#samilngabe

Mazin has managed to be an ass in a hundred different ways – as entertaining as he sometimes was.

Velius has managed to be polite at all times. It bordered on worrisome...

Njall was worried about me and made sure I got to ride with him and that I got to get 'enough sunlight'. I by now have the impression he just likes making people move. And do it with them.

And Samil... he... well... we got to know each other... well. And he still clings to me like an octopus every night. I... am... at least a tiny bit more used to it.

Be that as it may... by now I have a horse that listened to me whistling... and was HUGE. It was about double the size of a normal horse. It was ginormous. Njall had told me he didn't trust any other horses – his was the same size – and so... I was now stuck with Haizum the GIANT.

Well.

That was a very long story very short and... now I rode through the gates of this harbour city. And we are welcomed by cheers from around the town. Hundreds of people were there to welcome us. They were happy to get their family members back. The whole army slowly dispersed. There was no great victory march there, there was no proud army being led to the town square, they simply went home to their families and threw down all equipment, happy to be back.

Admittedly, it was... somewhat heart warming.

A little weir,d, too, and not driving home the point of a proud army, but... well, they wanted to be home, after all.

We rode through the city, the smell of the sea everywhere. Smelled somehow of salt. It was strange. Unusual, for me.

Just like the architecture. The houses were generally smaller. And a lot more bamboo was used in building them – sturdy, but also easy to rebuild. I somehow suspected they dealt with floods from time to time. The houses on stilts certainly spoke for that.

When we reached the town hall, we were all welcomed with open arms and a lot of handshakes. Especially the company of four that was constantly around me got lots of attention, so many hands to shake. I... was not comfortable waiting in the back, but someone had to take care of the horses, and Njall shouldn't be the only one.

When we were done and finally came to join the group, everyone stared at us.

The stares turned into big smiles: “It will be a GRAND wedding!”

… some of these smiles were somewhat forced.

“So... the people in your country vote for the council... and that's how you got to power?,” I felt how he took a breath and immediately wanted to answer, but let go of it after, adding a sigh: “There... was a time I'd have said 'yes', but... no, not all people in my country vote. The citizens of cities, the nobles and the priests vote. Not... all people,” he deflated a little. And had somehow managed to invade my blanket. Now I had man-hands on my belly, over my nightgown.

What an odd answer, though.

“But you elect more than one person?!,” because... that certainly prolonged any kind of decision-making. It's inefficient.

“Ah, yes, to represent all interests. Of course not all interests are represented. The same people that can vote are the people that can be elected... so... the rest is out of luck,” he drew tiny circles on my skin and pulled me a little bit back against him.

But... that... was clear, wasn't it?

“Uh... well, these are the ones fit to rule, after all?,” what was he even talking about?

He chuckled – I felt it all down my spine – and kissed the top of my head: “Mmmmh... yes, that is... something everyone knows, right? You... probably don't know that I have not always been a noble, do you?”

I abruptly turned in his grasp: “What?!”

I had married... I had married a peasant?

This time he kissed my forehead – or tried, I moved away, as trapped as I was in my cocoon – and shook his head with a slight frown: “I have been raised in ranks for military excellence... and loyalty of the people I led in the battlefield. They assume I was somehow put in the wrong crib as  a child... and declared as such”

That... was odd?

“The fact remains: I... earned the fact that this 'mistake' was uncovered,” he pulled me close again.

I... had married an oddball. Who was now kissing the back of my rather rigid neck.

This was... more than I had expected? Had they broken the natural order? After all, such a grave human error...

Behind me, this sample of grave human error sounded particularly pleased with himself, since he hummed in a deep voice.

Now... my nightgown was still perfectly intact – my compliments to the tailor, again.

And I was... I was aware what would most likely happen when Samil would come here. I didn't actually want to think about it, but... I knew what would happen.

But I wanted to talk.

A few questions. A few answers. And then... then we would see.

For now I simply wrapped myself in the blanket as deeply as possible, only hair and nose and eyes still peeking out. And sat on the blanket in general. Like an insect cocoon. I'd seen some in the windows.

… I was probably just nervous. We hadn't actually... talked the last four days.

And that should not be okay. Really not. But... he... kind of tried?

At least I was not hurt... like... at all... and... well... he didn't... like... push too far. Kind of.

So... as bad as it was?

He... might listen.

Huh.

Alright. Internal pep-talk has been concluded.

Now it was time to simply... wait. In a cozy blanket-heap.

And sure enough, in the warmth and after the long travel and a somewhat full belly? I got drowsy and my eyes slowly drifted close after maybe half an hour.

It's gotten late today, then.

Mh. I jerked awake when he came in. And took off his shirt.

My sleep-addled brain 'helpfully' supplied that what I saw there was not at all something I was opposed to. More attracted, really.

I told it to shut the hell up and shook my head, while he sat down on the bed and untied his boots.

After the first one had fallen with a heavy 'thud' and hecame back up from unlacing the second... I grabbed his shoulder and let him continue the backwards-movement until he laid on his back.

He raised an arm in front of his face and squeezed his eyes shut.

“... we need to talk,” he blinked under the hand and looked up to me.

I, meanwhile, took my hand back under the blanket. And nestled.

He... gulped and let the second shoe drop. Be fore he swung his – pantsed – legs on the bed and crossed them, looking at me, looking somewhat... sheepish.

Which was... odd on him.

But I still grumbled: “So... I... had a talk with Velius today”

He winced at that, and made a bit of a face. So he knew he had kept secrets from me!

I pressed on: “He old me you live in an oligarchy, this is not what I... this...  Samil, Samil, this is not the reaction I expected,” I frowned more deeply. He looked relieved. Lying about a political fact was not a thing to be relieved about.

“So... so this is not about... you know,” he made gestures. Nonsensical ones.

I grumbled.: “I know what?,” what could possibly be worse?

“The sex. I thought you were going to... take drastic measures and... I don't know, it might have bee-”

“NO, no, it's not about that. No. Don't mention it, it's fine, no, there are different questions,” I was sure I had turned beet-red. And waved the theme off under my blankets, making the whole cocoon wobble. All this was a desaster.

“Wait, it's fine?,” I did not want to see this grin. It was a grin with a glimmer in his eyes. A glimmer!  And he did not look sorry at all.

And did not let up the stare for at least half a minute.

And then I looked away and uttered: “... yeah, sure,” the frown intensified more and then snapped, but I have questions! And you'll answer them. Now!”

And that grin turned into a smile. And he nodded. And then I noticed that the muscles I had seen could also work since he grbbed my cocoon effortlessly... and pulled me onto his lap, stretching his legs and leaning against the headboard at the same time. The finishing touch was a blanket around himself and my cocoon.

Then his nose ended in my hair: “Mkay. I'll answer... all the questions you have. Shoot. If I can stay like that...?”

His arms were around my blanketcoon, already pulling around on it.

I huffed and leaned back against him. Well fine.

“... you can,” I sounded peeved, but... well, being able to lift me like a feather was a little impressive, “But now... an oligarchy. I was not aware your powers are that heavily distributed...

The weather. A bit about the climate in their hometown – and my own – nothing too in depth. Mostly we talked about the food.

How hard it was to get by a decent banquet during travels... I could only agree.

I pulled a piece of chicken apart: “I hardly ever travelled, but the food had always been dreadful”

“Ah, it's because the good cooks all work for us, it's mostly sensible of them: they get paid better,” he nodded and got a bit more bread to soak up the delicious pottage.

He continued after properly chewing a bite: “Our cooks are specialised on sea food. Makes lent a whole lot easier. It is a harbour city, though. It is to be expected”

“Ah. So it is Artling. The rumours about import and export numbers are commendable,” because now I was in the position to actually get this kind of information.

He took a moment to 'mmh' and then shrugged: “I suppose they are. It's quite a lot of traffic in the harbor,” which was... a rejection on that part.

… well, we barely talked. I... might not have offered trading actual knowledge either.

“I suppose also for silks,” I nudged the scarf on my neck with the back of my hand, “But I admit I am more impressed by the embroidery on it... truly quick work. And very well done. Can you recommend the tailor to me?,” I might be able to exchange a few words. And find someone to talk to that wasn't... those people.

And this was the first time he did not immediately give a smooth answer.

There was a slight frown and he looked out the window, coughing once before he said: “That... ah... it is a hobby of mine. I didn't... expect you to comment on it”

I realised it was a bit out of the ordinary to put emphasis on the indecent bruises on my body, but... well... the day before might have put me in the mood to say what came to mind. An error. But then again, it was an interesting piece of information.

“You've developed quite a skill, then. It's beautifully done,” I could do better, of course, the stitches were unclean in places, but the stitches properly emphasized and were no direct copies either. Not bad at all. Especially for a man.

“Thank you, mylady,” the smile was somewhat unsteady. Again, my amusement about this, I blamed on my last guest. There was no reason to be amused by a breach of protocol – I knew he was uncomfortable about it, I should have steered away.

I... belatedly did: “It certainly was a thankful gift from your people's finest”

“Oh. Yes, that reminds me... are you... actually aware of Samils position in our country?,” that definitely was a way to change the theme, but I'd bite...

“He is the leader of the country, is he not?,” because it was said.

“That... is not wrong. But not... entirely right, either. He is... a leader. It's a voted on oligarchy. He is... part of the Council of Seven. Therefore, one of the seven leaders. We do live in a democracy,” he looked almost proud when he said that.

It... was a bit of a shock to me, though. It meant there was not much of a guarantee for my own people. It was... a little disconcerting. So if the other six decided to continue an attack... or... even if four of them decided to... my city would be besieged once again?

Not a happy thought. Not at all.

I... would need to talk about that... with my husband.

I disappeared faster into the carriage than I had the days before.

I tried to comb my hair in front of it, but there were not many chances of success. It was not... easily hidden. And I blushed, still remembering. Bloody bastard.

There simply was hoping the last brother was not as keen on teasing as Mazin had been.

… which kind of person would he be so the two wouldn't get along?

What... could possibly be a reason this guy wouldn't just sit down and laugh?

Or, of course, I would simply be treated to an empty stomach. Which was entirely possible. I might have just been lucky the last two d-

KNOCK KNOCK

I blinked, staring at the door. What.

“May I enter the carriage, lady Gabrielle?”

We... had not yet started travelling. We were actually still in station.

I was somewhat stunned.

“Please, if you must, you may,” it was... certainly indecent, being alone with a man, but nothing on this journey had exactly been decent.

He opened the door, gaze to the floor: “My name is Velius, I am a bloodbrother of Samil, your husband, at your service”

I was still perplexed. Were these manners?

And then he looked up, his eye flicked to my neck and he averted his eyes again. After clearing his throat, he pulled a wrapped silk band out of his pocket and held it out to me: “I apologise for my early arrival, please accept this token as an apology”

And closed the door again. For a few seconds, I stared at the wrapped gift and then shook my head. My... standards had lowered considerably in only two short weeks. Seeing me indecent like this – a simple dress and no handmaidens around – would have been scandalous. And not undone by such a small gift.

But he had done something. And apologised.

… was there hope after all?

I finally unwrapped the package and saw... a silk scarf. With an embroidered Hippocampus. And a Seadragon on the other side...

Supposedly, it was... a proper gift. And regardless if it was or not, it would take care of my... problem. I wrapped it around my neck and let both ends hang down in the front. It... worked. And felt actually somewhat nice.

A good few minutes later, there was another knock: “May I enter, Lady Gabrielle?,” he asked once again. And I let him enter again.

“I hope you do not mind,” he said after seating himself and waved servants in. Three of them, bringing seven dishes to choose from – fish and baked potato and chicken and rice and pottage with whine and ginger. And bread. And... I... was somewhat surprised, honestly. This was almost a proper meal. I even got my knife back – they had taken it beforehand.

“Also my deepest apologies for the thievery. At times, my brother do now know how to treat a lady of your standing... I hope we can talk over our meal?,” he smiled in a perfectly polite fashion and opened the banquet like this. And let me take the first helping, because... I was of higher standing.

He... actually had manners. And the trencher was made of silver.

I was.... somewhat impressed.

And also got a solid impression why Mazin did not like him.

I grabbed a chicken leg with my left hand and cut it off with my beloved knife. Had missed it, actually. First: A bit of food. Then we may talk.

…

I had not realised it up to this very moment, but... he had no accent. He could have been raised in our castle!

He continued to fancifully divide and shuffle the cards while explaining his version of the game: “Three stacks, we each take one, leaving the third out. We shuffle after ten busts or win. Multiple cards in one throw are fine, the ranks go up. Start is aces. Questions, suggestions?”

He held out the deck for me to divide, I tipped the top for him to deal: “Ranks can be raised or dropped, variety is welcome, Sir,” it was a little boring otherwise, to be honest.

“As the lady luck wishes,” he finished dealing and set the third stack aside, as proposed

With a never-changing smile, I put down a ten and declared “One ace”

For him to nod and declare “Three Sevens” with the widest smile on his face.

“Two Eights,” which was actually true, were followed by “One Nine” and “Two Ten,” which was actually a Nine and a Queen, but he accepted with “Two Jack”

At which point... he was still smiling widely, but his eye twitched. I almost wanted to frown at the obvious sign, but shrugged: “I believe I have to declare you a Liar,” and turned his cards.

A Jack and a Seven... I... had another Seven as well. Hrm. Well, fine.

“Sooo, what is the question you wish to bestow on me, fair maiden~,” he batted his lashes at me.

I continued to smile while he took the cards: “What are the plans for me now, that Samil married me? What will I do in your country?”

“Two aces,” he put down two cards and snickered, “And... being a Wife, of course. With eeeeeverything that entails,” he raised his shoulders. And made a wavey gesture. He had not given me an answer.

“Three kings,” I put down three not-king-shaped-cards, “This was not a proper answer”

“But it was an answer. More specific questions get you better answers, I promise, I have nothing to work with yet,” he winked at me.

… what that was supposed to mean was anyone's guess.

“Also: Liar,” he upended my assortment of numbers and handed them back to me, together with his two real Aces.

Being asked told me more about him anyway: “Do you know how to dance,” he wriggled his eyebrows.

I put an ace down: “One Ace - and of course I have been educated in the art of ballroom entertainment,” I almost felt the consistent smile on my face this time. Non-answers would be a bit boring after a while, but at least the roll of his eyes was entertaining.

“One king. And I don't know if I'd call ballroom dances entertaining,” he had the art of sneering down pat.

“Some tastes simply need to be cultivated, Sir,” he did unfortunately did recognise the 'and you are not', even without emphasis... and grinned, eyes lighting up. He couldn't prove anything! “Two Queens,”

“I guess I'll pass,” and proceeded to put down “One King”

I... his eye twitched. So that meant he should be lying, but...

… ah, to hell with it: “Liar,” and when I turned, it was a king. So he did use the 'telltale signs' to bluff. Fair. I took the cards and he made a show out of 'thinking' about the next question.

Person. Calm.

“So, did you ever dance in a tavern?,” he looked at me gleefully.

And I sighed, indulging him: “I have never been in a tavern without an entourage of at least twenty people. I did, in fact, not dance in a tavern... and neither do I know how to do so. Two aces”

“Huh. Well, then you get a bonus as to what we are going to do with you when you are in our country: Sneak you out of the villa – in pants – and teach you sea shanties in the raunchiest tavern in town. Just the two of us!,” he had actually narrowed his eyes conspirationally at 'pants' and broken out the cheer at the end. “A king”

I got the impression he was definitely an actor. How good or bad... I was not sure, but this much emotion was not natural, my smile never changed – I took care of that – when I said: “I think the etiquette forbids me such endeavours, Sir, I hope you can forgive me. Two Queens”

“That is actually not true at all, my lady, it would be perfectly reasonable in my station to take you out for a night in town if I could provide the necessary protection. And, as it is, I can, so prepare for an interesting night out,” sometimes I had the impression his smile got wider than his face permitted. Also: The closed eyes made him even less trustworthy: “Also: Another king”

… was that on purpose? No one can be that inept at a polite conversation without it being on purpose. His accent was gone as well, now that I thought about it. Just kind of... slipped away. Hrm.

“One ace,” I paused for a second, then said: “It is not reasonable for a lady to wear pants,” it was not proper attire.

“Liar, liar,” he turned the card, revealing my... Eight, well, yeah, I somewhat got distracted, of course he had the other aces: “... buuut thankfully nothing to set fire to... but you ought to try one day. They are much more practical than dresses when riding, it's just such a hassle,” I didn't need the picture of this man in a dress in my head. He became more and more absurd with every second, I picked up the cards so I didn't need to look at him. It would be hard to keep a straight face.

“But since pants are not negotiable, I suppose you are able to ride side-saddle... do you think you could? If asked to get out of this confined space here?,” I almost changed my expression there. Was he trying to not be rude for once? Almost? Well, fine.

“... yes, I do think I am capable and willing. One ace”

He nodded and put a king down: “Mission accomplished on my part!,” he pumped his fist in an exaggerated victory-gesture. Huff.

“I suppose I can await such a proposal in the near future?,” I put down another ace.

“Don't you use the fanciest of words, such a delight,” the sarcasm dripped off his tongue, lord. He also put down four Sevens.

… apparently, we weren't playing for skill today. Simply shoving questions back and forth. Fine. I flipped the cards and gave him back the little stack: “Liar. And... what do you actually do in Samil's court? I will believe you are the 'honest man', but please also keep that in mind when answering my question”

He raised a brow, actually stopped stacking the cards for a second. Then continued with a shrug, voice a little less... expressive: “My my, putting me on the spot like that, how rude,” he sighed, “Mh... I'm also the one solving trouble in the inner ranks. My speciality is hiring the proper hands or simply taking care of it myself. My coat has many pockets, as you can see,” he nodded and put down two cards.

I didn't want to check this very second.

We played for a while in silence. So he was Samil's assassin. When looking at him, it was... still a little absurd. He looked like a gambler, general asshole and somewhat fashionable bastard, who is... eccentric... assassin didn't exactly come to mind. He... seemed genuinely cheery?

After a while, he said: “Liar, liar,” and smirked. Eyes closed. Hrm.

I handed him the cards. This had been a ten.

“How many people did you kill?,” which... well, not appropriate, but his existence wasn't appropriate.

“Rude, my lady,” he tilted his head, and put a card down, “... here we are, fresh from a field of war and you ask me how many people I killed”

“I'm not talking about those, Mazin,” I added on the stack.

He looked sour for a moment, then sighed: “... seven, up to date. Not counting the second hand orders... you got there fast, girl”

“I am aware assassins are a necessity. There is respect in the profession, and I have that, unlike you, apparently. We did agree on at least the usage of proper titles,” here I did frown, he should stick to his word.

He laughed again, mirth coming back to his eyes - he looked more animated. Hrm. Hrm.

“Yes, lady Gabrielle, we did, my apologies,” the bow was still just a mockery, “But I guess it's less of a mystery why he chose you, after all. He's full of surprises,” and he threw down 'Three Jack'

I called the bluff and asked: “Why do you point his choice of me as a wife out so often? What's up with that?,” I was somewhat glad for the change of theme, too.

“... well, I owe Velius a hundred bucks. That alone is worth pointing out. I said Samil would never find a woman he deems worthy. And for the last six years that rang exceptionally true. He's a bit odd with his tastes, after all. But now he fell head over heels for you... and it's ridiculous seeing him like that, after so very little time, too” he threw down the next card and shrugged.

“... the feeling's not mutual,” I had dropped my smile. And wrinkled my nose slightly. Which was unusual. Because keeping your smile was important. But... well, I may just as well.

He laughed freely: “I know, which is the best part. Because, well, you probably can't imagine, but usually girls flock to him. It's probably his looks, really”

I also noted that he took on my own accent and tried to use my speech patterns. It was strange. But it didn't seem too intentional. Weirdo.

The cards went back and forth and my next guess at 'lie' was a false one. But seriously, who can actually play four Tens.

And his question – spoken with a truly outrageous grin - was: “Did you know he wants to tattoo the scratches you gave him onto his face? He's so proud of his lady” he chuckled some more.

I grabbed all cards. Because that had been the tenth lie. And ignored the bloody question. It wasn't even one. And he had lied about throwing down Tens before. It was highly inappropriate anyway.

The ride was a long one. And I learned a few things about him. Like him being allergic to lilies and able to play violin. And banjo. There was also the fact that 'Velius' was the last blood brother. They were a bit at odds – and I'd see when I met him why.

He got to know that I actually was fond of lavender, too, that I liked to take care of Koi fishes and – after highly inappropriate prodding – also admitted that I might be interested in seeing a tavern in it's natural state.

Otherwise everything somehow devolved into backhanded compliments and some actual competition with the stupid game. It turned out we both were rather good at it. He could not see a single sign in my polite smiles and he was... frustratingly unpredictable. His expressions and speech patterns changed too often. There was no hint if it was due to a lie or truth.

Well, he was still an asshole with no sense for protocol – truly not, he had only once used the title with respect – but at least he could play card games.

… and I might get blackmail material from him if asked.

The day before the food came to me at a later time, maybe this time it was the case as well. No real hope, but maybe I got lucky.

So... sure enough, after about an hour of carriage riding and staring out the window into an unimpressive landscape, there was another commotion outside. A gruff, but very fluent voice spoke in this 'wonderful' language I did not understand... and someone else was complaining. And whatever they were saying, I was almost certain no noble daughter should ever hear it.

And then the door was wrenched open. And a man was shoved inside.

“Njoll, what the FUCK! Bloody damn hell, you bastard! 'handle me like a little bitch, will ya?! 'm  not gonna help y' out 'gain!,” this one's accent was a bloody mess.

Seriously. It didn't sound like Samil or Njoll or any of the diplomats I'd spoken to in our castle. He sounded like he came right out of the slums of my own city. And it was weird.

He looked like a wirey bag of limbs in an... admittedly somewhat flattering coat. He also wore a hat. With pockets.

… well, he at least fit into the carriage properly. Even knelt down on the bench to lean out the window and throw something.

A hollow metallic 'claaaang' resounded and a slightly pained groan followed up.

“TOLD YA MORE VOLUME'S RIDICULOUSLY STUPID!”

“Hrm. Tru. Stay there. No out!,” said I voice I knew from yesterday. Most likely this guy had just thrown a stone at Njall's helmet. And got shut down.

What in the world was wrong with this cussing person, that seemed to come from my own country, at least language wise?!

He looked put out when he reeled himself back in and laid down on the bench on his side, with a huff.

It looked cramped and he had to bend himself a little, but his feet seemed rather comfortable at the side of the carriage... I pulled my dress tighter around my legs. No man should lay on eye level with a lady's legs!

I frowned down at him and he raised a brow at me: “So you're the bird that made the bastard fly straight, huh?”

I straightened my posture, not exactly sure if I heard that right?!

“Well, hotness sure isn't the problem. Damn fine lil' dame,” he snickered. Snickered.

“May I ask what an ill-mannered man such as yourself is doing in my carriage?,” because he certainly wasn't behaving.

There was a smirk, when he took an arm from behind his head and held his hand out to me. With a bowl of rice. With meat. Did... did I even want to know where that came from?

It was still steaming.

“Tadaaa~”

I looked at the damn thing in front of me. It was weird.

“Take it or drop it. A mess in the carriage might be avoided if you do the former,” now he sounded annoyed. And actually tilted the food.

What the HELL! We were travelling, food was valuable!

I snatched it away, still glaring at him, while he said: “'s what I was here for. I suppose Njoll wants me to introduce myself. Mazin. 'Nother blood brother. The 'honest one'. At least with people I like. Also the 'smart one'. To stick with honesty, though: All four of us are smart, I'm just a dick about it. About most things, really,” he shrugged. While laying down.

… and bit into an apple. Like an asshole.

I had a feeling his coat had a lot of pockets.

And I grabbed the bloody fork that was in the bowl and... dug in.

Looked and smelled edible enou: “UGH!”

Colour raised to my cheeks. This... this was spicy. HOLY spirit!

And he snickered again: “Awww, too hot for you, your hotness? You better get used to it. This is still tame compared to actual food”

“... I'd prefer it if you called me lady or at least 'Gabrielle', Sir Mazin. And. I was merely surprised,” this stuff was actually quite delicious. But I might have burnt my tongue.

He nearly fell off the bench laughing. Even wiped a tear away: “Aww, honey, that... was a good one. 'Sir'? Are you fucking serious? And, as you probably figured, you'll either earn a proper name or delight in an assortment of more or less creative petnames. The choice is yours!”

I looked at him in disdain. This was a brother of Samil's? Great. It couldn't get any better, can it?

Well, it couldn't be helped. I was still free to ignore him. After a huff, I continued to eat and look out the window. For now, I chose to not be bothered.

That he simply watched me was not reassuring. Especially from his laying position on the opposite bench. He was behaving utterly despicable and I could do nothing about it.

I was almost done with the spicy concoction when he shook his head and sat up a bit straighter... so his shoulders were leaned against the wall, not only his head... and spun hit hat around with a finger.

This guy actually had a devil's beard. Just... ugh.

He also said: “I can't believe he actually chose you of all people. I mean, sure, you're hella pretty. But otherwise,” he tilted his head, “... well, I suppose he must see something in you... care to enlighten me what?”

… I rather cared to enlighten him where the exit was, but... I looked at him with a kind smile and said: “Well, Sir Mazin, maybe he is fond of polite company,” and finished my bowl.

“Heh. So 'polite' insults when the other is clearly able to make your life a lot harder. A gambler, are you now?,” he looked way too happy for my tastes. Also: I was not. Not really.

I sneered. It was not behaviour fit for a lady.

“Sooo~ I'll bother you for the rest of the day. Njall won't let me out of here and I have a 'mission' to complete. Unfortunately, you sitting in a corner and being all prissy isn't going to do anyone a favour,” and of course this kind of speech is going to get you some, right?

I put the bowl to the side and tried to ignore him some more.

And he... got a deck of cards out of his... hat. And started shuffling.

“How about an unconventional game of 'bullshit', babe?,” he raised a brow at me.

I frowned. That... certainly was a very good name for a card game...

“... maybe you've never heard of it like that... Cheat... Doubt It... Beschiss,” I showed no sign of recognition, so he continued: “You've never heard of it? Seriously? What did you do to Samil? Poison his drink or something?,” he got increasingly more creative with shuffling the cards, launching them in the air to catch them again and continue shuffling with one hand... what 'valuable skills'. Hmph.

I inwardly rolled my eyes, but still showed an impeccable smile: “... 'Liar Liar' is a common game, do not worry, Sir. Apart from house rules it surely is well known,” weird names notwithstanding.

“Good. Then how about that: We'll play a few hands... and whenever one of us is called red handed... the 'liar' has to answer a question. How's that sound? It's certainly more entertaining that staring disdainfully for the next ten hours. It's bad for the skin, you know? Early wrinkles, beauty queen” he pointed at his own forehead. And well... he did somewhat speak from experience. Not too bad, but... ugh.

“... if I choose to entertain you, I buy my right to be properly addressed. Correct, Sir?,” he smirked at that.

“I don't see why not, Gabrielle, I suppose that can be arranged,” I didn't like how he said it – he somehow made it sound infamous, but better than before, “... for the duration of the game, of course!”

… beggars can't be choosers.

Did not see Samil this morning. It was… a relief. It really was.

I was just getting somewhat hungry.

At least I was thankful for all the pillows to sit on. Because it… it was a good thing.

I leaned against the wall of the carriage and watched the soldiers outside talk while they marched along the way.

Of course, the biggest part of the army stayed in my country, still… ‘checking in’ with my people. I… hoped my sacrifice at least helped them with that.

I didn’t want to think about it, but unwelcome thoughts still happened.

There was not much to distract me, though.

The landscape did not change much. The people stayed mostly the same and… well… I was alone with my thoughts.

Until there was a bit of a commotion outside.

Not much, just a bit of shouting in a language I… was not yet able to speak.

And then the carriage stopped. Then the door opened.

I schooled my features into friendly-neutral. Twitching back would not have been polite.

The guy was familiar, I had seen him before. Standing around during negotiations. Big. Made of muscles. A giant scar over his face. Always wearing armor, at least made of leather. Like he wore now as well.

Well, we’d never spoken, though. I never actually heard him speak at all, come to think of it.

That changed that moment, when he said: “Morning. Take this… it good food, bi-” he frowned, then shook his head, “… please take”

He held out a plate I had not noticed it when he climbed in.

It was… a potato. A big potato, together with roasted meat. And a dagger. As cutlery, I supposed, I took it and nodded at him: “Thank you…”

There was a gruff noise coming from him. He crossed his arms in front of him, leaning against the backrest. When his head scraped over the ceiling of the carriage, he frowned. He looked… a bit too big for the carriage, he was all but squeezed into a corner opposite of me.

There was nothing coming from him anymore and he seemed to become… inactive.

So I… placed the plate on my lap and started to eat… eating with fingers was not exactly well mannered, but with only a dagger I could not do much else. That he minded was also… doubtful.

When half the plate was empty, I startled a little bit when he cleared his throat and said: “Name is Njall,” he pointed at himself, “Samil my… brother… brother in… blood?,” he frowned, but left it at that, then.

I blinked at him with somewhat wide eyes. Brother in blood?

With a slight frown, he held out a hand towards me: “Pleasure to… gather you”

When I blinked in confusion, he frowned again: “… meet… meet you… princess Gabrielle” he nodded. His accent was worse than Samil’s.

I smiled at him. Politely. And took his hand. He very carefully put his thumb on the back of my hand and made slow up and down motions. I barely felt the pressure and said: “Pleased to meet you, too, Njall. But I am no princess, only the daughter of the ruling man in my nation,” I would not simply inherit a throne, if the people decided against it. Or… would have decided against it. I… this was all very depressing.

“Very pretty… good… ah… ruler… you princess,” he nodded again.

“Ah… thank you…” I didn’t know what else to say. He looked at me, patiently, so I said: “So… may I ask you a few questions?”

Another gruff noise, another nod. Alright.

“… so… you said you are his 'brother in blood’? What does that mean?,” I hoped he understood me.

He frowned for a long moment, staring up at the (too low) ceiling, then said: “Brother… ah… very close, other parents. Choice-brother?,” he raised his eyebrows and looked at me. Seemed like the question was if I understood him.

“… so you… don’t have the same parents, but you are recognised as brothers? Have the same rights as a brother would have, legally?,” because that existed, if parents adopted another kid. Maybe they were simply step-brothers.

And Njall’s face did light up – it was somewhat strange to see that, he didn’t seem to laugh too much -, so I supposed that was the case. If the parents or they decided they were brothers didn’t really matter. So I apparently had a… choice-brother in law.

… I could… live with that? I supposed?

Mh. I continued eating then, and frowned again: “Why did you come here?”

The gruff noise he made now sounded a bit different and he frowned outside: “Not breakfast… Journey long… Eat-together-rule stupid. We scary… Am sorry, princess,” he bowed his head, even untangled his arms for that, holding onto the bench.

What exactly he was sorry for, I did not know, but he looked sincere. Even if he thought I was scared. I was not. But… well… I was glad he… would support me.

“Ah, you… did your best to atone for it?,” if he was sorry? “So eating together is… a rule?,” I had not skipped out on any meals yet, I had to make a decent impression to the people, after all.

He nodded: “Respect… for people. And food. No eating alone”

I tilted my head: “… I do right now?”

He shook his: “I here. But rule stupid? Break… always,” he crossed his arms again. And closed his eyes.

“… well, ah, thank you, then,” it was a bit strange, but alright. He gruffed again.

And otherwise stayed silent from then on. Did not press any questions and was as unthreatening as possible, sometimes hitting his head at the ceiling. Didn’t move, though. Didn’t complain either.

And I might have been glad that he was as far away as possible.

When I’d finished my plate, I held it out to him.

“Good?,” he gestured at the plate before he took it. It somehow… disappeared in his  armor then.

“Ah, yes, it was just what I needed,” a hearty breakfast. They had served… delicacies the five days before.