Once he arrived back in his small chambers Blainedived straight for the box he kept under his bed. It kept everything he'd gotten from his family that he didn't want on show for the guards tonosy at.He didn't have any right to privacy but there were some thingshe wanted to keep for himself. One such item was abook his mother had given him that once belonged to his grandfather. It was a series of fairy-tale stories that Cooper used to read to him,even when Blainewas old enough to read it on his own(Cooper insisted on being the Prince,every time). He put the bookdown on his bed, he'd need it for later, and began to read Cooper's letter.

Hey Blaine,

Happy birthday! (I got the correct day this time right?)

Hope you and the parents are safe, I miss you all. Have you seen Mum and Dad recently? I can't remember what you told me in your last letter. I've been getting them all, I know you haven't gotten mine, but I've been a good boy in this one so I'm pretty sureit'll get through andyou'll get it. Did you manage to master that new chord yet? I'll hear you play it one day. I've been sharing my immense talent with this group of idiots for the last 5 years,Idon't know how they'll cope when they find out my little brother is almost as talented. Remember that play I readtoyou when you were little, the Silver Seal? I've been quoting it like crazy lately, I can even recite it all in a Southern accentnow. The other guys asked me to stop, I think the emotion of my portrayal was too much for them. But I'd perfected it anyway so there was no point wearing it out.

Met any cute guys lately? (I know, I know, Sebastian doesn't count). I met a girl in the village, she kept bringing more foodto feed us,theguys had never been so well fedeven if you couldn't tell from the size of their stomachs! I eventually took pity on her and asked her to come just to spend time with me. Turns out she's pretty cool, and hot. Always remember you shouldn't settle for someone who isn't hot. And play the field. I always feel like I'm not imparting enough of my wisdom as the older brother on you. I'll try better in my next letter, I have a lot of wisdom to share.

The new base is... interesting, notexactly TheChanceyHotel, but I can lower my standards for once!Trying to settle in, maybe it feels like home, but I've never had a proper one so I wouldn't know. (I can see you rolling your eyes Blaine, Mum and Dad's is only our home in theory and you know it). The new Commander, General Sylvester, she drills us like we're in the army, imagine that? I think she likes me, if you know what I mean.Too old for me, though, I give her a wink here and there to keep her happy, got to keep the fans interested. I'm impressed, though, the guys are all scared of her. I think she prides herself on it.We're ready for anything, when the King needs us of course. Tell Mum and Dad I'm a mean fighting machine so they needn't worry if they hear about any skirmishes. Not expecting any trouble for the time, I'm sure you'd hear about it before meanyway, being so close to the King.

You don't need me to keep your chin up, I know, that enviable joy for life you have still baffles me. But I hope you're still finding that little slice of happiness you always manage to find, even if it's just the thought of seeing me again!

Love you, Blaine. As always.

Cooper

Blaine stared at the letter and took a moment to let it settle in. Cooper hadalways infuriated andlovedBlainein equal measures. They didn't always get on but most of the time they were all each other had and that fused a bond that was unbreakable. Cooper was the one person Blaine would trust with anything and would do anything for.

Blaine grabbed the book, some paper and a pen. He jotted down the first three letters and last three letters from every sentence, which gave him a page number, line and wordon that line. It may not be the most sophisticated code in the country but it was easy enough for Cooper to use and obscure enough for the guards not to notice.It gave two brothers the chance to tell eachotherimportant information that needed to be kept from prying eyes.

The book, 'Stories of Hope and Glory' had taught Blaine to dream, to fantasize about what life could be like. Nottodwell on what he didn't have, buttobe happy in his mind even when life didn't want him tobe. The pages were bent and scruffy from use, he was sure he'd put an extra crease in the spine in the weeks after Cooper had left.

Once he'dfound the wordshe neededfrom the book, helaid them out in front of himself to form sentences.

New commander is on board, made contact with rebels and set up communication with them. Wouldn't mind having a private meeting with their leader, sexy blondkept giving me the eye. King Smartass won't know what hit him when half his army defects to the rebels, you best be there to see his face when it happens, if I can't see it you should get the pleasure. Wish you were here with me, Squire.

At least communicating like this meant Cooper couldn't call him Squirt, he'd grown to prefer Squire anyway.

Cooperwas finally making progress, Blainejust wished he could do more to help. The rebellion was mostly underground, they didn't make outlandish demands or attacks.Theyworked through whispers and carefully thought outclandestineoperations. At leastfromwhat Blaine knew about it, mostly through Cooper and Tina.The rebellion had never made any move on the Capitalnevermindnearthe castle so Blaine had never had the opportunity to converse about it properly let alone be a part of it. But it sounded like things were changing, like the rebellion was building and if Blaine could help in any way, he would, even if that meant keeping his head down and not being involved.

Blaine ripped up the paper he'd written the coded message on and put the book and letteraway. He settled on his bed, it had been a good day, a great birthday and he was looking forward to tomorrow.

....................................................................................................................

Blaine bounced down the hall, Lady Berry and her entourage were due within the half hour and he couldn't wait. He liked to think of it as his birthday present from the King, and that put him in an even better mood.

There was going to be new people in the castle, new people hisage, whohe was allowed to talk to as much as he liked. He had to make a good impression, according to the King, so that meant some subjects were off limits-no talk of the rebels, orspecifics about how the King treated him.

He hopped down the cobbles of the main parade that led to the entrance gate of the castle grounds. He loved coming out here and looking out to the world beyond, he could imagine anything he wanted here,he could imagine that everyone was happy, he knew it wasn't true but it was his imagination and if he couldn't be positive in there where could he be?

A shortgirl, wearing a white pinaforewas waiting near the gates. As he approached he realised who it was.

"Tina!" He ran to his friend and scooped her up in his arms.

"Hi Blaine." She laughed as he put her down.

"What are you doing here? It's so great to see you."Blaine kept hold of her hands not wanting to let go in case his friend disappearedagain.

"I got back this morning.It's been a bit of a whirlwind and I still don't know which way is up but it's good to be home, and to be back with my friends." She smiled and squeezedBlaine's hand."Mike got a job back in the Capital, so I asked the King for my old job back and he was happy to oblige.Well happyisanoverstatement,but he didn't laugh in my face and mumbled some approval,so I took that as a win. He also told me about our new visitors soI volunteered to assist you. I couldn'twait to see your charming face."

Blaine looked around, "I thought Mike had joined the rebels?" He whispered.

"He has," she confirmed."Me too," she said with pride."They needed people in the Capital. I'm not sure what's going on yet. We're not in the inner loop, but we jumped at the chance to come home."

"I'm glad you did, I've missed you."

A horn sounded from atop the lookout tower.

"Sounds like the stuck up southerners are here."Tina said.

"Just because they're from the south doesn't mean they're stuck up, Tina, I'm looking forward to having people our age here. It's been kind of lonely without you." Blaine said as he pulled the rope to draw up thegate.

"You haven't heard much about Lady Berry,then?" Tinaasked.

"I've heard about her talent." Blaine knew he was naïve when it came to people, he had an uncontrollable need to expect the good in people, but he wasn't stupid enough not to see when he was wrong. He was a little bit disappointed in Tina for judging their guests before even meeting them but he was sure she had her reasons.

"There's more to her reputation than talent."Tina said indignantly.

"Be nice, Tina. Good impression, remember?"

"I will be, I know my duty." She put on a fake smile and did a curtsey to prove her point.

The gate swung open to reveal two large carts eachbeingpulled by fourlarge, eleganthorses.

"Wow, they're beautiful." Tina said as the horses of the first cart came to a stop in front of her. She reached out and caressed the face of the closest to her.

Blaine agreed.They were beautiful,but not as beautiful as the boy who opened the cart door and stepped out.He couldn't help but stare at the pale, smooth skin and crystal clear eyes that briefly met his own.His breath momentarily taken away he almost forgot to step forward and assist their guests. A giant of a boy stepped in his way before Blaine could do anything.He must have jumped out of the second cartwhile Blaine was distracted.

"Hey that's my job, Kurt." The tall boy pushed beautiful boy-Kurt's, hand away from the door. So his name was Kurt.

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Really Finn, I know you're taking this job seriously, but we can get out of the cart by ourselves."

Finn ignored him and reached out a hand for thesmallfigure behind Kurt to hold.

"Or at least some of us can." Kurt, now withhisfeet planted firmly on the floor,put his hands on his hips.

Finn guided the figure, who Blaine assumed must be Lady Rachel Berry, out of thecart. She smoothed her prettydress and smiled at Finn. "Thank you, Finn."

A small entourage now gathered around him and Blaine realised he was yet to say anything, or do anything of any sort really.

"My Lady, it's wonderful to meet you." Blaine gracefully kissed Rachel's knuckles in greeting, "I'm Blaine,theKing has requested that I be your guide while you stay with us. And this is Tina." Tina did a little curtsyand smiled sweetly.

Rachel glanced over at Kurt and burst into a wide smile. "It's wonderful to meet you too,Blaine.So polite! Please call me Rachel. Let me introduce you to everyone."

Shegesturedtowards Kurt, "My assistant and advisor, Kurt Hudson." Blaine resistedkissing his knuckles too and settled for a handshake. Kurt didn't seem to mind their handslingering together for a second or two longer than appropriate.

"Enchanté." Kurt said with coy smile.

Blaine had to drag his eyes away when Rachel moved on to the girl beside Kurt. "This is Brittany, my handmaiden."

"Are you a unicorn too? I hope you are, we've travelled a long way so it'd be really disappointing if you're not." Brittany said after curtseying.

"Um."Blaine cleared his throat, biding time while he wasunsure how to answer that.

"Just go along with her." Rachel attempted to whisper but Blaine was sure everyone had heard anyway.

"I hope I am too,Brittany.Thatsounds like a really good thing to be."

Blaine smiled back when Brittany's smile widened.Obviously he'd said something right even if he didn't quite understand what.

"And this is Finn and Noah, my..."

"Guards?" Blaine finished for her and she nodded. "Perfectly expected on such a long journey, my Lady."

Blaine wasn't sure who he was staring at more.He'd never been dwarfed by anybodyas much as Finn, but he'd also never seen a hairstyle like Noah's.It must be the fashion in thesouth, he concluded.

"Call me Puck." Noah said as Blaine shook his hand. Okay, maybe the hair went with the name? Blaine tried not to let his confusion show.

"Good to meet you, Puck." Blaine tried the name out and hoped he didn't sound too awkward when he said it.

"Shall I show you to your chambers?" Blaine asked as he reached down to collect up some of the many bags now littered on the ground.

"That would be wonderful." Rachel answered, "Put those down, Finn and Puck can handle them."

Looking at the sheer amount of bags, Blaine doubted that even with Finn's help, those two could carry all of them.And the deer in the cart lights look Finn was giving him showed he felt the same.

"No, no, it's no problem, you've all had a long journey and I don't mind helping out."

"Well if you insist." Rachel wrapped her hand around Kurt's arm and waited while the rest of their company collected all the bags.

"This way." Blaine said once everyone was ready. He set off walking to the inner grounds and was joined by Rachel and Kurt at his side. "Your chambers are located next to the royal wing.I'm sure you'll be happily accommodated thereasI've heard theirbeauty nearly matches that of the Kings ownchambers."He explained.

"Well that is very generous of the King.I wasn't expecting such hospitality considering our familieshistory, but he must be asdeterminedas we are to ensure peaceand happiness in the country." Rachel said with an air of practiced precision.

"Are your chambers there too?" Kurt asked.

"No, mine are in a different wing."

"Oh that's a shame." Rachel said.

"Is that why you're here, to treat with the King?" Blaine let his curiosity beat his brain to mouth communication. "I'm sorry, it's not my place to ask."

"Of course it is." Kurt huffed and looked directly at Blaine as if he thought Blaine crazy for thinking so lowly of himself.

"Kurt, he is just being polite." Rachel admonished.

"Yes, I suppose that's the main reason for my visit," Rachel went on to explain."We'rehoping for acloser alliance between our two families. Something that will not only ensure peace,but improve the conditions in the cities for the people.Our charity work can only do so much when the King keeps takingthepeople's livelihoods away from them.It really is disgraceful the amount of hours some people are forced to work just to make ends meet.It might as well be slave labour."

"It is slave labour." Kurt attempted to say quietly,but Blaine could hear him clearly enough.

"Is it reallythat bad out there?" Blaine asked suddenly feeling guilty for being hidden away fromthe plightsof the population, fromthe troubles he would beenduring if he got his wish to leave.

"Surely you'veseen it orheard people talking?" Rachel asked.

"You mean complaining." Kurt chimedin. "Considering who your father is I'd expect people to be approaching you on the street all of the time thinking you could help, his company is one of the main roots of the problem after all."

"I..." Blaine didn't know what to say.He wasn't allowed to even broach the topic of his father's business so he knew nothing about it at all, but he knew his father would do everything he could for the people.That was the foundation the company was built onand the kind of man he believed his father to be.All he knew was what happened in this castle and he'd never seen anyone mistreated or struggling to make a living."The people in the castle..."

"Oh, I know people in the castle are treated well.The King can't be seen around people begging for scraps of food for theirchildren when he has dignitaries visiting. Butit's a different state of affairs in the Capital.I was under the impression it was not much better for them than it is for the cities in thesouth.You must have noticed?" Kurt continued.

"No, I haven't seen it. I'm not allowed outside the castle. I thought you would be aware of that, I apologise for not explaining sooner." Blaine said.Hismanners helped him toremainstoic while his brain dealt with the new information about the state of his countryand the part his family played in it.

"You're not allowed outside?" Kurt stopped abruptly.

"No." Blaine answered, stopping as well to accommodate his guests.

"You've never been outside?" Rachel asked, and Blaine wasn't too pleased to see the pity in her eyes.

"Never, but it sounds like I have a much better life than those out there." Blaine saidbitterly.He'd wished all his life to be living out there in the world so to learn it was not everything he had dreamedofwasdisappointing.But he supposed he'd always known freedom would have its price, a price he was still more than willing to pay. He steppedforward, hoping to get the party moving again and moving away from this topic.

"My family live in the capital,"Tinasaid, comingto his rescue. "We've just moved back here from one of the smaller southern citiesand you're right it's notmuch better than anywhere else. There's more money going around,but there's more people so it's cramped and people have a tendency to get desperate when they feel claustrophobic."

"Wheredid you live in thesouth, Tina?" Rachel asked. Blaine smiled to himself, happy thatRachel was showing an interest in his friend despite the fact her higher status would usually preclude her from any such necessity. It would make things a lot easier for Blaine if Tina liked Rachel, or at least respectedherand Blainethoughtshe was well on her way to achieving that.

"InKentown.It's a small village off fromBuxtontown. It's much quieter than the cities, idyllic compared to the Capital, but it's not my home. Do you know it?" Tinaexplainedand Blaine was glad that she seemed to be softening to their visitors.

"Yes, it's where Lady Elizabeth Kensington was originally exiled to." Rachel pointed out.

Blaine's teachers had only glossed over the history of theKensington'swhile he was being educated.What the King thought he would do with such knowledge he didn't know,but nevertheless he had always wanted to know more.What he did know, not just from his lessons but from Cooper too, was thatLady Elizabeth was the only surviving member of theKensingtonfamily after the war.She had been just a girl still and the heir to the throne. KingSmythedid not see her as a threat sohehad let her live in exile as long as she made no claims to the throne or people of the country. Elizabeth was a popular figure among the people and the King thought the mercy he showed would endear the people to his new tenure.She never didmake any claims to the throne or any kind of leadership.She lived quietly and simply. Shemarrieda common mananddisappeared several years later.

"Sorry, of course you know it. That's part of the reason we ended up there.The mythology of the place had always interested my Dad afterLady Kensingtonhaddisappeared." Tina blushed. "Did you know her?"

"When I was a child, before she disappeared." Rachel replied succinctly. She looked uncomfortable with the topic and avoided Kurt's eye. Blaine was about to step in and stop the conversion when Tina blurted out.

"Is it true they had a child?"

A child? Blaine had never heard this before.If that was true he must get news to his brother so the rebellion could use the information. If they had a talisman like Lady Elizabeth's child then more people would rally to the cause and they could do some serious damage to KingSmythe'sreign.Of course it would also likely put the child in a lot of danger.They would have to be very discreteabout it.

"Just a rumour." Blaine deflated on hearing Rachel'sdenial.He'd already gottenhis heart set on this child freeing the people from the tyranny of KingSmytheand it wasn't even true.He needed to stop getting carried away. "There is only one Hummel out there and that is Burt, Lady Elizabeth's husband. He's a good man."

"He is." Kurt said quietly.

"So you know him?" Tina asked relentlessly.

"And here are your chambers." Blaine said,bringingthe conversation to an abrupt stop. Kurt gave him a grateful smile.

Rachel took her prompt from Blaine and forced a bright smile on her face.

Blaine had never seen the royal guest chambers before and he could understand why the majority of servants and staff in the castle weren't allowed in.If they could see the luxury their guests were given compared to their own living space there would be riots on the street. The four poster beds were dressed with the finest material Blaine had ever seen and the artwork that adorned the walls was beautiful and intricate enough that you could spend all day staring at them and still not tire of their craftsmanship. Blaine's own room was bare and bland but he didn't care.He didn't want the finer things in life when it was a gift from a King who barely acknowledged his existence let alone showed him any respect.

"These look wonderful,"Rachelsaidloudlyas she walked in the room."They'll be perfect for our stay."

Blaine appreciated the effort she made to liven up the group but did she have to yell? She must have some lungs on her for a person that small to be so loud.

Blaine, Finn and Puck took allofthe bags into the rooms, Finn giving him a strong pat on the back as thanks.

"I'll leave you alone to unpack and get some rest. I'll be outside when you're ready to continuethe tour." Blaine said.

"No, we'd love to keep going with the tour, there's no need for rest. I want to get to know this place, and you." Rachel dismissed his idea. "We can unpack later."

"What?" Kurt screeched. "My clothes have already been sat in thosecrinkleinducing bags for hours they can't possibly stay in there any longer!"

"Why don't you unpack, and then we'll continue?" Blaine said quickly, trying to appease the look of horror on Kurt's face.

"Yes we'll do that." Kurt said before anybody could disagree.

"I'll be outside." Blaine left and re-joined Tina in the hallway.

..............................................................................................

"They're just unpacking and then we'll keep going." He explained to her. "Is there anywhere you need to be?"

Tina leaned against the wall at Blaine's side. "No, I'm yours until you don't want me around."

"Well then you aren't going anywhere." Blaine took her hand, happy that he had it to hold again.Tina had been his rock to hold onto once Cooper had leftwith the armyand he hadn't realised how much he'd relied on her until she was gone.

Tina laughed, "There was a time I would have gone weak at the knees from you saying that!"

Blaine cringed at remembering the time when Tina had misinterpreted his friendship.He'd never even seen what was right in front of him until she'dtried to kiss him. Thankfully, she dealt with the rejectionbetter than he did and held on to their friendship.

"Don't worry, ever since Mike swept meoff my feet you've been nothing more than my very hot, very sweet best friend who happens to like boys." She squeezed his hand.

"You're the sweet one, thank you." Blaine blushed at her words."And if I couldn't be distracted by you then no otherhotgirl ever could."

The door opened and Puck walked out, quickly putting his arm around Blaine's shoulder. "Did someone say hot girls?Point me in their direction."

"Ohno, we were just talking.There aren't anyhot girls around," Blaine explained. Tina coughed. "Except Tina, of course, but um, you already know her so..." Blaine tried to back track.

"I forgive you.Don'tgive yourself a panic attack.I knew what you meant anyway." Tina saved him from digging himself an even deeper hole.

"Wow, wish all the hot chicks I knew were that forgiving. So anyway, you must know all the hot girls around here.Tell me so that they can meet thePuckmaesterand have their dreams come true."

"Not really.I know everyone so I can introduce you,but I'm not the greatest judge of hot girls."

"Oh, you prefer the dudes,that'scool, Kurt does too. I'm not inclined that way, justsoyou know, before you crush on me and I have to break your heart." Puck said sincerely.

"Sure... thanks." Blaine said politely.He was pretty sure in Puck's brain that wasan attempt to benice so he tried not to take it personally.

"They're out here Britt, they've not left us." Finn said as he and Brittany came outoftheirroom.

"Hi." Brittany said shyly."I was worried KingSmythehad taken you away alreadybecauseyou were too nice to us so helocked you in a tower until your hair grew long enough for Kurt to climb up it and save you."

"No, that's not happened yet." Blaine reassured her.He wasn't sure he would ever understand her words but he was beginning to understand the sentiment at least. "I'll keep an eye out, though."

"Good." Britt smiled, satisfied that her point had been made.

"Are you done in there?" Blaine asked.

"No, I mean,weare. Most of the stuff is Kurt's anyway, so we might still be a while." Finn explained.

"That's all Kurt's? Wow, how long are you guys staying for?" Tina asked.

"Kurt likes his clothes.He makes them all himself,sohedoesn't feel like he can leave anything behind.They're all too precious to him." It felt like Finn was defending Kurt, but Blaine wasn't sure what for.He was impressed though, Kurt's outfit was gorgeous so he must have some talent if he'd made it himself. "I don't know how long we're here for.However long we need to be." Finn shrugged. "So, what are you guys talking about?"

"Hot girls." Puck supplied.

"Yeah?" Finn'sface lit up.

"No, we're not." Blaine really didn'tsee the point of continuingthat conversation.

"Aw, why do I always miss the interestingconversations?" Finn whined.

"Don't worry, I'll find some hot girls for you so you can get your mind offRachel." Britt said kindly.

"What? No, wait." Finn lookedaround in horror as if Brittany had spilled some terrible secret. Blaine wasn't sure what the problem was, it didn't matter to him if Finn had feelings for Rachel,heactually found it quite sweet and why wouldn't Rachel reciprocate? "She didn't mean that as it sounded."

"Sure." If Finn didn't want Blaine thinking there was anything between him and Rachel,Blaine didn't have any problem pretendinghe hadn't heard anything.

"Blaine doesn't care, heonly likes dudes.You do right?Just guys, no girls at all?" Puckcontributed much to Blaine chagrin.

"Yep, gold star gay." Blaine confirmed wanly.

"See, he doesn't care about you and Rachel." Puck said happily.

"You don't?" Finn asked.

"No, why would I?"

"Oh, no reason I suppose." Finn fiddled with his shirt and pretended he needed to concentrate on retying it. He really made a terrible liar.

"Love is love, you don't choose who you fall for and you shouldn't be persecuted for loving the wrong person because there is no wrong person." Blaine wasn't sure why Finn was lying but he felt like Finn needed reassuring that his feelings were acceptable, especially by Blaine.

"Who was talking about love, I was talking about sex." Puck stated.

And there went thatmoment. Luckily Rachel and Kurt exited the room and saved Blainefrom enduring anymore hot girl comments from Puck.

"Are you ready?" Blaine smiled politely.

"Sure are." Kurt beamed and Blaine let himself drown in hispiercing eyes for a few moments.The extra shine his smile gave them was captivating.

"We can visit the gardens while the weather holds out.This way." Blainedirected. Kurt and Rachel joined him leading the group again.

"Your outfit is very nice by the way.Finn mentioned that you made your own clothes." Blaine complimented Kurt.

"Why thank you. The clothes makers down south just don't make anything I like,so I had to take matters into my own hands.Plus I like designing, it feels like I'm putting something of myself out there to be proud of."

"Well they certainly suit you." Blaine tried not to stare at how Kurt's trousers hugged his hips and thighs to show thin, toned legs. "Have you made any garments for anybody else?"

"I've made a few dresses for Rachel and Britt but I don't get much time to make anything more than necessary." Kurt explained.

"He made one of the dresses I brought with me.I'll wear it tomorrow so you can see it. We're meeting with the King in the morning anyway,so it will be the perfect outfit to impress him with." Rachel had placed her hand in the crook of Kurt's elbow again, it seemed like their default position.

"I look forward to admiring it."

"You should make something for Blaine.I'm sure you could make something to show off his assets," Rachel saidunable her hide her excitement.

"Rachel!" Kurt scolded her.

Blaine laughed, "Itsfine." He really didn't mindany excuse to bring Kurt's attention alittle more closely to him.

"I'll make you somethingif we have time.I mean, if you'd want me to?" Kurt suddenly seemed shy.

"That would be an honour, thank you Kurt." Blaine smiled brightly hoping to see it reflected on Kurt's face.He wasn't disappointed.

"We can reach the gardens just through that archway." Blaine pointed towards the end of the hall and led the group out into the open.

"The gardens were designed by the Queen's cousin after they inhabited the capital, it was inspired by theSmythesvictory in the warapparently but I don't see the connectionmyself." Blaine said awkwardly, he really must remember he was supposed to be impressing his guests, but sometimes he couldn't help but be honest.

"Actually, I'll take you down to the rockery.That part really is beautiful." He said with a little jump in his step, letting his enthusiasm get the better of him. He was just happy he'd thought of something he could show off to them that was a genuine love of hisandnot justsomewhere considered impressive for the sake of it.

"How many levels are there?" Rachel asked.

"Three, the rockery is on the bottom." Blaine led them across the path through the grass, surrounded by small bushes and sparse trees.

"I can see it, how it reflects the victory, I mean." Kurt stated matter offactly. "It's dreary, war is dreary even in victory. The poetry is rather beautiful actually."

"I'd never thought of it that way.I'm not sure that's what they were going for butitmakes sense to me." Blaine agreed.

The second level had more colourful flowers buttheblues and purples were pale and certainly didn't look bright in the morning sunlight.

"I don't like it, it makes me feel sad." Britt said.

They finally reached the third level and Blaine took them through a small orchard that led to a dip in the path. The path opened up to reveal a trickling stream surrounded by rocks and dainty white flowers. The terrain was rough compared to the flat levels they had just walked through.

"This isn't so sad." Brittany took Blaine's hand from behind him and squeezed it. "It's calm and pretty."

"It is." Blaine agreed, "I used to hide here when I was young and wanted to be left alone.It's the only part of the gardens that wasn't changed.I don't know why but I like to think it was too peaceful for anybody to want to change it."

Kurt leaned down and gently touched a petal as though seeing flowers for the first time. "Snowdrops. They were my mother's favourite."

"I can ask Dharma, the gardener if you can take some to give to your motherwhen you leave. She wouldn't mind." Blaine felt the need to do something special for Kurt.He wasn't sure where the sudden feeling came from,but there was an ache in Kurt's voicethat Blaine would do anything to sooth away.

"That's sweet, thank you, but she died a long time ago, when I was young." Kurt stood up and turned his back on the rockery as he steeled his face and smiled at Blaine without the spark reaching his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." Blaine apologised.

"You didn't. I can see why you like it here. It's beautiful." Kurt said, trying to show he wasalright,but Blaine could see he was still dealing with his emotions.

"Shall we move on?" Rachel asked.

"Yes, please." Kurt replied immediately.

Finn eagerly led the way back through the gardens.Blaine got the impression he didn't know how to deal with the awkward atmosphere that had now spread over the group.

Blaine hung back and let the group walk on in front of him.Kurt soon joined him and Blaine slowed his pace even further to give them some privacy.

"You really don't need to apologise again.You couldn't have known." Kurt said gently.

"How did you...?

"Just physic." Kurt said with a smirk.

"Really?"

"No,I could see it in your eyes, you have a very readable face."

Blaine blushed but didn't mind the fact that Kurt had been looking in his eyes.

"My mother, sheused to...work here, that's why I got a bit teary eyed back there. I promise I don't usually get upsetjust when I see Snowdrops.It's just that I could picture her there, admiring the flowers and the serenity."

"Well feel free to go back by yourself if you want some privacy there."

"Thank you, I will."

"What did your mother do, in the castle?" Blaine asked, hoping it wouldn't upset Kurt to continue talking about his mom.

"I'm not sure. I was eight when she died and she worked here before I was born,so we didn't cover it in great detail. She just told me about the things she liked here, how much of a home it was to her once."

"If it ever gets too much for you just say the word and I can show you back to your room and continue the tour another day?" Blaine offered, he sensed Kurt was uncomfortable talking to a stranger about his mother.

"That won't be necessary. I might get upset but I like seeingthe thingsmy mother talked about, I like being reminded of her.I feel likethere's still something of her here,likea whisper on the wind."

TBC...