Blood Brothers

I Pledge Allegiance

The sun slowly went down, and we rose feeling much better. Our wounds were far from healed of course, but we could function. Ciro managed to roll off the couch and make it to the kitchen table without assistance. Katherine refused to let either of us lend a hand as she started cooking breakfast, informing us both that we needed our rest and deserved a little special treatment after the ordeal we had experienced. I thought she was being a little over dramatic but I thought I should probably enjoy the special treatment while it lasted.

We fell into an easy conversation that was abruptly interrupted as our door slammed open and Le'Roy appeared, looking around frantically.

He strode through our apartment and caught his daughter to himself in a crushing hug. She flailed until she shoved the pan of breakfast off the heat, then hugged her father back tightly. He muttered and scolded her in French, though it all sounded relieved and fond. She grinned up at him when he finally released her, gently smoothing her hair out of her face.

I stiffened when he was suddenly turning towards Ciro and me with a stern look on his face. I blinked in surprise when he took my face in his hands and leaned down, lightly kissing both my cheeks. Katherine hid a laugh behind her hand and I flushed darkly. Ciro took it a little better when Le'Roy repeated the affectionate thanks with him, though whether that was because he had warning or was simply more easy going about everything, I didn't know.

Le'Roy drew himself up proudly, resting his hands on our shoulders. "I owe you boys a great debt. I surely would have lost my daughter without you two, and you put your very lives on the line for her safety. I am eternally grateful. If there is ever anything you require, do not hesitate to ask."

Ciro grinned. "A day off would be nice for starters."

I felt a moment of despair that he would so flippantly throw away a favor like that, then relaxed as Le'Roy waved it off, taking Ciro's words as a foregone conclusion rather than a request. "Of course. Take as long as you need to get healed and rested. And if you need blood I will be happy to let you drink mine to speed the process along."

"First they need a good meal, Papa. Are you joining us or should I continue to only cook for three?" Katherine pulled her fathers attention her way as she turned back to the stove, resuming her cooking.

"I don't need to join you. I simply wanted to assure myself that everyone was alive and well." He patted our shoulders before moving back around the table to lightly kiss his daughters temple and whisper endearments into her ear. She chuckled and repeated the affectionate words, then shooed him out the door.

I tried to think about what I wanted as she finished up breakfast and brought it all to the table, ordering us to eat it all so we would heal faster. I couldn't help smirking a little, thinking she would make a good Queen, not to mention a good mother.

Ciro gave me a conspiring look before turning his attention to Katherine. I wondered what he was planning this time. He swallowed down a bite of eggs before speaking. "I suppose you'll be going back to France now?"

Katherine smiled. "Yes. News of my capture and the ultimate demise of those sent to kill me will undoubtedly make it back to the correct ears. I should not be bringing danger home to my sisters if I return home now." She chuckled to herself. "My sister Antoinette will be upset with me for keeping her away from a fight. She loves to practice her fighting skills."

"You should come back to visit sometimes."

Katherine grinned, though I could see some concern in her gray eyes. "Not afraid I will get you hurt again?" Her smile became fond when Ciro shook his head with a grin. Then she was glancing at me, questioning.