Nilo was grateful as they moved inside, the man clearly having not dressed for the snowy weather. The prince was pleased when the woman started to defend herself, not because he believed she couldn’t, but because it was another voice stating her case. He knew the woman would not be punished heavily, given as she had the crown staff in her pocket, but if they somehow confirmed it was her that did it? The man had no clue what would happen and didn’t really want to know either.

It was good she had a believable story for the bloody sleeves, given as injuries were probably commonplace on the ground and she had the tendency to be a mother hen when it came to her soldiers. It was also believable that she spent the night with him, given the fact she had been a rather doting partner for the entirety of his stay. Yes, it was plausible she had left, but did Nilo think she did? No. The woman's points were valid and Nilo hoped they strengthened each other's arguments, the prince not looking for this to blow out of proportion.

Now the prospect of being framed… that was a particular one. Nilo had never expected to find betrayal among those employed at the castle, but it was a solid idea. To get her dagger, someone would need access to her room and be aware of where she stayed. To kill the man, they would need access to the cell. It could also be a part of the reason Gennadius was currently the only suspect because no other suspicious figures had been found.

That being said, there should be a new sense of urgency among them if there was a traitor in their midst. Not to mention the newfound stress on Nilo. What if this person was going to finish the assassin's job? If they just seemed like your average staff member, could they come to the infirmary? His eyes fell to the floor, downcast as new worries formed in his head. Nilo was already scared enough to leave the safety of the castle following his recovery, but what if the halls weren’t safe either?

It was her decision to stay with him that brought him back, gaze finding hers, secretly thankful. It meant a lot to the man, her decision to stay with him. The man would’ve assumed she wanted to be involved, to find the person she believed tried to stain her reputation, but she didn’t. Instead, she had chosen to remain by his side and it was warming, even if the man wouldn’t have minded her getting involved. The smile he offered her was a soft one, before he turned his attention back to their company.

“I agree that we should look into an alternative suspect,” Nilo told them, feeling a little antsy himself, “If there is someone that has access to the castle and has the intent to sabotage, we should be incredibly worried. It is clear they do not mind killing, so we should be alert.” It was an awful thing to think of, having a mole in the ranks, but it was a valid option, “I need the guards looking out for a suspicious individual and any other information that we discover must stay among us. If the servants get ahold of it will spread like wildfire.”

A hand ran through his hair again, the only testament to his anxiety. Perhaps the man needed to invest in a personal guard again, even if he had sworn off having one again. No, he wouldn’t make that decision yet. “I’ll come by later today to hear about it all, but for now, I think you men have an investigation to return to. I wouldn’t want to keep you away.” That and Nilo wanted to talk to Gennadius privately to hear how she truly felt about it all.

“We’ll do our best to get to the bottom of this quickly. I’m sure Darius will cooperate with us since this “traitor” route seems to point to his guard.” Damien told them, not convinced of it all just yet, but willing to go along with the idea since it meant Gennadius would be innocent. “We should get back Theophilus, the others are waiting.” The raven-haired man glanced over to his companion before beginning to lead the way out, the whole lot of them unsure and skeptical of the entire situation.

Nilo turned back to Gennadius, the woman his priority as always. “Of course you can wear one,” The prince replied softly, finally answering her question, “I think I have an extra button up in my room with your name on it.” He added with a hint of humor, hoping to lighten her mood. It wasn’t every day you were accused of betraying your kingdom by your friends and the man honestly felt bad for her. Nilo hoped Damien and Theophilus figured out a way to prove her innocent.

“It’ll work itself out, I promise. They’ll figure it out, they’re good men and none of them are out to get you. You have thoroughly charmed my staff.” The man reassured after a moment, a hand coming up to cup her cheek, “And if you want to join them in finding out what really happened at any point, I won’t mind. Flower’s here to keep me company for whenever you go out galavanting.” He told her with a soft chuckle, reaching down to pet the fluffy canine, “So shall we head to my room? Get you a fresh shirt?” He questioned, giving a slight tilt of his head.

Theophilus had merely nodded at the conversation, reverting back to his usual quiet but clearly making plans, self. His gaze on the woman had softened, though there was the ever-lingering look of suspicion in them. A traitor was a valid option, but it also seemed a stretch as well. But, it was important to follow all leads so he was willing to go that route as well. Whatever it took. So as Damien left, so did the military advisor, moving in-step with him.

Gennadius couldn’t help releasing a soft breath of relief with the two gone, feeling the tension in the air settle some, though there were certainly a lot more concerns that came with the new possibility. But, as ever, Nilo’s humor caused her to crack a smile. “All your shirts technically have my name on them, you know,” she teased lightly in return, it helping to take off some of the weight of the accusations that had just been placed on her shoulders. They made her nervous in so many ways, from leaving Nilo’s side in case there was someone in the ranks, to ever being out of anyone’s sight so she would always have an alibi until this was all resolved.

For the moment that his hand had cupped her cheek, she leaned into it, grateful for his support and understanding that he always seemed to have abundance of. “Yes, let’s head over there,” she agreed, falling to walk beside him, though her hand fell to the hilt of her sword, where it used to constantly sit when she had been his guard. In fact, she was actually one step back from him in what she would consider a prime position to keep an eye on everything around them.

“I don’t think I should join them,” Gennadius admitted as they walked, shaking her head slightly. “As much as I want to be part of finding who did this and who wants me out of the picture, I’m afraid involving myself will create too many openings.” It was all such a tangled mess now that she was getting a headache trying to keep everything in proportion and figured out in a nice understandable way. Because right now, none of it made that much sense to her other than she was framed and Nilo was in more danger than he had been before.

Her free hand ran through her hair again as she let out another breath, “And if you don’t mind, I would like to stay close to you. If someone really is behind this, it was someone who had access and I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone. Not unless you would rather I assign one of my soldiers to you. Not any of the new recruits, which I will ask Theophilus to comb through too, but one of the men I’ve known since the campaign. There are a few left who would do you well. But that’s only if you would rather me not do it... which I could understand after those accusations.”

It really all did boil down to the fact that her best friends had just believed, and still partially felt it possible, that she had basically committed treason. It amazed her that they hadn’t made a fuss about her staying near Nilo. But then again, she had no reason to ever hurt him, and even if they had, she was sure the prince would have bit their heads off considering he had leapt to her defense before she had even explained herself.

As they came to his room, she moved in front of him to swing the door open and look inside before they both entered. It was just in her habit to check everything now that she was concerned. Though, once they were safely inside and the door was closed, she sank onto the edge of the bed. “I know I am capable of killing...” she started softly, staring at her hands, “but I would never do that. Never. I don’t take joy in doing it, and even when I am angry, I usually have the sense not to murder someone because of my feelings.”

Her dark eyes lifted to find Nilo’s gaze, “The closest I came was Caspian, and that was after I had watched nearly my entire battalion get slaughtered. And yes, I was angry at the assassin, and scared about you, but I still had the sense to bring him in to get questioned. Why would they think that now, of all times, I would kill him? When were so close to getting answers... Nilo, I’m not a killer. That’s what you keep telling me at least.”

Gennadius reached her hand out to find his, “I know I am brash and can have a temper, but I would have thought my friends would have had more faith in me. I don’t think if you were there, they would have been as convinced.” And yet another sigh was released as she pulled out the ring, spinning it between her fingers as a small smile crept to her face. “You always have believed in me, you know that? You always have.” The smile moved across her face to be broader, knowing that if everyone else turned their back on her, Nilo would always believe her, and he was the one who mattered at the end of the day.

Releasing his hand, she reached up to his hair, doing her best to ruffle it. “But I don’t think it will do you and I any good to worry about it. What I think we should worry about is getting you something to eat and seeing if we can work a little magic and maybe get this haircut and unruly again. What do you say? And then, if you really want to know what is going on, we can go see if Theophilus and Damien have discovered anything else.”

Her smile stayed across her features as her hand moved to gingerly rest on his torso, being mindful not to put any pressure. “If you are uncertain about the nurses, I could always reset your bandaging when you need it. I’m pretty good at it, you know.”

“I don’t mind you staying with me,” Nilo spoke as they approached his room, “I don’t want a guard anyways and if you’d rather be here it works out for both of us. I get to have company and you can have your own peace of mind.” He winked but playfully rolled his eyes as the woman opened the door before him, before following her into the room with Flower at his heels, the dog settling on her bundle of sheets, tired from her earlier jaunt in the snow.

Nilo stood in front of Gennadius as she sunk down onto the bed, looking a little defeated from the events that had just transpired and he couldn’t blame her. The man watched her with warm eyes as the woman spoke softly, telling him that she wasn’t a murderer, although he wasn’t sure if it was more for him or herself. He honestly felt bad for her because out of everyone, Gennadius deserved such accusations the least. The woman may have her reckless streaks, but she was kind and self-sacrificing. He just wished the others had taken the time to think about that before making their accusations. “Yes Gennadius, I have and always will believe in you, especially when I know better.” He promised, hand giving hers a reassuring squeeze.

His own face brightened as the woman smiled once more and he bent his head as she reached up to ruffle his hair. “You are correct in saying it will do us no good to worry,” Nilo agreed, shaking his head to move his hair out of his eyes, “but if it’s any consolation, they seemed rather conflicted. I’m sure seeing a dead man with a dagger in his chest when he was up and talking the day before was rather jarring, especially when they had just made a breakthrough. I’m sure they were frustrated, shocked, and were simply pursuing the only lead they had. We know those men, Gennadius, they just needed time to take everything in.” He told her, although it would be the last he spoke of the matter, for now, seeing as the woman wished to pursue another topic of conversation.

“There’s nothing wrong with my hair.” The man laughed, unaware she preferred it in its usual unruly fashion. Now, it was tamer than it has ever been, not that it had been his intention. Typically the stress of getting his bandages changed and seeing the wounds left him in a rather dismal mood and his hair was forgotten, hence it’s currently unloved state. “There’s just been no point in doing it,” A shocking statement, coming from the man who was the human incarnate of a peacock, “but it could use a trim, I do agree, and if it would please you, I can always throw it up like I used to.” It had gotten a little too long during his stay, although it wasn’t to the point where he couldn’t do it if he wanted.

“Food also sounds nice, although I feel like I shouldn’t be walking around the castle like this,” Nilo chuckled, looking at his infirmary attire, “but Augustus won’t let me wear my usual pants, the man claims they’re too fitted for my hip wound.” He huffed, casting a longing glance at his slacks, “That and he still wants to look at the wound on the back of my leg even though it’s closed up.” Oh yes, the physician still insisted on looking at it, despite the fact it was a small, angry red scar on the back of his leg.

As fingers splayed across his torso, Nilo looked down, endeared by her offer, but knowing full well he was going to decline. The man didn’t want her to see what had become of his formerly unmarred torso. “It’s alright, I won’t bother you with that. Gwen does it most of the time, but I’ll make sure she’s my everyday. She’s a nice woman.” Nilo explained, sitting down next to her. In most cases, he would have preferred Gennadius over a nurse, but this time, the man was going through an unusual bout of self-consciousness. For how long it would last, he did not know.

“Kind of wish Damien would have stayed with her, but I am positive the man has a new secret lover. He’s been more… relaxed? I don’t know if that’s the right word. He’s still prickly and aloof, but there’s something different. I bet he’s whoring.” Nilo joked, well aware his last statement was hypocritical, but it was in humor, “Or it could just be having Miss Isa around, I’m not really sure.” He added with a shrug, “Speaking of her, I believe she’s convinced him to stay in town for our wedding, whenever we get around to that.” Nilo laughed softly, leaning back on his palms, face tilting back to look at the ceiling.

It was then the man perked up again, remembering her earlier request for a shirt to replace the bloodstained one she currently wore. Nilo walked over to the armchair, pants still sitting awkwardly around his boots. Currently, the man had a pair of slacks and a button-up strewn across it, the man grabbing the shirt before presenting it to her. “Your requested clothing, my darling. Are you going to want me completely out of the room or will I just be turning around?” Nilo asked with a soft laugh, a lopsided grin on his lips.

Her gaze gentled to one full of sympathy when he mentioned seeing no point in doing his hair. It was so unlike him in a million ways. But, it did bring her some hope that at least he cared how his pants looked. If he had been unconcerned about that as well, she might have become beyond concerned, though she felt there was still some reason to be. But she would do her best to simply keep an eye on the man as best she could.

“Gwen is very nice, I do agree. If you would rather her do it, I can understand.” The woman gently patted his leg, wanting to give him the space to at least get his bandages changed without her if that was what he wanted. He seemed to do it that way anyway, as when she took short breaks, she would return to him having gotten his bandages all redone and completely fresh. The woman hadn’t even gotten the chance to see how well he was healing, the last time she saw his wounds being the first day she sat with him.

At the mention of Damien ‘whorring’ Gennadius was hard pressed not to laugh, though a chuckle escaped her. “I can tell you, that I am pretty sure he has found the one for him. But! I am not one to gossip so I will not give you a name like some infirmary nurse who has nothing better to do. Just know that I am decently sure Isa is not the one putting him in a good mood but a special somebody that owns him heart and soul. Our dear Damien I do believe has been leashed.” She gave a smile that said she knew much more than she was saying, or at least assumed.

The mention of their wedding had her grinning more, looking forward to that day. “I guess I have a maid of honor after all,” she laughed which reminded her that she might actually get a few maids instead of having to fight Nilo for his groomsmen. “Of course, I also have Gwen and Beatrice...” She paused and looked at the prince before giving a sheepish shrug, “a friend...” Gennadius knew she was going to have to start working on the way she always seemed to let things slip unintentionally.

“But yes! The shirt!” the woman said rather emphatically to divert attention. Rocking onto her feet, she took the shirt that was handed to her, looking it over as if she was inspecting the fabric. “I suppose this one will do,” she sighed dramatically, turning it over a few times before shaking her head, “the material is sufficient.” Oh, she knew it was expensive material, hence why she purposefully implied that it wasn’t, just for the fun of it.

“And there is no way I am letting you leave this room without me. Turn your injured little behind around and memorize the wall.” Gennadius spun her finger in a circle, staring him straight in the eyes before spinning around herself so they had their backs to each other. It wasn’t something she was overly concerned about, her modesty for her upper torso having actually grown since being with the man. She remembered their first meeting when she had simply turned and offered him her shirt, throwing her cloak on instead.

No, there was nothing revealing from the back and she wasn’t overly concerned the man would get much if he peeked. Assuming that he did, though she wasn’t ruling it out. He was Prince Nilo Van Aslan now wasn’t he? But she knew he respected her. “If I even think you are looking, I’m going to tell Augustus I saw you fall and your leg looked like it bent weird so he better put you on restrictions,” she huffed, pulling off her shirt and sliding into the oversized ones, attaching all the buttons in their proper spots.

Turning, she spread her arms out as if going on display. “Now you may look. We are officially matching vagabonds, though I believe I am the better looking of the two,” she teased playfully. Stepping over to him, she tilted her head to the side as she looked up to him, hand coming gently to his chest again, ever aware of what lay beneath. “Hmmm... perhaps on second thought, you are the more handsome one. Strong shoulders, stunning eyes, straight jaw...” Gennadius had planned on continuing but she stopped there, hand coming to trace over the area.

Now, she knew for a fact he had not done any shaving. “Nilo...” Her fingers moved across his jaw, an amused expression coming over her face, “You just have a smooth jaw, don’t you?” She couldn’t help her soft chuckle, dark eyes sparkling warmly. Oh, she couldn’t care less if the man couldn’t grow a beard, but it was funny that it seemed he had been covering up the fact. “I bet you don’t have to shave at all except maybe once a month or so?” Another chuckle, though she had moved to wrap her arms around him so he couldn’t escape her.

Nilo scoffed as she treated his shirt as if it were a sub-optimal choice instead of a garment that was tailored specifically for him with soft, expensive fabric. Granted, the man wasn’t too high and mighty for civilian clothes, but he simply preferred the look of what he wore. The man laughed as the woman turned him around. “Little?” The man asked with another scoff, “I’m much taller than you are!” He joked, crossing his arms over his chest as he faced the wall per her instructions.

The prince gave a cry of protest as she threatened to lie to Augustus and no doubt have him restricted. Nilo couldn’t imagine the lecture he would receive. “You wouldn’t dare!” He exclaimed, the man about to dramatically whip around before he caught himself. “I have been a good husband-to-be because I love and respect you.” He huffed, boot scuffing the tile, “and I also don’t want to be gelded today. Not on my list.” Nilo added, grinning a hole through the wall he was forced to stare at as he awaited her direction to turn around.

When she finally gave him permission, the man was greeted by the ever-endearing sight of her in his shirt, even if it was several sizes too big. Nilo would never admit he liked seeing her in his clothes or she would surely make it her personal goal to wear everything in his wardrobe at least once. Although, he wasn’t quite sure it already wasn’t a goal of hers, given as he was sure she would be keeping the shirt he had just given her. By the time they were actually married, she would have a wardrobe of her own filled with his clothing.

Nilo cast her an offended glare at the mention of her being the better looking of the two of them, frowning at her as if the woman had hurt his pride by subtly calling the man scruffy, which, in all honesty, he looked nothing like a prince at the moment. Her palm flattened against his chest as she showered him with compliments, his frown becoming a soft smile and he felt himself warm. She always seemed to spoil him with compliments and a light blush crept across his face as she spoke, his grin becoming somewhat sheepish. Nilo leaned into the hand that came up to trace his jaw, eyes closing as he enjoyed the familiar motion.

That was until she mentioned his “ever-smooth jaw”. Briefly, panic crossed his gaze as his eyes opened as she poked at something he also preferred to hide. He only had to shave perhaps once a week, but even what he took off was rather pitiful, given as it was nothing more than a faint stubble. Truth be told, the man had shaved once during his infirmary stay, simply in efforts to keep his secret so she didn’t know just how long it took him to grow facial hair. It was an issue she seemed to want his word on the matter and clearly found it humorous. Nilo obviously didn’t want to talk about his lack of facial hair and did not find it funny.

So, he decided to divert the conversation, arms wrapping loosely around her waist as he tugged her close. “Oh, but on the contrary, I think you are the better-looking ruffian,” Nilo purred with a low laugh, “With a pretty figure, gorgeous hair, and stunning blue eyes, I think you have me beat my darling. Besides, even if we were vagabonds, you are the only one who would last more than a week.” Nilo told her, resting his chin atop her head for a moment before pulling back, light eyes sparkling, “I would have to beg you to allow me to be your traveling companion in exchange for my love, affection, and clothing because I’m afraid I am not a thief nor a hunter.” Nilo joked as if such a thing were ever a possibility.

Nilo gave a content sigh, dipping his head to kiss her. It was short yet intimate, though it also portrayed his deep appreciation for her. The man knew that everything would have been much more difficult without her presence, even if he was too self-conscious to reveal his torso to her at the time. When the man pulled away, the grin he wore was goofy and pale eyes glittered in an adoring manner. “So Gennadius, are we truly going to do something with this day, or are we going to snuggle and nap, which seems to become a hobby of ours.” The man laughed, shaking his head.

Fingers moved what could be considered expertly through his hair, tangling with the russet strands as he spoke. At times, she would twirl some hair around a finger before allowing it drop back down and again and she would repeat the process. But she didn’t miss a single word he spoke or the length of his pauses, Gennadius laser-focused on what he had to say. Because she was concerned and did want to help in whatever way she could.

His first statement seemed normal, mentioning a different nurse would be coming in. But afterward, he fell silent for what felt like a few minutes, though she did not say anything or interrupt his thoughts. When he did finally manage to speak again, the woman was a little confused. Though his mention of going off in his thoughts brought a smile to her face and a soft chuckle. “If you didn’t, it wouldn’t be you now would it?” No, that was a very natural thing he tended to do, though she preferred it when he went on his tangents out loud so she could hear what was going on through his mind.

But at the reiteration that he thought he was fine, Gennadius only nodded, her fingers moving at a much slower pace, sometimes stilling. What he mentioned was mostly physical... the lack of ache and just the very swift overview of events. But nothing about how he didn’t seem to care about his hair, or general appearance most days nor if it had done anything else, such as when she had first noticed the fearful gaze he cast at shadows. And she could swear the curtains went through random rounds of being opened and closed.

Returning his smile, the woman found herself in a hard position. Did she mention some of her observations and see where that led or should she just try and let the things resolve themselves... would they resolve themselves though? Hadn’t Theophilus actively helped her through her own issues after the borders? But he had never mentioned them. It was a terrible place she found herself in, not sure what to do. In her case, it had been simply moments of startling her and weaning her back into military life, but doing it for Nilo almost seemed cruel.

For it to be done the same way with the prince, she felt as if she would have to constantly keep the room dark or have some kind of shadow, and that would be a terrible thing to do to the man. No, there was no way she would do that, this being much different circumstances. As for his appearance, that she felt she should and would work on slowly without mentioning it. Something had changed with that, and she felt she could start pulling him back into the castle, socializing him, messing with his hair, and maybe even hunt down Claude to see if he could make some speed pairs of slacks that would be to both Nilo’s and Augustus’s liking.

“I do admit, you have been doing a wonderful job at recovery,” Gennadius agreed, hand moving to his cheek and following the contours of his face. “You’re already walking around and I bet your injuries are healing up nicely. They don’t seem to be causing you too much pain anymore. That must be really nice.” The woman was affirming what he had admitted to before bending down to place a soft kiss on his nose and lean back again, fingers returning to his hair as she working out the flatness.

A soft breath escaped her and she closed her eyes for a moment, “I remember when I was a child, I was attacked in an alley way. Back then, I was still new to the ways of the street, learning how to be savvy. But I had made one of the hardened criminals mad and he cornered me. If I hadn’t made deals for protection, I probably would be a goner. But I am telling you because I will never forget the horror the night and shadows brought me.”

Dark eyes snapped open and she gazed down at him, “I learned fast to learn the secrets, know what lies in the darkness and how to tell what creeps within. But it did take time and I remember what it was like before.” She moved so her knuckles brushed against his cheek before falling to where his were, wrapping her hand over his and giving a light squeeze. “I can’t imagine going through it now, or if I had never gotten the chance to learn what I did. And maybe you don’t have the same thing I did...”

Again, she gave his hand a light squeeze. “Would you like me to teach you? Only if you want it, that is.” A soft smile danced at her lips, eyes sparkling warmly with invitation. It wouldn’t be easy, but she would gladly and patiently help him learn the difference between what was real and a trick of the mind. When shadows were friend and when they were foe. When they held a secret or were as open as a book. “Think of it like... a new language if you will. Just another step in your education. And maybe in return, you can teach me some of the more boring royalty stuff I need to learn.”

When he started to speak, the woman felt her heart fall, expecting him to reject her offer to help or overall deny that he now feared the shadows. Maybe she had read into him wrong? But to her relief, he did agree, and her cheek shifted into the hand that came up to it. “Then I have much to teach you,” came her soft response, though it too held the same light note his did. Better to make light of it and deal with it, than dampen the entire mood with something they couldn’t solve in a mere moment.

The moment he mentioned budget, Gennadius’s head thumped against the headboard and she released a groan. “Nilo....” It came out as a whine before she gave another groan. “Why do you think I had Lieutenant Faust look over that stuff for me and I now give it exclusively to Theophilus? Numbers are the worst.” Oh, when it came to her battalion, she could sit down and actually go over the small budget that was in her hands but she did often use Faust to help her with it and now never touched it. It bored her to death.

Proper prose seemed a much better option, though even that didn’t sound overly thrilling. Why not just put things plainly? But the royal world was different than the military one so... Gennadius stiffened some, eyes narrowing as he mentioned her handwriting, though she did release a chuckle. No, while she pretended to be offended, the woman knew her writing was atrocious, though she could technically argue it was a miracle she could write at all. “I shouldn’t write anything now,” she playfully huffed, shoving his hair into his face.

The real question, as he stated, was what did she want to learn? Honestly, she would rather not deal with any of it, but as she was to be his wife and therefore would take on the title as well, she felt the need to be involved. And the woman supposed the best place to start would be at the very beginning, because she wasn’t going to be able to continue escaping any of the noble gatherings now that she was engaged to him. Where he went, she was expected to go as well.

“I guess what I want to learn the most is etiquette.” Gennadius shuddered at the thought and released a sigh, though she relaxed back again, gaze focusing on the russet locks as she began to put calculated effort into arranging it, this time pushing it back. “If I am to join you at those events you enjoy so much, I would like to know how to handle myself or next time Seraphina might find more than wine on her dress,” she huffed, though she was slightly amused by it now. Slightly... It still brought her some anxiety remembering how she had been targeted. “And please... help me find a way to be spared the details of your escapades.”

Now that statement came with a real groan, her head falling back again with a thump, her hands stilling. “I really don’t care to know every noblewoman who you’ve brought to your bed. And next time, especially now that we are engaged, I fear that your dear Seraphina will give me a list to go with the word many.” Another huff and a shake of the head before she leaned up again, fingers going back to working with his hair.

“Dancing. You need to teach me to dance too. I’m not sure winging it again will go so well. That and if I am forced to dance with any other men, I highly doubt they will have the same savvy you did when you dragged me onto the floor.” The woman was still flipping strands around as she let out a soft random hum, clearly very focused on what she was doing and figuring out everything she wanted to learn while she could. “And perhaps you can teach me some of that more legal lingo you deal with on your paperwork. Maybe some of that I can learn to do and handle for you.”

“What does a princess and queen normally do?” the woman asked after another moment of intense concentration and another soft hum. Gennadius felt as though she was actually succeeding in getting his hair back to its usual self through perseverance, though it still needed the haircut. She looked forward to when she would be able to take a short breather just long enough to find Claude and ask for the pants, no doubt able to get them the day after. Hopefully. Which reminded her of another thing she had been planning on doing and would get done as soon as she could.

Gennadius did plan on getting one of her soldiers to stand guard at the prince’s door when she had something she wanted to do and to just trail him. Of course, she would put some of her own money in as extra for it. But as soon as she got that settled, she had found a good shoemaker and she planned on getting Nilo a new set of boots, identical if possible. But his were getting worn down and she thought it might be a nice surprise for the day of the ball.