#got scene

Miguel had been trying his hardest to keep Danian safe and out of trouble. But they didn’t seem to care about trouble. They were moody and listless and hadn’t talked to Miguel since they were in the middle of the sea. Then they had slowly stopped talking to the sailors. They had curled into a ball and didn’t want to see the outside world, disconnected from their gods - the spirits of the North, the land, the snow. Isolated and alone, Miguel couldn’t help them.

Instead he focused on helping his own people. The people that wanted to be helped that is. The people who gave up Iann’s claim to the throne, those that forsook Buttercup and the rest of Iann’s heirs. But as the people of the larger islands trickled out to the edges and asked Miguel for help - he found it didn’t feel as good as he thought it would. Sure, he had technically won. Or was in the process. But at what cost? Did he even care about the cost? A year ago he would have said no price was too steep.

But sitting in the vestibule of the summer house of his family, he felt hollow and tired. Even though he could smell the saltwater breeze.

The small craft sped across the chopping waves in complete silence; not even the constant rhythmic splashing of the six oarsmen could be heard. Only the pearly luminescence of the moon overhead lit up the black waves as the small craft continued its journey towards the horse-shoe shaped bay. Behind them the outlines of ghostly sets of sails rocking gently on the swell could vaguely be discerned. As the boat reached shore, the oarsmen jumped out into the white-licked surf hauling it a little way up into the sand.

The night was humid, the salty breeze licking the surf into a gentle symphony where it met the sand. It was no secret to mainlanders that the Isles were presently in a state of chaos, those that hadn’t risen up against the new so-called King were now suffering the effects of the Plague. But Fane was undeterred by the news. The small crew’s features were obscured by headscarves and cloaks as they made their way to the rendezvous location to meet with Lady Florent’s mice. They would see to it the small team fulfilled their purpose here tonight with as minimal bloodshed as possible. Only one need pay tonight and each member knew who that was.

There was no point in staying up late to worry. It would only mean Miguel was ill prepared for the morning. It was just as he told Lady Florent, the sun did not care about the people who played their games constantly below it. It just shined on, bringing day after day without rest or pause.

Miguel had to follow the sun. He went around the house and blew out candles. The darkness was a solace to him. The moon cared even less what people did below her.

Fane and his men regrouped at the little house near to the royal villa. Ciara’s mice had served their purpose in getting the reports of the guard’s typical rotation patterns. The Prince was inside and didn’t often come out these days. Why would he? With the state his precious isles were crumbling into, there was nothing mighty here anymore. At least, nothing Fane had seen that deserved such a description. Information in hand the group mobilised, and were soon enough making their approach.

The men Fane had picked were some of the best in all his regiments. Hand picked for tricky situations and getting in and out with as little fuss as possible. There were some near misses, guards that needed to be dealt with but otherwise Fane prowled on in search of his prey his steps muffled by the soft material of his shoes. Nearing the royal chambers Fane gave the signal for his men to split and cover exits. There would be no escape and no interruption. Dani was in here somewhere, but Fane couldn’t say where or what state they might’ve been in.

Slowly, Fane turned the handle and eased the door open wide enough that he might slip through. His hand on the hilt of his short blade hyper-vigilant for any sort of surprise awaiting for him beyond.

Something didn’t sit well in Miguel’s chest. But he couldn’t put his finger on it. So he sat in the chair closest to the window and did maintenance on his big obsidian sword - cleaning it, sharpening it, and polishing. That is until he saw movement out of the corner of his eye and glanced at the door. He stood to meet his visitor, he hoped it was Danian, finally come to talk. But his heart was cold and knew that it wouldn’t be them.

Fane watched in silence as the would-be King rose from his seat by the window, feeling impassive and yet equally furious. This man had taken from him his best friend and child. One fell swoop had served to snatch them away without so much as a word. The memory of the pain he’d felt in learning those two facts still burned hot, an anger that had been simmering and slowly stoked until now. Fane reached for the fabric masking his identity and pulled it free, eyes flashing angrily as he held the other with a steely gaze across the room. A long silence extended between them, Fane’s fingers curling around the hilt of his blade. “You know why I’m here.”

Miguel narrowed his eyes. He had always respected Fane, even if he had been Iann’s friend. “I assume you came for Danian. They are here of their own will, adhering to the quarantine.” Miguel’s dark eyes were locked with Fane’s. Though Miguel held tight to his sword, his outer world had already shaken apart, and his inner world wasn’t far behind. “They are alive, and unharmed. So tell me, why are you here?”

Fane dropped the scarf aside and stepped into the light, his features weather-worn and thick beard more greyer than it once had been. “Aye, perhaps they are. perhaps not. But they’re only quarantined because of you, aren’t they? Or maybe it’s because they saw what you did to Iann… Danian always was fond of you… Perhaps too much, but they’re coming home.” He noticed how Miguel kept his grip tight on his blade as he walked closer, but where Miguel was wound like a coil ready to spring Fane’s temper simmered still though he did draw his own blade. “I’m here to teach you a lesson about family, about what happens when silver tongued cowards like you cross me and those I am loyal to.” Fane’s lips curled into a malicious smirk, “you’re going to die tonight Miguel and I’m going to see to it you’re remembered for what you are - a coward who will never find peace or meet his gods.”

Miguel didn’t feel like arguing with Fane. He hadn’t felt like arguing with Iann either. If there was only one way to end this, then let it end. Miguel was tired. His sword tilted up and he bent his knees. “I’m always willing to learn new things,” he said - waiting for Fane to make the first move. The muscle at the base of his neck burned, but he bit back to sudden urge to renounce the gods of the Forty-Isles. The only deity that mattered was the death goddess, and she always came when called.

Fane mirrored Miguel’s movements, his hand wrapped firmly around the hilt of his sword fingers curled under the guard. Fane was almost a foot taller than Miguel and knew he likely had more strength but equally this was counterbalanced by Miguel’s smallness lending itself to speed. He never had been one for posturing or grand-standing though and very quickly closed the distance between them targeting a series of slashes, cuts and stabs at Miguel. Enough to give him a sense of his opponent and estimation of what he was up agaiinst.

Fane was strong, and much taller than Miguel. The smaller man knew that he would have to rely on speed after parrying a couple slashes. There was no way he would be able to stand up to that power for more than a few blows. It was hard to be fast when the rock in his chest was weighing him down. But training and sailing had made the movements of a fight second nature to him, and he looked for any way to gain the advantage.

Fane had been a soldier for enough of his life to know you did your best to never give your opponent the upper hand, but equally knew the issue of emotions wasn’t so easily controlled or switched off. His strikes were sure, confident in delivering a fatal blow if they struck but as Iann himself had pointed out. Morality was more hindrance than help, so after a few bouts of parrying and the ring of metal grating against metal echoing in the large room Fane tossed morality to the wayside. Intent on delivering one thing only, Miguel weaved and bobbed and while occasionally Fane stepped in to strike at him he made a point never to chase. To wait the traitor (for that was what he was in Fane’s mind) out. Until the opportunity presented itself to dart in but instead of striking with his sword, he opted to perform a quick 180 turn, his free hand clenched in a tight fist swinging out until his mail-lined glove caught Miguel across the face in an attempt to throw his rhythm and balance off-kilter.

A sharp pain burst across Miguel’s face like a ripe fruit. It dripped down his nose and off his chin - or maybe that was the blood. He stumbled back, the clenching of his jaw adding to the ache in his face. Fane had him - there was no denying the goddess of death any longer. There were no snappy one liners left, it was too dark in the forest of Miguel’s regrets to find one. So he stayed silent, ready to take whatever punishment this good and moral man had for him.

Fane didn’t bother to give Miguel any time to recover, he stepped after him boots echoing on the floor with each step that he took after his opponent. His height meant the distance was covered in a couple of steps. “No clever quips? No excuses?” Fane might have been surprised, but as he neared Miguel instead of running him through straight he caught him by the front of his shirt and hefted him close and then off the floor a few inches. “Why’d you do it? Iann? Dani? Was it worth it?”

Miguel took a deep breath, surprised by the lack of sword in his belly. He had run out of clever quips, and he had no excuses. He should have changed his mind, he should have let Iann take the throne. He should have been a little freer with his trust with Dani… but he wouldn’t let himself think about that, the thought of the two of them content in the North, having adventure after adventure - it would have been too much for him. Instead he had thrown his lot in with Cassandra. “My fate was sealed the moment I was born,” he said simply. “Kill me then.” He knew that Fane wanted revenge, for Iann. And he bit back the wonder of who would rise up from the chaos. No matter what he had lost - it was only a matter of how he wanted to die, by Fane’s blade or through a vector of his sister-in-law.

Fane only felt his frustration bubble up, he’d come all this way for… this? There was no helping the winding coil of his muscles as he released on hand and slammed the fist across Miguel’s jaw, once, twice, three times. “Why?! There has to be a reason,” Fane couldn’t rightly accept that this was it simply just… for nothing. Every action was born of some desire, but why couldn’t Miguel have just been happy with his lot? His was hardly the worst life that could be tossed to someone.

Miguel took the fist without comment. He waited for Fane to get close and frustrated before his own anger bubbled up to match, and he pulled the dagger from his boot and made a lunge for the bigger man. “Nothing you would understand.”

Fane knew a downed enemy was perhaps the most dangerous, while he approached he still kept his grip tight on his sword and eyes tightly trained on Miguel. There was no telling what his blades might be laced with and he had no intention of being the one left bleeding out here. Fane moved quick, and was forced to drop his sword in favour of grabbing Miguel’s wrist on its downward arc. As one of most vulnerable joints as he knew in the next moment he ducked down and under his assailant’s arm rotating but never easing his grip as he wrenched Miguel’s arm up behind him in an effort to force Miguel into a position of pain that he would have to drop the dagger. Now behind, Fane drove the thick heel of his boot into the back of Miguel’s knee in an attempt to force its natural hyperflexion and send him down.

A twist at the wrist made Miguel wince, and the sharp pain there made him drop his dagger. Fane didn’t let up, and then Miguel was on his knees, not in the best spot - with Fane behind him, standing over him. Miguel was quickly running out of options. His jaw was tight and he kept it clenched, he didn’t want to waste words on Fane, it was clear the Inquisitor was above listening to Miguel’s honeyed tongue.

Iann stayed the night in the Castle, mostly because he already had his things here for the Coronation, but also because he met a Duchess who needed attending to for the night. He'd left her chambers early though, getting his ablutions in ocean water and change into formal attire done first, before he wandered back into the courtyard in the hopes that the servants hadn't completely cleared the feasting table from last night. He was glad to find some mead still remained. It was Honeywild, but it would do. Besides, that meant the Forty Isle casks had been drained last night, while Honeywild's remained. The drink of desperate men. Iann smiled, pleased at the thought. He sipped the mead and nibbled at handful of berries, slowly surveying the Castle. Inside the main part of the castle would open up to the Grand Hall. That was where the Sunlit Throne sat, where the Bluesprings crown would be, guarded by Rajisthangard day and night. The coronation would be happening in a few hours, once nobles managed to get their heads out of their cups, or off the thighs of a lover. Iann was looking forward to it. Or rather, he was looking forward to it finally happening, so that he cold return to his Flagship and continue his travels. Back up North, to release the White Lady back into the northern wilds, and to visit his son in Blackspire. And then perhaps a trip back to the Forty Isles. Perhaps the sight of his eldest son would encourage his dear father to die faster. Plans for the future; but for now, he waited, patiently. Iann drank his mead and ate his berries and leaned against one of the spired columns, watching the servants and Cloverry members hustling around him.

Miguel was surprisingly well rested for someone who had gotten so little sleep. Before he went out into the public eye, he skittered toward his own room and changed into something a little more subtle. Not the outfit for the coronation itself, that would come later - and it would look like his mother dressed him. Which he wasn't looking forward too, so he enjoyed the course fabric and easy movement of the warrior's garb he donned. The only item that was a bit more ceremonial were the obsidian and gold daggers he kept close to his chest. It seemed most people were sleepy or hung over, so Miguel lidded his eyes a little - no one needed to know how good he felt, or how ready he was to conquer the day. He bumped shoulders with Iann and took some of the berries he had in his hands, payback for the apple. "Have a nice night, Iann?"

Iann "Somewhat. A ruined red dawn though, at the sight of you," Iann said, but at the same time offering Miguel a sip from his cup of mead. "See how they move and bustle. The people move forward, eager for someone to be crowned. Even in the light of yesterday's incidents," he murmured thoughtfully. "Then again, plenty of 'incidents' happen with the commonfolk, that is beyond our knowledge." Or care. "We only remark about this because it's affected our own. And I believe what happened to the Grand Lady and your Witch of the Wilds friend, is what slipped through the cracks of a rather tightly held ship. Imagine how much more 'incidents' surge around us noble few..." Iann looked around the empty courtyard (aside from the servants and guards). "Trying to break into this peace and shatter it for good."

Miguel grinned and took a little mead from his brother's goblet. The only time they took food from each other was when it had obviously been eaten of drunk from the other. But the false brotherly intimacy amused Miguel to no end. "The sight of you fills me with joy I can hardly express," he crooned to Iann. "What would I do without you? Get my own drink? Unthinkable." The mention of the incidents with Cassandra and Lady Lacroy dampened the mood somewhat. "Hmm. True, I wouldn't spare a thought for these incidents if it involved parties other than our darling sister-in-law. But there are plenty of things I don't know, and I don't bother myself with the knowledge of not knowing," Miguel chuckled a little at his sentence, at the sheer absurdity of it. "In fact, it hurts my head a bit to think of. I'll leave the mind and tongue twisters to you."

Iann snorted. "You forget who you're talking to, Miguel. Drop the hapless clownfish act." He didn't believe for a second that his brother's head 'hurt' from thinking too much. That was his brother's problem, half the time - he overthought things, far too much. The youngest Cardero was incredibly intelligent, in ways that Iann didn't dally in. It was Miguel's cunning that Iann paid more attention to. "What I'm saying is that this is all to be expected. A few desperate attempts to stir up trouble, and discontent in people's hearts, now that we are all collected here to be admired and to admire. The problem with desperation is that it's a very dangerous weapon on its own...." He pressed his lips together tightly. "And both incidents certainly gave the commonfolk a show, spectacles that they've been denied by the Cloverry's austerity. I'm not sure which they'll be talking about more for weeks after: the actual Coronation, or the glimpse of frilly underclothing they got up Cassandra's pretty dress while she was being whisked down the streets of Upper City."

Faye almost hadn't returned to the capitol after the previous evening's debacle. Her pride had been viciously bruised, her trust betrayed, and her hope that maybe, just maybe, /he/ would be different shattered. So Faye had took the glaringly obvious hint that she was as unwelcome with him as with any other, and taken her leave. But as she'd gotten further and further away, that bruising hurt had turned to anger. And that anger had turned to something else. Something that had spurred the actions of her ancestor. Revenge. Though on a much less murderous scale. So Faye had stopped in a tavern, freshened herself and changed clothes, and headed back towards the Capitol for the coronation. She'd been invited after all. She was still of a noble House, despite everything else. And she wasn't going to whine about it. Nor was she going to let some... man... keep her from representing her family name. None So Fierce, was the motto that hung above her hearth. It was time to live up to her name. After stabling her horse, Faye made her way up to the palace, dressed in stark contrast to the black robes of the day before.

Miguel let out a soft harumph. "I'm not a clownfish, more a squid I suppose." But he listened to what Iann said. "There's no way to make everyone happy, but I think giving people a show is one way to ease desperation. If they're talking about the incident with Cassandra, they're also talking about how quickly and efficiently we dealt with the issue - I'd say not a soul left alive is one way to discourage any..." he waved his hand, unconcerned with whatever could come from a common peoples' discontent. "If House Kesley can't stand against us, then what chance do the urchins of the city have? I thank House Kesley for their buffoonery, they make my job easier."

Iann clapped Miguel on the back. "My little brother," he proclaimed at Miguel, and it almost sounded like praise. As of Miguel had finally set his sails properly, figured out the wind, and almost caught up with his eldest brother's ship. Not quite caught up, but close enough that they could cheerfully hail each other from on deck, while their crossfirebows made aim at each other in the decks below.

Maya spent the morning baking an elaborate celebratory gingerbread. Once it was complete, she headed upstairs to see where else she might be needed. While technically she was only in Lord Savin's employ and only a kitchen girl, as far as anyone knew, it would still do well to see what she might be able to overhear upstairs. While baking she'd already gotten the full gossip report from the Capitol's servants. She slipped into the back of the room, quiet and likely unnoticed.

High Raj: ~bells started tolling, slowly at first then carrying down through the city. It didn't last long. It was merely an announcement for the start of the Coronation, for the nobles to assemble in the Grand Hall of the Bluesprings Castle~

Miguel blinked at Iann in surprise, where did the sudden praise come from? If he didn't know any better he would think Iann was proud of him. But the bells distracted him, and he ducked his head to excuse himself. "I must change before the coronation proper, see you soon." He pat his brother's arm in response and ran off toward his room.

Faye heard the tolling of the bells, so she didn't bother stopping to speak with anyone. Not that anyone tried to strike up a conversation anyway. She would be leaving after the ceremony, and wouldn't be coming back. There was nothing for her here. There was nothing for her anywhere.

This was it. Ciara felt a momentary thrill run up her spine. Truthfully, there was no Council until there was a High Raj. Her role did not truly exist until it did. She walked alongside others, keeping pace with them, her hair twisted carefully to hide her scars and exemplify her status. Every person had a position in the Grand hall, dictated by centuries of tradition and years of warfare. Hers, as representative of House Florent, was far back and far to the left. She could hardly see The royal throne, but could just well enough. It was, however, a perfect vantage point for watching everyone else. Even the best men and women in the kingdoms had momentary flickers of expression in response to things. Tiny, often imperceptible flickers, but she knew them, and planned to record them. The reception was as critical as the coronation, and her mice had made her well aware of the doubts in this hall.

Iann "You look beautiful, you vain thing!" Iann called out, his voice echoing (and slightly mocking) as Miguel hurried off to change. He laughed then, and drained his mead, strolling towards the Grand Hall. He was in no rush. He'd probably be the first one to arrive before anyone else anyways, and Iann always loved the idea of being first.

The coronation ceremony started at high noon, when the sun shone directly above the throne perched on the dias. The Grand Hall of the Bluesprings Castle was grand, with high arches and domes of beautiful wrought metal and glass that allowed light in from strategic angles, all of which subtle directed people towards facing the Sunlit Throne. Today the glasspanes were removed, allowing the much-needed seabreeze to flow and circulate through the room, as it gathered with nobles, courtiers and their various entourage.

The members of the Cloverry took their places to the sides of the Hall. The crown itself perched on the seat of the throne. it was heavily guarded by six Rajisthangard for two days now, as it was warmed and imbued by the sun's power as per traditional dictates of a Bluesprings Coronation. It had been decades since anyone had even seen the crown itself. A dense, heavy but beautifully crafted thing, not ostentatious but certainly eye-catching in its gold and jewels.

No one was appointed to crown the High Raj. The crown was a representation of the High Raj's responsibility to the people, a reminder of the heavy burden being placed upon that human brow. A reminder through duty and strife (and headaches), the ruler would need to think carefully but quickly for any decree that would affect the realm. The throne was different from the crown - it was large and elaborate, intended to remind the people: this was their High Raj, and the Raj commanded respect and honour. When the High Raj sat , it was raised higher than those assembled - not only so that the Raj could see them, but also so that they could all see their ruler.

To Iann's disappointment, there were already quite a few ahead of him. All the courtiers and cronies, and actual nobility that populated the Capital itself. But being a part of the Quiver of Houses, Iann strode easily through the gathering few, to take a place designated for the Forty Isles. The stones on the floor, colour-marked for these positions, had all been finely polished. Some of the stones would have no one to stand upon them, Iann thought. But that only made the Quiver that much more powerful, because each member would then be considered absolutely necessary should it ever come down to that. He did spot Lady Florent drifting her way through the crowd, and wondered if she would even take a stone for herself, or not. Houses weren't required to take their stone, but usually that was a political move. Protest, or disgrace, or mourning, or some other reason. Florent or Phyre? He amused himself thinking of it, as he waited.

Faye took her place in the position of her House. She ignored the fact that at some point it appeared that someone had taken a blade to the insignia, but had given up after the old stone refused to be marred beyond a few nicks and scrapes. She stood silent, hands clasped demurely in front of her, and observed the rest of the gathering.

Tuah nodded his head and walked outside, speaking softly to his confidante on what he was planning during the coronation. When Fane was ready, they walked side by side towards the castle, his confidante on his other side and the Dawnguards behind them. Once they have arrived his eyes trained towards the crowd, studying each face that was present as he took his place.

The Red Priestess entered the hall along with the rest of the invited nobles. While having no official place as did the Cloverry, she found a respectful place to stand that would not draw attention away from those that deserved it. She was merely a messenger. A conduit for the Lord of Light. She still carried no blade, but that was no matter. It would come when it was required. The Priestess stood calmly, looking at all the gathered faces, and hoped that this was the start of something good. The start of a new age of peace.

Fane walked in thoughtful contemplation alongside Tuah, his eyes scanning a few of the familiar figures who opted for fashion trends that were almost blinding. Everywhere you turned your eye there was some emblazoned crest or another to catch the attention, peacocks, Fane thought to himself sullenly. Preening and plumping their chests to be deigned the most attention here. Arriving at the hall his eyes scanned those already assembled noting Iann already in place, Lady Ciara and several other notable figures until his eyes caught on the back of... He blinked as if the act would clear his vision and she would no longer be stood in place looking... resplendent. A part of him wanted to step towards her, to ask why she'd come back after their argument this morning but now wasn't the time. Opting to swallow he dipped his head and made his way over to his place, those of the Guard who opted to accompany him falling in to stand nearby. Their presence a sign that the Guard would also uphold the peace but equally a small peace of mind for Fane.

Maya stood quietly in the back of the hall behind the space designated for Blackspire. She watched quietly, searching the crowd for faces she recognized as well as any potential trouble. Peace had been promised, but Maya knew too much of war to trust that promise. She saw the Red Priestess enter and made a mental note to avoid the religious figure. While Maya was certain that the woman didn't know who Maya was, her looks had been all too calculating to make Maya comfortable. Luckily most everyone's attention was on the other nobles as well as, of course, the High Raj.

Miguel made his way back through the castle, looking just a bit more regal than when he left. He took his spot beside, and slightly behind his brother. People were continually filing into the room and he was thankful for the sea breeze that blew on them - keeping the air fresh and salty.

High Raj Between the nobles, down a deep green carpet that led to the throne, Avitej Sharma walked in slow and measured pace. There was no fanfare; the still hush and occasional rustle of cloth set the sombre but still elegant tone of this particular Coronation. A baby wailed, but the open vaulted ceilings allowed the breeze to carry the sound away, rather than letting it echo through the Hall. Avitej barely heard it, but was glad for sounds of normalcy around him rather than loud trumpets or ominous drums. From up in the Castle, voices from below carried upwards, and all the Nobles were aware of the hustle and bustle below of the people who waited to be ruled while going about their daily lives. That was the point of opening the rooftops, a decision Avitej made with his Council. The nobles were not stashed away in their own world of elaborate and lavish decor, music and the pleasure of their own voices. They had the sea breeze that sometimes smelled of fish, the calling of hawkers and arguments of commerce, the life of everyone come together for this occasion. Even if the commonfolk were not in the Grand Hall themselves, they were still present.

Avitej reached the dias and ascended it slowly, picking up the crown in both hands. He turned, holding the crown high. All of this symbolic of course. He picks up the crown, he holds it aloft, he places it on his head. He makes this choice, and it's his alone to make as he will be High Raj. No one else can do this for him. Avitej stood there for a bated moment, crown held high for everyone to witness this momentous scene that would shift the realm of Bluesprings - hopefully towards a better life. Better than a decade of war and strife.

Avitej placed the crown on his head and he didn't smile. His face was as sombre as the occasion and smiling would only look smug. Instead, he stood there for a few moments, his face carved out of stone but not unpleasant, letting his people see their High Raj for what he now was.

It was just a little 'shhhk' sound, and then the face of their High Raj, stoic and carved out of stone, was suddenly sheeted in bright red blood. High Raj Avitej gasped and stumbled backwards. By the time he sat in the Sunlit Throne, he was already dead.

A Herald of the House Sharma, in a panic at seeing his High Raj murdered before his eyes, cried out in anguish: "THE HIGH RAJ IS D--" But before he could finish the sentence, Iann only needed the two striding steps towards the man, and he sliced open his old throat with his obsidian blade. Maybe he should've just covered the man's mouth - but this was more efficient and Iann was reacting from the instinct of shock. He only realized what he'd done belatedly, and also how it would look. He held his reddened hands up, dropped the dagger with a clatter to the stone floor, then dropped to his knees as the Guards surrounded him with their weapons drawn.

Ciara eyed Lord Savin as he entered with a group of guards at his flanks, and could hardly believe her eyes. She turned her gaze to the elder Lord Cardero instead, so hide from herself her response to the man. No faith in the Rajisthangard, no faith in the peace deal and all for everyone to see so blatantly. For all the world to see bright and clearly, during the coronation of all places, and flanked around him, rather than to the rear. But then Avitej entered. Lord, to become Raj. She watched, with a tight throat and deference. She knew war as everyone else did, and she also knew what made the peace after it. Her eyes were fixed on him, transfixed. He was beautiful to behold. He held the crown, and placed it on his head. And then, he died. Bright, red, crimson. Ciara froze still as the Herald began to yell, as lord Cardero sliced his throat, spilling more red onto the throne. By the time his knife had hit the floor, Ciara had disappeared through a wall, and not even those standing beside her noticed she had gone.

The Red Priestess watched in silence as the man who would call himself ruler placed the crown on his head. She felt nothing, strangely enough, as she watched him look out on the assembled. And when the somberness was cut across with cries of fear and screams of horror as red sprayed across the stones, the priestess of the Light barely flinched. Instead, she let out a breath, her shoulders sagging slightly. The chaos that followed was none of her concern. She turned, and slowly left the great hall.

Maya's eyes went wide with shock at the scene before her. She couldn't find it in herself to be entirely surprised at the High Raj's death, but Lord Cardero's slaying of the herald caused her shock. It was poison. It had to be. Meaning likely suspicion would fall on her and by extension Lord Savin. She slipped from the Great Hall during the commotion to head back to the kitchen to learn what she could from the servants there.

The Red Priestess: watched in silence as the man who would call himself ruler placed the crown on his head. She felt nothing, strangely enough, as she watched him look out on the assembled. And when the somberness was cut across with cries of fear and screams of horror as red sprayed across the stones, the priestess of the Light barely flinched. Instead, she let out a breath, her shoulders sagging slightly. The chaos that followed was none of her concern. She turned to leave, but found the way blocked. The great doors of the keep already closing upon the assembled.

He wasn't going to fight the Rajisthangard, because he knew it would make him look guilty for a murder he didn't commit. His eyes remained glued in disbelief to the Sunlit Throne, and the man - only a man, and young too - slumped into it. Iann didn't know Avitej Sharma well, he hadn't even really cared about who was taking the Crown. But there was a certain hope and relief in the idea of peace in the Bluesprings realm, no matter how tenuous. It was naive, and Iann hated himself for thinking it. So when a Guard roughly dragged him up, tears in the man's eyes as he wanted to turn his own horror and fear on something, Prince Iann looked back at him evenly. "Do what you must," he offered, but then a Prelate instructed the Guard to place the Prince in irons for now and remove him from the Grand Hall. Others might also suspect that Iann had a hand in the death of the High Raj, and the Prelate didn't want any more bloodshed in this accursed Hall today.

Faye didn't make a sound as the smell of blood and the screams of the people assembled filled the air. She froze, hands flying over her mouth to contain the sound that wanted so badly to come out. She took a step back, and then another, and another... as fear swept over her like a flame. She knew that sort of death. Poison. And she'd already been seen using something similar on a man that had attacked her, though to much less harmful effects. She had to leave. She had to leave right now.

Miguel There was a moment of internal silence. And then a giddiness filled Miguel's chest and he bit his lip and looked concerned to hid his joy. What an exciting turn of events. And so fortuitous. He hadn't killed the Raj, but it coincided so well with his own plans, it had to be fate. He watched as his brother was taken away in irons. The sight was honey in his tea. There was work to be done, and Iann out of the way would make that work so much easier.

Fane was left standing in belated shock as the High Raj fell on his throne, crimson staining the flagstones. He'd worried that something would happen, that... something would go wrong, and here it was for all to see. Death was not a new sight in the Inquisitors eyes, he'd seen men far younger die under far more gruesome circumstances. But the High Raj had been a beloved figure. A symbol of unity and peace. A man to bring about a prosperity for ages to come and in one act, that peace was shattered. So where there were gasps and screeches echoing out around him in a world that seemed to have slowed substantially he stood silent. A vigil of passing. Time only sped up once more when he saw the sudden movement to his right, the Crown Prince slaying the Herald, to silence him before his call could even echo, instead, letting it die in a gurgle of blood. The six of his men, who had all come relatively unarmoured and unequipped as a show of fealty to the crown - that the Guard would equally be beholden to the one ruler had all gone to draw their smaller arms. Yet were stopped by a sharp signal at his hand, "no, no weapons and no force, help the Rajisthangard re-establishing some order."

Tuah felt a swell of emotion as he stood among the nobles, bearing witness to such a momentous occasion. His eyes followed each step the High Raj took until he took his rightful place, crown on his head and a sombre expression on his face. He could feel his lips curled into a soft smile, the hope that glimmered behind his eyes that peace between the nations could be achieved under the banner of the High Raj. It would be an uphill battle, he had no doubt, but one he hoped to achieve nonetheless. But the hope turned to shock then horror when he bear witness to the murder of the newly crowned High Raj stumbled backwards, blood splattered from his mouth and life soon left the young body. Tuah gripped the pommel of his sword, jaw clenched as his eyes scanned the panicking crowd, suspecting everyone that was present. He caught the commotion around Lord Cardero, watching with hawk eyes as Iann being dragged by the Rajisthangard, before moving his attention towards Fane. He calmly made his way towards the Lord, his confidante hot on his heel. “I hate it when you’re right,” he muttered under his breath.

Ciara had already begun to head to her own destination, but she was not the only one to slip out. A servant girl, or something of the like, serving Lord Savin. She grabbed a servant of her own, completely unaware of what had just happened two halls away. One of Ciara's mice, but by design not one who often served Ciara herself. "Follow the Savin servant girl. Inconspicuously, now. You have wine to fetch." Her voice was sharp as steel, and brooked no argument. The servant nodded sharply. If Prolate Theodore had any sense, the keep doors were already locked. No one was to leave. And while in this moment she trusted no one, least of all him, she trusted him to hold to expectations. The Lords and Ladies would be trapped here, and Ciara had enough mice for most walls. She would learn who caused this.

Faye watched as the guards descended on the prince as more blood spilled over the stones. She watched as the prince was placed in irons. She watched as a ripple went through the crowd. She watched as the doors started to close. She watched as the Dawnsguard went for their weapons. Watched as they were told to stand down. Watched as it all fell apart. Again.

A random Prelate under Theodore's guidance pleaded with the assembled people to remain calm, the Gates had been locked for their own safety and no one should leave. And what they needed now was to assemble the Quiver of Houses from all representatives present, to decide what was to be done now. The poor man was so beset by grief and the immediacy of this act of violence that he broke down in tears halfway through the announcement.

"You know I am a representative of the Quiver of Houses," Iann said, hearing the announcement made as he was being escorted to the gaol. "When you realize that I was not responsible for the High Raj's death, I expect you to give me a similarly protective escort to the Quiver Hall. If you please." Because the last damned thing he wanted, as he realized just how hasty his actions were, was for his little brother to represent the Forty Isles in the Quiver of Houses.

Maya sensed she was being followed. Since she had nothing to hide about what she was doing though, she walked calmly down to the kitchens. The news had yet to trickle this far down. She asked a few innocuous questions designed to discover who had access to the High Raj's food and drink. The list was too long though. Believing the promises of peace the servants had been lax securing the High Raj's meals. She returned to her work as if that were the most normal thing in the world for her to do. After all the meeting of the Quiver of Houses was likely to go long. The nobles would need sustenance.

Unable to leave the keep, and unwilling to use other methods to dissuade the guards to leave their post, the priestess turned back to the assembled. The Raj's death was sad, yes. An unneccessary act of violence. And people wondered why no one believed that peace could exist. Seeing the young prelate fall to his knees in grief, the priestess came over and lay a hand on his shoulder. "Strength, brother..." Looking up at the slowly panicking crowd, the priestess stepped up onto the dias, uncertain if anything she said would help. Closing her eyes, she pressed her hands to her chest and spoke a prayer to the lord of light to help those in need. Moments passed, and then all around the room, the torches flared with violent intensity. A roar of flame and light and heat that might have been the gust of wind that blew through the hall. Or something else. Hopefully it would get their attention. "Are you not the bravest and strongest of your Houses?" the priestess called out calmly. "Yet you act like frightened children who have never seen death before. The Raj is dead. But peace does /not/ have to die with him. You are the ones that make peace. Not a man on a throne."

Fane frowned unhappy by Tuah's comment "I wish I wasn't'." As his men aided the far more numerous Rajisthangard to secure the room Fane turned his attention to the throne and the Raj's body. "We need to make sure the scene isn't disturbed. And the Raj's body needs to be secured..."

Iann was taken to a cell - not too deep in the bowels of the castle, at least. Something fitting for a Prince, he thought grimly. He couldn't hear what was going on above him, but he answered the Guard Commander's questions patiently, and then the Prelate's questioning as well. Iann couldn't tell how long it took - an hour, perhaps more. Regardless, it was determined that he would be allowed to sit in the Quiver of Houses, but remain cuffed and escorted by Rajisthangard for the duration of the meeting. He wasn't a suspect but at the same time he was a suspect, as much as anyone else in this castle was, it seemed. It was a humiliating compromise, but Iann gravely took it. By the time he was taken back up to the Grand Hall, it was mostly empty, save for other Rajisthangards, and some members of the Cloverry. The body was removed, the crown remained on the Sunlit Throne, bloody now and sullied.

Miguel came forward and nodded to the Inquisitor. "May I inspect the crown?" He knew a thing or two about poisons, Iann had hinted as much already in Fane's presence - there was no harm in inspecting it. Unless he touched it and encountered the poison.

Faye watched from the back of the hall, pressed against the wall of the keep in order to keep herself from trying to flee. The prince was taken away, and the Dawnsguard started securing the room. She saw Lord Savin helping to get the Raj's body secured, and something in the back of her mind screamed to tell him not to touch the crown. Poison worked in many ways, including prolonged skin contact. A brush of a finger might not do much, but one never knew. Miguel came forward to join him, asking about the crown specifically. Faye frowned, but couldn't make the words come.

The Red Priestess stayed in the keep as the lords and ladies were quieted and reassured. To their credit, most did well after the initial shock had worn off. But the death of the Raj - while terrible - was no longer important. Not the the priestess. What came next was important. Who would rule? Who would be held responsible for today's death? She kept her own council until the prince who had slit the heralds throat was brought back in under armed guard. Making her way over, she took a seat near the prince. "You stopped a city-wide panic, doing what you did."

"Perhaps you can vouch for me, then," Iann replied, as he watched, both grateful and seething, as his little brother stepped towards the Throne with the Inquisitor. He looked over then at the Witch of the Wilds, pressed closely against the wall, and then finally at the Red Priestess. He was still standing up, she'd taken a seat on a stone bench next to him. "Are you attending the Quiver of Houses assembly? I think you should. The servants were talking about that grand speech you made, to shake the fear out of people's boots. Did it actually mean anything, Priestess?" He was still shaken up about all of this, truthfully. But Iann knew better than to let it show.

Ciara flitted through the halls. She was torn on where to go first, and opted in the direction of his bedroom. There were poisons that took hours to act, and some which could still be timed to the minute. They may have been in the soaps of his bath, and lingered in his hair until pushed into his skull. She needed to see, and she needed to see before the Prelate. It was perhaps her next duty to learn Avi's sex life, and those of his servants. She had only had days to establish herself in this castle, she didn't have the months of knowledge - she needed the Prelate's spies too. She needed to convince Prelate Theodore to let her in. Guards stood before his doors, and did not let her through. For the first time, she flashed the small Council medallion. "Your commander will tell you soon. The High Raj is dead. Assasinated. You will allow me to investigate this room without delay, or I will have you charged with treason." Her stature and status did nothing to intimidate them, but the medallion pinned under her cloak was more convincing. They hesitated moment, and then there was a wail along the hall, pure grief. The Raj had been loved. They stepped aside, and let her in.

Fane checked on the general state of the room now that it was mostly settled (as settled as it could be following what had happened). He looked the Prelate's men also helping to reestablish some sense of order. Following the path of the High Raj he slowly made his way up the steps towards the throne, the stone still bearing the marks of what had happened here. He touched nothing, moving to rest on one knee as he took in the area. There was nothing untoward about the scene specifically, no strange odour hung on the air, only the slight staleness of some disturbed dust the next thing to be inspected he supposed was the crown.

"I can vouch for the truth," the priestess told him, which in this instance was the same thing. At least to her. "Letting that fool scream to the masses about what's happened would've seen the city in flames within the day. You saved lives." She glanced up at him where he stood. "I never speak words I don't mean, Your Grace. These men and women don't have the option of showing weakness. What started with the Raj - may the Light bless and keep him - will only trickle downhill."

"Ah." Was the most he replied for a long while. Then Iann looked down at her, and well - down her dress exposing her cleavage. It was right there, after all. "So that Unnamed Sword of yours, it remains where ever you keep it secured."

Miguel stood with the Inquisitor - and wasn't the title accurate today? He pulled a pair of black leather riding gloves from his pocket's and paused a moment. "Would you like to get a closer look, or shall I?"

Faye knew she needed to move. She had been in the same place for far too long. But going unnoticed seemed the best idea at the time. Though she felt eyes on her regardless. By the time the prince had been brought in - under guard, she saw, with no small amount of trepidation - Faye had at least moved to sit on a bench along the wall. Afraid her legs might fall from beneath her. She watched as the the Inquisitor walked the path the Raj had taken, her breath speeding up slightly as he knelt to inspect the crown. Miguel was there too, thankfully pulling on a set of gloves. He knew of poison. Faye had learned that much from him. Perhaps she should go. People were being allowed to leave the hall, but not the keep itself. But where would she go?

The Red Priestess watched the Inquisitor and the other man as they inspected the crown. She suspected a topical poison herself, but it wasn't her place. Surely between the two of them they could come to a conclusion. The priestess felt the prince's eyes on her at times, but he didn't speak for quite a while. When he did, it was to ask of the sword. "It does. Though I know not where that is."

Fane similarly opted to pull a pair of leather gloves from his belt. "I shall, your royal highness shouldn't expose himself to potential toxins if any happens to be in or on the crown." They'd lost on King today, no need to add a prince to the list. He was neither and therefore it was expected that he say such a thing. With his own gloves pulled on he carefully raised the crown from its resting place on the throne mindful of any hidden contractions or mechanisms by which a dose of the poison might be administered. "A topical toxin wouldn't act as fast as it took for the Raj to fall..." Carefully he turned the crown over in search of some delivery method murmuring under his breath "I wonder..."

Iann: "Unnamed sword in an unnamed location. That bodes well," he replied, then called out to Miguel and the Inquisitor, "Yes, yes we understand that the High Raj is dead. He was killed. We all saw it. We are rulers of kingdoms in this realms - well, I am. And the Inquisitor is. And I'm sure she is, to her own extent," he said, eyeing Lady Faye. "As rulers I think we should concentrate on who should rule. My brother has skills in such things, Inquisitor, Don't sully your own hands with such menial tasks. Come, we should convene in the Quiver of Houses."

Miguel pulled on his own gloves, hands ready if the Inquisitor heed Iann's advice. It wasn't that he didn't trust Fane, but he wanted to touch it himself, to figure out this puzzle with his hands and his mind, without relying on Fane. Miguel didn't mind if the Inquisitor went with Iann and the Red Priestess to talk politics.

"It bodes as well as a murdered King does," the priestess said in return. Though she said nothing of the crown or the two men inspecting it.

Fane looked back at Iann's summoning, "go on, I want an answer here first I'll join you shortly." The crown in his hands he turned it over slowly tilting this way and that in the light of the the Great Hall. There was a subtle metal seam inside, and as Fane applied pressure on the circumferential side of it little barb-like thorns emerged from the thicker rim above. Mechanically designed. Cold and calculated death as soon as it had been placed on his head. Releasing the pressure with his thumbs the barbs retracted back into the frame of the crown. Miguel had his hands out and Fane carefully let him take it. "A cruel death..." but efficient in a chilling sense.

Iann shook his head. "No, Inquisitor, leave this...investigation to the lesser folk. Your duty is now to the realm."

Fane exhaled under his breath, he had the answer he needed regardless. He looked at a few of the Rajisthangard and then Miguel. "The crown is evidence in the Raj's murder... Once it has been fully examined I wish for it to be kept secure. It cannot be tampered with." Noting Dani approaching he gave them a small nod trusting they would see to helping secure the evidence before heading back down the steps.

Faye knew that there were few poisons that could cause death quite so quickly. They would have to be absorbed into the skin over time. Minimum of a few hours. Even the fastest acting poisons took several minutes to do their job. The Raj had died nearly instantly. That only left... "Venom," Faye said without realizing it. She looked up at Fane and Miguel as they inspected the crown. They seemed reluctant to leave it behind, and the prince seemed eager to get them to leave.

Miguel 's jaw tightened to hold in a grin. A cruel death, for sure, but so effective. He fiddled with the mechanism, holding it so Danian could see. Then he held the crown close to his face and took a sniff. There were plenty of poisons that were odorless, and more still that left traces. There was a faint smell of blueberries, but Miguel wasn't sure if that was the poison itself or something used to cover a worse smell. In any case, the dried barbs held barely any evidence. What was more interesting was the mechanics. Either the crown had always been like that, or someone had enough time to tinker with it enough to install the mechanism. Since he doubted this was a fake crown - what with all the guarding of it. Which meant that someone had tinkered with it before many of the nobles had arrived. He took a deep breath before relaying the pertinent thoughts to Danian. "What do you think though? Fake crown or tinkered?"

Maya returned without a word to the Great Hall once she had learned all she could for the moment outside its walls. She'd heard many rumors. although sorting out the true from the false would take time and more information. Standing again at the back of the room, she whispered with one of the guards to learn what had been discovered while she was 'attending her duties.' She knew that she needed to speak to Lord Savin. While she had secrets she didn't expect to be found out and that weren't relevant, she should inform him of them just in case. There was no such thing as knowing too much on a day like today.

Faye: With Lord Savin leaving the room, and Miguel - who was the only other person in the city she trusted even a little bit - standing holding the crown, Faye finally swallowed her fears and slowly approached them. She didn't step up on the dias, merely stood at the bottom looking on, her soft, white robes catching the light from the high windows. "Venom, my lord," Faye said, voice as even as she could manage. "Your likely not looking for poison. But venom."

Iann wasn't so much eager to leave, as he unfortunately understood responsibility. They could spend hours sitting here studying a crown, while the people - the commonfolk - waited and waited for nothing. No news, no Coronation, nothing to give them. Just closed gates and silence. Decisions had to be made that were about the kingdoms and this supposed unity they were supposed to have. Not poring over the murder of their short-lived High Raj. That was important of course it was necessary to determine why the High Raj was even killed. But the little details were for leaders to trust their lessers with. Perhaps the Inquisitor didn't have that trust, or perhaps it made him feel good to get his hands dirty with the details. But in the meantime, nothing was actually being done. "Lady Faye, you should come with us. The future of this realm lies with you too, I'm afraid."

Danian had been wandering around the keep, searching for any sign of suspicious figures that might have been hiding in the crowd, admiring their bloody work. Nothing had turned up, really. So, after several minutes of scouting, they joined the nobles gathered around the king's fallen site itself. They were in no rush to follow them further to the Quiver of Houses. After all-- they weren't even sure they belonged in such a meeting. They weren't the head of their house. Not yet. Instead, they stood themself next to Miguel, studying the crown as he held it for them to see. "I can't say for sure," they hummed thoughtfully themself. "We'd have to get a closer look at the mechanism itself." They paused to glance at the prince once more. "Do you think they would allow us to inspect it- if we asked, of course?" Faye's added point earned a raise of their brow. "How can you tell?"

"Shall we move this to someplace that might do some good, your grace?" the priestess asked just before Iann called out to Lady Lacroy. The woman had finally moved from her spot on the wall. It was true. Dying House or not, she was still of the Quiver.

Faye nodded at the prince. "Yes, your grace. Just one moment, if you please." She turned to Miguel and the person she didn't know, but had seen their face the night before at the celebrations. Taking a small step up the dais, Faye swallowed. "Rarely does a poison cause such... massive hemorrhage." Faye indicated the stains on the floor. "They exist, but they're exceedingly rare. Venom... especially the kind found in certain species of vipers... can cause massive bleeding within moments, depending on the dose and the delivery."

"The Quiver Hall," a Prelate announced, motioning down a path leading off of the Great Hall and into a room. Not far from the Great Hall, still within easy reach. Iann was escorted there, shaking his head once he was situated in the Quiver Hall. "Venom? I wouldn't be surprised if it was my own brother who did this, if he ever got close enough to the crown to do so." There was a time, about a month ago, when the Crown was taken on a tour of the regions, to curry excitement and engage enthusiasm for the Coronation and announcement of the High Raj. People liked to look at pretty things, it encouraged them and allowed them hope.

Miguel felt the need to show off a little, besides - Danian already knew he wasn't the useless muscled clownfish that he pretended to be when it suited him. "Thank you, Lady Lacroy - another hint is in the method of action, a poison would more likely be ingested, while this was jammed into the skin..." He glanced between the investigation party and the politics party. "I won't demand your time if you're needed elsewhere, Lady. But I beg your company when you're finished."

Danian nodded to Lady Lacroy - it was nice to put a name to a face without having to ask - when Miguel gave his thanks to indicate their mutual feeling. "It seems looking into the particular effects of these vipers and the mechanism itself might be a good place for us to start, then." They tilted their head to Miguel. "Would you agree?"

Miguel nodded. "Yes. I assume this castle has a library - do you happen to know where it is?" There were also human resources, but Faye would be busy, and he didn't see the Master of Whispers.

Bella had adjusted her attire since her first day, becoming aware that the make-up on her face had been distracting and strange in the capital. Instead black merely presented over her eyes rather than across her face and she had stained her lips a deep red with berries. Still jewels draped down her back, knocking against the wood of her chair and leaving small imprints in her back. She'd made sure her dinner would end before the Quiver began and was there before her ward and protector, Octavia, with wolf beneath the table at her feet. Since the High Raj had been killed she did not intend to go anywhere alone. One of the first there she had no idea how the investigation had gone, interested to hear what had been discovered she waited for the next arrivals.

The Red Priestess sat quietly at her seat, observing all those in attendance around the table. Who among them had it in them to murder the Raj? Honestly? Everyone. Dependent on their motives and desires. Her eyes slipped to several that she felt were more suspicious than others. The witch. The three-penny prince. Who would it be?

Octavia stood behind Bella's chair, studying the people seated around the table.

Leaning back in her seat Bella whispered to the woman who stood behind her. "What did you hear about what had happened to the High Raj?" Bella asked her companion, aware he had gone to investigate.

Faye was not comfortable. Not at all. Sat in her family's appointed seat, she was ramrod straight, hands folded in her lap, awaiting the call to order. The findings in the library were helpful. Or would be if she ever got the chance to go over them. If she didn't end up in irons like the prince. Every moment she expected someone to call out 'the witch did it,' when it was the furthest from the truth. So she sat and waited, hoping to be overlooked as much as possible, but highly doubting it.

Fane looked over at Danian who seemed to be delaying in the library, he tsked before chiding lightly "what are you waiting for? Come on... You're as deserving of a seat in that room as anyone else."

Octavia leaned down to listen to Bella. "They say it might have been poison, my Queen." She said in a low voice only Bella could hear. "I encountered a few people looking into scrolls and books on poison, but they're not completely sure what kind." Octavia whispered.

Danian looked up from the scroll they'd been studying, assuming they weren't meant to join the others, when Lord Savin glanced back at them. They swallowed briefly, considering saying something to deny his point, but then sighed. He was likely to usher them along either way. "Alright, alright. I'm coming." Dropping the scroll, they hurried out after him, though they still felt a bit tense as they walked into the room.

Bella reached back with a her hand, covered in emeralds and diamonds on steel wrapping around her wrist and palm, to take Octavia's hand. The death of a King could surely remind her of her own father's passing. "Thank you, Vi," Bella responded, squeezing her hand. She had made sure to grab the one that Vi did not use to wield her dagger.

Iann slumped in his chair, pushed back enough that he could keep his manacled hands resting on the table. He looked calm yet mildly impatient. Not at his fellow nobles, so much at the entire situation, and especially at his brother. It wouldn't surprise Iann if Miguel had something to do with this. It seemed like his style, to orchestrate something as huge as the murder of the High Raj, just for his own little petty gains that meant nothing to no one except himself. He gently drummed his fingers on the table, not enough to make much noise but just to ease his own pent-up energy. The Lady Faye looked like she wanted to turn into stone. The Queen of the Dark Woods talked with her loyal knight, murmurs that Iann couldn't hear. The Re Priestess looked calm, and lost in thought.

Faye glanced across at Octavia as she spoke to her queen. She wasn't wrong. Poison certainly could've been a factor. Though more than likely it was something administered before today. Something to weaken the Raj without him knowing, as someone had suggested earlier. Venom was the suspect in the immediate death of the Raj. A powerful one at that. Not many serpents carried such volatile substances in their bodies, which could narrow things down a bit.

Fane placed a hand on their back to usher them in, even if they didn't think they belonged there it wouldn't hurt to have another pair of eyes and ears, not to mention another astute mind on board. Walking into the room he glanced around the table, taking a mental note of general postures, expressions and attitudes as he moved to take his seat.

Cassie knew it was somewhat absurd to bring the young child into the room where everyone was convening over an assassination plot. But the truth of it was, she didn't want Adeline left alone even with all the servants in the world. She was safest right where Cassandra could see and direct her. That just happened to be at a small seat next to her own. The Lady of Summerset followed the quiet and stared back at the other visitors in the castle, making a pointed look to her brother in law. Something had to be done, they couldn't sit in whispers and uncertainty forever.

Octavia clasped her fingers around Bella's as she took her hand. "Yes, of course." She dipped her head to Bella, though she could not see her do it the action was purely out of respect.

"I have a question," the priestess asked once those assembled were seated. "Who was next in line for the crown? Should something... unfortunate... happen?" As it obviously had. "Or was their really no one else? Even a temporary fill in? Until we could all vote?"

Danny had come in behind Queen Cassandra, whether she had expressly asked him to come with her he followed, hearing murmurs of what could have happened. Imagining leaving her alone seemed unwise, especially when she had her young daughter with her. He had no intent on speaking, everyone in that room well above him in station, but still he stood behind her chair, hand on his sword as he gazed over the people there. The Prince who he worked for, the Priestess he had met in the streets, others of station Danny never imagined he would be in the same room as.

Maya slipped in the back of the room without drawing much or any attention to herself. She took her place behind Lord Savin's chair. Her gaze covered the room as she listened to the gathered crowd. She had already informed Lord Savin of what she had learned from the guards, but kept her own speculation that perhaps the venom had been magically applied to herself.

Iann perked up when he saw Cassandra, and even more alarmed when Adeline was with her. He gave Cassandra an incredulous look, but then couldn't help but give her a smile. The combined pragmatism and audacity of the Grand Lady was impressive to him. He nodded at her in greeting. Then the Red Priestess spoke, and Iann nodded at her and responded. "I think what we need are answers, for now. Until a new High Raj can be found. And fortunately, we have someone present who is very good at leading...investigations. Almost to the point of being quite eager to do so, this unfortunate afternoon. By that I mean Inquisitor Savin - " he motioned with his hands, letting the chains of the manacles clank loudly on the table. Iann glanced over at Lady Faye to see if she would wince at the sound. "He has experience with...inquisiting, after all."

Octavia had attempted to push the thoughts of her father back all day, of his murder- poisoned, possibly the same as the High Raj. Octavia was lost in thought when the Red Priestess spoke, snapping her out of the thoughts running through her mind.

Danian had to move forward with quick steps while Fane's hand was on their back. He was awfully tall, and even if he wasn't walking particularly quickly, Danian's shorter stature required speedier steps to keep ahead. They sat down - slightly reluctantly - in the seat beside him. They were nervous, seeing so many lords and ladies in one room altogether, all for such a critical issue. They'd never played a role so important and the little tug at the brooch of their cape as they swallowed made that clear. Of course, everyone's eyes had to be drawn to the man next to them.

Bella eyes moved to the Priestess, finding her questions lacking in suspicion. It is not like a Priestess would be in line, and so her words did not come with the same ominous nature they could have had others in the room posed it. "The longer the investigation takes the less likely this peace will remain," Bellamy voiced, looking to the Inquisitor. "My Knight said you discovered venom of some sort, was anyone able to determine what sort?"

Faye didn't flinch at the sounds of the manacles, though she did turn her gaze onto the prince. Just because she wasn't delighted (see: half frightened to death) to be here, didn't mean she was going to blanch at every turn. Though her jaw tightened slightly and she had to swallow past the knot in her throat to find the composure needed for such a gathering of vultures. Otherwise they would pick her clean.

The Red Priestess glanced at the prince as his gaze slipped briefly towards her, and then let him have the floor. She returned to her observations, noting the nervousness of the young lordling at Savin's side. The studious blankness of Maya of No Importance as she stood behind him. They slid to Cassandra and then to the only true innocent in the room, the child next to her. Audacious of her to bring the little one, but also clever. Though perhaps it was merely motherly instinct. The priestess wouldn't know.

Miguel stood behind Iann, but not before telling Faye - who had been so helpful in the investigation - that he would support her if anyone started to speculate in her direction. There were plenty of threads to keep track of, but it was a fun challenge - something to actually work his muscles. Still, he would show support for his brother, as a little prince would be expected to do.

Fane curled his fingers a little on the arm of his chair, he looked around the assembled faces as they turned in his direction. "We only have preliminary findings presently," as a younger woman at the table addressed him and the topic of venom he nodded slowly. "Yes, the High Raj's death was seemingly caused by venom-- his crown altered so that once the crown was worn on the head the pressure of it would activate the delivery mechanism..." He couldn't say much more than that about the murder weapon presently, also because gruesome details weren't particularly necessary "as for the kind of venom, further investigation will be required - we have only had a few hours cross-referencing texts and though it saddens me to say it, an inspection of the High Raj's body is likely to be be required as there may be post-mortem symptoms recognisable of a particular strain of venom."

Iann placed his hands flat on the table after Fane gave his report. "So does this mean we're all agreed then? This has now officially turned into a Second Inquisition of the 49th Era, led by High Inquisitor Stefan Savin of the Blackspire North Holdings? It certainly seems that way," he motioned in grim cheer as all faces were currently turned and listening keenly to Savin. "He seems like good leadership material to me. Very well, we can make it official. And then that is what we shall announce to the Capital, and to the realm: the High Raj is dead, and a new Inquisition of the South has begun. The reaction won't be pretty but we shall hold a splendorous funeral that will ease their sorrow as fitting of his untimely death."

"Venom." The priestess made a thoughtful face. "That's quite clever. Though I don't believe such items are available at your local apothecary. Are they?"

Bella moved her eyes away from the Inquisitor, pulling her bottom lip into her mouth. It would be quite simple for the conduit of dark magic that she was to determine venom, but to say as much would likely draw attention to her. Fortunately the Prince spoke, Bella not capable of understanding if his tone was thick with sarcasm or not. "Will a temporary leader be placed in his position until more can be decided or shall the Prelate and church take that role?" she asked more generally, unsure of who would know.

"This is an Inquisition now, Queen Bellamy," Iann said patiently. He motioned to Savin. "This is now an Inquisition. It is the replacement until a High Raj is found. Therefore, he is temporarily leading. But he will need to appoint a Council to handle the day-to-day while he conducts his Inquisition." What were people not understanding about Inquisition? He looked to Fane for help, since no one seemed to be understanding him.

Cassandra's gaze hardened at Iann's declaration and she sat up holding her hand out as if to pause everyone. "The issue still remains that the Raj's killer is most likely sitting at this table right now. Before we jump to crown a Raj-" Her gaze shifted to Fane, "The Inquisitor needs to do his job. And the capital to mourn." 

Iann nodded at Cassandra. "Thank you, my Grand Lady," he said with a mild and honest gratitude. "She is correct."

"I don't think I've actually heard the Lord Inquisitor call for an official Inquisition. All I hear is people saying he should." Faye looked around, suddenly feeling quite angry.

"Someone should. What else do you suggest, Lady Faye?"

Fane remained sat where Iann made his declaration and Cassandra made her statement. He held up a hand his voice slightly louder as it carried across the room "please, be calm, losing our heads is not going to get a thing done except cause more turmoil. Grand Lady Cassandra makes a valid point, we cannot expect those in this room to choose the next High Raj considering his killer may very well be in our ranks. Until we have more information, a council shall be formed to make decisions and keep the peace in the interim of the ongoing investigation."

Iann slowly sat back in his chair, resuming his slumped position. "Very good, Inquisitor. Please, go on."

"The reaction will be panic, your grace," the priestess said to the prince. "Is it wise to involve so many others - so many thousands of others - until a new leader can be chosen?"

Iann nodded, "Yes, Priestess. The people need to know something and we cannot lie to them. Not as a Quiver of Houses representing the dead High Raj's estate, and certainly not as an official Inquisition. We cannot afford to leave them ignorant. We must give them something, and I propose a grand funeral - once this post-morto...business is conducted, of course. The people need to know only the information we give them. The death of the High Raj - not his murder - just his death. And the instate of the Inquisition, which we would need to announce, anyway, so people know who to obey."

Bella looked at the room of people, wondering what sort of council the man could make of those in the room. They each had their own Kingdoms and realms that also needed tending to but she supposed the peace needed to be kept, if something this big fell everything else would and Bella did not want her Dead Woods ruined because things fell apart here. "I think a council is a fine idea," Bella agreed, leaning forward in her seat. "Even if one of us has done something, not doing so could only ruin what Prince Iann saved."

Maya spoke before she thought better of it. Given their progress or lack thereof so far it seemed like a waste to spend time attempting to form a council from the squabbling houses. Besides the people had been living just fine without a ruler since the end of the war. "Who was managing the day to day until this morning?" she asked, "Is there any reason they can't continue until a new High Raj is selected?"

Fane looked over to Iann the clanking of the manacles more distracting than helpful or really even potentially useful considering he was hardly about to run anywhere "are those particularly necessary? Judging by your actions today you stopped a citywide panic and likely stopped countless unnecessary deaths in the process."

Iann shrugged, and smiled slowly at Savin, holding up his manacled hands. "High Inquisitor, do I have your pardon?" He was in charge now, after all. A role he seemed to be rusty at, despite how quickly he'd jumped into the investigatory part of his position. Iann always suspected that Fane Savin missed living up to his title. How bitterly fortuitous that he was thrust into that role once more.

"As you say, your grace." The priestess tipped her head at the prince.

"A council would be more agreeable to the commoners, as opposed to a sole leader they weren't expecting." Octavia interjected.

The people had not been living just find without a leader since the end of the war. The truth was, most commonfolk had been on tenterhooks, anxious and nervous and seeking guidance. People needed to know someone was maintaining order, so that they could go along their daily lives. The war had stripped that order a way, and a leaderless Capital was almost just as bad as war for its state of uncertainty and lack of law and order.

"The Prelate Theodore, child. And other Council members yet unnamed. That was supposed to happen at the Coronation, after he sat - alive - on the Sunlit Throne."

"As a commoner who witnessed the rumble of this place being made, whatever leadership could be put into place would be better than nothing. If Inquisitor Savin is capable of naming a council and finding the High Raj's killer then I trust him, as I trust my commander's judgement on what is best for other commoners like myself," Danny spoke, likely aware that Prince Iann did not even know who he was. Danny's attention turned to Fane, though he kept his eyes low since he knew he should not have spoken in the first place. 

Fane found himself nodding his head slowly in agreement. Though as Maya chimed in, surprisingly helpful at his shoulder he glanced aside at her a tad surprised but she made another good point. Still, his attention turned to Iann they had known each other a great many years now and he had Fane's trust more than some of the strangers in this room, "aye, you are pardoned for your actions today. Now take those blasted things off," he gestured to the manacles and after a brief hesitation a few guards moved to release them.

"Considering the investigation is presently at hand involving myself, Lord Danian, Lady Lacroy with assistance from Prince Miguel I say we continue as such. Others that wish to aid the investigation may come to me in their own time beyond this council chamber now which leaves Grand Lady Cassandra, Prince Iann, Lady Bellamy, the Prelate to oversee the organisation of the city and their regions... It establishes a degree of structure that should work to maintain the peace in the city and across our respective Kingdoms. Aye?" he asked looking around those assembled at the table.

Iann got the manacles off, made a sour face about the mention of his brother but said nothing about it, and then nodded over at the Priestess. "What about her?"

"I go where the Lord commands me to go." She glanced around the table. "Though I must say Lord Savin, you are leaving someone out." Her eyes fell to Maya. "Tell me child, have you ever heard the legend of lost lady of comeádai?"

Bella flinched slightly at the term 'Lady' that she received but, especially as her title was mostly invented by herself, she did not object. "I would like my Knight to assist in your investigation, or at least remain around those involved who might not have their own protection," Bellamy said of Octavia, looking to her to make sure this was okay with her companion. She had been there temporarily before and assumed she might like to keep looking, for the sake of her father. "I would be quite happy to work with Queen Casandra, Prince Iann and the Prelate to do what is needed." Whatever words she had exchanged with the Prince before he and the Prelate had done what had helped keep the Kingdom in tact and that meant more than a bad opinion easily.

Miguel's face remained impassive, though he preened at being assigned to the investigation. Though seeing the irons removed from Iann made his blood so hot he thought it might burn through his body like lava. That would have been too easy. This turn of events was fine. Everything would work out as long as he kept a cool head.

Danian glanced aside at Lord Savin after he began making his assignments. Thinking over the discussion between Maya and Iann, they came up with a thought they had to share. "Given the Prelate was involved in the High Raj's appointment, I would like to have a chance to speak to him about his experience in that process. His earlier involvement in the decision may give an additional perspective to the case. We shouldn't restrict our investigation to subjects related to today's events alone."

Iann gave a shrug and motioned to the Queen of the Dark Woods. "Once the High Inquisitor is finished with the body of our late High Raj, your majesty, would you like to handle the funeral arrangements? The Forty Isles will of course open its coffers to help ensure that the funeral is both grand and tragic." It was necessary for the common-folk to see and feel the sadness and grief, to suffer for their High Raj and hope and wish for another. A funeral would allow them to trust in the High Inquisitor of the North to make impartial choices, while the city gracefully mourned. It was a good strategy. And given how Queen Bellamy always looked like death, Iann thought it was almost absurdly appropriate for her to handle the funeral.

Octavia nodded. She hoped in finding how the murderer, or murderers, carried out their plan she might take information to clear her name. This murder seemed too similar to the her fathers, could it have been the same people who took down her father? This had just been a passing thought, but it was more than enough motive for Octavia to help.

Maya listened as the crowd spoke. She couldn't help but frown a little when a knight claimed to understand what commoners would want. Her attention turned sharply to the Red Priestess though upon hearing the words that she'd spend her life running from. "I have m'am, but I don't see how that's relevant now. I believe her parents were stabbed outright, not poisoned by a venomous crown," she said, but couldn't help the shudder that went through her at the memory.

Iann nodded at Danian. "As far as the Inquisitor is concerned, young Danian, we are all suspects, including the Cloverry members. Questioning is to be expected when one inquisits."

Fane leaned back in his chair, idly beginning to understand why leaders spent so much time drowning in booze. He could do with a glass of wine right about now. "One thing at a time..." he said more quietly to Dani at his side "for now we organise the council and restore some order to this mess. Then we can organise further matters of investigation." As Bellamy offered her knight Fane nodded, "aye, that would suit fine. If we can establish a united front then it will also show the people that we have matters in hand. We shall inspect the Raj's body before a funeral is held as his grace suggests. The people will need appeasing and it will allow us all some temporary breathing room." He noted the conversation between the Red Priestess and Maya "what makes you ask of that tale?"

"I think this calls for some mead. At least I would love if someone called for some mead." Iann said, crossing his legs and folding his hands over one squared knee.

Bella felt confident that a funeral was something she could do, though perhaps the traditions of the High Raj's specific Kingdom would need to be looked into so that his soul made the appropriate transition into the next life that his beliefs dictated. "Thank you, your Royal Highness," Bella said to the Prince. "I think I can be quite capable of giving the High Raj an appropriate send off. Perhaps before the funeral, to explain the duration between his death and when his funeral is held we should announce a period of mourning to honour his Majesty? A time of reflection?"

"I can bring mead sir," Maya said with a curtsy before attempting to leave the room without being questioned further.

"It's a common tale. In certain places." Her eyes lingered on Maya for a long moment before slipping to Lord Savin. "Though I've heard tell that the assassin tried to kill their child as well. And that she has a scar on her arm... just here." The priestess touched her own arm high up near her shoulder. "A scar from a particular type of blade."

Iann pointed at Maya's retreating back with an almost-grin. "She's an attentive little one, isn't she?" He looked over at Bellamy and inclined his head towards her. "I agree. We must hold a tight control over this period of mourning though. Decrees of lawfulness must be sent out and hammered to every post and door, and the Guards must be extra vigilant, especially in the Lower City. I think if anyone at this table has extra soldiers or guards to lends a hand to the Capital Guards at this time in maintaining peace in the city, that would be most wise."

Fane was more comfortable discussing troop movements. This was more his degree of expertise, not saving scrabbling houses from falling into ruin as had suddenly been thrust on his shoulders. Though the suggestion of mead was welcome, "mead and wine if you will... I think we'll need both to get through this successfully." With that said he turned back to the discussion of troops, "I can send a summons for a small division of the Guard to come to the city... They'll heed a summons and it would bolster the City ranks and help maintain order."

Danian nodded to Iann and then Fane, though there was the tiniest huff that came when they had looked at Iann. Obviously, they knew the questioning basis of an Inquisition. They weren't a child.

The Red Priestess watched Maya leave, biding her time until she could finally pull the shroud off the truth that had been hiding before them this whole time. Whether it would mean anything was unknown. But falsehood would only lead to suspicion.

Iann was more than happy to leave the planning of land-troops to those better suited to it. For now, he just glanced over his shoulder to see if Miguel was still there...and give him a small and smug grin. He stood up then, coming around to Cassandra and baby Adeline. "The only person here with any reason and insight, hm?" he said to the baby, booping her nose. "Yes you are."

"I can have some of my wolves in their human forms come to the city," Bella offered. It was rare that the men who had given themselves to the darkness were out of their wolf like forms, the one under the table evidence enough, but wolves roaming the city would probably only make people more nervous. "I doubt their numbers would be as big as Inquisitor Savin's numbers but they're used to the dark magic of the forest, they'd do fine in the Lower City."

When Iann heard what the Queen of the Dark Woods said, he looked over sharply. "Wolves...in human form?" he asked to confirm, unsure if he'd heard right. But then in his crouched position beside Adeline, he saw movement under the table. A large hunting dog - no, a wolf, perched by Bellamy's feet. "By the Sea Goddess..." he whispered, his eyes widening as he stared at the beast under the table all this time. How had he not noticed it before?

Maya took her time getting wine and mead for the gathered nobles upstairs. She considered not returning at all. After all nothing good, in her opinion, was likely to come out of that room. Not returning though would likely arouse even more suspicion. She took extra time as well to ensure that none of the bottles had been poisoned too. She returned with wine and mead on a tray and moved quietly around the table, serving each in attendance their choice.

Miguel's eyes narrowed at Iann. Well if he was going to be distracted. He came forward to be more involved in the discussion going on around Inquisitor Fane. "The Fleet can call on our sailors, some of them would be more than comfortable in the lower city." He didn't want to offer the whole fleet, especially not when the whole ocean remained unchanged. But forty islands provided a lot of boats, and a lot of men.

And they called her a witch, Faye thought to herself after hearing the deadwood queen speak. She'd remained silent for quite some time, having nothing of note to say. She would be allowed to continue to investigate the poison. For now.

Iann glared over at Miguel, offering up his fleet so freely. How dare he. "Excuse my brother, he's been at the books too long. What he meant to say was that I shall dispatch a squadron to stay in the harbour of the Waytried Docks. We can maintain order there, easily enough. Within the jurisdictions of the Inquisitor's decrees, of course."

Fane was glad to see at least some semblance of order was coming to the room as tasks were designated to individuals seated around the table. Perhaps it wouldn't all be quite so much of a shambles. "That's all well and good... My one concern is that too many troops in the city may give the common-folk the impression of invasion or potential usurpation which is the last thing we want... There's a balance to maintain here... A small amount from each patron should suffice to bolster the guard and maintain the peace... We are but temporary guardians until an official regime can be established."

Bella had entered the room before most everyone else, and thus her wolf had too. Most rumours about the Dead Woods pertained to their Queen and the king that sat beside her went mostly unacknowledged because when seen he appeared only as a villain of the forest, something that frightened without intent. "They've given themselves to the darkness, or were cursed to it, and were given the form of wolves," Bella told the Prince, noticing the other witches eyes on her. How could she not with their shade of purple, as peculiar as the gold in the Queen of the Dead Wood's own. "Most prefer it," she stated, many men having stumbled from war into the forest needed what the form could give them and Bella had her own affinities that made their form appealing. "But I am sure they would make an exception to protect the peace. We might not have armour but at night we are strong." A statement that dripped with suspicion though she did not realise it.

Miguel took a deep breath. The three ships that made up his section of the fleet would be in the capitol in a days time. Though Miguel hadn't been able to leave the castle, he had been able to get up to the roof. "Very wise Inquisitor." The question was, who of the fleet would they send? Miguel couldn't go up against his brother, not yet, not over this. "From which ship brother? I can send the message."

Cassie finally spoke after many minutes of simply observing the other nobilities reactions. It's not as if she had any real sway with Fane anyways, but when he appointed Cassandra aside Iann and The Queen of the Wild Woods, she couldn't help but smile just a little, "I shall of course offer my insight and strategy until this whole ordeal is resolved. We shall keep order in the castle and keep itself, before worrying outside it's walls. We wouldn't want to have any further casualties." She tilted her head down to Adeline, who was pleased with her uncles intention.

Maya returned eventually, and though the priestess had opinions on the presence of shapeshifters in the city, she left that up to those that made the decision. She watched the girl serve mead and wine, and when she came close enough, the priestess reached out more quickly than she had ever moved before, and snagged Maya's wrist. Not harshly ,but enough that she couldn't pull away. She pushed the girls sleeve up her arm. There was a scar there alright. Just as the stories whispered among the septs said there was. "Why are you serving us mead, Maya of House Parker? When you should be sitting among us?"

"I also think Houses - those with means - " He glanced at Cassandra when he said that, " - should offer donations to the Capital's coffers. Alms and charities to the common-folk during the period of mourning. A look of sympathy from our lot will help their lot feel good about themselves and badly for us."

Queen Bellamy's explanation only made it sound more terrifying and ominous, and Iann wasn't quite sure what to make of having men-who-could-be-wolves prowling (or patrolling) the Capital, even the Lower City as brutish as it was. They wanted sympathy and trust from the people, not fear. At Miguel's question, Iann pondered. "No, the message should not come from you. Unfortunately the captains of our respective fleets tend to distrust each other, and the Princes who lead them..." he gave Miguel a wry smile. "That was a nice effort though. Aren't you supposed to be investigating the death of our late High Raj? That sort of poison and trickery, that's what you're good at."

Faye had nothing to offer to the cause. She accepted a glass of wine from Maya and leaned back to listen to the plan being made that she was simply being drawn into. She shouldn't have come back. She should've never come here at all.

Fane did however return to another point of conversation. Something that caused him to turn a little more in his chair and look over at the so-called Queen of the Dead Woods. "I mean no offence... your highness, and while your offer of men is gracious indeed. I'm unsure if the common-folk would feel comfortable welcoming your... troops into the city limits. Considering how they reacted to Lady Lacroy only yesterday... I would prefer to avoid any further provocations of superstition if it could be avoided..."

Miguel took another deep breath. "Right... then maybe you should stay and talk to the Inquisitor. And I should be the one bothering Adeline." He stepped away without his big brother's permission and lid toward Cassandra and Adeline.

"Venom," Faye said. "For the last time, this is not poison. This is not something that worked slowly over time. This is something foul and cruel and deliberate. Something that made the Raj bleed out in matter of moments." She looked around the table. "I can almost guarantee that when you investigate his remains, his inside are liquified. What isn't liquid will have clotted thick enough to cut with a knife. His lungs will likely be full of blood."

"Sure." Cassandra agreed with her brother, "At the time of the funeral, the people will be desperate to see someone. I can visit some of the factions of the city with the Princess-" She fixed Adeline's bonnet slightly as she said, "Offer condolences and alms where needed." She turned towards Iann, "Before I forget dear brother, perhaps I can take Sir Harrison with me? Just for better protection."

Faye merely huffed at the mention of yesterday's assault, and took a long drink from her cup.

Maya tried to pull her arm away from the Red Priestess. "House Parker is long dead, m'am," she replied, "Now if you'll please let go of my arm." She pulled at it again, spilling wine and mead all over the table.

"Yet it's sole heir stands here before me. Praise the Light." She kept hold of Maya's wrist for a moment longer before releasing her. "You can't run forever, child."

Danian had opted for wine instead of mead. Not their usual choice, but it seemed the more serious drink of the two and they wanted to keep their head straight, if they could. But their attention snapped to Iann as he spoke with Miguel, feeling a slight urge to defend the younger prince. "He has been crucial to the investigation, actually," they said pointedly at Iann with a small glimpse at Miguel. "We're very lucky to have him working with us."

Iann was about to answer Cassandra, when mead spilled all over him. "What --" He looked over at the Priestess, clutching the arm of the servant girl and praising the light. "What's going on here?"

"Nothing, your grace. Just a reluctant heir, is all."

Bella didn't see the issue, it wasn't like they could shift into anything small enough to do anything suspicious. If they shifted their presence would be obvious but Bella had no designs on the Capitol, she preferred her Dead Woods and eventually that would be known. "Perhaps with as much decided as can be done we take our bearings?" Bella asked, looking for the girl who had gone to fetch mead and wine and wondering what was holding her up, watching as she spilled her drinks on the table. "Octavia will you fetch some more wine and something to clean the Prince up."

Danny adjusted himself at Queen Cassandra's request though the Prince was quite immediately distracted.

Octavia walked around to where the drinks spilled on the table. She stood nearby, watching to assure the woman would not be harmed. "This, of course is a civil meeting, is it not?" She asked before leaving the room by Bellas request.

"Heir to what?" Iann asked impatiently. "We don't need another mystery at this table, Priestess."

"Heir to nothing now," Maya replied. If the stories were true, her family's lands had long since fallen into the hand of others, people with far more interest in the power the Applewood Throne carried. Sensing she might not be allowed to leave the room again, she nodded to one of the other servants, sending them off to fetch more drinks.

Miguel glanced an Danian and shrugged his shoulder infinitesimally. He appreciated them standing up for him, but it wasn't worth the breath to argue with Iann. Miguel would show his brother how capable he was through actions.

Fane watched as the entire room began to dissolve into a ruckus and took a long drink of his wine. Though the commotion drew him to level a flat look across the table at Maya. "Well that would make sense," he said more to himself than anyone else. "You should no more be serving mead than any one of us... What she says is true... Isn't it? You always were too smart to just be a kitchen maid" he said more than asked.

Whatever grand mystery unfolded around this sullen girl was slow enough that Iann turned first to Danian and gave the lordling a little bow. He could respect that the Lovel boy defended his brother. But the sad thing was, Danian did not know the truth of Miguel. Danian only saw the kind and jovial helper who was looking out for everyone's best intentions. And Iann liked to believe that Miguel wouldn't hurt Danian in his own ambitions. So for now, Iann let it lie.

The Red Priestess released the girl, intending her no harm. "I think she's more than capable of speaking for herself is she wishes."

As for Cassandra, he frowned. "Why do you want my Knight? You have a retinue of your own. Are you calling them incapable...?" Iann smiled in a patronizing pity at his poor sister-by-marriage and her powerless land. "You may take him, yes. As many times as you need to take him."

"And what would you say if it was true, Lord? That I ought to pull up a chair and pretend like I think any of this will prevent another war?" she asked Lord Savin.

Octavia returned with drinks and a cloth for the Prince. She heard Lord Savins last few sentences, as the arched ceilings amplified his voice from down the hall. She handed the cloth to the Prince and sat the drinks on the table, filling a few glasses before handing the rest of them out to those who received none, and kept one for herself. She returned to her place behind Bella, attempting to draw as little attention to herself as she could- especially in light of the recent revelation. Maya was not the only last heir in the room, Octavia herself was daughter to a King War Chieftain.

Danny swallowed as the Prince spoke to his sister-in-law, acutely aware that the man knew more than what perhaps the Queen wanted him to. Danny had not spoken a word to any of the other Knights but it was not subtle that he was suddenly following the Queen with his hand at his sword, and sometimes it was the one forged of steel.

Danian hadn't missed the Priestess' talk of stories and heirs, but it hadn't been a pertinent matter... until now, apparently. Their eyes flit to the Inquisitor beside him as he spoke, understanding more than any other at the table the thoughts behind his words, then glanced up to Maya. They could believe it. She had always been very sharp and clever - not that any other person couldn't be, but there had always been an added layer of knowledge there that they weren't able to explain.

Cassie looked on unimpressed as the individuals at the table broke into a small squabble over spilled wine and lost lands and titles. Her eyes turned up to the ceiling in annoyance, rather thinking they were less focused and poised than the toddler at her side. She waited for Iann's response though and bowed her head, "Thank you brother." She didn't offer any other explanation. It simply wasn't his business.

Bella giggled as she watched her Knight merely give the Prince a cloth to clean himself up with rather than doing it for him, hand coming to cover her smile. "Thank you, Octavia," she said for her drink, a smirk at her lips as she brought the drink to it.

"Erm, thank you, Lady Knight. How kind," Iann said, bemused but glad to get both his mead, and the cloth. He curiously looked at Queen Bellamy, and her faithful Knight. They certainly made quite the pair.

"Pleasure, my Queen." She replied. Octavia looked around the table and noticed the Prince Iann looking at her and Bella. She made eye contact and bowed her head for a brief moment before looking back up at him.

For once Iann wasn't saying one thing and meaning another when it came to Cassandra and his Knight Harrison. He was completely clueless about their tryst. The salacious implications of his words were completely random chance.

"We don't clean much in the Dead Woods," she excused her Knight, even if the real reason was Octavia's own lineage. Unbeknownst to both Maya and Vi they had very similar tales. "When wine is spilled it is merely an addition to the excitement of an event. This isn't really that time however," she smiled to the Prince.

Fane knew the meeting was getting out of hand, ultimately the business they were here to decide was arranged. So, before things could get further out of control he decided to make a point. They had put him in charge well... he supposed he could use it. Standing - and making a point to deliberately scrape his heavy oak seat across the flagstones that the echoing screech of it cut across the room he gritted his teeth. "Enough!" his voice was tight as the dark steel at his side and equally as cutting as he addressed the room until he had the attention of all those present. "Enough," he said voice a measured more calm. His fingers curled into fists at his side, "we are here for a reason, now, unless anyone has any further business concerning the organisation of the council, the city or any other matter. Speak it now or I shall call this meeting to a close."

It was Savin's servant who'd done most of the bickering, it seemed; so Iann smiled at Queen Bella and her Knight as he daubed at his clothes idly. He looked up at Savin then. "I have nothing more to say here, High Inquisitor."

"I merely have to ask that another chair be added to the table. For our Lady Parker. If she wants it." The priestess looked at Maya. It was up to her.

Danian winced down into their chair when Lord Savin's chair scraped across the floor, their ears practically ringing from the sound. "I'm fine," they mumbled, mostly under their breath.

Fane turned his head to look at the Priestess and then Maya. The weighted silence that had settled in the chamber echoing. "Well?"

Cassie "I do think the meeting is adjourned." Cassandra spoke a little louder. "We know where we are needed, and our roles for this trying time." She took Adeline's hand, standing from the table. "Trying to focus anything further at this point seems like a waste of breath." 

Faye had downed her glass of wine, having nothing more to say since the room dissolved into chaos. She winced slightly at the sound of his voice, but only because it cut through the din like thunder. When they were summarily dismissed, more or less, Faye got up, excused herself, and left.

The Red Priestess waited, watching the lords and ladies take their leave one by one. "You could make a difference, child," she said quietly to Maya.

Maya shot Lord Cardero a look as if to suggest that she hadn't been doing anything. "Fine," she said and her expression returned to its usual stoicism.

"Marvellous." With that, the priestess excused herself for the evening.

Fane gestured generally, "very well then." With that said he picked up one of the flagons of wine and left rubbing his temple tiredly. 

Miguel set the crown back down on the throne - leaving it still bloody and envenomed. He doubted that anyone would touch it. He turned with Danian down the hall and went looking for the library - for more information on venom or mechanics. Maybe even gold or the history of the crown. What they needed more than anything was information, plain and simple.

Fane looked back at Dani and Miguel making his way down the steps and noting Faye stood at the base of the stone dais. While he wanted to speak with her, he caught sight of Maya lingering near the back of the hall and frowned a little. He paused momentarily however, “I need to check on those of my household who were in attendance… But I’d like to speak later.”

With nowhere else to be at the moment, since it appeared they were waiting on more of the lords and ladies to return for the quiver meeting, Faye followed behind Miguel and the one who’s name she didn’t know. She avoided Lord Savin’s gaze, eyes focused on the path ahead.

Maya waited at the back of the hall until most of the company had dispersed to follow their own investigatory threads. “Sir, is there somewhere we might be able to speak privately?” she asked in a voice too low for anyone but Lord Savin to hear. As she said it though her eyes were on the crown, thinking over what she had overheard the nobles saying about it earlier.

Fane was blanked by Lady Lacroy, not entirely fair in his opinion but ultimately he had bigger issues than one disgruntled woman presently. As Maya asked for some time to speak he looked at her curiously unsure what need she would have of him, “aye…” A few of his men had returned to his side, more for his protection than anything else not that he needed it presently. “There’s a a private audience room attached to my chambers.. We can speak there if that would suffice?”

Maya nodded. Although the silent exchange between her master and Lady Lacroy hadn’t escaped her notice, there were more important things to discuss at present. They made their way to the private audience room with Maya ensuring that they weren’t followed. Once she was absolutely certain they wouldn’t be heard she turned to her lord. “Sir, I feel you must know although it is unlikely to be discovered. Several years ago I was in the employ of a Lord Walden in a land far east of here. He was poisoned. I swear I had nothing to do with what happened to the High Raj, but I fear that accusation may fall on you if anyone here were to connect me to that history. I thought it better I tell you before someone else discovered it.”

Fane requested his men wait outside and see they weren’t disturbed. Once inside he walked a short distance before turning to observe her before making a gesture for her to say what she had to say. Though what she did end up saying caused him to look at her for a long moment, the confession wasn’t one he’d anticipated and he blinked at her as the news processed. “Was the culprit caught? And was there any reason for someone to want him dead? And how long ago was this would you say?” He grimaced at the mention of blame potentially falling on him, “I have little to gain from the Raj’s death.”

“No. Yes. He was an awful lecherous man. A few years ago,” Maya replied. The culprit hadn’t been caught because she was standing in front of Lord Savin now. She nodded, but said, “That doesn’t mean you won’t be accused of it, sir. I would expect suspicion will fall on every House before the truth comes out. If the truth comes out.”

Fane weighed up what Maya had to say, he wasn’t here to to stand judge and jury on a crime for a man that by Maya’s account deserved it. Though didn’t they always deserve it by some extent of justification? It was also a tad too convenient. Closing his eyes he pinched the bridge of his nose, another thing to be concerned about. “Unfortunately you’re right, and this has made my position more complicated…” none of them were above suspicion… But he couldn’t let her go now, it would just arouse suspicion to Maya’s case. Equally being found to have someone responsible for poisoning in his employ reflected badly on him. There was no real way to win. Though it appeared the Raj hadn’t been killed by poison. “I’ll keep in mind what you’ve told me… And I’m going to ask this out of respect for the fact you’ve been honest about this… Is there anything else that I need to be made aware of about you or your history? I’d rather you told me now than it come out later.”

Maya nodded again. She knew that it would make things more complicated for him, but it wasn’t as if she could simply disappear as she usually did. She also had nothing to do with what had happened to the High Raj and technically she had used poison and not venom like what had killed the High Raj. And any road she doubted anyone else would discover that particularly ugly part of her history. She didn’t hesitate when Lord Savin ask if there was anything else he needed to be made aware of about her. “No, sir,” she replied feeling the statement to be completely honest. He didn’t need to know her birthright. It had nothing to do with the events of the day. House Parker wasn’t and never had been part of the Quiver of Houses. Her long abandoned homeland held no power here. “I’ve spoken to the servants and they say that someone has been guarding the crown since it was delivered by the blacksmith. I should be able to ask around and see if anyone gained unsupervised access to it without arousing suspicion.”

Fane would have said Maya disappearing would just have drawn even more suspicion than was already present. Letting his hand fall away from the bridge of his nose he turned levelling Maya with a long and searching look. If he chose to believe her then he was putting his faith in her, and misplaced trust could get you killed so easily these days. “Very well… Thank you for informing me as you have…” though Maya’s mention of others having access to it caused Fane to nod ever so slightly, “aye, find out what you can but… quietly. I’d rather not inadvertently kick the hornets nest… Anything you find out comes back to me.”

Maya ’s expression didn’t change as Lord Savin looked her over. Technically, she wasn’t lying. Even if she had been though it was a lie so well practiced that it was unlikely to be discovered anyway. She nodded a third time when he warned her to do any investigation quietly. “Yes sir,” she said, “I’ll be careful.”

Fane nodded, “very well. If there’s nothing else to inform me about then you may go.”

Maya curtsied, “Thank you sir.” She left, slipping once again into the shadows unnoticed to learn what she could by observing.

While walking with Miguel, Danian felt a presence behind them and glanced back to see Lady Lacroy following behind. They slowed their steps so that she could catch up and walk beside them instead. “M'Lady,” they bowed their head to her briefly. “I’m glad to have you joining us. Your insight will be of great help.” 

Faye nodded in return as Miguel’s companion slowed to speak with her. “I found I can’t stand to be in that room a moment longer,” she said with wane smile. “But thank you. I’m afraid we haven’t properly met. I’m Faye. Of House Lacroy.”

“Danian. Of House Lovel.” They offered her a polite smile before tilting their head to ask, “I heard you had a bit of trouble with House Kesley yesterday. I hope you haven’t had any further issue from them? They attempted to kidnap Queen Cassandra of Summerset as well. I can’t help but wonder if they have a hand in all this.”

Faye nodded. “I’ve heard of your House. A good family.” Faye frowned at the mention of the incident in the market. “Is that who that was?” Faye had also heard of that house. Not a fan of ‘witches’ in any regard. Though the potential kidnapping of Lady Cassandra was far more upsetting. “It would seem likely. Unless the two incidents were merely a distraction.”

Danian couldn’t resist the proud grin and subtle straightening of their posture when Faye complimented their family. It wasn’t often they were complimented outright, as small as they were, so their day was quite brightened to hear it. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say.” They paused a moment before adding, “I’m sorry I don’t know an awful lot about your house aside from myth, but personally, I prefer to put no stock in such stories. It’s better to meet someone for yourself before you join in the judgement of others.” As she responded to their news of the near-kidnapping, the lord’s hand squeezed briefly around the pommel of the sword at their hip. “We should consider all angles. A distraction would be awfully clever… There has been a concentrated watch on Kesley since the incidents. Perhaps they were meant to thin out the attention of the guard elsewhere.”

“I wish more people thought that way.” Faye gave Danian a small smile. “But it’s much appreciated.” The idea of a distraction was a good one. It’s what Faye would’ve done, though she kept that to herself. “They said the crown was gone for quite a while, correct? Do we know who had access to it at the time? Who the men were that were with it?”

Danian returned Faye’s smile, but then sighed to her observation. “It toured around through the individual kingdoms. I would imagine it was heavily guarded throughout the journey - or at least it should have been, but I never had a chance to see it myself.”

Faye sighed as well. “If it is viper venom, we should at least be able to locate where it’s from. Or…” She gave Danian a slightly helpless look. “… at least where the serpent originates. Perhaps if the crown passed through such a place…” It was a long shot, as certain potent ingredients could be bought most anywhere, if one knew where to look.

“It would be a start.” Danian put a careful hand on her arm for reassurance. “No matter the true circumstances.” Their hand returning to their side they added, “We’re not the only ones looking into this. We don’t have to solve it ourselves. We take what we can find and apply it to whatever else comes of the rest of the investigation, yes?”

“Of course,” Faye nodded. The possibilities made her head ache, to be quite honest. She hadn’t come here to help solve murders. She had only come to bear witness and show that her family was still a part of things. They eventually made it to the expansive library, and Faye looked around at the sheer volume of texts available. “Gods… I’ve never seen so many books in all my life…”

Miguel had let Lord Danian and Lady Faye talk as they made their way down the hallways - Miguel kept his eyes out for the library, and once they stumbled upon it he entered messy room and looked around. They had their work cut out for them. He read the spines, and found many of the spines had no lettering - they had to be taken off the shelf and opened. That got a grumble from his throat. His scrolls were far more neat - and they had to deal with the constant swaying of the ocean. “Is there any sense to the arrangement?” He asked his companions, but also himself. If there was a rhyme or reason to the layout of the books, he didn’t see it.

Danian Like Faye, Danian was mesmerized by the sheer number of books in the castle library. It wasn’t that they hadn’t seen any large libraries before, but this really dulled them all by comparison. Hearing Miguel, they blinked out of their momentary distraction. “Ah..” stepping forward, they glimpsed at some of the spines and shelves themself. “Not that I can see. Why don’t we split up and to cover more ground?”

“I’ve never set foot in here before,” Faye said to Miguel. “Perhaps there’s… a manifest? A book that lists all the other things contained here?”

Miguel walked toward a far corner and started inspecting books. “Let’s look for a manifest then.” That was a good idea. And it would probably be close to the door. He focused on the front of the room and started looking in all the books for anything to make sense of the messy library.

Moving off the left, Faye made her way around the outside of the large room. There were layers of dust so thick that Faye wondered just how long it had been since most of these scrolls had been read. It was so dusty, in fact, that it was the lack of dust that drew her eye. To a large book on crowded but mostly dust free desk. “I might have something,” Faye called.

While Miguel looked toward the front, Dani moved to their right, shifting through books and rolls of parchment alike. They hummed under their breath as they did so, but eventually, the noise stopped. Faye’s voice cut in from across the room and they looked back over their shoulder before striding in her direction. “Do you?” They stood beside her and inspected the volume, carefully opening the cover to get a glimpse inside. “Well- it certainly looks like a manifest, they said as they saw the pages of listings.”

“It’s the only thing without dust in the whole place.” Faye peered over Danian’s shoulder, reading the list of items held in the library. Coming across a name of two that looked helpful, Faye tapped a finger on the page. “I’ll see if I can find this one?”

Danian flipped through the pages slowly until Faye stopped them. They knew she would have a much better idea of what titles to seek out than they would. “That’s perfect,” they glanced back at her with a nod. “Is there anything else you’d like me to search for while you’re looking for it?”

“Anything similar. Anything on toxins or… past attempts on the lives of other rulers. Maybe we can find something similar that gave someone an idea?”

“Ah- yes. That’s a brilliant thought. I’ll see what I can find.”

They looked around for quite awhile, finding a few books here and there. Along with the occasional scroll. “This will take ages to look through,” Faye said of the assembled tally. “Are we allowed to take it back to our rooms?”

Octavia roamed the castle for a few hours, taking time to familiarize herself with the grounds. She walked into a room that seemed to be a library and noticed she might have interrupted something. “Oh, hello again.” She said to Faye. “Hi there, I’m Octavia.” She introduced herself to the others.

Faye turned to sound of a familiar voice as she and Danian looked over the items. “Hello again,” she greeted her. “Where is your mistress tonight?”

Danian looked over to Faye and nibbled the edge of their lip for a moment, looking over the collection of materials they’d found. “I would think so…” but before they could say more, another woman walked into the room and they looked up with Faye to greet her. “A pleasure to meet you, Octavia.” The lord offered her a polite smile. They grew interested in Faye’s question before stating their name, pausing to hear the woman’s answer first.

Fane remained in his chambers for a while after Maya left, but ultimately there was work to be done before the Quiver was summoned. Opting to change out of his finery into something simpler and more befitting the situation at hand he returned downstairs asking after his ward and being pointed to the library. Arriving at the room in question he dipped his head politely to Miguel and Lady Lacroy wondering if she would continue to opt to steadfastly ignore him ultimately meandering over to his ward. “Danian… Have you found anything useful?”

She’s found some friends to join for a dinner. So, I’ve been left to my own devices.” She said walking over to the table the two were seated at. She noticed the various books and scrolls sprawled across the table. “Light reading?” She asked. Octavia ran her fingers across one of the books, crushing the dust between her fingers.

When Lord Savin entered the room, Danian spun on their heel to face him, though their response came with a sigh. “Lord Savin– we have found ourselves a fair collection of material, focused on toxins, venomous reptiles, former royal assassinations…” they glanced back at the table briefly. “But, it’s going to take time to read through the lot of it. Lady Lacroy and I were considering taking some of it back to our rooms for review.”

Fane grimaced a little at the task at hand looking to the books and papers that were spread over the table. “How can I assist you? I have time before the Quiver is called and I’m happy to lend my assistance in any way that might useful.”

Octavia: “Would you need these extra eyes?” She asked, nodding at Lord Savin when he walked in. “I’m guessing you think the High Raj was…” Octavia picked up a book and read the latin title. “Poisoned?” She asked.

Faye’s expression visibly tightened as Lord Savin joined their small group. She gave a small nod, but then turned her attentions back to the book in front of her. She let Danian explain what was going on, since Faye herself hadn’t been addressed. “Possibly,” Faye said to Octavia. “Most likely a fast-acting venom is involved somehow, considering the nature of his death.”

“Any additional eyes would be highly valued,” Danian looked between the two newcomers, then settled again on Fane. “Though, there’s anything you know regarding the previous tour of the crown around the kingdoms - who was responsible for its protection and who might have had access to it - we could use that insight as well.”

“The names of anyone capable of engineering the workings of the mechanisms in the crown would be useful as well. I’m sure those types of smiths are few and far between. In all the kingdoms.”

“It would make sense, though the culprit would not have been able to act alone- it would have had to be at least three or four people. Someone who helped serve the High Raj food and drink, someone who knew the ins and outs of the castle, and someone who would have been able to bring the poison in.” Octavia put the book back on the table.

Fane picked up a small piece of parchment jotting down that which needed to be investigated further before rolling it into a small scroll and tucking it away in his pouch.

Cassie heels clicked against the marble floors that shifted to stone as she followed the staircases down to the castles dungeons. After yesterday's skirmish with the Kesley's they had been rightly siezed and thrown into captivity. She would have waited for the Iquistor for better formality's, but he was well distracted with the death of the Raj, so Cassandra took the Kesley's fate into her own hands. The gaurds outside the cell looked a little weary at the well-born lady's arrival, but she easily explained, "Lord Fane requested I deal with the Kesley scum. Please, allow me access." The pair tilted their head quietly in aknowledgement and left after unlocking the iron door, but only because the High Lady had another cloaked figure with her. Cassie stepped inside, nose wrinkling at the smell before she stared down at the Kesley Lord crumpled on the floor, "You fool. Did you really think you could get away with it?"

A Kesley looked up sullenly, but once he saw that it was Grand Lady Cassandra, he clambered to his feet. "You..." he sneered, gripping the rusty cell bars with scraped, red-tinged hands. "How did you get past the guards? I am under their protection, as per the command of that bastard Inquisitor of the North." He looked smug in the fact that his justice would be served later. "Whatever you've come to say, say it now. You stupid woman." He insulted her, but there was a slight thin taut string of fear in his voice that he tried to mask with disdain.

Cassie scowled at the man as he seemed to clearly doubt her, and then he went as far as to blatantly insult her? Did he not realize where he was? "That's hardly a way to speak to a Queen." She folded her hands in front of her body and let out a dramatized sigh, "I've simply come to informm you I no longer require your services. You've failed them, as far as I'm concerned landing behind these bars. These pathetic crumbling walls are the last thing you'll see Kesley. I hope you've come to terms with that."

A Kesley "Know that I hate you, vile woman. I curse you, and you will pay for what you've done to my men. But I did do exactly as you said--" he rattled the bars then, spittle flying from his mouth in his rage. "- and you must keep your end of the bargain. Send the ravens to your pathetic Summerset. Release my nephew, as you promised!"

Cassie If Cassandra was bothered by the Kesley's rage, she didn't let it show on her placid face and instead just quietly flicked away some of the spittle that landed on her cheek. When she spoke though, her voice was dark and sharp, and she stepped just a bit closer, "You stupid, stupid, man-" She let out a laugh, "Do you think I'd really let that bastard nephew of yours live? He's dead. Has been dead. All the Kesley's are dead. Do you think I'd risk my plan getting out?" She raised her hand to motion the cloaked figure forward as she turned slightly. The blade caught a glint of firelight before it slashed into the Kesley across the way.

A Kesley Too late the Kesley saw the cloaked figure and he tried to step back from the bars, but something seemed to hold him there. "Guard! Guard, please! The G--" but his words cut off in a gurgle, and a fountain of blood that spilled across the bars and the stone floor. He slumped ungracefully across the bars, then slid down in a sodden, wet heap of blood and urine.

Ciara stalked the halls in a hurry, running her hand through her hair anxiously as she did. There were things she knew, that others did not. A missing spy, a venomous snake, and whispers about the Kesleys. So many whispers about the Kesleys. And here were some, locked away, perfect for her to speak to. Ciara made her way down the hall, a shawl covering her hair, an appropriate rite of mourning. She slowed suddenly at the sight of a shadow coming up from the stairs of the dungeon, cleared her face of any concern, and turned her attention to a letter from her father as she walked more idly. It was Lady Cassandra coming up the stairs. There were other places those stairs led, of course, but most of them were no places for a Grand Lady. It was too late. They had already seen eachother.

Cassie As Cassandra was coming up the stairs she was concentrating on not tripping over her heels or skirts, so when she saw the darker figure of someone looming about, she was taken off guard. Seeing it was Ciara of course made the Summerset heir straighten, and silently thank the gods she had paid off the assassin in private. Her blue eyes blinked for a moment before Cassandra smiled softly and continued down the hall towards Ciara, "My dear, you look absolutely flustered, I think even royal informants deserve a break in the Grand Hall, don't you?"

"Do I?" Ciara asked, smiling just as softly, keeping her gaze kind and easily on Cassie's expression. Looking around now would only be suspicious. "I must admit I find all the people in the hall a little overwhelming at times. I am not used to such crowds." She glanced down at her own hands, gloved and clasping the letter from her father. "And sometimes there isn't even privacy in one's own room." She looked back up at Lady Cassandra. "I hope I am not disturbing you."

Cassie couldn't help but laugh some at the comment about the others in attendace currently at the castle, "No, I don't think I could blame you for that. Everyone is especially on short fuse and patcience these days. If I could eat in private without causing some sort of alarm. I would." She waved her hand as if in dismissal, "Even in a palace such as this we are bound to cross paths, it's hardly a bother." Her eyes flicked down to the letter, "Are we any closer to finding the High Raj's killer then?"

"That I understand," Ciara chuckled, "But I fear the prince and lord Cardero might revolt to be denied time with their niece." She followed Cassandra's gaze. "Oh, this is merely from my father. Regaling me with tales of my own nephews. I miss them, but my duty is here. In truth, I do not know. The Inquisitor does not share with me." Not intentionally. The Eagle Commander had left a meeting with the Inquisitor looking green around the gills, and had started chasing his captains. Ciara's mice had felt his urgence in their whiskers, nervous that blame might be assigned the wrong person in all this, and audible relief when his hurry passed them by. And now one of them was dead, by his own hand, reportedly. A man who believed himself acting for Juan Carlos. Ciara had assumed the Prince Cardero was to blame, but this was perhaps to coincidental a meeting. "Part of me wonders if he is not sharing because he is not truly looking. He has benefited greatly from this." Deflect, mislead.

"Indeed." Cassandra nodded, "They do enjoy to dote on her so." Which was validating and comforting enough for Cassie. "Ah-that's kind of him to write." She commented about Ciara's father. She wondered if the girl was really telling the truth, but it wasn't as if she'd command to see the letter. She frowned though at the information that she Ciara was suspicious of the Iquisitor. "Do you think? He seemed pretty enraged by the Kesley's out in the courtyard the other day. Imagine, a never ending Inquisition." She wrinkled her nose, "I don't think the Kingdom could withstand it."

"It is. He wishes he were here instead, but I do not think he would feel that if he were." She folded the letter between his hands and tucked it away within her robe. It was cold, this deep in the castle, the rocks cool to the touch. One could catch one's death in here. "I do not know," Ciara replied instead. "Or perhaps he serves another cause." Her voice dropped low, looking right in Cassie's eyes. "The kingdom could not stand another war, and yet here we are. We need a new ruler, and soon."

Maya sat in the Great Hall at the long wooden table. Taking a break from investigating she was eating dinner. A dinner which, of course, had been tested for poison before she started eating. It was better to be safe than sorry. One of the doors opened, drawing her attention. She had to resist the urge to stand, curtsey and make excuses for her presence. Instead, she asked, "Have they called another meeting?"

Faye had finally had to come out of her rooms to find something to eat. She was starving, and after the events of earlier, she found herself still feeling slightly ill. So she went to the Great Hall, hoping to find someone that could tell her where the kitchens were. When she entered, she didn't expect to find anyone (thought why she hadn't expected it, she didn't know), but instead found the girl who's name she knew to be Maya. "Oh. No. I'm just... a bit too hungry to wander around for ages in search of the kitchen. Pardon the intrusion."4

Maya turned her head towards one of the side doors in the hall, "Hey Annabella!" After a moment a young servant women appeared. "There's some extra of this in a pot downstairs, can you please grab a bowl for Lady Lacroy?" Maya asked. The young woman nodded and curtsied. Maya couldn't help, but shake her head, "No need for that Annabella." The servant nodded again before disappearing. "It's just stew, but it's better than nothing to eat at all," she said, turning back to Lady Lacroy and gesturing for her to sit.

Faye glanced at the girl who ran off to get more stew. "That's kind of you," she said to Maya, coming to sit. She appeared a bit more pale than usual, her countenance slightly unsettled. "I haven't had a good stew in ages. I'm sure it's wonderful." She adjusted her skirts, looking around the hall. "You're of Lord Savin's House, are you not?"

Maya shrugged, "There was extra and I know it won't kill anyone." She took another sip of her wine. "Plus, I was a servant up until last night. Old habits die hard and all." She nodded to Lady Lacroy's question. As far as Maya was concerned she was still part of Lord Savin's household although her title had changed. At the very least, she was not of House Parker anymore. "Are you all well?" she asked, "I imagine that scuffle earlier was quite trying."

"Not dying is always preferable." A small smile turned the corner of her mouth. "They do," she said of habits. Faye knew that all too well. Having been virtually a recluse for so long left her uncertain of the world at times. "I'm no less well than I've ever been," she nodded. The mention of the events of earlier had Faye taking a deep breath. "I haven't witnessed violence like that... in some time. It was... shocking, yes. I didn't get a chance to thank you for what you did, by the way. With a frying pan no less."

Danny had departed from the door of the Queen's chambers when one of her men relieved him, hungry he came downstairs in the hopes of grabbing something to eat while royalty was not in the room, and he was lucky. Perhaps not entirely since Lady Lacroy still held a very high position but no one who would imagine he could not eat with them. "Do you mind if I join?" he asked the ladies, not having heard a lick of what they had been saying.

Maya had her own curiosities about her lord and Lady Lacroy, but they were probably best kept to herself for the moment. After all there was a much more important investigation to focus on. She did raise an eyebrow when Lady Lacroy claimed to be well. She didn't entirely look well. Maya chose not to comment on that though. "Hmm...I wish I were more surprised by it," she replied. She shook her head though at the Lady's thanks. "I think you'll agree that enough innocent blood has been shed already. As for the frying pan, you learn a few things down in the kitchens." Her attention was drawn to the great door again by its opening. At the knight's question, she shook her head. Still, she looked to Lady Lacroy who had the final say in the matter.

Faye nodded at Maya's lack of surprise. Faye had been waiting for it in all honesty. For fear and uncertainty to evolve into violence and outrage. It had happened a bit sooner than she'd expected, but otherwise it was par for the course. "I do. The innocent always pay the price for men's fear. Or their greed." She turned her head as someone else came in, and greeted the knight with a nod. "By all means, join us." Faye gestured to the table. "How fare you, sir knight?"

Their conversation seemed to halt when he came in so Danny looked behind him, wondering if perhaps he should just eat in the kitchen but they invited him in. "Tired," he admitted to the women. "I suspect we all are, but having to stay awake a lot longer than the rolls has me falling asleep at my post, I figured some food might help me survive the night." Danny wandered over, looking at the tables food and picking at some meet with his fingers.

"I think everyone pays, eventually," Maya replied. Of course for some that payment was long time coming. As they turned their attention to the knight, Annabella returned and set a bowl of stew in front of Lady Lacroy without a word. The knight explained his troubles. "Perhaps we should ask one of the servants to brew some coffee for you and your fellows? I saw a bit in the kitchens yesterday morning."

Danian shuffled into the Great Hall, rubbing their eye. They didn't look to be in the best shape -- shadows under their eyes, hair messier than usual, clock not sitting quite right on their shoulders. They looked like hell. Fortunately, that hell had nothing to do with too many drinks at the tavern. No, this was all work. They weren't made for staring at books and scrolls through the night. Candles made harsh light for reading. But, they had wanted to get things and here they were now. The hand that wasn't wiping the haze from their eye held a bowl with a few scraps of venison dropped inside. They didn't want to bother anyone to make them a meal when they knew it would be easier and quicker on all parties involved if they simply walked into the kitchen and asked what they had left over. It earned them a couple of stares, but the young lord was used to that by now. Besides, they could do with a reminder of home and a simple hunter's meal was perfect for that. "M'Ladies. Ser." They nodded in greeting to the party as they sat down, a light huff escaping them. "Hope it's alright if I join you."

Faye gave a small nod to the girl who brought her stew, and then turned back to the conversation. "I'd chance to say that being to exhausted to stand upright hardly makes for a good watchman, does it?" The comment was curious, and slightly concerned for who he was supposed to be protecting.

Maya struggled not to raise an eyebrow again, surprised that a knight would know how to brew their own coffee. Then again he had claimed the understand the commoner's point of the view the night before so perhaps he had come from more humble background than most nights. She nodded to Danian as they burst into the room. "Please do," she said to them. "I'm well thank you, if a bit tired as well," she replied as far as the knight's question. It wasn't entirely true, but it would suffice for present company.

She turned to her stew, contemplating it as Maya spoke to the knight as well. Coffee sounded absolutely wonderful. Faye couldn't remember the last time she'd had any. Her eyes rose again as someone else joined the growing part. Danian she knew, having met them in the library. Faye nodded in greeting, and that it was certainly fine for them to join, before turning back to the knight. "Nothing that wasn't handled," Faye said, glancing at Maya, who had been there too.

"Handled?" Danny asked with a rise of his brows before his eyes flickered to the new addition, someone of stature he looked down, deciding it best that he not sit. "Perhaps I should go make everyone some coffee?" he offered.

Maya gave non committal shrug, "There may have been a frying pan, some light stabbing and House Kelsey ruffians involved. As Lady Lacroy said though, it's handled." She nodded, "That may be a good idea. I fear we all have long nights ahead of us."

"Have I missed anything exciting yet?" Danian asked of the conversation, putting on a slight grin. It was more meant to be a cheerful sort of amusing ask. Not entirely a serious question. They could all do with a bit less excitement anyhow. When the knight looked down at them and rose to his feet, their brows raised and they blinked, not quite sure why he felt compelled to do so. They certainly weren't the sort of nobility that demanded formality. "Aye, I'd bet Maya's right. Might as well prepare ourselves as best we can. Thank you." Danian gave him a smile.

Faye wasn't sure if spreading the word of what had actually gone on during the 'scuffle' would do any good. Rumors were no doubt already spreading like wildfire. Though if this knight hadn't heard anything, perhaps it hadn't got too far. She was about to reiterate that it yes, things had been 'handled,' when Maya beat her to it. "Coffee would be much appreciated," she said instead to the knight as he offered to fetch coffee. "And no, nothing overly exciting. Though I think we've all had enough excitement, haven't we?" She gave Danian a small smile before turning to her stew.

Danian nodded at Faye and sighed. "Maybe we have," their head tilted aside, "or perhaps..." as they spoke a mischievous gleam sparked in the corner of their eye -- the liveliest thing about them yet, "...perhaps we just haven't been having the right sort of excitement." But then they shrugged, which dimmed that glimmer in their eye. "I need to get out of here. Even for one hour in the city. I don't think I stand being trapped in here much longer. I was never made for cities in the first place. Now I'm being held in one like a prisoner."

Maya considered the offer for a moment. She could use a break. The last two days had been more stressful than she'd like. Still, she wasn't one to abandon a problem before it was finished. Then again it might be useful to know what the city's population were thinking of the last few days events. If someone had leaked the secret of the Raj's death, it might point to a suspect who wished to reignite the war. She couldn't help but snort a laugh though when Danian mentioned feeling like a prisoner in the keep. "You're telling me," she said before thinking better of it.

"I don't like cities either," Faye said quietly. "It's so... busy. All the time. There's never any real quiet."

Danian didn't see much into Maya's outburst. They chuckled at it, actually. "Maya, if anyone deserves a break, it's you." They hadn't forgotten how the Red Priestess had called her out at the Quiver of Houses. It was cruel and unfair, even if the woman thought her actions were just. That revelation, true or not, hardly changed Maya in their eyes. Danian had always enjoyed her company. She was sharp-witted and bold and was one of the few servants at Blackspire actually willing to loosen formalities around them. The lord leaned forward slightly, looking between the two ladies, "I say we go out. If we're not able today, then as soon as we've got the chance. I've been meaning to explore the Lower City myself. I've heard it's been rather chaotic recently. Why not have a look ourselves?"

Faye glanced at Danian. The thought of getting out of the keep was... enticing. But being out there in the open, with people that had already seen her attacked. With people that had - as Danian said - been a bit chaotic, only made Faye feel ill at ease. "I don't think I should venture out. I was asked to stay nearby." Fan- Lord Savin had asked her not to stray too far, lest another incident occur.

Maya huffed a laugh, "You're too good to me." She liked Danian. They tended to see the servants more as people than most nobles she knew. She turned to Lady Lacroy as the woman expressed hesitation at venturing out of the castle. "I don't know, if I escort you," she replied, "Plus I know a thing or two about disguising one's true identity."

"You can't change the color of my eyes, no matter what else you do." Anyone who looked at her would be able to see them, and it was her eye color that was her distinguishing feature. But Faye was grateful for Maya's offer, even if going against the advice of the Inquisitor seemed... unwise. Especially considering the trouble she'd already caused him. His ire wasn't something she wanted to provoke.

Danian looked at Faye with a slight frown. "Are you sure?" They understood why she was asked not to venture too far. She had been attacked upon her arrival. And with the way everything seemed to be going... They sighed, but of course Maya brought their spirits back up in an instant and they grinned. "I do try, m'lady." They might have given a mock bow if they had been standing. Then, they looked back to Faye. "Maya is right. You would have the both of us with you. A guard would be too obvious, but we don't need to worry about that." Glancing down, they patted the sword at their hip. Not to mention, Danian knew a thing or two about wielding knives and, in their own way, concealing identities. It was Faye's eye color that was the issue. "No, we can't change the color, but we could find a way to hide them. We would just have to get inventive."

"I don't know..." Faye said to Danian. "It would be good to get out of here, I'll admit that much. But... I don't wish to put anyone in any danger because of me. What reason do I have to venture out besides?"

Danian gave Faye a light smile. "I'm used to danger, but I understand. My only thought would be to offer you a bit of fresh air and some time to stretch your legs, if you wish." The woman had more stress surrounding her than most of those gathered in the keep. "Of course, if there is something else you'd like to do to relax a wee bit, I'm willing to help if I can."

"I'm not sure I should be that adventurous just yet. But... a walk possibly? Around the upper balconies might be enough to clear my head." Faye appreciated the offer, just as she had Maya's, but it felt selfish to break an order just to get some air. Though Danian and Maya weren't under the same scrutiny as she had recently been.

"I think I can manage a walk," the Northerner grinned. "The city isn't going anywhere. I could always head out later today or tomorrow." Danian crossed their arms on the surface of the table. "Is there anything you need to get to prior? Wrap up any investigative business? I know the whole point is to avoid it for a time, but I'd hate to take you away from something important."

"Thank you." Faye gave Danian a nod. "I won't keep you long." She shook her head that there was nothing pressing. Having already met with Lady Florent, and done enough reading in her room to burn down an entire candle, Faye needed a bit of time with nothing swirling through her mind. "I still have books in my room that I'm looking over, but I can come back to those afterwards."

"Alright then. And it's my pleasure." They could say the same in regards to books. Both of them had been drowning in literature for days. A necessary evil. "Would you like to head that way now?"

Bella felt the fur of her wolf beneath her fingers. Others had been summoned and distributed about the city, mostly in areas of unrest and crime. It had been a long walk to the edge of Bluesprings to direct them and felt like an even longer walk back, even with the short rest she had taken in the Inn. The closer she drew back to where the rest of the nobles were still kept under more stringent guard the more Bella felt as though eyes were on her, bare feet leaving bloody marks on the stone from the cuts of her jewels on her feet and the cuts from various rubble she had walked over but Bella was used to such pain and ignored it, far more concerned with whispered words she couldn't hear, especially in the daylight, her darkness not around to bring her comfort. "We're close, Bastian," she said to the wolf that snarled at anyone who gazed too long at her.

Commonfolk cringed and fled at the sight of the strange monstrous woman and her giant wolf. She was so small, but she radiated a permanent darkness around her that may not have been visible, but was certainly felt. It felt like being cold and alone and lost in deep woods that had no goal other than to hurt you. People were terrified of her - and they watched as she walked through them, and they wondered how the Inquisition could allow this devil-thing a seat in the Quiver of Houses. Some knew she hailed from the Dark Woods, a place renowned among the commonfolk as a place one did not enter, at the risk of their lives. And now she was here, and the rumours flew about what she was doing here, and why she was allowed a space in the Inquisition. Still, they were looking forward to the High Raj's Funeral, if only for the pomp and ceremony, and a way to feel a penultimate closure to the shocking event of his death.

When the Queen of the Dark Woods made it to the gate between the Lower City and the Upper City though, a person swathed in all-white appeared in front of Bellamy. Everything was wrapped in white, obscuring their face, even their gender. "Queen Bellamy, of the Dark Woods." The person pulled out two wicked-looking swords, made of an ancient metal that shone bright light, and repelled dark things like werewolves. "It is time to die."

Bella frowned in irritation, the wolf snapping at the air and growling feverishly as the light of the person's sword started to disrupt the magic in them that was keeping their human form at bay. Bella barely knew what to say, human threats not laid against her since she was in her family home, and they weren't for death but for something far worse, a life of chastity and constricting human attire. Fortunately human attire allowed for weapons and from the long sleeves of her dress came daggers, slicing her skin as she pulled them from the bands at her arms. "Bastian," she summoned but his head was twitching as his mouth began to pull back in and his shoulders shrank.

Some people fled at the scene that seemed to lay out before them; but at the same time, others remained to watch - terrified, curious, desperate for something new and exciting to happen to dispel the thrum of constant anxiety that lay over the commonfolk like a blanket more oppressive than any new ruler. This being the Lower City, some savvy old foxes even started trying to take bets: the dark witch against the white angel, et cetera. The white-wrapped assassin ignored all of it, but one might say that they wanted this to happen in plain daylight, in front of a crowd. The assassin pointed a sunsword at Queen Bellamy. In the name of the one True Church, and the Chevaliers," the assassin announced, before they flew towards Bellamy with a terrifying speed and nimbleness.

( tw self harm, blood, etc ) As the person attacked Bella's wolf fell to their human form, naked on the street still on all fours, snarling and biting but not strong enough to draw near the woman he was meant to be protecting. If he did not die that day the King of the Dead Woods would kill Bastian on his return, whether Bella survived or not. Bella herself was terrified, out in the light like this she had no help, no way to summon her Lord and beg his protection, so even with her daggers at her hand she ran, searching for any place hidden from the sun's high light. Bloody footprints stained the ground, no way to hide her direction, but she was fast, used to running over roots and bones that moved as her lord's energy flowed through them. "Octavia!" she called but it did nothing, and the people did even less. Bella finally shoved one aside to enter their home, shadows casted from the walls allowing Bella to fall to her knees, thrusting daggers into her thighs as she screamed to summon the darkness she worshipped.

The Assassin darted effortlessly through the crowd, their focus on the Queen alone. As they stepped under and through shadows, it was almost as if the Assassin glowed, bright as the angel that the bookies and other toothless lollygaggers dubbed the white-wrapped creature. How could they not? All their mythologies and tales in the Capital centred around the idea that dark was bad, and white was good. That the Dark Woods meant death and wolves and dark magic, and this white-wrapped creature was some summoning of the Cloverry, or perhaps even the Red Priestess's God of Light. Whatever it was, some people ducked and screamed, others followed to watch. The scream from the Queen was terrifying, but the Assassin was not deterred. The Assassin struck to attack the wolf-man first, knowing that the wolf-man was weakened against the imbued power of their werewolf-killer swords.

Perhaps it was her darkness, perhaps it was the scent of her blood, perhaps it was her scream of agony, but as Bella withdrew the daggers from her legs, blood pooling around her legs, soaking into the human attire she wore for the sake of decency in the city. They didn't know what the church of her home was, they didn't know it was suppression and self-loathing, that while perhaps her beliefs weren't good they were nowhere near as cruel as the ones in the Kingdom of Chevalier. What all would know, was the sound of dozens of wolves descending upon what they called their home. The rumble was loud as wooden carts were knocked over, windows were shattered, even walls fell as the werewolves bounced off them in an attempt to get to their Queen. This sound was far louder than the Assassin's blade piercing Bastian's form, burning him as it past through his core, even his growl was undermined by the growling of his sisters and brothers. Upon the small home Bella had hidden herself in the wolves came, claws shattering the stone pathways, broad shoulders knocking out commonfolk. Once there they leapt upon the one clothed in white bearing his sword, others snarling and sneering at any commonfolk that remained, insisting they keep their distance.

People fled screaming, and other Guards rushed forward - some from various Houses, others Capital Guards and Knights. They tried to get people under control as well, get the out of the way - but it was difficult to know (or remember) who to fight, at the sight of the growling werewolves collected in the tight space of the Lower City's cramped bowels. They'd been brief that the werewolves were on their side, but that didn't mean the Guards didn't find them fearsome and untrustworthy. They were beasts after all, not men. It was chaos all around: commonfolk running around, some hiding and watching, some breaking into looting and fighting the Guards. The commonfolk at least didn't dare to attack the werewolves, keeping their distance from those as instructed. The white-wrapped assassin spun so quickly it was almost like a dance. Their swords spun as well, like blades that chopped off anything that tried to come close - ears, noses, paws. "Hiding behind your werewolves will not do you any good, Queen," the assassin said, leaping nimbly up the walls of the building until they reached the rooftop. Immediately they produced a bauble from their wrappings and cast it downwards. The burst into a bright glowing white powder that obscured and brightened everything - which of course only added to the chaos, Guards and werewolves and people crashing into each other, into buildings, destruction abound. Through it, the Assassin managed to get a sword close against Bellamy skin - possibly close enough to cut Bellamy - but the Assassin was unable to complete the task, as werewolves leapt onto them, knocking the Assassin so hard that they Assassin went through at least five buildings away in a loud, destructive crash.

The light hurt but the wolves were determined to protect their Queen. Loyalty to her meant the protection of their home. If she fell then there was no human representative of their land, it would be taken and over run. It was her who kept Kingdom's at bay through her own actions, her worship of the darkness or her direction of them. Bella could barely react, blood loss taking over as she muttered blessings to save herself, the light blade cut her, burning her flesh as it had Bastian's but fortunately not going deep enough to kill her before her wolves descended, tear tearing the assassin into small pieces, devouring him like they would a squirrel or deer. The journey to Bluesprings had been long, they needed to feed. As they did however Bella fell into the pool of her own blood, muttering blessings still.

And just like that, it was over. The white powder dissipated bu the sounds of slavering and crunching of flesh and bone echoed through the twisting side roads of the Lower City. The powdery smoke cleared, and the destruction was everywhere - not just from the Assassin, but the werewolves as well as they rushed to protect their Queen. The smell of blood permeated everything. Injured people groaned and moaned for help along a stretch of space from the Gates of the Upper City down to the clutch of houses where the Queen of the Dark Words herself knelt, muttering words. Words that to the commonfolk, sounded like spells and chants, rather than prayers, because they couldn't imagine prayers coming from the mouth of a creature so unholy. And this....thing, and her werewolves - this Dead Queen was a part of the right and just Inquisition?

Bella's eyes began to roll back into her head, mutterings fading away the more blood fell from her. She had hit her arteries, as it was easy to do when hitting such a major area, so for all the blessings she summoned it couldn't mend something like that. Her wolves who did not identify as being even remotely human, did not even conceive of switching back to their human forms to help her, but fortunately guards were duty bound and whatever had happened she was a guest of the High Raj, before his passing, and a member of the Council, so they mustered up the courage to venture in the direction of her and the wolves that were scattered about to grab the woman. She would need whatever physician was available in the keep.

Iann stalked through the Great Hall, catching sight of Danian as he passed. "Have you looked outside, son? Something's happening at the gates of the Upper and Lower City..." Iann walked past, heading up some curving stairway to take him up to a higher balcony, to get a better vantage.

Danian "Wha--?" Danian was caught off guard when Iann suddenly stalked through the Hall and grabbed their attention. They took one look at Faye, a quick 'I'll be back.' Though, of course, there was nothing to keep her from joining. "Something's happening? What kind of something?" They asked the prince as they hurried up after him.

Iann hadn't seen Lady Faye there, or else he would've addressed her as well. But once he reached the balcony, he squinted, and efficiently opened his spyglass, raising it to his eye. "....There--!" he handed the spyglass to Danian, but his own gaze was affixed on the white glowing powder floating up into the sky, his gaze like a hawk. "Werewolves, it looks like? But something else as well..."

Faye was just about to rise to follow Danian for their walk, but then the prince was there and they were speaking and leaving the hall in a rush. Faye frowned, the urgency in the princes voice and the look on Danians face enough to make her follow.

The wolves cleared whatever path was needed for the guards to make their way to the keep as quickly as possible, less destruction than they had initially caused but not none by any means, the stone pathways and a few windows were torn up or broken. When they finally reached the gates the wolves stopped, all bar one with greying fur that tore a guards sword from his hands with snouth and threw it to the ground, insisting entry. Unable to stop him the guards allowed the lone aging wolf to follow, rushing the Dead Woods Queen inside.

There was smoke rising over the lower city as Faye reaches the balcony. At least it looked like smoke. The call of werewolves - gods above - had her heart skipping a beat as it leapt into he throat. Faye couldn’t see them, but she watched regardless, a feeling of dread in her chest.

Danian had been scanning over the city from the balcony as they reached it, but Iann's spyglass was far more effective than their own eyesight. Werewolves. He was right. They had seen Queen Bellamy's one at the Quiver of Houses, but there were so many! Like Iann, however, it was the white powder that caught their eye. "That's strange..." they mumbled, partly to themself as they squinted even through the instrument. "It doesn't seem natural to me. Clearly not snow. Doesn't seem like ash..." Pausing, they handed the spyglass to Faye and pointed out the mysterious feature for her to inspect. "Any thoughts?"

"No thoughts needed - look," Iann pointed grimly directly below them, at the Gates that opened into the Keep itself. Guards marched in at a rapid clip, and on their shoulders they bore none other than the Queen of the Dead Woods herself, who looked almost completely black-red with blood. "Kraken deep," he cursed, as the maesther scurried out, looking at the Queen before calling for his apprentices to guide the Guards to his physician's temple. One wolf stood outside the gate, grey fur matted with blood.

His expression cold and unfathomable as the ocean, the Prince pressed his lips together. "I have to go." Iann took his spyglass first, swiftly pivoting on his heel and leaving the young Ward and the Lady alone once more.

Faye took the glass and after a moment of adjustment took a look at the rising smoke. “It’s... shimmering. Could be... some sort of alchemical reaction. The wind is taking it out to sea though.” She turned as the prince took his spyglass back, frowning before glancing down at the creature at the gates. Faye’s blood ran cold, but it just stood there, watching the bloody body of its queen pass through into the city.

The wolf did not snarl or bite once inside, keeping his jaw shut firmly, eyes moving with more clarity than the previous one to watch over her had shown. He would remain at her side as Prince Cardero's physician's worked on her throughout the day and into the evening, stoic and strong. It was at the stroke of midnight the Queen arose, weak and bloody, the old wolf crawling onto the wooden table she rested upon and gifting her comfort so she knew she was safe to rest. "My King," she let out hoarsely, falling almost immediately back to sleep.

Bella sat close to the head of the table, intent to have her opinion on who the future High Raj should be heard, far more interested in the future than in the past. Whether King Iann had done it, or Queen Cassandra, Bella had her own focus, happy for others to enact whatever justice they craved.

Miguel looked up at Danian, his hands, arms, and front covered in blood. But there was also blood on Danian. Dammit, Iann. “That… was the Gold Plague.” He pushed Iann’s body away, to the end of the boat. “And you might be infected.” His eyes were sad but his voice was steady. “He touched you… and even if he didn’t, it was probably in that mead from the Forty-Isles.” Miguel rubbed his forehead, absolutely exhausted. “The proper way to do things would be to quarantine the ship.” He picked up his head, still sitting on the deck of the ship. “What do you want to do Danian?” he asked softly, always an offer with them. “You could come with me to the Forty-Isles, or you could leave, and put anyone you come into contact with on the mainland at risk.”

The Red Priestess was stood just outside the door of the great hall. Watching the nobles assemble for the naming of the Raj. The air was heavy with anticipation. After the Inquisitors judgement, people had left, and then returned again. Others had not returned at all.

Prelate Theodore entered the meeting of the Quiver silently, but not quite surreptitiously; he wasn’t attempting to be unnoticed. He took a seat along the outer edge of the room, mulling over what he’d seen and heard there earlier. The Princes of the Isles and their confession had caused quite an upheaval. Theodore was considering postponing the announcement of the High Raj for the night, to give the Quiver a chance to regroup, refreshed.

Ephram trudged back to the depleted Quiver and threw himself heavily down in a chair, rubbing hard at his forehead. He and the unfriendly Ser Tuah had duly delivered King Iann to his ship and then Ephram had departed, not caring to stick around. He knew which way the wind was blowing when it came to Prince Miguel – but things were still up in the air so far as Lady Cassandra was concerned.

Cassie was furious and silently fuming as she reentered the Quiver. She may have sat silent before and let her brothers take the brunt of the blame, but there was no reason to be quiet any longer. She knew people were still glancing to her. Which was a bit of a laugh, but some people were relentless and pathetic. Cassandra took her place. Looking directly at everyone who wanted to meet her eye.

Ephram seemed to instantly become everybody’s whipping boy the minute he opened his mouth in these gatherings, but for this, he didn’t intend to stay silent. “The Inquisitor’s findings weren’t much in your favour, Lady Germaine,” he said, opening the floor for her.

Fane had needed some time away from the Quiver room feeling equal measures sick and furious. He’d barely made it to somewhere private where he’d ended up promptly upturning the contents of his stomach and sitting on the cold stones, tears stinging his eyes. He sat there for a long while, needing to calm and catch his breath before he pulled himself back together. Enough to go back and change and somewhat sort himself out. There were still things that needed seeing to, and it was only once he was sure he could face others that he trudged his way back to the Quiver room his eyes bright with untempered anger.

Cassie looked over at the Honeywild’s Lord, lips thinning in irritation, “If the Inquisitor had the decency to not jump to conclusions, he would have asked me first what I was doing in the dungeons before dragging my name in the dirt like a common traitor. I hardly deny that I was there. But I’m honestly appalled that this one indiscretion puts me in such high suspicion.”

Fane snorted as Cassie defended herself his voice echoing ahead of him as he entered pace measured. “And why then did you tell my guards then you were acting on my behalf to deal with Lord Kesley? A lie by any cast, I gave you no such permission nor right.”

Cassie shrugged, “It was a lie. But I was doing your job. What was the point of keeping the Kesley down there? They went after me, after the Deadwoods Queen, after Lady Lacroy-“ She slammed her hands on the table, “They were a menace to the majority they crossed. If you remembered anything about the houses Inquisitor, you would know it was the Kesley’s who ran my house into ruin.” Cassandra rose slightly from her seat, “I executed the Kesley because it was my right to do so. And you /dare/ point the finger at me because I relieved the realm of one less disgrace?” She upturned her hands in defense, “This step has hurt no one but the Kesley’s who needed to be taught a lesson. Your claims towards me going after the Raj are weak, and pathetic.” Cassandra practically spat the words, “You are higher than no one in this room Savin. And you already have your confessions.”

The Red Priestess watched Lord Savin enter the Great Hall, his tall form bristling with discontent. She followed at a respectable distance, hands clasped together in the long sleeves of her blood-red robes.

Ephram did not at all expect this. But he had an alliance to perform to, and so he ventured, “…it’s not out of Lady Germaine’s rights to deal with Kesley as she saw fit, after all. Using the Inquisitor’s name was a misstep, I’ll grant, but our Houses have conducted their own affairs for ages when it comes to direct threats to our lives.”

The Red Priestess found a seat next to the Prelate, watching the proceedings with an air of neutrality. “Tell me, Prelate,” she said quietly as the nobles barked at each other. “Does the one you’ve chosen care for all this posturing?”

Prelate Theodore leaned a little towards the Priestess. “The one I’ve chosen adores the drama of the court, in actuality,” he said with a smile. “I thought it might be a pleasant change from all of these glowering faces, each trying to be more beyond reproach than the other.”

Fane eyes flashed at Cassie’s admission standing at the edge of the table. “I never claimed you killed the Raj, I only claimed you murdered Lord Kesley.” No accusations were thrown but the simmering glower he considered her with was seeping with contempt. As Lord Pettaline interjected Fane’s eyes thinned but never looked away from the grand lady, “jurisdiction on your own lands does not carry across to the Capitol especially under the calling of an Inquisition that I was charged with conducting. That man was as much as suspect in this case as anyone else and by taking his life you infringed on the authority of my jurisdiction. Aye, he posed harm but the man was in jail where he would do no more.” His tone was tightly reined from raising but it had a razor bite regardless “aye, you might’ve removed a nuisance but the man was under my custody for my case and his crimes mine to punish as I saw fit.”

“So you defend a prisoners right stronger to that of a Queen’s?” Cassandra questioned before shaking her head, “I think the Inquisition has been on far long enough. Your sense of honor has diminished, and I must say I’m glad I killed the Kesley, otherwise your judgement would bring us all to ruin.”

“Lady Germaine–!” Ephram said in a strangled sort of voice, sitting forward and reaching a hand towards her as if he could stop her from talking. “Blood’s running high right now, and understandably so, but – Gods above and below.” He trailed off, not knowing which way to take that. A Queen versus the Inquisitor? Nobody in their right mind would try to choose sides.

“Change is good,” the priestess smiled gently. “Much more of this and the lands will be swept into war again.”

Fane barked a quiet laugh. “Aye, my honour’s tarnished that I won’t deny but no Grand Lady, I defend the rights of him being a likely candidate in the murder of the Raj. My judgement on his end is clear and he would have met it with my own blade in due course. But, if you enjoyed it so much perhaps I should thank you. Insult me all you want, but you do not stand on higher moral authority after you claim to be glad of taking a man’s life.”

Faye: “I also don’t believe you get to decide when the Inquisition is over, Your Grace,” Faye - who had been quiet until now - said evenly. “I believe that is up the Cloverry, is it not?”

Prelate Theodore tapped the toe of his boot in agreement with the Priestess. “Would it be so terrible to have a High Raj whose tastes run to enjoying a position of nobility? The Cloverry is not given to frivolity, Red Lady, but I must confess that even I grow weary of such pendulous solemnity as we’ve witnessed here.” The Prelate looked over at Faye as she mentioned the church, saying, “In times of civil strife, Lady Lacroy, we do attempt to … be pliable, when it comes to the letter of the law. Should the Inquisition be deemed still necessary, then it shall remain so. If not, then we shall dissolve it.”

“So I hurt your pride then?” Cassandra asked, “I took away the chance for you to bring upon justice yourself?” Her eyes narrowed, “A thousand apologies then. But you should thank me, and mourn over morals yourself. More important things press me.”

“One would think there would be some joy in being able to influence the lives of so many,” the priestess nodded. Though she frowned at the raised voices. “I too, grow weary of hearing of the great burdens they must bear. Even you are not so dour, as you say, Prelate.” Her dark eyes looked aside at him, the corner of her mouth lifted just so. “Nor am I.”

Faye could only acknowledge the Prelate with a small incline of her head before turning back to the conversation at hand. “What things are those, your grace?”

Ephram said, “Surely this is all now a theoretical conversation, seeing as the Cardero Princes confessed to the murder of the High Raj? So in the end, Lady Germaine’s actions – though rash – didn’t hinder the investigation. We’ve all been prone towards hot-headedness this past week. Some clemency on both sides could go a long way, Lady Cassandra, Inquisitor…?” He had no idea if his interjection would sway anybody, or even if it was a worthwhile one. But he couldn’t just sit like a lump and say nothing.

“You do like putting words in a person’s mouth, I do not seek justice for myself but the death of a good man who was the one even able to find a way for us to congregate in a room.” Fane raised a hand to rub his face shaking his head, but ultimately sank back into his seat saying no more on the topic. If people wished to continue on then so be it, but he was tired of the backstabbing. Looking over to the Prelate he asked instead, “when will you announce your decision and put an end to all this?”

Prelate Theodore didn’t hurry to answer the Inquisitor’s question, pointed though it was. Since the convening of the Quiver all of the nobles had been moaning about wanting things to be over; Theodore didn’t feel it necessary, from his standpoint, to rush anything. That was one of the luxuries of holding the position he did, after all. “In the morning,” the Prelate said. “At daybreak.”

“I simply repeated what you said to me.” Cassandra laughed, but she too sat down. She nodded slightly to Ephram, because it was all theoretical. But she did want the Inquisitor to know her thoughts. She turned her attention to the Prelate when he was questioned, and sighed heavily. Such a typical response.

“For once… I think I agree with Lord Honeywild. Despite what any of us may think, the Cardero’s did confess to the murder of the Raj, and were sentenced for it. It might not be true justice, but it is a matter settled nonetheless, is it not? Therefore the Lady Queen cannot be accused of the same crime for which two other men have already been sentenced.” Faye looked around the room. “Am I understanding the law correctly? Such as it sits in the Capitol?”

Fane side-eyed Lady Lacroy but ultimately this was what Iann had wanted regardless of how the guilt gnawed at him. “Aye, in which case I revoke King Iann’s instigation of the Inquisition and my present rank of High Inquisitor.” He didn’t look at Cassie, “let this be done.” As for the prelate’s answer Fane had to stop himself from sighing and instead pressed two fingers to his temple that were beginning to ache after the occurrences of today.

The Red Priestess smiled to herself as the Prelate named the end of the Inquisition. Daybreak. How very fitting. The Lord of Light would be pleased.

Prelate Theodore stood, since it seemed as though he might be called into proper involvement in the meeting rather than on the sidelines. “At the moment,” he explained, “the law allows for some malleability, should the situation deem it necessary. Without a High Raj to call final judgement, we have the opportunity to settle matters amongst our appointed representatives.” Theodore looked around at the assembled group, all of them in a state of high dudgeon. “If the Inquisitor chooses to end this Inquisition, he may do so. If others believe that Lady Germaine should face some sort of reproach for her actions, they may call for such. The power lies in your hands, nobles. Is that not what you’ve wanted, this whole time? To be able to make your own judgement calls and tend to your own independent interests?”

“She confessed to killing a man being held by the Inquisitor - a man who had not yet been put to trial for a crime against the capitol, not Summerset - simply because she felt it was her right to do so. She confessed to enjoying it.” Faye looked across the table at Lady Cassandra. “I say there should be punishment.”

Fane gave a nod of agreement to Lady Lacroy’s point. “And I.” He looked around at the assembled lords and ladies, idly wondering where Danian might have gotten to. If Ephram was here then they must have reached the docks by now. “Nobility or rank doesn’t excuse murder regardless of how you try to justify it.”

Ephram sat up straighter in his chair. “We’ve just begun to transition out of the chaos of war,” he said, “and then had to weather the assassination of our High Raj. I can’t condemn Lady Germaine for still being of the mind that she needs to protect herself and her House, considering she was attacked in the Capital when such a thing should not have been possible.” Ephram laid his fist on the table. “And to include her satisfaction in the deed as further indictment of her actions is hypocritical, for most of us here. Who’ve done the same or worse in order to ensure our survival. I say there be no punishment.”

“Protect herself and her House from a man locked behind iron bars, in the dungeon of the most impenetrable castle in the lands, and guarded by half a dozen Dawnguard soldiers?” Faye shook her head. “That man was no physical threat to her or anyone else. He knew something. He had to.”

Ephram shrugged. He’d already cast his vote.

The priestess stood and moved to stand near the Prelate, not as a show of solidarity or taking sides, but merely so she could see everyone. She could cast no vote in this. For one, she was not a noble. For two, she truly did not care who sat the throne, as long as they did their job.

Fane still felt a little unsettled, and while this was ongoing looked to Lord Pettaline. “You delivered the princes to their ship, aye? Do you know if Danian returned?”

Faye knew that the odds were not in the favor of seeing Cassandra serve any sort of punishment for the death of the Kesley. Though she believed that things would always come to you in the end. So perhaps that would be enough. Knowing that one day justice would be served, in some way.

Ephram blinked at the question. “Uh … no, I don’t believe the knight left, at least not when I did. And I saw Ser Tuah away from the docks a short time afterwards, so I suppose Danian is still there.” With Prince Miguel? The two of them had seemed awfully intimate.

Fane shifted slightly in his seat pressing his knuckles to his lips as he frowned in thought. “It’s been a while,” he commented knowing he wanted to speak to them about an idea he’d had for once all this was over. Idly he wondered about Iann and his own charge that Buttercup would remain as his ward never to return to the Isles, would the man be callous enough to take the nearest thing Fane had to a child himself in retribution for Fane’s ruling, even if they had agreed on a part of it. But he shook the thought off, he’d known Iann for a long time now. He wouldn’t do such a thing… Not when they both knew Buttercup would never come to any harm in the halls of Blackspire.

“If I may, my lord, I have something to attend to myself near the docks.” The priestess gave Fane a small bow. “I would be glad to get word to Danian that you’re asking for them.”

Fane glanced at the Priestess as she spoke up, but gave a small incline of his head. “If you would, please, let them know I have wish to speak with them on a matter.”

“I shall.” The Priestess bowed again before giving the Prelate a small bow as well. One that meant she was looking forward to see who the Cloverry had chosen to sit the throne. Then the priestess glided out of the room, into the corridor beyond.

Cassie shook her head, “Any noble that wants to see me punished for protecting my house is a hypocrite. We have all done dark deeds at some point. I do not see how punishing me can bring any further peace to the issues at hand. But if it is such a high cause of distress I am truly sorry.” She turned then looking to the Prelate, “Perhaps the Prelate and I can come to an agreement.”

Fane sank back into his chair, he’d not had a chance to speak with Danian about what had transpired today. No doubt they would have questions and he’d rather address them sooner rather than later. Perhaps they had simply opted to take distance for the sake of potential anger that may have been harboured. Ultimately, sitting here stewing was doing little for how he felt about everything a walk might help clear his head and he pushed his seat out and rose to his feet. “I think I might retire for the evening…” this was said to no one in particular though he spared the Prelate a glance and small bow.

Prelate Theodore nodded at Lord Savin. “Rest you well,” he said, with a formal motion of his hand to bless the man.

Prelate Theodore then turned to Lady Cassandra. “Would you like to speak in private, Lady?” he asked, since there were a few stragglers in the room. “Should that suit you better.”

Cassie bowed slightly, “Yes, I do think that will suit us better. Thank you Prelate Theodore. Wherever you like.”

Faye huffed and shook her head. “Perhaps you’re right, my lady,” Faye said as she stood as well. “What good does more violence do? Killing you would make us no better than you, after all.” She gave the remaining nobles a bow and turned on her heel to leave.

Prelate Theodore led Cassie out of the big room into a private antechamber beyond, where he poured them both some of his resinous green wine and then took a seat. “Is it truly a manner of punishment for yourself that you wish to discuss, Lady?” he asked, one eyebrow raised. “I find it hard to fathom that you would wish to do so in private when that altercation in the meeting would have been satisfied with some promise of reprisal against you.”

Cassie sat across from Teddy, taking the glass of wine he offered her but letting it sit untouched on the table. She crossed her ankles and looked through the green liquid for a moment before her gaze connected back to the Prelate’s. “I think we can both agree any punishment towards me is a waste of time and effort at this point Theodore. “ She sat back in her chair slightly, “I really am intrigued who you’re going to pick for the Raj position. I can only imagine how many other nobles offered themselves, but I do highly suggest you put me into consideration. To do otherwise…may be an error.”

Prelate Theodore eased his legs outstretched and also crossed them at the ankles, the pointed toes of his boots conveying his intrigue more than his face did. “An error, you say? I do agree with eschewing any talk of punishment – it would be less than pointless at this juncture – but I must say, I cannot interpret that comment. Please, do explain.”

Cassie rolled her eyes slightly. She was annoyed when Theodore acted less informed then he actually was. Maybe he didn’t play in the thick of the game, but he had a general idea. “I have the means, desire, and favor to rule Prelate. Let us not pretend otherwise, and save the pain of someone less suited on the throne.”

Prelate Theodore was silent for a long moment. He understood the game well – one did not become Prelate of the Cloverry and a member of the Council without some native skill at it – but his methods were subtler than most. Lady Germaine’s entitled eye-roll failed to impress on him any need to cater to her demand for crown validation. “The desire, I grant you,” he said, “and possibly the favour, although I could argue you on that point. But it’s your claim to the means that puzzles me the most.”

“I have Summerset all to myself and I have strong ally ties with the Forty Isles and Honeywild Holdings alone. I could pull Bluesprings if I really wanted.” The north, and all other areas nearby did not exactly concern her. The south was enough. Cassie leaned forward slightly, “To avoid any further uncertainty, let me be clear, if I am not given the throne. I will take it. Do not misunderstand my wanting for power Prelate, I do desire the best for all Kingdoms, and quite honestly I have had enough with all others given the chance falling short.”

“The Forty Isles may not be available to march at your whim, Cassandra. And it’s been at least two generations since the Honeywilds could fight much more than an over-exuberant bonfire.” The Prelate regarded her levelly, reaching for his wineglass. “Could you pull the Bluesprings capital with the people knowing of your using false means – the Inquisitor’s name, no less – in order to kill the Kesley prisoner?” He leaned forward as well, eyes gimlet grey in the low light. “Could you rally admirers if they knew of your many indiscretions while the father of your child discharges his moral duty in the crusades? Would they follow you, Lady, if they were told of the crown’s sojourn within Summerset and the adjustments made to it there?”

Cassie could not speak about the readiness of her allies, but she also didn’t say it would be an immediate take over, “The people of Bluesprings would thank me for getting rid of the Kesley’s.” Cassandra regarded Teddy back with little concern, although his statements were well supported, she found staying confident often helped in situations. Her lips upturned slightly, “Surely, no Queen who attends service at the cathedral regularly is of poor fidelity. Anyone to suggest otherwise would be lowly indeed, and Prelate-“ She frowned, “Don’t you know it was my brothers who tainted the crown? It was their materials. They simply used my land, closer to the Capital for convenience.” She pressed a hand to her chest, “I was distraught.”

Prelate Theodore again, for a long pass of moments, simply regarded Lady Germaine. Then he laughed – a tightly-bound sound from his thin lips – and poured himself more wine. “Your brothers,” he repeated. “Yes, how misguided of me, it was the Princes who acted under the cover of your lands.” Theodore rolled the stem of his glass between his hands, then said, “No others have had the thought or the … audacity … to approach me directly regarding the Cloverry’s choice for High Raj, despite what you think. You’re the only one.” He drank his wine, putting the glass on the table as he stood and lit the candles there. “That alone earns you some regard. I wouldn’t, however, continue along the lines of threats, Cassandra.” The Prelate pinched out the flame of the taper he’d used to light the candles. “You’ll find that the Cloverry, knowing no land title boundaries, cannot be cowed. You want me on your side of my own accord. You will have me on your side through no other means.”

Cassie was genuinely surprised to hear no one else had propositioned themselves as Raj. No doubt it was a dangerous role, but nobles were a rather self-centered lot. She nodded to Theodore again and explained “Threats are not what I prefer.” Cassandra watched as he put out the taper, “How can I earn your favor? I am not averse to an exchange. Who did you want on throne? We can still place them close?”

Prelate Theodore was about to sit again, but he paused with his hand on the arm of his chair. “Aaahhhhhh,” he said, attention caught entirely. “That is … an enticing thought, I must say. You have your own lands to govern, after all, and possibly the Forty Isles to help maintain; Honeywild Holding should be yours, if you want it. Having a form of … dual rule might prove an even better solution to our conundrum.” Theodore sat on the chair arm, gaze fixed intently on Cassie. “I want the Blue Diamond Whore,” he said. “Of the noble blood of Avalon. He would make the Sunlit Throne a joyous one, beautiful and charming, a visible symbol of leaving behind the shadow that war cast on our lands. Would you be able to work with that, Cassandra?”

Cassie eyes narrowed slightly. The Blue Diamond whore? That came out of nowhere. Not to mention, Avalon house or no, he was a bastard. Why on earth would the Cloverry, or the Prelate favor him. “I said near the throne.” Cassie repeated slowly. “I don’t share titles prelate. They are taken easier that way. Besides,” She folded her hands in her lap. “I don’t see how we could possibly work what you propose. I am already married.” Cassandra frowned, “Does the Avalon even want this?”

“The Avalon does. I wouldn’t have mentioned it if he didn’t.” Theodore smoothed his hands over the length of his mourning habit. “And let’s not pretend that there is any sanctity to your marriage. However, should the Cloverry declare an arrangement to be morally acceptable for the welfare of the Bluesprings, the people will accept it.” His voice hardened, almost imperceptible. “This is a negotiation, Lady Germaine, not a capitulation to your demands. I could just as easily send you away with a flea in your ear.” The Prelate gave a narrow, unmoving smile. “You would do well to compromise. To do otherwise may be … an error.”

Cassie sneered when Teddy threw her words back at her. It was a reaction she couldn’t much help. “You would dissolve my marriage so easily?” She questioned, still slightly disturbed by the idea. It was true, she hadn’t been entirely faithful but she never wished to throw her husband to the wayside. “Still. It doesn’t answer my questions about titles. I’m above my husband now. I don’t expect that to change. Especially not with a bastard.” She would only negotiate so far.

Prelate Theodore shook himself, his clothes falling back into impeccable order. “I don’t give a fig for your marriage. You may keep those ties to the Forty Isles. What I propose is that the Cloverry create a newly defined arrangement for dual rule.” Theodore tapped his chin in thought, then said, “A chaste joining, understood to be symbolic. It would counterbalance both your infidelity and Freddie Watts’ life in the brothel nicely.” His eyes flicked up at Cassie. “You would keep the title of Queen and remain above your husband, that is yours and separate from the throne. You would share the Sunlit Throne and the High Raj. A … Rani and a Rajah, you to govern the wide-ranging holdings of the Bluesprings and him to attend to immediate court matters of the Capital. A more than agreeable division of power, in my opinion.” There was no doubt in Theodore’s voice that his opinion should be the prevailing one.

“And I would have no say in the Capital at all?” Cassandra repeated incredulous, “Then what’s to say you would ever consult me in anything. Who’s to say I would get the proper invitations?” The idea of split power wasn’t so bad, it was just keeping the two apart that she scoffed at, “Is it wrong for me not to entirely trust you?”

“What reason do I have to trust you?” Theodore gave a barking laugh. “Lady Cassandra, please. Must I really go over the list of your most recent activities again? Which should I lean hardest upon, the adultery? The murder? The regicide?” He shook his head. “This has gone on long enough. Agree to my terms, and you’ll have more power and influence than you could ever achieve otherwise. Refuse, and…” Theodore adjusted the ring of the Cloverry that he wore, its green stone glinting. “See what lies in store for you. I needn’t even lift a finger, after all of the dark deeds you’ve accrued.”