Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The first letter arrives by military courier from Laxdo. It’s addressed neatly and properly, in the easy script of someone who writes for a living. The back of the envelope is decorated with cartoonish smiling faces. Zakura sighs. This is what they have to work with.

*

Obi insists I begin by telling you that the change of plans is all his fault and I had nothing to do with it. Now that the lie is out of the way, I can explain that while it was, in fact, his idea in the first place, I did agree with him and help with the details.

We know you went through all the effort of inventing Lord and Lady Vaara and getting them invited to this event (Obi would also very much like to know how you managed to make them Tanbarunian) but you know us. I am no spy, and Obi’s no noble. Well, I’m no noble either, not really, but I can fake it for longer. So instead of Lord and Lady Vaara attending this excursion unattended, General Bakar and Princess Irune get easily distracted Lady Vaara and her most capable footman. Lord Vaara is unfortunately laid up with the flu and sends his most abject regrets.

*

Izana waves the paper at Zakura. “Have you read this?”

“Unfortunately.”

“He really thinks they can hide the way they look at each other, doesn’t he?”

“I give them two days before everything goes to hell.”

Izana considers the wager. “Sir Obi is a quick thinker. I think they’ll pull it off.”

“The stakes?”

“Loser has to ask Haruka a question about some rare bird.”

Zakura shudders, because nobody wants to go through one of the veteran birdwatcher’s two-hour monologues again, but the grin stays fixed on his face. He’s not going to lose.

*

We have made all our transportation arrangements onward from Laxdo, and all of Lord Vaara’s belongings have been left there. The soldiers suspect we are running away together, given the sly grins and whispered comments that have followed us around the last few days. I don’t know if that kind of thing will make it back to Wistal, if anyone cares, but please try not to let it reach Zen’s ears. I know he doesn’t know we’re here, and I understand that your word is final. I respect that. I’m looking forward, and I appreciate the time and distance you have offered me. Just- don’t let this hurt him.

I still wish you could have sent a real noble for this, though. Nobody knows Zen better than we do, but you must have a lot of faith in my goodwill to think I’m going to give you an unvarnished opinion of his potential bride.

We will do our best. I will do my best, and Obi will keep me out of trouble.

*

“She actually thinks he will, doesn’t she.”

*

He wants me to add that I will be in charge of all correspondence. I thought we were going to be sharing the responsibility, but he insists that if he’s not allowed to write to Master anymore, he’s not writing to Big Brother either. To be fair, his sense of humor doesn’t translate well to paper, which is why Zen revoked his letter privileges some time ago. It’s probably better this way.

Chapter Text

The second letter arrives in a package of books shipped to Sir Zakura.

“I had no idea you were such a rabid fan of romance novels,” grins Izana.

“Shut up,” answers Zakura. He manages to keep his mouth shut for almost a minute. “I like the happy endings.” It disturbs him that Obi managed to not duplicate any books he already owned.

*

Emar is such an amazing city. The docks are made of stone, but with the cleverest articulating steps to adjust for the water levels in the river. I wanted to get a closer look, but Obi wouldn’t let me. “Nobles don’t get excited about docks,” he kept telling me. I’m sure that can’t be true, there must be at least somebody. The number of powerful families making and losing fortunes at sea would imply otherwise.

We clearly found the correct inn, because another two parties are here waiting for the ship with us. I sat with one in the parlor for a while, just for practice, and if this entire trip goes like this, I think we will have no problems at all. All I had to do was sit and nod while Lord Petri talked about his dogs.

After about an hour of that, Obi nudged my shoulder and reminded me of a fictitious engagement. I think I might have been dozing off. Even Lata’s most impenetrable geology texts would have been more engaging than Lord Petri’s second-favorite pug’s genealogy.

We took another walk by the docks so I could observe the articulating steps again, and I bought a few herbs in the market. Please pass on to Garrack that turmeric and cinchona can be bought here in better quantities and at better prices than most of the places we send buyers, and we should strongly consider adding this market to the rotation.

General Bakar’s ship looms at the docks, dwarfing the regular river vessels. It looks every bit the possession of a king. The ostentatious kind of king, I mean. Not you, Your Majesty. It looks like something Prince Raj would like. Inviting strangers from all over Fortissia to sail down the river with him seems like such an odd thing to do, but I suppose I am unaccustomed to leisure like this. Maybe sailing around with strangers looking at curiosities is what you do when you’re immeasurably wealthy? With only Clarines and Tanbarun to serve as examples for me, I don’t know what to expect. But it’s not mine to question. Lady Vaara is just here for the party.

The night passed quietly. I don’t know when Obi intends to sleep on this trip, if he’s going to be patrolling outside my window and perching on roofs all night long. We have three hours left until time to board the boat, and I am determined he will get some sleep. If I have to sit on him to make him do it I will.

*

Zakura looks over at Izana, whose level of smugness is increasing all the time. “So this is why you sent them to look into Princess Irune. I’d wondered, given how low on the potentials list she was.”

“Oh, I think they’re going to find her a very interesting prospect. I just think they’re going to find more than that.”

Chapter Text

The next letter comes by way of Garrack Gazelt, and Zakura doesn’t brave the king’s office until she leaves. There’s only a finger of liquor left in the bottle on Izana’s desk, but Garrack looked fine when she left and Izana looks as he always does. He wonders where they put it all.

“Anise?” Izana waves the letter like a fan, wafting the strong smell throughout the room. Some of the herb packets it was buried in survived the trip more intact than others.

“Sassafras,” Zakura answers. “Also catnip and something else. Vervain?”

Izana drops the letter to his desk, running a finger along the fold to crease it flat. “I learn new things about you every day.”

*

We boarded General Bakar’s ship safely. There were no questions about the invitation, just condolences on Lord Vaara’s illness. I was nervous, but everyone seems to have accepted it as no more than concern for my dear husband. Nobody seems to find it odd that I am here in spite of that concern.

Obi informs me he dropped a couple of rumors about Lord Vaara’s age and health, and by now the entire ship has me categorized as a future wealthy widow. That was part of the plan I wasn’t prepared for - the thought is a bit exhausting, really. I suppose it gives me a good excuse for my medical knowledge. Maybe I was his nurse. How scandalous! Obi approves. This is absolutely the story now.

Princess Irune is about my age and height - I know we already had been told that, but I’m verifying that it is indeed the truth. She stood at her aunt’s elbow welcoming guests giving one-word answers when spoken to and rarely looking up from the floor. I don’t want to judge her on how she behaves at a party, because if we did that Raj would be a charming personality and Mitsuhide an urban legend, but something doesn’t feel right. She invited me to play cards with her in the morning, so we will see.

We set sail at noon. A ship this size doesn’t move fast, drifting downstream more than proceeding under its own power, so there was plenty of time to explore even before we passed the end of the city. We passed General Bakar strolling on the deck - he nodded graciously and I remembered to curtsey - but didn’t exchange any words. Obi says he and his friends were talking about the general’s daughter before we arrived, but I don’t know how he can know that. Either he reads lips from long distances or his hearing is even more unusual than he’s always made it out to be, because he was right there with me the whole time.

In the afternoon we had nothing better to do, since I haven’t been introduced to anyone but Lord Petri of the dogs yet, so we watched the shore roll past from the railing of the ship. Did you know that there are crocodiles in this river? Obi swore there are, and I’m really hoping to see one. So far I have seen an impressive array of birds, from giant black ones fishing in the river to tiny yellow ones singing on the railing. I saw a fish jump too, a big one.

So overall, I do believe I have passed a day on this boat without causing any trouble. Obi agreed with me when I mentioned this, although the grin on his face makes me believe he would have something to say on the subject if I weren’t in earshot. I shut the door in his face. He has a small servant’s room tucked in behind my suite. I feel bad for him, squeezing into that tiny space. None of the rooms are spacious - this is a boat, of course - but there’s no way he can be comfortable in there. If there were some way to surreptitiously let him sleep in here, I would fit fine in the smaller bed.

Chapter Text

The next letters is folded inside a “Altzi water for your health!” promotional poster, shipped with a wax-sealed jar of water.

Zakura’s snarling is distracting enough that Izana puts down the letter. “What’s he done this time?”

Zakura stabs a finger at the fine print on the poster. “My attractiveness, stamina, and intestinal fortitude are all just fine, thank you very much.”

Izana has no answer for that but a smile as he turns his attention back to letters.

*

If you were going to send a spy to this party, you should have picked someone who was good at cards. I think it worked in my favor that I look so young, so a kind old gentleman could lean over my shoulder and explain the rules to me without too much damage to either of our dignities, but if I try to keep this up our budget for the trip will be depleted in no time.

Obi swears I couldn’t have made a better impression if I’d tried, but I do so hate being bad at things. I’m going to make him practice with me tonight so I can make a better showing next time. For the good of your treasury if nothing else.

I was partnered with Irune for a round. She was most patient with my ineptness, not a single insult or word of disappointment falling from her mouth. That’s more than I can say of most of my other partners. I did meet her eyes once. They are green, and the way she looked at me - it reminded me somewhat of you, your Majesty. Not that she looks like you or anything - what a shock for Zen that would be - but I have the distinct feeling that she figured out more of me than I did of her in that brief time.

She did compliment my necklace, which I did remember to pass off as one of Lord Vaara’s heirlooms. I’m still not happy at having to wear the rubies at all, but Obi insists. He said I shouldn’t let the others try to outshine me, that I should sparkle with all my might, just like the rubies. It’s always bothered me being compared to them before, like I’m something a man would collect and keep in a box, but somehow the way he put it wasn’t so bad.

*

“He’s slipping,” crows Zakura.

“Perhaps, but you said two days. If they’re not in trouble by the next letter, you’re getting lectured about marsh hens or sapsuckers. And you have to do it sometime I can see.”

*

Irune caught me in the library just now, talking to Obi. He bowed most gracefully and did his disappearing thing so that we could talk. She is more friendly when her uncle isn’t around; the conversation never died off, which is certainly not the norm when I’m talking to nobles. She assures me that there are no crocodiles in the river, and I suppose she should know, but I am holding out hope. Obi doesn’t lie to me. Maybe he knows something she doesn’t.

We browsed through the books together. The sips of breeze drifting through the open windows made the room one of the most pleasant on the boat, and the collection of books was, while limited, interesting. Lots of history, more of the military sort than the natural. I suppose he is a general, after all. It stands to reason. Can’t say I’m not disappointed, though.

Irune enjoys stories, fairy tales and folk tales from all over Fortissia. She’s very well-read and a spirited opponent - we had a difference of opinion on why so many of Tanbarun’s cautionary tales involve bears. I think she’s being silly, attributing it to people’s poor opinion of the monarchy. I think it’s because there are a lot of bears.

Then she surprised me with a complete left turn in the conversation, asking me about my husband and how I liked being married. I had to make up a lot of details, but I remembered the plan and I don’t think I said anything unreasonable. I just pictured one of the nobles from court and did my best.

*

“A favor says she was thinking of Haruka.”

“No bet, I was guessing him before you even said anything.”

*

We probably could have done a better job preparing me for some of the more personal questions, though. Sending an unmarried woman to impersonate a married one might not have been wise.

*

“If she’d gone with the actual plan, she’d have had a husband right by her shoulder and nobody would be asking questions about her sex life.”

*

Fortunately, I’ve heard enough around the pharmacy, between medical discussions and Garrack’s . . . frankness to be able to fake it. I might have come off a bit clinical, but surely I couldn’t be the only young bride who doesn’t know what to call things.

*

“Well, that answers some questions you had about her and Zen.”

*

She said she’s a bit concerned about having a marriage arranged. I had to keep my mouth shut, knowing what I know. Apparently, by law, she must be married before she takes the throne, and she’s not particularly enthusiastic about the idea. I think that’s barbaric and old-fashioned and I said so, and she has a lovely smile when she’s pleasantly surprised.

Lady Eider poked her head in, the only other young woman in the party. She said we were silly for spending the lovely day in the library instead of out in the sun, then shared the news that there’s a hot spring with baths at tomorrow’s stop. Now the three of us are going to make an excursion of it. I have to admit I’m looking forward to it - the river valley can be awfully hot and still sometimes, and it’s hard to get really clean here on the boat.

Obi takes to the weather like he was born here- That’s an interesting thought, actually, maybe I should pursue that - and has a good half of the ship’s staff entirely charmed. He’s never far from me, but I catch him out of the corner of my eye climbing the rigging, armwrestling the steward, or making eyes at the maids. I went and rounded him up that last time. I don’t want them thinking he’s not attentive, and he’s supposed to be keeping me out of trouble.

Speaking of which, practicing cards with him was less helpful than I'd hoped. It didn't further endanger the treasury, but now I owe him three Lyrias meat pies and an unspecified favor. He turned down all the ideas I threw out to pay off the favor in short order, just grinning and saying he was going to save it for the right occasion. Somehow this worries me.

*

A second letter is folded in with the first, addressed in the same hand but far more rushed than any of the previous letters.

*

The spring excursion was not what I had in mind. The water was hot, and Irune and Lady Eider were nice. But I think I may have made a big mistake.

*

Zakura leans forward in his chair. This is what he’s been waiting for.

*

The day was bright and hot again, and despite leaving as soon as the boat was tied up at the dock, we were all tired and sweaty by the time we reached the springs. The spring water cascades in a beautiful waterfall to the river, but the approach from the river is all stairs. I lost count at four hundred. It was like Lyrias, if Lyrias were hot and still and lacking in good food. I miss the pastries so much.

At least I can report that Irune is healthy. She was in better shape than the rest of us (excluding Obi, who doesn’t count because he laughed at me and offered to carry me up the bluff on his back). By the time we left the men at the entrance, she was all but bouncing in circles around us in excitement.

It didn’t take Lady Eider long to get her wind back, though. Her husband didn’t come up to the springs, instead going fishing with the general and some of their friends, and she didn’t seem to mind at all. I made noncommittal hums as she talked about all the joys and inconveniences of an older husband, and I thought I was doing fine until she suddenly turned and fixed me with a terrifying grin. “So, Lady Vaara,” she said. “Tell us all about your lover.”

I tried to breathe in the hot spring in surprise, and there were no further questions while everyone patted me on the back and I tried to drain my lungs. “My what?” I choked, at last.

“That tall handsome footman who’s always watching you like he’s going to eat you for dessert.” That couldn’t be anyone but Obi, but that description- “Don’t tell me you’re not sleeping together?” Her eyes were alight with excitement, almost ravenous at the thought. It was absolutely clear that if I said no, she was going to proposition him the first chance she got.

I didn’t like that idea at all.

“Oh, of course, Obi and I- I just didn’t think anyone would know we were, you know, together.” It was maybe not my most convincing acting job, but there was no stopping there. “He’s been my bodyguard for a few years, and he’s my best friend in all the world.” They nodded, rapt, and I didn’t know what else to say. I have never had friends talk like this. The Lyrias scientists do not have lovers, or at least they don’t talk about them in the bath.

*

That gets a satisfied chuckle out of Izana, at least. “Good to know our academics have some level of moral standards, at least.”

“So far as anyone tells Shirayuki,” Zakura adds. “So, is that my win?”

The smirk on Izana’s face never budges, but that’s rarely an indicator. Zakura watches his hands, and those tell him he’s lost even before Izana bends the corner of the page to uncover the date. “It took three days.”

*

Irune looked a little uncomfortable at the topic, to her credit, so at least you don’t have to worry about that, and I changed the subject. “Do you think we’ll see any crocodiles tomorrow?” That opened the door for them to argue about whether there are any crocodiles in the river (I am still holding out hope) and then move onto the subject of food (Irune is passionately fond of gelatin, of all things).

I still felt like I was radiating heat when we left the bath complex, but there was at least enough breeze to keep everything from feeling like soup. Obi was waiting at the exit for me, and I have to admit I panicked. They thought we were lovers. They thought he would-

I couldn’t let him know. I just couldn’t. What do I do now?

Chapter Text

The next letter is dotted with sketches. A flowering vine, a string of jewels, an inkwell. The lettering isn’t as frantic as the previous letter, instead even and unmarred. It makes Zakura think she’s copied the letter over, and he wonders why.

*

I have terrible news, your Majesty, and I am so very sorry, but the ruby necklace has been stolen. I’m relieved that they were imitations-

*

“I don’t know where she got that idea.” Izana looks more amused than anything else.

“You sent her off with real jewels?”

“Nothing special, they were just lying around the treasury. Very tasteless and a couple of decades out of date, just the thing for a wealthy man with no discernment to dress his pretty young wife in. It was part of the disguise.”

“You don’t seem particularly upset at the loss.”

Izana squints just a hair. “They really were that hideous.”

*

-- because otherwise I really will have no idea how I can ever repay the loss. Certainly not by gambling winnings. Obi won another fried shrimp meal and two batches of cookies off me last night. At this rate I’m going to be feeding him forever, but I did manage to avoid owing him a foot massage as well so I’m improving. It could have been worse.

I’m sure the thief has to be somewhere on the boat. Nobody has gotten on or off since we left the hot springs, and I wore the jewels to dinner, so whoever it is has to still be aboard. I’m going to try to find them - surely between my logic and Obi’s skills, we can figure it out. We have to.

As for how it happened, I don’t exactly know. At home I sleep with my window open just a bit, because Obi, but I haven’t been doing that here on the boat. For one thing, it’s even hotter outside than it is in the cabin, and for another he’s just a door away. He knocks if he wants to talk to me. But I woke up last night to the window swinging wide open, a stranger’s foot disappearing into the dark, and the jewelry case abandoned on the floor. I swear I left it locked, just like you told me to!

Obi showed up no more than a moment later, woken by my noise. I didn’t shriek, whatever he says. I was just surprised. He just doesn’t want me to point out that the thief was silent enough even he didn’t hear. He’s livid now, of course, and everyone’s going to be wondering why my footman is glaring at everyone and snarling like a guard dog.

*

“He does that all the time, Shirayuki. This is not new.” Izana doesn’t even look up from the page, but Zakura snickers.

The tidy script is gone, becoming less careful on every passing page.

*

So at breakfast I found I was far from the only one. The mysterious thief was very busy last night, and quite a few of the guests are missing jewels or money. Even the princess was missing a brooch, and she seemed very worried.

As much as I was concerned for her, I tried to keep an ear open to the whole room in case some useful information were to come to light. Unfortunately, nobody knew anything, the vast majority of opinions were even less helpful, and some took the opportunity to turn on each other. Lady Ederne shifted from commiserating with me on my loss to implying that the rubies were my only value, at which I said something ill-advised and defensive about wearing my other jewels instead. I feel silly for rising to the bait, given this isn’t even me, not my jewels and not my place. I guess I just got caught up in the role for a minute. I do wish I remember what I said.

The general stopped by the dining room just long enough to inform us that in light of the missing jewels, we’re not stopping at the hanging gardens of Liko today. It was, of course, the only destination on the whole trip I was actually looking forward to. It’s a world-renowned center for vines and climbing plants, and they say there’s a wisteria vine there over two hundred years old-

So instead of strolling through legendary gardens that I’ve been looking forward to for days, we have a day to find a jewel thief. Obi, as tends to happen when he’s stressed, has all but glued himself to my side. I would think nothing of it, but now every time someone looks at us, I can’t help but worry. Instead of a royal pharmacist and her dear friend, they’re seeing a silly young noble and her . . . sidepiece. Bedwarmer. All these names that reduce him to nothing more than a convenience. A secret. Someone I should be ashamed of. I could spit, I’m so angry, but at the same time I’m uncomfortable. If I don’t play along with their expectations, are we going to look suspicious? I don’t know how to act around him right now. He put a hand on my shoulder this morning and I just about went through the ceiling. It was definitely not a lover’s reaction, and it wasn’t normal either. That made me nervous that either I was going to break character or I was going to worry him-

You see, I get wound up every time I think about this. And of course I can’t get a minute to myself, because he’s everywhere, everywhere I look, always watching me, and every time I can’t help but hear what Lady Eider said. I don’t see hunger in his eyes, but maybe, now that I look, there’s something there more than I know how to interpret. I don’t know if I’m ready to ask.

The closest I could get to away was a chair on the upper deck next to Irune. She was writing a letter, but she capped her ink and slipped the paper under a blotter when I arrived. “I hear you’re from near the border of Clarines,” she ventured, too good a hostess to leave me un-entertained.

“Fairly so,” I answered. It seemed like a good enough option, given I didn’t have a clue whether that was supposed to be true or not.

“Have you ever met any of their royalty?” I was about to give her a cautious yes, because the truth is such an easier story to stick with, but she didn’t wait for an answer. “I’d hoped they’d send a representative to this. My uncle wasn’t going to, but I quietly put them on the invitation list.” Craftiness flashed in her eyes, a hint of defiance, and then it damped once more into her public face. “I’d really like to know more about the prince.”

Oh, how I wanted to confess everything right there. She’s interested, and I like her, and maybe we could be friends without me lying about everything. But Obi caught my eye, and I know he would never break the charade, he wouldn’t let go of the plan like that. I need to stay professional like Obi. So I kept my mouth shut. Or, if not shut, at least restrained. “We’ve met,” I said. “He’s very responsible.” Her hopeful look fell. Apparently she doesn’t consider that an attractive trait? “He’s kind, and fair, and handsome,” I added, doing my best. I’ve never known what to say about Zen, what would make him special to someone other than myself. Trying to describe him is like looking at a painting. I just don’t know how to make it work. Obi’s look of pity with every word coming out of my mouth almost undid me.

At least it seemed to have helped, Irune looking a little more pleased with the description. “Sounds-” She cut herself off, and a second later I heard steps on the stairs. Maybe my hearing is just that bad.

“Irune, dear,” said General Bakar, and somehow that served as a full sentence to her. She crystallized in place, becoming rigid and colorless. “I’m glad you’ve found a friend. What have you two been up to?”

“Watching birds,” she answered, level as the river, staring me in the eye with an entreaty. “We saw a heron catch a snake, and Lady Vaara thought she saw a bluebird. I’ve been telling her it’s too early for them.”

The general cocked his head, eying the forested shore as though a flock of bluebirds would manifest itself on the spot. “Perhaps a little early, but not impossible. It might very well have been.”

There was nothing in his demeanor that warned me of a threat, nothing frightening about him save that he was effectively the ruler of a kingdom-

*

“Only she would make that an afterthought. It makes me wonder where I’ve gone wrong.”

*

- but Irune looked no less colorless, no less fearful. I did all that was in my power to help. “General Bakar, perhaps you can answer a dispute for me. I’ve been told there are crocodiles in this river, but I haven’t yet seen one. Have I been misled?”

The general laughed at that, a deep belly laugh that made even Irune crack a smile in response. “I’m no expert on crocodiles, dear. Just keep watching the bank, and I’d love to hear what you find.” He headed back down the stairs, chuckling to himself, and Irune drew an audible breath when he was out of earshot.

I watched her, hoping for a moment of truth, but she just showed her teeth. “He doesn’t like for me to worry about my marriage arrangements, just promises that he will find me a nice boy.” She couldn’t keep bitterness out of her tone, and it didn’t sound like just a disappointed young woman to me. There’s more to this than marriage negotiations.

After that, she didn’t really want to talk, so I took my leave. Down on the main deck, Obi’s footsteps were quiet behind me - most of the time I barely notice him, but today I couldn’t think of anything else. We were alone on the deck for the moment, and the footsteps drew closer and closer. I knew the sound in his breath - he had something to say.

When his hand closed about my elbow, swinging me to a stop, it was almost a relief. My back came to rest against the wall, Obi leaning on one hand next to my head. I held my breath, hoping he’d say something, anything that would make me tell the truth, because I just couldn’t start it. I’d thought about it all day and there was no way to say it, nothing that wouldn’t sound awful. But he was silent, eyes fixed on mine as though my head held the key to something important he’d lost.

Footsteps scratched to a halt, and in unison we turned to look. I can only imagine what emotion must have been on my face, but Lord Petri and his friend stared, frozen between rescue and embarrassed withdrawal. Obi dropped his hand, standing back in a more footman-like posture, but his eyes were far from subservient. I’m sure we were no less of a spectacle still standing there so close, even if he was no longer menacing me against the wall.

Lord Petri cleared his throat, and I jumped. “Lady Vaara, would you like an escort to dinner?” It seemed a little early for dinner, but I was all too willing to accept his rescue. I slipped my hand through his elbow and matched my steps to his.

If I’d been nervous before, dinner doubled it. Obi never took his eyes off me, and people noticed. Lady Eider leaned over during drinks and whispered, “I don’t know whether to envy you or pity you. What did you do to him?”

“Nothing!” I hissed.

She hummed. “Well, whatever nothing you’ve done, it seems to be working. I think you’re in for it tonight.” She grinned so big, and I just wanted to sink through the floor. I’d swim to shore, crocodiles or no, and find my way back to Clarines from wherever we were. Obi would forgive me when he caught up. Which, knowing him, would be before I’d gone ten miles. It’d never work.

I thought I might have slipped away after dinner, but he was already in my room when I got there. He closed the door behind me and stood between me and escape. “Lovers was not part of the plan, miss.”

I fell back to sit on the bed. “It wasn’t my idea!” He barely moved, just the quirk of one eyebrow. Surely he knew me better than that. “They assumed, and -”

“And you couldn’t just say no? Honestly, miss.”

“Lady Eider was going to - If I didn’t - If you weren’t-” She couldn’t finish a sentence, not even a single thought, but he got the picture. A grin spread across his face, and I had to apologize. “If you would have liked that better, I’m sorry. I just-”

The light of his smile was undimmed, but his voice was gentle. “Just what, miss?”

“I didn’t want her to. I didn’t want you to.” There it was, my selfish reasons. Now he knew, if he liked that better, surely she was no less interested.

I couldn’t look at his face anymore, so I watched his boots as he took a step forward, then another. I braced myself, muscles tensing, and his jacket creaked as he leaned forward. “If you wanted me like that, we could have stayed with the original plan. Me as your husband, sharing a bed-” He trailed off, and at last I realized. He wasn’t mad. He wasn’t leaving. He was laughing at me.

So the full day went by and I’m no closer to finding the rubies than I was before. I’m so sorry, Your Majesty. I’m no tracker, and with me to look after Obi can’t be either.

*

“I’m not sure ‘look after’ is the phrase she wanted there.”

“Gaze longingly at? Pine after? She’s starting to get the idea, at least. At this rate maybe she’ll finally figure it out.”

“One bawdy tavern song says he doesn’t make any kind of a move.” Zakura doesn’t like being the one to teach the king these things, but he’s continually delighted by them.

It seems like a safe bet. He’s passed up so many opportunities. “What makes you think I know any you don’t?” Izana doesn’t even look, just keeps writing. “Fine, I do. It’s a bet.”

Chapter Text

The next letter takes up just where the last left off.

*

I thought that after I shooed Obi out, that would be the end of the night’s activities. No more than five minutes after I finished my letter, he showed back up at my door, informing me that he was going to sleep in my room, and I squeaked an agreement. I wasn’t scared of what he thought. I just could tell he was worried and I didn’t have the heart to say no. He let me stew in my nerves for a good couple of minutes before volunteering that of course he meant the floor and snapping out a blanket for his nest.

Then again, he has a different definition of “sleep” than I do. Apparently “sleep on my floor” was code for sit there and keep watch all night. Normally I would be upset, but this time . . . he seems to have caught the jewelry thief.

Apparently she believed my trying to save face at breakfast, and came back for “the other jewels.” I don’t know whether to be pleased with myself that for once my lying seems to have passed for truth or just disappointed in absolutely everyone. She said - but I’m all out of order here, It’s been that kind of a morning. The jewel thief is Princess Irune.

She sat on my bed, silent as a prisoner, glaring up at Obi. He returned the look, looming. I sat next to her. “Why?”

She searched my face. Of course she’d be suspicious, clearly something was going on and we’re only a few days from having been strangers, but I needed her to know we’d help if we could. What better way to get to know her than to help her with something important to her?

“Tell me first, what do you think of my uncle?”

I had to think about that. We’ve seen our host several times in the last few days, but he doesn’t exactly open up. “He likes to laugh, but he does it alone. Nobody else laughs when he does.” Irune nodded.

“Underpays his staff, too,” Obi added, helpful. Belowdecks they have some very interesting nicknames for the general.”

“He doesn’t spend much time with his wife or pay a lot of attention on anyone who’s not powerful, but he checks up on you all the time. And I know he frightens you,” I added.

She watched me, measuring. “My uncle has children of his own, and now that he’s had a taste of kingship, he’s in no hurry to hand it over.” She leaned back on the bed, sighing. “He can’t let me marry, because then I’d be crowned. My cousin just came of age last week. I’m not meant to come home from this trip.”

“So clearly you have a plan. What are you going to do with the jewelry?” I was glad Obi was asking the questions, because I was ready to offer my help right then and there. I’d already forgotten she was stealing your jewels.

“Get free,” she breathed.

*

“She’s got them now,” Izana comments. “Couldn’t have played them better if she planned it.”

“Do you think she did? Plan it, that is?”

“It’s a possibility. Too bad she’s off the list.”

“More trouble than you think Zen can handle?”

Izana eyes Zakura like he’s said something stupid. “He’d love it. But put the two of them together, and it’s more trouble than I want to handle.”

*

That was all I needed to hear. All Obi did too, I think, given the look on his face. A silent breath passed, and she knew she had us. “I really should have known better than to come in here, I knew you might not be alone. I wasn’t expecting the bedroll, though.” A hint of amusement lurked around the edges of her irritation.

“She kicks,” answered Obi, curtly, and I realized what must have happened. I should probably have been indignant for his sake, but it was far too funny for that.

“Did she trip on you?”

I have never seen Obi go so red. “I caught her foot.”

“Because I tripped on him,” whispered Irune, and we shared a smile.

“Back to the discussion at hand,” interjected Obi, trying to save face. “You’ve got enough to live on, but how did you plan to get off the boat alive?”

Her face fell, the hopeless look back. Clearly she hadn’t gotten that far.

“That I think we can help you with,” I said.

Chapter Text

Pharmacist Ryuu brings the next batch of letters from the pharmacy. These smell of oranges, having been coiled up in the middle of a shipment of fruit. Standing in front of Izana’s desk, staring at the floor, he asks, “Will Shirayuki be back soon?”

Zakura has rarely heard this gentleness in Izana’s voice since Zen was little. “I can’t tell you that. But she’s doing well at her task and she’ll be home as soon as it’s complete.”

That sets off a frown on Ryuu’s face. “Of course she’s doing well. We all just miss her when she’s gone.”

“And this just after we had that letter from Shidan not-so-subtly asking to get her back,” Izana comments idly after Zakura shuts the door behind the pharmacist. “Should we be concerned so much of the kingdom can’t seem to manage without her?”

“All the more reason to tighten her ties,” Zakura agrees.

*

Jewel thefts or no, the business of the party must go on. The boat pulled in at a pleasure garden built around the ruins of some ancient structure, and everyone went strolling. I stuck to Irune’s side like I’d been sewn there, Lady Eider having been claimed by her husband for the day, and only now I realized this must have been the reason for the princess’ early interest in me. I was a shield. It was also the reason the general had looked so surprised at my appearance. He hadn’t invited any young women on purpose.

A couple of the general’s friends were never far away as we climbed rocks, peered into ancient wells, and speculated about the people who’d lived there. It made me wish I’d read more history, but it was a fun adventure nonetheless. It would have been more fun if we hadn’t been so aware that someone was constantly lurking to push her off the rocks or drop her into a well. They were not about the get the chance with me there and Obi prowling just as close..

General Bakar has a good poker face, but even I could see his teeth clench as Irune and I boarded the ship at the end of the day.

I did share my bed that night, just not with whom rumor expected.

*

“Move not made. You’re teaching me ‘The Maiden and the Three-Legged Fox‘ and I expect all the verses this time.”

*

Irune retired with just her maid for company, then snuck back into my room once her watchdogs were complacent. We should have realized earlier that Irune had no companion or bodyguard, not exactly normal for a royal heir. Obi kept watch from the floor, irritable with the lack of sleep but determined not to be caught napping again, and Irune and I took turns sleeping fitfully. At last, morning dawned, the last full day of the excursion, and we made our move.

My first job was to stall the ship. In true noble style, Obi and I gave ourselves permission to tour the workings below decks. The engine that runs the wheel is a marvel of springs and wheels, very impressive. I got a very good look at it over the powerless protests of the engineer. They were just starting it up after a night at anchor, and the bustle in the low-ceilinged room reminded me so much of the Lyrias pharmacy in a busy time.

Conveniently, I know how to stop the pharmacy in its tracks. I’ve seen it done far too often, and all it requires is a particularly inept apprentice. I could adapt.

Step 1: Stand in the worst possible spot. Everywhere someone wants to walk, be there. Walk backwards and bump into everything. When people glare at you for being in the way, look very confused.

Step 2: Touch everything. If they point out a lever, move it. If they say “don’t touch that,” ask if they’re sure and touch it anyway. Unless it’s hot. I do have that much sense.

Step 3. Knock something over and don’t tell anyone. I don’t know what it was but I hope it wasn’t irreplaceable.

Step 4: Lose keys. Obi smuggled a set out and left them in the library. By the time I left, the engineer was grinding his teeth and the engine room was in an uproar. I was just a very dim and entitled innocent with terrible timing and nobody blamed me - they were just really glad to see me go.

*

Zakura’s mouth falls open. “Did we know she was capable of that?”

“Clearly spying is not the right line of covert work for her. We should have sent her on a sabotage mission instead.”

“Obi must be so proud.”

*

That left us stationary for long enough for Obi and Irune to do their part. I hurried back to my room, where Irune was still hiding. She looked up at the sound of the door, then jumped to embrace me. I’m going to miss her already. It really is a shame she won’t be marrying Zen. I think they would have got along well.

Obi had to push past us into the room. “Ready, miss?” He was addressing us both. Nothing we could do would make Irune’s hair red, but a scarf and one of my favorite dresses would have to do. I’d miss it when it was gone, but her dress that I was wearing was a near match. Her pockets were stuffed with jewels and food, because she couldn’t look like she was leaving. Obi offered her his arm, but the look he fixed me with was full of silent words. “Don’t do anything rash, I’ll be right back,” he said.

I couldn’t just sit there in silence. The floor creaks, the water splashes against the hull, and I’d be a mess of nerves the whole time. Obi didn’t think he’d be more than a few minutes, but still . . . I broke my own rule and opened the window a crack.

I could hear Obi at the railing. “Since we’re stopped, my mistress will walk on the shore. Let down the ramp for her.” Irune would be hanging on his arm, leaning over the rail, anything but making eye contact.

“You know we’re not supposed to let anyone off,” the sailor replied.

“She said she saw a crocodile, finally. I promised her she could get a closer look,” Obi wheedled, and over the sighs of the sailors came the crash of the ramp.

Another minute, after Irune’s feet must be on dry land, two sailors walked away, footsteps echoing on the deck and their opinions of capricious nobles pronounced. “Too bad we couldn’t convince him to join us,” one complained. “He’s wasted on these people.”

“Don’t feel too bad for the guy. You’ve seen how that girl looks at him. He’s got a good thing going.”

“Yeah, I probably wouldn’t jump out of her bed for this either.” I didn’t want to think about it then, there was no time for distraction, but I couldn’t get over how easy this deception passed. I looked at him and nobody questioned that we were together? After so many years of constantly defending my relationship, feeling guilty every time found out how I felt, for people to simply accept something like this was disorienting. I suppose someone rich and bored can get away with far more than just a pharmacist with a head full of plants and half of a bad reputation.

Then, again, silence. I paced, five steps a crossing of the room, over and over again. I checked my watch, strained my ears for the first hint of Obi’s return. It was still too early for most of the nobles, the heat already gathering in the stillness. I checked my watch again. Twenty minutes. I couldn’t wait any more.

Quietly I swung open my window and slipped out. The deck was nearly deserted, a single bored sailor waiting by the ramp. He sat on the deck, leaning back against the railing, and his head dipped as he dozed off. The shoreline was empty of people, and there was no sign of Obi.

I tiptoed along the railing, hoping for a better view. I couldn’t be seen without him, it would ruin the whole plan, but as long as I found him as soon as he got back to the boat-

I didn’t quite scream when he popped up onto the railing behind me, but it was a near thing. A rope stretched away down to the shore, tied up to a tree stump. “Been a while since I’ve walked a line like that,” he mused in a whisper, slipping down from the railing to join me.

Just in time, too, because there was a commotion from the ramp. General Bakar and his retinue were confronting the sailor who’d been dozing there, now on his feet and stammering in fear.

“What do we do?” They hadn’t noticed us yet, and I wasn’t sure how best to deal with this. We had to look like we hadn’t just gotten back, but how?

Obi’s eyes flicked to the knot of people, then fixed on mine. He stepped forward, trapping me against the cabin wall. “Do you trust me?”

There wasn’t room to nod without hitting his head with mine, but there wasn’t any air either. My whispered “yes” was almost silent, but he heard, or maybe he just saw my lips move because his eyes were fixed on my mouth.

“You shouldn’t,” he whispered back, so close now his lips brushed mine. With a flutter his eyes closed, lips sliding against mine with a tilt of the head.

*

“Finally!” Izana looked up from his papers, and Zakura realized just how loud he’d spoken. “Took the man long enough.”

Izana’s raised eyebrow said he was waiting for Zakura to attribute credit. Yes, it was his undercover mission. Yes, they probably wouldn’t have seen what was right in front of them without an excuse. No, Zakura was not going to feed his ego any more than necessary. It didn’t need the help.

*

I probably should have kept my eyes open, kept watch, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t think, couldn’t focus on anything but the warmth of lips, the gentle brush of fingers across my cheek- But this isn’t what you care about.

*

“Says you,” snorts Zakura.

*

“Lady Vaara!” Obi jumped back at the general’s command, and I nearly fell over. I was startled too, and lost what was holding me up, and to be fair my legs were wobbly. I tried to look innocent facing down the irritated general. “My niece has gone missing, and I find you ordered the ramp dropped?”

The longer I could mislead him, the further away she’d be. “I just wanted a walk, General,” I whined. “The boat was stopped, and I thought I saw a crocodile, and I just had to go investigate.”

“I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t see them return,” said the sailor. He probably would have been better off keeping his mouth shut - I really didn’t want him getting in trouble for our subterfuge.

I covered my mouth with my fingers. “I’m sorry we got you in trouble, we didn’t want to wake you, you looked like you really needed the sleep.” I addressed the general again. “Are you sure your staff have reasonable work schedules? He looked awfully tired.”

The general eyed me like I was some kind of troublemaker. “You weren’t gone for long.”

“Of course not!” I pointed to the shore, indignant. “Do you realize how much mud there is out there?” Obi went blank in an instant, probably trying not to laugh. It’s a good thing he did too, because if he had, I would have lost it, and the general was in no joking mood.

But that was enough to convince him of my innocence, apparently. He snarled as he turned away. “Pull up the ramp, and search every corner of the ship,” he commanded.

Once the ramp had been dragged back into place, the deck became quiet once more. Obi’s smile returned when there was nobody else there to see it, but it wasn’t the simple pleasure of a job completed. I’d seen him less nervous in far more mortal danger. I wanted to kiss him and reassure him it would be all right, kiss him and forget the problems again- I was finding I had plans for this aspect of the charade.

The expedition ended prematurely when they couldn’t find the princess. She was well and truly gone, and the general was done with all of us. He dropped us all off at the next port. We each made our courtesies upon disembarking, and I couldn’t resist a little salt in the wound.

“I’m sorry about the princess. Do you think maybe the crocodiles got her?” The general looked at me as though assessing whether I was really that dense, and to my credit he seems to have concluded that I was. We bowed and left without any further incident, Obi vibrating by my side with unspoken commentary. I’m sure I’ll hear all about it at length the moment we’re alone.

So in conclusion, Princess Irune is great, she and Zen would get along probably a little too well, and we helped start a revolution. Your rubies went to help finance the war. I am sorry about that. Irune will try to repay the debt when she can.

Also, Obi and I are taking a vacation before we come back. We have a lot to talk about and a lot of time to make up for.. Please inform Garrack that I’ll be delayed a couple of days.

*

The crossed-out word is followed by Obi’s only written contribution to the report.

*

weeks.

*

“Is this wise? Leaving them loose like this?”

“I don’t see that we have much of a choice. From the sound of things, they have more immediate things on their minds than destabilizing governments. I think the status quo is safe from them for a couple of weeks at least. There’s only one question left for us to resolve.”

“Oh?” Izana’s voice has that playful lilt again. Zakura doesn’t trust it.

“Ten full minutes conversing with Raj Shenezard says she comes back married but not pregnant.”

Zakura considers the odds. “You’re on.”