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Then you give me one, another you just finished. You’re my library, always open for business.
Camilla was late returning to the Master Warden’s rooms. That day, her class of pre-teens were particularly determined to test her patience (she swears she and the Warden were never that annoying). To blow off some steam, she did a bit more training than usual. Maybe an hour, or two, or three more.
Long enough she nearly missed dinner and assumed the Warden had done the same. So she stopped by the cafeteria and picked up two containers of food on the way back.
When she entered the room, Palamedes swiftly looked up from the chaotic, flimsy covered desk in a panic until he saw who it was.
“There you are. I was wondering if I was going have to send someone to the spire to find you.”
“You could always go yourself.” Camilla said, removing her cloak and hanging it neatly on a hook beside the door.
“I suppose, but every time I go to the spire people have opinions on the very minor changes we've made. Besides, I’m afraid I’ve been busy with this report. You know, I think we’re going to have to find a new supplier for grains. The numbers on this one aren’t quite adding up.”
“I can review it later if you like."
"Camilla Hect, you are a mindreader and a lifesaver."
"I know. Did you eat?” She asked.
"Would you believe a yes? There are a few things I need to finish tonight and I have a surprise for you.”
Camilla raised one eyebrow, placing the food on a similarly flimsy covered table. "Is the surprise that you're going to take a dinner break?"
Palamedes sighed a tad dramatically. "The things I do for you Cam."
"Not dying of starvation?"
"But first - "
Palamedes picked up a small green book and went to join her at the table.
"It's from Dulcinea." He said, handing Camilla the book.
“Women and Song.” she read from the gold cursive script on the cover.
“It’s about a sword marriage. The handsome cavalier was dazzling in the dueling circuit when he caught the eye of a beautiful lady from another court. His adept fell for the same lady during the ball later that night. The trouble arises when the cavalier is called away, by the emperor personally, to join the cohort army.”
Camilla hummed, flipping trough the pages of flimsy. “Still worried you’ll lose me to the alexandrites?”
“Camilla dear, I didn’t write this novel, or even choose it.”
She looked up at him as if to say that wasn’t the question. Palamedes sighed, reaching for her hand.
“As cavalier primary they can’t recruit you without my explicit permission.” He leaned forward to press his lips softly to the back of her hand, “And I’m afraid you’re too busy wasting your skills by teaching children how to hold a sword and helping me approve research grants.”
“Truly a waste. However, the emperor himself is calling in this hypothetical. Should I refuse?”
“Dear one, I will go to war with the Emperor Undying. If it means keeping you by my side.”
Camilla raised an eyebrow. “Blasphemy”
“Hypothetical blasphemy. It’d be worth it.”
Her lips twitched up in a small smirk, as she looked into his brilliant clear grey eyes. He reached up and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I assume there was a letter with it." Camilla said.
“It's on the desk. I already read it, sorry I didn't wait for you. But we can start the book tonight, if you like.”
Camilla nodded,“Dinner first.”
Palamedes sighed, falling into a chair in a way Camilla would consider dramatic and he would consider perfectly normal thank you.
******
Half an hour later they had both finished dinner. More precisely, Camilla had finished and Palamedes had eaten a satisfactory half a plate.
Palamedes returned to his desk to complete his work, giving Cam time to read Dulcinea's letter.
My Dear Pals,
This will be a short letter I’m afraid. Tomorrow I am being sent away again “for my health”. I know you agree with them Pal, but fresh air will not cure me. They keep saying I should enjoy my days in the comfort of the countryside, but I really haven’t been feeling very bad recently (thanks to you). Besides, if they really wanted me to enjoy my days, they would let you two visit. Or even better, I could get off planet and visit you! I know you say the recycled air in the library is even worse than Rhodes, but I’m inclined not to listen if it means going out and having some fun and meeting my pals. Alas, this idea has been rejected once again and to Pro and Mia's I shall go. Sometimes I wonder if they’re just trying to get rid of me at Rhodes.
Enough of that. I am also sending a new book. If they won’t let me have dirty magazines, at least they let me read trashy, erotic romance novels. Or at the very least, they can’t stop me. I’ve sent you one of the less explicit ones, but it is very sweet so you'll like it Pal. There’s also swordfighting in it Cam, so I think you’ll like it as well.
Do let me know what you think. I look forward to your next letter. Please address it to my cozy, countryside PRISON.
Yours,
Dulcie
She re-read the letter about three times before Palamedes finally put down his pen.
“What do you think about stealing a shuttle and visiting the Rhodes countryside.” Camilla said, gently folding the letter and placing it in her box with the others.
“I thought you were the practical one.” Palamedes said, “And I was the idealistic dreamer dragging you along.”
“Is that what we're doing? Interesting.”
Palamedes chuckled.
“Well, I'm finished my duties for tonight. Come to bed? I believe I owe you a story.”
Cam tilted her head, considering. “How much am I allowed to critique the swordfighting?”
“As much as you would like dear.”
“Hmm okay” Camilla said, as if there was any chance she would say no.
She followed him into the bedroom. Together they climbed into the large necromancer bed and sat shoulder to shoulder against the headboard.
“Would you like to read? Or should I?” He asked. Palamedes always read, but he loved to give her choices.
“You read.” She said, leaning against him, her head on his shoulder.
He turned to lightly kiss the top of her head. Opening the book, he began to read aloud.