A New Pinecone

The few people angered by Rosamund's announcement to the point they looked as if they were about to strangle him quickly calmed down when Adanita stood behind him and placed her hand on the back of his chair. With the duel resolved, the numerous guests of Baroness Mayberry spent only enough time for usual niceties before rushing home to prepare for the oncoming event. Adanita may not have won, but she surely earned the respect of Viscountess Kuplung. The rumors of this duel will surely spread through the city in the coming days. Perhaps she will even be invited to more gatherings.

She offered him a hand to help him into the carriage. She was smiling at him brightly, clearly still giddy from her success and feeling a bit silly. He accepted it and took a seat inside. To his surprise, she sat down next to him. He wondered if she did it intentionally. Surely, if he entered the carriage second, he'd sit down across from her. Well, maybe he didn't mind at all. He only worried if she really was fine with that...

"I'd like to congratulate you on your victory," he started.
"I was under the impression that it was a draw," she said with a wide grin.
He continued, undeterred. "You made a new friend, Captain. Or, perhaps a rival. In either case, I am glad you had fun with the ladies." She deserved friends. As many as she liked, men or women, she deserved all the company in this world.
"I hope to see Viscountess again. I think she's quite the character."
"It is safe to assume she wanted to embarrass you at the start of the duel," he agreed. "But you've more than proven yourself to her. When you throw that tea party of yours, you should invite her. I didn't want to be the one to invite people, by the by, but the manor is always open to your friends. If you want to have a gathering there, feel free to have them come."
"Thank you, Rosamund. And thank you for being here today."
"Of course. I wouldn't have missed this for the world." Hmm... she deserved more. "I am very proud of you," he said. "You did a marvelous job. You were beautiful."
"Thank you."

He made her uncomfortable, somewhat. He was too formal. She looked away through the carriage window, slightly blushing. He needed to- hm. He needed to chill. "And I'm also glad the glasses served you well," he added, trying to give her something to work with.
"Are you trying to claim a piece of my success?" she teased.
"Perhaps. I do deserve some recognition here."
"Really? You are claiming you helped me solve this duel? Because I saw how you were looking at us while we discussed the tasks. Be honest. You were completely lost, weren't you?"
"Perhaps mathematical arts aren't my strongest suit..."
"Why, I think you couldn't even solve that little geometry task Lady Ansatz gave us."
"And I am starting to think I should ask you to spar with me in mathematics, too."
"So I can beat you on two fronts?"
"I can't let you have such a low opinion of me, Captain. I should at least be allowed an opportunity to prove myself."
"Is that so? Well, fine. What is... one plus one?"
He put a hand over his mouth, deep in thought. He kept his most formal and serious face as he spoke. "I do believe it's three."
She burst into laughter and he offered her a smile.

She was beautiful when she was happy. He wanted to see her laugh more...

"Which reminds me," he said, breaking himself out of thought. "The glasses were just one of two presents that arrived for you yesterday. I had lady Elodie make a little something for you."
"The lady that runs the salon where you got Ekliptik's clothes?"
"That's the one."
"Another outfit, then?"
"Not at all. I won't tell you what it is, I refuse to ruin the surprise."
"And how do you know I'll like whatever it is?"
"Because it is a present from me, of course. I am giving it to you as my congratulations. You must like it, even if you think it's horrid. Those are the rules of high society."
"And here I thought you truly cared for my happiness," she dramatically said.
"Good gods, wherever could you get such an idea? I thought I played the part of a villainous governor quite well," he mused.
"I think I could give you a few tips on how to really frighten someone," she said, leaning over him.

His heart skipped a beat.

"Bold of you to assume I need them," he replied, standing his ground with a cold expression.
She fell for it. For just a second, she thought he was serious. Then the moment passed, and they both laughed it away.

She moved away again, giving him space. So considerate ♥
He loosened his cravat slightly and put his cane on the other seat before leaning back.
"You seem a bit tired."
"You spent the night awake. Pots and kettles, Captain," he replied. "But yes, I am. The room was stuffy and I am an introvert by nature."
"I don't think that word thinks what you think it means."
Oops. Wrong world. "I am blessed, you know? And besides, it wasn't what I meant to say. I get easily tired when surrounded by people. Just because I can handle myself in social situations doesn't mean I enjoy them."
"Am I tiring you too, then?"
"No. Never."

"Good."

She made herself comfortable in her seat, taking her hat and swords off and tossing them by his cane. She leaned away from him. "I'll leave you be, then. I hope you feel better soon."
He gave her a smile. Such a sweet, good woman. "Thank you for your consideration. If you need anything, let me know."
"As always."

He took a deep breath, clearing his head from today's events. Too many things at once, as usual. The carriage slowly made its way through the city. Rosamund watched the people go about their lives, enjoying the white noise of indistinct chatter and clamor. The carriage, as rickety as they all were, was somewhat lulling him today. Adanita took the chance to lean on the side of the carriage, trying to make herself as comfortable as she could. She seemed like she was going to take a bit of a nap. By his side...

Things were going well, weren't they?

He closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the relaxing ride.


Oh. He fell asleep. He startled her when he leaned on her, she quickly straightened out make him more comfortable. The carriage was exiting the city now, the road was only going to get bumpier. She wrapped an arm around his waist to keep him from falling over. Was he alright?

Gods, he really must've been exhausted by the nobles. She saw him getting drained by people before, and the room was stuffy. They spent quite some time there, too... And he was up early this morning, because of her. No wonder he was tired enough to fall asleep like this. Well, if he needed rest, she didn't mind. She ignored fluttering in her stomach. She was an adult woman, she was just keeping him safe. He could fall and hit his head if they ran over a bigger rock or something. And she didn't want him to get hurt. She promised herself she'd protect him for as long as needed, and then leave him be. Until then, she didn't mind this at all. Friendship with Rosamund was something worth cherishing and she was flattered he was comfortable enough to fall asleep right next to her. She didn't mind.

Gods. He had the face she wouldn't mind waking up to every morning for the rest of her life.

Well, too bad he was off-limits.

She continued looking out the window instead, carefully holding him. He stirred a bit, but didn't wake up just yet. His hair was loosening again. She wondered if he was growing it out. When they first met, it was reaching only a bit below his shoulders, but in the past few months it got longer, while his beard carefully stayed the exact same length. Perhaps that was his vanity, too. She supposed a proper nobleman should have long hair, whether or not he comes from this world or another. A lock of it escaped from the ribbon and she carefully tucked it behind his ear. He should be comfortable. He should be happy and well.

She was just about to return to trying to look outside when she realized his spine got stiffer.

"Rosamund? Did I wake you up?" she quietly asked.

He slowly opened his eyes, pale as a wall. Oh. She frightened him, didn't she. He was terrified of her. Who wouldn't be? She immediately let him go, deeply regretting everything. She should've- just woke him up. Then she wouldn't have to see this expression on him. She looked away, out the window again, trying to ignore her heart cracking in half.

"Adanita, I am really, truly sorry for this," he tried. She was feeling dizzy. Why was he apologizing now, damn it? "I didn't think I was this tired. I'm sorry for putting you into such an uncomfortable position-"
She cut him off by grabbing him by the wrist and held him in place, stopping him from getting up.

Was that what his face was all about? She could strangle him on the spot.

"Rosamund. What in the five hells is wrong with you?" she asked him.
"Pardon?"
"Are you seriously apologizing for falling asleep on me right now?"
"I- yes. I am really sorry, Captain. I didn't want to, I didn't mean to bother you-"
"Bother me? How?" He dozed off for less than fifteen minutes! No! Less than ten!
"Well, I..."
She could see the cogs turning in his brain as he was trying to talk his way out of his nonsense again. She wasn't letting him go, though. If he dares to apologize for nothing, he better be saying what that nothing is. Out. Loud.

He let out a defeated sigh. "Captain, I apologize in advance for how this may sound to you. I am starting to become worried that, since you spend so much time with me... that you started to feel obligated to do so. I am well aware of our positions and I don't want you to think that- that you need to do something for me to have me continue cooperating with you."
"Something, Rosamund?" Oh she could pinpoint exactly what he was thinking. So, what? Because she liked to spend time with him, because she liked it when he was teaching her how to dance, suddenly that meant she was selling herself away?! "Anyone else implying something like that would already have their teeth punched in, you know." Bark and don't bite, she told herself. She can make it through this, she can stay calm. She can use words like a civilized person-
"I'm sorry."

She grabbed his other wrist and pressed him against the carriage wall. It seemed he was too surprised to resist, and she planned to use it to get through his thick, idiotic skull.

"Lord Governor," she quietly said. "If I thought even for a moment that you were the kind of a man who would try to trade favours in this way, I would have gotten all the information I needed from you and threw you back into the sea. The reason why you are alive right here, right now, is because I know you are a good man. Despite the nonsense that seems to spawn in your brain on occasion. I'd trust you with my soul." Stay calm, stay calm. She can do it. "You are too intelligent to act this stupid. You fell asleep on my shoulder, you didn't try to grab me or to kiss me. Get a damn grip. And stop apologizing for everything."
"I'm- hm. Noted for future reference," he said, thoroughly shaken. He looked like he was trying to keep his face under control.
"Are you afraid of me?"
"No! Not at all."
"Good. And I am not afraid of you, either. And if I ever feel uncomfortable in your presence I will..."
"...let me know?" he tried after a moment. He brightly smiled at her, leaving her thoroughly confused. No, she had to focus.
"And when I am too close and bother you, you will..."
"Please release me now. I understand," he gently said, still smiling.

She immediately let him go and retreated, giving him space. She was careful with him, she didn't leave a mark on him or let him get injured. He- he was fine, right? He was rubbing his wrists in deep thought. The cursed image was returning to her, the tide wanted to overwhelm her again. She was fighting to stay calm. Did she frighten him? This time for real? She didn't want to, she just wanted to drag him out of his damn head. He was gentle and patient with her and she couldn't even do that much for him. She only knew one way to cut nonsense at the root. She should've been kinder, less direct, she shouldn't have grabbed him like that-

"Thank you," he said.

Hah... and so, the moment passed.

"I'm sorry," she quietly said. "But you don't get to imply I'd turn myself into a prostitute for you. Or that I'd ever allow you to even try something like that. You know how easily I could snap you in half, for gods' sakes. Why do you think I'd permit this?!"
"It's not about physical power-"
"Lord Governor. I have an army."

Oh, so that is what gets through to him. Hah.

"I apologize for my insinuations."
"You are too correct. Stop fretting so much about every step you take towards me."
"I understand."
Did he? "Are you apologizing for falling asleep on me?"
"No."
He did. Gods, he was such a headache sometimes. Although, she supposed this also stemmed from how much he cared.

"Are you angry?" he asked.
"Aye. You?"
"No. I'd prefer if you didn't grab me like this without a warning. Although I can understand why you found it necessary, it was... inappropriate."
"Alright. I apologize. Could've used words. Could've been better. I'm sorry I scared you."
"You didn't. I wasn't afraid at all, you simply caught me by surprise."
"I'd have let you go if you asked. Or struggled."
"I know. I asked and you did. I wanted to see what you were going to do and say so I didn't react. I didn't... mind it. I accept your apology, and please warn me if you plan to do something like this twice."
"So you plan to continue acting like an idiot? I don't see myself grabbing you for anything less."
He gave her an apologetic smile. She turned away from him again.

"It seems," he quietly tried. "It seems that we are both terrified of hurting each other. At least, I know I am. I want to see you happy, I like it when you smile, and the thought that I could do or say something that might cause you pain freezes me on the spot. But that's no way to try to work with people." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "People hurt each other all the time, mostly by accident. It is ridiculous how much I worry about it. If I do something you dislike, promise to let me know immediately. That way, I won't have anything to fear, right?"

"Aye," she replied quietly. Trying not to think while her mind was trying its hardest to think everything at once. Gods... she was such a mess.

And she didn't scare him. She'll repeat it like a mantra, until all her dark thoughts are gone. They crawled around her mind, making themselves home in the cracks on her heart and spirit.

Maybe he should be scared, she thought.

Or maybe not. He took her hand in his, and she could feel her mind clearing. As if she was being brought back to her body, somehow, his hand gentle as a ray of moonlight.

Hah.

She slouched in her seat slightly, bringing herself to the same height as him. She kept herself stable by pushing against the opposite seat and wrapped an arm around Rosamund's shoulders, careful not to pull on his hair. There. This was better. He leaned his head against her again. Good.

"This seems like a perfect opportunity to come to a conclusion we're friends," he said, making himself comfortable.
She gave him a side eye. "Did you think we weren't?"
He let out a laugh. "I didn't want to be presumptuous."
"Gods, you are impossible."
"Impossibly comfortable, if I may say."
"Hah. If anything, I should be the one unsure if you truly like to spend time with me, you know. I'm the one always visiting you."
"I don't want to disturb you during your work..."
"And what should I think about that? I visit you while you're working. And you drop everything to spend time with me. Don't you think I'd do the same for you? Come see me once in a while, too, damn it. I refuse to chase you around."
"Fair point. Allow me to bring your present to you, then."
"Hmpf. And what if I'm busy?"
"I'm afraid I'll have to distract you, then."
"Good."

She didn't let him go until they went through the manor gates. She didn't want to cause a scandal, or start the gossip mill again. What insane people the nobles were, to think the slightest bits of affection meant a love affair. At least it seemed she got through to her lunatic. What a fool...


What a fool indeed! The present he was so excited about turned out to be a pillow-like item made out of velvet and filled with cotton. He gave her a pinecone, some thirty centimeters long and accompanied by an equally soft little bit of pine branch. The needles were made out of bright green ribbons. It was soft...

"Do you like it?" he asked with a smile.
"I'm not exactly sure what it is," she admitted.
"It's a stuffed toy. Lady Elodie had a lot of leftover fabric so I suggested she should try to make them. They are very popular among children - it's one of those projects I mentioned before. I thought that your pinecone will get damaged over time, so I thought you should have something more durable."
"A toy for a jewel?" she asked, smiling back.
"I'd say that is a fair exchange. And I'd say it's more huggable than a pinecone. In my world, people used toys like these for comfort while sleeping."
His world must be obsessed with toys. First those rubber ducks, now these. The pinecone was so soft, though. She couldn't resist, she pressed it against her cheek. Soft ♥
"I love it."

He smiled brightly, looking silly and gleeful. He put his hand over his face, getting himself under control, and cleared his throat.
"On second thought," he said, "It occurred to me that this is indeed an inappropriate present for you. I can't give a toy to the Pirate Queen," he teased. He raised his hand to take it back and she stretched her arm high up, far above his reach.
"Too late, it's mine now," she said with a smile, happy to play along.
"Goodness! The Queen is robbing me!"
"In broad daylight, too. What will you do now?"
"Hmm... Well, I suppose I cannot do much about it. Woe is me, and the toy is yours."
"You give up too easy, Lord Governor. It's no fun."
"I can see when something is out of my reach," he lightly said. He reached for it anyway, standing on his toes and holding onto her shoulder for balance.
"Hah! It was a trap all along!" She wrapped an arm around his waist and tossed the toy on her bed. He tried to go after if, laughing as she pulled him into a hug.

"So that's what I need to do, then. Beat Khamil in court... or give you a present."
"It's a good present. I do have standards," she said.
"I'll keep them in mind."
"I do hope you don't think of me as a child, considering what you gave me."
"Certainly not," he said, hugging her back. "I just thought... it could help when you're alone."


"Thank you."