Annika sat with a pleasant smile on her face as Clara handed her a plate with fruit and cheese, and tried to ignore the irritated calculating stare from her soon to be mother-in-law.

“I apologize again for the wait, Mrs. Ashowan, it must be from the stress of everything lately that has me so tired.”

“I had to go heal Fin last night,” the healer announced glibly.

Annika’s eyes shot up to Kate’s face, the fear and worry potent. “What happened? Is he alright? I saw him being carried out of the castle, but thought that-”

“You knew that they had gotten him too drunk to walk in order to be questioned yesterday?” The sharp note in Kate’s voice was not lost on either Clara or Annika, and immediately the Viscountess’ demeanor changed.

Placing down the plate, and staring steadily into the healer’s eyes, Annika’s expression had turned stony.

“Mrs. Ashowan, I knew nothing of the King’s plan or motives. I only crossed paths with Fin on my way out from the castle. I already bent the Captain’s ear about it yesterday.”

“Antonio saw you?!” Kate’s exasperated tone followed by a huff made Annika raise an eyebrow and lean back in her seat, appraising the woman before her.

“Mrs. Ashowan, did you sleep at all last night?” The Viscountess’ gaze roamed over the healer’s face.

“No! Unlike some people I have trouble sleeping when my loved ones are going through-” Kate stopped herself from finishing her sentence, and closed her eyes wearily. “I’m sorry, my Lady.”

“Mrs. Ashowan, I can’t imagine the stress you are feeling right now. I know you are fearful for your son, and that you do not have the kindest opinion of myself; however… there is no need for any animosity. If you doubt the depth of my feelings for your son, I’d be happy to have a lengthier discussion when I am not pressed for time.” Annika waved to Clara over her shoulder and stood, while adjusting her voluminous burgundy skirts.

“That was actually what I wanted to discuss with you today, Viscountess,” Kate interrupted, looking appropriately sheepish. “I would like to be a part of the meeting today that you have with my former husband.”

Annika hesitated and raised an eyebrow. “Mrs. Ashowan, I do not believe now is the time to enact a personal vendetta. This meeting is-”

“I know why it is taking place, and I agree with the logic that you will have better luck catching Aidan off guard simply by being a human woman, however… you do not know that man.”

“Mrs. Ashowan,” Annika stood as Clara opened the solar room door, signifying their departure. “I’ve known many men like Aidan Helmer. I am sorry, but my answer is no.”

“Then at the very least, would it be possible for you to take me to the castle with you, I would like to check up on Fin?” Kate called out, her disappointment abundantly clear.

Annika hesitated for a moment, a move that didn’t help the healer’s agitated spirit in the least.

“Of course, are you prepared to leave right now?”

*

Once safely stowed in the carriage, the two women contented themselves to look out the window as the carriage pulled away from the estate; Clara remained on the steps, her objective of finding a bushel of peaches for her mistress clear.

Once the carriage turned onto the Austice street, Kate turned to the Viscountess.

“You mentioned before that you were married once.”

Annika slowly turned her face back to the healer, a sad smile on her face. “I was, yes. Hank Jenoure… he was a good man.”

“When was it that he passed?” Kate asked, a more sympathetic feeling worming its way into her heart at the Lady’s obvious tenderness for her former spouse.

“More than a year ago now… sometimes it feels like it’s been a decade since then, and then some days I walk into his old study and expect him to be staring at the painting of his favorite place.” Annika’s gaze shifted from Kate as her first husband’s face flashed in her mind’s eye.

“Where was his favorite place?”

“His estate in the countryside in Sorlia. His first wife, Mael, it was a part of her dowry when they married.”

Kate looked puzzled then. “How many estates do you own, if I might ask?”

“I own one in each city, but most of my tenants are outside of Xava and Sorlia. I own a handful of ships as well, but Hank never liked them… he preferred to sink his funds into livestock and farming. I’ve shifted some of my investments into a few vineyards and fishing boats in Rollom, but-” Annika suddenly stopped her explanation when she saw Kate’s face grow pale. “Are you feeling alright?”

“Gods the rumors were true weren’t they… you’re quite…” The healer didn’t finish her thought as she shook her head in wonder. “How in the world did you take to my son?”

Annika smiled and laughed a little. “We’ve been getting that question quite a bit lately… I suppose… if I were to try and have it make sense, I’d say… he is strong where I’m weakest, and vice versa. Yet we both have felt… alone in our own ways.”

Kate smiled then as well… folding her hands in her lap, her thumb nervously stroked the back of her other hand.

“Fin struggles with hiding his opinion if he disagrees with someone… and he struggles with tact… Given your political power, I take it you are quite adept in these areas.”

Annika’s smile dimmed a little, but she gave a single shoulder shrug without committing to an answer, instead she replied with, “One lesson Hank taught me is what matters most is that I am honest with those dear to me. Fin brings out my honest side quite easily…”

Kate nodded thoughtfully, and resumed her quiet, though it was clear she had a lot on her mind.

“Mrs. Ashowan, I have to ask… you seemed perfectly fine with me when we first met… but ever since learning about my relationship with your son things have been… strange,” Annika explained haltingly. She knew it was a gamble to try and broach the subject, but she was growing tired of the tension between them.

The healer let out a long breath, and her shoulders slouched forward slightly as a result.

“I’ve expressed my reasons. I don’t like how hastily you two were to… share your nights together, and your class difference was… I thought it was going to be far worse.”

At the mention of their overnight visits the Viscountess flushed, then winced.

“I will put it behind me eventually… You seem a very put together Lady, so I’m sure you’ve taken precautions to ensure that the road before you two doesn’t become even more difficult.”

Annika wondered if debating suicide everytime she talked to her future mother-in-law was going to be the norm… She already regretted having her stay at the estate…

“Would you look at that, the baker is selling fresh bread!” Annika pointed out the window and hoped Kate would take the bait.

“Of course they do, they’re a bakery- Viscountess are you feeling alright?”

Kate observed the sheen of sweat on Annika’s brow and raised an eyebrow. For once the day wasn’t brutally warm, and a pleasant cool sea breeze was drifting in through the carriage window. Extending her hand, the healer went to feel Annika’s brow, only to have the Lady then plaster herself out of reach against the carriage wall.

“Goodness, I don’t bite.” Kate couldn’t hide how startled she was. “I understand I haven’t been the most accepting of you, but surely you don’t think I will do you any harm…”

“No, no, I just… wouldn’t want your hand to get my sweat all over it.” Annika waved off Kate’s concern, and once again tried to change the subject. “As you know, we all handle stress differently.”

“I suppose so…”

Annika forced a smile on her face, and turned back to the window. So far, her day had not been going well at all…

*

Tapping her finger impatiently against her arm, the Viscountess waited for Aidan Helmer to join her in the council room. She hadn’t had a chance to eat that morning, and her hunger was beginning to make her feel queasy somehow…

At long last, the door opened, and in strode the man who sired her betrothed, with his cream tunic sleeves rolled up, and a burgundy vest hanging open.

“I apologize, Viscountess, for keeping you waiting,” the Chief of Troivackian Military bowed before striding over to the chair across from her and seating himself.

“Quite alright, I’m just enjoying being free to leave my estate,” Annika sighed and made her stare vacant. She needed him to believe she was an idiot through and through.

“Yes, I heard you were asked to leave the castle in light of Earl Piereva’s actions. Is your arm healed?” Aidan asked kindly.

Kindly…

‘This lout is going to play it that way is he?’ Annika smiled at the man despite wanting to slap the friendly expression from his face.

“It’s feeling much better now, thanks! It really is too bad Phil had to be such a baby.” Annika rolled her eyes in a most undignified manner before turning back to Aidan and blushing prettily. “Not that I don’t love him you know… My brother. He just likes to boss me around too much.”

Aidan nodded sympathetically, and smiled encouragingly. “Of course. Now, his majesty arranged this meeting for us because you wanted to speak with me?”

“Yes, I… I’m worried about what’s happening back home… Charlie’s missing?”

“He is indeed… didn’t his majesty tell you that we are more than happy to escort you home if you should like to check up on your family?” There was a funny glimmer in Aidan’s eyes that had Annika’s stomach churn unpleasantly.

“I… I did hear, but… my friends are here and… and I’m worried Phil will be mad at me.” Annika cast her eyes down shyly like a child.

There was a long moment of silence that stretched between them as Aidan studied her closely.

“You seem quite different from what I’ve heard about you, Lady Jenoure.”

Annika let her doe eyed expression fly up unguarded to Aidan, and tilted her head over her right shoulder. “What have you heard?”

“I’ve heard that you are a quiet, mature, composed Lady of the court.”

“Oh!” Annika laughed freely. “I’m friends with the Queen, so I try to be on my best behavior… I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m boasting! You seem nicer than what I’ve heard, too and- oops,” Annika squeaked and covered her mouth.

‘Gods if Fin saw me like this he’d be laughing his arse off at me…’ the Lady couldn’t help but think to herself.

“S-Sorry, Mr. Helmer, I didn’t mean to say you’re mean, I think people are just scared because of the war…” She batted her eyes and gave an unsure smile up at the man who she could see was beginning to relax his shoulders.

“Oh, no, I can be quite cruel when I need to be, but… there is no need to be so now. Though I must tell you, Lady Jenoure, his majesty of Troivackia has not been pleased with your defiance as of late. I think we might… be able to locate Charlie a little bit quicker if we were not so troubled by your little rebellion.” Aidan’s apologetic grimace didn’t reach his eyes.

“But I… I’m no one back home! Here I can do whatever I want… besides I didn’t like Lord Miller. He just wanted to talk about books and helping people all the time…” It didn’t take long for Annika to bring tears to her eyes, she was quite practiced with it in fact.

“Shh, it’s alright, my Lady. I understand that things aren’t always so easy. Truthfully, we are trying to find out who is the spy here in Daxaria. I wondered if it was you to be honest.”

Annika sniffled then took on a desperate pleading look. “Of course I’m not! I just want my brother back safe, and I don’t want to go back to Troivackia and not be able to buy what I want, or, or, or…” She trailed off as she allowed more tears to fall.

‘Gods why do I have to cry so much lately? First the brat I’m carrying makes me a human fountain this morning, and now I have to convince this twat I’m useless…’

“It is quite alright, Viscountess.” Despite his words and tone being kind, Annika could sense displeasure in him over her tears.

‘Good. Be uncomfortable, you arse with arms.’

“Well, I am sorry I wasn’t more help to you, Viscountess, but until we find out who is the spy, I don’t know that his majesty will be able to take care of the matter regarding your brother Charlie and his family.”

Annika didn’t have to fake the blood draining from her face. “Charlie’s family?”

“Ah, yes… quite a pity that they too went ‘missing’. An infant and its mother lost alone can be quite a terrifying thing.”

“Wh-What can I do?” she managed to ask instead of leaping across the table and snapping his neck.

“Nothing, I don’t think… then again perhaps you can convince my son to join me on my ship for a little while. A pretty face like yours has ways of moving men’s hearts.” Slowly standing, Aidan bowed before the Viscountess before turning and taking his leave.

Strolling leisurely through the castle corridors, Aidan began to hum to himself as a small smile worked its way up his face.

That is until he saw a figure standing before his chamber door. A figure he knew all too intimately.

Katelyn Ashowan stood glaring as he approached, her stance braced, her arms cross, and in one hand dangled… a frying pan?