Chapter Text
Tun!” Korsa streaked down the Queen’s Corridor and threw herself at Tirun who swung her up into his arms and held her like a baby. “Are you here to play?” the little girl asked.
Tirun set her down and ruffled her dark hair. “No, Little Princess, I’m on duty in a few minutes.”
“Oh,” Korsa sighed.
“Where did you go this morning? It’s awfully early for any adventures.”
Korsa shrugged. “Papa and Momma have a meeting this morning, so we had to go to breakfast really early with Uncle Steinar and Aunt Lucy and Isak and Katarina.” Her tone made clear her feelings about such an inconvenience.
Tirun smiled. “Well, I hope breakfast was good.”
Korsa nodded.
“Where are your brothers?”
"Kai went to see Mr. Tollak before magic school. And Erik," Korsa made a disgusted noise, “he's being sneaky.”
Just then, Farrin and Rakel came within civilized speaking distance, four guards in tow. Tirun snapped a salute. As Farrin returned the salute, Erik popped out from behind the closest pillar and jumped at Tirun who grabbed the boy and tickled him for a moment before letting him go.
Farrin reminded the boy, “Erik, as soon as Tirun’s shift begins, the games end.”
“Yes, Sir, I know,” Erik barely glanced at his father, but Tirun knew that Erik would obey. After more than six years of Tirun’s accompanying them during countless hours of adventures, schooling, playing, and naps, both children understood the routine.
As Korsa and Erik entered their parents’ apartments, Tirun and Lavante, the newest recruit to the twins’ guard, took up defensive positions outside.
***
Several days later, Tirun knocked on the door of the Snow Queen’s apartments.
Farrin opened the door. “Good evening, Tirun. Come in.”
When Tirun followed Farrin through the door, Rakel smiled widely. “Good evening.”
The guard bowed. “Good evening, Princess Rakel.”
Farrin waved him into a seat. Tirun settled himself then looked at the royals. Suddenly he felt rather tongue tied.
Rakel said, “Did the children behave themselves today? No incidents with Erik?”
“It was a good day, Princess.”
Farrin chuckled and addressed his wife. “In other words, something happened that he’s not willing to divulge.”
“Um. Not exactly, Sir, um–. It was just Erik and Kai and they weren’t doing anything wrong.” Tirun sounded very flustered.
Rakel smiled and waved her hand reassuringly. “There are some things that mamas probably are better off not knowing. What can we do for you this evening?”
“I assume, Sir, that you know of the offer I have received?” he asked Farrin.
“It’s a nice promotion. Are you planning to accept?”
“Leesa and I have discussed it, Sir. She—well—she’s with child.”
“Congratulations, Tirun!” Rakel exclaimed.
Tirun smiled widely. “Thank you, Princess. Of course the schedule and benefits of the new job—” Tirun ducked his blonde head, his cheeks coloring.
“They would be better for a new father,” Rakel finished for him.
“But I can’t accept it. Leesa doesn’t understand.” He brought anguished brown eyes to Farrin’s. “How do I make her understand?”
“Tirun,” Rakel said, “our family has been blessed to have you, but–.”
Farrin put his hand on her knee and shook his head slightly before saying, “There are some things our wives will never truly understand, Tirun. And often that is a good thing.”
Tirun’s shoulders slumped, his normal jovial expression gone. “She’ll be angry.”
Rakel said, “Remind her that sometimes your past will affect your future, but that you want that future, whatever it looks like, to be with her.”
Tirun nodded once and squared his shoulders. “Thank you, Sir, Princess.”
Just then, Erik popped into the room and promptly plopped onto Tirun’s lap. “Hi, Tun! Will you be here tomorrow?” The boy asked, his blue eyes searching the guard’s face.
“Yes, Little Prince. I’ll be here,” he said, promising more than Erik understood.
Farrin asked, “Are you saying goodnight, Erik?”
“Yes, Sir. Aunt Lucy is coming to tell us a story tonight.”
“Then I guess you had better hurry. Give mama a kiss then get back to the nursery.”
Erik pushed off Tirun’s knee, threw his arms around his mother’s neck, and kissed her. Moving on, he gave his father the same treatment. Finally, he hugged Tirun before running for the door.
Korsa came in as her brother left. She was teary. “Mommy, I can’t find Luvly.”
Rakel stood. “If you both will excuse me.” Rakel reached for Korsa’s hand and headed to the nursery to rescue the lost toy.
Farrin waited for them to leave, then he leveled a look at Tirun. “Do you want to be released from your oath? Rakel would release you if you wish.”.
“No, Sir. It would rip my heart out. I just wish Leesa would accept this.”
“Give her time and be understanding of her position—even if you can’t do what she’s asking,” Farrin advised.
“Thank you, Sir.”
“You’re dismissed, Corporal. Good luck.”
When Rakel returned, Farrin was deep in thought. She sat beside him. “What is it, Love?”
“He can’t break his oath to you, Rakel.”
“Of course he can!”
Farrin shook his head. “It’s dishonorable, but I do wonder if—”
“What?”
“I’m wondering if Tirun could be in charge of Erik’s guard?”
“Just Erik?”
“Halvor has already discussed separating the children’s guard. Perhaps Tirun could become Erik’s guard the way I am yours.”
“Would that help him?” Rakel asked.
“The schedule is predictable. I don’t know that it would change his rank or pay.”
Rakel put her head on his shoulder. “I am sorry for him, but I’m selfishly very glad. He’s such a wonderful companion for the children. I don’t worry about them when Tirun is on duty.”
Farrin raised his eyebrows. “You worry with the others?”
“Not exactly, but now that Erik’s magic has manifested, Tirun being with him makes me feel less nervous. Erik has no qualms about trying anything. It’s scary.”
Farrin nodded. “I know what you mean. I hope Tirun and Leesa can get it worked out.” He slapped his thighs and stood. “For now, we’re due in the library.”
***
The next day, Rakel received a request for an audience from Tirun’s wife, Leesa; hence, two days later, the women sat across from one another in the Queen’s Drawing Room. Leesa’s curly auburn hair, dark blue eyes, and sun-kissed skin stood in stark contrast to Rakel’s overly-light coloring.
Leesa glanced at Rakel then promptly dropped her eyes again. She said, “Princess, I asked to speak with you, but I was wrong. I should go.”
Rakel laid a cool hand on the younger girl’s arm. “Please stay and have tea with me.”
Leesa nodded and settled back in her chair as Rakel poured her a cup of mint tea. After the girl had sipped her tea for several minutes, Rakel said, “Being married to a former gladiator can be difficult sometimes.”
Leesa’s eyes filled with tears. “Yes.” Her eyes flicked to the corner where Farrin stood.
Rakel followed her gaze, smiling at her husband. “Farrin, would you move to the hallway for now?”
Hesitating for only a heartbeat, Farrin nodded, kissed Rakel’s upturned face, and left the room.
“Now, please tell me why you’re here.”
“Princess, I wanted to. But I can’t. It wouldn’t be appropriate.” The girl bit her lip and looked up at the princess from under her eyelashes.
“Farrin has nightmares almost every night. One night, he nearly killed me.”
Leesa gasped and her face went white. “What did you do?”
“We’ve found some creative solutions.” Rakel smiled gently. “I love him, Leesa, even though he can’t change his past or the problems that stem from it.”
Leesa looked away. After a seemingly unending silence, she said, “You know about Tirun’s promotion?”
Rakel nodded.
“He says he can’t accept it–even though it would be better for our family. He says it's about Sarthe–about things that happened before he met me. But he’s not under that oppression anymore. He’s here. He’s free, he’s trusted, he’s loved. Why is he still letting his past control his decisions? How often will his past control our future?” Leesa broke down in angry tears.
“Every day for the rest of your life,” Rakel said quietly.
Leesa looked up in shock.
“Your own past will also affect your lives for good or bad. Your family traditions, your remembered joys and fears. Our childhoods often direct our futures.”
Leesa looked thoughtful. “Like the fact that I don’t want an open fireplace without a grate.” She showed Rakel a burn scar that covered much of her right arm.
“Or the fact that I won’t hear of my children being treated as typical royal children–isolated from commoners. Friends are too precious.”
Leesa brought the conversation full circle. “Why won’t he accept this promotion?”
“The why doesn’t matter. He matters,” Rakel said.
“Do you know?”
“Farrin understood and explained it to me the best he could. I still don’t truly understand but I trust Farrin.”
Leesa stayed quiet and looked away, tears streaming. She finally asked, “Is he good at being a guard?”
Rakel’s face lit up. “No one else does the job as well as he does. Have you ever seen your husband with my children?”
Leesa shook her head.
“Does he work Friday?”
Another shake.
“Why don’t you and Tirun come on Friday evening for dinner. You’ll get a taste of what a wonderful father Tirun will be.”