Realistic or Modern Royal Metanoia {Closed}

[BoneBrain]

The week had been a whirlwind of schmoozing and diplomacy. Ewan had spent most of it with a womanizing young dignitary who had a taste for late night clubs. It had been quite the ordeal to find ways to make amends that appealed to the delicate public eye as well as the darker nature of the dignitary. By the end of the week Ewan was feeling haggard and tired of finding women sneaking out of the castle in the early hours of the morning.

He and Fern had left the castle in the early morning and rather than spending time awake with Fern, Ewan had spent the first leg of their journey asleep on her shoulder as her aura of peace had been all that he had needed to succumb to the weariness of the previous week. The summer palace was placed on the southernmost tip of Ubor, it's dark aged stone holding strong against the salty breeze from the ocean. The exterior remained a historic monument to those who had sailed long ways to make the rolling grassy hills of Ubor home. It's interior had been updated with modern fixings and all the comforts one could dream of.

A small beach path led the way to the glassy blue of the ocean and Ewan stood near its entrance finishing up a few of the castle staff and specifying their needs for the week ahead. He was eager to join Fern by the time they had wrapped up and he quickly toed off his sneakers and padded down the sandy path down to the large red umbrella that shaded an assortment of food and drink. He found Fern lounging on a sleek wood and white fabric chaise, Peaches curled up against her hip as both of them soaked up the rays. Not wanting to be left out of the lovely picture the two of them made, Ewan settled himself on the matching chaise immediately next to hers and reached out to grip her hand with his.

"We made it." Ewan breathed a sigh of relief, the sensation of vacation finally settling over him. "Thank you so much for letting me sleep on the way here, Gods that was a week from hell." Ewan lifted his free hand to shade his eyes from the sun and he tilted his head to peek over to Fern. "Sophie sent me a rather strongly worded email earlier, something about needing to husband hunt. Let us hope the attention on her will mean less for us." Ewan was still a little sour over the wine incident, finding it hard to feel sorry for the sudden new pressure on his sister.

"Have I told you that you look lovely today Fern? Vacation suits you."

 

[Rainelle]

Fern laughed and squeezed Ewan's hand tightly. They spent the whole day on the beach, talking, reading or playing in the water. It was fantastic to relax for the first time, and spend the day as a normal couple instead of royalty. They ate a wonderful dinner and spent the night wrapped up in each other blissfully. The next morning, Fern let Ewan sleep in. He was still, rightfully so, exhausted from the week prior. She put the matching robe on over her nightgown and headed down to the kitchens. Fern thought to bring up breakfast herself, hoping to continue the soft, quiet moments they had shared.

While waiting for the servants to work up a tray, Fern felt a strong hand grip her arm. Cold steel pressed against the small of her back, and a man muttered.

"Come with me. Quietly." Fern locked eyes with the maid who was bringing her the breakfast tray. The woman gave her a cold look before walking past them calmly with the tray, headed towards the bedroom. Fern felt fear begin to pool in her belly, making her body cold. She was escorted out of the castle, any staff they encountered simply looking the other way. What was going on? Had the whole castle been bought off? Replaced? It was all she could do not to start shaking. She was pushed into a car and her mouth gagged. The man in the driver's seat spoke into a radio.

"Target aquired. Send the message."

The maid knocked on the door to the bedroom before entering, and left the breakfast tray on the ottoman before leaving quietly. A small note was under the vase of flowers there.

 

[BoneBrain]

It is most unfortunate news that I must share that Lady LaRose has been seized under suspicion that she is conspiring against the crown. She has been taken for interrogation and processing as directed by our newest law 7.5A. A person or parties with reasonable suspicion for illegal activities whose powers fall under the watchlist may be seized immediately and without warning. This is to protect the safety of the people and the crown.
Wishing you a lovely rest of your trip.

Ewan had to read the note three times over before understanding and rage had his fingers curling around the letter. He had woken, feeling the acute loss of Fern presence in the room. He had assumed the note had been from her, he had been preparing to let loose a mighty roar and hurtle the vase holding the jar of flowers that were slowly withering into the nearby wall. Sanity and the sudden realization that there must be someone on the inside had him taking a deep breath and setting his shoulders square as he turned around and surveyed the room. Were they watching him now?

He needed to get away, collect himself and come back with a game plan. There was not a single doubt in his mind on the validity of the accusations around his wife, Fern was the most loyal woman he had ever met. With a determined gait, Ewan quickly threw on some clothes before slipping out the room and down the spacious stone walls. A quick peek down the hall had him confirming he was alone. Heading across the hall to a small sitting room with large windows Ewan did his best to be a quiet as possible as he slid the window open and ducked down into the frame.
"Gods, sneaking out of my own home no less." He muttered to himself as his feet touched the well manicured grass. Keeping vigilant Ewan moved along the gardens, ducking behind tall bushes and large tree trunks. He felt fairly certain he had not been followed, and he began the long trek towards the nearby village that tended to the nearby lands and farms.

 

[Rainelle]

The town just beside the summer palace was a sleepy one--occupied mostly by farmers and fishermen. Nothing much important went on there, save a bi-weekly chess tournament held at the local Inn and tavern. The Short Bass was bustling, as it was Tuesday morning and the tourney was to start around lunch. All the local shops would close for the day, soon. Ewan had wandered in to the establishment, taking a seat in the corner to brood. The kindly proprietor recognized him, but didn't make a fuss. She gave him a small bowl of hearty stew and a local cider with a soft smile. This far out from the capital people only saw the upper class on television.

Youngsters began to gather after the tables had been shuffled about properly. Each family brought their own set, all different in design and age. The players sat, and the barkeep shouted out to begin. Light chatter permeated the room as the opponents spoke to each other. The Bar was homely, but clean and well cared for. The atmosphere was cheerful and calming. Two young men sat playing, their moves quick and precise.

"You heard?" the blonde asked.

"Yes." the redhead replied. "The usual channels. Think she's dirty?"

"No. Friend of a friend swears she's clean. Genuine, even."

"Oh? That's impressive in this day and age. Do we have a plan?"

"Not yet. First meeting is tonight at DoLeer's old barn. 9."

"Got it. I'll spread the word." The blonde, who was facing Ewan gave a subtle jerk of his chin. "Him?"

"Send him over. Check in 2 moves." The blonde stood and shook hands with his partner before departing the table. As the redheaded boy reset the board, the blonde came over to Ewan.

"Next game is yours, friend." He was smiling politely, but his tone left no room for negotiation.
~

Fern was taken on a long drive--all the way back to the main castle, and shoved into a dark, windowless room in the basement of the castle. Terrified, she did her best to stay calm. They gave her no food, water and kept her hands and feet bound. After about an hour, several men in suits came in, along with Sir Jones. There were two hours of interrogations before she was left alone again. What was going on?

Fern gasped and sobbed, leaning her head down into her bound hands. Her heart ached. Would she ever see Ewan again? Would she see her family? How long did she have left...to live? What was sir Jones up to?
~

Jones took his group into a meeting room to discuss their plan.

"We need to get something useful out of her before the next stage. How is the other information coming?" A reedy man with thick glasses looked up from his computer.

"We've almost finished creating the cover story, my lord. Another day should be sufficient to fabricate the necessary articles." Jones nodded.

"Very well. Have the doctor's standing by for the surgery in about a week. We don't want to dally too long with our new asset."

 

[BoneBrain]

The gears and cogs of carefully laid plans were beginning to turn. The castle was filled to the brim with workers and guests arriving for the latest charity ball. The cheery atmosphere was a stark contrast to the underbelly of Ubor's royal home, where a number of people including Fern huddled in their windowless corners. Had Sophie known that there were prisoners fearing for their lives in her own home she would have cheerily snapped and caused the sort of destruction that would have been legendary. Instead she held tightly to the few remaining strands of sanity she held. Her lasted beau had gone radio silent on her, and she missed his distracting presence and clever tongue. The man had been dumber than a pile of bricks, but she had taken great pleasure in finding other useful occupations for that mouth.

Sir Jones presence in her life had increased tenfold and she was starting to understand why her brother had such a sunken hollow look to him after spending time with the man in question. Now that her brother was married it seemed that the time had come for her to find a man as well, it was especially necessary after the discovery that Fern was not capable of siring little ones. No no, that was up to Sophie now to carry on the Negaard name, it was also quite imperative that she give birth to a boy. Sir Jones has politely given her the suggestion that she take a look at the files of eligible bachelors of noble standing and get right on baby making.

There was a slight issue however. Sophie despised the grubby little hands and leaky noses that came with the mess that was a child. Diapers seemed like a fate worse than hell, and every time she had held a baby for photo ops it had felt like the exact wrong thing. Even now as guests and their families wandered into the large opulent ballroom, Sophie found her eyes narrowing on a number of little ones who had helped themselves to some chocolate and were now wiping their faces on the expensive table linens. Smiling as bright as she could Sophie kept her eyes peeled for the three men that Sir Jones had invited to the castle who were potential candidates for her future husband.

"What a disaster." She muttered to herself, missing as a familiar figure who had not darkened the stoop of the castle since Ferns first season slipped past her into the ballroom. Has she followed the slender figure she would have recognized Lady Celeste Cardiff, and found it quite suspicions that the woman was madly texting away on her phone.

~

Despite the stew comforting aroma and heat, Ewan's stomach was in knots. Fern had been taken from him, and here he was already halfway through the bottle of cider and contemplating getting another. What on earth was wrong with him? He should be running back to the castle, seeking out Fern and demanding her freedom, but how? He had never felt more alone and secluded in his life, if he could not trust those who served him food or drove him, then how was he to make it? His upbringing had always been dependent on the service of others, Ewan had never even boiled water in his life. He could count the times he had driven a car himself on one finger. He had been so content to despise the system he had been born into, but not once had he found the courage to do anything about it.

As the only person who had inspired him to fight for his own happiness as well as hers was missing, the hope and drive was slowly dwindling. His mental spiral was interrupted by a blonde boy with the sort of tone that was reserved for strict school teachers. A brow raised Ewan thought of saying no and returning to his thoughts but when the boy folded his arms over his chest, his stance widening Ewan knew the boy would not leave unless he joined the game. Unwilling to leave his cider or stew, Ewan collected his things, his body towering over the small blonde. The boy pointed at the table he wanted him to sit at and Ewan wandered over, placing his soup on the table and taking another pull from the bottle.

"May I know the name of my opponent?" He asked settling down into the old wood chair that shined with new varnish. His tone was dry, emotionless, God he would kill for a joint right now.

 

[Rainelle]

The boy eyed Ewan as he sat, and said softly,

"I'm Sparrow, your highness." He took a pawn and moved it one space. He sat back in his chair and observed Ewan dully looking at the board. He hadn't even flinched at the use of the honorific. Ewan moved a pawn, then took a sip of his drink. This was no good at all. They would need to shake him back into the present before they could turn him into a successful asset. As the players around them spoke and shifted through games, Sparrow gave a sly smile. "Shame about your wife." Ewan jolted in his seat, looking angry and alarmed. "Relax. We know she's innocent. If you want to help her, you'll have to help us first. You really have no clue of the rats in your own house, do you?" Ewan looked bewildered and still suspicious. They exchanged a few more moved in silence. "You can ask me questions, your highness." Sparrow said casually.
~

A young man approached the Princess. He had dark hair and eyes, with a hooked nose and a dazzling smile. He gave her a bow and held out his hand.

"Care to dance, your highness?" He was Lion Loire, one of the candidates Jones recommended. Sophie graced him with a smile and took his hand as he lead her to the dance floor. "I know these are so boring, especially when you're forced to attend." He gave her a wicked smile. "It's written all over your face. You're too pretty to look so painfully bored. What do you say we split?" The glittering party moved around them like a river flowing around stones. "People don't really understand our position, do they?" Lion said quietly. "They glamorize our lives, and think we live in luxury for no cost at all. Well, reality is much more sour than that dream, isn't it? The cost is higher than they could ever imagine." He twirled her around before bringing her back into his chest.

The dance ended and he lean her out onto a balcony. "We've got about ten minutes before the paparazzi start with pictures and five after that is dinner. So, we can escape now for a little fun, your highness. Or," Sophie gave him a curious look, illuminated beautifully by the party's light at her back. "We could stay, and join forces. I don't like this...competition they've set up any more than you. I'd at least like to marry someone I respect, even if I'll never love them. What do you say?"

 

[BoneBrain]

Sparrows words gave made Ewan almost tip over his castle as he moved it forward a few spaces. This boy was offering to get him to Fern? Gods he really was without a clue wasn't he? Sparrow spoke of rats in his own home and a muscle in his jaw ticked out as his teeth ground together. Shock was slowly fading, and the intrusive thoughts turned to more violent as anger replaced the sense of failure. Above all things, he had wanted to be a good husband.

"You can help me get Fern back?" Ewan asked, his eyes blazing towards the boy who held hope in his hands. "What must I do boy?" Ewan spoke his last words with the deep sense of purpose. Sparrow shushed him, his eyes peering around the room quickly to see if anyone was listening. "How many of you are there?" Ewan added, in quieter tones. He moved another piece and clicked down on the clock indicating it was Sparrow's turn.

~

Lion was certainly a forward man, something that Sophie appreciated, she liked a man who made the first move. Heck she liked anyone that pursued their desires. He was a fair dancer as well, and his words were sweet and very, very tempting. Even now out on the balcony with him Sophie thought of channeling her brother and running away from all those expectations and towards something far more pleasurable.

"Join forces?" For a moment Sophie thought to laugh in the mans face, she could handle herself, thank you very much, but she once again found herself appreciating his directness. "You don't think you could fall in love with me?" Sophie asked, her voice came out coy and with practiced motions that she knew accentuated the bits of her that made men and women alike pant, she pressed into Lion. "You are correct however, this competition is quite hellish." Perhaps the man could be useful, her hand climbed up to grip at his chin. She tilted his head down and took a few long moments to study him. Like the lion he was named for, he had a thick crown of dusty blonde curls. She could see Sir Jones now, drooling over the adorable curly, red haired barons they would make. The thought made her flutter of curiosity shrivel and die. She gave his jawline two light smacks with her hand and curled her lips up in a smile.

"Take me inside Viscount Loire, the press will love your sweet smile." Sophie hooked her arm into Lion's and let him lead the way back into the ballroom where photo ops were being prepared. It was all a big show, with the large poster board cheque that was to be held by a number of smiling children in their school uniforms. There had been a great number of charitable causes brought into the castle since the new laws were put into place.

"Princess Negaard!" A voice called out and Sophie recognized the second of the three suitors. General Byron Livingston was a rather short black man with a famed talent of marksmanship. He had ascended the ranks of Ubors military quite quickly. "What a pleasure it is to see you again." Byron bowed with flourish and Sophie raised a brow, marveling at how incredibly bored she was with the man.

"General. Welcome back, it's been far too long." Sophie said with her usual saccharine charm. "This is Viscount Lion Loire. It is my understanding you both had a part to play in the generous donation being sent to Ubors private schools. You must join us at dinner."

"It would be an honour." General Livingston bowed deeply once more and Sophie had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. Soon they were collected for photos and Sophie plastered on a smile while she posed for the photos. For a brief moment she was grateful to both the men that flanked her on either side, both of them excellent barriers to the children that also littered the photo.

 

[Rainelle]

Sparrow smirked at the tirade of emotions that cascaded over Ewan's face. He would certainly be an honest king, should he survive long enough to become a real one. He made his next move and clicked down the clock, before sitting back in his chair and contemplating his questions. "First, yes. Second, there are hundreds of us. Third, all you have to do is help us." He could see Ewan was intrigued, but more so desperate. That was fine, they could work with desperation. "Tonight. DoLeer's old barn at nine. Tell the barkeep that Sparrow sent you and he'll take you there. Check." With such and unfocused opponent, it was easy to defeat him in just a few moves. Ewan hadn't even noticed his pawn creep up so close. Sparrow reached across the table and shook Ewan's hand. "I'll see you tonight, then. Try and brush up on your game." Ewan had a resolute look in his eyes as he left the table. Another youth sat down, a girl with pink hair.

"And what do I tell her?" She asked bluntly.

"Tell her he's in." He grinned.

"Don't get cocky, Sparrow. Nobody likes an ass." He laughed as he made his move.
~

After the photo ops, the group was lead to the grand dining hall, where Lion pulled a chair out for the princess. He then took a seat beside her. Sir Jones was almost at the head of the table, though did actually leave the two seats there open, much to his surprise. The power grubbing man was actually holding back? How kind. The dinner was grandiose and rich, almost too rich for his tastes. The people around them spoke idly about their own interests and accomplishments, all trying to cozy up to the one royal. The general was certainly preening before her. After two hours, they were allowed back into the ballroom, where groups formed to smoke, drink and discuss business. Lion lead the princess back out onto a furnished balcony, guided her to a seat and summoned a servant. He sent the woman for drinks and some small desserts, before kneeling in front of Sophie.

"Your feet, highness." he said. "They must hurt, those shoes are new." Sophie looked surprised. "Let me." He offered out his hands, and after a moment of contemplation, she placed one delicate foot into them. Gently, he undid the fastener and began to massage her. Her ankles were slightly raw and the muscles in her foot were rock hard. He worked quietly until the servant returned with white wine and chocolate truffles. She placed the tray beside the princess and bowed out, closing the curtains behind her. "You wondered how I could resist your...numerous charms." Lion said after a moment. "I'll tell you, but only if you promise to keep it a secret. After all, what is the foundation of a partnership without trust?"

He looked up at her through his dark lashes as she thought over his offer. With a coy smile, she accepted. It seemed he had been tempting enough after all. "I am a sociopath, highness." Sophie looked startled, arcing a brow in disbelief. "I know, I don't present that way--it took my parents almost three decades to preform my act. So, I won't be falling in love with anyone, you see. I assure you, I can still preform all of the duties required of me without fail." Lion began to massage her other foot after fastening the shoe back on. "My power is reading weaknesses. In people, objects, animals... You can see why they wish to breed me like a prize race horse." After finishing, he sat beside her and picked up one of the wine glasses. "What do you say? Shall we beat them to it, and take back what little control we have?"

 

[BoneBrain]

Had Ewan been a worldly man, he might have considered the possibility of a trap. Even now, it was so difficult for Ewan to understand context and tonality. He had always been the sort to take people at word value. However his desperate need for his wife and his sheltered experience had him heading right up to the bar and placing both hands down on the dark wood that separated him from the kindly barkeep. She had been the one to serve him stew and cider earlier and she pulled a glass out and set it under a tap, filling the clear glass with the pale liquid.

"Sparrow has sent me. I wish to join you on your journey this eve." Ewan told her. Thankfully he was experienced enough to use a hushed tone when speaking about secret meetings.

"Has he now?" The woman gave him a glass and settled her hands on her hips, giving him the sort of up and down look that had him feeling like she could see into his very soul. "A fine boy that Sparrow, quite the head for chess."

"Indeed..." Ewan hesitated for a moment wondering if she would confirm that she would take him. He thought of prodding her but instead reached for the glass of cider she offered him and took a long drink.

"We still have the chess tournament to handle, so you might as well make yourself useful, your highness." The woman set a tray down on the bar top and proceeded to fill it with small plates and cutlery as well as a few beer bottles. "To that table in the corner then." She gestured and Ewan had to blink in surprise at her. "Don't dawdle!" The kindly barkeep waved her hands at him, effectively dismissing him.

The next few hours was quite the experience for the poor sheltered king, and by the end of the evening he was certain he had spilled on just about every square foot of flooring available. He had been yelled at by a rather formidable mother as she herded her troop of children to a nearby table. He'd stepped on numerous toes and gotten more orders wrong than he could count. However Ewan had to admit he was having a great time. Kate, the barkeep had been more than patient with him, and by the end of his shift she had taught him how to properly pour a beer and had even given him a few tips on how to balance the tray.

She praised him for the things he got right, and instead of telling him what he was doing wrong in incredible scathing detail like he was used to; she would kindly suggest different ways of approaching things. He was cleaning the last of the tables with a rag when Kate approached him, her jacket and bag slung over her arms. The keys to her car held in her other hand.

"Are you ready Ewan?" Kate watched as Ewan gave one stubborn mark on the table one more pass over with the rag. When he finished he put away his cleaning supplies and gave her a weary but satisfied smile.

"I am." It had been the hardest, but most fulfilling few hours. They shut off the lights to the tavern and walked through the dark parking lot towards Kate's small silver two seater. Ewan's legs were bunched up in the passenger seat, and his head touched the ceiling. Kate had to laugh at the way he attempted to make himself comfortable. When he was finally situated he asked the question that had been burning through his mind all night. "Ubor is changing. Isn't it?"

"It is." Kate agreed as she began to back the car out of her parking spot. "It's up to us to see that it changes for the better. The actions of the government as of late have not been with the people's best interests in mind. People are missing your highness and I mean to see them returned." Kate's hands twisted tightly on the rim of the steering wheel, there was a determined glint in her eyes as she took them further out into the country side. Ewan could see the summer home in the distance, the moon bathing it in its soft light.

"This is all my fault." He whispered. Kate didn't correct him.

~

The touches to Sophie's feet, while initially quite comforting seemed to shift to something cold and calculating at Lion's words. The instinct to influence him away from her was strong. She should tell him to turn and never come back. That certainly was the safest option, however, Sophie was not one to turn away from danger or a challenge. She was the sort of woman who enjoyed laughing in the face of fear.

"That's quite the offer." She told him as he still kneeled before her. When he had fastened her shoe back on she shifted, crossing her legs, giving him a view she knew was quite lovely in the process. He sat beside her then, the red wine in his glass swirling with his movements. "I most certainly stand to gain from this arrangement, as you've made quite clear over the course of the evening." She found herself a little restless just sitting there and stood. The pale green of her dress swished around her feet as her heels tapped along the stone of the balcony. She stood in front of him then, head held high, looking ever like the royalty she was.

"What do you stand to gain from this?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "It must be more than a desire for control." For a long moment she considered asking him the weakness he sensed in her but pride had her keeping her mouth shut. "Sir Jones has made it quite clear that he expects many children for this royal lineage. Surely children is not the desire of a sociopath."

 

[Rainelle]

Kate remained silent as Ewan pondered painfully beside her. It was not her place to comment on his predicament, even if she was part of the resistance. It was a strange sensation, seeing the king of her country as simply a hurt, sheltered boy. Kate wondered if he really could be a good king in his present state. Though, she supposed, he didn't have a choice. After about a half hour, they arrived at the old barn, a single exposed bulb illuminating the steel doors. They exited the car, and she lead him to the door, before knocking twice. The heavy portal cracked, and a voice whispered out.

"Password?"

"Puffling season's soon." The door opened and the two entered. It closed and locked behind them with a loud bang. Forty people stood around them, a large table in the middle covered in papers. Sparrow raised an arm in greeting.

"Puffin, hows'it? Hope he wasn't no trouble." Kate was the group's tester to see if someone was sincere or a spy. She smiled.

'He's been fine, Sparrow. You should name him though, since he's your hatching." The young man swaggered over, circling Ewan before donning a wicked grin.

"Nothing else to name a gangling sucker than Crane." Ewan was looking around curiously. "Swan won't be in till later this week, so we'll have to show you the ropes before she gets here. C'mon." He lead them over through the throng, some of whom eyes Ewan with suspicion. The table was littered with maps of the main palace--secret tunnels and rooms, the dungeon, rosters of castle staff and schedules. Security measures too. Kate took over as the group huddled around.

"Alright. From our Intel we know the queen to be is in a holding cell in the dungeon. Jones had guarded his plans well, so we don't have too much information on her charges or condition. We can assume that she's being withheld from food and water until she admits to something, possibly torture as well. The usual tactics." She saw Ewan flinch and go pale at her words. "Being in the dark leaves us at a big disadvantage. The best plan is to wait until the trial starts and grab her in route to the court. Given that it could be weeks, we should focus on keeping our spies safe and getting the security teams infiltrated."
~

Sophie approached him with boldness, accusing him of ulterior motives. Smart girl. She had to be guarded to survive in such a viper's pit. Placing the wine glass down, Lion slipped his hands into his pockets and gave her a measured look.

"You're right about children, at least. They're no more than babbling little monkeys who drool. I don't really care for them either way, they simply sort of exist." He shrugged "I don't have any other motives, princess. It's my lot in life to be surrounded by people who wish to use me, and play pretend until I die, no two ways about it. The most I can hope for is a person who won't force me to keep the facade behind closed doors. I don't think I can express to you how exhausting the constant mimicry is." He picked up his glass again and took a sip. "Believe me, or not, it's your choice. I've laid out my cards for you, the move is yours" Lion wandered back to the curtains, throwing her a glance over his shoulder.

"You know how to find me." He left the balcony, joining the throng of gossiping party-goers with ease. He wondered what she would do about his proposal.

 

[BoneBrain]

It was like he had stepped into a spy movie. Ewan was swiftly given a codename and he joined the rest of the group at the meeting and glanced down at the pages and pages that littered the large table they surrounded. Kate stepped forward and began to lay out what they all knew to bring everyone up to speed. Gods it could be weeks before he could see Fern again? His heart lurched at the knowledge that she was cold and alone and unaware of anything that was happening outside the walls that contained her.

"We still don't have enough people on the inside." Kate continued. "Not enough for my liking anyways, but with our latest addition, we might find a little more help and influence to turn people over to our side." Kate folded her arms over her chest and regarded Ewan with serious eyes. "With your help Crane, We feel a coup might be most successful. We could use a few more eyes and ears on the inside though. I've got Crow, Kingfisher and Nightingale all ready to apply for new positions within the castle, but we could certainly use your help in greasing those wheels."

"I am not normally a part of the hiring process for the castle." Ewan said plainly and he missed a few of the disappointed glares aimed his way. "But the head of security, Leo, has always been a part of that process. He may also be a valuable asset if I can get him to agree." Ewan's hands gripped the table tightly as he spoke.

"Then that is your goal." Kate told him. "Crane you must promise me something." Ewan's eyes met hers and not even he could mistake the intensity in her tone. "When you return to the castle, you must not seek out The Queen. No one can know you are sympathetic to our cause. No one outside of these walls quite yet. You must act as if you completely agree with the current course of action the officials and advisors are taking."

Ewan's nose scrunched at the notion but logic outweighed his feelings and he nodded once to show his assent. The meeting went on for a while more, and Ewan helped fill in the blanks where the blue prints of the castle failed and even told them of a secret entrance through the greenhouse. They spoke of where else spies would be most useful and with the moon high in the sky the meeting wrapped and one by one the resistance departed for their missions. Ewan would soon be missed from the castle if he did not turn up and so he was crammed into Kate's car once more and dropped off a ways out from the summer home.

As he walked back plans began to form in his mind. He still had a few more days to wait before he could return to the castle. Perhaps Kate or Sparrow could teach him a thing or two in the meantime.

~

Lion laid it all out on the table for her and Sophie watched him leave with pursed lips. His offer was not a bad one, truly it was a good one, but the idea of being a pawn to play never sat right with her. She let out a long sigh and downed the rest of her wine in two long gulps. She was about to leave and join the rest of the dancers when another shape emerged from the curtains. She recognized the frame of Sir Jones immediately. Sophie drew up to her full height, ever so gleeful that in her three inch heels she towered over the elderly man.

"And Princess Sophie, it seems you've met two of the three potential matches. Have you come to any decision?" He asked hopefully, and Sophie barely suppressed her snort. "Time is of the essence here. It is imperative that you settle down soon my dear. This country needs it. Why I only just overheard a few of the dignitaries suggesting that the Negaard line must be quite weak since no barons have been yet produced. You are nearing your thirties Princess Sophie, your internal clock is ticking away." Sir Jones seemed ready to add blow after blow and Sophie had quite enough of it.

"Sir Jones. I will tell you when I am ready to do so. You need not pester me at every turn."

"Princess, I only wish to-" Sophie cut off his next statement with a glare and the swish of her dress as she turned to walk away from him, she didn't think he deserved another word from her, and so she disappeared into the crowd and found Lion once more. Her jaw was set and she pulled him away from a conversation and to the dance floor.

"I'm in."

 

[Rainelle]

By the end of the week, Ewan was back in the main castle and attending to his duties. He was able to aid in the hiring process of a few agents discreetly, and appeared normal. Sir Jones and his cronies seemed to give no indication they thought otherwise, at least. Time passed slowly, like molasses was dragging at his heels with each step. It was halfway through the week after he returned before anything of note occurred.

Ewan was in a meeting with several ministers when it happened. It had been a morning full of arguments when Sir Jones got a call. After speaking in a hushed tone for some time before returning to the table with a grave look on his face.

"My King, I have some unfortunate news. The Queen to be has perished in a car accident on her way to jail. It seems some rebels wanted to take revenge for the new laws. I promise that we'll put all our efforts into bringing those responsible to justice." He rubbed his hands together before sighing. "After an appropriate waiting period, we will begin a new selection process for a new Queen consort." There was a servant who had been attending to the meeting, and as he poured waters for those seated, his eyes met Ewan's.

He gave an almost imperceptible nod of his head, signaling that the information was true.
~
Lion and Sophie made quick work of their announcements and begin their, very public, relationship. Every day they had at least one scheduled appearance--shopping, meals, charity visits and such. They spent so much time in front of the cameras that the pair was getting exhausted.

Lion managed to arrange a quiet afternoon together in the royal library. No servants, no pictures, nothing to do for three whole hours but sit in comfortable silence. They sat in the plush chairs, with a novel each. Lion was reading a romance novel that was popular among the women of the upper class.

"Do women really like it when men 'growl'?" He asked in a bewildered tone "Or to be manhandled? If so I have certainly been taught wrong." Before Sophie could answer, a servant entered the room and bowed hastily.

"Forgive me, your highness. But it's urgent news. The queen to be has died."
~

After some time in her windowless cell, being starved and interrogated repeatedly, Fern was finally moved. They came quietly, two strong men roughly hauled her out of the dungeon and shoved her into a car. A hood was over her head, and after about two hours of driving, she was yanked out of the car and into a cold building. The air conditioning was on full blast and the floor tiles were cold under her bare, dirty feet.

The hood was pulled off her head and she stood blinking in the harsh white light. A man in a white lab coat stood before her, then took her face in his hands and moved her head about.

"I can't work on her like this. She needs to be healthy before surgery or it won't take as well. You want people looking at her funny? No. She needs at least one week of bed rest here at the facility to recover from whatever you've done to her. Nurse!" The men escorting her grumbled, but as the nurse lead her away Fern could only thank the gods that she had gained a little more time from whatever plot was brewing. She folded her hands and prayed as they moved down the sterile hallways.

Please, help me get out of this alive.