Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 16-

The next morning I awoke in high spirits. I had much energy, and I couldn’t quite explain why. I had Gina bring me a cup of coffee to inspire my cold butt to get up out of my warm bed. Joanna came in a few minutes later, still in her nightgown, with a letter from her father.

She showed it to me.

He merely apologized for yelling at the both of us, and warned how a battlefield was no place for ladies, blah blah . . . . then he explained he would be staying with his men over Christmas instead of coming home, as so they wouldn’t get discouraged. This worried us. If the King died, then what would happen?

But he assured he was fine . . . and Joanna looked to me with a hopeful glance.

“We must send them food! And clothes!” she said, cuddling next to me underneath my down-filled and very warm comforter and fur quilts.

“Of course. We’ll send a brave soul or two with supplies.” I answered.

She looked to me. Gina came in with a pot of coffee and two mugs. She poured us each a mug. I smiled our thanks to her.

“But we have to wait until the snow stops.”

“They’re at the base of a mountain-“ I started.

“No, look,” she pointed towards the bottom of the letter. It was the only part I hadn’t read. “They’re moving closer here, in case of emergencies. And that way, they can switch out soldiers.”

I nodded. That was a good, tactful plan.

When we told the boys, they were more than happy to comply with the King’s plan. But they wouldn’t switch out for two weeks, so the boys would still be here for Christmas, which made me ecstatic.

~

We were sitting in the parlor, in front of the enormous mantle. We were being warmed considerably by the blazing fire. I was squeezed in between two of my boys- Terrin sitting considerably close to me, with Hector on my other side.

Gwindire and Joanna sat across from us, giggling at how the two were deliberately squishing me in.

“Get off, fatass!” I huffed to Hector.

He snickered and pushed his side into me even harder. I couldn’t help but give an exasperated laugh.

“Come on, get off!” I grinned.

“Fine!” he pretended to snap and leaned away. I was still stuck pretty tightly between the two.

I looked to Terrin, who was watching me with silent amusement. I don’t think he would’ve dared laugh out loud to me.

Hector was still grinning. Stupid buffoon. I pretended to pout.

“Oh, come on, you’re sixteen. You’re a woman now. No pouting!” Hector teased.

I glared at him. He snickered again.

“Well, I can certainly see who’s grown up over the past two years.” Joanna said lightly.

He winked at her. Gwindire shook his head.

“Eve,” Gwin said. “Surely you’ve learned not to sit in between those two by now?”

“Eh shut it, Gwin.” Hector said, chugging some mead.

“Says the drunk one.” Terrin snipped playfully.

“Drunk!”

I laughed. Hector did seem like one to be drunk, but he wasn’t of course. I don’t think he was that dumb. Hector was a powerhouse, and I think that he never got drunk for the sake of being needed by the King in case of an emergency.