Anya sat with Allie at a table. She had been summoned to her room for a talk. Clio was the only other person in the room, but she left once she finished serving their tea. They were alone. Anya's stomach churned with worry. Was she about to be asked to divorce Lady Bringer for someone more appropriate? She'd been surprised Iris hadn't asked her to leave, but left her with encouraging words. Maybe it was because Allie was still being trained to be the family head. Was asking her to leave going to be a part of her training? Maybe they would allow her to remain as servant.

  Allie— Lady Alison… sipped her tea first after blowing on it. Anya sipped her own drink before nibbling at a crumbly sweet made with chopped dates. It was better than fidgeting.

  "How are things going with you and Da?" Lady Alison asked.

  That wasn't the question she was expecting, but it still made her heart race. "I beg your pardon, Lady Alison?"

  Lady Alison let out a laugh as she relaxed. "Don't stand on ceremony, Lady Anya. There is something important we have to discuss, but before that I just want to talk." She glared at her drink. "You know, as much as I appreciate her help, I'm getting sick and tired of Lady Claudia's tutoring."

  That reminded Anya of one of the times she'd watched them taking a walk in the garden. Lady Claudia flirted with Allie throughout the lecture, leaving the younger girl irate and baffled. She had to let out a laugh. "She's a confusing girl, isn't she?"

  "Not really. I mean, I get what she's doing… and Lady Claudia has been very direct about what she wants, when she's not teaching me. Do you know what her plan is?"

  Anya shook her head. With the conversation turning away from her, she was much more eager for it. "What?"

  Lady Alison let out a long sigh. "She wants to be my first wife. Like we can afford her and another wife! But the reason she's the first wife is so that I can marry a consort to get her pregnant. My choice of man, but since he's the second consort after her, he'll have a lot of trouble trying to present himself as the head of the family. With a competent wife, and an heir through her with a man of my choosing, I'm free to select anyone I want as a third wife. Or a concubine."

  "What if you have a child who can be heir?"

  "Yeah, I asked that too, just to snap her axle. Her answer, and I think I'm quoting her right, was something like, 'Lady Alison, as your wife I'll be responsible for raising your child. So, even if you are the one to bear the heir, it'll be my child who becomes the head of the family. And the children I bear can always marry into other well-to-do families, or… well, you said we'll have a Crossroad's title because of the road? Not to mention, I'm sure we can claim another Fortress or two. The family's sure to prosper and expand with a major trade route passing through.'"

  Anya stared at her. Lady Alison laughed at the stare. "She's serious about all of it, y'know? She might act like a devious flirt— but she has a plan, and she's quite happy to explain it to me."

  "If she's so eager to join the family, why does she…" Anya rolled her hand, unable to find a polite way to phrase the question.

  "Why does she flirt with me, then sabotage it by making me doubt her? That's because she wants me, as an eligible and naive Lord of the Fortress, to realize people are going to court and flatter me with their own goals in mind." Lady Alison sighed. "My parents would probably arrange tutors for Bert and me with the same in mind. We were both heirs to our family, and our family was well-to-do. Not to mention, that's a classic tactic in business negotiations."

  Anya nodded her head slowly. "That… sounds like a pain."

  "It is! You what the worst part is?"

  "What's that?"

  "I can see the sense of her plan. It's all so perfectly reasonable. I get a competent wife/retainer who can help do all the social obligations we so desperately need help with."

  "Do you need to marry her?"

  "She's doing fine as a retainer, but she's at that age where she needs to consider her prospect, and where better than Shadow Gate? She has plenty of opportunities to find a match her family will approve of. Lady Chelsea's family, for example. I imagine having members of the Stoneshield family join hers in the Southlands would be ideal for both. They get a new chapter, her grandfather expands his influence, and Archduke Marble has useful Knights either for his levies to the north war or to protect his lands."

  Anya frowned, then nodded. "And you can't marry for a few years."

  "Plenty of time to decide if she fits our family… and…"

  "And?" Anya prompted when Lady Alison hesitated.

  "She's offered an engagement. That's helpful, because I can use it to deflect any interest. Kind of like with you and Da." Anya winced. If Lady Alison noticed, she didn't say anything. "Thing is, and she's the one who mentioned it more than once, it sets a kind of precedence. Expectation? Basically, since I said I would, there's a lot more pressure to actually do it when the time comes."

  "Ah. Well, do you like Lady Claudia?"

  Lady Alison frowned. "I don't know. But, I do trust her. Kinda." She shook her head. "But that's not what we're here to discuss. How are things with you and Da?"

  Anya stiffened as they returned to that topic. "I don't…" She took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. The admission would be painful. "I don't really belong here, do I?"

  Lady Alison straightened up. "What do you mean?"

  Anya took a sip of tea to wet her throat. She couldn't meet Lady Alison's eyes.

  "Miss Iris wanted me to marry Lady Bringer because I was a beautiful, capable Healer. I didn't have the training, but she'd give me that. I don't have any of those things anymore. I'm not," she gestured to herself, "gorgeous anymore. I look twice my age, and not gracefully! And I'm not a Healer…"

  "You've been assisting Healer Franklin when he offers free healing. I know you do a lot of the work yourself."

  "As a healer." Realizing the distinction between the title and the profession didn't come across, she emphasized, "As a common healer. A ritualist."

  "An experienced, competent one."

  "But a lot less capable."

  Lady Alison considered her for a moment, her young eyes looking at her face and judging her. Anya fought the urge to break into tears.

  "Do you shun cripples, Lady Anya?"

  "No!"

  "You were crippled. Your looks are just the outward sign of it. We all know that. We've given you time to heal… but it's about time you moved on." Lady Alison looked into her tea contemplatively. "What would you tell a man who lost a leg that you could not heal?"

  "To learn to use crutches, and consider a trade where they can sit most of the day. He might not be able to till a field, but he can still milk a cow."

  Lady Alison smiled at her. It held too much sympathy for Anya's liking. "That's the advice I'm offering you. One job you can do is being a wife. Which brings us back to the question: How are things between you and Da?" She paused. "No, before that, is there any other reason you feel like you don't belong?"

  "How can I be her wife?" Anya asked. "I'm not… qualified."

  Lady Alison snorted. "While it's true some nobles divorce if their partner becomes disfigured, it's considered a virtue to remain with them. The same is true here. Even if it wasn't, do you really think Da would let you leave?"

  "It's… not her decision," Anya said.

  Shock was followed by anger. "You think I would—" She suddenly stood up and paced, her hands clenching and unclenching. She muttered words Anya couldn't hear, but her face was bright red. After a few moments where Anya was sure Lady Alison would throw something, she flopped back into her seat. "You are my teacher and my friend. Why would you think I'd have you leave?!"

  "I only taught you a short time." Lady Alison snorted. "You have a better teacher now. And, you have to think about what's best for the family, don't you?"

  "Yeah, and do you think shunning family members is best?"

  Anya squirmed. It was hard to ask. She was afraid of the answer. "Am I a family member?"

  There was another moment of shock. "Why don't you think so?"

  Anya shrugged. "Lady Bringer married me because I was convenient, and Miss Iris asked her to. If I'm not convenient…"

  "You aren't inconvenient," Lady Alison said. "Honestly, we all wish you would be a little more selfish than you've been."

  Anya snorted. "Why?"

  "Because… you haven't been yourself since the incident. None of us expect you to be, but it's still jarring. You don't shop for new clothes. You haven't flirted with a maid, let alone taken up with a lover. When's the last time you went out drinking?"

  Anya frowned. "Isn't that all good?"

  "Maybe if you were happy with Da, but we'll come back to that."

  "… that's another thing… you call Lady Bringer 'Da', and Miss Iris 'Ma'. I'm Lady Anya."

  Lady Alison squirmed. "Oh." She looked shifty, and took a bite of her sweet to keep from having to speak. Anya watched bemused by the reaction.

  Unable to stall any longer, Lady Alison babbled her response. "Bert and I talked about it. Um. We thought about calling you Big Sis or Auntie. Big Sis is a bit of a mouthful, and… well, especially after what happened, would you want to be called Auntie?"

  "Why auntie? Because I'm older?"

  "No. Because you're like a friendly, kind aunt. You know. Nothing like a mother or a father, but family you're happy to see?"

  Anya pondered that. It was a revelation, to find out that they had been thinking of her when they called her Lady Anya. "Why Lady?"

  Lady Alison squirmed again. "I—we, Bert and I, respect you. We could call you Anya, but…"

  Tears did come. Relief or happiness, she wasn't sure, but a weight slid off her shoulders. Lady Ali—Allie smiled at her, and there was only happiness for her in it.

  "Do you want me to call you something else?"

  Anya pondered it. "Since I know why… you can call me Auntie." She looked at the back of her hand. "I look the part."

  Allie snorted. "Well, a 'kindly young aunt with no children of her own' was a bit long to say, Auntie."

  Anya snorted.

  "And you and Da?"

  Anya sighed. "I don't want to overstep. She's invited me to do things with her, or to take on a lover. It's just… it feels disrespectful? She's doing me a favor, after all."

  "Do you like bedding her?" Allie asked. She couldn't quite face her, and her cheeks were heated.

  "It's… I'm used to being the one who knows how it works, and teaching my partners. With your Da being the way she is… I'm not used to being the one satisfied."

  Allie had her hands over her face, her ears scarlet from embarrassment. "So, that's a 'no'," she squeaked.

  "A qualified no," Anya agreed.

  "I haven't talked to Da yet, but I know she wants more from you. Like… that."

  "Why would she?" Anya asked, confused.

  Allie peeked between her fingers. "Um. Have you ever enjoyed being admired by someone you wouldn't ever think about bedding?"

  Anya felt some discomfort. "… yes." She couldn't look at Allie. "Even men. It makes me feel good. I know its vain."

  "I think it's like that. Or maybe she just wants to be a good spouse, or do something to make you happy."

  Anya squirmed. "I… I'm glad she'll make the effort, but I don't want her to do—"

  Allie cut her off with a raised hand. "To cut to the heart of the matter, you're reasonably happy with Da. Putting aside issues the two of you need to discuss. Correct?"

  Anya nodded. She rubbed a few more tears before they could spill from her eyes.

  "Good. Because we need to talk about your duties as a wife."

  Anya sat up straight. The tone in Allie's voice told her she was no longer talking to Allie, but Defender Elderwoods.

  Allie produced a letter, showing her the seal on it. It was the seal of the Governor Shadowgate. The seal had the arch of Shadow Gate along with the Imperial emblem under it. It'd been broken. "Governor Dahlia has sent Da an invitation." She handed it over.

  "Has Lady Bringer seen it?"

  "No. She asked me to deal with it on her behalf, unless I need her intervention. However, you are the wife."

  "And she's an Imperial Princess."

  There was a moment of hesitation before Allie answered. "Lady Claudia said you should have smacked her. You're right, she's an Imperial Princess, but that only bends propriety so far." She nodded at the letter. "Unless she's favored in the family, and according to the Treasure Hunters she isn't, you could duel her with little reprisal. Even if something unfortunate happened."

  Anya raised her brows before looking at the letter. Her brows knitted together. "She doesn't know Lady Bringer very well, does she."

  "Doesn't matter. If Da received it, she might have had to agree if you didn't do anything."

  "She wouldn't. Would she?"

  "I think she would. The invitation itself is harmless, even though we all know what it really means. The only way she can't get away with it, is if you step in."

  "And slap her?"

  "I'd enjoy seeing it. Watching her flirt so outrageously with Da was galling. I wanted to… uh… chastise her."

  "I see. Still, she's an Imperial Princess. I'm not sure if I can slap her."

  "Did you know she's ninety?"

  "Really?"

  "The Imperial family isn't as restrained about Awakening children. She was… sixty when she was declared an adult?" Anya felt horror at the thought. "They appreciate having the extra time to raise their children to their standards. But, she's seen as a lesser member of the family, and she comes from a minor branch. That's actually why she's the Governor of Shadow Gate. It's considered one of the worst posts you can get, because March Shadowgate bulks at Imperial interference. He pretty much owns the province. The Imperial family fights over not being the Governor. On the other hand, she is important enough to be a Governor. Just not in favor enough to avoid being the Governor here."

  Anya nodded. "You'd think she'd know better."

  "She does lack sound judgment," Allie said, grinning. "Are you willing to help out Da and the family by doing your duty and smacking her?"

  Anya looked over the letter again. "This would bother Lady Bringer." She gave a nod. "I can… but, suppose it does get out of hand?"

  "Lady Bringer is the Bringer of Judgment. It's still just rumor, but there's another title floating around. The Keeper of the Gate to the Hells. That's scary enough that no one is going to go too far." Her eyes rested on the letter. "No one wise, at least. Lady Claudia," she called out. "I know you're listening at the door. Come in. We need your help."

  Lady Claudia showed not the least bit of regret for being caught as she flounced into the room. She looked over Anya, and then gave a nod. "Good. Looks like you're finally ready to do your job," she said. There was condescension that Allie disapproved of. Lady Claudia just lifted her chin at her look. "Come, come. Let's plot to humiliate an Imperial daughter." She paused, looking Anya in the eye. "Oh, and you will be joining Lady Alison's lessons, won't you?"

  Anya could only nod in agreement.

  After plans were made and Lady Anya returned to her rooms, Lady Claudia plucked the strings of her zither using rings she wore on the tips of her fingers. Allie took the quiet moment to relax. She had more work to do —there was always something— but with the talk with Auntie done there was nothing pressing. After that conversation, she needed a rest.

  "You should've rebuked her sooner," Lady Claudia said. She was repeating an old argument.

  "That's something Da should be doing. I can't help it if she's being soft on her. Either way, it's their business, not mine."

  "You told me that 'Miss' Iris told you to keep an eye on them. That means if they get into trouble, you should intervene. If you had done it sooner, things with that silly Princess wouldn't have come to this. Besides, you heard what that woman said to 'Auntie'."

  "Yes, I did, Lady Claudia. You've asked me that at least a dozen times already."

  "And you aren't angry? Lady Alison, you should be livid about this."

  Allie closed her eyes. "How can I be livid? It's still outlandish to me that this is my life now. I have trouble being anything other than exasperated."

  Lady Claudia scowled, and it wasn't one of the cute pouts she affected. Allie felt a shiver, as she realized Lady Claudia was actually angry. With her?

  "You are Defender Elderwoods. The family head. Lady Anya made the family look bad, even if it's that woman's fault. It says something if you DO—NOT—ACT." Lady Claudia put her zither aside, something she only reluctantly did after picking it up. She stood and walked over to Allie.

  "I understand. I really do. Lady Anya was gravely injured. Her foundation was devastated, her aspect was changed, and she lost years of hard work and study. She's had time to recover. The next step is for her to move on, like you told her. Find a purpose, or goal, or whatever, and work towards it." Lady Claudia took hold of Allie's hands, and gave them a squeeze while lowering herself to her eye level. Her expression was far more serious than usual. "It's for her own good, Lady Alison."

  Allie frowned at the other woman. "I… you're right, but… it's hard. I was an orphan a year ago, and now I'm suddenly the head of a noble house. A rural hold, with far too much attention being paid to it."

  Lady Claudia gave her a brilliant smile. "That's why I'm here to support you. I'll hold your hand, and you can lean on me all you like."

  Allie frowned, looking at Lady Claudia skeptically. "Are you supporting me, to show how good of a wife you'd be? Or do you want to be there to watch me struggle? I can never tell."

  Lady Claudia fluttered her lashes at her. "You're learning well, Lady Alison. It's both."

  "And that's why you weren't invited for my talk with Auntie."

  Lady Claudia gave her hands another squeeze before letting them go. She straightened her robes, worn over what Allie would usually consider undergarments. Even in their private quarters, it felt scandalous for her to wear so little. "You did well, Lady Alison. I'm proud of you." Allie hated how much that pleased her. "But, if you ever do need help, at least consider talking to me. Please." She quirked a sly smile. Allie was sure it was affected. "I want to watch you struggle, not fail. After all, failing isn't good for the family."

  "And what if you are the reason I need help?" It was a reflexive question. The pleased smile Lady Claudia gave her was satisfying.

  "I would still like you to talk to me first." Her smile left as she looked into Allie's face, searching. "If this is too hard for you, then we can talk to Lady Bringer. Maybe have her shoulder some of your duties while Miss Iris is away." She bit her lip, and Allie knew she was deciding whether or not to say something. "I can talk to Lady Bringer for you, if you're too embarrassed to ask her."

  Allie was a little stunned. That was almost as audacious as the Princess.

  Lady Claudia saw her expression, and sighed. "You're still a child, Lady Alison. It's okay for you to let people help you." As Allie felt anger building up, Lady Claudia shook her head. "I can't do it without your permission. Truth be told, you should accompany me to show you support and lend me your authority. Otherwise, I'm overstepping." Lady Claudia continued looking into her face, and she wilted. "I'm sorry, Lady Alison. I just worry."

  "Sometimes I wonder if we should find you a man," Allie grumbled. "Despite how much we need your help."

  Lady Claudia sniffed. "I found a perfectly serviceable one." When Allie lifted a questioning brow, Lady Claudia gave her a bright smile. "Finn."

  Allie groaned, while Lady Claudia giggled adorably. When the laughter ended, Allie sighed and prepared herself to return to work. She would be studying land management of all things. A boring subject, even if there was something very merchant-like about it.

  Before she could retrieve her book, a servant put her head in. "Lady Bringer has come out of seclusion. She requests you hold court. Family and close retainers only."

  They questioned the servant, who had no answers. Allie considered the schedule, and decided they could hold court in an hour. Enough time for people finish whatever business they were about. Lady Illwind and Bert were out, but it couldn't be helped.

  Anya felt some trepidation as she took her place at court. They had a reserved hall, one with privacy formations sown into it, with three tables. Two of the tables were intended for retainers and staff, while the head table would seat the family head and elders. Since it was just the family, they were arranged so that Allie, as Defender Elderwoods, sat at the head of the table. Lady Claudia took the seat closest to Allie, the one reserved for her spouse, a senior elder, or her closest retainer. Rightfully, that seat should have been reserved for Lady Bringer, but no one challenged her. Anya sat across the table from Lady Claudia, with space set aside for Lady Bringer beside her.

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  Lady Bringer, who had requested court be called, had not arrived yet.

  Sir Bridget stood by the wall, behind Allie as her bodyguard. None of the courtesans were in attendance. They were ornaments with no standing in the family. Clio was absent, but she rarely attended these meetings. She showed no interest in family affairs, so she was excused unless entertainment was required. Other retainers, like Healer Franklin and Wizard Bob, were also absent. This was a meeting for the core family. If they needed to be apprised, they could be informed later or another court called to include them.

  Allie had a stool, raising her above the others who had pillows at the tables. She was watching the door, waiting for Lady Bringer to arrive.

  "Do you know what this is about, Auntie?" she finally asked. The people in the room perked up at the new form of address. By process of elimination, they all turned to consider her.

  "I don't, Defender Elderwoods."

  Allie gave her a stony look. Anya gave her a teasing smile in return.

  The door opened, and the diminutive form of Lady Bringer commanded the room. Her, and the figure behind her. She was taller than Lady Bringer, but not by much. Her skin was black, her hair was blue, and her eyes were red. Anya felt her heart still in her chest as she recognized the woman despite never having met her.

  A quick glance around the room, and the only people who didn't recognize the woman was Lady Claudia and Sir Bridget.

  Lady Bringer looked them all over, ensuring the family was gathered. "I have called you all here to introduce you to Indu. She was my friend when I was learning under Master. Iris sent her to us."

  A bitter thought that Iris intended to have her replaced was quickly quashed. She was unwilling to give up the contentment her conversation with Allie had given her. The new woman was smiling, but there was a hint of nervousness as she peered at them from behind Lady Bringer.

  Allie's face was grim, before she hid it behind her palm. "Da? Can you invite Ma to commune with you? I need to have words with her."

  "Of course," Lady Bringer said in a tone that hinted she wanted to have words with her too.

  Lady Claudia, sensing the mood of the room, was staring at Indu neutrally. Very likely she was trying to weigh what new woman's appearance meant for her place in the family. Anya wondered the same thing. Despite her resolve, she couldn't see Indu's appearance as a good thing for her.

  "Are you here to request permission to marry her?" Allie finally asked. Lady Claudia relaxed the slightest bit at the question. Sir Bridget's eyes widened.

  "For now, she is my companion. Perhaps I will ask later, when you all have had a chance to know her."

  While everyone else relaxed, that seemed to startle Lady Claudia. Lady Bringer lifted a brow at her reaction. "I do not mean in that way."

  "I know," Lady Claudia huffed. "Which is why I'm confused! What is her position in the household?"

  "She is the daughter of the Great Ruby Eyed Serpent. My oldest friend. In this house, she is to be treated as a respected guest of my own rank."

  Lady Claudia gave a nod to that, a pretty smile turned to Indu. "I see. A pleasure to meet you, Lady Indu." That startled the daughter of the serpent god, but she smiled back.

  Lady Bringer introduced them all, beginning with Allie but ending with her.

  "This is my wife, Lady Anya. You met my concubine, Miss Iris. She will be in Elderwoods for a while."

  Indu took her hand in hers, her eyes brilliant as she smiled at her. "A pleasure to meet you. Biyu's told me so much about you." The whole room waited for the weight of Lady Bringer's divinity to fall upon them, but it didn't.

  "It's good to meet you, Lady Indu," Anya said.

  The woman wilted a little. "Shouldn't we be less formal?" Indu asked her. "I can be Indu, and you… it's impolite if you don't have permission, isn't it?"

  Before Anya would answer her question, Lady Bringer interjected. "This is why I hope you will agree to allow her to be your lady-in-waiting, Anya. She does not know our ways. Would you tutor her?"

  "Shouldn't you do that, Lady Bringer?" Anya asked. Indu was puzzled, unsure what their words meant. Allie and Lady Claudia were both staring. Allie darkly, Lady Claudia with amusement.

  "I would like to discuss this with you further after court, Anya. I have additional business to discuss."

  Indu sat beside Anya, on the other side of her from Lady Bringer. Anya couldn't keep her eyes off Indu. Putting aside the fact that she was a stranger, everything about her drew her eyes. Exotic coloring. The fact she was her spouse's former lover. Being the daughter of a god. Then there was her figure. Common enough, and that was what drew her eye. However, the next topic of business demanded her full attention.

  "Anya, I intend to summon your family to us. And your old master."

  "Why?" Anya asked.

  "We cannot travel to them without arousing interest in where we are going and who we are seeing. It is safer for them to come to us at my request."

  "I mean, why are you calling them here?" Anya asked.

  "I should meet my wife's parents at least once. And your master is raising your child. Iris told you we have obligations. Your son is old enough to travel, though I wish we could save them the trip to the city." She paused. "I also have demanded Grand Master Shane to attend our court."

  That Anya understood. He was the one who arranged her engagement to the Northern Lord.

  "Auntie, we don't have to do it unless you want to," Allie interjected.

  "We do. She doesn't have to attend, but it looks better if she does," Lady Claudia said. At Allie's glare, the woman lifted her nose up into the air. "It's the way things are done. Really, you can't blame me for it."

  Anya swallowed. She'd been feeling better after her talk with Allie that morning, but now she felt like she was being cornered. Then, to top it off, Indu slid an arm around her waist and hugged her. "It'll be alright," she whispered in her ear. Confusion replaced anxiety. She looked around at the panoply of expressions. An amused Lady Claudia. An exasperated Allie. A confused Sir Bridget. An ever inscrutable Lady Bringer.

  Discussion followed, but the decisions had already been made. They clarified details, including how to find the people Lady Bringer intended to invite. Grand Master Shane would be the easiest, as he was in the city. Anya told them about her parents, master, and Grand Master Shane. Plans were made, Allie grumbled, Lady Claudia advised, and Sir Bridget recommended an honor guard.

  At the end, Lady Claudia took Indu with her and Allie for an interview. That left her and Lady Bringer alone in the hall.

  "I thought about creating a new avatar. One who could fulfill Iris's promises to Indu on my behalf." Anya remained quiet, certain Lady Bringer wasn't done. She looked into her eyes, and searched her face. Sighing at what she found there, she said, "It felt dishonest. Like I would be wronging you. I do not know if she will become part of the family. Iris has approved. Allie has not yet commented, but I think she will agree with whatever is decided. I will abstain. Even if Allie were to request I marry her, it will not matter. Unless you approve, she will not join this family. Ask me to, and I will send her away."

  "I can't ask you to do that! I know how much she means to you."

  "I already rejected her. This is not an opportunity to undo a mistake I made. It was made, and cannot be undone. I married you. When I did, I made you promises. I will not divorce you. I will make a place for you. You will not be obligated to sleep with men. This is your place. Our family. I ask you to spend time with Indu, and decide for yourself if there is room for her here. It is fine if you reject her. I made promises to you. Not her."

  Anya lowered her head. "You aren't going to replace me with her?"

  "No. This was Iris's idea. Not mine. I am angry she did this. And… disappointed."

  "…why?"

  "She made promises I must keep, or she will suffer as you did. And I will be the one to make her suffer. Also, as I said, I had made mistakes. This is not an opportunity to undo them, but to make new mistakes." Lady Bringer looked up at the ceiling, as if imploring the Heavens for mercy. "Anya, you are my wife. I want you to be happy. If Indu makes you unhappy, then I will have failed. Before you decide, I think you should come to know her. Besides, even if she does not join our family, it is an opportunity for you to see a part of my past." She frowned. "Does that make it romantic?"

  "Asking your wife to spend time with an old mistress is never romantic, Lady Bringer."

  Lady Bringer deflated. "I am sorry. I was looking for something positive in all this."

  "The steel beneath the rust?" Anya asked. She could feel a smile tug at her lips.

  Lady Bringer smiled at her. It was rare for her to make the effort. Anya was touched she did for her. "Yes." She hesitated. "Maybe I am being foolish, but I hope you two can be friends."

  Anya looked into Lady Bringer's face, and she believed what she was told. Still, as the daughter of farmers and a member of a Guild who mostly recruited from commoners, the idea of having a wife and… mistress? Getting along was strange to her. On the other hand, she remembered Lady Vanessa. She had her childhood maid taken in by her husband as a concubine.

  She could do this, and Lady Indu seemed friendly enough.

  Allie arrived at the first social even of the season with fanfare. It was arranged by March Shadowgate, as it was his privilege to start the season once the majority of his court arrived for the winter. There would be stragglers, since travel conditions did not bend to the whims of Humans. Which was not entirely true. There were gods of safe travels, and Shadow Gate boasted two highly revered ones. One of them was even the god of winter rains, an enemy of the god of the spring harvest. Shadow Gate was far enough north that crops could be grown the year around, although the crops they grew depended on the season. Allie was annoyed that it was one more thing she had to learn while she wintered in Shadow Gate.

  In addition to the members of the court, many of whom were City Lords from the satellite cities of Shadow Gate Province, there were prestigious nobles and Knights from the north, the south, and the midlands. They had come with armies traveling to or from the north war. They had been arriving in waves over the last few weeks, settling into fortresses and camps around the province.

  Another god had accepted an invitation, but she heard that Lady Chelsea's grandfather had begged off. He was too invested in the construction of his temple and other matters related to godhood and his Order. Lady Chelsea came in his stead as diplomatic consolation. On her arm was her intended, a man who looked like a larger version of Sir Stuart. She had delivered a request from her grandfather that Da make a trip to see him, traded polite pleasantries, then excused herself to find other company.

  The weather was cool and rainy, normal for winter here. Allie, as was the rest of her household, were dressed in demure Southland summer fashion. It was among the in fashions for the season, so many other Lords and Ladies wore similar styles. Anya chose a midlands peasant style, but using higher grade fabrics. She told them they were court clothes for the peasantry, when they had to attend the court of a March.

  Allie was in the company of Mitch, as he insisted on being called, and Lady Claudia was being escorted by Finn. That was how they arrived, but somewhere along the way Lady Claudia had displaced Mitch on her arm, and Finn was following after them like an agreeable puppy. The gatherings Allie had been to before had begun with everyone seated at a feast with entertainment, which would devolve to dancing after the tables were pushed aside. Here, at such a large gathering, they were led to a large courtyard garden, one of several set aside for the gathering, where unattached young people with escorts were mingling. Older couples wandered through, along with guards, to act as chaperones to prevent youthful indiscretions.

  "Lady Claudia, is there a reason you're hanging off my arm?" Allie asked the older girl.

  "Thanks to your 'Ma' and 'Da' people have certain expectations of you. If you wandered around with /him/… look, over there." She indicated girls around Allie's age, who were gathered tightly together. They peeked at her, one of them from behind a fan, and they all tittered as she looked at them. None of them had an escort that she could see, although an older couple were watching like hawks from nearby.

  At Allie's uncomprehending look, Lady Claudia sighed. She considered, and released Allie's arm. The three watching women started to bounce energetically, and somehow drifted toward them, even though Allie could swear not a one of them took a step. She'd suspect a technique if they weren't too young to be Awakened. As Lady Claudia drifted away from her, the women came closer, until she was part of their group.

  One woman, an eager looking girl with sharp, porcelain features, asked her a question she answered automatically, before she could quite get a hold of the change in circumstances. Mitch came to her arm, but despite being an attractive man, not a single one of them paid him attention.

  Instead, the girls asked probing questions about Allie's likes and interests. It wasn't until the girl with porcelain features complimented another of the girls that she realized what was happening. The girl was of a type with Lady Claudia, but her hair was dark and her cheeks a little more full. A plump woman, where Lady Claudia was more generously called full figured. The third girl, tall and thin, talked just as much, but Allie realized she was watching her hawkishly, looking for tells in her expression to judge what she really meant.

  At first, Allie thought she was doing well. Mitch tried to step in, but the way the women ignored him defeated his every attempt to intercede. It wasn't until Lady Claudia barged back in, simply appearing at her elbow and dislodging the porcelain woman who had taken to politely touching her arm, that she worried she was failing.

  "Lady Alison," Lady Claudia said loudly, and the other women quickly quieted. "There is something absolutely delicious you must try. It is goat with the most peculiar seasoning. Apparently, they eat a lot of goat here!" Allie managed to get out her goodbyes, while Lady Claudia briskly escorted her away.

  Once they reached the goat, a surprise for Allie who thought the older woman made it up, and she'd taken a skewer, Lady Claudia smiled at Allie once more. "You see, they were preparing to fix you up with their 'friend'."

  "I noticed," Allie said. "Does that work?"

  "I had a cousin trapped that way. It usually only works with peasants and minor nobles, so I'm not sure what they thought they were doing. After all, what could you get up to that would require you to take responsibility?"

  Allie flushed. "She wouldn't…?!"

  "Did you notice she looked a bit like your little Clio? They think you have a type, and lined someone up for you."

  "Is that why they picked you?" Allie asked.

  "No. That was just circumstance. My cousin found it fortuitous." She rolled her eyes. "In any case, you won't be going anywhere without me from now on. Not even the privy. You won't believe how…" She stopped, frowning hard. "No, you know the Princess."

  Allie grimaced. "Why do they assume I like women?"

  Lady Claudia raised a brow. "Your brother is, as far as rumor goes, the only man you know. You haven't courted anyone, nor has your family inquired about matches for you. There is also your 'parents', and in a small way, me. To a lot of people, it looks like you might have peculiar interests."

  "That's—"

  "Defender Elderwoods! What a delight to see you again," said a low voice that rolled her r's and clipped her d's. It was a unique dialect Allie had never heard except from two people. One of them was the dark-skinned woman smiling at her brightly, showing startlingly white teeth, as she strode up to greet her. She favored the northern style of dress, so she showed off an expanse of cleavage, her legs were clad in tight sheer hos, exposed through slits in her too short tunic, and she wore a gossamer gown that was likely worth more money than Allie's hold.

  "Princess Dahlia," Allie said, giving the much older Princess a polite curtsy. Lady Claudia followed suit, her face masked in a polite, friendly smile.

  Princess Dahlia acknowledge them with a bow of her head, while her eyes looked about them. "Lady Bringer is not with you?" she inquired.

  "She's with Fortress Shadowgate, Governor Shadowgate," Allie replied politely. The woman's smile turned a little wan.

  "Defender Elderwoods, you needn't be so polite with me. This is a gathering. A place to make merry. Please, call me Dahlia. Or, if you insist, Lady Dahlia."

  Allie felt her resentment grow at the woman's audacious familiarity. Yet, in these circumstances, she had little recourse but to acceded to her request. "Of course, Princess Dahlia," Allie replied. Lady Claudia gave a little wobble of her hand. Ah, there had been something she could have done better. It took a moment, but she recalled that she could have demurred due to the difference in their status, rather than acceded because of it.

  Allie had expected the Princess to move off after learning where her Da was, chasing after her as brazenly as she had the night of the reception. She wondered how the exotic woman would react meeting Indu, the Monster daughter of a god, but she chose to keep that to herself. Let the Princess be surprised.

  "Lady Bringer is likely distracted tonight, entertaining an old love who has recently returned to her side," Lady Claudia said when the silence dragged a touch too long.

  Princess Dahlia pursed her lips. "Oh? What is this old love like?" No subtlety at all, Allie reflected. Then again, she hadn't needed it. Lady Anya had failed to take offense at the Princess's probing, leaving her free to bother Da as much as she wanted.

  "Skin darker than yours, hair of an unusual hue, and her Mother's eyes. Red as blood. It is quite striking."

  "Would I know her family?" the Princess pried.

  "She is the daughter of a Sacred Beast," Allie said. She couldn't let Lady Claudia speak for her too much. "Not trained in the civilities of noble courts, but a fine match for Lady Bringer."

  The Princess was frowning now, her eyes slipping from one to the other. "Is this a ruse you try on me?" she asked. Her tone remained polite, but there was challenge there.

  Lady Claudia thrust out her chest and lifted her nose. "Princess Dahlia, I understand this might be a surprise for you, but I will not have you casting an accusation like that on Defender Elderwoods. You've known her to be honest and true, haven't you?"

  "We are shortly met—"

  "You were willing to allow her to treat you familiarly," Lady Claudia cut off. Rude to do, but there was no one but them for Princess Dahlia to posture for. It was unlikely she would make a fuss.

  "You are right," Princess Dahlia allowed. She played with her hair. "Is her companion with her this evening?"

  Lady Claudia gave a little shrug. There was no correct play, so Allie answered honestly.

  "Lady Indu is with Lady Bringer and Lady Anya this evening. Despite traveling far, she was too excited to miss an opportunity to see court." Lady Claudia and Allie had argued against it, but Lady Bringer had been adamant.

  "Is that so?" The Princess put on a resolute expression. "I should offer her my greetings, then." She gave them a smile that was not altogether friendly before she went off to find her.

  Lady Claudia was frowning after her. "We made all those plans. It is up to Lady Anya to chase the woman away. Do you think she can do it?"

  With a sigh, Allie shook her head. "You know—"

  "She's had time to recover, Lady Alison. Now is the time for her to strive once more! To do the job she agreed to when she married Lady Bringer." Allie noted the look of disgust on Lady Claudia's face.

  "You do not like Lady Anya?"

  "I do not like her attitude. She acts as though she's of no consequence to your family, and does nothing but worry and frustrate you all. After all her moping, I want to slap her. As if it's a small thing to be a wife of a god." She noted Allie's unhappy expression, and sighed. "I'm not going to slap or rebuke her. Not unless you tell me to. Not ask. Tell."

  "You're a lot like the Princess, aren't you?" Allie asked. It was a pointed question.

  Lady Claudia stared at her for a moment, her expression unreadable. "No, there is a difference. An important one."

  "And that is?"

  "While I pursue you for my family's benefit, should you accept me I will dedicate myself to our family. She's just looking to aggrandize herself. I suspect she would be satisfied to bed your 'Da'." At Allie's arched brow, Lady Claudia scowled at her. "I have no intention of bedding you without a few assurances it won't be a dalliance. Once you're older."

  "My, what a conversation to walk in on," purred a voice that Allie thought was just a little bit familiar. She couldn't place it. Not until she turned to look at the woman walking towards them. She was older than either of them, but not old enough to be a chaperone. Her hair was red ringlets, and she had brilliant blue eyes. She was tall and slender. She wore Southland attire, a long tunic that covered everything she had shown when Allie last saw her, with a decoratively cut loose gown worn over it and bound with a belt.

  Lady Claudia looked at Allie for a long moment, then the newcomer. "Lady Alison, who is this?" she asked in a neutral tone.

  "Iris?" Mitch asked. Allie and Lady Claudia turned to look at Mitch in surprise.

  "She was one of the courtesan's from the brothel," Allie said.

  Lady Claudia lifted a brow, turning her attention back to the newcomer. She was starting to look peevish.

  'Iris' was looking at Lady Claudia, her brow lifted, before she looked at the tableau of men and women. The two women close together, their escorts keeping a wary eye over them. Guards instead of escorts. Then she looked Lady Claudia over, and the judgment in her eyes only raised Lady Claudia's hackles.

  "Allow me to properly introduce myself, Alison Biyu Elderwoods Finecrafts, Lord of the Fortress of Elderwoods. I am Malice Selene Spellbreaker." She swept into a bow instead of a curtsy.

  Lady Claudia gasped, while Allie just stared at the woman who had introduced herself as a professional Wizard slayer. Not just Wizards, but purportedly a slayer of demons and gods as well. She smiled at their evident discomfort, giving them a moment to collect themselves before continuing the conversation. "And your companion?"

  "This is Claudia Marble, from a branch of Archduke Marble's family, and my lady-in-waiting." Malice Selene gave her a bow, which Lady Claudia returned.

  In terms of rank, a Malice was considered equivalent to a Lord of the Fortress, but in practical terms, a Malice was a dangerous existence. They were from the same 'family' as the Grudges, but Malices were the elite. They were trusted to operate independently, or with apprentices. Grudges worked in squads.

  "Shall I take it that the men are just a dressing upon your true pursuit?" Malice Selene asked.

  That took Allie a moment to parse. Lady Claudia was quicker, demonstrating her agreement by interlacing her fingers with Allie's. She glared her challenge to Malice Selene.

  Allie freed herself from Lady Claudia, and sighed. "Lady Claudia made me aware that she is a better defense from unwanted attention than Mitch is, thanks to my circumstances."

  Before Malice Selene could reply, Lady Claudia told Allie, "She is unwanted attention." She looked at Malice Selene coldly.

  "And here I was going to escort you, even after you refused to hire me." Malice Selene wiggled her hips, just a little, and Allie blushed at the memory of her dance. The former courtesan broke into a smile, which only went broader as Lady Claudia placed herself between them.

  "Are you using a charm on Lady Alison?" she demanded.

  "I would take offense to that, if it wasn't something I could do. You will have to accept my word I've never charmed her." She swaggered a circle around Allie, causing the younger woman to flush. Lady Claudia looked for the nearest chaperone or guard, but when she tried to call for them, they did not hear.

  "What did you do?" Lady Claudia demanded.

  "Oh, not to worry. I gave us a modicum of privacy." She let out a dramatic sigh. "But this is unseemly of me. I beg pardon for being a wicked woman."

  Sound returned, noticed only because of the silence preceding it. Chaperones noticed Lady Claudia's desperate calls, and came to see what the matter was.

  Malice Selene gave them another sweeping bow. "I'll come to see you later, Defender Elderwoods. I must go see your Da." That sent a shiver up her spine. How did she know what she and Bert call Lady Bringer in private?

  Malice Selene assured the chaperones she wasn't a danger, introducing herself and explaining that she got carried away with a jape on an inexperienced child. Lady Claudia said little except to say that, yes, that was what happened. She glared at Malice Selene until she was out of sight.

  She held Allie's hand tightly. It kind of hurt.

  Biyu was with Indu and Anya in a cultivated garden of small decorative trees where the married people were congregated. As guests of March Shadowgate, and a god and her retinue, other guests would come to them for greetings and conversation. A number of people stared at Indu, most in curiosity, but there were a few grimaces turned her way. Indu ignored them, spending her time on Anya's arm.

  Anya was nonplussed, doing her best to answer the daughter of the serpent's questions the best she could. Biyu provided answers when Anya did not know the answers, but she made a point of giving them space to get to know each other.

  That was when a voice she was hoping not to hear called to her. "Lady Bringer! What pleasure to see you today." The dark skinned woman strolled toward them, her hips rolling with a dancer's practiced movements. Her eyes passed over Anya, only giving her a momentary tip of her head as she was curtsied. They lingered on Indu, who gave her an uncertain smile. Indu followed Anya's example, curtsying, but she was slow to do so and her eyes never left Princess Dahlia.

  The woman's smile wilted as her consideration of Indu deepened after noting her slit pupil eyes. Biyu saw the moment she decided to take umbrage at her lack of social grace. "You. Who taught you how to greet your betters?" She put a hand to her hip, and stood tall and proud. She was much taller than any of them.

  "Governor Shadowgate," Biyu began. At the Princess's scowl, she relented. "Princess Dahlia, this is my friend Indu. She is the daughter of my Master, the Great Ruby Eyed Serpent. She will be staying with me for the foreseeable future. I ask that you show her patience as she learns her manners."

  Princess Dahlia looked at Biyu, then at the two other women arm in arm. Biyu could feel her calculating her response. "You should not bring someone who has not learned proper decorum to such a prestigious affair. It will reflect poorly on you."

  Biyu was ready to respond, but Anya spoke before she could. "That's laughable, Princess Dahlia, given the way you've been comporting yourself." The words sounded wrong, coming from Anya's mouth, and the Princess was surprised at the confrontation.

  "There is nothing wrong with the way I have acted," the Princess declared. Her hands remained on her hips, her head tipping up higher in pride.

  "Oh? It's proper for you to offer a private dance for another person's spouse?" Anya demanded. Biyu could hear the unnatural way Anya delivered the practiced statements. The people circled them so they could spy on the spectacle, while leaving space enough for a fight.

  Princess Dahlia lifted an eyebrow pointedly, and asked Biyu while keeping her eyes on Anya, "Did you share my invitation with her, Lady Bringer? Or did she steal the letter, afraid you'd find my invitation too tempting to refuse?"

  Indu, quietly watching the exchange, tugged on Anya's sleeve. The building tension was broken as Anya turned to the serpent woman to see what she wanted. Princess Dahlia's stance relaxed a fraction.

  "A private dance? Does that mean what I think it does?" Indu's eyes darted to the Princess and back to Anya.

  Anya looked back at the Princess, and she was at a loss on how to answer without giving undue offense.

  "It does," Biyu said, saving her from the trap.

  Indu's shoulders started to shake. Softly at first, so that some onlookers thought she was shaking in anger. Then they rolled and shuddered, as her hands grasped her belly. It was not until she was laughing out loud that anyone knew she was amused.

  "Why are you laughing?" asked Princess Dahlia peevishly.

  Indu, too caught up in her laughter to answer, waved her hands begging they give her a moment to calm herself. Everyone watched Indu, waiting to see how the drama would unfold. All except for Princess Dahlia, who looked increasing certain she was being laughed at, and becoming furious.

  Anya blushed, her valiant defense her spouse not going as Lady Claudia had instructed her.

  When Indu got control of herself, she covered her face with a hand to hide her embarrassment. "Explain," was all Princess Dahlia said. It was clearly a command. Biyu felt her hackles raise.

  "It's just… trying to seduce Biyu?" She giggled despite herself. "I mean, she has no interest in that kind of thing. It's like trying to bathe using air." Another giggle escaped her. The surrounding silence was astounded.

  Anya looked to Biyu, unsure of what to do. Biyu took a step, drawing all eyes. "It is true. I do not have those kinds of desires. It is an imposition for you to pursue me for such things."

  The Princess stiffened while the people around them started murmuring to each other. Indu was flustered once she realized how many eyes were on her. She was used to being shunned and ignored, even after her time in City in the Sky.

  Princess Dahlia was glaring at Indu. Anya shifted so that Indu was behind her. Biyu swelled with pride.

  "Oh? Did I come too late?" asked a cheerful woman. She spoke just a little loudly, but her voice carried. It was a familiar tall woman with red ringlets. She was modestly dressed, so it took Biyu a moment to place her.

  Everyone turned to look at her, and she took the moment to introduce herself to them with a bow. "Malice Selene Spellbreaker."

  The mood of the crowd instantly shifted. Many people shuffled away, unwilling to be in the presence of an assassin of Wizards, demons, and gods.

  Princess Dahlia's truculent attitude dissolved as she paled. It was obvious she wanted to leave, but propriety kept her there. Biyu introduced her family and the Princess. The Princess only remained for a few pleasantries demanded by propriety before making her escape.

  Malice Selene kept her attention on Indu, looking her over thoroughly while they talked about inconsequential topics.

  "The Great Ruby Eyed Serpent is not allowed to have thralls beyond her lands," Malice Selene eventually said.

  "My concubine, Iris, haggled with Master for Indu's soul. It is mine now."

  "She haggled with me. Mother accepted my decision."

  Biyu ducked her head to Indu, accepting the correction. "She is my… I do not think thrall is the right word anymore."

  "It'll do," Malice Selene said. She smiled politely. "Now that the nuisance is gone, I'll get to business. I'll be joining your household as your retainer."

  Biyu frowned. "Did Defender Elderwoods agree to this?"

  "I did see her earlier, but given how we met I thought I would tell you first. Telling her first would lead to misunderstandings, while you know why I'm joining your court, don't you?"

  "I do."

  "Can you explain for me?" Indu asked.

  "The Spellbreaker family's Path was created to make them weapons against Wizards and other powerful users of magic," Anya said. "They're best known for killing Wizards who defy the Empire, but they've been known to kill demons and gods. Malices are those that excel. They are trusted to achieve their goals alone. So, she's here to kill Lady Bringer if she's a demon playing pretend."

  Malice Selene looked thoughtful. "That would be a good reason, but the actual reason is in case she decides she wants to grow her power more quickly by dragging people to Judgment early."

  Biyu felt her face twist in disgust.

  Malice Selene gave a little shrug. "Orders are orders. Until you go on a killing spree, I'm at your service, Lady Bringer." She bowed again.

  "What can I ask you to do?"

  Malice Selene gave a thoughtful shrug. Her eyes slid to Anya, and a lascivious smile spread across her face. "I could keep your wife entertained?" she suggested.

  Anya's cheeks flushed, as she finally recognized the woman. "You're the courtesan? The woman Allie liked?"

  "Just her?" doubted Malice Selene.

  Indu watched on curiously, but she let go of Anya's arm. Biyu felt irritation as one troublesome woman replaced another.

  That was when a crier entered the garden, and called for the Lords, Ladies, and Knights of high standing to attend March Shadowgate. A Goblin King had been discovered in the west.