A retainer is a member of a Noble's entourage. They might be a guard, a clerk, or even just a hanger-on. Their actions reflect on their liege, but so too does their liege's rank provide them a degree of protection.

  One cannot simply treat a retainer the way one would an Unaffiliated. They have rights, unless and until their liege decides otherwise.

  ~ * ~

  Tidying up after breakfast was a matter of minutes even when he dealt with the popcorn bowl and glasses from the night before. Returning to the living room with a fresh cup of coffee Seb looked through the clothing he had packed, considering his options for the unplanned visit to court.

  "I guess I'm going to be wearing jeans," he muttered. Jeans from yesterday or a clean pair left him with little choice in the matter. "And I guess I'm going with the light grey polo." Considering everything else he'd packed was t-shirts it wasn't really a choice.

  Folding the rest of the clothes back up he was about to sit down when Anya came charging out of the bedroom, a hint of tears in her eyes. He almost asked what was wrong when she held up a makeup palette.

  "Nothing is going to work," she fumed. "Everything would look fine on Lisa but looks horrible on me. And even if it was passable it wouldn't actually hide my cheek. It actually looked worse when I started trying to use concealer."

  Holding up his hands in a gesture for her to slow down he looked at her more carefully, hints of attempts at makeup showing what she meant. "I see. But why are you hiding the bruise?"

  "Because it's horrible and ugly!"

  "We're going to court to tell your mother that one of her guards tried to kill you though. The bruise is evidence," he countered.

  "Everyone will stare. They'll act all polite but they'll be making comments about my eyes, my hair, about my not being in a Husk, about the bruise." Her frustration was evident, she was heading right back where she was yesterday and this time she wouldn't even be able to hide behind their expectations.

  "They're going to do that anyway. And you have nothing to hide. If they have a problem with your looks that's on them."

  She paused, caught short by his words. Looking at the makeup in her hand then back at him, she nodded slowly. "You're right… Hiding the bruise won't change anything."

  As she turned back towards the bedroom he called out. "Mind if I use the shower while you figure out clothes? I'll be quick."

  "Sure. I just need to wash my face off at this point so I can do that after."

  ~ * ~

  Seb pulled his shirt on as he stepped to the door, opening it a crack before calling out. "Anya? Safe for me to come out?"

  "No- Yes-" Muttering followed before she finally spoke up again to clarify. "Yes, you can come out."

  Stepping out he found clothes strewn across the bed and floor and Anya pacing back and forth in an undershirt and lounge pants. His eyes immediately focused on her arm, the bruise significantly worse than the one on her face. "We should probably get that checked out, your ribs too."

  Anya paused, following his gaze to her arm and then turning to hide it from him only to wince as she twisted. "I'm fine. It isn't that bad."

  He took the few steps to her side and looked at her. "Don't be stubborn. Having someone check and make sure it isn't worse than it looks is just being smart."

  She shook her head, half-gesturing to the clothing she'd left everywhere. "We need to get to court and I have nothing to wear. Nothing fits right."

  "After court then. Unless your ribs look better than your cheek." He looked down at her, a challenge in his gaze.

  "It isn't," she admitted, reaching across her body to lift the edge of her top just enough to show the start of the bruising before pulling it right back down as quickly as she could and turning away from him. "I know nothing is cracked but it hurts more than the rest combined."

  "After court then. Just to be sure."

  She barely nodded before focusing back on the clothes. "It won't matter, I need to find something appropriate for court."

  "Why?" he asked.

  "Because of propriety, because I'm the Heir."

  "Your True Self is hurt this badly and your Husk is nearly destroyed. Why should you do what they want of you?"

  "You don't get it. They judge and judge and judge," she complained.

  "And you're the Heir, the only person who can judge you for your choice of outfit is the Sovereign. Will she understand?"

  He turned to step back out into the living room as she seemed lost in thought. Pausing at the door he pulled it shut, leaving her with his last words. "They're expecting Lisa, maybe they need to see Anya."

  ~ * ~

  With one last glance in the mirror Anya turned to head out to meet Seb. She'd taken several minutes to consider her options and his words before making up her mind.

  "I'm ready," she said as she stepped out of the bedroom. She saw Seb pause midway to his feet as he took in her look and felt a slight thrill when he nodded approval. The only change she'd made after he left was to pull back on the dark grey hoodie. It was the first thing she'd worn as Anya that wasn't Lisa's or what the court wanted.

  "Sebastian, will you be my first retainer?" she asked as she straightened, a formality coming over her as she spoke the words.

  "I-" for a moment he seemed at a loss before matching her stance and giving the smallest of acceptable bows, wobbling all the same. "Lady Lysanya, I will proudly be your retainer."

  That isn't the right- she caught herself thinking before he straightened and continued, looking her right in the eyes as he did.

  "I'll pledge and kneel in Court. But I am your retainer, not a Lys retainer."

  For a moment she didn't register his words. In this lighting she noticed something she hadn't the day before, his eyes had notes of dark green in their grey. Not green like hers, not piercing vibrant emerald green, but green all the same. She found herself staring even as her thoughts caught up to his words.

  Her mouth dropped open slightly. His phrasing, his actual statement. He was making it clear he was tying himself to her, not to her family, not to the Court that never accepted her. "Thank you."

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  Seb stepped to the door, looking back at her as she stepped over while pulling the hood up over her head. After the briefest hesitation he pulled the door open and stepped to the side, letting her take the lead.

  She started down the hall as he shut the door behind them. As the latch clicked a pair of royal guards uncloaked at attention before her. "Your Highness. Her Majesty requests your presence at court at her earliest convenience."

  Glancing back at Seb she took a moment to form a Band while taking note of the additional pair slowly advancing on him. I've got this Seb.

  Turning back to the leader she raised an eyebrow. "My understanding was that my residence was to remain private and unlisted. Is your presence an indication that my Mother did not honor the agreement?"

  "I could not say your Highness. The Seneschal gave us your location when sharing her Majesty's orders."

  "Of course. In that case you may escort us to-" She paused at what she felt from Seb and spun around. "What do you think you are doing?"

  Seb was trapped between the two guards, their grip pulling him off his feet. "His presence is required at court as well."

  She took a half step towards them, her gaze turning thunderous as she did. "And you felt that detaining my retainer was appropriate? Did he somehow threaten you?"

  The guard captain spoke up from behind her. "Your retainer? We were not aware that Sebastian Unaffiliated-"

  "Sebastian retainer of Lysanya you mean. Now release him."

  The guards dropped Seb and stepped back as he caught himself. Thanks.

  I doubt we're done yet, unfortunately. Just stay close.

  Turning back to the leader she waited for Seb to take his place a half step behind before starting forward. "We will go to court now Captain."

  ~ * ~

  The trip back to the Holding passed quickly. Anya spent most of it talking with Seb over their band, deciding on how they were going to explain what had happened. Thankfully he was willing to take the lead and present the information, she would merely have to confirm his statements and show off the injury to her arm. Well that and confront her mother about the presence of guards at her home.

  The Seneschal was waiting for them as they stepped into the inner Court, his slicked back blonde hair catching the light while his beak like nose, sharp blue eyes and slender build gave him a predatory look. Despite his usual inscrutability his opinion of her clothing was clear as he nodded in greeting, looming over them both. "Your Highness, that outfit is-"

  "How I choose to present myself," she interrupted. The surprise on his face was priceless. "The events yesterday need addressing and propriety is not the answer."

  "As you say. Just be aware that your choices will be seen as poor form."

  "My presence is seen as poor form," she countered before looking down the hall. "I'm assuming court is still in session?"

  "Indeed. I will announce you and ensure the witness is brought along as well."

  "Sebastian is my retainer. You may announce him as such."

  The Seneschal's look of surprise returned before he nodded and led them through the holding.

  I hate it here, she sent to Seb as they neared the main hall, intentionally slowing so he entered right on her heels.

  "Announcing her Highness, Princess Lysanya, Heir to Holding Lys, and retainer, Sebastian," the Seneschal intoned as she crossed the threshold. In an instant the only sounds in the hall were their footsteps and the sound of fabric shifting as all eyes followed them. Unlike the dull halls, the room had scattered banners, all in the red and silver of her family.

  Make sure you stop when we reach the front row, you cannot approach further-

  I know Anya, I may approach if invited but not before, he sent back. Anya was glad the hood hid her smile, they had been over this but it had to be handled just right.

  I knew you made your Husk look like your mother and that the guards had a similar appearance, Seb sent as they were walking, his thoughts heavy with realization. I hadn't seen many other members of the Holding, I hadn't realized that everyone was tall, blond, blue-eyed and well-built.

  While I was the shorter, black haired, green-eyed skinny freak, Anya spat over the link almost immediately, the words carrying the weight of having been heard over and over.

  She heard Seb stumble, his step faltering for the briefest instant. Anya. You are NOT a freak. Not in any way, not in the slightest. If they can't see you for who you are then they don't deserve your time.

  Anya smiled despite her mounting anger at being back in court. I wish it were that easy Seb.

  Seb stopped exactly where she had indicated as she took a handful more steps, curtsying as best she could in her outfit before straightening. Feeling a wave of reassurance from Seb she lifted her chin and stared forward at her mother.

  "Your Majesty, I return to court as requested with three matters to address."

  "Three?" her mother asked. "I expected one, perhaps two. Your entrance however makes it clear what the third likely is."

  "Thank you. I will save the most concerning for last, save to clarify it regards the events yesterday. The first is that I have taken a retainer and wish it to be witnessed and acknowledged."

  Her mother frowned. It was so slight Anya would have missed it had she not been watching for any reaction. A beat passed in silence before she gestured towards Seb. "I assume you made this decision in wisdom and after careful deliberation? I would hate you to be impulsive."

  Is she implying that you- Seb asked hesitantly, barely managing before she nearly screamed back at him, her face frozen.

  She is. How dare she imply that I- that we-

  Focus Anya, just this bit of ceremony and I'll take over.

  "I have not been impulsive your Majesty. The decision is entirely based on his actions and assistance in dealing with the first of the issues. Might he approach to formally pledge?"

  Lyselle looked at her daughter then over at Seb before nodding her assent and gesturing for his approach. Anya turned as he did, waiting for him to stop beside her.

  "Sebastian, will you be my first retainer?"

  Seb knelt, his humor at repeating the ritual leaking through the band while his words carried throughout the hall.

  "Princess Lysanya. I am alive thanks to your efforts. I pledge my skills and service to you for as long as that debt remains between us. I swear to support your goals and do my best to ensure their success."

  Seb! That isn't what we-

  It satisfies the form and they will just take it as an Adult Awakened who forgot how to answer.

  "Rise Sebastian," she answered, barely missing a beat even with their mental exchange.

  "Your Majesty, I present my retainer, Sebastian. I trust this satisfies propriety?"

  "The Court acknowledges Sebastian as Princess Lysanya's retainer." Lyselle's answer was short and to the point. She then turned towards Seb and frowned down at him.

  "However, I will remind your retainer that it is customary to acknowledge the Holding and associated title during a pledge, in particular when your liege holds a significant role within the holding."

  "I apologize your Majesty. I have spent three months trying to learn all I can about the rules, obligations and expectations of Awakened society. I could not recall whether the direct or full form of address was appropriate and erred on the side of caution. I did not wish to accidentally add to my Lady's obligations by misspeaking."

  He paused for a breath then continued on before anyone responded.

  "I will ensure to review those details on my next opportunity. I will however note that once accepted, a retainer must be released by their Liege before a new, or modified, pledge can be taken."

  Anya shot him a mental blast of shock underlaid with revenge before taking up her line. "I have accepted his pledge and am fully satisfied. In fact his efforts to protect my interests make me feel confident in announcing the plans I had already made."

  Anya? Seb sent nervously.

  Don't worry, you earned this.

  "I name Sebastian as both Seneschal and Arbiter of my Household and Person. Should future retainers be better suited for the roles I will re-visit the appointments, however let it be clear I trust his judgment regarding my interests."

  Lyselle's scowl deepened as she sat on her chair, however Anya was fully aware there was nothing she could do short of explicitly stating her Heir was unsuited to make such decisions. "Very well, let it be known. I trust that is the end of the first matter?"

  I have to do this now, if I wait I won't bring it up, Anya sent to Seb, squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath.

  "Yes your Majesty. The second matter concerns the agreement we entered into six months ago." She paused, her tone sharpening as she let herself feel the anger she had been holding back. "The agreement that stated I would be allowed privacy and that the Court would make no effort to identify my residence. However this morning upon our departure for Court we were met by Royal Guards who had clearly been waiting for us. Is this how the Court handles agreements?"

  Her mother's face took on a darker and darker cast with every word. When Anya finished she said nothing, simply sitting there without showing any sign of how she would answer.

  "Lisa-"

  "No mother, I am asking as Princess Lysanya."

  "Lysanya," her mother nearly spat. "No one in the Holding is exempt from some degree of monitoring. Your privacy was maintained and only select members of the Household were aware of your location. Following the report I received yesterday I asked that the guards be dispatched to ensure no further incidents occurred before you could present yourself."

  "That was not our agreement, as well you are aware." Anya glared out from under the hood, her eyes distinctly visible despite the shadow. "I will keep this in mind when making future arrangements."

  Nearly biting her tongue she took a step to the side, gesturing for Seb to step forward. "My Arbiter will provide our report on the incident, as you referred to it. He was present and was able to observe the events with less direct entanglement."

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