Chip in His Armor

Of course, we must ask his opinion, I am his after all. I tense my hands around my utensils, expecting to hear a no.

He leans forward on his arm, evaluating me before he pronounces judgement. Internally I pray for a favorable verdict.

"How do I know you won't use the training to kill me."

"If I wanted to eliminate a threat, I wouldn't have invited you're army into Villefranche. They would never respect me without you, and it seems Bertrand would take over if you become incapacitated. I would lose my semblance of power. The idea that of hurting you is idiotic and impulsive at best and suicidal from any angle." I refute.

"What weapon are you thinking?" He doesn't remove his gaze from me, but he addresses the man to his right.

"I was thinking a double handed sword. Maybe a short sword. Any kind of pole would be too big for her small frame to maneuver. She also would need more strength to use any one-handed weapon."

"I agree. What about a dagger?" It infuriates me how they are taking about me, and the Prince is staring at me, but neither ask my opinion: I stifle my anger, focusing on the possibility of learning to fight. This is denied to women here in Bresse. Well I guess this isn't Bresse anymore. Villefranche is part of Varzy from today onward.

"Those are more close-combat. She looks fast, but I am worried about her coming up against a more skilled opponent. Distance gives more time to react."

"Get her throwing daggers as a first line. Then a sword. If she does well in mastering those, we can revisit close-combat." I beam, joy overflowing, though I do try to suppress it a little to preserve my dignity.

"You are insightful as always, your highness" Bertrand praises the Prince.

"I will oversee your training, but Bertrand can teach you." Prince Clement-Victor finally acknowledges me.

"Thank you. I can't wait to start." A shadow of a smile flashes across my lips, but I suppress it. I don't need him to know the extent of the power he has and the joy he has bestowed.

"Then let's begin tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" I smile, my shell breaking in astonishment. My surprise is furthered by a chip in his own armor. The Prince's expression mirrors mine. The half-smile is only a shadow that flew past, but I am sure that I saw it. Maybe he wasn't acting this afternoon.

"Do you have plans?" The Prince asks.

"No, I am all yours." I say before registering the eagerness and ambiguity of my phrase. "What time would you want to begin my training?" I try to correct.

"The morning should work, right Bertrand?" He doesn't need to turn his head to see the nod of agreement given by his subordinate. "Come prepared, as you will be sore after."

"I would be disappointed with anything less." Again, he dismisses the conversation with a turn of his head. Despite his aloof demeaner, I know I saw a hint of his true self. I hope that this barrier is due to the group and our unfamiliarity. I hope we will be able to work together to secure this land with little to no bloodshed.

"Bertrand, what weapon do you use?" I try to continue a conversation with Bertrand, despite my fatigue, as I know a good relation with him will help with the Prince.

"I am known for my skills with a battle axe, but I do know how to wield most weapons, so don't you worry." He reassures me.

"Why are you so proficient in weaponry?"

"I oversee the training of recruits. I need to be able to spot talent for various weapons."

"Okay, so knowing how to use the weapons, helps you see when another will thrive using it as well?"

"Exactly."

"Then tomorrow you can check to be sure I have been paired with the right weapon?"

"Of course, though based on what I have seen so far I agree with the Prince. The further we can keep your enemy, the better."

"Should I expect to fight often?"

"You are joining us to claim other cities, but you know the Lords here the best. Will they put up a fight?"

"Depends on what you offer to them. Many will resist, not wanting to bow to me."

"But they wouldn't be bowing to you." He looks at me confused. I open my mouth to explain the predicament, but the explanation is already underway.

"In a way they would. Their surrender is part of the treaty that she signed." The Prince again joins our conversation. Why does he continually dismiss himself from it only to rejoin? "By surrendering they would be acknowledging her power."

"Yes, it is not a guaranty of their surrender in the treaty, but the favorable terms are proffered to them if they choose." I expound.

"You two are a good team." Bertrand observes. I try to hide my astonishment and annoyance. How would I be a good team mate to this Prince? We hardly know eachother.

"She is useful. I am glad I decided to keep her around." What am I, an animal?