Victoria's hand paused on the handle to the private wing of the infirmary for a moment. She took in a deep breath as if to ready herself. Giselle was surprised to see her so nervous after the way she rode off so confidently. But, the momentary lapse in her confidence quickly passed. Victoria held her head up high as she opened both doors. All of the men and women in the room were standing at their bedsides, at the obvious exasperation of the healers, judging by the expressions as they waited in the corner nearby.
Commander Allard was front and center. Everyone saluted Victoria as she walked up to him. Giselle held Jean back, wishing to give the two a moment of uninterrupted reunion first. For a while, Victoria and Commander Allard looked each other up and down silently.
"You look awful, Gerduwin. It seems the years have not been kind to you. You must frighten children when you show your face," Victoria said in a dreadfully deadpan, almost accusing voice. Giselle raised her hands to cover her mouth as she gasped, mortified.
"And your punctuality, as ever, is abysmal, Princess. Your mother would be so disappointed." Gerduwin replied, seeming very unimpressed. For a moment, it seemed the two were about to start arguing. But instead, they both burst out laughing, slapping each other on the back as they exchanged several words in Halaan. He held her at arm's length for a moment, saying something that sounded very heartfelt, judging by his expression. Victoria shook her head, responding with a gentle voice Giselle rarely heard her use.
"What are they saying?" Jean whispered to Klen, who was still perched on his shoulder as a raven.
"He's apologizing," Klen whispered back. "If I am following along correctly, the commander was with Victoria the night she fled Halaafin, by order of the king. I guess they got separated before she was attacked by Lucaese. She's saying it's not his fault."
"Klenden?"
Klen jumped in surprise as Victoria beckoned for him. Hesitantly, he flew across the room and landed on the floor beside her. For a moment, he remained as a raven, finding comfort in his diminutive form. At Victoria's insistence, he took his human form and shook hands with the commander. There was another brief exchange in Halaan before Allard switched back to Guillamenne so that everyone could understand him.
"Sir Klenden Orzhov, last you stood within these halls you were but an apprentice. The records indicate that you and your master were lost to us in Nans some two-hundred years ago. For your valiant service prior, and your dedication to Her Majesty, the princess, I offer you a proper place within our brotherhood as a Knight Enchanter," Allard said. "Our archives would be lucky to have you back in the fold."
"It would be my honor to serve our order once more," Klen saluted Allard. Sheepishly, he cleared his throat and added, "All I ask is that I be allowed to continue serving my duties at Her Majesty's side."
"You shall be my personal liaison to Princess Victoria. Guard her with your life, Sir Klenden."
"I will, Commander. Thank you."
"There is room for you in our ranks as well, Your Grace," Commander Allard said to Victoria. "I'm in need of someone reckless and efficient like you."
Giselle felt her chest tighten at the thought of Victoria leaving to join the knights. She had every right to choose her own path, but Giselle wasn't quite ready to say goodbye. There was so much she still desperately needed Victoria's help with. Victoria glanced over her shoulder at Giselle and smiled ever so slightly before looking back at Allard once more.
"I'm afraid I must decline. My place is with Lady Giselle for the moment. Our people deserve revenge and it is my duty to see that we all get it."
Allard nodded his head. "We are at your disposal, Your Grace. Let me know if either of you require anything and I will have men at the ready in moments."
"Thank you, Commander." Victoria embraced him once more. "Now get back to bed rest. You really do look terrible. No offense."
Allard scowled. "Yes, Your Grace. Lady Giselle?"
Giselle walked forward with Jean to stand beside Victoria. "Yes, Commander?"
"I wanted to thank you for rescuing the princess. You risked much to save us all that night. And your efforts to stabilize the Knights in my absence will not be forgotten. I trust that you will be able to keep the princess in line going forward; she tends to act first and think second and I'm too old to keep fixing her messes."
"Careful, Commander," Victoria scowled, but it did little to hide the smile breaking across her face.
"I'll do my best, Commander. Words cannot express how glad I am to see you and your charges safely back in Tru'Lis. The Empress will be delighted to hear of your return," Giselle said.
"Send along my regards and my apologies to Her Majesty for me. I am sure she will be furious with me." Allard sat back on the foot of his bed, seeming weary all of a sudden. "Safe travels back to the coast, ladies and gentlemen."
After a final goodbye, they all left the room, much to the relief of the impatient healers as they rushed over to escort the commander back into his bed and check him over. As they exited the citadel, Victoria put a hand on Jean's shoulder before they descended the stairs to the courtyard where their carriage and horses waited for them. Auguste stood by the open carriage door, smiling at them.
"Would you mind riding Riven back to the townhouse for me? All this excitement today has worn me out," Victoria asked him.
Jean lit up at the prospect. "Sure, if you think he'll be okay with it."
"Well, you rode him all the way from Alize, didn't you? I think you'll be fine." Victoria patted his back before he rushed down the steps to mount Riven's saddle. Giselle lifted an eyebrow in surprise as she climbed into the carriage.
"Are you feeling okay?" Giselle asked as she climbed in after her. Auguste climbed in last, shutting the door behind them.
"Just tired. Healing so many wounds at once takes its toll," Victoria replied, leaning her head back against the cushioned headrest. She closed her eyes as the carriage rocked forward and rolled out of the gates and folded her arms loosely in her lap.
"You seem to be walking better than this morning. Are your ribs still bothering you?" Giselle asked.
"I feel better than this morning. They're still sore, but the pain is bearable now. Breathing isn't a struggle anymore."
They rode on in silence for a short while. Giselle watched the streets roll by, content to let Victoria get some much-needed rest. By the time they reached the townhouse, everything would be ready for their return to Alize. The less moving Victoria had to do, the better. She had a hunch that Victoria was hurting worse than she let on. Judging by Jean's delighted face as he rode Riven down the street, he would be more than content to continue riding him the rest of the way home.
"Rouse me when we get home," Victoria mumbled, sinking further back into the seat as she propped her boots up on the seat across from them.
"Of course," Giselle said, relaxing back into the seat to enjoy the ride as well. She'd hardly slept the last few days. Now that Victoria was alright, she could finally relax. It didn't take long for Victoria to fall asleep. Her terse expression softened, leaving behind a much more peaceful face than Giselle was used to seeing her wear. Not even the occasional bump in the road seemed to disturb her, but it remained to be seen how deeply she was truly sleeping.
"I've already sent a letter ahead to inform the empress that we've secured the princess," Auguste said quietly. "You should prepare yourself, Your Grace."
"For what?" Giselle asked.
"For the princess to leave us. The empress is her family, after all, Your Grace. The capital is where she belongs."
"She belongs with us. I think she made it quite clear how she feels about her lineage," Giselle protested.
"Your own feelings for her aside—"
"What do you know of my feelings for her?"
"No need to be so defensive, Your Grace. Anyone with eyes can see that the two of you have become good friends. However, the princess needs to be protected at all costs, and Cintois is perhaps the safest place for her at the moment."
"Once upon a time, it was believed that Halaafin was the safest place in the world, and look what happened to her there. Sending her away to the imperial palace would draw dangerous attention to the empress. It would be safer for her to remain with us."
"I'm only being cautious, Your Grace. I'd hate to see you get hurt."
The carriage hit a bump in the road that shook the cab. Victoria grumbled softly in her sleep and leaned over to rest her head against Giselle's shoulder. Carefully, Giselle scooted closer and moved her arm to loosely wrap around Victoria to keep her steady. Auguste gave Giselle a terrible, knowing smile.
"What?" Giselle whispered accusingly.
"Nothing, Your Grace," Auguste whispered back. "Nothing at all."