Aisha sets the dishes, Cecil lays a piece of cloth on the table, and I deposit the hot pot of gruel on it. We take our seats and start eating. I enjoy the simple meal, but the two women seem slightly dissatisfied.

“You're too soft.” I tease. “Add some salt.”

“Good idea.” Aisha smiles, getting up to grab a small pottery.

“Give it here.” Cecil says after she served herself.

Once we've eaten, the young woman departs almost immediately. I grab my hammer and start training my stances, focusing on the feint that I haven't used in combat yet.

I imagine my Lady in front of me, having no trouble bringing her image to mind. I soon notice a problem, every time I try to use it, I can almost see her reacts in time to dodge or deviate the spike.

I've seen how quick she can be from almost any stance. She's trained herself to always be ready to react and with a sword, she's much quicker than I am with my hammer.

“Why are you interrupting yourself mid-blow?” Cecil asks.

“Because I'm not fast enough, this attack is a feint.” I reply.

I demonstrate my overhead swing to show her the difference between that and the downward stab she's just seen.

“Ah, you want to draw your opponent in by making them think you're about to throw a large swing but jab instead.” Cecil nods.

“The problem is that those it would work against, I could deal with normally.” I shake my head.

“Are you using a lion strike right now?” She asks.

“No.”

I channel flow into a lion strike, overflowing the construct past what I usually allow myself in combat. I tweak the segments to reinforce my bones and ligaments, activating it immediately. My arms flash down and ahead, so quickly that the handle's sharp point produces a small whistling sound.

“I can't see how anyone could react to this in time.” Cecil says with wide, amazed eyes.

“Most wouldn't.” I agree. “But you haven't seen her fight.”

“You defeated her.”

“I barely won when she was too tired to properly use flow.” I sigh.

“Then don't fight her again.” Cecil shrugs. “You plan to use that sword you asked for as a bait, correct?”

“Yes.”

“You could lay a trap.” She suggests.

“No. I need to prove myself her equal.” I reply, putting my feelings into words as I speak. “Besides, she'll probably be really angry at me, I don't want to miss that.” I add with a mad grin, thinking of my Lady wearing a new expression.

“I don't understand you.” Cecil frowns. “Do you like her or hate her?”

“I love her.” I utter dreamily, almost seeing the image of her kissing my hand, taking the vow. Breaking it.

The Madame mutters something unintelligible before grabbing her notebook and taking hold of her writing quill. I get back to training my feint, adding some variation to my exercises by swinging the weapon while aiming with the sharp blade under the hammerhead.

“Once more.” I say, slashing with the weapon. “Once more.” Spinning the weapon around my back to chain three consecutive swings together.

This won't be enough to beat her. I could try to use my limb's survival instinct to parry her blows but that would leave me with only one arm to actually fight with. That doesn't seem like a good idea since she would no doubt get used to it.

I keep at it for a few hours, repeating the same boring patterns over and over again until I feel comfortable with them. I hear voices approaching the warehouse, recognizing Aisha's while the other one takes me a little longer but I finally pin it down on Idali after a while.

“You can step out through the front.” Cecil suggests, pointing at the warehouse's double doors. “It'll take a while, I need to convince her to take shifts in cargo inspecting, will be much safer to use her again than pay another officer.”

I grumble and grab my mask from my chest, slipping it inside my clothes. I put the hammer away and hurriedly leave the building just as Aisha knocks, giving me just enough time to slip out. I close the large door behind myself very quietly.

“Elizabeth Vil isn't here?” Idali asks.

“No.” Cecil replies.

“Hm.” She makes the sound with the back of her throat. “I want to meet her.”

“I don't see why that would be necessary, Idali. This is the same deal as usual, there is no need to add complications to something that has worked for all of us so far.” Cecil argues.

“Ah. But it isn't the same old deal, is it now?” She asks, chuckling. “You're in trouble, on the run even. This is very different from letting a few of your whores come in and out of Meria unhindered.”

I throw a look around, spotting several muscular dock workers pulling a large chariot into a warehouse, they're not paying attention to me. I lay my back against the wall, right next to the door and try to appear casual.

“What do you want?” Cecil asks in a hard voice.

“I want her. I want the woman who kissed Countess Lance in bed with me.” She says in a steamy voice.

“This isn't how we do business, Idali.” Cecil utters coldly, slapping the table with her hand.

“We're still talking because you want something more from me. I can tell that you need me.” She replies shrewdly.

“And you owe me.” Madame Cecil counters sharply. “Do not forget that the only reason you still have that badge is that I intervened.”

“I'm paying that debt back by diverting attention away from here and taking care of every patrol for the area.” Idali admits calmly, holding her ground. “What more do you want?”

“For you to take night shifts on the docks, I need someone I can trust to let some cargo pass with minimal inspection.” Cecil replies. “Are you that person, Idali?”

“It'll cost you gold.” She speaks up confidently. “And I want to meet that woman.”

“Just meet her, that's it?” Cecil asks.

“She got me in trouble by using my uniform, either she keeps her word or I

won't do this for you.” Idali replies firmly. Ah, so she did figure it out, I suppose it wasn't difficult.

“No. You'll do this either way, Idali.” Aisha intervenes. “I'm not letting you use some bullshit to force your way into someone's pants.”

“I'm not making her do anything.” Her protest is followed by a long silence. “Okay, okay, I won't. Stop looking at me like that.”

“Talk to the dock-master today and get used to the process.” Cecil speaks up. “Imply that it's a favor to me if you need to.”

“If you get me in a room with her.” Idali says.

“Let it go, she's not interested.” Aisha groans.

“I enjoy the challenge.” She responds.

“I'm sure this has little to do with your thing for Lady Lance.” Aisha teases.

“I'll take what I can get.” Idali replies in a cheerful tone. “Deal?”

“Deal.” Cecil replies with a sigh.

I set the mask on my face and inject flow into the construct to keep it in place. I open the door and step inside. I immediately recognize the tall blond woman.

“Elizabeth Vil, a pleasure to meet you in masked person.” Idali says with a wide grin.

“Likewise, I suppose.” I say coolly. I can play nice to a degree, we need her after all.

“How about getting that drink you promised me?” She asks with a wink.

I pause for a moment, considering. I would rather not admit that it was me who knocked her out, even if it's pretty clear that I did.

“I don't recall offering that, but if this is what it takes to get your cooperation, sure.” I reply calmly. She loses some of her bluster at my tone and how I'm treating it like a transaction.

“You can lose the mask, I know what you look like anyway.” She says with a little frown.

“Do you?” I ask, smirking. “You think it was me and you may recall the face of the girl who knocked you out but I don't see why I should confirm or refresh your memory.”

“You're way too serious.” Idali taps the floor with her feet, annoyed. “I know a small tavern on the outskirts where we can have some peace and quiet.”

“I'm not going through the streets like this.” I shake my head. “How about later toni...”

“No.” She interrupts me. “Just use a scarf or something.”

I glance at Cecil, she shrugs. Not helping. Aisha gives me an encouraging smile. I groan.

“Do you have a cloak?” I ask them.

They point at the small rectangular chest, I go through it and take a thick brown wool cloak out. I fit it on and pull the hood over my head hiding most of my face within.

“Let's go!” Idali exclaims, wrapping her arm around my shoulder.

I shake it off and make my way to the door, looking down to hide the lower part of the mask. At least I'm not likely to be stopped while a guard sergeant is escorting me.

Idali leads me through the docks, picking main roads without a care. I follow along, keeping my eyes fixed on the back of her feet. I assume that people are glancing at me but I can't really tell.

I trust my hearing to give me an advance warning if there's trouble, so far most of what we come across are carriages. A patrol walks past us, talking about how uncooperative people are, that they got dragged into a brawl they were trying to break up last night.

“Keep your distance next time.” Idali speaks up, surprising me. “They're agitated but as long as you don't behave like soldiers, you should be fine. Talk to them first, they know the difference between us and them.”

“Yes, Sergeant!” A young guard replies seriously. The others laugh at him.

“It's not that easy anymore, Idali. A lot of citizens blame us for what happened on the plaza yesterday.” An older woman says.

“Well, do your best.” She throws over her shoulder as we keep going.

We engage on a street, taking the sidewalk. I hear a commotion and quickly glance around, finding soldiers dressed in black going through the crowd without a care, pushing people aside as they want with their hands on their weapons. I frown and look back down.

I notice how many shops are closed and barricaded as we make our way. Idali soon makes a turn into an alley and knocks at a door. A tall gruff looking man opens the door, checking the area before letting us in.

The inside of the building is poorly lit, most of the tables are hidden in the shadows at the sides of the room. Even the main counter only has a few candles laid on it.

“Two beers, Aaron.” Idali speaks up. The man grunts in agreement, walking behind his bar. “You can take your hood off, no one here will say a thing.” She tells me.

I shake it off. Indeed, they didn't react to our entrance and they don't seem to care the slightest about me now either. This looks more like a den of outlaws than a tavern. I take a seat on a stool next to her.

“Here you go.” Aaron says, roughly smacking two tankards in front of us.

I take hold of the one in front of Idali. She makes an amused expression, sliding the other one in front of herself but doesn't take a sip. The man squints his eyes and glares at me for a second before departing.

“Well, that's it for me, have fun.” She suddenly says, getting up.

“What?” I ask, baffled.

“It's all in there.” A voice says behind my back.

I flip around on my seat, coming face to face with a tall figure wearing a deep black cloak with a scarf wrapped around the head that dissimulates the entire face except for two piercing light gray eyes.

“Lance.” I murmur, trembling.

My Lady holds out a purse that Idali seizes before rushing outside. What the fuck?! I stand, feeling my legs shaking. Why is she here?

“We need to talk, Elizabeth.” She says coldly.

“Then speak.” I reply in the same manner.

“Not here, follow me.” She heads towards the back of the tavern.

“No.” I say stubbornly.

She stops, turns around, and grabs my shoulder to push me forward without giving me a choice. I hesitate and relent as my initial surprise passes. We enter a small room with two couches set in front of each other, there is white padded cloth on every wall and even the inside of the door.

“We won't be overheard here.” She comments, locking behind us.

I make my way to one of the couches, sitting down to try to calm my beating heart and regain my composure. Is this a trap? If it is, it's too late. She joins me, taking the other couch.

“I found out how you entered the city and infiltrated the castle, Elizabeth. I can't believe you followed that woman here. I would have thrown her out of Meria if she didn't promise that she could get you here for me.” My Lady spits out, seething.

“I needed a way to get around.” I lie, burying it in anger.

“Liar. I know you're lying low with that prostitute.” She refutes, ripping the scarf off her face to glare at me. “You didn't sleep with her, did you?”

I idiotically open and close my mouth a few times, flattered and loving her possessive behavior. The void in my hearts seems stuck between a rock and a hard place, wanting more of her emotions but afraid to push her away.

“Who?” I ask, grinning behind my mask.

“Anyone!” She roars.

“I did not.” I reply softly. “I swear.”

My Lady exhales loudly in relief, laying back and relaxing somewhat, however, her expression remains tense.

“Why did you go along with her, Idali?” She asks, frowning.

“Figured I could accept the offer to get a drink and listen in on what's happening, I have no more contact with the city because of your fucking Duke's actions.” I reply, going on the offensive.

“I told you not to intervene!” My Lady exclaims. “You promised to help me keep the peace but all you did is help yourself!”

“Me!? I tried to save these people from being sent to the slaughter, it backfired but this was never about me!” I lean forward, laying my hands on my knees. “Besides, what did you do to prevent this? You stood there like a well-trained puppy!”

“He was a good man, you did this to him. You shattered his world and now he's... lost. This... this is your fault.” She accuses me.

“I'm not taking the blame for that. Just because you didn't see this in him before doesn't mean it wasn't there. If he truly was a good man, he wouldn't have allowed Count Odo's lawless soldiers to run rampant within Meria's streets. He would have surrendered to the Rykz and not risked his subjects' lives over something that is ultimately Nobility's responsibility to resolve.” I counter.

“But we must defend ourselves. We cannot gamble everyone's life on the Rykz' word that they won't turn around and betray us when they fail to save that Princess in Meiridin.” She sighs tiredly. “There are proper ways to do things when you hold power, Elizabeth. If you had simply helped me instead of making things worse, I would have been able to make my move yesterday.” She takes a piece of paper out from the inside of her cloak and holds it out for me. I take it and read quickly.

'Hear ye, hear ye! By Countess Lance's order, placed in command of our wall's defense by Duke Meria, any soldier that does not report to their assigned barracks by nightfall will be considered a deserter and hanged. Additionally, if any are caught looting, they will be charged with disturbing the Kingdom's peace in times of war and hanged without recourse! Conscription remains mandatory, Countess Lance expects every able-bodied citizen of Meria to report for duty at the northern and southern barracks.'

“Town criers are spreading the word as we speak.” She explains.

“Can you enforce this?” I ask suspiciously.

“I am in command of our forces, I'm apparently considered 'sufficiently impartial' for the task, as the Court put it.” She says sarcastically.

“Won't the Duke countermand you?” I question.

“He doesn't know, he's not even showing up for Court.” My Lady admits sadly. “I made sure that he wouldn't find out until the Rykz get here, and it'll be too late then.”

“Do you deny that the Kingdom is fighting this war out of pride and greed?” I ask without pity. “How can you still hold faith in Nobility after all that's happened?”

“Two hundred Nobles responded to my call, Elizabeth. They are risking their lives to defend the Izla. Things must change, I agree, but that cannot happen in the middle of a fucking war!” She swears in exasperation. “Work with me, Elizabeth, defend the city against the Rykz. Please just, just help me.” My Lady pleads, looking vulnerable. The sight makes my heart beat quicker and arouses me slightly.

“No.” I utter firmly. “We disagree, Lance. Change means nothing if it is thrown away at the first sign of difficulty.” She visibly flinches at my use of the word. I pause. How far should I go? To the end, she knows what she did to me, to Jessica. “How quickly your Duke turned on his own subjects and tried to impose his will by force. And you. Yes, you. Despite all the good intentions you claim to have, you are still going to use low-born as fodder on the walls.”

“This is war!” She stands, yelling. “We all fight for our lives, we are all equal in this!”

“Yet the fault lies at King Cenwalh's feet. I won't help you lead them to the slaughter.” I speak calmly. “Will you lie to me? Tell me that we can win?”

“For the Emperor's sake, Elizabeth, what else can I do?” My Lady questions, grief obvious on her beautiful face. “I...” She starts but interrupts herself.

“What is it?” I press.

“Would you dance with me?” She asks quietly, shyly.

“No. You don't get to pick and choose after ambushing me like this.” I refuse despite how much I want to, savoring her anguish.

She looks down, disappointed, and takes deep breaths to calm down. I stand up without a warning, attracting her gray gaze, noticing the tiny glimmer hope held within. I walk past her, drenched between my thighs, and make my way to the door, unlocking it.

“I don't know who you are yet or what lies you've spoken, but I'm going to find out, Elizabeth!” My Lady utters spitefully.

“Don't you know, Lance? I'm E.Vil.” I say, laughing madly.