THE MORNING AFTER

  Tanner walks to breakfast to find only Harold sitting at the table’s head. “Tanner I have some matters that have come to my attention and we have to leave tomorrow morning at first light. If you have any goodbyes to say, today is your last day. I am sorry.”

  “Most everyone I know came by last night. I want to check on Ms. Lake today, she’s the last one, well, her and the littles.”

  Harold clears his throat, “Tanner, I feel I must apologize. You have come crashing into our lives like a shield bash to the face. You have befriended Claire and Richard. My family's dynamics have been shaken up by you. In a way that has shed light on a few things that need to change. This is upsetting, but it is also a wonderful thing. I want you to know that. It's clear to me you and my daughter have potent feelings for each other. If you were Attuned I would think it was the draw. My wife tells me not to worry. In eight days' time, the two of you will be adults. Please treat her well.” Harold asks.

  Tanner stands and bows, “Sir I will treat her as the precious gift she is.”

  Harold smiles and holds out his hand, “Call me Harry, all of my friends do. Your plan to remove Claire from the manor last night was quite effective. It was a marvelous job of misdirection. Tanner, I welcome you to my family. You are a good man. There are a few things we had trouble figuring out.”

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  “Okay, First I enlisted Richard. He acted all concerned then told the guard our plans. He snagged a servant’s uniform for me, when he came to my room I put it on under my clothes. Then later he went out to the corner of the garden where we practice and he started banging sticks together. The maid we talked to went to her room and put two sets of uniforms on. She also stashed cleaning supplies in her cart. When she went into Claire’s room to pick up her laundry she left the extra uniform and the supplies. After the guard shift ended. Claire walked out dressed as a maid with cleaning rags and soap. She even complained to the guards what a mess she was. While all the attention was on the maid, we just stood by the servants entrance to the manor like we were on a break. After the guards dumped the laundry, we just went and help put it in the pickup box.”

  Harold, laughing, gasped, “Ah, so that's how you escaped! I figured you would succeed. In fact, I bet everyone a gold. So thanks for that. Tolbur is champing at the bit to train you. Penny is proud of you, but pissed at her guards. Eunice finds you intriguing and is curious about you. Rhys is still attempting to figure it all out.”

  “How does the empress feel about everything?” Tanner asks.

  “She was nothing but smiles last night and this morning. Richard loves to fish, she took him fishing for the day. We figured he deserved a reward. I’ll join them soon. You and Claire are welcome to come along after your business is taken care of.”