sword

As promised, Lady Aldarius had plenty to eat for all of them.

She was appropriately impressed with the flowers, and she arranged them in the finest crystal vase as the group ate.

She asked them all about their adventures, listening and asking questions.

Lady Aldarius then turned to the new boy. “And how was your trip, Your Highness?”

Cole almost fell out his chair. This was Prince William?

By the time they reached Aldarius Manor, the children’s’ arms were full of flowers, and they were so busy talking and laughing they didn’t notice the tall boy with pale hair and eyes watching them.

Onyx shifted her bouquet and smiled at him. “I’m sorry. All this commotion over bringing Lady Aldarius flowers. Are you visiting for sword training?”

“In a manner of speaking. My father says Sir Hugo himself is here helping to teach sword techniques.”

“He is, and he’s great, but snacks first,” Sylvester called over his shoulder. “C’mon. Lady Aldarius always has plenty of snacks.”

“Thank you. I would like that very much.”

Dripping wet and laughing, the group of friends headed back from their day of adventure.

Sylvester paused beside some bright yellow flowers. “Aren’t these Lady Aldarius’s favorites?”

Onyx nodded.

Sylvester picked a bouquet of them.

“What are you doing?” Cole asked.

“Figured after all the snacks she’s brought us, we should do something nice for her.”

Ashford’s face lit up at the idea, and he helped Sylvester gather more flowers.

Three days until the royal retinue arrived at Aldarius Manor.

Cole groaned. He didn’t want to give up sword practice with Sir Hugo, swimming in the lake, or afternoons in his fort.

Best to make the most of the three days they had.

Grabbing his fishing pole, he hurried out to find Sylvester and Ashford.

Ingrid and Onyx were too smart to be anywhere but at the lake already.

Cole rolled his eyes. “She’s going to kick your- Too late.”

Sylvester lay at Ingrid’s feet.

She sheathed her sword. “You’d be better if you practiced more. Lord Aldarius went to a lot of trouble and expense to bring such a great swordsman here.”

Sylvester glanced at Cole’s sister sitting in the grass reading. “Maybe I should choose an opponent more my level. Like Lady Onyx.”

“She wipes the floor with me,” Ingrid said.

Sylvester looked impressed. “Maybe there is someone that can beat Prince William.”

“Too bad we’ll never know.” The ice in Cole’s words ended the discussion.

Lady Aldarius brought out a tray of snacks.

Sylvester was surprised she did it rather than sending a servant to do it as his mother would. If his mother even thought of it.

Ashford grinned up at her. A real smile, not the shy grin he hid behind.

Lady Aldarius asked all the children questions, as if she really was interested in what they were doing. Like she cared.

She soon had them all talking, telling her all they were learning.

Cole seemed to think nothing of it, as if such a thing happened all the time, but Sylvester and Ashford eagerly waited for the duchess and the tray she carried.