Chapter 46: Duty and Family
"We have of the best spots, my friends are going to be so jealous when I tell them I got to see the imperial princesses, thank you Matt" armsman Matt younger brother said with a grin on his face, as he grabbed the handrail of the elevated street.
"This is really great, Victor is right" a burly man with brown hair and simple face said as he looked at the empty street behind the kid.
"Matt IS an armsman of house Lunebleau after all Armand" Armsman Matt turned to hsee her sister, just a little older than he was, grabbing the arm of her husband, the burly man behind his brother Victor. Her sister was wearing a blue and grey dress, well made, she had managed to make the cotton fabric look better.
"I am glad we came early, otherwise it would have been harder to get this close" Matt said to his family, as he came close to the handrail, he saluted several of the men already standing at attention along the street. The city guard, and the armsman of house Lunebleau were keeping the main street clear, as in a few hours the army that had gone east with lord Luka would return, and they were also escorting the princesses of the Fey Danan Empire "Come here mother, you will be able to watch them clearly, this is where they will stop to greet lord and lady Lunebleau" the sunlight was slowly covering the streets, and yet half of the city was already heading for the main street, waiting.
"Thank you, Matt" the raspy voice of his mother said as she passed easily among the people, as everyone let her husband some space. Matt's father was a tall man, the same height as the armsman, but his father was broad man, the result of his life as a smith, as he moved most people let him through, his mother moved in front of him, and came to where the armsman had called her.
"You were right, there is too many people already" the coarse voice of the armsman father said, as he looked at the side streets slowly being filled with people. Even some rooftops had people sitting on them.
"It is not every day that you get to see three foreign princesses come to the city" Matt's mother replied. The armsman eyed at the rooftops and saw that there were some city guards talking with the people on top of them. Most be asked to return to their homes or go to the streets. Lord Lunebleau and Sir Louis had doubled the man considered for this day, after what had happened the day lady Frey and her fiancé went around the city.
Matt had been given the day off, with a few others, because no one in the city guard or the men in the castle would have any well after the wedding had passed. He had volunteered to take part of todays watch, specially after he heard about the attempt, but his superior said he would be needed later, and to use the day.
"Come here mother, Matt says, there is where they will stop" Viktor the youngest of the family grabbed her mother, took her to where he stood.
"HEY MATT, GOOD DAY" below the elevated street, one of the men at attention noticed Matt and saluted him, the armsman returned the salute, and crouched to chat with his companion.
"Good day Hugo, how is it going?"
"I think we are all set; Sir Louis is still talking with the watch captain, you were lucky to be off duty" the other armsman was a year older than Matt, but he had become the squiere of a knight before being employed as an armsman of house Lunebleau. Matt did not feel lucky, he wanted to be there, he would have liked for his family to see him on duty as well.
"Hugo, leave Matt alone, we still have to check on the other barriers. Matt good day, good to see you brought your family" a sergeant said from afar and waved at Matt, the armsman returned the best salute he could.
"See you later, Matt. Good to see you, Mrs. and Mr. Fabron" armsman Hugo waved at Matt's parents before he went with the sergeant.
"Is he your friend, Matt?" his little brother asked impressed by the two uniformed man.
"He and I share a post while guarding the castle" he admitted to his younger brother, he felt he had not made many friends since he had become and armsman, Hugo was alright though.
"Matt, do you know anything about the pie eating contest?" Armand his brother-in-law asked with curiosity. Matt liked the man, but he was too nosey, his father also frowned at the comment, Armand was his best apprentice, his father said the man was gifted with the hammer, but for all his father wanted to his son in law, had two defects. He had married his daughter, and he liked to gossip. Mrs. Fabron, and Matt's sister Agnes, both turned interested in the topic.
"What pie eating contest?"
"The one that everyone on the city is talking about?"
"Oh, you mean the one that the bakers guild does every year?"
"Spit it out Matt, you are a bad at faking ignorance" Matt's sister, pushed the topic, and the armsman sighed.
"Well, lady Frey and her fiancé, the prince were walking around the city, and they stumbled upon the contest" Matt started explaining, when he noticed the people around them were listening to his words "Lady Frey convinced the prince to take part in the contest, that much is truth" the armsman finished as he felt too many ears were on this.
"And?" his mother asked, and the armsman sighed.
"The prince got second place, he managed to eat eleven pies"
"Dammit, I've heard about it, I am tired of hearing Eugene bragging about how is the undefeated champion, but this? We will never hear the end of it" Armand said upset.
"Not every day, you can say you beat a prince in a pie eating contest, I think is fair" Matt's father declared.
"That's not it, what about the kiss?" his sister pressed on, Matt knew she would. But he hoped she have not heard about it.
"What kiss?" his mother eyes turned to his sister.
"Well, they said lady Frey kissed the prince, at the contest…" both women turned to him for confirmation, it was all gossip until, he and armsman, who clearly had inside information about everything house Lunebleau did, well it was true, armsman gossiped like no one's business, but it was kept among them, they had standards.
"Lady Frey supposedly kissed the prince, as a consolation prize" Matt admitted, it was good the attempt on them had not made public. The castle had been in an uproar but in the end, lady Frey and the prince had not even bothered, many armsman were impressed about it, hence why the gossip about the kiss had been spread around.
"Lady Frey?" his mother asked.
"In front of everyone?" his sister blushed as she asked.
"Wasn't he covered in pie?" his brother added, his father almost choked at that comment.
"That's it" he would not go further than that, and Matt was sure, everyone around them was hearing their conversation "I like the prince, he is good and polite, I am glad lady Frey chose him" the armsman ended the topic with that. He had talked with the prince whenever he went to the training grounds, he had even seen him train, and he could see why all the other armsman who had gone to Meury respected the prince.
"I not sure, lady Frey is a Lunebleau, and he, well, he is half fey…" his father added, it was true that the people from Lune de Neige liked house Lunebleau and there was still prejudices against fey in Loire, but it was truly old history. He had never had any animosity towards them, and after knowing the prince, he could not understand what it was about.
"That he is, but the Fey Danan empire is our ally, their wedding is the seal of it" his sister Agnes, reprimanded her father "He is marrying lady Frey, over princess Loraine, I think he understands the importance of house Lunebleau" that statement, got a nod from their father. His sister had always been liked that, straightforward, Matt saw some people nodding at her comment, he did not know if he should be upset of they being on their conversation or glad they were also considering her point of view, it may be something silly, but the people of Lune de Neige, truly felt proud that the prince had picked on lady Frey, most would have thought of lady Noelle, but all that matters was that he picked Lunebleau over everyone else.
"He also helped us win over the orcs at the east" his younger brother Victor added happily. The sudden movement of their troops to the east had placed the city in a state of worry, but the late news of victory, and very few injured and casualties were received with joy all around the city. Matt still remembered when he asked to be sent to the front, but his sergeant had stopped him.
His brother comment was on spot, the results of the campaign in the warring hills, had quickly made the city, truly support the alliance with the Empire, and to see the wedding of lady Frey with a different point of view. The entire Lunebleau territory was in an uproar, there was going to be new lands, a mine, and the trade agreements were already making the city preparing.
"I hope he is good with lady Frey, I never thought the young lady would marry before her sister" Matt's mother added, and he saw his sister agreeing, and it was understandable, lady Noelle, was the most beautiful woman Matt had ever seen, many said her only rival was princess Loraine. To be fair, lady Frey was nice, she had an impressive… frontline, and lately she had been dressing differently, Matt certainly understood why the prince would look at the youngest lady.
"Lady Frey is very smart, perhaps she got the prince attention in a different way" his sister added "I am very grateful for lady Noelle, she always tries to help the weavers of Lune de Neige, but it was lady Frey who came with the idea of us apprentices making clothes for orcs, she set a decent price, and assured our time would not be wasted"
His sister Agnes had managed to become an apprentice with one of the best seamstress inn Lune de Neige. House Lunebleau had always been supportive of its weavers and tailors, lately their works had started rivaling those made at the capital of Loire, Meury. Lady Noelle frequented the weaver's guild, helping apprentices and masters. She had allowed her sister the chance to prove herself to her master, but a few days ago it was lady Frey who went to the weaver guild with the idea of some of the apprentices considering making clothes for orcs.
The idea was a surprise, but not as much as hearing that after the campaign not only had they seized lands inside the warring hills, but that some orc tribes would be considered allies of Loire.
His sister had been one of the first to agree to lady Frey's idea. She had been working on different styles and colors, he had never seen her sister so invested in something, but as she said, it was a chance, and being the first, had its advantages. Even her master had been impressed about the work she was doing, her clothes would soon be presented to lady Frey, and then they would be sent to the warring hills, or to the Empire.
"Lord and Lady Lord and lady Lunebleau, had done a magnificent job, it is reassuring to see that their children took after them" Matt's father said and everyone around them nodded. Lord Damian had taken over his father at a young age, he had worked hard for his lands, he had been quick to attend to any bandits, orcs, or anyone who made trouble in their lands or the kingdom for that matter.
When he married lady Margaux, the people of Lune de Neige were overjoyed, lord Damian was good, but he was too serious, his wife, was caring and approachable, the city loved her, house Lunebleau had earned their respect and loyalty. It was not a surprise to see that the streets were already filled with people, they would still if it was only lord Luka and the army coming back.
Matt heard a commotion, as people around them were pointing at a side street that led to the main avenue, it was already covered and cleared by uniformed men. He knew that was the street from where the castle reception would come, he thought it was still too early.
"What is happening" Victor asked as he could not see the street from where they were, and he had noticed many people were looking at it.
"The castle reception, will come by that street Victor, perhaps they are already on their way" Matt told his younger brother, who was standing on his toes to tried to look "Don't worry, they will stop near us, that is why I chosen this place" Matt said smiling, and his younger brother eased up, he wanted to be on duty, but at least he had secured one of the best spots for his family.
"Good thing they did already, looks like almost the entire city is here already" Armand commented, and as everyone looked around it was true. Every street that led to the main avenue was filled with people.
"You are right Matt, look they are coming already" his father said, and Matt felt the push of the people behind them, trying to look at what his father saw. Matt turned and saw the carriage with the escort of knights with the colors of house Lunebleau.
"It's Lord and lady Lunebleau" people were tip toeing to try to look at their lords, the people around them were bursting with excitement, Matt's younger brother was jumping in place to try to get a look at the carriage, soon enough the castle reception came into the main avenue, and as Matt had said, they stopped near where they were waiting, Victor kept jumping excited.
"They are here, they have arrived, you were right Matt, they will be waiting for the princesses and lord Luka, near us" Matt smiled at his younger brother excitement it was contagious "LOOK they are coming out of the carriage"
The carriage had stopped in the middle of the street, they had a clear view to it, the first person to come down from it was lord Damian, he helped his wife lady Margaux descend from it. The city was cheering and applauding as they saw their lords, lord Damian as always, he made a short salute and a nod to his people, lady Margaux on the other hand waved and smiled at the city.
Next came prince Aedrik, the city of Lune de Neige has had enough chances to look at the prince walking alongside his fiancée at the streets of the city, and yet he grabbed the attention. He looked taller than he was with his broad shoulders, and he looked even bigger once you saw him next to lady Frey, as she helped her. It did not go unnoticed that the prince was dressed in his distinct northern clothing, but he was donning the colors of house Lunebleau.
"Look, lady Frey is also wearing the colors of house Lunebleau" Agnes said wide eyed at the young couple. Matt's sister as well as many others were dressed in blue, they were proud of their lords, but seeing the young couple do the same, made a great spectacle. Lord and lady Lunebleau had details of the house colors, but lady Frey and the prince were something else.
The young lady Frey had always been more reserved, even now her dress was simple, which made Matt realize it was something she shared with the prince. However, the armsman was sure few women could fill the dress the way the young lady was doing it, and the color, it made her sparkle with her silvery blue hair falling on her shoulders, it was not surprised to see the prince could not take his eyes of his fiancée, and if he noticed it, he was sure most women on the city, her sister sighed next to him.
Last came lady René and lady Noelle, they wore dresses closer to what lady Margaux was wearing, they looked enchanting on them, two of the most beautiful ladies the kingdom had. The prince helped them both out the carriage, but not once had he stopped throwing glances at his fiancée, and rightly so, lady Frey was radiant.
"Lady Frey does look resplendent with that dress" his mother said to his side.
The people of Lune de Neige were applauding and cheering as house Lunebleau, and the prince saluted at them. Every one of the close escorts were ordained knights, Sir Lois was in direct charge of them, and Matt spotted lady Siv, wearing the regular uniform of an armsman of house Lunebleau among them.
"Look there" Matt pointed to his brother where Siv was "That is lady Siv, she came from Meury with lady Frey, she is her personal guard, she comes from the north of the empire, and for all she is a woman she is fearsome" Matt had not dared tell his family he had been beaten by the Feydan woman, but no one else had dared spar with her after what had happened to him, no one even bother him about it either. Those who had gone to Meury said she bested lieutenant Gérard of the royal guard.
"She is? And she is so pretty as well" his younger brother was marveled at the northern woman.
"She looks fierce" his father said to their side" Matt knew that well, and after seeing her spar with the prince, he felt better about the result of his match with her.
House Lunebleau and the prince were standing just a few meters from where they were. The entrance to the city could be seen from there as well, they would welcome lord Luka, the returning men and the princesses. The carriage that had brought them was gone, and two open carriages were waiting close to them. After the reception these carriages would take them back to the castle, along the main avenue for the city to see them.
"They are the reception party, see those carriages, once lord Luka and the princesses enter, they will all take those all the way back to the castle, so the city can see them" Matt explained to his brother.
Lord Damian was greeting some people near him, lady Margaux beside him was doing the same. The younger ladies were talking amongst them, the prince was looking around with curiosity whenever he took his eyes off his fiancée, in one of those quick glances, Matt felt they had exchanged looks, he was about to wave at the prince, but hesitated, after a moment the prince turned to talked with lady Frey.
"Mom, did you saw that, the prince looked to where we are" his younger brother jumped with excitement "HIIIIII, prince, welcome to Lune de Neige" Matt smiled at his brother.
"Matt works at the castle, perhaps the prince recognized him" his mother said as she patted her youngest head.
"You are right mom, LOOK, he is responding" Matt's brother was desperately jumping, and certainly the prince was waving back, was he truly looking at them? Matt was getting nervous, turned and saw his parents were at a loss as well, his sister turned to him confused. The armsman felt the intense stare of the prince on him, but that could not be, surely not.
"Come on Matt, don't be rude answer the prince, perhaps he does recognize you" his brother-in-law said to his side. Matt saw lady Frey and Noelle were smiling and laughing at something they said to the prince, but he frowned, and after a moment grabbed lady Frey's hand, and started walking to the barrier, he was directly going their way.
"Mom, THEY ARE COMING HERE" Victor was jumping in place "HIIIIII, Lady Frey" Matt felt his hair stand on end, as he saw the resolute face on the prince, and the confuse expression on lady Frey, his brother was right, they were coming straight for them, he saw the prince eyes and his smile set on him, the armsman knew unequivocally that the prince had indeed saw him, he had greeted him, and now he and lady Frey were standing in front of him and his family, the rest of the men on duty had moved to let them pass, and the rest let them pass surprised about what was happening, lady Frey was a mix of confusion and embarrassment.
"Good day, armsman Matt" the prince voice had his polite tone, but he was grinning from ear to ear, he even gave him the strange bow he sometimes did. Matt felt like he was about to faint. Lady Frey was at a loss of what was happening.
Everyone around the was looking at them, Matt was sure, even the people on the other street were staring at them. Even his brother, who was so hard to control was at a loss on the current situation. Mat had always wanted to become a knight, his mother had tried to convince him otherwise, but once he convinced her, she had been her most staunch supporter, but they all had been proud when he was offered the position as an armsman. Now, Matt was not sure was about to happen, he felt his sister elbow on his back, too obvious on the sudden silence.
"Good day to you, sire" that was all Matt could push himself to answer, he tried to stand as tall as he was. He was sure he had stuttered the words; he saw lady Frey biting her lip, and he saw the grin on the prince, disappear at his response.
"I am sorry, armsman Matt, I can see you are off duty. I… was a bit lost for a moment and when I saw a familiar face among the crowd, I greeted you, but you missed me, it got a laughter from lady Noelle and lady Frey, but I assure them I knew you, and as much as I enjoy making lady Frey smile, I admit I was embarrassed by their response, and that may had made me overreact in return" the prince grin had turned into an apologetic and honest smile.
"I am sorry, sire. I was lost in my thoughts, I did not think you were greeting me, why would you?" Matt regretted his words as they left him, but there was no way going back.
"To be honest, I felt weird waving at everyone without actually knowing anyone, I've never been good at events like this" the prince admitted and smiled as he scratched his head "I was glad to recognize a familiar face, I am sorry for startling you armsman" the prince made a small bow as an apology, Matt felt his blood missing, as everyone around them was surprised by the prince, lady Frey seemed to have finally gotten a grip on the situation.
"I suppose you came with your family??
"I did, sire. I have come with my father and mother" Matt pointed to his parents, who both awkwardly bowed at the prince "This is my brother-in-law Armand, and my elder sister Agnes" his brother-in-law fared worse than his parents, but his sister managed a proper bow "and this is my little brother, Victor"
"Hi, your highness, I am very glad to meet you, my friends would never believe when I tell them I met you today" Matt was preoccupied and proud about his brother response, his initial shock had passed, he had even extended his hand to the prince, but before his mother or father reacted, the prince was shaken it firmly.
"Well met, Victor, my name is Aedrik" Matt was speechless, his parents were quickly turning as pale as he was, his brother was grinning "let me present you my fiancée, lady Frey" the prince turned with the proudest face Matt had ever seen on anyone as he showed his little brother, his wife to be, lady Frey blushed confused.
"Hello to you as well, your highness lady Frey" his brother lost most of his confidence as he addressed the young lady, he had stuttered, but lady Frey blush turned into a dashing smile.
"It is a pleasure to you, Victor" lady Frey leaned and placed a kiss on his brother cheek, he saw his brother turning red to his ears, he was in a mix of shock, embarrassment and excitement, Matt dared not turned towards his parents, the prince smiled somehow was growing as he looked at his fiancée.
"A lady's kiss, you are very lucky Victor" the prince said to his embarrassed brother "I am sorry, I assume you know my fiancée as well, nevertheless, I apologize again. Frey, may I present you, armsman Matt, he is one of the armsman of house Lunebleau whom I have the pleasure to have make an acquaintance with, and without an assumption, this armsman man is lady Frey" Matt did not know how to respond, he turned and for a moment felt lady Frey was at a loss as well, but then she gave him a lady bow.
"A pleasure to meet you, armsman Matt, thank your service to house Lunebleau" lady Frey said composing herself after a moment.
"Don't worry, lady Frey, it is my honor" Matt spoke without giving any space between his words.
"Again, I am sorry, armsman Matt, you presented us to your family" the prince words somehow kept making the armsman felt week on his knees "It is my pleasure to meet you, Mrs. and Mr. Fabron, I am sorry for startling your son, it was not my intention to place him on the spot, but I was truly happy to see a familiar face. You see, your son has been very kind, not only is he one of the few guards who talk with me, but he also honored and esteemed and respected warrior from the empire, Siv Svenson, I am grateful with him, and it is my pleasure to meet you" Matt saw his parents look at him with a mix of feelings, his sister and brother in law were dumbstruck, he was wide eyed, his brother was looking at him beaming with pride, for him that was enough… wait how did the prince knew his last name?
"Thank you, armsman Matt, both Siv and Aedrik had told me about you, but I had missed your name, thank you for making them feel welcome" lady Frey have him anther bow, Matt saw some raised eyebrows on the other armsman at duty, he even felt Sir Lois was probably, coming to see what was happening.
"I am sorry Aedrik startled your son, Mrs. and Mr. Fabron, for what I've seen the northerners from the empire are too straightforward, but I also feel grateful that your son welcomed my fiancé" lady Frey now have his parents a bow, his father blushed confused, his mother managed a bow on her own.
"Don't worry about it, lady Frey, or you prince, I am glad, Matt is doing fine" his mother answered.
"Thank you for coming today, we appreciate you took the time to receive our men and my brother back, as well as greet Aedrik's sisters" lady Frey said smiling.
"You do not have to thank us, lady Frey" his father spoke with a little embarrassed with his coarse voice "Lord Damian has our loyalty and support, lady Margaux is loved by the city, we are proud Matt has become an armsman in service of house Lunebleau, and even if he were not one, we would have come" Matt saw the smile on lady Frey's slips grew wide at his father's words.
"Then let me thank you on behalf of the empire" the prince interrupted his father "for welcoming me, and my sisters. Any brother would be grateful about their siblings being received this way" the prince made another of his strange bows to his parents "and thank you for caring for my lady, and her family" Matt and his family were dumbstruck, and then he saw lady Frey turned towards his sister.
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