She is conscious but that doesn't mean responsive

That come directly from Mary at the end of the day. Once again she is running Stephanie's class and after your rather boring day of classes on topics you largely already have a through understanding, it's hearing that is something of a relief. You depart from everyone else and go back to the palace with Mary. During the ride she makes comments about your form. Your left hand isn't improving quickly or even at a pace Mary was used to. Apparently you are a slow learner when it comes to muscle memory on your left side.

Unlike her sister Mary had chosen to walk you to the palace. She was stunningly popular. Basically whenever the two of you reached a new block she was mobbed by another group of people. And every single person received a direct response. She would smile and chat with the kids, nod and converse with the adults, on occasion she'd even pick up a very young child and play with them for a moment before handing them back to their parents.

You were left totally alone during this. Standing next to her people didn't even seem aware of your presence. You couldn't really put your finger on why but it made you feel better, which made you slowly realise you hadn't been feeling great all day. Maybe just not being the centre of attention for a change was a good thing.

When you neared the palace's hill the crowds started to disburse. The normally reasonably short trip had taken long enough that the sun was setting as you ascended. "Do you walk around the city much?" You asked her.

"When I'm not busy training or under instruction from mum." Mary answered looking over her shoulder and stopping. The palace gates were just ahead but you stopped and turned with her. You were over the height of the buildings so the vista before you was impressive. It was a view you got from the academy every time you left it though you had stopped looking at it a while ago. Amazing how used to it you'd gotten in only a few weeks. "It's quite a city." She sighed out.

Your mind conjured images of your old world, skyscrapers and high density office space. This place would barely be considered primitive, a rustic example of pre-industrial community some tourism agency would claim. "It really is." The light from the fading sun was bouncing off the roof tops.

Standing together you watched as the sun faded. Mary's hand took yours, threading her fingers between yours. Her presence was warming. When she wasn't trying to start a teasing match and the sex that follow it, being around her was calming more than anything. She didn't have any desire to prove herself to you, have you prove yourself to her, just waiting until you can have sex or even really expecting or needing much from you. With or without you in her life you've little doubt it would change trajectory all that much.

When the sun when down and moonlight was allowed its rein Mary turned back to the palace. The two of you made your way to Gabrielle's room without any detour. Knocking on the door Gabrielle answered with a vaguely permissive noise. Walking inside you found her in bed only slightly less pale then when she'd been **** which was already close to her normal skin tone.

"How are you feeling?" You asked. Gabrielle didn't answer with words instead shrugging her shoulders. "Want to talk about what happened?" You figured she might want to be reminded or at least talk about it. She shook her head no. "Do you need anything?" She shook her head and the two of your looked at each other, neither sure on what to do or say.

Mary in the doorway cleared her throat and said, "You should let her rest."

You nodded and told Gabrielle to ask for you if she needed anything. As you reached to close the door behind you Gabrielle said, "Thank you." Her voice was hoarse, unused for several days. You looked at her and she nodded at her trunk and the letter you'd left her with the help of the guard.

"Any time." You answered with a shrug you could probably write that letter yourself by now. You left hand had taken to writing a lot faster than it had to swordplay. Maybe that says something about you.

Gabrielle nodded and lay down to sleep marking your closing of her door and turning to face Mary. "Thanks for letting me know about her."

Mary nodded and gave you a smile. "It's good you wanted to check on her."

"I agree." The voice from behind you belonged to Lady Demise. "Princess Mary, Lord Christopher. Queen Aurora would like a word."

You felt Mary shrink a little in nervous guilt as she let Lady Demise led you to Aurora. You tried to think of why she would be guilty. Sadly all you could think of was how Gabrielle presence might not entirely permitted, at least not without some compensation. Compensation of the official betrothal to Mary variety. Without Ana here it was the best time for it.