While his usual training sessions with the knight cadets were relegated to drills and conditioning, the weekend-long training exercise in the mountains east of the city left Fabian feeling energized. He often grew bored with drills, and thus he found his training with Master Pete much more useful.
However, that weekend with the knight cadets was ant to stage a specific scenario. They were required to trek through the mountains, build a camp, and survive for the weekend on their own rations and abilities. At the sa ti, they also had to plan a rescue of a hostage from an old fortress in the mountains.
It was his first ti experiencing a mock mission, and it drew on everything he had learned thus far and more. He had much to learn watching and taking part in the mission, but felt that he now had an edge on Connors experience.
Fabian walked from the knight quarters to the palace. Usually, he and Gideon were dropped off at Lyce in the morning on the first weekday, so they could spend as much ti in the safety of the palace as possible.
As he reached the imperial palace gates, he showed his crystal token to the guard and was let in. He then walked across the massive lawns and walkways to get to the palace itself.
While it was relatively late, he knew Gideon would still be awake and went to report his arrival to him. Fabian didnt go directly to his room. He slung his bag over his shoulder and went straight to Gideons. He knocked on the door.
Your Highness, Ive returned, he said, just loud enough for his voice to get through the door.
A mont later, it opened, and Gideon peeked out before opening the door wide and smiling. Welco back! How did the training exercise go?
He stepped to the side and Fabian automatically stepped into the room.
It went far better than I thought, Fabian told him. I knew it was going to be a mock mission, but I didnt know what it entailed until we were dropped off at the base of the mountain. He took a seat in the antechamber of Gideons massive room. There was a notebook on the table with Gideons handwriting and Fabian assud he mustve been laying on the sofa, writing earlier.
Tell about it, Gideon returned to the sofa and sat down. Oh, do you want water? Have you eaten?
Fabian nodded and smiled with thanks. Gideon was always making sure he was eating and drinking well. I have, with the cadets.
Gideon nodded, satisfied. What was the mock mission?
Hostage rescue, Fabian said. His heart quickened just thinking about it. The hostage was kept in one of the rooms of an old fortress. It was guarded by knights on a specific rotation, and we had to survey the area, strategize, and then execute a plan with as little casualties and notification of the enemy as possible.
Gideon smiled, looking excited for him. Were you able to?
Fabian chuckled. Not as much as wed like. We were able to get the hostage, but the enemy was alerted sooner than we thought, and we had to alter our plans.
How did you communicate if you were already in position? Gideon cocked his head to the side.
We have altered comcry devices to communicate. Theyre quieter, but not that much quieter, Fabian said. The mission leader had us move in squads. It required the change of three of us.
Gideon nodded. That sounds intense. Im excited just thinking of it.
I know my education is still lacking compared to the knight cadets, but this experience has shown much. I have a better idea of how everything cos together, Fabian told him.
Gideon let out a low relieved breath and nodded. Do you think the training commander leading the trip will be able to submit a report of your participation to my parents?
Fabian nodded. Gideon had been doing what he could to try to keep track of his improvent and show it to the Emperor and Empress. Gideon had his training schedule, asked Master McDouglass and the training commanders at the knight cadets to submit periodic assessnts, and would gather Fabians strategy and conduct books. The only assessnts he couldnt get were from Master Pete.
Fabians liege held him in high regard and trusted him; Fabian knew he couldnt undermine that trust and was determined to remain as Gideons knight.
I believe they will be submitted within the week, Fabian replied. I feel more confident about La Garda.
I have no doubt that you will be accepted under your own rit, Gideon told him, almost as determined. Your technique has always been excellent, and you are improving every day. I was concerned about your master, as we dont know much about him, but it seems hes very skilled, as well. It puts at ease.
Fabian nodded. I want you to be confident with my ability to protect you.
Gideons face seed to soften, and he reached out and put his hand on Fabians shoulder. I never doubted your ability, Fabian. I never will. There may be others who are better than you now, but that is temporary. You will improve and be as good as Sir Nassaun.
Fabian felt both relief and joy at his friends reassurance. The next ti I have a match with Lady Guevera, I will be sure to win.
Gideon drew his hand back and seed to avoid his eyes. Speaking of Lady Guevera, I have to tell you sothing.
Fabian looked a bit confused and furrowed his brows. Is sothing wrong? He knew that the two often clashed. If Lady Guevera hadnt ntioned Prince Piers when she called about the Pri Ministers party, Gideon never wouldve called her back.
No, nothing is wrong, Gideon told him. He took a deep breath. My parents gave the imperial order to keep this information secret, so I could not tell you ahead of ti. Over the weekend, I went to the delta with my brother.
Fabian sat up straight and looked concerned. Did they abduct you again? Last ti, he found out that Gideon had been abducted when he returned to the palace and was forbidden from following him, as Gideon was being punished.
No, no. Gideon shook his head, cringing a bit. This ti I went willingly. My brother was celebrating his birthday at the delta.
Fabians eyes widened. No wonder Gideon went willingly. Prince Piers never had birthday celebrations due to his situation. At most, they were family dinners. Prince Piers didnt hold any balls for his birthday. He didnt even have a coming-of-age sixteenth birthday ball, as was tradition.
It was a pity, but Fabian knew there wasnt much he could do about it. The first prince didnt seem to care either way.
Its surprising that His Highness Prince Piers would celebrate at the delta.... Fabians voice trailed off, a bit confused.
Gideon let out a low breath. Lady Guevera and her friends were throwing a birthday celebration over the weekend for Connor. By extension, since Piers birthday is a few days earlier, they included him in the celebration.
Fabian frowned. Why did you not tell ? I wouldve gone with you.
You had a scheduled training session and thats important, Gideon told him. Imperial knights heavily guarded the entire delta. Guevera and OTuagh knights were also present, as Mother was in attendance.
Fabian relaxed a bit, knowing that security was at its peak. Next ti, tell . Ill go with you.
Gideon nodded. I want to bring you the next ti we go; however, I am concerned about your conduct with Connor and Guevera.
Fabian tensed. He looked down at the table between them. He knew that he had been extrely aggressive with the two, but he couldnt help it. Their existence made him feel competitive and he wanted to show them his skill. Fabian took a deep breath and clenched his hands on his lap.
If I go in the capacity of your knight, I will not engage in any argunts or aggression towards either Connor or Lady Guevera, Fabian told him. He could control himself that much.
Gideon smiled wryly and had so hope in his eyes. I hope so, because I think you would enjoy it there. We went whale watching, up and down the river and shore, and we had a boat race. There were gas and food...everyone was enjoying their ti. Gideon paused and looked down. I wished you were there with .
Gideon was popular and had many acquaintances, but as far as real friends, Fabian could count them on one hand. In a way, Gideon always seed to keep from getting too close to others. Only recently had he gotten close to Alessa and Mr. Guthry, though there had been so tension between them recently.
Fabian drew his lips inward. Do you not want to bring Alessa or Mr. Guthry?
Gideon looked up for a mont. He seed to think as he took a deep breath. Id like to bring them, too. Its an enjoyable place, but Guevera doesnt have a good relationship with them, and the delta is under her authority. And if I had to choose, Id rather bring you. Im willing to talk to Guevera about this.
Fabians eyes widened once more, and he nodded. Thank you....
Fabian, after watching Guevera and her friends...theyre not that bad. Gideon seed to hesitate to say that, and Fabian drew his head back. He tried to find words to say, and Gideon lifted his hands. Let finish. I only noticed that as long as were not arguing, they dont have reason to start trouble. They also seem to really care about each other.... His voice tightened. And my brother.
Fabian felt his stomach twist. Everyone knew how much Gideon idolized the first prince. One word from Prince Piers could dictate the way Gideon acted and behaved for weeks. It had always bothered him that Gideons admiration of Prince Piers was not reciprocated. The first prince was not close to Gideon.
Gideon smiled with so bitterness. They made him cake and had a light show for him. Lady Guevera was careful to mitigate the sounds for him. You know they share food with each other? A small, bittersweet laugh ca from Gideon. He took it directly from her plate.
Fabian clenched his hands. He knew how much Gideon just wanted to make his brother happy and be close to him. I didnt know that.
Gideon nodded. I think...I think that if I get along with Guevera, my brother will be satisfied with .
Fabian snapped his head up. Considering how close Prince Piers seed to be with Lady Guevera, Gideons prediction was certain. But it didnt sit well with Fabian. What about Alessa? Gideon couldnt have forgotten that Lady Guevera did not like Alessa.
Gideon took a deep breath. I dont know, he said in a solemn voice. I understand Alessas frustration with her project, but were willing to help her. He lifted his head and t Fabians eyes, confused. Why did Alessa say what the baking club said she did?
Its a misunderstanding. Fabians response was automatic. The baking club doesnt want to take responsibility for the rumors. They misconstrued Alessas words and then blad her.
I hope thats the case. I dont think Alessa is that type of person.
Shes not, Fabian replied quickly.
Gideon took a deep breath. Its getting late and Im sure youre tired after your mission, and we have to wake early tomorrow. I was just waiting for you to return.
He rose from his seat and Fabian followed. He gave Gideon a small bow of his head before Gideon let him out of his room.
Once in his own room, Fabian stood by the door. The room was smaller than Gideons, but the palace servants had prepared it well for him, and there was fire going in the hearth to keep him warm on the chilly spring night.
Fabian closed the door behind him, and his eyes drifted to his bed. He swallowed hard and looked away. He was uncomfortable with Gideon prospectively growing closer to Lady Guevera. If he did, then that would an Fabian also would need to get closer to her and he wasnt sure he could stand it.
There was sothing Fabian hadnt told Gideon; sothing Fabian hadnt told anyone.
After the match with Lady Guevera, there was that mont when she was on top of him. His heart was racing as she lood over, her mask against his, and her wooden rondel in his face. He had been able to see her cold blue eyes through the mask and heard her faint voice address only him.
He had not been able to get that mont out of his head, which was why hed been trying to avoid her. Every ti he saw Lady Guevera, he felt sothing strange and beca uncomfortable. He thought, at first, that it was the antagonistic feeling of wanting to fight her and prove himself better. To show that he was a superior swordsman.
That was what he was used to whenever he saw her. He didnt like her. He wanted to fight her. Her existence irritated him constantly.
But after that match, hed been in a daze. All he could think about was her lithe body on top of him, and his heart pounding, amongst another physical reaction. He began to dream of doing things to her. Things hed never even dread of doing with Alessa, who was kind and beautiful and perfect. He knew he was attracted to Alessa. Who wouldnt be?
He thought of spending ti with her constantly and missed seeing her while he was practicing.
What he felt towards Lady Guevera was rivalry. So sort of twisted rivalry and thats why he wanted to pin her down and do things he normally wouldnt.
Fabian couldnt tell anyone about what he felt or his dreams or his heart palpitations when he saw her. She was his rival. His enemy, no matter how good it felt with her against him.
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