“Miss Uki, if you have a moment,” Tulip said, “I should like to speak with you. Privately.”

Freya’s eyebrows jumped, but she nodded, sitting back. Abigail and Holly chattered about upcoming dates as they trailed Lady Raina outside, Abigail glancing back just once.

Silence fell, and when Tulip did not attempt to fill out, Freya said, “Is something going on?”

Tulip flashed a grin.

“Miss Uki, why, whatever do you mean?” the slightly older mouse said.

“Tulip you’re probably the most talented mouse that I’ve met outside the family. You have a knack for music, and you seem to know all the movers and shakers personally. Somehow you have Lady Raina's ear, which—although initially, that boggled my mind—I’ve come to accept that this is how you operate. So if there’s some plot you want to enact, out with it. I’ll determine if I’m in or not but I am inclined to help you. You know that I do love a good plot.”

“I’ve heard,” Tulip nodded, as the others rounded a corner. “Miss bun seems to know what she wants. Lady Smith knows exactly who she wants and what she wants to do. You are the only wildcard this season. I am going to put my cards on the table.”

“That and the raven's face you’ll never see,” Freya giggled as they passed a silvered sconce, “I have no idea what you’re on about but this is not the Tulip I know.

“I’m serious. You’ll notice that Lady Reina doesn’t have many other people speak with her in person. The duties of her office preclude this. She is a very private person and I am her Chief of Staff. She has told me that she plans to retire in the next two years.”

“And?”

The pair cleared into the bright light of the estate.

“Nithe, Miss Uki, do I need to spell it out for you?” Tulip said.

Freya returned Tulip’s bemused expression with a confused one.

“She is retiring...And someone has to take her place,” Tulip said.

Freya stopped and raised a paw, then Tulip stopped. The two paused and Freya sensed that Tulip has rehearsed this a handful of times. At least this wasn’t her normal run-of-the-mill banter. Had

“Do you think that I’m going to stand in your way?” Freya gestured to the elder rabbit.

“It’s not that,” Tulip said with an expression that didn’t really convey her words.

“Then what?”

Tulip’s whiskers dropped.

“You want my support? You want my help, don’t you? I’ll be honest here, I don't have much to offer you.” Freya said, getting worked up.

Tulip nodded.

“Oh Tulip, I—you have my full-throated support as her replacement. If there’s anything I can do…just say the word.”

Freya grabbed Tulip in a crushing embrace.

“You will have a chance to speak with many in the coalition. I ask that you keep your ears open and if I need to call upon your talents, well... You could start by not crushing my body,” Tulip said.

“Oh! Right then!” Freya said, giving her a good squeeze before drawing back.

“I don’t need any more rivals, Tulip.”

“Then… friends?” Tulip said.

“Friends.”