Life Goes On
I DO NOT own Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs or Sei Jushi Bismarck, they are owned by their respective animation companies.
The Price of Peace
Chapter 39: Life Goes On
"Mummy!" Eryn cries happily as she runs into the sitting room.
Amanda looks up from rocking the child in her arms and smiles, "Hello, sweetie. Did you have a good time?"
"Aye," Eryn replies. "Stephen an' Rory chased us all the way through the school yard. Moria tripped an' cut her leg, but Daddy said she'd be fine. We barely made it to base before they caught us. Anna tried to stand up to Seth today, because he was taking her bag again, but the teacher found out and he was put in the corner. It was a lot of fun to watch him pout."
Amanda laughs and glances over the kids as they file in, Saber behind them. "So how are your marks?" she asks eyeing them all carefully.
The kids try and not make eye contact with her as Saber speaks up from behind them, "They are all satisfactory in their marks, Love. Although Rory needs to work on her behaviour," Saber adds amused. "Evidently she has a tendency to talk during classes."
Amanda chuckles and nods. "Well, aside from that, I am proud of all of you. Go and get a snack and then do your homework and then we will allow you time to work on your fencing and horseback riding," she says to the children before her.
"Yes ma'am," the children reply in unison as they dash into the kitchen.
Saber comes over and sits beside Amanda on the couch who is holding a sleeping child. He kisses her cheek, and then the head of the child. "How are you doing, Love?" he asks quietly.
"We're doing well. Elaine and I took Dylan and Samantha shopping in town this morning. The weather was nice and it was good to get out. We ran into someone rather unexpected."
"Oh? Who would that be?" Saber asks with a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"Well, I suppose I should tell you before they arrive," Amanda looks to say something and she holds a finger to his mouth and smiles, "I'll tell you. We ran into . She and some woman was with her out shopping. She wants to speak with us. She says that it is important."
Saber sighs and shakes his head. "I'm not sure that I want her to enter our home, Amanda," he says quietly. "When are they coming?" he asks almost dreading the reply.
"Tomorrow morning. That is, if you're still staying home tomorrow," Amanda replies.
"Yes, I should be here. I wanted us to enjoy our anniversary tomorrow," he replies. "And a day or two after," he adds quietly against her ear. "I had arranged a trip to the cottage for the two of us, with the others coming out this weekend to join us."
Amanda looks at him in shock, "When...when did you plan this?" she asks bewildered.
Saber smiles innocently at her. "Over the past month I've been arranging everything. I wanted to surprise you," he replies before kissing her lightly.
"I suppose I should call and reschedule the appointment then," Amanda says to herself.
Saber shakes his head. "No, let's get it over with and then we can go and relax. It might make getting away far more enjoyable to have this meeting over and done with,"
"I just don't know what she can possibly want. She didn't seem inclined to let on either. It's been what, almost five years since our last encounter with her?" Amanda muses.
"Aye, and I was hopeful that it was the last we'd have to see of her," Saber adds coldly. "If she so much as dares to speak down to you, I will remove her from our home. Forcefully if need be."
Amanda resists the urge to smile and nods. "And I won't try and stop you either, Love."
He stops when she addresses him as such and chuckles. "You don't call me that very often. Only when you're patronizing me," he replies amused.
"I'm not doing any such thing," Amanda replies in her most innocent voice. "Of course this does explain why Elaine almost spoke up when I told her she could come tomorrow. I'm sure she was chomping at the bit to spill the surprise just to keep Ms. Swadjen from coming here. I know how much both she and Thomas dislike her."
"And for reasons other than just their loyalty to you, Love," Saber states. "Although I don't see either one of them taking a comment from her about you lightly. Perhaps we should invite Colt over. He could bring Robin, Wil, and Jason with them and then maybe Robin could watch Dylan and Samantha while we have this discussion."
"And then we'd have one more armed person here, right?" Amanda asks amused. "I have no objection to them coming over, or even Colt coming in to play bouncer for us, but I thought that having the kids nearby might keep me from doing or saying something I might regret later should she try and set me off," she states. "Of course should things start to go south, it might be a good thing to have Robin here to pass the kids over to."
"So you have already talked with Colt?" he asks.
"Not exactly. I talked with Robin, who told Colt what was going on and he was more than happy to come over. They should be here in a couple of hours. Elaine got more from the store so that we can have enough for everyone. She said she will also make some cakes and serve tea while our guests are here."
Saber chuckles and shakes his head. "I'm surprised you didn't call me while I was at the Outpost to rant about it," he says amused. "Although I think I'm rather glad you waited. As I'm sure the soldiers that I was grading would have been."
"Now I know you can be more professional than that, Saber. You wouldn't hold your personal feelings of her against the soldiers, would you?" Amanda asks amused.
"Not exactly, but knowing I'm going to have to deal with her in our home might have made me in a mood where I could have been more critical or something," Saber retorts.
Amanda smiles, "Then I am that glad I waited until now to spring this on you. I just am curious as to what it is about. She acted as if you would know. I'm pretty sure Elaine has a guess, but she refused to say anything."
Saber looks at her curiously. "Perhaps I'll go and speak with Elaine about it. I'm sure she'll tell me what she is thinking," Saber says.
"From how evasive she's been since we ran into Sincia, I'm almost dreading the appointment anyways."
"If she says what I think she may, I'll talk with you about it after the kids are down for the night, all right?" Saber replies.
Amanda nods. "I would appreciate it," Amanda says quietly. She carefully stands up, "I'm going to take Samantha upstairs. Dylan will probably be asleep for another hour or so, if you want to go and talk with Elaine before you start the fencing lessons."
"I think I will. I'll talk with you afterwhile, Love," Saber says and kisses her lightly before heading into the kitchen.
Elaine looks up from the dishes when he enters. "Ah, you're home. Have you spoken to Lady Amanda?" she asks casually while watching for him closely for a reaction.
"Aye, I have. So what is your take on this so-called appointment?" he asks as he sits down at the table.
Elaine is quiet for several minutes, pondering her answer as she finishes the dishes and brings over tea for both of them. She sits across from him and sighs, "I honestly think they may want to betroth one of their children to one of yours." Saber takes a sip of his tea as he ponders the statement and Elaine continues. "She said that it had been a long time since you've spoken. She eyed the two wee ones we had with idle curiosity. I could tell she was not pleased to see a little of both of you in them. Perhaps she still harbors some sort of feelings for you, and knows that a betrothal would be the next best way to attach herself to this family."
Saber places his cup down a bit harder than he intends and sighs. "How badly would protocol be breached if I forbid such a betrothal, Elaine?" he asks.
Elaine shrugs. "I don't know all of the rules in such matters. I do not think that there are any real repercussions, other than giving her ammunition to tarnish your name in nobility social circles," she replies. Seeing his expression she quickly adds, "However, I don't think that actually matters to you, does it?"
"Not really. I am who I am," Saber replies with a shrug. "There are others that could be matches for the children, but they are young, and there is no real need to rush into something so..."
"Permanent?" Amanda offers coming into the kitchen from the back stairwell.
"Aye. I suppose you've figured out what we're discussing?" Saber asks.
Amanda nods. "It's what I figured, seeing Elaine's reaction. I can't say as I'm suprised, but I feel as you do. The kids are young, I mean, Stephen is the oldest and he's not quite twelve. I wouldn't be against them coming over and allowing the children to spend time together, provided she is civil as are her children. But to just arrange a marriage at their age, I could not in good conscience do that," Amanda replies as she sits down in a vacant chair at the table. "I would say that about anyone who came with such intentions, not just Sincia."
Saber goes to comment when the children come bursting into the kitchen. "Ah, done with your homework?" he asks, getting several nods in reply. "Good. I'm going to check it after supper, but let's do our fencing lessons and then it should be time for supper. Go get your gear on. I'll meet you out back."
"Yes sir," the kids eagerly reply and dash out of the kitchen.
"I suppose we'll talk later," he says almost apologetically.
"Aye. Have fun and don't be too hard on them. I don't want them to be too worn out to play with Wil and Jason," Amanda replies.
"I'll try and go easy on them, since you asked so nicely," Saber replies with a smirk. He kisses her briefly then heads out after the kids.
Elaine comes and places a cup of tea in front of Amanda. "It'll do you some good to drink this, milady. It will help you relax a little. For what it's worth, I think you two are going about this appointment the right way. We'll see how she takes such terms, as she's not used to not getting her way," Elaine says quietly as she clears the cups away from her and Saber.
Amanda sips her tea in thought for several minutes before speaking. "I am glad you don't think it unreasonable, Elaine. I suppose I just don't like the idea of being forced to marry someone I don't love. I thought a good compromise would be to allow her child or children to be around ours and if something develops eventually, fine, but to force a child into a betrothal before they even know what it means..."
"It is just how things have been done, Lady Amanda. It's been that way well beyond memory for those in this class. I suppose Saber is different among his clan in that he feels as you do. Or he at least he's not afraid to voice his opinion on the matter. This may either be a good thing, or someone from lower in his clan lines could contest his authority to head the clan because of his decision."
"That's absurd, Elaine. I know that you're speaking the truth, but I still find it to be absurd. I thought that it was custom to allow the children to socialize among their social class to allow connections to be made?"
"In larger cities, that is not uncommon, but out here separated from the general public things have traditionally been done differently, especially among the royal lines," Elaine replies placing a gentle hand on Amanda's shoulder. "I do have a suggestion for you, milady."
"What's that?" Amanda asks curiously.
"Wear your most stunning outfit. Dress above your class for this appointment. As if you were actual royalty. So that Ms. Swadjen has no reason to try and doubt your status. I saw how she eyed you yesterday," Elaine states. "I'll help you get ready if you'd like."
"I would appreciate that, Elaine. I'm sure that Saber will know how to dress for such an appointment, and we will have help with the children while you are helping me prepare."
"Aye milady, I will get Thomas to take the children to school early, so that he can be back before our guests arrive. I'll have tea and cakes ready before they arrive as well."
"Thank you, Elaine. I honestly would be lost without you and Thomas," Amanda replies. The doorbell rings and Thomas comes through the kitchen towards the door. "I suppose that's Colt, Robin, and the children," Amanda says standing up.
Elaine nods. "Aye. I'll have dinner ready in about an hour, Lady Amanda."
"Thank you," Amanda replies quietly and heads into the sitting room where Colt and Robin are just entering, their two children in tow."
"Hey, Cowboy!" Amanda says with a smile. "Hello Robin, how are you?" she asks greeting the blonde woman fondly.
"Hey yourself, Captain," Colt replies with a smirk.
"We're doing well, Amanda. You look good. How are the children?" Robin replies as they go and sit down and the boys run off to find the other children.
"The kids are doing well. Stephen, Rory, Anna, Eryn, and Moria are all in school, so we just have Dylan and Samantha at home now during the day," Amanda replies.
Robin shakes her head, "I honestly don't know how you have survived having so many children and still have your sanity, Amanda."
Amanda laughs. "At least you think I still have some. There are days that I doubt it. But I love all of the children, and I have no regrets that we adopted Jared's children. I love them as I do my own. It's nice to have a house full of children. It means that it's never dull," Amanda replies.
"I'm sure it isn't. Especially if they are like the two of you," Colt says with a grin, getting a look from Robin.
Amanda chuckles, "If someone had told me my life would be like this ten years ago, I would have accused them of being crazy. But I would not trade anything for this."
"Tomorrow is your anniversary, isn't it?" Robin asks.
"Aye. It'll be seven years. Hard to imagine isn't it? I can't believe Wil is seven already, and Jason is four now, isn't he?" Amanda replies.
"Yes. It has been an interesting eight years. So many things have happened. I don't like that we still must be ready for war at any time. Can't we just enjoy the peace?" Robin says quietly. "All of you have lost so much, and the countless others that paid with their lives, it just doesn't seem like it's worth it sometimes."
Amanda comes over and sits beside Robin and takes her hand. "I know how you feel, Robin. There are days that Saber wakes up barely able to see, even now. Other days he needs his cane, but these things he will have to live with for the remainder of his life; but he is alive, in spite of everything and I am grateful for any time we have together. I know things could change in an instant, so I live for the now and pray for a future, it's the only thing I can do. So many lives were lost in the wars with the Outriders, and those lives cannot be in vain. We must go on to show we can move on," Amanda says quietly. "Should the need arise, I know both he and I will fight again if we are asked to."
"I hope none of you ever have to fight again," Robin replies quietly. "Especially now that April and Fireball have Chihiro. I wouldn't want any of these children to lose their parents."
"It is why they are all teaching, Robin. They are the best at what they do. Alex will become the leader of the new elite, and I think he will do well at it. The new designs that April came out with after the battle with Jesse have had promising results. Even the less trained have been able to handle the units."
"Let them train under Saber and us a little longer and they'll do as well or better than we did," Colt states. "I've seen Saber's classes. He's brutal on the cadets, but he still shows them respect, unless they do something to have it taken from them. They also seem to respect him, especially when he comes in nearly blind and can still beat the crap out of them," Colt adds with a grin. "I love watching him on those days. The newer recruits seem to think they can get away with things on the days he's wearing his darkest glasses. Their faces when he knocks them down a peg or two is priceless."
They talk for a while and then have dinner. Afterwards the kids play until time for bed. Amanda has just finished changing when Saber enters the room and comes up behind her and pulls her against him. "It's going to be a long day tomorrow, Love," he says quietly. "I've told Colt to not draw his weapon without a signal from me. Although he insists on being on the opposite side of you from me, almost as if to help protect you," he says with a hint of amusement.
"Protect me or her?" Amanda asks as she turns to face him, looking into his eyes.
"Perhaps a little of both," Saber replies with a smile and then kisses her briefly. Reluctantly, he releases her so that he can change and she goes and sits on the edge of the bed. "Did you and Elaine further discuss tomorrow after I left?" he asks from the dressing room.
"Yes," she replies as he comes out and sits beside her. "She told me to dress up tomorrow, as formally as I could, without wearing an evening gown, but to also carry my sword as to establish my place in the household hierarchy." Saber nods and they move to lay down, Amanda scooting against him as he covers them. "She said that she could help me choose my clothes and such in the morning, while Thomas runs the children to school."
"Aye, that sounds like a good plan. I'll be wearing my dress uniform with the markings of my new rank of Brigadier Colonel. Commander Eagle was promoted to a Lieutenant General. There is talk of promoting the rest of you as well."
Amanda looks up and blinks for a moment, not sure she had heard correctly before shifting so that she can face him better, her head on his arm. "When did this happen?" she finally manages to ask.
Saber chuckles, "I found out yesterday. April is being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and the rest of you will probably be promoted to Majors, which is April's current rank." Amanda studies his face carefully for signs of him joking with her and finds none. "I am quite serious, Love. We will probably find out officially by the end of the week."
"I can understand the others, but why change my rank? I've not active," Amanda states.
"Because Love, Comman- General Eagle has insisted upon it. You still help with the technical side of things with April, giving your input and such on design features and how things might work better if done slightly different, so you are considered a reservist. At least that is how he sees it. He also knows that if you were asked to fight, you would, if it came down to it."
Amanda nods, acknowledging the truth in his statements and sighs, resting her head against his chest. "I suppose that makes sense. Too bad you won't have the uniform for tomorrow," she mutters as an afterthought.
"I already have the dress uniform, Love. Thomas came to the outpost this afternoon and got it to bring home."
"How did he get it past me?" she asks with a smile.
"Not the slightest idea. Perhaps you were out back with the children, or maybe it was when you were shopping with Elaine. It was around lunch time when he came to get it," Saber replies.
"You know, it is mighty convenient that we keep running into Sincia. Do you think she somehow planned that meeting?" Amanda asks honestly.
Saber shrugs and sighs. "Honestly, I don't see how she could have, but then again, she can be rather resourceful so I can't truly rule out such a possibility," he replies sounding tired. "Let's not dwell on it. Tomorrow will be here far too soon for me. We should try and rest while we can. We'll have to pack and such after the appointment,"
"You're right. Of course knowing Elaine, she might have very well already packed for us," Amanda says then yawns. "Good night," she says and kisses him lightly before snuggling against him.
"Good night, Amanda," Saber replies quietly before drifting off to sleep.
The next morning Saber enters the bedroom just as the doorbell rings. "Well, it looks like the show is about to begin," he says ruefully. Amanda steps out from the dressing room and he smiles at her nodding in approval. "You look beautiful, Love. Elaine did well with your necklace too, your coat of arms goes well with the jewels to either side." Amanda smiles and he sighs, "Are you ready?"
Amanda nods, "Let's get this over with."
Saber chuckles and they head out of their room and down the stairs, Colt waiting for them at the foot. They enter the room and nod to their guests and take a seat across from them. Colt stands slightly behind them ready to move if anything should occur.
"Thank you for seeing us, Captain and Mrs. Rider," Sincia says as humbly as she can manage.
Saber nods politely, "Actually, it would be proper to address my current rank of Brigadier Colonel, and my wife as Captain Rider."
"A..Colonel?" Sincia stammers, not bothering to hide her shock. "And a Captain?" she says as if the sound of the title makes her ill. Saber nods. "How? How could..how could you possibly go up in rank after being injured so severely? Surely they know you are unable to fight." She says in an almost accusatory tone, causing Colt to stiffen a little.
Saber sighs. "If you think so little of myself and of my wife, then why are you here, Ms. Swadjen?" he asks while struggling to remain civil.
Sincia notices his tone and takes a breath before speaking. "Because regardless of whom you married, your daughter is still of royal lineage. I want to make a betrothal between our son, and your daughter. Thereby keeping the bloodlines pure for both of our families," she states as if she is making an offer that is to better him.
"Which of our daughters were you referring to?" Saber asks casually, as Elaine brings out the tea and cakes and serves it to each of them before returning to the kitchen.
"What do you mean?" Sincia asks obviously confused. "The child she just had is the closest to our youngest son's age. I am aware you have a son as well, but we have no need for a boy child."
"I wasn't sure if you meant one of our older daughters. We have five daughters and two sons," Saber states.
Sincia doesn't bother to hide her shock. "You...you have seven children?" she finally asks after finding her voice.
"Aye, we do," Saber replies with a small smile, noting her shock. "Stephen isn't quite twelve, then the others range in age from nine down to six months old."
"Twelve?" Sincia stammers. "I knew it! I knew you had been unfaithful! So you did lie to me, Richard," she says in a hateful tone.
Colt steps up, ready to intervene when Amanda signals for him to wait. He stands at his current position, ready to jump in. "Stephen is our adopted son, Madam," Amanda says unable to hold her tongue any longer. "Not that it matters, we love him regardless as if he were our own, just as we do his sisters." She is about to say more when Saber takes her hand and gently squeezes it.
"You came here in hopes of a betrothal with our child, and yet you still remain hostile towards me and show my wife no respect. That in and of itself is more than enough for us to flat out refuse any further contact between our families. I could even forbid any future prospects because of your actions here today, Sincia," Saber says coldly. "However," he continues in a more normal tone, halting the objections she is about to raise. "I do not think it is beneficial to the children for them to be punished because of their parent's behaviour. I had an idea of what this meeting was to be about and I had already decided a long time ago that I would not do to any child I had what you and I were put through. We are still upholding social protocols if we allow them to socialize within the nobility circles. If they so choose once they are old enough to make such decisions that they want to pursue a proper betrothal, I am not against such, but it is to be their decision, not ours."
"So you are saying that you were put out by our betrothal?" Sincia asks coldly.
"Is that all you got out of that?" Amanda asks harshly before Saber has a chance to reply. "I was truly hoping you weren't as self-centered as you seemed to be. Obviously I thought too highly of you," Amanda scoffs.
"Amanda, don't stoop to her level, Love. She is not worth the effort," Saber says as he stands up and offers her a hand up. "This meeting is over. I wish you well, and perhaps one day our children will be friends. I hold no ill feelings to your children. We bid you both good day," having said that, Thomas steps in to lead the guests out and he turns towards the study, Amanda not far behind him.
"How dare you call me shallow," Sincia says coldly, eyeing Amanda venomously. Amanda stops and turns to face her. "You think you are of the same class because you married Richard. You are a fool. People will know by how you act that you are not from a good bloodline. Nothing but a want-to- be."
Amanda starts to say something, but Colt steps in front of her and shakes his head. "You're better than her, walk away, Amanda," Colt says barely loud enough for her to hear.
Amanda meets his gaze, and is about to try and step past him when he shakes his head and moves to block her. Saber realizes she has stopped and turns and takes her hand and she turns back towards the study, struggling to keep her composure.
"Now ma'am," Colt says in as formal tone as he can manage turning to face an irate Sincia, "You have been asked politely to leave. I will remove you forcefully if necessary."
Sincia glares back at him and goes to say something when her husband firmly grabs her arm and says something to her low enough Colt can't hear. She casts one more menacing glance in the direction where Saber and Amanda left then turns and leaves without another word. Her husband casts an apologetic glance to Colt before allowing himself to leave fully.
Colt goes to the door and stands in the doorway, watching the pair as they are driven off the property by their driver. Slowly he relaxes and lets out a long whistle. "That went better than I expected," he says to Thomas as the door closes behind him.
Thomas chuckles, "Aye, that it did. No blood was shed."
"There was about to be, I saw the look in Amanda's eyes. I was almost afraid of her for a minute," Colt says quietly.
"Well, you know what Lady Amanda is capable of, Captain Wilcox, Mrs. Swadjen does not," Thomas states before heading to the study and knocking on the door.
"Yes?" Saber says in an irritated tone.
Thomas opens the door and steps into the study, "They have gone, sir," Thomas says quietly.
Immediately Saber's countenance relaxes and he nods. "Thank you for letting us know," Saber replies quietly. "We will go up and change before seeing to the children."
"Very well, take your time. I'm going to go and try to calm Elaine down, she is quite riled up as well," he says with a hint of amusement.
Saber allows a small smile, "I'll bet she is. I sometimes wonder if she is distantly related to Amanda, as they tend to share similar tempers." Amanda glares at him, but is unable to hide the amusement in her eyes and Thomas laughs out right.
"Interesting prospect, sir. And a bit daunting to think about. I'll be in the kitchen should you need me," Thomas says before closing the door.
Amanda looks up at Saber and laughs, "So I'm related to Elaine, huh?" she asks amused.
Saber chuckles and comes and sits back beside her, pulling her against him, "Not seriously a bad thing, is it?" he asks innocently.
Amanda shakes her head. "I'm rather fond of Elaine. I wouldn't mind being related to her in the least. I'd be honored, actually," Amanda replies.
"Shall we go upstairs and get some more comfortable clothes on, Love?" Saber asks.
"We should probably work on packing too, if you still wish to take that trip," Amanda says as she stands up and takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry if I disappointed you today," Amanda adds quietly. "I know I was out of line."
"No you weren't, Love. And you did not disappoint me, I'm rather proud that you didn't go off on her sooner. However, I should have told them to leave sooner than I did." Saber replies. "Perhaps then she would not have escalated the situation. I shouldn't have allowed it to get to that point. I knew how she was and I didn't exactly do much to divert her temper."
"She is her own person, not your problem to control, Saber," Amanda replies quietly. "I am surprised that her husband didn't say a damned thing the entire time she ranted."
"I don't think he speaks our language very well, quite honestly," Saber states simply. "I'm sure that's the reason she is able to be with him," he adds absently causing Amanda to laugh out loud.
"I can't believe you just said that!" Amanda says while trying to stop laughing. "What makes it even funnier is that you may very well be right."
Saber chuckles and shakes his head, "She was usually good with languages, so she may be able to understand him well enough. I thought with her being married so long to him, he would have had some effect on her, but evidently she is unable to let the past remain in the past."
"As I said, it's not your problem," Amanda states. "I almost pity the man. He doesn't seem like a hostile individual, unlike her who seems to pounce at the smallest thing. She wants to be in charge, and evidently he is happy to let her be. I hope I don't come across like she does."
"No, you don't, Love. I think it is why so many are so fiercely loyal to you," Saber says quietly as he comes up behind her and pulls her against him as she reaches for the door. "You treat people as an equal, not as someone whose job it is to follow your every command. By doing that, people are willing to help you. As for Sincia, she treats anyone she deems below her status just as such. She always has. I would like to know the age of their other child, out of idle curiosity."
"So would I," Amanda states quietly. "I notice how she has a tendency to quickly accuse you of having been unfaithful to her. My personal experience is that the person who is so quick to point fingers, is usually the one doing the supposed wrong."
"To be honest, I wouldn't care. I am glad things went the way they did. I am much happier with you than I ever would have been with her, Amanda," Saber says quietly as he releases her.
She opens the door to find Colt walking towards them from the sitting room. "I see you are finally calm enough to come out," Colt quips.
"Yeah, I know I was a bit angry. I should have done better than I did and controlled my temper," Amanda replies back.
"Actually, I was gonna say how proud I was that the meeting didn't end with bloodshed," Colt replies amused. "I saw your eyes, Amanda. It scared the Hell outta me to see you that angry and still be in control," Colt admits, getting a look of shock from both Saber and Amanda. "I know how well you can fight with a blade," he adds with a small smile.
"Well, I'm glad that I was able to resist the urge to harm her, although it wasn't easy. I was more upset because of what she about Saber, not because of how she treated me. Her opinion of me means nothing," Amanda replies.
"Well, it is over and done with, Love. Sincia will do whatever she is going to do, no matter what the truth is, so we may as well live our lives the way we wish. Perhaps one day she will see that she is only truly hurting herself," Saber says quietly.
"And possibly her children," Amanda adds with a sigh.
"Aye, but there is nothing we can do about that, Love," he says quietly as they head towards the kitchen.
Elaine looks up from the table when the three enter, she stands up quickly. "I should finish getting lunch prepared," she says quietly.
Amanda stops and studies her for a moment as the older woman starts to busy herself with food preparation. "Elaine, why are you so tense?" Amanda says in a concerned tone, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Elaine stops and looks at Amanda for a moment before answering, forcing back the tears that are near to falling. "Milady, she would not have been so angry had you not taken in the children," Elaine states quietly.
"Sit down, Elaine," Saber says firmly before Amanda can speak.
"Yes, there is more to this than what you are saying. What is it you know?" Amanda asks as the three of them sit down.
"I'm gonna check on Robin and the children," Colt says quietly and leaves before anyone can raise an objection.
Elaine looks between the couple before her, pondering what to say. "Well, I was talking to their driver while they were in with you," she begins hesitantly.
"Okay," Saber says, trying to encourage her to continue. Noting her hesitation he takes one of her hands in his. "Elaine, if something was said that has you so upset, please talk to us. You are like family to us, I don't want you to feel otherwise," he says quietly.
Elaine casts a nervous glance to Thomas. "I'll tell them if you prefer, Elaine. But I think it would be better to hear it from you, since you spoke with him more than I did," Thomas states.
Elaine takes a deep breath and slowly exhales. "Okay, as I told you, while they were in with you, I was here talking with their driver," Both Saber and Amanda nod. "Evidently, he has been with Lady Swadjen's family since she was a child. He was asking me if this was the home of the Rider's. I told him it was. He made some comment about how he came here once with Lady Swadjen's parents. I think for the betrothal agreement from the sounds of it. Anyways, he said that about two months before you were injured, when you had come home to take care of some of your father's affairs for a day or so, that the former Lady Sincia began telling everyone that the two of you had been hand-fasted."
"I never even saw her, how could we have been? In fact, I'd not seen her since my father's funeral, and the day she broke the engagement," Saber states. "But what would that have to do with anything anyways?" he asks confused.
"Because according to the driver, she was most likely pregnant," Elaine states, getting a look of shock from both Saber and Amanda. "You came home, and she was hoping to marry you straightaway, probably wanting to pass the child off as yours. Saying that she got pregnant right away."
"Elaine, I never even-" Saber starts to say.
"I know, Saber," Elaine says holding up her hands," halting his protest. "All of us know that you never even kissed her. She was rather cold to you. Perhaps it was her way of protesting the betrothal. Anyways, you came home, and were injured. Blinded and had no memory, so she had to do something fast. So she released you and quickly courted Mr. Swadjen. Whether or not their oldest child is his or not, I'm not sure. The driver said it was possible, since they had been seen around town together on occasion while you were away. But evidently, she is still saying that you she were handfasted just after your father died, but that when you found out she was pregnant, you became angry and lied about being blind to punish her, or something to that effect."
"She will say what she wants, Elaine," Saber says without emotion. "I have no control over that. People will believe what they wish, I know what I have and haven't done, as do all of the people that matter to me," Saber states.
Amanda lets out a long sigh and shakes her head. "I suppose she wants to make it hard on our children, since she didn't get her way. We may have to look outside the colony to socialize them," Amanda states.
Saber shrugs. "They are all so young, I'm not too worried about it," Saber says. "Stephen is the oldest, and even when he is of courting age, I feel he should choose who he wants to be with. Perhaps he will meet someone in school. I am glad that we are allowing them to attend private school at home. Most of the nobility use that school, unless they send their children to boarding school; and those that cannot afford the private school go to the public school. So there will be plenty of chances for social interaction among their peers. It was one of the reasons I felt we should send them to the private school here, aside from the curriculum being the same as the boarding school."
"I wanted the kids home. I enjoy having them around. I wonder if Sincia has her daughter at the school here, or if she has been sent away," Amanda questions aloud.
"From what their driver was saying, they have people that care for the children. So she may very well be away for school," Elaine states. "Not everyone wishes to be involved with their children, especially if the marriage was a forced one."
"She doesn't strike me as the type to really want children," Amanda states to no one in particular.
"I suppose that technically, it could be considered a requirement of the marriage, Love," Saber says.
"We never really discussed it. It just sort of...happened," Amanda replies with a shrug. "I love the children, and I am glad that we have them, but I'm glad that I never felt pressured, which from what all of you are saying is probably the case for a lot of women in such a position."
"Aye. It is true for a lot of women. Saber's mother always felt like an outcast because she only had him," Elaine says quietly. "But most people never said anything since she did give Master Edward a son. I know she miscarried a couple of times, but Saber was healthy and happy most of the time so they were content. Other than not being around him as much as they would have liked."
"I never knew mother had been pregnant other than with me," Saber says quietly.
"Aye, twice that I know of. Once you were away at school, the other time I think you are just too young to have known anything," Elaine replies. "I do think there was another time, but they were away on business for most of that year," Elaine adds absently.
A silence falls between them and Amanda stands up with a sigh, "Do you still wish to go on our trip, Saber?" she asks quietly.
Saber nods. "Aye, I do, Love. Shall we go and pack?" he asks.
"That is done for you," Elaine says snapping out of her reverie. "I took the liberty yesterday while you two were busy doing things with the children. Go and kiss the wee ones then be off before you find some excuse not to go."
Saber and Amanda nod. "Thank you, Elaine," Amanda replies smiling after kissing the woman's cheek before heading off to see Colt, Robin, and the children.
