan's head peeked over the stairs. "Talking scars?"
She nodded. "And sewing."
"I've never seen you sew, Ley, but you say you like it."
"Your sister is going to take me to town to buy cloth tomorrow." Leyli gestured to her dress. "I think I need some like this."
"It suits you," he agreed. "Go milk cows, Princess, but I don't want to hear any complaining tomorrow about the aches."
"You," Astrid said, "can carry the buckets." She grinned and started down the stairs. "Since you have to hover anyway, right?"
He groaned. "Yes, ma'am." Then he offered Leyli a hand. "First step down is tricky. Don't get tangled in your skirts."
She made it, Tristan following a moment later, and the girls headed out to the back. The sun was falling and the air was cooling quickly. In the distance, bugs chirped and frogs croaked, but something on the breeze made Leyli pause. She inhaled deeply and turned, taking it all in.
"What is that?" she asked, enjoying the scent.
Tristan moved behind her. "Mimosa trees. There's a pond down that way," he pointed over her shoulder. "It's surrounded by them. Maybe I'll take you down there one day."
"Or night," Astrid teased. "Better to skinny dip in the dark."
"I can't decide if I like you or want to strangle you, sis. Go. The co
ws are going to start complaining."
Astrid grabbed Leyli's hand and pulled her across the yard, nearly skipping. Together they slid the door open wide enough to let them in, but it was dark. A light shone in the loft, but over the cattle stalls, the lanterns were still dark. Astrid groaned and started rummaging at the side.
"Wait, watch this," Leyli whispered before raising her voice. "Could someone help Astrid and me with the lanterns?"
The sound of men moving was sudden, but they weren't fast enough. A deep chuckle sounded from the next stall over a moment before the wick caught. Holding the light before him, Dario moved closer. "Highness. Miss Astrid. If one of you would hold this, I'd be happy to light them."
Leyli took it, face to face with her brother for the first time without something else distracting her. "I didn't realize how much you look like him," she breathed.
"Which him?"
She paused, realizing she'd spoken out loud. "Your father."
He chuckled. "Which one?"
"You knew?" Leyli's arm dropped, casting shadows over them all. "I just found out, but you've known?"
"Since I was about ten, yeah. Was when I realized that eavesdropping isn't always a good idea. We all know."
"Know what?" Astrid asked.
Leyli lifted her arm again. "That he's my brother."
"Half brother," he corrected.
Leyli sighed. "Real brother. Your mom was the closest I had. Dario, I'm so sorry."
He shook his head. "For what, Highness?"
"That. You should be the Highness. I should be the Princess and not much else."
His teeth flashed in the glow before he turned to light the next. "Pretty happy where I am, and Alain tried hard to treat us as his own. Wouldn't complain if you gift my sister with a nice dowry, though."
"Done."
He turned back quickly. "I was joking."
"I'm not. I thought I had it all figured out, and then I got thrown into reality, and now everything is upside down." She swallowed. "Dad never told me, Tristan did."
"I'd want to know," he said softly from behind her. "Especially since you loved Kale so much."
"But it's different. I'm spoiled and pampered with my every desire granted, and my brothers and sister? What do they get? You all must hate me."