by P. S. Power
"We seem to have a hundred and forty-eight of them, so a hundred and forty-seven left. This will let us all stay in touch. Our Baronies will need at least one each as well, and it might be good if they had a few. Can you apportion those, or really, since I need you here, can you assign that to someone?"
That took the fellow about half a minute, and another five for her to show the new woman that ran up, a forty something female, in a guard uniform, who was to be in charge of the city it seemed, to learn what to do.
Then she let Ali and Sherri have-to on the rest, so that she could see to her own tasks. It was less fun, but a house sprang up near the city wall, and several people left to put up a palace inside. Everyone looked at them, impressed it seemed. Very much so.
She mainly just watched people, listened to their ideas, and in a few cases had them given communications devices and once, an ice manufactory. She owned it, but the man suggesting the idea had been hoping that she'd talk to her brother for him about the very idea. Things happened fast then, and by the time the sky was starting to darken she was able to handle most of what was needed in the short run.
Then she waved to Lawrence, to get him to follow her.
"The first house, the one out here? That's for you. Sorry about the poor location, but it's a symbolic thing. The other one, inside the wall, is mine. I'll be back in two days, and then we can see to the rest of these things. If you need me at all, use the communications device."
The man didn't just bow, but actually sank to his knees.
"Thank you Countess. I promise, none of us will let you down."
Then, almost as if it were planned, the rest of them did the same thing.
Chapter seven
Tiera herself left shortly after five in the evening, but almost half of the people that had come with her elected to stay. That was a bit of a problem, since she couldn't really afford to feed them all yet, but Lawrence seemed to think they could handle it, without putting her in too much debt to anyone. What he had planned, she didn't know, but suspected it involved a bit of light robbery of a grocer. It wasn't a good thing, but as long as she got the needed funds to the establishment in a timely fashion, it should be all right.
Technically, she realized, it was legal, even if she didn't pay them. That would mean hardship for them, which wasn't what she'd promised earlier, so had to be avoided, even if it meant looking bad now.
She didn't even have food for herself, except some dried fruit in her room, which was better than going hungry. True, she could have gone to Tor's and Ali's for it, but her sister-in-law was just coming back with her, and hadn't had time to cook for hours. Sherri was still setting up her house, along with an Instructor, who was named Mary Hendrix. She was a very sweet woman, Tiera thought. Also, apparently very knowledgeable about what was needed and aware that Tiera herself was on a budget.
Eating slowly, all alone in her school room, which seemed a lot smaller now, being plain inside and just fifteen by fifteen, even if it was being shared with a Conserina first, she had some time to think about things. The main one was simply that, as a Countess, even if it was uncomfortable and annoying, she needed to pay a better visit to the King and his family.
It was literally one of her duties, and while she'd missed the Council of Counts, not being anyone in particular at the time, it seemed right for her to make an appearance. To that end, when she finished her lovely and delicious meal of dried apple, which wasn't enough for her to feel full, she got on her communications device and contacted Prince Alphonse.
Yes, it should have been the King, but she didn't have Count Morris's official communications device and wasn't certain it still existed. The Space Craft had turned the guest house into a scattered mess, most of the pieces no bigger than half her hand. A few had been larger, but even focus stone was just a kind of rock. Besides, that would say "Morris" on it. This one at least listed her as Tiera Baker.
"Alphonse here." The voice was calm and sounded decently happy, which was a positive thing to her mind.
"Hello. This is Tiera. Just thought I'd get with you and see what the real plans were. You know, all the secrets that Conserina's don't get to know, but Countesses do. The recipe to fluff cream and how to secretly signal that you want juice in your glass, but a kind that will make people think your actually drinking spirits." She sounded a bit blank and serious, which oddly enough got the man on the other end to reply in the same fashion.
"Ah. Well, fluff cream... I actually know that one. You just whip air into cream and add some sweetener at the end. As to the other, you simply request it of the head server, and let them see to it. It's more common than you might think to do that." Then, without so much as a chuckle, the Prince went on. "How are you doing? I mean, really doing? You aren't mad at us for forcing this on you, are you?"
That was actually a good question. After all, she didn't want to be a Countess, did she? It was a job, certainly, but she was supposed to be in school, not off seeing to the lives and fortunes of several million people.
"Angry? No. I can see that this was actually my mess, so I need to clean it up. It's a lot of work, so far. I think we can forgo the beatings for your father and Counselor Smythe, for now. You on the other hand..." She was joking and thankfully that came across in her voice, but the Prince, after she finished chuckling, sobered quickly enough.
"Tiera? Just a word of warning, jesting like that can be considered an act of war for you now. You've entered a new and wonderful world that isn't half as glamorous as most think. For the time being, try to be sensitive as to how anything might sound, and make yourself care about it, since we can't afford a petty war right now. Not with a rebellion going on. Your County wasn't as hard hit as some by the Gray Plague, so at least you have that going for you, but the whole economy is rocking from all of this still and might not stabilize for a long while. I don't suppose you have any reports about that from your area, do you? Morris wasn't exactly forthcoming with data for us."
She blinked at the tone of the whole thing, being a lot darker than she'd planned when she called. Not that she couldn't use some schooling on how to act, but going directly into the finances of her County seemed... Really, it was correct and what she should have been doing. Sighing she made her report, which didn't sound that good at all.
"No, nothing like that, yet. I'll get with my people, and see what I can find. I really wanted to know if I was supposed to come and visit with you soon? More to the point, your parents? Oh, I also need an invitation to your wedding. That's going to be a bit awkward, since I can't have you as my date..." She stopped, wondering if that statement was too out of place, but the Prince actually laughed.
"That one I can see to. It's in ten days you know. I have to admit it's a bit more nerve wracking than I thought it would be. I should get with Tor and remind him that he's standing for me. I don't think he'd forget, but he's been so busy lately, what with his new business concern." He sounded a little funny as he spoke, and she realized he was walking, the sound of his heels on the real stone floor of the Palace giving him away, as well as a bit of heavier breathing.
He stopped talking, without warning her of anything, but she got what was probably happening, especially when he started speaking again.
"Countess Baker is on with us. I believe she's trying to make certain that her duty as Countess is being upheld in a timely fashion. She's already agreed to get an assessment of her peoples well being, which is better than a lot have done in the last months. I don't know the meeting schedule that well, or hers at all..."
That got a low and rumbling voice to speak from the background, since, naturally, the whole thing was being addressed to King Richard himself. It wasn't so out of place for her that she expected anything too much different however, so wasn't surprised by it.
"Countess Baker. I believe that, given your ability to travel, you might be able to come to our evening meal here this night? There are a few minor things that I'd like to run past you, if you have the time?"
>
She grimaced, since she had a class and Doris wasn't likely to excuse her just for a fine dining experience, was she? Still, it was a bit before six, so if she got there early and explained, maybe she could be out in time to make it?
"That's at nine?" She didn't sound as certain as she should, or as confident, because unlike her brother Tor, she wasn't used to eating at the Palace. It would probably be a bit of a mess, but at least would get her first meeting out of the way.
"That's right. Are you available? I know this is short notice..."
"It isn't that part of it, just that I have a meditation class at seven. I think I can manage it. I'd... like to confirm for that?"
There was no laughter at the mention of classes, just a happy sounding voice from the side.
The Queen. Constance.
"We look forward to having you then, dear." There was a soft gasp, coming from the same location it sounded like, and a tight voice following. "Forgive me, I forgot myself, Countess Baker."
Tiera actually went silent and had to work out what had happened. It took a bit, just being too strange.
"Oh... No, that's fine. After all, we're family and I can almost guarantee that I'll get a thousand parts of protocol wrong tonight, so I don't want to start problems with something as minor as you being nice to me. Particularly since... Well, I'll explain myself more later, if that's something we can do?" She had to offer a way out, she thought, so that they wouldn't feel bad if they were busy. That or she was going overboard, but it felt correct at least.
The King clapped once.
"Definitely. Dear. We look forward to seeing you." He started to go into a long and flowery goodbye, but Alphonse laughed and took the device, she thought, walking away.
"There we go. We'll talk then?"
"That seems right. Thanks Alphonse. I feel like I'm barely keeping up with all this right now. I need to run to class and try to get a seat early."
The Prince let her go then, with little preamble, which was nice. Protocol was something that could take years to learn and she was trying to do it on the fly, which, as she'd mentioned, would probably be a disaster.
Doris saw her come in early, her eyes peaceful and holding a slight smile on her lips. Tiera walked up to her and whispered so low that she wasn't certain the woman would be able to hear her.
"I've come early, since I have to be in the Capital at nine. Meeting with the King. Is that allowed?" It made her sound a bit young and weak, but after a few seconds the Ancient lady gave a single nod, and smiled slightly more for a moment, then gestured to the side, for her to take a seat on the floor.
To make up for being a pain, asking for special privileges, she tried extra hard to go as deep as she could, starting with a clearing of the mind, remembering what that was like from her best efforts before and then noticing and suppressing any thoughts that came in to her head. It still wasn't perfect, but she was getting better at it, she thought. Then she had to make that realization go away. She closed her eyes for it, which was part of what everyone else was doing, so missed the change in focus. When Doris touched her shoulder lightly the rest of the room was busily staring at a burning stick of incense.
The woman didn't speak, just gesturing to the door, indicating it was time for her to leave. She walked to it calmly, but started sprinting to her room, uncertain of the time. When she saw the clock in the commons, she had to shake herself a bit. Doris had gotten her out at seven-thirty, which was plenty of time to get ready and be there on time, as long as she didn't dawdle.
There was, she realized, a bigger problem than she'd thought. The higher your rank was, the nicer you were supposed to dress for any given occasion. That meant that, while some of her learned outfits were nice, they might not be exactly correct for a Countess. Worse, this was a Palace dinner, which meant she had to go in looking nice, and not doing so would be something that others might scorn, but if she looked too good, it would seem like she was saying she was better than everyone else. Now, if she had it right, from things Karen had said, at a large party or ball, the goal really was to do your very best, and even make the Queen look dowdy, if you could manage it.
Not at a normal meal though.
In the end she decided to wear the nicest dress she knew the pattern for, and hope that anyone seeing her would just assume she was downplaying her wealth for a reason. Since she didn't have any to speak of, that would work. It was a light colored dress that had body to it and layers of white mixed with translucent pearl colors. It would wash her out, so she spent a few moments using her disguise amulet to undo that. A bit of extra color to her skin, along with slightly redder lips and some blush to her cheeks. Given all that, with her very short and bristly fighters cut, she realized that she looked a bit like a made up boy in a dress.
That got her to smile.
At least she looked like a very pretty boy.
The trip went smoothly and Tiera was actually a bit early. Not too much she hoped. There was something about not showing up places on time, for show, but as far as she knew that didn't apply when going to visit the King at his home. It would be rude and demonstrate that she didn't care much for the man. That was still true, but she could swallow that for her new people, if she had to. They didn't need a war, just food, shelter and a chance to make a better life. That part they had to do for themselves, but it was something that she could help with a little, she thought. Maybe not though? Most Counts and Countesses didn't really do that much for the commoners, did they?
Perhaps it was too hard to really manage?
She took her craft down after settling slowly, and put the silver amulet around her neck. Then she slowly approached the Royal Guards that were waiting and smiled, since George was there, and she really did like him. Holding out her hand she took the Truth amulet and just affirmed she wasn't a threat to anyone that night.
"Except Carol Coltress, who I might need to beat later. She has apologies to make. To her daughter. If she hasn't already. Still, it's my job to make certain she doesn't relapse or anything, so I need to get in touch with people. But I won't do it here." That got a laugh from the others, even as they bowed. It wasn't just a polite one either. As she handed the device back she looked at George directly, and made a bit of a face.
"So, do I look completely out of station here? I can't do much about the height yet, but the dress and make-up?" She was hoping that they'd reassure her, but instead of saying anything, a tall dark haired woman was called to the front.
"Kara? Please fix her." It was a bit of a rude way to say it, but the woman just stepped forward and examined her closely.
"Magical clothing... and disguise amulet?"
"That's right." The privilege of having a brother that was a wizard. She nearly explained that, but the purple and black clad woman just touched her shoulder, closed her eyes, and focused.
It was an intense thing and her clothing shifted first, the color going to deep green and sky blue, interwoven in a complicated pattern. It wasn't all that lovely, but was in her colors and looked a bit older than what she'd been wearing before, she was certain. Then, almost shockingly, she started to grow hair. It wasn't real, but it felt like it to her. She didn't have a mirror, but the other guards stared at her and called out suggestions. If she had it right, she'd look about ten years older, and actually look like a female again.
Then, after Kara nodded, satisfied enough with what she'd done, George led her to the dining room himself.
"This is a rather medium sized meal. You didn't bring a companion, which would be the norm, so that's a thing for you to fix in the future. You were a bit overdressed for this sort of function, being that it's mainly a working dinner. Remember not to discuss anything of note until after the meal. When in doubt, complain about the weather." His voice was a little clipped and efficient sounding, but she made herself listen and not get upset. That part amazed her suddenly, because there was a time when she'd have been scolding the man for trying to help her like that.
No
dding she smiled at him, though his eyes were locked forward.
"Thank you, George. Anything else?"
"Yes. If anyone insults you at this time, I suggest just ignoring it. Several will test you, most likely. The last they saw of you involved a duel with a Count. The brave will want to assure the others that you aren't going to fight each of them for their Counties now over trifling matters. I highly recommend you don't do that. The ones here are actually on our side after all." Then, out of character for the man, he actually smiled, and waived at the door. "You'll do well, I think. Remember, avoid conflict."
Then he opened the vast wooden double doors, and bowed her in. Everyone was standing still, except a few of the very old people, who had soft chairs provided to them for comfort. The King and Queen were seeing people on the far side of the room, standing themselves, so she wandered over, hoping it wouldn't be considered rude. The Royal Guard behind them saw her coming and nodded once, as if letting her know that she was doing the right thing. That was more help than she'd thought to get, if the truth was going to be told.
Tiera approached at the measured pace, and it took a longer time to be noticed than she would have thought, since they were only talking to two other people. An older looking man that she knew, and a woman that she didn't recognize at all, that seemed to be his date. That was Count Isle, who had been very kind to her when they'd met. It didn't mean that he'd get who she was now, since she looked a bit different, what with the long hair and older face.
It was actually Constance that saw her first. She smiled and then lit up, as she got who was there.
"Countess Baker! You look lovely tonight. Do you know Count Isle?" It was a bit of a trap, but she just shook her head. After all, she'd met him, but it had been in secret, while she passed him a message. Twice. The man himself turned to her and bowed, going lower than someone his age should have to, which meant she did it back, going just a tiny bit lower than that.