#chapter19

“We found her by Count Vizsla’s cell, talking to the prisoner,” Gorg explained, “she mentioned something about corruption, but hit her head against the cell before she could be questioned.”

The Ambassador looked deeply saddened, betrayed, almost. Satine knew the feeling.

“Put her next to the Count,” the Duchess ordered, “make sure she gets any medical attention she needs.”

Gorg bowed and went to follow Satine’s orders.

“I must apologize, Your Highness,” Trai Dee bent his knees, “I did not know this would happen.”

“I do not blame you, Ambassador,” Satine said kindly, “we all have been decided in this business.”

After lunch, the trade discussion was finalized. Certain safe trade routes between Mandalore and Coruscant could not be found, so Mandalorian cargo ships were granted access into both Seperatist and Republic space. Of course, this was only allowed when on duty and transporting goods, offending this statute was punishable by imprisonment. To further limit misbehavior, Mandalorian trade ships were only allowed to take off after an inspection and on certain days of the week. Any Mandalorian cargo ship flying on Saturday or Sunday would have its contents thoroughly examined. The Duchess would personally speak with the Dock Managers in the next few days to help smooth the transition.

“I would like to apologize again, Your Grace,” Ambassador Dee frowned, “I can’t believe about Jaira.”

“No need to apologize,” Satine frowned, “war breeds betrayal.”

After a moment of silence, Trai Dee spoke quietly.

“She’s my niece.”

“My sister leads the Death Watch with her childhood friend.”

“We are in a similar position, then.”

Satine looked down, “It is a terrible place to be.”

“If I may, Your Grace,” Ambassador Dee turned, “I would make friends with both the Separatists and the Republic, this war is going to last a long time.”

“I want to stay out of this war.” Satine countered.

“It is impossible,” Dee shook his head, “as the head of the Council of Neutral Systems that would be moral, but you need to protect your people.”

Satine nodded, “And my friendship with the senator offends some.”

“Yes.” 

The Duchess swallowed, “I will take your advice, Ambassador, but for now let’s see to your niece.”

Jaira Deere and Tarrei Vizsla had already been questioned and the Duchess and the Ambassador were given sheets with all the information the guards had gleaned.

“Representative Deere was paid on Coruscant by a Seperatist contact to cause a disruption,” Gorg frowned, “it appears that Count Dooku is invested in taking Mandalore.”

“Why?” Satine growled.

“Many people are trying to bring down Senator Amidala,” Jaym slapped a sheet on the table, “reports of new assasination attempts have just come in.”

“They want to shake her and take out your influence,” Ambassador Dee stood, “I would suggest political maneuverings. I am going to see my niece.”

Satine’s mind whirled. Count Dooku, what did she know about Count Dooku? Death Watch didn’t like him, perhaps she should contact her sister.

“An emergency meeting with my private council,” the Duchess stood, “I need the Prime Minister.”

It took five minutes to assemble everyone and inform them of the situation.

“You must contact your Jedi friends too,” the Prime Minister suggested, “get all the info on Count Dooku.”

A plan wormed into Satine’s head.

“We can give Count Dooku to the Jedi,” she grinned, “we invite him here on friendly premise, and get Death Watch to capture him and send him to the Jedi.”

“That is an ambitious plan.” an advisor sighed.

“It does hinge on many things,” Satine agreed, “but the Count has many enemies.”

While one of Satine’s aides filed to meet with the Jedi Council, Satine discussed the new trading plan with her advisors.

“I shall accompany you when Your Grace visits the docks,” Jaru Djarin decided, “we need to send a message to our people.”

“I agree.”

Satine’s comm dinged, it was Obi-Wan. The Duchess didn’t know if she was furious or enamoured. 

“Your Grace, are you alright?”

“Excuse me.”

Satine hid the fresher and commed her Jedi.

“You filed a petition?” were his first words.

“We’ve a plan to capture Count Dooku.”

Obi-Wan sighed.

“It’s possible, he wants to capture Mandalore.”

“How will allying with him help that?”

“Bo will capture him before it comes to that.”

Satine could hear Obi-Wan arguing with himself mentally.

“Be careful with my children.” he rasped.

“We’ll be fine.” Satine assured, slightly surprised.

When Satine returned, her staff informed her that the Jedi Council would hear her plan.

“Good,” the Duchess nodded, steeling herself, “when?”

“This afternoon,” the Prime Minister answered, “we have much to do.”

After bidding adieu to the Ambassador, Satine contacted Padme for anything and everything that she knew about the Sith Lord. Next, Satine prepared a formal invitation to Mandalore with her ruling council.

“Inviting a Sith Lord to Mandalore?” Countess Barlor gasped.

“Friendly premises,” Governor Eldar added, “what friendly premises?”

“A celebration of our dealings with both the Separatists and the Republic.” Satine answered.

The Prime Minister shook her head, “Not good enough.”

Satine stiffened, she did, of course, have a backup plan, but she hated the idea, and she hadn’t told Obi-Wan about it.

“Duchess?”

“I will ask him if he’s interested in assuming the title of Duke Consort.”

“No!” Countess Bralor gasped.

Silence descended over the council.

“I will invite him to court me,” Satine swallowed, “that is what the visit is for.”

Governor Eldar was gaping.

“That could work.” Prime Minister Djarin said quietly.

In the silence that followed, Satine stood.

“I must speak with my sister.”

In her private parlor, Satine commed a number she hadn’t called since it was given to her.

“Sister?” “Bo,” Satine gasped, “I’m going to ask Count Dooku to court me.”

Bo-Katan Kryze muttered a string of curses that Satine hadn’t heard since they were girls.

“I need you to rally your troops and help me capture him when he comes.”

“Oh,” Bo breathed a sigh of relief, “that’s better.”

“We’re going to hand him over to the Jedi.” 

Bo-Katan was silent for a moment, “That’s ambitious.”

“I won’t underestimate him.”

“Satine,” her sister groaned, “have you thought about this?”

“Yes, Bo.”

Bo-Katan was silent for a moment.

“Let me know when he’ll arrive in Sundari.”

“Thank you.”

Now, the Duchess realized, she was at the hardest part.

“Should I send him a letter first?” Satine asked Jaru.

“Send him a hologram through our Separatist Diplomat, ask to speak with him privately.” suggested the Prime Minister.

Satine recorded the hologram in her personal parlor. Running over what she would say as Parna tightened her corset, Satine found herself exceedingly nervous.

“You won’t actually marry him,” Khaami assured, “it’ll be alright.”

“Still,” Satine stiffened, “a Sith Lord?”

Khaami raised an eyebrow. Fortunately, the Duchess’ comm rang.

“He-”

“Satine, tell me it’s not true!”

“Padme, I-”

“Your meeting with the Jedi Council about a Seperatist problem,” the Senator read, “do tell me what that problem is and how Count Dooku relates to it.”

Satine sighed, “We’re going to trick him and send him into Republic custody.”

“Why is that any of your business?”

“I need connections to both sides.”

“Satine, no-”

“Padme, it’s the only way to save my people,” the Duchess argued, “we need friends, not enemies.”

“Satine, this will only make you enemies.” countered Senator Amidala.

“Padme,” Satine swallowed, “I’m going to ask if he will court me.”

Silence.

“What the actual, kriffing-”

“Shut up, Anakin,” Padme called, “Satine’s not serious.”

“I am,” the Duchess reiterated, “if he courts me, I will contract the Death Watch to fight for him.”

“Oh, Satine-”

“I also intend to show my support for the Jedi.”

“How?” Anakin spat.

“Ani-”

“Satine, really?”

“Korkie will accompany our ambassador to the Republic Senate to allow the Jedi free reign of Mandalorian space and ask if Master Vos and his Padawan would appreciate an extended stay on Mandalore.”

“Satine,” Padme’s voice was shaky, “this is very dangerous.”

“I know.”

“Then why?” Padme whispered.

“Count Dooku is invested in taking Mandalore, we captured his players,” Satine explained, “and if we’re neutral, we’re in more danger than if we are tied to both sides.”

“Satine,” Anakin spoke up, “if you invite him to meet you, he might sense the twins.”

The Duchess grew cold, “What?”

“Force users can sense other force users,” Anakin swallowed, “even if they aren’t born yet.”

Satine cursed, something she almost never did.

“Another reason why this is a bad idea.” Padme added.

“He might not respond right away,” Satine stated, “he could wait.”

“Satine, I have to go,” Padme frowned, “but know I don’t like this.”

“Good luck with the Council.” Anakin added.

The Duchess sighed, “Thanks.”

Satine looked up, Khaami took back the comm.

“We’re ready.” Parna announced, stepping out of the frame.

The Duchess straightened, Khaami nodded, “Good evening, Count Dooku, I trust you know I am Duchess Satine of Mandalore. I have a proposition with for you-”

Here, she took a breath.

“My people need allies that can provide security, and I would like assistance on that matter from the Seperatist Alliance,” Satine continued, “my advisors and I were very disappointed with Jaira Deere, but we are willing to look past this and offer you the title of Duke of Mandalore.”

“Should you accept, an agreement will need to be reached and the public informed,” Satine smiled pleasantly, “I hope you consider my proposal with seniority.”

Khaami turned off the hologram, Parna heaved a sigh of relief.

“I will have this transferred to our Seperatist Ambassador,” Khaami stood, “I wish you the best of luck with the Jedi Council.”

“Thank you, Khaami,” Satine nodded, “it will be quite the day.”

Downstairs in the meeting room, Satine’s personal advisors were waiting along with Jaru. Satine sat at the head of the table and signaled to the Prime Minister she was ready.

“Duchess Satine,” a blue form of Master Windu greeted, “we have been told you wish to discuss the Separatists and Count Dooku.”

“Yes,” Satine nodded, “our recent capture of a Seperatsist informant has led us to conclude Count Dooku wants to take Mandalore-”

“Certain, are you?”

“Yes,” Satine straightened, “and we’ve sent him a hologram inviting him to visit Sundari.”

“Are you going to ally with the Separatists?” asked a familiar voice.

“No,” Satine turned to Obi-Wan, “we intend to capture him using Death Watch and turn him into you.”

“Death Watch,” Master Windu frowned, “your enemies?”

“My sister,” Satine began, “the leader of the resistance movement against me, has already agreed to the plan. Death Watch despises Count Dooku.”

There came a moment of silence.

“Sure he will come, are you?”

“The Count is an ambitious man,” Satine frowned, “we have offered him a much sought after title that would give him more power in the galaxy.”

Master Kenobi frowned, “What exactly is that title?”

Satine looked to Jaru, who nodded.

“Duke Consort of Mandalore.”

Master Windu stiffened, “If you are capable of such a plan, how do we know you are not deceiving us?”

“In a few hours,” Satine continued, “I will step down as Head of the Council of Neutral systems, my main goal is to protect my people, Master Jedi, and Death Watch and all the betrayal this war has caused my system proved that peace is not the best tactic.”

In the quiet that followed, Satine shifted. One of the twins got her father’s devious genes and was kicking her bladder. Nasty. Speaking of Obi-Wan Kenobi, his face was a mask, but the Duchess learned how to read him a long time ago. He was mad, worried, and needed time to think.

“Court you, Count Dooku will, hm?”

“Yes.” Satine nodded.

“Consider your options you must,” Master Yoda stated, “help protect your people, the Republic can.”

“That is also why, while the Count is courting me, I am willing to open up Mandalorian space to Jedi spacecraft.”

Master Yoda considered this.

“Thin line, you are walking.”

“The Duchess is more than capable of doing her duty,” Prime Minister Djarin spoke up, “I am certain she will protect Mandalore.”

“How long will it take you to get Dooku in custody?” Master Ti asked.

“It will depend on how quickly he comes to Mandalore.” Satine responded.

“I suggest we send a Jedi to Mandalore,” Master Mundi suggested after a silence, “to help Her Grace and serve as an extra guard.”

“I volunteer my services if they are needed.”

Satine looked to Obi-Wan’s blue figure, he was staring at her.

“Thank you, master Kenobi,” Master Windu frowned, “but you’ve not yet returned from the Outer Rim and even then we have a job for you.”

“Anakin, then?” Obi-Wan asked.

“Need him too, we do.” Master Yoda dissented.

“Master Vos, perhaps,” Satine offered, “I believe he’s not integrally involved in the war effort.”

Master Mundi looked to Master Yoda.

“You’ve met Master Vos?” Master Ti asked.

“I’ve had the pleasure.” Satine responded dryly.

Obi-Wan smirked, and the Duchess found herself smiling too.

“Master Vos then,” Master Windu nodded, “and I believe his Padawan is Mandalorian.”

“Yes,” Master Yoda looked to Satine, “Mandalorian, she is.”

“Then she’s not an off-worlder,” an advisor of the Duchess’ added, “so she may carry her weapon.”

Satine shifted, Baby A, who had kicked earlier, still seemed to want to wrestle.

“Thank you for your initiative, Your Highness,” Master Windu smiled to the best of his ability, “we shall send Master Vos and his Padawan once Count Dooku has made his intentions clear.”

“You are very kind, Master Jedi, thank you.”

The comm ended, Satine breathed a sigh of relief and sank in her chair.

“Who shall you nominate in your place as Head of the council of Neutral systems?” asked Jaru.

“Senator Kin Robb,” the Duchess answered without hesitation, “her help has been invaluable to me and her planet is in the process of leaving both the Republic and the Seperatist Alliance.”

“Shall I schedule a call for you, Your Grace?” asked an advisor.

“Yes, thank you,” Satine stood, “I want to make my intentions known as soon as possible.”

The Duchess took the elevator up to her floor and would’ve collapsed if Jaym had not been there to catch her.

“Your Grace?”

“I’m alright,” Satine huffed, “help me to my room, Jaym.”

The guard did as he was told.

“Bring me Nurse Hera,” Satine ordered, climbing onto her bed, “and see if you can find my ladies.”

In the meantime, the Duchess struggled to undo her corset. Fortunately, when she was about half way through, her ladies appeared with Hera in tow.

Parna rushed to help her lady with her corset strings, “Oh, Satine.” 

“What are your symptoms?” Hera asked, opening her bag.

“They’re just active,” Satine sighed, “and it really hurts when they kick.”

“You're about six months and two weeks, correct?” Hera questioned.

“Yes.”

Satine groaned and fell backward as the pressure on her stomach released. She had a significant bump now, and the Duchess ran her hands along the hump that her twins had made.

“Alright,” Hera began, hands clean, “I’m going to check their placement and movement.”

Hera did, while Khaami answered Satine’s comm for her.

“This is Lady Khaami.”

“Hello, Lady Khaami, this is the Prime Minister,” Jaru’s voice crackled, “please tell Her Grace that I scheduled a dinnertime call with the Council of Neutral systems.”

“I will, thank you.”

Satine whined as Hera hit a pressure point.

“I think you need some time away from the corset,” Hera advised, “the girls need space to grow.”

With a sigh, Satine argued that she couldn’t do that.

“Perhaps you could call in from your room,” Parna suggested, “just your upper body on camera and we could tell the palace staff you’re feeling quite tired.”

“Hm,” Satine took a second to respond, “that could work.”

“More than a few hours would be beneficial,” Hera frowned, “are there any holes in your schedule tomorrow?”

“I think we’ll just be waiting for Count Dooku’s response,” Satine confessed, “but we also have to implement the new trade guidelines.”

“Stay in as long as you can.” Hera advised. “The Prime Minister and the Ruling Council can help with that,” Khaami offered, “I think you should rest.”

Satine sighed, “So do I.”

Parna stood, “I’ll prepare a comfortable outfit for this evening.”

Suddenly, Hera frowned.

“Satine, when was the last time you ate?”

The Duchess blushed, “Breakfast.”

Hera looked to Khaami. 

She stood, “I suppose that’s my cue.”

Hera laughed, nodding.

Satine sighed, “This is quite the mess I’m getting myself into.”

“Now you see it.” Parna agreed, returning with a dress.

“Parna,” Satine suddenly spoke up, “will you ask the PR Department to run a poll?”

“What do you want to ask?” questioned the lady.

“Whether or not people feel safe on Mandalore,” Satine stated, “whether or not they have confidence in the government, and what they think of the war and their Duchess.”

Parna raised an eyebrow, “Heavy questions.”

“Still.” Satine frowned.

With a sigh, Parna agreed. 

“I checked on that droid you have,” Hera spoke up, “it should be able to help assist in the delivery.”

“The battery is fixed?”

Hera grinned, “We had an extra one in the med bay.”

Satine considered herself pleased.

“And Khaami showed me the birthing chamber,” Hera hesitated, “it’s primal yet functional.”

Satine laughed, “This isn’t my first experience with birth.”

Hera’s eyes went wide, but raised her hands as the Duchess went to explain.

“I already know the father’s name is Ben,” the nurse stated, “and the less I know the better.”

Satine smiled softly, “Thank you.”

Khaami came in with a huge tray then, and Satine squealed in delight.

“I know,” the lady smiled, “I asked for your favorite tea too.”

Satine took the tray on her lap, which was harder to balance than it should’ve been.

“How have the pills been going?” Hera questioned.

The Duchess blushed, “Parna has to remind me most nights.”

Hera sighed.

“But I take them.” Satine added, hopeful. “That’s good.”

The Duchess ate and Hera bid goodbye. When Parna returned and Satine had finished, she changed into a silk nightgown and wrapped elegant furs over her chest and laced shoulders.

“Let me fix your hair.” Parna offered.

While she did this, Khaami fetched Satine’s favorite silver circlet with an emerald embedded in the center. Next, she set up the call zone.

“And,” Parna put the circlet on Satine’s head, “done.”

“Thank you,” Satine stood, “let’s hope this goes down easy.”

Khaami and Parna took their ceremonial places behind Satine after the lighting in her parlor was fixed.

“We’re ready now.” Khaami whispered.

Satine pressed a button.

“Duchess Satine,” Representative Uru nodded politely, “your Prime Minister said you wished to speak with us.”

“Yes,” Satine breathed, “it is my wish to step down from my position as Head of the Council of Neutral Systems.”

A beat of silence followed.

“I am not joining the war,” Satine clarified, “but our neutral stance has been jeopardizing the safety of my people, and I have decided to remove myself from a position where Mandalore can be manipulated for malintent.”

Representative Uru spoke first, “It is a noble cause, to protect one’s people, and I believe this Council is understanding of your situation.”

“Thank you.” Satine inclined her head.

“Who do you intend to nominate as your successor?” asked a fellow Council member.

“I would like to nominate the Honorable Kin Robb,” Satine stated, looking to the former Senator, “as my understudy, I believe she knows the ins and outs of the job and will perform them to the best of her ability.”

The woman smiled at the Satine, grateful for her words.

“If there are no objections in the quorum,” Representative Uru spoke up, “then we shall begin the process of transition for you, Duchess.”

No one spoke up.

Satine placed a hand to her chest, “You have my gratitude, esteemed members of the Council.” 

“You will still be a member of this body?” the farmer Senator asked.

“I shall,” Satine nodded, “but I shall take a less public role.”

After the video call, Satine had a strange craving for celery.

“Not surprising.” Khaami snorted, “I’ll go get some.”

"May the court hear from Mrs. Bowman''s social worker, Miss Grey." The family court judge called upon Alexa to stand and speak her recommendation on her client, Leanna Bowman's custody of her son Eddie Bowman. This had been an ongoing battle since Eddie's biological father had re-appeared into the picture and had tried to gain custody of him, which the judge had denied.

Alexa took in a deep breath and sighed heavily while she stood up and straightened her dark navy suit. "You may proceed, Miss Grey."

"Your honour. It is my recommendation as Leanne Bowman's case social worker that her child, Eddie Bowman, is to remain under her full custody." Alexa took in another breath. This was the part of her job that she did not enjoy, but due to her work with Guardian and their close contact with the domestic abuse survivors, Alexa was often called in to family court to give recommendations on custody status.

"Leanne Bowman has made tremendous strides the past five months at Guardian. She started out using our shelter services for herself and her son and has now found a safe affordable home in the local council housing inclusive of the necessities for taking care of Eddie. Leanne has continued to attend Guardian for our therapy, financial and social services which she plans to remain attending in the future. Mrs. Bowman has found a local daycare and employment within walking distance of her home." Alexa lowered her head briefly, feeling everyone in the court's eyes on her.

"Despite, Mrs. Bowman's domestic history with her ex-partner. I do recommend that Eddie continues to stay with his mother and the trial period of custody be moved to a permanent decision given that she abides by the no contact order with Mr. Turner." Alexa looked the judge in the eyes showing her confidence with the recommendation to the court.

The judge slowly nodded her head as Alexa took her seat beside The Bowman's lawyer. Alexa turned her head towards Leanne who was displaying a grateful expression towards her. She simply smiled and turned her attention back towards the judge as she deliberated.

Alexa felt a light tap on her shoulder from behind. She angled her body to find Eddie being his adorable self dressed in a little suit with a green polka dotted bow tie. His little contagious smile was beaming up at her. "Do I get to stay with my mommy?" He whispered to Alexa.

Her heart sank in his chest seeing his chocolate brown hopeful eyes staring up at her waiting for a reply. "I don't know yet, hun. We have to wait for the nice lady up at the front to tell us." Alexa noticed that he started to get worried that he would not be able to go home with his mom today. Even though he was quite young, he understood what was going on as this was not his first time being in a courtroom like this. Alexa suddenly felt a healthy level of doubt in her suggestion. Was it really the right decision for Eddie? Or was it the right decision for Leanne?

"Want me to come back and sit with you while we wait?" Alexa shook the thought from her mind and focused on Eddie.

He did not waste a second in replying. "Yes please!" Eddie politely asked Alexa and she immediately stood up and snuck around to sit next to him.

The judge had returned to the courtroom after a short recess to deliberate her decision. The deafening silence in the courtroom was profound as nearly everyone was on the edge of their seats awaiting the verdict on the custody of Eddie Bowman.

Alexa closed her eyes as the judge started to speak. There was a gut feeling that had grown inside of her at the last minute that Eddie should not be with his mother. The problem was it was only a gut feeling and she racked her mind searching and searching for any little doubt in her mind that matched this innate feeling.

"Congratulations Leanne Bowman. You have full custody of your son Edward Bowman. There will be a review period in six months to ensure that you are adhering to the set out rules of this custody agreement including the no contact order with Mr. Turner." The judge disclosed her ruling and everyone in the courtroom was happy with the outcome, except for Alexa. But, she stood up and displayed a soft smile watching Eddie run to his mom and give her a big hug.

Leanne turned around to face Alexa and opened her arms to pull her into a tight embrace. "Thank you Alexa. This wouldn't have happened without you." She gratefully thanked Alexa for her help, but those words felt heavy in her mind as she repeated them.

"You are welcome. Please take care of him." Alexa softly encouraged Leanne to remain true to her promise.

Alexa exited the courthouse walking out of the main entrance down the steps when all of a sudden she was ambushed by a few paparazzi that had gotten wind that she was appearing in court today. The ambush startled her and pulled her from her deep internal debate.

"You are one hard person to find Miss Grey." One of the men shouted as they continued to photograph her down the steps of the courthouse.

The blonde remained silent, giving them no response as she continued to look to the ground and concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other, being careful not to get pictured falling down these stairs in her heels.

Alexa had been quite clever recently in avoiding the paparazzi thanks to tips from her boyfriend, Harry. But, she figured they would find her again eventually only wishing that it wasn't today. She dug in deep and found a source of courage to get through the next few minutes until she could escape them. One thing that Harry had taught Alexa to get away from them was to quickly get into a taxi even if only for a few minutes away to get some distance between the paps and her.

The blonde spotted a taxi stand nearby and purposefully stepped towards it. She motioned to the man standing in front of the black taxi that she wanted a ride.

"Alexa can you tell us who will be your plus one to Princess Eugenie's wedding?!" They shouted at Alexa as she climbed into the back seat and closed the door. But, a hand grabbed the door frame stopping it from closing.

Alexa glanced up at the man attempting to stop her from getting away from them. Her green eyes glared up at him as they locked into his gaze. "Let go of the door now. Or you will be hearing from my lawyers." She threatened him in hopes that he would remove his hand.

He slowly removed his hand and Alexa slammed the door shut. She drew in a shaky breath, feeling like she had been holding her breath for a long time. Closing her eyes she told the taxi driver her destination, deciding to take the full ride over to meet her friend for afternoon tea.

"Can you take me to Fortnum and Mason please."

--------------------------------

"Hello ma'am. Do you have a booking with us for tea this afternoon?"

Alexa was greeted at the front entrance to the tea room at Fortnum and Mason. "Yes, I believe it is under Victoria Sutton." She was meeting Victoria, a friend of hers from Alexa's past relationship with Reese Kellington.

"Right this way." Alexa followed the hostess into the tea room towards an awaiting Victoria.

Victoria spotted Alexa in her line of vision making her face light up with a beaming grin as she stood to greet Alexa. "Ah! Lexi!" The blonde pulled Alexa in to greet her with a traditional kiss on the cheek before hugging her small frame.

"Hi, Victoria. How are you?!" Alexa matched her friend's beaming smile. She pulled out the chair from her spot and took her seat while the hostess handed them their menus.

"I am well, how are you? It has been so long since I have last seen you!" Victoria locked in Alexa's green eyed gaze.

Alexa had met the Sutton Hotel heiress through her ex Reese. She had become close with the blue blooded aristo even though she initially thought it would be an unlikely friendship. But, when Alexa and Reese ended their relationship, Alexa distanced herself from nearly everyone associated with Reese including the friends she had made during that time. A part of her felt guilty for simply disappearing but at the time, it was what she needed to do for herself.

"I know it's been so long. I was really happy to hear from you last week." Alexa smiled genuinely. "I am sorry for just disappearing after everything." She began to apologize. "I know there is no explanation that justifies that... but I had to do -"

"You had to do it in order to survive." Victoria nodded displaying a genuine expression of understanding. "I heard what Reese had done... I don't blame you at all or harbor any ill will towards you at all. That is why I reached out to you. I missed you and our friendship." Victoria reached her hand out and squeezed Alexa's in a gesture of reassurance.

"Thank you, Vic." Alexa was feeling extremely guilty over her past decision. But, she desperately wanted to catch up with Victoria.

"Anyway, let's not talk about that bastard." Victoria waved the subject off. "Let's enjoy our afternoon tea and you can tell me all about your life! I hear you are going to be in a royal wedding this summer?! That is so exciting!"

Alexa giggled lightly. "Yeah, I am and everyone knows it. I even nearly got followed here by the paps!" She sighed heavily remembering the man trying to stop her taxi moments before she arrived.

"Oh god! They can be absolutely horrendous Lex!" Victoria's posh British accent came forth. "You have to be careful. I can give you some tips on how to deal with them if you want?" Alexa's friend kindly offered to her as she had her fair share of experiences with them due to her family's standing.

"Awe, thank you Vic. I appreciate that." Alexa started to scan the menu. "But, my boyfriend has been helping me handle them."

"Ooooh! Your boyfriend?" Victoria lifted her head up from the menu. "Who is it?! You have to tell me everything."

Alexa had put her foot in her mouth not realizing the extent to what she had just revealed. She started to backtrack and down played the whole thing. "I meant he is just making sure I don't come home crying every night!" She tossed her head back with nervous laughter.

"Are you ladies ready to order or do you need a few more minutes?" The waiter came at the perfect time to interrupt their conversation.

"I think we are ready?" Victoria lifted her head to make brief eye contact with Alexa and saw her nodding a response. "Go ahead Lex."

"Uh, I am going to get the Champagne Afternoon tea with the mable peach tea." Alexa lifted her head to glance up at the waiter then to Victoria.

"That is a perfect choice ma'am." He turned towards Victoria. "Ma'am what can I get for you?"

Victoria flipped through the tea choices one more time. "I will also get the Champagne Afternoon tea with the Rose Pouchong tea."

"Great ladies. I will be back shortly with your orders." The waiter took his leave.

"So... tell me about this boy!" Victoria was grinning from ear to ear as she brought back the subject Alexa was desperately trying to avoid.

Alexa squirmed in her spot unsure of whether to divulge the fact that Victoria already knew her boyfriend, Prince Harry. In fact, she was one of his childhood friends and knew him quite well according to Harry, but they lost touch after he left Eton. She had talked with Harry late last night as she laid awake in bed nervous about today's court appearance and told him she had plans to go have tea with Victoria Sutton afterwards.

The prince was quite taken back to find out that she was friends with Victoria, but he was also supportive of her to go to the tea and reconnect with one of her friends. Especially someone he knew who was known to keep her intentions true.

"Well, he is pretty great actually." Alexa was now beaming remembering last night's conversation with him. "He has really taught that it is ok to take a chance at love again and that not all men are like Reese." She confessed to Victoria.

"Awe." Victoria was taking in Alexa's expression in front of her knowing that it was one of true happiness. She had become quite worried about Alexa when she quite literally fell off the face of the earth after Reese and Alexa ended their relationship. The problem was that Victoria had been friends with both of them and quite frankly did not know who to be supportive of. But, when she found out more about what Reese had done to Alexa, she immediately took a step back from her friendship with him. Victoria had attempted to contact Alexa, but she simply did not reply until now. She never held any ill will towards the blonde beauty for doing this and simply wanted to be there for her friend who she knew was going through a very difficult time.

"I love to see you so happy again, Alexa. You can really tell that you are with whoever this man is." Victoria watched Alexa's smile grow even wider at her comment. "How long have you two been together?"

"We were friends at first, but have been dating since May." Alexa was starting to find that comfortable trusting feeling that she had initially shared with Victoria and what had drawn Alexa to her in the first place. Despite Victoria's aristocratic status with her father owning a major international hotel corporation and her mother being a daughter of the current Duke of Somerset, she never did flaunt her status like most aritos did. She even started her own fashion line that had been receiving raving reviews and even has a few store fronts on the major streets of London.

"That is seriously so great. I cannot wait to meet him!" Victoria excitedly clapped her hands.

The two of them were enjoying their afternoon tea, catching up as if no time had lapsed between the last time they had seen each other. Victoria took a bite of her clotted cream and strawberry jam topped scone before leading the conversation down to a place Alexa did not want to go to. "You know, I am seriously so happy to see that you have moved on too like Reese has done." It was an innocent comment, but one that made Alexa quite curious.

Alexa was hesitant to ask, not entirely wanting to know more details about Reese's current relationship, but curiosity got the best of her. "Reese has moved on too?" She probed a bit wondering if she could get it out of Victoria who he was currently with though Alexa had a good guess who it was.

"Yeah, he's been with Gemma Andrews for a while now."

Alexa dropped her knife as it clattered against her plate.

Gemma Andrews. The name repeated in her mind.

Reese had admitted that he had cheated on Alexa with Gemma not once, but multiple times in their relationship. Gemma was often the one at the forefront of his group of friends belittling her every chance she could get. Alexa was hit with a wave of emotions that nearly knocked the wind right out of her. Those same soul crushing emotions that shook her to her core. How could he do that to her? Did Reese have no respect whatsoever towards her? But, then again he never truly did care about her like she had him.

Victoria had realized what she may have done. "Oh, Lex. I shouldn't have said anything..." She bore witness to the pain etched across Alexa's face that replaced the happy expression she held moments prior.

"No, I needed to know." Alexa shook her head and bit her lips to hold back her tears. "Gemma was the woman he repeatedly cheated on me with, Victoria." She admitted with tears brimming over her eyes.

"I am so sorry..." Victoria felt awful for bringing this up to Alexa. "I - I didn't know that." She closed her eyes and shook her head at Reese. "She was always so vile towards you."

Alexa swallowed the lump in her throat and held back her tears not wanting to ruin her time with Victoria. "Let's just move on from it and have fun."

"Yes, let's." Victoria waved over a waiter. "Can we have another bottle of Champagne please?"

---------------------------------

Alexa had found herself walking aimlessly around Hyde Park being trapped deep into her thoughts about everything that had happened today and everything that she had been struggling with as of late. She was supposed to be home by now and spending time with Harry who had come up for the weekend to stay at her place. Pulling out her phone she had several missed calls and voicemails from Harry and she knew that her late return would only worry him further. To be fair, she had no idea it had gotten this late.

She listened to the last voicemail he had sent her.

"Alexa. Where are you? You are really starting to worry me. It's nearly 8pm and you should have been home hours ago... I took Peanut for a walk and fed her." He sighed deeply as his voice trailed off. "Love, let me know you are ok and where you are. I can come get you." The concern laced in his voice was evident and Alexa felt guilty for making him feel that way.

She immediately brought up his number and started to call him. The phone only rang once before he answered it like he had been waiting for her call.

"Alexa?" His deep voice sounded over the other line.

The mere sound of his voice was enough for Alexa to nearly break. She closed her eyes and felt tears starting to stream down her cheek while she breathed in a strangled breath. "Can you come get me?" She sniffled and wiped her tears away.

"Where are you?" He did not hesitate after hearing her cries over the phone.

Alexa glanced around. "I am in Hyde Park by the Serpentine I think..." She released a sob.

"I'm coming."

Alexa was sitting on a park bench when she lifted her head and saw a man walking towards her wearing a cap. She breathed out and stood up slowly knowing that it was Harry attempting to disguise his identity in such a public space.

"Alexa." He closed in the rest of the distance between them and pulled her into a hug feeling her clinging tightly to him. The immediate security that Harry gave her in that moment was something she held onto, not wanting to let go of him and that feeling that surrounded her. She buried her head into the crook of his neck and released a heavy sigh as he gently stroked his fingers through her blonde locks.

She lifted her head up and locked in the prince's concerned gaze. His brow was furrowed and his deep blue eyes were filled with worry. Harry had no idea what was going on with her, yet here he was. He lifted his hand and cupped her cool cheek to tenderly stroke it. "Are you ok?" His voice broke through her thoughts and pulled her out from the depths of his deep blue eyes.

She struggled to answer his question not wanting to lie to Harry, but also not wanting to cause more concern for him. Alexa felt her tears betray her as they trickled down her cheek giving Harry his answer. "I am now." She whispered quietly to him. "Will you take me home?"

Harry brushed away her tears and nodded silently. "I'm parked a short walk from here. Let's get you home." He grasped her hand and clasped their fingers together interlocking them as they made their way to Harry's car. The prince led Alexa out of Hyde Park being careful to avoid contact with others hoping that his cap would hide his identity.

He opened the back car door and motioned for Alexa to crawl in first to which he quickly followed suit. Sitting down next to his girlfriend he looked up in the drivers mirror at Magnus, his protection officer, giving him a quick nod that they were ready to leave.

The prince felt Alexa snuggle in beside him and grasp his arm before laying her head to rest on his shoulder. He placed a comforting touch on her knee being finally able to take her all in. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips seeing how sexy she was in her suit she had picked for her court appearance today.

"You look beautiful today." He leaned in and pressed his lips softly to her temple. An adorable smile formed on her lips, one that he knew himself placed there.

"Thanks baby." Alexa peaked up at him, staring into his eyes. "Thank you for coming to get me. I didn't mean to worry you..." She gave him a peck on the lips.

"You did really worry me, love." His brow furrowed with concern, but this only caused Alexa to turn her head away from him and avert her gaze. Clearly she was not ready to talk to him about what happened today.

"Hey... hey." He coaxed Alexa's attention back on him. "You don't need to tell me what happened until you want to ok?" Harry watched a silent Alexa nod her head. "Why don't we pick up some take out and just throw on a movie at your place and cuddle? How does that sound?"

Alexa's lips pulled into a soft smile. "That sounds perfect, Harry. What do you want to pick up?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "You choose, babe. Doesn't matter to me."

She shook her head no. "I want you to get something you enjoy. You don't really get to when you are in Suffolk."

"Alright..." Harry pondered for a moment. "Shall we get take out from that Greek place from down the street from your flat?"

"Oh, yes!" Alexa was thrilled with Harry's choice. "Can we get a side of pita and tzatziki sauce?!"

"Anything you want!"

------------------------------------

Harry shifted into a comfortable position and helped Alexa crawl into the same space he created for her on the sofa. They had picked out a movie together and cuddled up into each other with a cozy blanket covering them.

He would occasionally glance down at Alexa and notice that even though she was staring straight ahead at the TV, she wasn't actually watching the movie. Rather that she was caught in an internal debate in her own mind. The prince leant down and kissed her exposed shoulder wanting her to know that he was here for her. Alexa's response was cuddling back further into him.

A few minutes later, Alexa suddenly sat up and turned around to face Harry. She held her head down low and started to fidget with her hands nervously. "I'm sorry about today...." Alexa quietly whispered. "I -" She breathed out deeply. "I have been struggling lately Harry..." Alexa's confession caused Harry to sit up straight and reach across her to grab the remote and pause the movie.

"Talk to me love." He gave Alexa his full attention.

"I don't even know where to begin." She softly whispered as she felt the weight of her confession slowly consume her as if the revelation was taking control of her body and finally seeping out of her from holding in for so long. Her head lifted to glance up at Harry showing a wounded expression.

The prince's heart dropped in his chest seeing the visible pain etched across her face. This was not the woman he had come to know. All he could do was listen to Alexa and try to help her in any way he could. "Just start somewhere and go from there, babe. We have all night and I am all yours for the weekend." He grasped her hand and squeezed in reassuringly. A tiny smile peaked through her wounded expression giving Harry a bit of hope.

"Well, today I just had an awful day really and it was sort of my tipping point." Alexa began. "First, at court I read my recommendation for Eddie's custody hearing and I thought what I recommended was right... but then I had this awful sinking feeling that he should not be with his mother." Alexa was clearly bearing the weight of this decision. "I couldn't find a reason why all that it was just a gut feeling that I had. I never wish to take a child away from their mother, but I can't help but feel something is going to happen, Henry, and I feel sick about it. If anything happens to Eddie..." She choked out tears and nearly broke down in front of Harry right there.

Harry grabbed her shaking body and enveloped his arms around her. "Lex. You weren't the only one saying Eddie was ok to stay with his mom. The judge would have decided based on all the information she was given and though your recommendation had a part, it was not the only part to play." He tried his best to comfort her, but he knew that she was only getting started.

"What if something happens Harry?" She lifted her head and looked away from her boyfriend with tear stained cheeks.

"I can't tell you it won't, but for now you know he is safe. She has to check in at Guardian weekly doesn't she?" Harry tried to provide her with some reassurance.

"Yeah... I guess." She nodded her head, but she still would not look at him as her mind drifted towards the conversation with Victoria earlier that afternoon. How was she going to tell Harry about Reese?

"What else?" He encouraged Alexa to keep talking.

How do you talk to your current boyfriend about your ex and how much he has hurt you and apparently still is hurting you? Alexa desperately wanted to avoid it, but she knew she had to tell Harry.

"Please don't be mad... or get angry." Alexa swiveled her head to lock in her boyfriend's gaze.

"Alexa, why would I be angry with you? You are just telling me what you are dealing with and I hope that I can somehow help you." Harry was a bit taken back.

"You might not like what is bothering me..." She led on.

"Babe, come on just tell me. I promise you I won't." Harry tried to reassure her.

Alexa bit down on her bottom lip nervously. "I went for afternoon tea with Victoria and we started talking about how I have moved on with you from my past relationship." She paused for a moment to clarify. "Vic doesn't know you are my boyfriend, I kept that from her." Alexa wanted to make sure Harry knew that. "But, she told me that Reese had also moved on and well the person that he is with now is the same woman who he admitted to cheating on me with numerous times..." She let the words sink in again while Harry remained silent.

His girlfriend took in a shaky breath. "Hearing that he is with Gemma really threw me into the deep end again this afternoon. It's like it brought up that day all over again and somehow even though I haven't seen him for a long time, he was still able to elicit such pain and hurt from me today and I hated that." Alexa cried out with a hint of anger. "He has no right to make me feel that way anymore, but he did. You really do not understand how much he hurt me Harry..." She shook her head in shame. "Even though I am falling for you so hard for you right now. It's still so painful at times to remember." She shook her head. "I didn't want you to be angry with how he made me feel... and sometimes still makes me feel."

"Babe." He lifted her chin delicately with his finger to make Alexa look into his eyes. "I will never be angry or mad at how you feel, even if it is about what your piece of shit of an ex did to you. You have every right to feel whatever you feel and I want you to feel comfortable enough to talk to me and tell me about everything like this, not keep it inside to struggle on your own." Harry watched her eyes well up with another flood of tears. "Is this why you were walking around Hyde Park so late?"

Alexa nodded her head slowly. "I needed some time to just clear my head, but it really didn't help and then when I looked at my phone I didn't realize how late it was and that I kept you waiting for me." She wiped away a stray tear that trickled down her cheek with a balled up piece of his sweater she wore. "Then all I wanted was you..."

The prince tucked a stray piece of her blonde locks behind her ear and gently bent her forehead down towards him to place a soft kiss there. "I'm always going to be here for you, Lex."

"I know, babe."

"I just don't want to see you like this. I want to help you in any way I can." The sincerity in his voice was genuine. "Let me grab a bottle of wine and we can just sit and talk tonight instead. What do you think?"

Alexa nodded her head without a second thought. "Yah, I'd like that."

--------------------------------

Harry had his girlfriend in stitches of laughter, holding her belly and being careful not to spill her glass of wine. He was telling Alexa a story of him and his army pal Connor that he knew would make his girl fall into fits of laughter. Hearing her laughter and seeing that elated smile graced on her face was something he had missed seeing as of late. Their time together was limited and he wanted to make every second of it count.

"Oh, Harry." Alexa leaned her head back against the frame of the couch and simply took the view of him all in. How did she become so lucky and find someone like Harry to be in her life? "I am so lucky to have you in my life, babe. You literally are the best thing that has ever happened to me." Alexa closed in the distance between them and captured his wine soaked lips in a passionate, but soft kiss. "I'm happy you decided to stay here with me this weekend."

The prince smiled out of the kiss and nodded in agreement. "It worked out well that Alice is with Jay in Germany this week and I get you all to myself." He gently grabbed Alexa and pulled his girlfriend into his lap to sneak another kiss in before finding a comfortable position to cuddle with her in.

"What else is on your pretty little mind, love?" He smothered her head with a series of sweet kisses that brought a smile to her face.

"Mmmm...." Alexa giggled with a sultry look on her face.

"Oh!" Harry laughed knowing exactly what she was thinking.

"Tonight. I get you." Alexa informed Harry that he had no choice in the matter and he was completely ok with that. "But, I like sitting here talking with you like this. Can we stay here a bit longer?" She started to play with the tufts of Harry's ginger hair while he stared up at Alexa.

"Mmmm hmmm... that feels nice." He closed his eyes and sighed deeply angling his head to give her more access to play with his hair. A comfortable silence fell between them as they relished in the presence of the other's company. It was moments like this, private moments that Harry loved spending with Alexa and getting to know her better. But, he knew that there was much more on her mind that she wanted to share with Harry. "What's on your mind?" He gently coaxed it out of Alexa.

She took a healthy sip of her wine and sat back into his lap. "Eugenie." Alexa spoke his cousin's name.

"I thought so..." Harry nodded his head. "When was the last time you saw her?"

"Harry, it's been weeks." The blonde beauty sighed with a light head shake. "It is really eating me up from the inside. I don't know what to do. Have you talked to her at all?"

"No." He took a sip of his wine. "I think she is avoiding me honestly."

"I have wanted to reach out to her, Harry. I miss her in my life, she is one of my best friends. But, she makes me feel like I can't have you and be her friend when she was even the one to tell me to go out with you." Alexa took another sip of her wine. "Like I said before, I want both of you and I don't think that is being selfish, is it? My other friends have never even asked me to make that choice, ever."

"No, not at all." Harry agreed with his girlfriend. "Look, I can tell how much Eugenie means to you and she means alot to me too, love. But, this is not a one way street she also has to be the one to want this. She has to put in the effort too."

"I know love." Alexa looked down to the floor briefly then back at him. "I just miss my friend."

"She chose you to be there by her side for one the most important days of her life, Alexa." Harry sat up straighter. "I know for a fact that she still cares about you the way you care about her. I hate that I am the one thing that has put a wedge between you two. But, I am not willing to give you up so easily..." He freely spoke his mind. "I can't do that..."

"The problem though Harry is Eugenie cannot accept that I want both of you in my life. For some reason, she wants me to choose her over you... I want to be there for her in August. I really do, but I am starting to think that maybe I am not the right person and it nearly breaks me admitting that." Alexa released a heavy sigh. "That thought has been creeping up into my mind lately and I don't want to think about it, but it has. I am just at a loss of what to do..." She trailed off and became quiet. "I don't want another fight like that night... I don't want you two at each other's throats."

"Do you want to invite her over tomorrow?" Harry was willing to give up his precious time with his girlfriend to help her re-connect and fix her relationship with his cousin, Eugenie. "I am happy to leave for a few hours and see a mate or something if you want some time alone with her."

Harry was giving Alexa a very feasible option, but she didn't want that option to include having less time with him. "No... I want to spend time with you. You drove all the way from Suffolk and changed your schedule around to be with me." Alexa was extremely touched by the selfless offer Harry had given her. "Thank you though for trying to help. I know you want to make me happy."

"You have to talk to Eugenie, Alexa. One way or another."

"I know, I just don't know how to..." Her mind drifted off and so did their conversation about Eugenie.

--------------------------------------------------------

"Damn I missed that." Alexa giggled happily as she nestled her naked body beside the prince. The two of them had just finished being intimate with one another and it was something that they both needed. Needing it so much that they had already finished round two.

Harry's chest rumbled with laughter while Alexa rested her head on it and started to run her fingers over the contour of his abdominal muscles. He gently rubbed up and down the side of her arm finding it comforting to have Alexa next to him like this.

A smile crept up on his lips at the simple thought of how much he loved having this woman in his life. There was just something about Alexa that he was innately drawn to. He felt her take in a deep breath and sigh as her mind travelled elsewhere knowing that she was probably thinking about Eugenie.

When Alexa had come up to the Lake District and spent the weekend meeting his friends, he felt their relationship progress on to a deeper level. When he was away from her, he missed her terribly and his thoughts were never far from her. They made an effort to talk daily to one another and ensure this semi long distance relationship was going to work. He was the one that often came back on his free days to London mainly because of his commitments to his patronage and his family, but he always made time to see her. Alexa would take a Monday or Friday off and drive up to Suffolk for the weekend occasionally. The prince would let her use his office space in his home for the times she was able to stay longer into the week with him and work from home. He loved how everything was progressing in their relationship and he truly wanted Alexa to be his date to Eugenie's wedding. But, in doing so would put their relationship out there for the world to see. He was not entirely sure that Alexa was ready for that yet having admitted that she was struggling lately. Harry needed to fix something in her life this weekend and he knew exactly what he needed to do.

"Lex, I have to make a phone call I forgot to do on the way down today." He got out of bed and slipped away from her.

"At this time of night?" Alexa glanced to the clock sitting on her bedside table before getting a great view of the prince's naked ass. She leaned forward and gave it a little smack as the prince bent over to pull on his boxers that were tossed on her floor.

Harry glanced back over his shoulder at Alexa displaying a mischievous grin before a light giggle escaped her lips. "Get your hot ass back here quick."

"Yes ma'am." Harry offered her a wink before grabbing his phone off the bedside table. He took one step then turned back around to place a soft kiss to Alexa's lips.

The prince snuck out into her living room and ensured he closed the bedroom door. He sat down on a chair by the window and glanced out at the dimly lit quiet streets while he waited and continued to hear the phone ringing.

"Hello?" A tired voice answered on the other line.

"Eugenie?" Harry closed his eyes knowing that he had probably woken her up, but he had to talk to his cousin.

"Harry? It's late..." She slightly scolded him.

"I know. I know it is, but this can't wait." Harry released a deep breath. "Just give me a few minutes please."

There was a long drawn out pause on the other side of the line.

"Ok. What is it Harry?" Eugenie spoke. "I think I already know..."

"I think you do." Harry nodded slowly and then began. "She misses you Eugenie. Alexa misses having her best friend in her life. She was in near tears about it tonight and she doesn't know what to do because she feels absolutely torn between you and I."

"I miss her too..." Eugenie quietly confessed. "I miss not seeing her."

"Then call her and tell her that." Harry softly encouraged his cousin. "Can you put the past aside and accept that Alexa and I are together?" He sighed. "This fight between you and me has to end. We both want what is best for her in the end and that is her having both of us in her life. But, we can never put her in that spot again where she has to choose between you and me or we'll both lose her... and I can't..." Harry trailed off.

"I don't want her to choose between us. I only want to spend more time with her and you two are always together." Eugenie spoke freely. "There never seems to be time for me and her."

"Genie... I am only ever here on the weekends and not every weekend. We aren't even together half the time. So I don't know where you got this idea from." Harry was starting to get frustrated that her excuse was of course because of him.

"Look. I am tired of Alexa being so upset about this." Harry was firm. "Call her tonight and set up a time to see her. I'm here this weekend, but if you want to see Lex now I am fine with that."

"Is she not asleep?" Eugenie enquired.

"No... we have been up."

Eugenie laughed in response. "You two have been having sex, that is why you are up this time of night." She continued to giggle. "Ok, fine. I will call her."

"Yes, ok but can you wait like fifteen minutes so she doesn't think I had anything to do with this?" Harry pleaded.

"You really care about her, don't you?" Eugenie's voice became soft.

"More than you know, Eugenie. I have fallen hard for her." Harry confessed. "I only want her to be happy and I know she won't fully be until she has you back in her life. I am willing to do whatever it takes and if that means having to swallow my pride with you, then I am happy to."

"Let's put this to bed then. I miss having my ginger cousin around and maybe we can do some double dates?" Eugenie happily suggested.

"I am sure Lex would be fine with that." Harry giggled lightly. "Ok, I have to go. But, please wait a little bit."

"I will, Harry. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Eugenie."

Harry tiptoed back into Alexa's room to find her head on his pillow with her eyes closed. She lifted her head having heard his footsteps approach the bed. "Sorry... it couldn't wait." He pulled back the covers and Alexa shifted back onto her side of the bed until Harry got in.

They found themselves in small talk, discussing what the rest of their weekend was going to look like. She was hoping that Harry would be ok helping her fix a few things around the flat she promised Alice that she would get sorted.

Alexa's phone suddenly rang interrupting her conversation with Harry. A small questioning scowl formed on her face, wondering who was calling this late at night. "Who is calling me this late at night?" She reached over top of Harry and grabbed her phone.

"Eugenie..." Alexa sat up in bed cross legged and whispered her friend's name as she let the phone continue to ring. Her head slowly lifted to look up at Harry wondering what she should do.

"Well answer it, babe." He softly smiled.

"H- Hello?" Alexa answered her friend's call.

"Alexa? Hey, it's Eugenie. I am sorry it's late, but I was wondering if we could talk for a few minutes?" Eugenie cut straight to the point.

"Yeah, sure." A small smile appeared on Alexa's lips. "How are you?" Harry watched Alexa quietly listen to Eugenie's response. He shifted his body closer to his girlfriend and placed a hand on her thigh to gently rub.

"I am good. Been keeping busy." Alexa locked eyes with Harry. "Eugenie... I miss you. I miss my best friend." She freely admitted, but the smile that graced her lips when Eugenie confessed the same thing was one that Harry would never forget. It was one filled with pure hope, that kind of hope that you made you feel everything was going to be ok.

"I am sorry for not calling you. I didn't know what to do, but I am really happy to hear from you." Alexa tossed her head back in laughter hearing something Eugenie had said. "Yeah! Let's do that. Off the top of my head, I am pretty sure that I am free Tuesday evening."

"That sounds perfect, Eugenie. I can't wait to see you." Alexa was quite literally beaming. "Ok, goodnight. Have a good sleep." She hung up the phone and angled her head towards Harry with a bright smile.

"So?" He asked innocently.

"Eugenie and I are going to go shopping on Tuesday then for dinner." Alexa rested her cheek in the palm of her hand. "It was really good to hear from her and hear that she was feeling the same way as me."

Alexa crawled over to Harry and sat in front of him before cupping his cheeks with both of her hands. She gazed into his deep blue eyes as if she was searching for something, but was content quietly sitting there for a moment to get lost in the depths of them. "I know this was your doing. I know you left to call Eugenie." Alexa caressed his cheek and watched a guilty smile form on his lips. "She didn't tell me, but it was not hard to figure out Henry."

"Guilty." Harry smirked and shrugged his shoulders.

She leaned in and captured Harry's lips gently as they fell into a passionate kiss that sparked that inner flame of desire once again. But, this time Alexa was in control as she reluctantly broke her lips off of her boyfriends. "Thank you for all you do for me."

"You always give me more than I deserve. I only want you to be happy and will do anything to make that happen for you." He nudged his nose against Alexa's. A gesture she always did to him.

"Why don't we just have fun for the rest of the weekend and focus on us. I love where this is going." Alexa admitted and Harry was quick to agree with her.

"Does fun include more amazing sex?" He raised his eyebrow suggestively.

"Yeah... if you can keep up." Alexa teased Harry before feeling him grasp her hips and swing her around so she was lying flat on her back on the bed.

********

I slept like a log last night, it felt like my brain was so overloaded with information yesterday that it just decided to shut down. Not even an earthquake might have woken me up.

 Rolling out of bed, I wiped the sleep off my puffy face and went to the bathroom to wash up, feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. The silence made me notice that Jake wasn’t anywhere to be found again. I checked if his bag pack is still there and found it under the worktable. Looking at the time and realizing that we can still have breakfast, I called room service and asked for food to be brought.

 While waiting, I took my phone and plugged it in to charge when I saw a message from Jake.

I set my phone back at the worktable and looked at the information map, noticing that he added another place link. I recognized that old building from Jessy’s profile.

 Jessy. I know it’s very unusual for me not to contact her since I got here. After all, she’s the closest to me out of all of them. She’s been nice and curious enough to help me answer the questions in my mind, even point out views that I might not see. It feels like I’m betraying her confidence in a way, and it doesn’t settle quite right with me.

 I was about to call her when my phone rang, with Emma’s name showing on the screen. I put the call on speaker.

 “Do you have an alarm set everyday just to check up on me?” I said cheerily even before she responded. She laughed but did not deny the thing with the alarm. She asked how I’m doing, and the progress of my investigation. I sighed in response, remembering the project and its effect on everyone I know that were involved. I told her about our plan to go the forest to look for clues from the photos on Hannah’s cloud and Jessy’s profile.

 “We still haven’t decided how to tell everyone about this. The Duskwood government might be involved and I’m fairly sure they will not take kindly to strangers exposing their secrets.” I replied.

 “The Duskwood government? That sounds dangerous.” She remarked, wary of the situation. “But you know what they say, the only way out of any situation is through it.”

 That surprised me. “You’re not going to talk me out of it?” I asked, curious. It was then that the door opened, with Jake rolling the food cart inside the room. I peeked at the door and saw Old Gray, who smiled once he saw me. I smiled and waved back at him. Jake thanked Old Gray and closed the door behind him.

 On the other line, Emma raised her voice, saying mockingly, “If I had known it has government conspiracy written all over it, I would have locked you inside your bathroom just so you can’t escape, Madeleine!”

 Jake mouthed her name, and I confirmed his guess, saying back to Emma, “Just so you know, bathrooms can only be locked from the inside.” I retorted. Jake snorted loud enough for her to hear.

 “Don’t smart-mouth me, woman! Is that hacker boy I hear? Put him on the phone.” She ordered. I looked at Jake and raised an eyebrow, daring him to speak with Emma. He thought about it for a while then took the phone from his pocket, tapping on something.

 “Hello, Emma.” Jake said, his voice suddenly deeper, just like in one of his calls.

 Emma didn’t hesitate. “You better be on our side, hacker boy. One call from Maddie and I’m bringing the cavalry to that small town of yours.”

 Before Jake can respond, she added, “and don’t tire her out every night, do you understand? It hasn’t been a week but every time I check on her, she sounds exhausted.”

 “That’s totally inappropriate, Emma.” I quipped, embarrassed. She never lets up on her sexual innuendos.

“This will not go on for much longer, Emma. She’ll be back safe and sound.” Jake replied, looking back at me and smirking.

 I rolled my eyes, tapping on the speaker icon and picking it up, “Okay Emma, that’s enough. I’ll call you if anything happens, alright? We gotta go. – Bye.”

 Jake took the food I ordered from the cart and placed it on the coffee table. “I’m glad you slept well. We have lots to do today.”

 I nodded in agreement, sipping on my coffee. “Yes, I saw the picture you added. Shall we go over the plan?” I asked.

 Our plan is straightforward – expose Project RAVEN by telling everyone that it exists. Casting focus on the project is like projecting a beam of light on the shadow that’s trying to engulf us. The only problem is that we must find definitive proof about it in the forest, or it will be just a theory.

 “Should we also tell them about you? Rule you out as a suspect? I bet they’ll be asking about Anna.” I asked, concerned.

 Jake hesitated, swallowing a lump that formed on his throat. “That’s the last thing I want to do, but if the situation calls for it, then I will not object.”

 After eating, we took another look at our information wall, then I picked my phone to chat with everyone.

I waited for a while, then one after the another, they started to appear online.

I looked at Jake for confirmation, to which he nodded in agreement.

I expected them to react like this, but it’s still overwhelming to be bombarded with question after question.

 We were interrupted with Jessy calling us. I pressed on the green button to accept her call. Everyone did the same. I sat at corner of the bed to get Jake out of the video frame.

 She is in the forest. The woods were thick on her background, the red and orange hue of autumn behind her. I saw Richy shook his head and took his coat from the chair where he sat, saying he’s going to follow her and went offline immediately.

 Jessy called Richy’s name, but he was already offline. She continued on, “I’m glad the call got through. The internet connection was fluctuating in this part of the forest.” She said, her voice small and sounded worried. She continued walking, saying that after the attack on her she got convinced that the Man without a Face abducted Hannah, and she decided to go into the forest to take a look around for clues. Changing the view on her phone, she then showed us something we’re all familiar with.

 It's the sign of the raven in one of Hannah’s cloud pictures.

 “Jessy, it’s good that you found that, but it’s not an appropriate time to be in the forest right now.” Dan said. “Get out of there, now.”

 “But we’re so close, Dan. Maybe Hannah’s somewhere near here!” She said, looking around, trying to find anything that might help us find Hannah.

 She swiveled her phone to the right, and we all saw the Man without a Face.

 Everyone shouted, calling Jessy’s name in surprise it was hard to determine which voice was which, but they all stood up from where they were seating, shocked to see him for real. Jessy shouted no, and her phone dropped, the overcast sky showing on the video. We heard them engaging in a scuffle then there was silence. Cleo and Dan called Jessy’s name, but she wasn’t responding. Her line cut off after that.

When the attack on Jessy happened before my eyes, the surprise I felt was overwhelming, but it was dampened when I saw her move and take her phone, but now, with everyone seeing the very same thing that happened to me with full terror in their eyes, it made me want to hide in fear.

 Cleo went offline immediately, so did Thomas. Dan cursed before he went offline.

 Lilly remained, shocked by what she saw.

 She then turned to me, saying, “I shouldn’t have trusted you, Maddie. This is on you.” She accused.

 I shook my head in denial. “Lilly, please think clearly. Jake is with me right now. How can you accuse us of this?!” I said, my voice desperate.

 But it didn’t get through her. She was already convinced. “I’m calling the police.” She said, her voice quivering, and ended the call.

 Panic was setting in after that call ended. I cursed through my breath, shouting in frustration, “This is why I don’t trust your sister!”

 “We need to go now, Jake!” I exclaimed as I tore down the information wall we made and snatched my coat and satchel from the rack. I glanced at him as I tear the papers into pieces, placing the printed briefer and Anna’s letter into my bag.

 “Jake?” I asked, my voice frantic. He looked back at me, his voice eerily calm.

 “This is where we part ways, Maddie.”

 I looked confused. “What are you talking about? I’m not leaving you behind.” I said as I hold my satchel tighter, catching up on his train of thought.

“Don’t you see? It’s the perfect distraction.” He remarked, taking his laptop, and turning it on, placing it on the worktable. Right on cue, the police siren rang in the distance as it nears the motel. I was ready to bolt through the door, but Jake wasn't willing to move from his seat. Instead, he handed me the picture of the old building by the lake.

 “Go here instead of the woods with the sign of the raven. The Man without a Face would have left by now, you won’t find anything in there anymore. The locations are on the map, but you need to look at all of them quickly, because I’ll be deleting all our correspondence before they get a hold of my computer.” He said, his hands holding mine tightly.

 My fight or flight response must be going haywire. Tears were threatening to pour out of my eyes, but I blinked them back and tried to look resolute.

 “I know I said they won’t find me, but it’s not the case anymore. It’s you they shouldn’t find now.” He said, standing up from his seat, his eyes looking at mine intently, a hand cupping my cheek. “I will find you after this, okay? Trust me.”

 My lips quivered in fear, betraying my poker face. “I trust you.”

 He lips curved into a smile. “You can do this, Maddie. I know it.”

 I can hear the car doors slam shut and the police sirens stopped ringing. Jake led me to the door and opened it, pushing me outside.

 “You need to leave now. There's a side door at the kitchen going to the Dare House.” He said, looking back at the sliding door and glancing on the empty corridor.

 As I was about to leave, he grabbed my hand back, pulling my face into his. “Give me one for the road.” He whispered, pressing his lips into mine.

 “You’re unbelievable.” I said, pulling him in for another one before I ran to the kitchen, hearing the door close behind me.

 ********

After she left, I strode back into the worktable to delete all our correspondences and the contents of my laptop’s hard drive.

 As I wait for the data to vanish, I sent a text to Thomas and Cleo, telling them to follow Maddie into the old building, sending them the coordinates before deleting the contents of my phone.

 The police barged into the doors, their guns pointed at me, shouting “Put your hands in the air!”

 I closed my laptop and set my phone down gently on the table, raising my hands above my head. A moment passed and they put the handcuffs into my wrists, read my rights and led me out of the motel.

 ********

 I was busy scrolling through the map that Jake gave me before it vanishes from my phone as I walk to the kitchen. Old Gray might be able to help me once I get there, but instead I was startled by the woman standing against the side door.

 It was Ms. Walter.

 “Who is that man with you in the room?” she asked, the accusation evident in her voice.

 I was debating whether to kick my way out of the motel, but Ms. Walter didn’t strike me as the impulsive woman who would shout murder at the first chance she gets.

 “It’s a long story, Ms. Walter. You will probably see it in the newspaper anyway, so I’ll tell you now. His name is Jake, and he didn’t abduct Hannah.” I said slowly, inching towards the side door.

 Ms. Walter’s face changed from confusion to recognition. “Jake? Anna Schmidt’s son? He’s alive?” she asked.

 I was curious to know how she knew Anna and Jake, but time is very limited right now. In return, I nodded in response.

Ms. Walter walked towards me as she takes something from her pockets. It was a car key. She handed it to me gingerly, her hands closing around mine. “Take my car. It’s the dark blue one near the side door. Leave once the police have gone.”

 “Why are you helping us?” I asked as she pushed me towards the exit.

 Holding the door open and glancing to see if the area is clear, she led me outside before saying, “I owe Anna a great debt. I should’ve listened to her before, but I was too selfish back then.” She looked back at me; regret written on her face. “You can go now, there’s no one outside.”

 I took her hand in appreciation. “I’ll try to bring it back in one piece.” I said, trying to lighten up the mood. She smirked at me, urging me to go on.

 The dark blue car was easy to spot, so I ran into the driver’s side, sliding gently inside the car and locking myself in, my head down so I will not be seen through the windshield.

 Peeking at the motel, I saw them leading Jake into the police car, his hands cuffed at the wrist. It made me angry at Lilly again. I debated on confronting her for once, but there are more important things right now. I looked on my phone and the messages have all been erased, even the map. It must be Jake’s doing.

 After the police have gone, I started the car engine and drove off to Blackwater Lake.

 ********

 Taking my phone and bag after I parked the car at the empty lot, I walked briskly into the lake path. If I remember correctly, the old building is located upstream of the waterbody. Walking further north, I saw a small bridge similar to that from Hannah’s cloud.

 “Hannah, you’re a lifesaver.” I muttered, thanking her for her quick thinking. It was good that she decided to take pictures of important landmarks. I followed the dirt path after that, which led me to the old building.

 The place looks sturdy despite its appearance, the paint flaking against the walls and the pipes rusting. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something move from the end of the corridor. I walked towards it slowly, picking a small pipe that was left on the ground. I stopped near the door frame, gripping the pipe tighter before I cross the room.

 My swinging arm was met with resistance, the Man Without A Face emerging from the other side. His grip on the pipe was tight but I’m not going to give it to him that easily. Walking backwards to him without letting go, I stomped on his feet and jabbed the pipe to his chest with all my might, making him bend down. I wrapped my arms around his neck in a headlock. He pulled me by the waist as he crashed us against the wall, making me loosen my grip. As he escapes my hold, his mask made from jute bag fell, exposing his face.

 I was seething with anger when I saw him.

 “We meet at last, Richy.” I said, panting.

 Richy smirked as he held the part where I jabbed the pipe, “How did you know it was me?”

 I sighed, my stance ready. “I saw your hands when you went to the dare house and when you attacked Jessy. It’s filthy as ever.” I spat at him in anger.

 He stood slowly, taking a breath. “You’re incredibly observant.” He said as he moved towards me. I braced as he pushed me hard against the wall again. “I’m sorry about this, Maddie.” He said as he punched me in the gut, taking the breath out of me.

 The last thing I heard was the loud clang of metal and doors opening.

 ********

 Thomas and I walk towards the Blackwater Lake, following the dot marked on his map.

 “Are you sure about the numbers you received?” I asked as we walked further upstream.

“Yes Cleo, I took a screenshot of it this time, so I won’t lose it like Hannah’s message.” Thomas said, looking again at the map on his phone.

 We both received a message from an unknown number, but it vanished before I even had a mind to write it down. Thomas texted me asking if I also received it, and it seems that only the two of us did.

 It was unnerving to see the Man Without a Face attack. My hands were still shaking when Thomas went to see me at the Gate of Hope.

 “I don’t think it was Jake that abducted Hannah, or even Jessy.” Thomas said out of nowhere while were walking.

 “I don’t think so, either. Maddie told me about her theory when I saw her.” I said, remembering her suspicion of Richy.

 Thomas stopped near a small bridge, asking, “How is it that a stranger knows more about Hannah than the both of us?”

 I walked further into the dirt path, saying, “If Hannah doesn’t want us to know, it can only mean two things: it’s not important, or it’s very dangerous. This time, I’m leaning on the second.”

 We reached the mark on his map, and sure enough, there’s an old building in the clearing.

 “Do you know that this was here?” I asked Thomas.

 He shook his head, clueless. “I haven’t been this far into the woods. And with that legend spooking us back when we were kids, it never even crossed my mind.”

 “I feel like it’s a good time to break-in some place, don’t you think?” I said, winking at him.

 He smirked, shaking his head in disbelief. “We better be successful this time, because Maddie will be coming for our heads if this fails again.”

 ********

 I was awakened by the bright light coming from above my head. I squinted as I try to adjust my eyesight, looking around. I tried to move my arms, but both were tied to the bed, an IV line inserted on my right arm. My head feels so heavy and it’s pounding mad.

 I look to my right and saw a machine with many electrodes attached to it. I realized that those electrodes lead back to my head, attached to some kind of head mask. That’s the reason why my head feels so heavy.

 Glancing around the area, I realized that I must be in a hospital room. Or in a room full of medical equipment if this is not the hospital.

 My eyes were as heavy as lead. I also feel too tired to keep them open, so I closed them shut, opting instead to listen and feel the surrounding. I have a feeling that I’m not safe here.

 I hear footsteps coming nearer, then a door swinging open. Someone sat beside me on my right side, their scent sweet and a little bit musky. I can feel them inject something on my IV line. It felt thick, like it didn’t want to flow into my veins. It took the grogginess off my system.

 The beam of light was taken from above my head as a female voice said, “I must say, it hurt my feelings to be the last person to know that you’re coming here. Especially when I'm the first one to invite you.”

 I opened my eyes to a familiar voice and a familiar face. Too familiar, in fact.

 She sat up straight on her seat, flicking her auburn hair back. “By any chance, do you remember Hannah now?” she asked.