“You really can’t do anything about Darius, mom?” Frances asked slowly.

Edana forced herself to meet her daughter’s furious gaze. “I don’t know. You know the situation in Erisdale is delicate. We’re torn between two heirs, one of which would be happy to punish Darius, the other of which would praise him.”

“Darius went against a resolution of the War Council!” Frances exclaimed. “He needs to be punished for that!”

“I’ve previously gone against a resolution of the War Council, Frances!” Edana retorted.

Frances blinked. “What? When was this?”

“When I joined you at Vertingen three years ago,” Edana explained. “It was agreed that I was supposed to stay out of military campaigns as a last reserve, but I defied that resolution. If we press Darius on that he’ll throw that back at me.”

“Mom, he committed a crime against the traditions and rules governing war, whilst you were defending me!” Frances stammered.

“I know! Believe me, I want to just throw him in prison, but Erisdalians won’t care that he had an Alavari mage assassinated. As far as they’re concerned, Alavari are the enemy no matter who they are.” Edana sat down on her chair and buried her face in her hands. “We can’t really punish Darius beyond giving him a slap on the wrist.”

Frances shut her eyes. Part of her understood her mother. She could see the political machinations and pressures that constrained her mother’s grasp.

But the part of Frances that remembered holding her cousin whilst she grieved for her parents didn’t give a damn.

“Then why don’t we return the favour,” Frances asked.

Edana looked up. “What do you mean?”

Frances crossed her arms. “Darius is a bad man. An evil man, who had innocents raped and murdered. He’s no better than Helias in that respect. So why don’t we have him killed?”

Edana’s green eyes widened. “You… Frances, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying that we should assassinate him for what he did, and has done to innocent Alavari,” Frances hissed.

“That’s not… we can’t do that,” Edana stammered helplessly.

“So we can have Helias killed for it but not Darius?” Frances demanded. “Humans can summon Otherworlders to kill King Thorgoth, but Alavari can’t do the same for people like Darius?”

She watched as her mother tried to respond, to say anything to counter her point, only for her to groan.

“You… you have a point, but I forbid you from involving yourself in this and whatever Ayax is going to do. It’s too dangerous and if you do so, you would be hunted by Erisdale.”

Frances crossed her arms. “Mom, Ayax is family, and I’m willing to bear the consequences.”

“Frances, you cannot say things like that so easily!” Edana narrowed her eyes. “Speaking of which, why didn’t you tell me about Ivy’s Sting being Spellbinder?”

Frances swallowed as her mother’s green eyes bored into her. Touching her wand, she looked away. “I know you’d want to snap her and that you’d get over-worried.”

“Over-worried? Frances, if anybody found out and already people have found out, every mage would want to kill you for your wand! People have done worse for less.” Edana used Poker to lever herself up. “You need to snap her and be rid of that wand!”

Frances shook her head and let Ivy’s Sting feel her resolve. “I’m not going to do that.”

As Ivy tried to comfort her master, Edana, shoulders sagging, tears filling her eyes, pleaded, “Frances, please, I… I’m trying to protect you.”

“I know, mom, but I’m not a little girl anymore.” Frances nodded at her mother’s staff. “Besides, I’m sure Poker doesn’t approve.”

Edana shut her eyes. “No, he doesn’t. He’s told me he’d refuse to fight with me if I snapped Ivy’s Sting, or convinced you to do so.”

Frances blinked. “Wait, why… why are you still trying then?”

“Because you’re more important to me, dear. You, Igraine, and your future sibling are my world.” Looking sadly at her staff, Edana wiped her eyes. “I love Poker, but… if I lost any of you… I don’t know what I’d do. I can’t even stand the thought of you being sent back to your world and now you’re telling me you want to hold onto the most dangerous wand in the world?”

Frances, shaking, heaved in a deep breath, trying to keep herself from bursting into tears. “I’m sorry, mom, but… I need to do this. I know this angers you, and I’m sorry, but—”

“Dear, you worry me, but you could never make me angry at you for long.” Edana sniffled and sighed. “I’ll… I’ll respect your choice with Spellbinder. But please, hold off on Darius for the moment. Let me talk to General Antigones and Ayax first and we’ll think of what we can do.”

Tears coursed down her cheeks as cold relief flooded Frances. “Mom, thank you,” she walked forward and hugged her teary-eyed mother. Edana returned the hug with an equal ferocity.

“You are right, you are no longer a little girl. I just… Can you please give me time to accept that?” Edana whispered.

“Of course, mom,” Frances said. “Thank you, for trying, and for caring.”

Timur had, to Frances’s relief, stayed silent throughout the entire argument and he stayed silent as they left the tent, under disguise. He only spoke again once they were safely back at the rocks at the end of Delbarria Island.

“So… that’s what it’s like to have a loving parent,” he said. Frances blinked as the trogre looked away from her. “Sorry, that’s… that’s weird. I mean, I… it was strange, like… you were arguing, but you love each other so much.”

Frances winced, “Timur, I’m sorry you had to see that. It must have been so awkward for you.”

“No, I wanted to see that.” Timur stiffened and his gaze shot back to Frances. “Sorry! I don’t mean I wanted to see you argue. That’d be cruel and mean and—”

“Timur, it’s alright.” Frances reached out and took hold of the trogre’s hand. “Just… tell me.”

The prince blinked, rubbed his eyes and looked away. “Don’t worry, it’s stupid.”

Sighing, Frances stepped around, trying to get a good look at the trogre’s face, but he kept turning around. Tired, and well and truly exasperated, she took hold of both hands and tugged him to face her.

She could hear the trogre sniffling before she saw it. He was still looking away from her, but his dark eyes were filled with moisture, and much of it was running down his cheeks. At first, Frances wondered why the prince would be crying. She and her mother had been arguing, and while they hadn’t exactly made up, they’d come closer to an understanding, even if it was an uneasy one. They still loved one another and had confirmed that.

Oh. Oh dear.

“Timur, I…” Her voice trailed off. A chilling, sorrowful realization choking the comforting words she wanted to say. No matter how hard she tried, she knew she could never offer Timur the love that a parent could give.

She hugged him, because it was all she could do and still, she wasn’t even tall enough to support him. Yet, Timur didn’t seem to notice because he leant on her holding her tightly.

“I’m sorry, I’m just… it’s just… why can’t I have that from my parents?” he croaked.

“It’s not—”

“I know it’s not my fault!” Timur spat out. “It’s just stupid fucking bad luck. Dammit I’m supposed to be comforting you, not the other way around.”

“Timur, I’m your girlfriend, I’m supposed to comfort you,” Frances stammered.

He blinked and shook his head. “Sorry, was being stupid and running my mouth.”

Frances sighed, smiling tiredly. “There’s nothing to forgive.”

The prince tried to laugh, but it came out as a gurgle. “H—how are you so strong, Frances? How do you just… confront your mother, and then comfort me, all in the same day without even doubting yourself?”

The question cut through Frances like a knife. The tip of which tore through the mask that she was clamping over her heart. It shook her, as the stress, fear and worries she’d been bottling up nearly came welling up. She shoved it back down, trying to forget and put it to the back of her mind.

Only, Ivy’s Sting whispered, Frances, tell him. You trust him, and he loves you. If not your mother, at least tell Timur, please?

She wanted to, in that moment, she just wanted to pour everything out. Only, she could imagine how it might just overwhelm Timur, this tide of doubt and frustration she’d been trying to hold back for so long.

She teetered back and forth, even as Timur blinked and started to notice that the girl he was holding was shivering.

“Frances? Are… what’s going on?” he asked.

And just like that, sheer exhaustion won out and Frances closed her eyes.

“Timur, can I tell you a secret?” Her prince nodded. “I don’t know how long I can keep this up. I’m so tired of arguing with my mother about my choices and most of the time I think I’m right, but I also know she cares about me. I’m angry. I’m so angry at your father, at that bastard Earl Darius, at… even at my mother, for wanting to snap Ivy. I…” She swallowed and looked up at wide-eyed Timur. “Most of the time I just feel tired and sad and unhappy. Not at you or anyone else, just… unhappy.”

Timur brushed a lock of hair out of her face, his hand resting against her cheek. “I… Oh Galena, I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“I don’t know. I… I honestly don’t know,” Frances croaked, eyes dry from so much crying. “I think it’s just me and my screwed up mind. I mean, I know my parents messed me up, and I will be messed up forever. I just… I still hate that I can’t work like a normal person.”

“But… you’re not normal,” Timur said in an odd tone that made her frown and meet his gaze, which was curious, and a bit surprised.

“What do you mean?” she demanded.

“Frances… you know you’re an extraordinary person, right? How many people beaten up by their parents for so long, can turn their life around like you have?” he snorted. “Years ago, you were so shy and scared, but now you’re facing my father without even flinching.”

“That’s… I only do what I have to do,” she mumbled, looking down and away, even though she knew her cheeks were flushing.

Timur laughed, a genuine one this time, and before Frances knew it, soft fingers lifted her chin up until she could no longer ignore the pride in the trogre’s eyes.

“And because of that, you’re a hero, Frances Stormcaller,” Timur said, voice thick with emotion. “You may think you’re screwed up and maybe you’re right, but I… Well, I was told that actions speak louder than words. I think what you’ve done shows who you truly are. My hero.”

Staring at Timur, taking in his words, Frances didn’t know how to feel and what she should feel. All she knew was that there was a warm, soothing sensation in her chest and as gentle as it was, the sensation burned like hot embers.

For the first time in a long time, she felt truly happy. That was why she reached up to Timur’s shoulders, stood up on the tip of her toes and pressed her lips against his. Unlike the time Titania kissed her, this was gentle, loving, and altogether perfect.

When the pair did part, their eyes were only for each other.

“I… I didn’t expect that,” Timur stammered. “I mean, I wasn’t saying that so you’d well, kiss me.”

Frances smiled, “Did you like it?”

Timur grinned and leaned in and Frances, giggling happily, kissed her prince again.

Frances had just waved Timur goodbye when her mirror vibrated for the second time in a day. Making sure that nobody was around her, and that the privacy spells were still up, she answered the mirror.

“Frances?” Martin asked.

Frances grinned, “Martin! How is the search going?”

“We were successful. There were a few minor complications, but we found a recording that Teutobal left us recording what his father did.”

Ginger chimed in, “Unfortunately, the… the fishing village we were at nearly discovered Olgakaren and Renia, and forced Olgakaren to fly off with the crystal. She’s on her way to Delbarria.”

“That and Olgakaren recognized who I was,” Renia added.

Frances grimaced. “She swore not to tell anybody, though?”

“Thankfully, yes.” Ginger hesitated. “Frances, I… I need to make a confession. I also hid the fact that I was well, fisherfolk because I was ashamed of my family. I nearly messed up the mission because of that as they turned out to be in Clinkertown.”

Frances winced. “Oh no! I… I take it they don’t like you? Did you manage to get away safely?”

“Yes. But—wait, you’re not annoyed that I didn’t tell you?”

Not entirely sure where this was going, Frances hesitated. “No? I mean, I…” she swallowed. “I’ve been hiding things myself. Things that I don’t want to bring up right now too. So… I get it. I’ll tell you all eventually, but I’m working through something.”

“Frances, are you sure?” Martin piped up.

“I’ve told Timur. We’re… we’re trying things again.” Frances smiled, feeling her cheeks warm as she remembered the touch of Timur’s lips on hers. “He’s helping me through it.”

“Oh! That’s amazing, Frances!” Renia exclaimed.

“Thanks.” She took a deep breath. “I have some news too, from Ayax and Elizabeth. We… we got some bad news.”

In the room of an inn back on the mainland, Martin, Ginger and Renia tried to contain their horror as Frances told them about what Ayax and Elizabeth found out about Allaniel’s death and how Edana’s hands were very much tied.

“That bastard,” Ginger hissed.

“I’ll talk to my mothers and see if there is anything we can do, but I think Edana is right, there is very little we can do at this moment.” Martin grimaced. “And what you mentioned about Roranoak pulling out is very worrying. What if we can’t stop them?”

Nobody needed to say it. They all knew that if the war started again, the Human Kingdoms would be heavily disadvantaged.

“Well we’re fucked. And we don’t even know if Thorgoth is trying to sabotage the peace conference,” said Ginger.

They heard a loud groan from Frances. “If he is, we don’t have a clue. Thorgoth knows Titania and Timur aren’t trustworthy so he’s made sure they don’t find out anything.”

“Anything? I mean, Timur and Titania did notice the private meetings he was holding with the Roranoak delegates. They didn’t see any extra troops in the area? Any preparations for a trap?” Martin asked.

“I’ll ask, but I’d think they’d both notice something like that.”

“Then maybe he isn’t going to sabotage the peace conference?” Renia asked.

Ginger pursed her lips in thought, whilst Martin hesitated.

Frances however, immediately said, “No. I feel like he’s going to try something bigger. I think Roranoak staying neutral is incredibly frustrating, but it won’t win him the war, especially since Erlenberg joined a year ago.”

“But have you seen anything, Frances?” Martin asked.

“No I haven’t. I… I’ll keep looking. Is that all?” she asked.

The trio glanced at one another. “I think so,” said Ginger.

“Okay, take care everybody,” Frances said.

“You too,” said Martin and the connection was cut.

“That… was a lot,” said Ginger, her face morose.

Martin took a deep breath. “Ginger, do you think we should call up the Lightning Battalion?”

His fiance’s eyes widened. “You think it’s that bad?”

The knight grimaced. “I don’t know, but it’s better to be safe rather than sorry, right? I mean, you don’t think Thorgoth wants peace either.”

“No, I don’t. Not with everything he and Alavaria have done,” said Ginger. She pursed her lips and nodded. “Where do we mobilize?”

“Kwent. It’s in a central location,” said Martin. “You think we ought to check with Elizabeth first?”

“Yes, but if we can’t get in contact with her we should mobilize anyway,” said Ginger. She pursed her lips. “Dear, if that’s all… can we talk about what happened today at Clinkertown?”

Martin frowned. “Now you want to talk about it?”

Ginger winced but didn’t look away from the knight. “When I didn’t tell you, I… I didn’t want to make you unhappy. I know I hurt you. I just… didn’t know how to tell you.”

He tried to look stern, to put up a front and keep narrowing his eyes at Ginger. Only, the sight of her resigned posture, and the sadness in her eyes, proved too much. No, rather, they convinced him that she truly didn’t mean to hurt him.

Martin walked over to his fiance and sat down beside her. “I forgive you, Ginger. I don’t like what you did, but I understand why you did it and I’m sorry for reacting so harshly.”

“You need not apologize. I hurt you. I deserved it.” At Martin’s raised eyebrow, Ginger blinked, and turned to Renia, only to find her mirroring her expression. “What?”

“Ginger, even if you made a mistake, you deserve to be treated...?” Renia hinted.

The convict sighed, “I deserve to be treated with respect, like a normal person. So… okay I accept your apology.”

Martin smiled and kissed Ginger’s cheek. “Good job, dear.”

Ginger smiled. “Thank you both,” she said, looking meaningfully at Renia who beamed happily.

Despite avoiding Clawdia as best she could, and the tension between herself and her mother somewhat resolved, the days after, waiting for their various allies to arrive with the evidence were not spent contentedly.

Frances wasn’t sure why, but there was a nervous unease in the air. It could have been because negotiations were still going nowhere and the ambassadors were growing increasingly frustrated. Maybe it was because of what they had found out, or maybe it was because they were just waiting for something to change.

Then again, maybe it was because quite a few things had changed. First off, Elizabeth and Frances had agreed with their friends to mobilize the Lightning Battalion at Kwent, a decision Edana had confirmed.

They’d also informed Prince Sebastian of Lapanteria and Sir Orcas of Erlenberg about Roranoak’s double-dealing, and they’d reacted with the expected fury. It was why today, three days after the revelation, the human countries were meeting to talk to the Roranoak party.

Princess Clawdia and her delegation sensed the hostility and attention on her almost immediately. Yet, to Frances’s grudging respect, the princess calmly settled herself in her chair.

Sebastian, in a low tone, began the meeting. “Princess Clawdia, it’s recently come to our attention that Roranoak is unsatisfied with the aid being provided in the war. In light of this, we’d like to offer your kingdom a new agreement, in return for Roranoak’s continued participation in the alliance.”

As Sebastian laid out the terms, which included increased aid, gold and military support. Yet, as Frances watched Clawdia, she felt cold dread build in her stomach.

The princess was paying attention, but it looked like her mind was already made up.

That night, over communication devices and mirrors, Edana addressed the group. Almost all the separate teams had assembled for tonight’s meeting. Olgakaren wasn’t here, but then again, she was in the middle of a flight back to Delbarria and was due to arrive tonight.

“This isn’t good. Since Roranoak has turned against the other human kingdoms, if—no, when the war resumes, Alavaria will have a much greater chance of winning,” she said.

Antigones, sitting in what seemed to be outdoors in front of a fire, groaned. “Do you know if Roranoak is going to help Thorgoth or staying neutral, Lady Firehand?”

“I suspect they’re staying neutral, but would allow Alavari troops to move through,” said Edana. She took a deep breath. “Regarding Earl Darius, I’ve spoken to some of my friends on the council and in Erisdale. It’s unlikely we’ll be able to prosecute him. I even consulted your mother, Martin,”

In the inn they were staying at, Martin clenched his fist and sighed as Ginger rubbed his back. Renia was sitting in the room and keeping quiet as they didn’t want anybody to recognize her by her voice.

From beside Titania in a private room, Timur asked, “What could my father offer Roranoak that would make them decide to do this?”

“We don’t know, your highness, but Roranoak has been losing this war badly,” said Ginger. “Lady Mara told us that even their major cities suffer from Alavari raids.”

“It’s a good question, though,” said Aralik. The general’s son crossed his arms. “There must be a lot of hatred in the populace and nobility. Why cede to Alavaria now?”

“Maybe King Thorgoth has threatened them with something they cannot afford to lose?” Elizabeth asked.

Titania grimaced, “What could they not afford to lose that they haven’t already lost in war, though?”

There was silence at this question, until Antigones spoke again.

“Lady Firehand, can you explain why you can’t prosecute Earl Darius or hold him to account for his actions?” the general asked.

Frances glanced at her mother, who closed her eyes, frustration spreading across her features.

“The situation in Erisdale is even worse than I imagined. I talked to King Oliver today. He… he is happy with the negotiations and willing to support the Alavari rebellion and Titania’s ascendency, but he’s informed me that he knows Princess Janize won’t. In order to make sure that Erisdale would continue to support your faction, princess, he has changed his successor to Prince Jerome, and officially announced it yesterday.”

“Wait, why?” Titania stammered.

“Princess Janize has a hatred for Alavari that dwarfs imagination and she’s supported by a large faction of Erisdalians. She wouldn’t fund your rebellion. I spoke to Prince Jerome and his fiance Earl Forowena, and they swore to support you.” Edana glanced at her daughter. “Frances, I also must thank you for asking me to look into possible covert activities because my friends and King Oliver also suspect that’s the case. We don’t know what they’re doing, but they are up to no good.”

Timur’s eyes widened. “Wait, but Erisdale has traditionally followed primogeniture, the oldest child inherits first. I heard that a ruler could legally designate a successor, but it’s very rare.”

Edana nodded. “Yes, and shockwaves are running through Erisdale’s nobility. Since Oliver is alive, however, they are muted, but I… I cannot guarantee there won’t be a reprisal.”

“I didn’t realize that Erisdale was so divided,” Antigones muttered.

Martin nodded. “It is. We spent the last year speaking to various neutral lords and ladies and were fairly successful. However, we’re still looking at the west and interior of Erisdale against the capital region and the southeastern coast. The frontier against the interior.” The knight sighed. “Honestly, we’re close to civil war. There’s no way we could prosecute Earl Darius.”

In Alavaria, Elizabeth, who was holding Ayax’s hand, suddenly straightened. “There might be, though. Princess Titania, if you were to declare your rebellion and crown yourself the rightful Queen of Alavaria, then you would have leverage and the authority to demand Earl Darius’s execution in exchange for peace with Erisdale. That would neatly solve our problems.”

“Oi oi! What makes you think I’d accept her as Queen!” hissed a voice.

Frances blinked as Ayax, turned around and pulled out Whitey. In Titania and Timur’s room, the trorc princess paled as she saw the crown.

Antigones growled, “Whitey, my wife is an amazing Alavari and the rightful heir to the kingdom.”

“And is she not an assassin with vindictive tendencies?” the crown demanded.

Frances blinked. She’d heard about the crown but seeing it was something completely different. What was more curious however was the reactions from the Alavari. Ayax and Antigones’s son Aralik looked somewhat less panicked, but still regarded the crown with apprehension. Timur and Titania however looked like they’d seen a ghost.

The only Alavari who didn’t look nervous was Antigones.

“Despite everything she’s been through, she is still a good person!” the orc general roared. He glared at the crown. “How would you know about her anyway?”

“Your friend Allaniel was researching her background. Let’s say I am astounded at the body count that she’s racked up,” said the crown.

“I am right here,” Titania hissed weakly.

“I know and that’s why I’m making this clear, Princess. Do not premise your machinations on my acceptance of Titania. I will be assessing her first.”

Timur shook his head, and turned to his sister. “I… but I don’t want to be king.”

“Tough luck. You’re the only of-age candidate and unlike your sister, I’ve heard good shit about you.”

Frances blinked and whispered to her mother. “Did the magic crown just swear?”

“I believe it just did,” Edana whispered.

Ayax coughed loudly, drawing everybody’s attention. “Whitey, if you believe Titania to be a no-good assassin, why did you just tell her your preference for Timur?”

The crown fell silent for a moment.

“Because Allaniel trusted your husband and if he thinks you deserve a chance, then I will grant it,” said Whitey.

Titania blinked and gave a warm smile that was clearly meant for the orc sitting a day’s ride away. Antigones grinned.

Timur smiled briefly, before adopting a more serious expression. “We can’t declare the rebellion just yet, though. We need to approach some other nobles first with this new information—” he frowned as someone started banging on the door. “Hold on.” The prince left the view of the mirror and walked off. Those listening could hear him talking to someone before Olgakaren came into view.

The harpy was breathless, but more worryingly, her eyes were full of panic. “We’re in deep shit! Thorgoth has snuck a cavalry corps into Lapanteria! He’s planning to swoop in and capture or kill everybody on Delbaria!”