Historians years later would coin this small meeting between Frances, Titania and Timur, the Delbarria Gatehouse Meeting. It would be repeatedly pointed to as one of the most significant events in Durannon’s history.

In some ways, Frances knew that this was important. She had an inkling as to why Timur wanted to meet her with Titania today. So, before she sat down across a simple wood table from Titania and Timur, she made sure to cast privacy spells on the room.

“Alright, why did you want to meet with me?” Frances asked, crossing her arms.

Timur scratched his head, wincing. “Well, um, do you remember our last conversation, the—um, argument we had?”

“Yes.” Frances swallowed. “I’m sorry I hit you. That was horrible of me to do that.”

“Eh, it’s alright. You remember I forgave you, Frances, and… well, you see, I talked to Titania like you asked and um, she told me everything.”

Frances blinked, staring at Timur. “Everything?”

The prince nodded, gaze falling to the table. “Yes, she told me about dad abusing her, that… that what he was doing to me was abuse, and Thorgoth giving Ivy’s Sting to Ixtar so that he could kill Zirabelle. We also think we figured out what you meant by your clue. That dad…dad…” Timur swallowed and buried his head in his hands, sucking in breath. “I’m sorry, I… fuck.”

“We figured that you meant to say Thorgoth killed our eldest brother. We need to know how you found that out, if that’s what you meant,” said Titania. To Frances’s surprise, the princess awkwardly patted her brother’s shoulder with a hand. It was a very poor attempt, but Frances didn’t miss how Titania’s eyes were looking at Timur. They were filled with concern.

“I did mean that. I… I met a survivor of the attack, but I can’t tell you who they are. They don’t want me to,” said Frances in as level as a tone she could.

Titania frowned, “Do they not trust us?”

“They are worried for their life if Thorgoth or his allies finds out that they survived,” Frances said.

The princess scowled, but after a moment, she merely sighed. “Alright, let me get to the point. During the last year, my husband, my brother and I have been gathering allies and preparing to rebel against Thorgoth. Of course, we’re nowhere near the strength that my father has gathered, so we are suggesting an alliance between us and the Human Kingdoms, or at least with Erisdale.”

Frances pursed her lips. “And you didn’t just want to contact my mother because you were worried that she might not trust you.”

“Yes. Can you convince her to talk to us?” Titania asked.

Crossing her arms, Frances fell silent. She didn’t speak for what seemed like forever for Titania and Timur. Timur even managed to compose himself, though the fact that Frances was still deep in thought made him tense up.

“I have a few questions. What is your plan if the peace conference is successful and the Human Kingdoms sign a treaty with the Kingdom of Alavaria?” Frances asked quietly.

Titania snorted. “You’re smarter than that, Frances. Do you truly think any ceasefire here will last for long?”

Sighing, Frances stood up and walked for the door. Titania blinked uncomprehendingly, but Timur, after half-a-second, scrambled after Frances.

“Wait wait! Frances, she’s just—”

“Being a bitch? She can’t use that excuse anymore, Timur.” Frances turned to face Timur, her eyes bright with tears. “If you want me to stay, she has to stop toying with me, and maybe I will put aside the fact that she not only has tried to kill me several times, assaulted me today, and orchestrated the burning of half of Erlenberg’s fleet.”

Timur winced and turned to his sister. “Titania, please—”

“No, Timur. I need her to say it,” Frances stormed past Timur and put her hands on the table. “Do you understand, Your Highness?”

Titania’s features were unreadable, but not because they were stoic. The trorc’s expression was flipping between a sneer, and eyes-wide panic.

“I understand. I’m sorry,” Titania said.

Frances nodded and sat back down, crossing her arms. “So, what is your plan if the Human Kingdoms and Kingdom of Alavaria agree to a ceasefire?”

The princess closed her eyes for a moment, and schooled her expression. “We’d use that time to build up. We don’t think the ceasefire will last long, so when war breaks out, we can rebel when Thorgoth is most occupied.”

“I think that would be the best decision.” Pursing her lips, Frances met Titania’s eye again. “My second question is, Titania, how do we know we can trust you to be a better queen than Thorgoth?”

Timur’s eyes widened. Titania stared at Frances, aghast. “W-what kind of question is that? You know what he’s done! You know what kind of monster he is!” the princess shrieked.

“Yes I do, but you’ve hurt me, and so many others. You also have no love for humans, and I haven’t seen you treat anybody with respect aside from your husband.” Frances swallowed. “I don’t want Thorgoth on the throne, I… I want to help you, I will try to convince my mother and Erisdale to help you, but after that, you’ll be queen. And after all I’ve seen from you, I don’t think—know if you’re a good choice for queen.”

Timur stammered, “Frances, Titania’s a smart, powerful and a decisive leader. She’ll be a good ruler.”

“I… I understand her trying to kill me, we’re at war.” Frances grabbed her hand as the memories of Titania’s hands grabbing her surfaced. It didn’t stop her wrist shaking. “But she doesn’t just stop at that. She enjoys hurting and toying with people. How are you going to solve that?”

The two half-troll siblings wore very different expressions. Timur had turned to Titania, his face the one of someone who was well and truly out of ideas.

His sister just sat there. She blinked, and wiped her eyes with the back of her arm.

“I don’t know, Frances. I’m trying. I am keeping good, kind people around me, but yeah, you’re right. I’m a bitch. I… I only know how to destroy things.”

“Sis—”

“Timur, I treated you like shit for years and you still are trying to help me.” The princess snorted. “Honestly, if anything, you should be the next king. Like I’ve told you before, you’d be good for the throne.”

Timur shook his head, “Titania, please no. You—”

“Assaulted our only fucking ally in the human kingdoms before a crucial meeting. Which was cruel and stupid. No, Frances is right. Hell, she’s being extremely forgiving, especially given what I did to her.” Titania breathed out. “Frances, why don’t I sign a contract with you?”

Frances blinked, “A what?”

“A contract, like you signed with my brother.” Titania coughed and glanced at Timur. “Speaking of which, you’ll not need that any longer. I managed to break the curse on him.”

“Wait, you did? Didn’t that anger Thorgoth?” Frances asked.

“Unfortunately, yes,” said Titania. She grimaced. “I’ve been making sure to protect Timur the best I can, though, I think dad knows that we know about his abuse.”

Timur didn’t say anything. But the downcast look on his face was all Frances needed to see. Deciding to get back on topic, Frances asked, “What’s this contract you are proposing?”

Titania swallowed. “The contract will allow you to kill me if you think I’m going too far.”

Timur gasped. “Sister!”

The Princess winced. “I don’t have any better idea for how to make sure that Frances can trust me, and honestly, it’s probably the least that I deserve for all the shit I put her through.”

Frances sucked in a breath. Her first instinct was to deny it, but… it would be a good way to ensure their safety from the temperamental princess.

Except… part of Frances rebelled against it. No, she didn’t trust, or like Titania, but the princess was a better Alavari than her father.

After all, now that Frances thought about it, Titania didn’t have to tell Frances that Timur had his curse broken. A moment later of thinking about it, she shook her head.

“No. That won’t be necessary. I think you’re being sincere.” Grimacing, Frances sighed. “I still don’t forgive you for what you did, but… we can work together.”

Timur let out an audible sigh of relief as Titania’s shoulders relaxed. The princess nodded. “Good. For today, let’s start by cancelling the contract between my brother and you. You’re going to need all your magic, especially if my father tries something at this conference.”

“You think he’ll do something too?” Frances asked.

Titania shook her head. “I don’t know. He’s keeping his plans close to his chest. We can’t figure out why he’s holding this conference. It’s actually allowing us to do some missions that the war has prevented us from doing.”

“Speaking of missions, did you send me the information on Gestoch?” Frances asked hopefully, glancing at Timur.

Timur nodded, smiling. “We didn’t think you’d rescue all of them, but you did.”

Frances returned his smile. “We couldn’t do it without your information. Thanks.”

Titania rolled her eyes, but she was smiling as well. “I’m assuming since we didn’t see your friends at the negotiations they are elsewhere? We need their help. We’ve been trying to look into Teutobal’s death in the human lands. Since there’s now a ceasefire, we were able to send a friend of ours to scout it out, but we have no idea where their ships went down.”

“Keelcracker Island, three of my friends are going there to see what they can find.” Frances pursed her lips. “Maybe they can join up? Your agent may be able to provide a perspective they don’t have.”

Timru nodded. “That’s a great idea. Can you contact them?” He swallowed. “It’s Olgakaren. She has a hand mirror.”

Frances nodded, recognizing the name of Timur’s friend, but deciding not to bring it up. “I can. And… we have a request too. Two of my friends are going into Alavaria to dig up information on the death of a mage called Allaniel the Valorous.”

“I can send my husband and my stepson to assist Ayax and her companion,” said Titania. She paused. “It is Ayax going there, right? She wants to find out about her father.”

Hesitating for a moment, Frances glanced at Timur. He nodded, smiling encouragingly.

“Yes. We thought that given the location of Ayax’s village, that there was a human raid there was far too coincidental,” said Frances.

Titania nodded. “We agree, and we also know that Allaniel was thinking about coming out of retirement. He sent a letter to my husband to ask for a meeting before he died. My husband wrote back but the letter must have never reached him.”

“If Thorgoth found out about this… then he’d want to take him out,” Frances muttered.

“Then it’s good that Ayax is going there then. She might be able to point us in the right direction. Perhaps we can have them rendezvous so Ayax and Elizabeth can get there faster?” Timur suggested.

It was perhaps the first time during this meeting that Frances began to fall at ease. While her feelings about Titania were mixed, she was becoming more certain that she, and Timur, were on the same side.

“Yes. Where should they meet?” Frances asked.

“Frances, can we talk for a moment, before you go back to your tent?” Timur asked.

It was late. They’d needed time to go through the details of the different rendezvous and then lift the contract between Timur and Frances. Yet, Frances found herself nodding before she could stop herself. She could see Titania leaving, shooting a last knowing smile over her shoulder before she shut the door.

And it was just her and Timur, alone for the first time in a year, standing in a room.

Titania had spoken a lot more during the meeting, with Timur making the occasional contribution. So, Frances’s attention had been focused on the princess.

Only now did she see the prince… really hadn’t changed, at least visually. It had been a year, and yes, he seemed a little taller, leaner. His posture was uncertain, with his hands in his pockets, eyes slightly averted.

“I’m really sorry for what Titania did to you. Is there anything she could do to make it up.”

Frances flinched, and crossed her arms. “Just don’t bring it up. Ever again. I… I don’t want to remember it.”

“Okay. I… I’m glad to see you again. I really like your new robes, you know, the ones you arrived in,” said Timur, smiling.

Frances allowed herself a hint of a smile. Only, as she gazed at Timur, she was suddenly reminded of his father, and how much he looked like him.

“You never told me your father looked like you,” said Frances.

The prince winced, “I… I didn’t realize. He was always talking about how I needed to brush up my appearance. Only, Titania told me that I did look fine, and that I looked like dad.” His tail flicked back and forth. “I’m… this year was very strange. It felt better, having people to tell me I’m valued, that I’m not what dad has always said I was. But… I’m still not happy that we need to depose my father.”

There were hundreds of words unsaid in the little Timur had said. Frances could see that in his downcast eyes.

And yet, she was relieved that he felt so much better about himself.

“I’m sorry you had to find out this way. It must have been really hard.” She took a step closer to Timur. “Did… did your sister help you? I mean… I know I told you to talk to her but… well—”

“No, you’re right to think that way. Especially after what she did to you.” One hand scratching his hair, Timur spluttered, “Titania is not a nice person to most people. I really hate that she did that to you. I… I do want to tell her off and yell at her and I’m sorry I didn’t do that, but she… she was really helpful to me. She was trying to make up for all the years she treated me like crap and honestly, I can see she’s still hurt by what our father did to her. It doesn’t excuse what she did. You should hate her, but I can see she’s trying so hard to be a better person.”

He took a deep breath and stepped forward, extending a hand to Frances. She didn’t accept it, but she didn’t back away. So he merely let his hand fall to his side.

“Frances, I know you’re still hurting from what she did to you. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Her heart ached, and yet, Frances couldn’t help feeling touched by his concern. “Thank you, but it isn’t your problem. I’m fine.”

Because she had to be. She didn’t like Titania one bit, but she could see now more than ever that she was better than Thorgoth. The princess would apologize, she could see right and wrong once shown. Not like her father. There was still hope for her and people still believed her.

Even if Frances could still feel the ghost of the trorc’s hands over the back of her head and the press of her lips against her own.

“Frances… I know you don’t trust me, but… please, tell someone what happened tonight and what you really feel about what Titania did to you,” said Timur.

She blinked. “Wait, but I do trust you.”

The prince swallowed and seemed to brace himself.

“Then why did you lie to me?”

The words cleaved right through her wall of defenses. The trogre’s black eyes on her, seemed to see right past the excuses and mantras she’d thrown up to hold back the dam.

“Because… because… I… sorry, Timur, I’m really sorry, but I… you…”

Why was she hiding what she felt about Titania from Timur again? Titania wasn’t here. Timur was someone she could trust, especially now. Yet, she ripped her gaze away from his concerned expression. She just couldn’t.

“Frances?” Timur asked.

“Look, just…” Frances hated that she was tearing up again. She was so tired of just crying and she hated that her emotions were just bubbling back to the surface. It was like throwing up through her face. “Timur, leave me alone—I mean. No, don’t go, but… please don’t ask. I can’t deal with her, or what I feel right now. There’s too much at stake!”

“I… wait, what you feel? Frances, what do you mean?”

Frances froze. She needed to go, but with her emotions in such disarray how could she get back to her tent. She needed to shut herself off, now, leave it for later. She could talk to her mom later, not now—

Master, master! You should tell him.

“Ivy, I’ll be fine.”

But you’re not! I know you’ve been trying to be strong for me, for your friends, for everybody, but you’re not! I can feel what you feel and I’m scared for you. Please, Frances, tell him, tell him what you feel, tell him what you need.

Frances almost did blurt out just then what was in her heart. Words not even formed, just sounds and ideas she didn’t even want to admit she held. But a force, a weight on Frances’s heart, seized her in place and sealed her mouth.

“Ivy, I can’t ask him that!”

Why not? He cares for you. He’s saved your life. Look at him. He wants to help.

Frances looked at Timur. He hadn’t taken a step closer, but his eyes were still filled with worry. His arms were outstretched, trying to reach her, to welcome her.

Frances, blinking back tears, couldn’t resist. She held her mouth shut, but ran towards Timur, and slammed into him. She cried, tears streaming down her face, biting back the words into muffled sobs. Her face buried in his chest, she let herself lean into him.

And like in her deepest dreams, the prince, her prince, wrapped his arms around her, cradling her gently, tears in his eyes.

“It’s alright. You’re going to be okay,” Timur whispered, gently stroking the back of Frances’s head.

She didn’t speak. She daren’t not speak. If she did, all the chaos and cacophony of her thoughts and feelings would flood out and… maybe she needed that, but right now, during this conference, the last thing she needed were her friends and family worrying about her.

“I’m sorry, I just… I don’t even know,” she whimpered.

“It’s been a bad day for you. You’ll get through this. You always do.”

Yeah, but no matter what I can’t fix myself. Frances sniffled, holding onto Timur, just happy that he was just there for her.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I… I guess you don’t want to talk about it?” Timur asked.

“No. Timur… I do, but not right now. There’s too much going on,” Frances whispered.

“Okay. Do you want me to walk you back to your tent?” Timur asked.

Frances, wiping her eyes, giggled, “In disguise I hope?”

“Yes. Your mom would fry me if she recognized me.”

“Mom doesn’t hate you.”

“Well, she’s definitely not going to like Titania when you tell her. And you should tell her,” said Timur. Hesitantly, he raised his right hand to Frances’s face, and when she nodded, he gently brushed her hair out of her face. With his other hand, he plucked his handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at Frances’s cheeks.

For a moment, Frances wanted the trogre in front of her to just stop trying to minister to her and just kiss her. It would be nice if Timur could hold her, run his fingers through his hair, and sweep her into his arms. It was hard, but she managed to push those thoughts out. This… this wasn’t the time.

“I… yes, but we’re all trying to work together. I don’t know. Wouldn’t that be unhelpful?” Frances asked.

“Yes, but would you rather Edana find out later or find out now?” Timur asked.

“Oh, yes. You’re right.” Frances exhaled, forcing herself to smile. “Thanks Timur. Um, I’m going to teleport myself back to the tent, but I… Thank you for offering.”

“Anytime.” Timur let go of Frances. She almost grabbed onto his hand, but that wouldn’t be proper, or right, and she really needed to go back to her mother.

But wouldn’t it be nice if he could just touch her and slip a hand underneath—

Frances shook her head, feeling her cheeks warming. What’s worse was that she could see Timur giving her a confused and concerned look. It reminded her that to her dismay, she’d never asked how he was doing.

“Timur, how are you doing? I mean, I… I see you’re getting along with Titania, but you found out that—found out the truth of your father. I can’t imagine your year has been easy.”

Timur blinked and his look of confusion melted into a joyful smile. “You know, I’m always impressed at how kind you are. Thank you for asking. I’ve been… it’s been crazy, but I’m starting to feel a bit better.” He winced, his smile fading just a tad at what had to be a bad memory. “It’s hard to accept who my father is. I still don’t quite, but… I’m trying and as Olgakaren has told me, that’s what counts.”

“She sounds like a great friend,” said Frances slowly, her heart aching as she remembered that the harpy and trogre prince had shared a bed. It wasn’t worth being jealous over. She… she wasn’t Timur’s girlfriend, and she knew that Olgakaren and Timur were friends, not lovers.

Timur did notice however, and he seemed to wrestle with trying to say something. His face didn’t so much contort as he hesitated, lips parted slightly.

“Frances, I still have feelings for you. I… I I loved the date we had and I’ve thought about how happy we were then. I want more of that, if you do too.”

She clapped her hand to her mouth before she could say yes. She wanted to, but they were still on opposite sides.

That and his father was still at the conference. If they started something now… what if Thorgoth found out? He couldn’t hurt her. He could, however, hurt Timur. She still remembered what Titania did when she saw and it had barely taken her any effort.

“Timur, I want that too, but not now. Not with your father so close.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes again. “I’m sorry, but can you wait for a little longer? You can go to Olgakaren if you’d like, or maybe you don’t want to wait, but we shouldn’t, not right now. You remember what happened when Titania found out.”

“I do.” The prince wiped his eyes and sniffled. He was trying his best not to tear up as well. “But… you still like me?”

How to answer that? She could simply answer yes, but that didn’t encompass the weight of what she felt towards Timur. It didn’t describe the shiver that ran through her heart when she locked eyes with him. It didn’t encapsulate how attractive she found him, or how she wanted him to just hold her. How could she describe how much she trusted Timur? Who’d saved her life, comforted her when she was down, and even forgiven her when she’d hurt him?

Master, tell him the truth… at least, a little. He deserves that, right? Ivy whispered.

“You’re right,” Frances thought. She took a deep breath.

“Timur, I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for a long time.” She smiled, giving up on stopping her tears.

He was crying too, but smiling as well. “I… I love you too, Frances. I…” he sniffed. “Sorry, heh, still can’t believe you do.”

“Me neither,” she spluttered. Stepping forward, Frances and Timur took each other’s hands. It was like there was an irresistible force pulling them together. The pair were drawn to each other, like moths to a flame.

Yet, by unspoken agreement, they merely looked at each other’s tear-filled eyes. The two filled with gladness by the fact that they both knew they were in love.

Edana had gotten too tired pacing back and forth in her tent. Frances was long overdue back and it was now incredibly late at night. She wanted to call her daughter, but she also knew that if she did, she might blow Frances’s cover.

There was a sudden zap, like a muffled crack of lightning. Edana ripped her tent flap open and Frances staggered into her arms.

“Mom, sorry. There was… Titania…you’re going to be angry at her, but I managed to get an agreement.” Frances yawned. “There was a complication. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow, okay?”

Edana hesitated. Her daughter had been crying. Her eyes were tinged red. Yet, there was a happy smile on Frances’s face that signalled something else.

“Alright. It can wait,” said Edana, helping her daughter inside.