Chapter Text
Matins
I gave a tight smile. Before I removed the blue apron, hung it up and hurried out of the workshop to where Lord Ashcombe was waiting for me.
“Let’s go.” Ashcombe said, “You have to change.”
***
“IT’s important to have multiple ways to defend yourself,” Ashcombe had said. “Guns run out of ammunition as you are well aware.”
It was something I couldn’t argue with, but still there was something about the gun, the kick back the sound of the explosion that drew me to it than any of the other weapons.
***
Tom looked at me hesitantly. “Are you ok.”
I shrugged. Our respective apprenticeships – so to speak – took a lot of time away to just hang out. It worried me that the more Tom’s impressed people the further away we’d get from each other.
***
“Excellent, excellent!” Charles said. “This boy solves crime in his spare time can you believe it?”
“Twice, your majesty.”
***
I looked to my right, and to my surprise, Sally was there. Her auburn curls tied back with a beautiful emerald ribbon that went well with the green dress she was wearing.
“Sally!” I cried pulling her in for a hug and spinning her around. It had only been a day since I last saw her, but with how are schedules worked it could be another week before I saw her again.
***
“What is it?” Anne asked.
“Thomas.” Ashcombe said dropping his hands, “he’s looking around lost and Christopher isn’t with him.” Ashcombe looked around, he couldn’t see Christopher anywhere.
***
As he exited the room he gestured to a guard that was just outside and ordered him to make sure that nothing came in or out of the room except for himself and the King.
“Yes. Sir.”
***
Smith stepped toward him.
“You’re supposed to be guarding the king.” He growled.
***
Gratefully, Christopher was still awake with his friends when he returned.
Young Sara-Claire was with him she curtsied to Ashcombe before all but flying out of the room.
***
“I can handle myself.” Anne said. “I may not be as great with swords as you. But I can still hold my own.”
“I know.” Ashcombe said. “Just…” He stopped words failing him.
***
“Where are we going?”
“To see his Majesty”