Tightly Wound

[Erica]

While Anna had not appreciated Mrs. White’s teasing, she had weathered it without showing a sign of annoyance. It was in poor form, as far as she was concerned; especially given the brief but lingering embarrassment of the day before. She had felt Robert’s gaze on her, but had not looked up until his mother had made such a silly accusation. Seeing the pink on his cheeks surprised her, but she also avoided any hint that she had noticed; for both their sakes. It was difficult enough being stranded so far from home, possibly hunted. She did not want to add to their challenges.


It still made her wonder, though.


While the wait was a challenge, the festival provided a delightful distraction for them all. Waiting to be discovered by the King’s Guard would do her nerves no favors. Anna found herself smiling as they approached the festival; up until the moment of the explosion. She held her breath with the rest of the crowd, looking to Robert with concern for how this might affect him. As it turned out, the concern was unnecessary. She breathed a sigh of relief with the rest of the crowd, not sure she appreciated their humor but truly glad no one had been harmed.


Andrei’s attempts to duck the dancing amused Anna greatly; so much so that she found herself pulling Andrei into the circle along with Robert. She did enjoy dancing, she just rarely had the chance to do so. A dance in Silverford carried with it political nuances and messages, whether she intended them or not. Greenwich provided the rare opportunity to simply enjoy herself.


It did not take long for her to pick up the steps, her legs moving in the quickening patterns beneath the rose-colored skirt. A smile graced her face as she looked to the other women, asking a few questions but catching on quickly.


In short order, the reason behind Andrei’s hesitation became apparent. He attempted to follow along with the others. It was a system, after all, and he understood systems above all. But try as he might, his feet would only complete the most basic of steps. This was less noticeable until the tempo increased, at which point his fumbling attempts to join in the dance resulted in several collisions - including stepping on several women’s skirts. Apologizing profusely, he looked over the crowd for a means to escape and finally, after stepping on Anna’s toes, found one. “I’m so sorry!” he said, not for the first time. “I think I should desist... Is that my sister?”


Anna had grimaced slightly at the abuse to her toes, but smiled nonetheless. But when he mentioned Cecilia, she looked in the direction he had pointed in, then turned back to find Andrei had disappeared into the crowd. She could not spot Cecilia and immediately assumed that Andrei was attempting to find a way out of the dance.


She grinned at the woman beside her, falling back into step with the others. “It may be for the best,” she offered as an apology for her friend’s hasty departure.


“I don’t know about that, but it’s better for our feet!” a grey-haired man across from Anna said, and the group laughed as the music shifted again.


As one, the group started a new pattern where people alternately stepped forward and back, forming two lines that began to intertwine with each other. As with the previous pattern, it started slowly to allow those unfamiliar with the dance to catch on. Anna recognized the pattern fairly quickly; just as the two lines began to move, forming temporary partners as they moved down the line. As the music reached the end of a repeating chorus, the lines stopped moving and people were left in pairs for the next phase of the dance, which started with one person circling the other, before their partner hooked them by the elbow and spun them in the opposite direction. Then the original steps performed in the circle were repeated while facing one another. Anna found herself paired with Robert. She laughed as she fumbled her way through the first task of circling him, then found herself following his lead as he spun her around. The return to the original steps was comforting to her, except that they were picking up in speed. She looked at Robert with raised eyebrows. “Please tell me the tempo is nearly at its crest,” she said with a smile.

 

[Chordling]

Robert simply laughed in reply to Anna's question. Anyone who was native to Ashington knew very well that the tempo was far from its crest. More dancers filled the circle of partners as the festival continued. Their feet flitted, the circle rotated, and with every revolution, the partners clapped twice to give the new tempo. Musicians and dancers alike both started to feel the exhaustion settle in as the tempo continued to increase. Finally, when the jig had reached its true potential, the partners all rejoined by hands into a large circle and skipped in a clockwise direction. Those who were trapped in the middle clapped, jumped, and screamed with excitement as the set of faces whizzed by them. Suddenly the music seized, and all that kept the dancers moving was the community's rhythmic clapping. Faster and faster and faster they went until somewhere someone in the circle created a faux pas, and caused the entire group to collapse in a fit of laughter.


Gradually, Robert lifted himself from the ground while he still held a strong smile. It had been quite some time since he was truly able to enjoy himself. Opportunities like the Solar Festival were rare in Silchester. Dances and parties back at home were simply meant for personal gain, and the drinks and food were only meant for a disguise. Most of the citizens in Ashington did not realize that and only looked at its simplicity. Robert would not be afraid to admit that he was also fooled by the governments fraudulent amusement. It certainly exposed him to a bit of culture shock, among many other things, and definitely took some getting used to. Returning to Ashington and their customs was easier than he expected. There was no doubt that their dangerous situation continuously sat at the back of his mind, but it was not as endearing were he back in Silchester pondering over minor, political matters.


When he finally pulled himself off of the ground, he turned to Ms. Stroud, and assured she was able to return to a stand without any trouble. Andrei was still no where in sight, but Robert was not too concerned, and assumed the mechanic was simply introducing himself to other acquaintances. He pulled his pocket watch from his shirt and quickly glanced down at its face. Not even an hour had passed and Robert almost felt like he was having the time of his life. The back of his shirt and vest felt hot, but thankfully that would be most of the dancing during the festival. The rest of the festival would mostly include eating, singing, and games. Without really noticing, Robert quickly grabbed hold of Ms. Stroud's hand, and eagerly lead her through town and the various, festive activities.


Valerie had joined the festival after finishing the last chores back at home. She spotted Robert and Anna in the distance just as the dancing session came to an end. In all her years with Robert, and in all her years of living, she had never witnessed her son in such a happy state. For 14 years she watched her son become the man he was through newspaper articles, magazines, and other means of news. She watched him grow from a distance knowing that whatever information she received from Silchester was dated weeks, sometimes even months back. It was almost impossible for her to believe that what she was witnessing was real time. She was finally able to watch over her son in a way she never imagined she would be able to do ever again. What was hard for her, however, was watching her son with another woman. Valerie was well aware of Robert's shaky, romantic history, and couldn't help but feel her heart pinch with just the thought of her son being swept away from her by a Misses, especially by one that could potentially be another Mrs. White. And now that she finally got her son back? Now way.


"A drink, ma'am?" a vendor approached Valerie from behind with their question. She was startled at first and turned around.


"Oh, no thank you. I don't drink. My husband drank enough for the both of us. He's dead now, ha ha," she tried to politely excuse the person behind her. They gave Valerie a queer glance, then decided not to waste anymore time with a non-willing customer, and continued to shuffle their way through the crowd.

 

[Erica]

Eventually Anna had surrendered to the demands of the dance out of necessity. It required her to submit to the process and accept that her outfit (and her hair) would likely be disheveled for the remainder of the day. She laughed as she fell with the others, escaping with only minor injuries to her pride. Seeing Robert so happy surprised her, but she found herself smiling along with him as he led her through the festival.


A few months ago, if anyone had told her that Robert White was capable of smiling, she would have deemed them a liar. Now she found herself smiling in response to his obvious excitement, even laughing as he insisted she try a sticky confection that featured pastry on a stick dipped in cinnamon and honey. It was easy to forget their troubles as the people here enjoyed their festival. The people in Silchester might assume they had nothing, but the people of Ashington possessed a love of life that eluded those who lived among the clouds. There were miscreants and thieves here, yes, but people also looked out for each other ways that warmed Anna’s heart.


Of course, it was easy to see Ashington in a favorable light during a festival where everyone wore their best clothes and were generally on their best behavior, but Anna did not see it that way. What she saw was Ashington as Sam had seen it: hardworking people with heart and the right to happiness. And she saw Robert’s smile, unexpected but surprisingly easy to grow accustomed to.


To their left, a small pistol was fired, signaling the start of a featured contest. Anna took Robert’s arm and pulled him toward the crowd, straining to see the event. Fifteen men and women of varying ages stood at high-top tables - none of them matching - piled high with stray parts and scrap metal; each also had a basic set of tools, which they were putting to good use. A rotund man with jowls stood holding a pocket watch, his bushy eyebrows lifted as he looked over the contestants. A large sack of potatoes lay on the ground beside him.


“What is this?” Anna asked one of the bystanders as they wedged themselves into the crowd to get a better look.


A woman wearing a pale blue dress turned to Anna. Her eyes were overly large for her face, and she had a bit of an under bite, but the overall effect was balanced and gave her a pleasant if mildly menacing air. She leaned toward Anna and replied in an exaggerated whisper, “They have thirty minutes to create a working device out of scrap parts. This year they need to damage a wooden target at a hundred yards - with a potato.” She grinned brightly, showing a gap in her teeth.


Anna thanked her quietly and watched the engineers working frantically. She spotted Ezra in the crowd and nodded to him when he spotted her, too; it surprised her that so many had turned out to see the event before the big reveal of the results. Perhaps they wanted to get a good seat for the show later.


A small explosion at one of the table filled the air with dark smoke as the inventor took a step back, waving at the air as he coughed and held up a hand. He called out to the crowd, “No harm done! Can’t make a cannon without some powder!” His smile was that much brighter against his soot-lined face.


The crowd laughed and broke out into scattered applause.


Anna had put a hand to her chest when the small explosion occurred, but as the man took it all in stride, she looked at Robert, smiling brightly. “If only we had known, Andrei could have entered the contest,” she said, scanning the crowd for her friend.


As if in reply to her summons, a new feminine voice called out her names. “Anna? Ms. Anna Stroud?! There you are!” Anna turned to see Cecilia Volos moving through the crowd with ease. The crowd seemed to part by the sheer will of her presence. The vibrant woman wore a light green shirt with leather pants and mismatched a leather vest; her trademark satchel over one shoulder and her hair in two braids under a wide-brimmed hat. She smiled brightly at the Senators, her arms opening wide. “I thought encountering my brother here would be enough of a blessing - but by my word! Two Senators at the Solar Festival!” Several people in the crowd shushed her. She waved her hand to dismiss them and their concerns. “If they can’t tinker because I’m talking, they’re in the wrong town!” she said, triggering some nods and chuckles from the crowd.


Andrei could be seen catching up behind his sister, a brief expression of wariness flitting across his features before he smiled apologetically at Anna and Robert. “Senator White, allow me to introduce my sister, Miss Cecilia Volos,” he said, apparently trying to salvage the situation. Cecilia nodded in greeting to Robert, resting a hand on her satchel as she came to stand before the two senators.


Anna grinned at the sight of Cecilia, although she did seem curious at the woman’s presence. “It is good to see you, my dear, but... what are you doing in Greenwich?”


Cecilia smiled brightly at Anna. “I came to see you, of course,” she said as if it was obvious. A heartbeat later, she laughed. “I’m only teasing, Ms. Stroud. I come every year for the Solar Festival.” She gestured toward the crowd and the contest. “The results are always... interesting,” she offered with a sly smile. “But I never thought I would see you here.” She looked at Robert. “Mr. White, your family must be glad to have you home, if only for a little while. Andrei told me of your poor fortune.” She made a soft tsking sound with her tongue as she adjusted her hat. “It’s almost enough to question his skills...”


“Don’t start that again!” Andrei said with a smile. “Forgive my sister, Senators; she is...” He glanced at his sister, who looked at him with a challenging smile. “... a willful spirit.”


Cecilia executed a minute shrug, seemingly content with the description, and looked back to the Senators. “I hope you are enjoying yourselves?”

 

[Chordling]

Robert was shocked at first when Anna had grabbed his arm and wondered what had compelled her to become so excited that it required her to pull him in a different direction. He had still been enjoying a bottle of freshly imported beer and was interrupted in mid sip. It did not take him long to recognize the competition once he and Ms. Stroud were situated among the mass of people. His father had competed every few years or so. Carter's mechanic skill's were fair for someone who worked in a coalmine all day. He could make simple repairs on old machines, reset the clocks, and a whole list of other, miscellaneous tasks. Robert remembered he would sit over his mother's shoulders while she secured him by his shins as they cheered him on. He never won anything.


His father had attempted to create a machine that succeeded to damage a wooden target set 100 meters away with a potato. The vegetable flew from his device and quickly declined 20 meters later. Robert was certain that this was the task the eager competitors were set to do when he had noticed the large sack of potatoes near the timekeeper and his assumption had been confirmed when he overheard Ms. Stroud speaking with another woman who wore a contrasting, pale blue dress. They watched together for a brief moment longer until Anna had brought up a fair point; Andrei would have been the perfect candidate for the construction competition.


There was no denying the young engineer was incredibly skilled. Robert remembered that many of his colleagues at the University dreamed of becoming the next greatest technician. They spilled all of their intuitive ideas to Robert, knowing they had nothing to fear when it came to plagiarism, and expressed their desires to serve among high, social classes. It was unfortunate for him to say that he was unaware of most of their fates. One or two of them might have been lucky enough to become successful inventors, but the others probably considered themselves lucky just to work in a garage. Andrei was in a good position. He appeared relatively young and was situated with a reliable career. It wouldn't surprise Robert if Andrei furthered his career separate from his work for Ms. Stroud in the future.


Just as Robert was about to share his praising thoughts, another voice cut into their conversation, and Robert quickly turned his head to see who had approached. She seemed innocent enough, but then she mentioned "her brother", and a new sense of surprise swept over him. Robert never believed Andrei had any relations, but of course, it wasn't something he particularly pondered deeply about before. His eyes scanned between the two siblings and it became easier for him to see their physical similarities. And when the two began to tease one another it was obvious of that their relation was close. He bowed as they were introduced and couldn't help but to give a small smirk when Ms. Volos poked fun at her brother's skills. Robert was an only child and never experienced what it was like having a sibling. Even sharing a dorm with fellow colleagues was drastically different from sharing with someone of the same lineage. It was probably for the best, however, Robert wasn't into sharing.


"We are," Robert answered after quickly sipping the last of his beverage. He lightly raised the empty container as if to emphasize his statement. His mother would have easily disapproved on the action. Ever since Carter passed away she despised the idea of her own son drinking the same sinful substance and forbid it to ever enter the house. Robert liked to make very clear that just because his father was an alcoholic that it didn't instantly make him one. Suddenly another loud popping noise came from one of the competitor's inventions. Women and men gasped as they watched the potato fly through the air, and just as it seemed as if the potato were to hit its target, its path rapidly declined. The crowd's interest seemed to die immediately right as the vegetable skidded into the dirt and a sense of relief washed over the other technicians.


"Continue, Senator, please. I want to hear the rest of what you have to applaud about the Solar Festival, which has only just begun!," Ms. Volos brightly smiled.


Mr. White paused briefly before speaking clearly, "I had nothing further to add, Ms. Volos." Andrei almost gave the Senator a sharp look but he was caught in the action by his sister.


"Andrei let him be!" she practically scolded. "Forgive my brother, Senators, for as I am sure you know, he is a very cautious spirit." Mr. Volos made a light groan. "I am pleased to here you two are enjoying yourselves. It is such a lovely coincidence that I have gotten to run into you. There are people who I wish for you to meet! Follow me, if you please." The young woman began to lead the two politicians through the crowd. As she did, she continued to remind herself that formal introductions to her organization were greatly due. There was no saying how well the meeting would follow, but she knew it had to be done, and prayed for the best. On such a lovely occasion it seemed cruel to throw them an even that could possibly turn tables in their investigation, and especially after all they had been through, but Cecelia Volos had a plan.


The hour glass to Anna and Robert's remaining stay in Ashington was flipped on its end when Silchester learned of their "flee" just days ago. They would have weeks at most before word of their "treason" spread through the capital and all of Aneora. While this phenomenon unfolded itself, S.Y.N.G.E. relocated themselves to a base in Ashington with the strong assumption that the Senators would see safe harbor due to Robert's family connections. Indeed they were right. For the past couple of days the organization expended their energy and time demising their next move. It only seemed appropriate to reveal themselves, but only gradually. Today Ms. Volos planned to introduce her colleagues to the Senators (some of whom Anna Stroud might all ready have acquainted herself with), but she would not announce their association, at least, not just yet. That would have to wait for another day, and after hearing her brother complain to her several times about the market's delivery speed, she had plenty of time.


The group stopped just as they reached the edge of the crowd and Cecelia called over two other gentleman. "Senators, I am pleased to introduce to you Mr. Charles Woods, my fiancé, and a close friend of mine, Mr. Elmer Seal." Ms. Volos smiled as the two men lowered their hats in greeting. Politely, Mr. White arched forward before standing straight again. "Senator Stroud has met my fiancé once or twice before, but both gentleman have been very eager to meet you, Senator White," she beamed.


"Very charming," Robert simply responded as he glanced between the two other men. Somehow the introduced guests found it hard to reply back.

 

[Erica]

While Robert displayed his usual dour humor, Anna - for once - found herself more amused than irritated. Cecilia's presence seemed like an odd coincidence, but Andrei’s brother did live around here... Did she not? To her dismay and shame, Anna realized she could not recall where Cecilia lived, and it would be rude to inquire at this point.


It made sense that the festival would draw a substantial number of people - especially engineers - from far away. Ezra lingered nearby, too, which caused something itched at the back of her mind as Cecilia introduced not only her husband, but another “close friend” who had the look of an intellectual gentleman about him. In the awkward silence after Robert’s dry commentary, she had to physically shake off the odd feeling of suspicion; dismissing it as residual anxiety from their recent plight with the Kings Guard. After all, if these people were with the king, they would already be under arrest.


So she pressed on. “Mr. Woods, it is a pleasure to see you again,” she said, dipping her head to Cecilia’s husband before turning to Elmer. “And Mr. Seal. I do not believe I have had the honor of making your acquaintance, but it is a glorious occasion that brings us together,” she said. Motioning to the contestants, she smiled mischievously. “I was just commenting to Rob... Senator White that Andrei should have entered the contest. Perhaps he should not have entered alone.”


Elmer shook his head vehemently as Ezra and Charles exchanged a brief and subtle glance; Ms. Stroud’s slip of the tongue had not gone unnoticed. “Oh, no,” Mr. Seal said, removing his glasses to polish them with a kerchief. “I could not. Improvisation is not my strength, Ms. Stroud.”


“Nor mine,” Anna countered with a smile, “Although, in the spirit of continual self-improvement, I am endeavoring to remedy that.” Her subsequent glance to Robert was subtler than Ezra’s had been. She had always found amusement in subtle language meant for a targeted audience; apparently, she could not forego the vice, even in this situation.


“How proceeds your work at the Library, Senator White?” Charles asked Robert, somewhat abruptly. “I do hope the efforts for exploring the research therein were not thwarted by the unseemly events at the Market Square.”


Beside him, Cecilia’s smile grew minutely strained. Charles was a direct man, which served well in many situations. Today would not be one of them.

 

[Chordling]

The air around them seemed to become at ease again when Anna naturally conversed with the new and old acquaintances. Her social skills appeared up to par until she had made a slight error in addressing Mr. White. Even he could not help but flinch. Not only was it improper, but it was also undesirable. Even his mother would refrain from calling him Rob, Bobby, or any other diminutive. Of course, it wasn't to say that Robert had made the same mistake in the past, and repeatedly. It would be best to leave the faux pas with no comments.


"The work at The Library proceeds as it should," Mr. White said in response to Charles inquiry. "I do hope you realize that the efforts for exploring the research therein was never threatened to be thwarted by the unseemly events at the Market Square, as Ms. Stroud is very capable of forgoing with her own projects." He looked at the younger man directly in the eye.


"Oh, dear Senator, Mr. Woods only means to ask if you are feeling better," Mr. Seal interjected before the two, headstrong men could continue.


"Oh, is that so, Mr. Seal?" Robert suddenly turned to face the other gentleman. "I didn't believe men who are so straightforward as Mr. Woods would need men of lesser, equal, or greater intelligence to translate what they meant to say these days. How silly of me, please, allow me to correct myself," he made a minute pause. "Lately, I have been feeling quite well."





The smile that Cecelia had donned just moments ago was no longer existent. She wondered how things functioned in the male mind and was grateful for Anna's feminine presence. "We're glad to hear you are feeling well, Senator White," she said, but not without pushing down a rather uncomfortable lump in her throat. "And I am glad that you were able to introduce yourselves to my fiancee and friend. Perhaps we may rejoin later this afternoon? I would keep you here longer, but I do not wish to take away more of your time from the festival." She sent a smile towards Ms. Stroud and her brother.


"Tea sounds wonderful, Cecelia," Andrei spoke, "but I am afraid I have to meddle some more with the ship. I was speaking with Mr. Wilhelm before and he told me that more parts had come in." This news was surprising to Robert, but it brought him great relief. However, the new change in mood did not change how he felt over tea.


"I will also be declining your invitation." He gave no reason for doing so. Ezra was the third to turn down the offer due to business matters back in Mendeleve.


"Well, that is all fine. You will be able to come, won't you, Anna? After all, two is a party and three's a crowd!" Cecelia nudged as she attempted to salvage her meeting.

 

[Erica]

Anna looked at Robert as he took offense for both their parts and almost managed to compliment her. It would have flattered her more if the words had not been part of a posturing match between Robert and Mr. Woods. Her eyebrows rose almost imperceptibly as Robert took offense over what was likely nothing more than polite inquiry as to his well being. While she managed not to sigh, her smile faded as well.


Why did he have to make everything a fight?


To be fair, he hadn’t fought with her much recently. Not since she had assisted in Andrei knocking him out cold - and he had taken that quite well. Why was Mr. Woods putting Robert on edge? Did he feel that something was not quite right in this meeting as well?


Cecilia recovered the civil conversation as best she could, earning a grateful smile from Anna. When Robert declined the invitation, Anna said nothing but did shoot him a questioning glance. Then it was her turn. She nodded and smiled at Cecilia, “I would be honored,” she replied, “Perhaps at three?”


After a brief discussion, the small cluster of acquaintances disbanded, leaving Anna alone amidst the crowd with Robert. She started to glare at him, but a small smile won out in short order. "Please do not take offense, but I sometimes wonder how you acquired any favor within the Senate." Looking in the direction that their group of friends and new acquaintences had left, she let loose a silent sigh. The feeling that this was more than a coincidence continued to haunt her. She shook it off before taking Robert's arm. "I believe you mentioned something about a floral display?"

~ * ^ * ~

​

Early that evening, Anna travelled quickly down the streets toward Mrs. White's house. The festival would continue on into the evening, as evidenced by the noise of a few men engaging in contests of strength (some of their livers) a series of mismatched lanterns appearing along the streets. She clutched at a simple brown shawl draped over her shoulders, her thoughts racing along with her feet.


The afternoon had been lovely. Mr. White had shown her the festival, and for a time they pretended there was no greater anxiety concerning them both. They indulged in the joys and distractions of the masses. He had even smiled regularly; Anna realised she had been doing the same after making note of it. Then they had bid each other farewell as Anna left to meet Cecilia.


That had been over three hours ago. Her meeting with Cecilia, while initially pleasant, had quickly evolved into something far more remarkable. Anna's mind was churning - so much so that she had made a hasty departure, declining Miss Volos' and Mr. Woods offer of an escort back to the White home. She needed to think.


She needed to talk to Robert.


Upon reaching the house, she climbed the steps on the front porch. She was about to knock when she heard the sound of music from within. Someone was playing the piano. Listening for a long moment, she eventually felt appropriately ashamed for eavesdropping. Quietly, she opened the door and slipped inside, not wanting to disturb the musician or the music.

 

[Chordling]

Robert returned a glare to Anna as she looked to him. His deep expression broke when all he could do was laugh at her statement. Then she felt her hands take his arm and he lead her towards the grand display of flowers. They enjoyed the soft aromas and vibrant colors until Anna had to depart for her meeting with their acquaintance. Robert found a moment's worth of amusement from a miscellaneous display of clocks and pocket watches before walking home.


Valerie had been making a fresh pot of tea as her son entered their house. She had made her own retirement from the festival hours ago. The celebration was said to be made for everyone's enjoyment, but she found that the younger population always received the most benefit. There had been more, celebratory events continuing outside and she wondered why Robert had come home so early. She was even more surprised that it appeared as if his friends abandoned him. She rethought the latter and realized that perhaps it wasn't too shocking. Secretly, Valerie was grateful that he was alone. She had a matter of importance to discuss with him; man to mom.


After Robert had come in, he was invited by his mother to sit down in the living room over a spot of tea. "I'm sure you are exhausted from all the fun you had during the festival," she smiled warmly. "You and that Anna girl seem to get along," Valerie practically sighed.


"Ms. Stroud, you mean," Robert naturally corrected before taking a small sip from his drink.


"Yes, that too," Valerie paused before her tone of voice subtly began to change, "but I can't possibly imagine her simply being a 'Ms. Stroud' to you. After all, you have been spending a lot of time with the pretty lass." Robert turned a glare towards his mother. "Don't look at me like that as if it isn't obvious," she battled. "You love her." She then went on and listed all of the events that, to her, showed their signs of affection towards one another.


"Enough of this," Robert interrupted as his tea cup was placed on its saucer with a loud clink. Then both of his damp palms pushed against his knees to free himself from their awkward conversation.


Valerie's face started to turn a vibrant shade of red as he lips pouted and her brows deepened. The tone on her visage was rather similar to the one Mr. White often wore whenever he lost his temper. "Robert, listen to me!"


He paused.


"I lost you to a young woman ten years ago. I am not going to make that same mistake again." Their discussion had taken quite an unexpected turn for Robert. He started to walk away again as his mother continued to lecture him. Mummy had just gotten her baby back. It wouldn't be fair for him to leave again. Life would be easy and simple in Ashington like it was all those years ago. Remember what your old professor told you. You are a politician. And you do not waste your time with such irrational ideas. Those ideas wouldn't be so irrational if you lived with dear, old Mummy. The two walked through all the house until Robert reached the far end of the house and shut the door to the dust filled room on his mother. She didn't dare to enter.


Robert had not realized which room he had entered until he was given the opportunity to turn around. Hidden underneath an old and dusty cloth covering was the grand piano that he and his father had spent so much time together around. It made sense to him now why his mother refused to follow him. Slowly, he approached the musical instrument, then carefully slid the covering off of its surface. The wood was still as dark as it was when he first laid eyes on it, but the object had suffered from several, minor scratches and cracks. His hand hovered over the wood and hesitated only for a moment before it lightly came into contact. He took a deep breath.


Quietly, he sat down on the piano bench, then started to make improv over a simple chord progression. Though it was a strange feeling, his fingers naturally moved over the ivory keys. Most of the notes he played were relatively in tune, or perhaps it was because his ear was no longer accustomed to the sound of the large, acoustic instrument. His made up piece started out slowly then eventually settled on a steady speed. Without noticing, the volume of his music was beginning to grow, and it filled the house. Robert had drowned himself in his own music, so much that he didn't even notice Anna enter the house.

 

[Erica]

The music filled the space. So much so that Anna had expected to see the instrument in the parlor; perhaps brought out for the festival. But the musician could not be immediately seen. The music could be felt though, in her chest and running through her veins. It was a bold and yet melancholy piece; passionate and contemplative, but more than anything, it was alive. She paused briefly to listen with her eyes closed, the fingers clutching at her shawl relaxing unconsciously as she did.


After a minute of listening so, she finally ventured to find the music's source. Creeping like a child on Christmas Eve across the floorboards, she found the door through which Robert had disappeared easily. Her hand on the doorknob, she hesitated still; she did not want to interrupt the music, but she needed to see... to confirm what she already suspected.


It was Robert playing.


She turned the doorknob slowly, then opened the door while holding her breath. The sound of the music washed over her anew in a pleasurable assault on her senses. There, with his back to her, sat Robert upon the bench before the piano, his hands moving in a furious pace. It wasn't true that he was sitting, either; his whole body seemed to move with the exercise of creation upon the instrument. The sight of him playing was nearly as beautiful as the music he was creating. Afraid to break the spell, she stood and listened and watched for a few more minutes. Her eyes closed at one point, so she could better focus on the pace and pattern of his chosen piece. She did not recognize it, but transfixed her as it grew through steady ebbs and flows of tempo, volume, and even complexity. It was beautiful; so much so she found herself smiling with tears in her eyes.


As it started to ebb again, she chided herself inwardly for eavesdropping and not announcing herself. After considering and abandoning the option of sneaking back out the way she had come, she took a tentative step forward, intending to announce herself without interrupting. It had the opposite of the intended effect; as soon as he saw her, he stopped playing. He looked disturbed, even embarrassed, and she despised herself in that moment for intruding so.


As he stood, she took a quick step forward, "Please," she implored earnestly, "do not stop."

 

[Chordling]

"I was not expecting you, Ms. Stroud," he answered suddenly as he remained beside the piano. His eyes averted away from her own as he spoke. Robert was not sure whether he should have felt any kind of embarrassment or fear while Anna stood there. It was not known to the common man that Mr. White was skilled in piano or any musical element for that matter. He would be glad to say that over the span of his career, he has kept his talent well hidden. Something as small as playing the piano would cause no harm or benefit to his status, but it comforted him to know that no one in Silchester knew of his secluded skill. Of course, now that comfort had been spoiled.


After a moment of thinking, he understood that what he was feeling was uncertainty. Should he sit back down? Should he walk away? Should he say something? He did neither action.


At least, he did neither action at first.


Slowly, he turned his gaze up to Ms. Stroud. His doubt was surely the most prominent emotion, yet, at the same time, his expression also gave off a feeling of trust. His mouth did not speak. His feet did not walk. Instead, he sat back down and brought the fall board into its upright position. His heart began to race and he feared that she could hear its rhythm through his chest. Another moment later and Robert was able to return it to a normal pace.


"I'm sorry," his words quickened again, and he pushed himself away from the piano once more. Without any hesitation, he shut the fall board, slid the bench beneath the keyboard, and went in hot pursuit for the piano cover. In his nervous rush, he lost track of where he had placed the old piece of cloth and spent a relatively long amount of time searching for it. Several scans later, and his eyes still caught no sight of the darn thing.

 

[Erica]

Anna felt horrible. Not only had her interruption ceased the music, but also she had clearly upset him. His apparent discomfort inspired a pang of empathy and regret in her chest, which struck her as odd. Not long ago, she had reveled in any sign of Senator Robert White’s displeasure. It would not be an exaggeration or falsehood to have said ensuring his displeasure was a part of her daily goals. In the Senate, when she was pleased, he was not, and vice versa.


Not that she had ever personally wished him ill - not sincerely, in any case - but when had seeing him pained become an unsatisfactory result? When had it become something she wanted to remedy?


When he returned to his seat, she smiled but stayed still, hoping he would resume his performance. Any hope for a continuation of the music was quickly dashed, however. She took a step forward as he stood, then stopped herself. What could she possibly do to remedy the situation? His apology only further proved she had done wrong by him. When did Mr. Robert Amos White apologize to anyone?


With a slight crease to her brow, she shook her head. “I am the one who should apologize. I did not mean to intrude,” she said as she noted his search. Joining him in the effort, she hoped to help in some way. “I simply heard the music and...” she shook her head, finding the piece of cloth and crossing the room to bring it to him. As she handed it to him, she paused to meet his gaze. “You play beautifully," she said with conviction and sincerity. Then, more hesitantly, she added, "I did not recognize the piece...”

 

[Chordling]

Robert gently removed the cover from Anna's possession when it was handed to him, then carefully placed the piano under its concealment, but not before briefly holding together their gazes in a moment's silence. She had genuinely praised him for his talent. It wasn't the first time she had done so, as he recalled their dance at the Cotillion. Comments with similar natures received from Ms. Stroud should have no longer been considered phenomenon's, but he still felt a wave of surprise surge through him. It was a rather conflicting feeling. What his mother claimed earlier that evening about his affections was true. He loved Anna Stroud. He loved Anna Stroud even if her words were the thing that angered him most, even if she didn't believe in the same political policies as he did, and even if his admiration caused his own reputation as a Senator to suffer. He loved her even if society shamed her for her complexion, even if culture judged her for her gender, and even if the nation only thought of her as an anarchist. He loved her and trusted her. In the past, it may have appeared that her mere presence brought him distress, but in the most recent events, her presence brought him the most comfort. Yet somehow his nerves were played by a simple compliment.


"I would not have recognized the piece either were someone else playing it," Robert finally responded. "Most of it was inspired by early contemporary and classical artists, such as Marguerite Sky and Phillip Charles, and some of it was my own." He took a deep breath. "My father taught me how to play."

 

[Erica]

Anna took a step back, allowing him to tend to the piano. Under other circumstances, she might have offered to assist, but she suspected that Robert had a specific way he wanted it handled. Besides, she had already disturbed him enough. Her words seemed to ease some of his tension, though not all. While she should have been thinking about the conversation with Cecilia, her mind was occupied with thoughts of how to return him to a better disposition.


So when he spoke, sharing a personal perspective, she smiled. It was a mark of his trust in her that he shared anything at all, and she was flattered by it. It astounded to her that he had composed the piece spontaneously. “He may have begun the process and instilled the mechanical necessities, but ... and forgive me if it is too bold to say so, but I dare say the passion behind the music,” she flushed lightly as she said it, glad that her complexion hid most of it well, “that is yours.”


Now it was her turn to glance away, suddenly aware of how improper the whole situation was. Folding her hands in front of her, she attempted to get the conversation back on track. “I hope that one day I might convince you to play for me again.” Although the words sounded a little stiff and formal due to her acute awareness of the situation, she meant them sincerely.


“But... I have news,” she added regretfully.

 

[Chordling]

Robert managed a light chuckle after Anna had commented his natural composition. He was at least pleased to hear that his abilities to please an audience had not left him. Robert could not count the years it had been since he had practiced formally. Back in Silchester, he had his own grand piano situated in the living room, and most of what he played was similar to what he recently performed. He never played in front of guests or friends at social events, or if he was ever asked to, he would deny the fact that he knew how to play. The odds of him playing for Anna willingly were quite slim, no matter how felt about her.


Suddenly, his brow raised at the mention of news. "All ready?" he inquired, assuming they were addressing the same subject. Robert was still unaware about Elijah's organization and was more concerned about their well being in respects to the King's Guard. He never remembered reading anything in the papers about the market or the events that followed that his mother collected every morning. Most of them still discussed topics which they had resolved in Senate weeks, if not a month ago. "How much time do we have left? Does the King's Guard know of our location?" he spoke in a low voice so it would not travel through the house. "I do not believe Mr. Volos has even finished the repairs for your airship. He is still waiting for the rest of the parts to come through Mr. Wilhelm." Robert continued with the wrong assumptions.

 

[Erica]

Anna realized quickly that she had chosen her words poorly. Robert assumed the "news" was from Silchester. That was true in an indirect way. She tried to correct him; first by shaking her head, then by saying a soft, "No." Apparently he did not hear her, however, so she eventually shook her head more vehemently and stepped forward to stand before him. "No, no. Not that kind of news. I have heard nothing of that, and I suspect we have some time still before word of what happens reaches here."


She took a breath, jumping into the explanation before he could become upset that she had led him astray. "Cecilia - Miss Volos - she wished to speak with me for more than social reasons. She wished to introduce her ... friends." She paused, her brow furrowed slightly. "Do you remember my mentioning her when I found the key? That is because she had a necklace of a similar design. At the time, she explained it away as a reflection of her fascination with history. As it turns out.." Her hands, which had been moving rapidly as she had been speaking, stilled as she clasped them before her.


"Miss Volos is a member of a society that has been dedicated to Synge, his ideas, and the development of unconventional thought among engineers since Mr. Synge's execution. She is reaching out to us to offer assistance." Technically, Cecilia had reached out to Anna, not them both, expressing concern about Robert's disposition toward their existence. While she understood Cecilia's trepidation, Anna could not keep this from Robert. It simply would not be right.

 

[Chordling]

Mr. White lowered one of his brows in confusion and waited a moment before speaking. "So she has known of our project all along." He remembered that Cecelia had mentioned they had met before, and though she never revealed what their encounter included, but Robert easily assumed the obvious; she had exploited all of the details to their project. Robert had told Anna numerous times before that subjects relating to their research should be kept secret. What he seemed to forget is that a secret was not a secret unless one person knew about it.


There was another long pause after his brief statement. His was compelled to speak, but there were too many things flooding his thoughts to form a cohesive argument. It didn't quite make sense to him why Ms. Stroud continued breach their work's confidentiality. And he didn't understand why she suddenly wanted to inform him of these details now when their personal and political lives were being threatened to the extent where they had to flee from the sky kissed city. Robert should have naturally felt betrayed. Even though they disagreed on many points, it was no excuse to distrust him with information related to such a dire circumstance. Yet, somehow Robert was finding it hard to feel mislead. It was a rare moment where his words and pride failed to serve him.


So he admitted his struggle. In his own way of course. "I do not understand why you continue to conceal these details from me, however, I do not have the energy to express my disagreements." His elbow rested on the piano as he pushed a hand through his hair and he let off a sigh. "What assistance do they have to offer us?"

 

[Erica]

His initial reaction surprised Anna. Why did he believe Cecilia knew of their project beyond the news in the paper, what all of Aenora knew? Anna took a minute step backwards, her head tilted ever so slightly to the right as she watched him wrestle with his response. Meanwhile, she wracked her brain.


Had she told him of her first meeting with Andrei's sister? She thought she had; they had discussed utilizing her and her fiance as historical experts. Anna had kept her suspicions to herself about Cecilia's necklace, because it was unfounded and because Cecilia was Andrei's sister. Anna had been protective then. But today. Today, she had left the conversation, compelled to discuss the matter with him immediately.


And still he questioned her loyalty, challenged her honesty. And he dismissed even the discussion of the matter, as if it was not worth his effort? As if it were a foregone conclusion that her motivation was deceitful and her character questionable? Her hands had fallen to her sides as he spoke. Now her right hand balled into a fist. She could see his fatigue; it earned a moment's hesitation before she stepped forward again, her tone dangerously quiet - at least to start. "I do not know," she began, her gaze locking on his as she tilted her head upward; a necessity due to the difference in their height. "I do not know what they offered, as I came here directly as soon as she told me the group existed. I could not, would not, exclude you." Her tone grew steadily in volume and venom as she took another step closer to him, "Just as I cannot, for the life of me, discern why you believe I am concealing anything from you. I trust you. I have trusted you with my life, and guarded yours. And yet - at every turn - you seem to conjure new ways in which I could have wronged you. I do not understand from where these fantastical ideas stem." Suddenly feeling heated, she let her shawl fall from her shoulders, balling it up and abandoning it to the piano, taking out her frustration on the innocent piece of fabric and lace. The pause was brief, only a heartbeat before she lit into him again. "Were I half as deceptive, devious, uncaring, and ... tiring... as you seem to believe me to be, why am I here, with you now? Should I not be plotting against you with my newfound conspirators? Is that what you think of me? Still? After all we have been through?" She tossed up her hands, although she did not look away as she usually might in such frustration. Her vexation had a focal point, and it was Robert White. Another step toward him, invading his personal space more than was proper; though she was not fully conscious of it at the time. "To you I shall always be the Anarchist, nothing more, and to you that means I cannot be trusted. I should know better. You are still as a stone, unwilling and unmovable, and unable to see the truth standing before you." It was then Anna realized, quite belatedly, how heated her voice had become; how quick and shallow her breaths; and how uncomfortably and improperly close she was standing to him. She paused, feeling suddenly self-conscious about the passion in her speech and the position she had put herself in. But she could not - would not - back down. So instead she stood her ground, full of pride and an unexpected flutter of nerves, chin raised defiantly as she challenged him to answer her with an unmoving gaze; unaware of the uncertainty and vulnerability that had crept into her own.

 

[Chordling]

Robert lifted his gaze to meet Anna's as she spoke to him. There was still a great amount of distress in his expression, and perhaps a bit of annoyance, but he still listened. Just as she took her second step towards him, his height straightened from the leaning position on the piano and he continued to look down to her. She had made another step closer and he did the best he could do to distance himself from her furry without having to take a step back. It came to the point where his efforts would no longer save him from their closing proximities. If only he had his cane within his grasp to lean on, then perhaps he could incline his posture back just a little further to separate them from each other, then perhaps he could wrap his eager grip around its smooth, jade orb, then perhaps he could place its cherry figure before him to increase his personal atmosphere.


But that wasn't truly what he wanted, was it?


Anna was right where Robert wanted her to be and it was driving him wild. "I do not know," he spoke after a long, silence filled pause. "Where my fantastical ideas stem from. I do not know why your methods push me to believe that you are a deceptive, deceiving, uncaring, and tiring woman. I do know why you are still here, with me, now. I do not know if you are plotting with newfound conspirators." Much like Anna's speech, his voice started from a low rumble, but it did not rise in volume or venom. "But I do know what I think of you. You will always be Anna Katarine Stroud, an Anarchist" his tongue hit the word sharply. "And nothing more. But it does not mean that you cannot be trusted. You should know better. I should know better. I am an unwilling, unmoveable stone, but let me inform you, Ms. Stroud, I see the truth standing before me quite clearly." Somehow he was able to forget his discomfort sourced from their invaded parameters, and during his dialogue, his head had leaned closer towards Anna's. There was another long moment where all they could hear was one another's heavy breaths and it continued to stretch for uncomfortable amounts of time. Even the golden pocket watch, which rested conveniently against Robert's chest, seemed to refuse to tick. He suddenly felt a bolt of energy flow through his hands and a flash of heat color his cheeks as he kissed her.

 

[Erica]

Robert's position in the Senate was no accident. His status among the esteemed body had not stemmed from his family name or his connections. It certainly had not been borne of his amazing social skills. If nothing else, he excelled at debate. He listened to any opposing argument closely with a shrewd ear, then typically utilized the information gleaned to systematically destroy any logic beneath the argument. Where he could not find fault, he would hammer at the facts until one at least appeared to be there.


His skill in this technique had vexed and irritated Anna over the years. This was the first time, however, she saw it applied in this way.


He had listened to her words - very carefully, in fact, filing them away neatly as he often did with any argument. Then the silence stretched between them, giving Anna adequate time to recognize her body's response to being in such close proximity to the man she was supposed to hate but could not manage to conjure up enmity toward. He might be wrong on a particular point - oh, he would often be that - but he was a good man. She saw that now; his strength of character and the passion he hid from others. His grace and discretion, and... Why was her heart fluttering so as he simply looked at her?


She should have taken a step backwards, but her pride would not allow it. Then he spoke.


True to his standard (and often devastatingly effective) technique, he echoed back her words nearly verbatim, putting his own twist on them to change their meaning. It was not malicious, though, or even heated. (At least not with anger.) He kept his voice low, a technique often used in oratory to force the listener to pay attention. But there was something else there, vibrant and dangerously alluring, beneath his words. A passion not unlike that he had demonstrated only minutes ago as he sat before the piano's keys.


On the Senate floor, she had often distanced herself from his arguments in order to effectively counter them. Anna could not distance herself from this; nor did she want to. She held his gaze and her ground, minor reactions flitting across her features as she fought her own emotions. The word "anarchist" earned a minor flinch. What followed had her struggling to keep her breath, heart, and hands steady. He had inched closer to her as he spoke, and God help her, she had found herself drawn to him as well. Her chin tilted slightly upward as he fell silent, her eyes flitting between his eyes and his lips. The coming of the kiss was a force of nature; one she could feel throughout her body and one, despite all reason, every fiber of her being desired.


And yet, she almost panicked when he kissed her. For a split second, she stiffened - until she truly felt his lips upon hers. It had been a long time since anyone had dared attempt to kiss her. Longer still since she had wanted them to. Against all logical sense, she realized in that moment how desperately she desired his kiss. Her hands fell naturally to his neck as she returned his kiss in kind, a sigh escaping her as she did.

 

[Chordling]

For someone bearing his level of social status, Robert's history was not the most reputable. He did not grow up in the society Anna Stroud had, her mother being a social networking genius, and her father a highly acclaimed politician himself. They would never remember Robert as the child who grew up in a small, insignificant town in Ashington, they would never remember him as the boy whose father died from alcoholism, they would only remember him as a Senator, as a self-made man, a monarchist. Mr. White would agree, his past was not worth mentioning, especially those involving romantic rendezvous. To salvage himself from any teasing or embarrassment, Robert never mentioned any adventurous experiences he had with women. It is not a question whether Robert White has had relationships in the past, but how they started and how they ended always remained a mystery. When it came to Mr. White, romantic history would not be spoken of in detail.


His background was not revealed in the same way as Anna Stroud's though the features of her marriage with Sam was far harder to avoid. (Another item which contrasted the two senators.) Both parties had been recognized in high society and raised as children in Silchester. With the way media drooled over their personal lives, it would have been impossible to keep everything a secret. Robert's pickings were less "tasteful" in regards to social ranking, and much of the time he spent finding romance was during his time at the university, just before his rank began to rise in the senate. His gaze would be distracted by any figure of the opposite gender and his speaking skills served him well as a seducer. There was one occurrence when he became fully dedicated to one partner, but even with instance details were sparse. In summary, his past included a lot of women and a lot of fornicating. Needless to say, Robert was no newcomer when it came to women, sex, and heartbreak. Kissing was certainly not defined as uncharted territory either.


But kissing Anna was. The feeling was light, yet passionate, it was not filled with carnal lust but filled with meaning. It was a real kiss. As Ms. Stroud brought her arms around his neck, Robert pulled them closer together as his embrace locked around her waist. His mind suddenly became a storm of thoughts. What was she thinking? What would the senate think? What would Mr. Milberry think? What would her father think? What would Andrei think? What would his mother think? What would people think? The thoughts were relentless, but Robert would not allow himself to lose focus. He would not allow himself to think of everyone else's opinions. Why should they matter? They may have exiled themselves temporarily from their homes in Silchester, but they were still the highest ranked politicians of the nation. The only opinions that mattered was theirs.


He did not know how much time had passed if much of it had gone by at all, but in that one moment everything seemed to stop. It was lightly disappointing to feel reality settle back in when the duration of their kiss had ended, but it also sent a feeling of relief. There was no denying one another's trust anymore. "I'll make a deal with you," he smiled subtly. "If you still believe my piano skills are as admirable as you claimed them to be just minutes before, I will play for you again upon your request, but only if you kiss me again." His smirk widened.

 

[Erica]

As in almost all things, Anna’s experience opposed and reflected Robert’s. She was no maiden; she had her share of suitors in her youth, and she had loved Sam, their marriage had been an affectionate one. Yet since Sam’s death, suitors had been few and far between (especially when rumors spread of how she treated - or rather mistreated - anyone who came courting).


But this. The timing eluded her. When had he come to matter to her so much? When had she begun to hold this man who often drove her crazy dear? It mattered not. In the lingering moments of their kiss, all questions and mental chatter faded away; he was all there was in the world for the duration of that sweet contact.


They both retreated from the kiss out of a natural instinct and rhythm that comes with such contact. Anna straightened enough to look up at him, but remained close; her hands moving from his neck to his shoulders. Only then, as she tried to regulate her breath, did her cheeks finally flush with color - and the thoughts of the implications came rushing in afterwards. What was she thinking? What was he thinking? What would the world think?


Their kiss was the least worrisome threat to their reputations at the moment, but as she glanced downward, almost shyly, that fact escaped her. When he spoke, she looked up with a quirked eyebrow. A slow and amused smile blossomed on her lips before she took a minute step backwards. She did not know what to think of this development. Unlike Robert, she had yet to recognize her feelings for him until now, and her mind was reeling with the consequences. That little smirk of his and his playful “deal” were amusing - and dangerous. She needed time to think, which presently represented a Herculean effort. She took another small step back, holding his gaze with a wry smile for a long moment. Finally, she offered a slow grin; an expression he would know well from their banter in the Senate. “You have a deal. Once I kiss you again, you will be obliged play for me at my request,” she countered.


Recognizing that she had essentially promised that they would kiss again while silently requesting - no, insisting upon - a respite to gather her wits, she finally admitted to herself that staring at him would not answer the questions swirling in her head. That would take time. And perhaps a bottle of wine.


“I do not know what help Cecilia’s organization can offer us. They call themselves The Network for short; she told me the longer name, although I honestly cannot recall it at the moment,” she chuckled at that, taking up the shawl and draping it over her shoulders. Even while attempting to return to safer ground, conversationally speaking, she had to admit he had her distracted. “I suggest we speak with her... Or insist on a meeting with the leaders, so we can assess them. Together.” She paused then, hoping that her solution would emphasize her transparency and desire to include him as they moved forward.

 

[Chordling]

The smile Robert wore grew wider as she agreed to his wager. He was confident that she would accept. In the past, he had been complimented on his charm, and although it had been years since he courted with women of his age, it had retained very well.


Then Anna continued to speak on more serious matters. They would need to start collaborating with the newly found organization and uncover some of their benefits. Mr. White would not be afraid to admit that he was still trepidatious about the ordeal, but he wanted to trust Anna, he needed to trust her.


"I think we will come to greater profit if you speak to Miss Volos privately for a second time. We still do not know what we are trying to handle. It comforts me to know that she is a friend to you and of relations to Mr. Volos, but I cannot help to feel concerned." He began to pace around the piano as he continued. "It would comfort me more if we understood her organization's motives and I suggest that the investigation should be done in secret so we do not disturb the time we have remaining here. From there, we can schedule a meeting with the leaders and assess them, together." There were brief moments during his speech where he physically paused to logically create his revisions to Anna's plan. "If you truly believe their aide will advance us, then I will believe, too."

 

[Erica]

Still reeling from the implications of their kiss, Anna faced a new challenge to her understanding of the world and her relationship with Robert Amos White. He did not argue with her. He countered her argument, but by extending and reaffirming his trust in her. She stood for a long moment after he spoke, fingertips of her right hand smoothing out the hem of her shawl as she looked at him curiously.


Her mind simply refused to process the changes in a timely fashion, leaving her standing there, masking her dumfounded state with a neutral expression that only a politician can master. Eventually, though, she nodded. "I believe we should learn what we can. Our allies and resources are limited. We may need to accept their assistance for the short term, if only to advance our position." She realized belatedly that she was still arguing her point, though he had already conceded to it. She glanced downward, then back up to meet his gaze, feeling off-balance in the conversation. She did her best to return to the plan at hand. "I believe your advice is sound and appreciate your trust. I will visit Cecilia tomorrow, and learn what I can. Then we will discuss and reevaluate."


She nodded again unnecessarily, letting silence hang long enough for him to correct her course if he felt so inclined before she turned toward the door. Then she paused again, looking at him. "I will have a conversation with Andrei as well. Though he has earned my trust, I cannot avoid the strong likelihood that he knew of this Network and hid it from me, given his engineering skill and his sister's involvement." She frowned at the thought, displeased with the idea that Andrei may have kept this from her, but also concerned about how Robert would handle the conversation without her. "I know it is much to ask of you, but please wait for me to have that conversation with him. Will you?"

 

[Chordling]

After he had paced around the room for another moment longer, Robert found himself standing beside the piano once more. It was agreed upon. Anna would speak to Cecelia for a second time in privacy before returning with any beneficial (or not so beneficial) details. Then, they would arrange a time to rejoin with the organization leaders and discuss further endeavors. Mr. White would admit, he was not confident that the idea was strong, but their options were limited. This course of action seemed best suited if they wanted to make it home alive, never mind salvaging their status as politicians.


He sighed, then rolled his eyes, and agreed to Anna's final comment. "You have my word. I will not speak to your mechanic on these matters until you are present," he made a brief pause. "Besides, my mother and I still need to finish our tea." Internally he groaned at the idea. As much as he desired to avoid the situation completely, he knew it would need to be resolved eventually. He removed his watch from the pocket on his chest and the device became his saving grace. The hour was late. Eventually would have to come tomorrow

~ ~ ~

​

When someone ever said that the Solar Festival was the mark of a new summer, they weren't messing around. Early that next morning, Mr. White forced himself out of bed and into the bath to remove the layer of sweat that had grown over his skin during his sleep. When he had finished what he could with his hair, he headed directly into the kitchen to fetch something to eat.


"Good morning," he heard his mother enter as he prepared a small bowl of porridge. He greeted her in a rather dull manner by simply turning his head to face her and then turned his head back to the serving of slop. "Have you seen the paper arrive yet?"





Robert turned his head once more, though more quickly this time. "No, I have not, is it supposed to come today?"


"Well, it is Sunday, after all," Valerie smiled after she gave off a small laugh. "Let's have a look, shall we?" She made her way to open the front door, and there sitting on the porch was a neatly stacked bundle of paper. "Hand over the knife, will you, Robert?" she asked as she extended her arm to retrieve the needed tool to release the papers from their bindings. Valerie sat down and carefully broke the packaging just as Robert finished preparing his meal. He watched his mother as she briefly rustled with the pile of papers, then finally managing to open its contents. During her struggles, she seemed to be ignorant to the front page, which displayed an enlarged image of Ms. Stroud and Mr. White. Robert was not, however, and the article seemed innocent. At least, it was until he read the headline:


Senator White Shot During King's Speech at Market Square

"Mother," he practically muttered after giving a light, nervous cough. "May I see that paper for a moment?


"My heavens Robert, can't I read it first?" she said as she folded the paper in half and lowered it from her face. "This isn't new news you know. Greenwich gets all the "latest gossip" at least two weeks in delay! And besides, I want to see if there is anything about you in here. You know how much I like to keep any articles about you in my scrapbooks." She opened the paper once more and continued reading. Slowly, Robert attempted to pull the paper away from his mother. "My heavens, Robert, patience, please," Valerie scolded.


"Give me the newspaper," he practically demanded.


"Robert! What on Earth is wrong with you this morning? Has something other than your political counterpart gotten into your head? My heavens!" she repeated the iteration for a third time as she refolded the paper.


"Please," he tried once more.


"Oh ho, you're going to have to do a lot more than 'please' to get this out of my hands before I am finished. Just wait a moment." She sent her son a smile and unfurled the frail material once again. Suddenly a grim expression appeared over Valerie's grin and she quickly turned to the front of the paper. "Robert," she addressed. "Robert," she said again with an increased level of urgency.


Mr. White had already departed the room.

 

[Erica]

Anna heard Valerie calling for her son as she donned a pair of gloves. The elder woman’s voice sounded a little frantic, but Anna had come to accept Valerie’s temperament as consistently bordering on mania. This, combined with Robert’s tendency to ignore his mother’s inquiries, often escalated quickly. Anna made it into the kitchen before she realized the scope of the situation.


“Anna!” Valerie exclaimed. She shook the paper in Anna’s general direction, making it hard to make out the headline.


Anna recognized the photograph on the front page, though: it caused her stomach to lurch in a most unpleasant way. She looked around for Robert, but of course, he had fled.


“When, precisely, were you and Robert planning to tell me about him getting shot?!” Valerie accused. The normally soft-spoken and pleasant woman was turning red in the face as she stood. “You! Did you put him in danger? Does he remain in danger?” She had not read much of the article’s content, having been shocked by the headline.


Anna did not know what to say. The accusation stung more than she expected. She had not intentionally put Robert in danger, but he had been shot trying to protect her. No doubt that would be in the article. Before Valerie read about that, she intended to be gone. From the quickly cooling bowl of porridge on the table, she suspected Robert had reached the same conclusion earlier. “Neither of us expected an attack that day. No one did,” she replied as calmly as she could. Starting to move toward the door, she added, “Robert recovered fully, thank goodness. The Kings Guard is still searching for the assailant,” and us, she added mentally, “which is part of why we were traveling to Mendeleve. And why it is important we get there soon.” She made her way toward the door, speaking quickly and decisively in an attempt to forestall any interruption by Mrs. White. “Which is precisely why I must beg your pardon and take my leave. A critical appointment waits me.”


Valerie attempted to interrupt multiple times as Anna spoke. “But -- This is -- You are most certainly not -- My heavens, you do not mean to --” She was now officially red in the face.


Anna opened the door. “I am certain Robert will return soon. Please try not to worry, for he is fine. Now I must bid you good day,” she said as she slipped outside and made haste down the steps and into the street, heading for Cecilia Volos’ home. Whatever awaited her in that conversation, it would be an improvement over facing Valerie’s distress.

~ * ^ * ~

​

A tall man limped down a back toward the ship, pulling a worn leather cloak tighter about his shoulders and pressing a floppy hat closer to his head. He seemed to duck under imaginary beams, turning this way and that in subtle fashion as he avoided eye contact with passers by. Almost everyone ignored him; just another worker boarding a ship bound for Ashington.


The effect was ruined as a group of six men in similar weatherworn cloaks boarded in his wake, not a minute after he had taken a seat on a crate on the deck of the ship. They fanned out at some unspoken signal, taking up intentionally casual positions along the deck surrounding the first man.


The first man adjusted his hat once more and studied the deck as he let loose a slow and silent sigh. His voice was quiet enough to reach the nearest two men. “Subtlety is not your strength.” Anyone listening wasn’t likely to recognize Prince Harold’s voice, but the sight of a man escorted by an obvious team of guards would raise questions. “We do not want anyone hearing of this trip, understood?”


The man to his left, a gruff and scarred man by the name of Sebastian Abbot nodded minutely. “Yes, Your Highness.” Realizing his mistake, he coughed into his hand and scanned the deck as the Prince glared at him beneath the brim of his hat. “Forgive me... Patrick,” he corrected, using the name agreed upon while they travelled outside the palace, attempting to blend into the public.


The prince travelled this way often as an attempt to understand the true state of his kingdom, but he had pressed upon his guard the importance of secrecy for today’s journey. Sebastian did not know all the details about the prince’s departure, though he was intelligent enough to recognize that the prince was hiding from not only the people this time. It wasn’t his job to question the prince, however, so he would stay quiet and do his job. Guarding the prince would require adjusting his personal style, but as soon as they landed in Ashington, they would fall into a new and familiar pattern.


Now he watched people file onto the ship at the end of their workday, keeping an eye on the prince as well as rain began to fall.