“Anita! Radiant as always. I hear you brought my son home safely.” The Count greeted her with a nod of the head, as she entered the hall and gave him a quick curtsy. Carson Galloway was a sturdy man in his late 50’s, with a full head of light grey hair. Unlike many men in the court, the count hadn’t let himself go. He was as trim and fit as his son Edward, and just as deadly with the plain looking sword he wore at his waist, or with his inherent fire magic.

“Always milord, always. I heard you have an announcement to make?” Nita questioned.

“Later. I want to tell the family at brunch, before this band of savages gets wind of anything.” Carson responded, waving his hand to take in the sycophants behind him.

“I look forward to it. Need me to run interference on anyone?” Nita asked, looking around and seeing a lot of familiar faces.

“Please put Lady Conway at ease. She’s been uptight. Cid being gone, with only you as company, for the last two months, has made her unsure of her relationship.” He urged her along, as more people approached the hall and were announced. “My son seems to be late.”

“Not sure if I’m the best for that, but I'll give it a try. Maybe if I flirt with her it will help.” Nita said with a vicious smirk.

“Sounds like a plan. Now, I see Master Laran coming and I have a few questions for him about steel supplies.” The count said returning her smile and waving her along. He stepped forward to greet an obese man in his late 40’s with a very red nose and cheeks.

Corten intercepted her as she made her way towards Elena. The old seneschal was impeccable as always and was giving her a wide smile. “Miss Alexander, a moment. If you will?”

“For you? Always, Corten.” She replied cheerfully.

“Lady Olane wanted a word with you once you returned. I believe she wants work done. She’s been quite insistent. Rumor is she had some work done in the capital that she is less than happy with.” Corten said.

“Really how did she get my name? It’s not like we advertise that I’m a fleshy.” Nita said slightly perturbed.

“Come now Nita don’t be silly, the secret is out. The way rumor spreads around here, everyone knew months after you awakened years ago. Besides she’s friends with Lady Winston who you did work on, last year. She probably gave a recommendation.” Corten said with a knowing look.

“True. Well, I’ll make sure to talk to her when I have a moment. I can always use more coin. Especially now that I have people to care for.” Nita said, giving him a smile and a pat on the shoulder as she made to pass him. “I have to see Elena first. Counts orders.”

Making her way to Lady Conway Nita; dodged people, made quick greetings, and told others she would talk to them later. Once she got to her destination, Elena gave her a warry look. “Miss Alexander. I’d ask what you wanted. But I afraid to ask.” She said carefully.

“Aww, common Elena. You know, you don’t need to give up Cid for us to have an amazing roll in the hay!” Nita said rolling her eyes, then giving her a huge smile to show off her new dimples. “I promise to be gentle.”

“You’re a cad. I don’t know if you’re serious with that offer, or not. I find that unsettling. It’s not natural!” Elena said uncomfortably.

“Don’t knock it, till you try it! It can be fun; especially if you add a man in as well. Though convincing Cid would be impossible, so that option is out. Apparently, I’m his brother’s concubine or some shit and thus a no go.” Nita said contemplatively, moving into Elena’s personal space. “Him and his blasted sense of honor.” She smiled giving her a hug.

“Gah, you’re impossible! What did you want?” Elena complained. Gently pushing Nita out of her personal space.

“Nothing, the Count just wanted me to cheer you up. So, what do you think of the new me?” Nita asked giving Elena another wide smile.

“Oh? OH! Wow I missed that! I love the dimples; why didn’t I ever think of that! Now that you have them, I can’t get you to give me them. I’d just be copying you! Unless you don’t intend to keep them?” Elena asked hopefully, building up momentum with the new topic.

“Na, I think I like them! Pretty soon I’ll be irresistible! Although, I’m starting to find that once you get to a certain point it’s the flaws that are the most striking. I tried to make the freckles even and it was a complete disaster!” Nita explained.

“Well they look good now! I’m sure you will have more customers in the future. Your beauty is almost natural now, the freckles help immensely. Maybe you have something with this flaw idea; try some scars perhaps? It's not natural that a swordswoman has none.” Elena said.

“Yeah? But where? I kind of like the idea of not having any. Because, it's not natural for a swordswoman.” Nita asked then contemplated.

“Maybe just a small one in your eyebrow?” Elena mused.

“I’ll have to try and see. You have a hand mirror in that bag?” Nita asked her.

“Of course! I’m surprised you don’t carry a bag yourself.” Elena said digging a mirror out of her handbag and holding it up for Nita.

“Mhmm, I’d just loose it. I’m terrible at keeping track of handbags. I’m used to having my purse at my belt.” Nita said offhand, as she concentrated on scarring her eyebrow in different places. Finally, she settled on a raised 1-inch scar, starting above her left eye, to the left of center, and running up through her eyebrow. “There, what do you think?” She asked, turning to Elena, raising her now scared eyebrow.

“It looks good. Gives you a bit of an unruly look. So, more in line with your character.” Elena said with a sly smile.

“EVERYONE! Can I please have you take your places for the Months Justice.” The Crier announced from the raise dais at the front of the long audience chamber. Everyone either moved to their seating or stood along the walls; to have a better view of the coming proceedings. Nita took a seat with Elena in the family balcony looking down from the second floor directly above the throne itself.

“Hey.” Cid said as he snuck into the chair on the other side of Elena and took her hand; shooting both women a smirk.

“What are you doing up here?” Elena asked him. “I thought your father would have you on executioner duty, because you were the last to arrive.”

Cid grimaced. “Edward was volunteered. Father knows it affects me for weeks after, and I think he wants me to fine for whatever mysterious announcement he has for us.” He explained.

“He could have Ander ready to help with the dreams again if you needed.” Nita said seriously

“You know father: efficiency.” Cid said. Watching as the Count took his chair. Edward standing silently in the corner by the large guillotine, with a stoic look on his face.

Nita hated this part of the month. She was a little peeved that she made it here for the executions. She avoided them whenever possible. She turned forward again and saw the Count was ready to start.

“First up we have master merchant Richard Donovan for the unlawful death of Sir Lorie’s youngest son Philip.” Count Galloway said, rifling through some papers on a small desk beside him. “Please bring him in! Sir Lorie, please come forward if you would.”

A couple guards escorted the shackled Mr. Donovan in from a side door, as Sir Lorie made his slow, measured, way to stand before the count. Grief weighting heavily on his shoulders.

“Okay, the report from the Mind Mage indicates this situation came about because of a tryst between Mr. Donovan’s daughter and Sir Lorie’s son. Mr. Donovan then ambushed young Philip outside a local eatery: instead of challenging him to a proper duel, or talking to a solicitor to resolve the situation through legal means. For this cowardly act, the assigned magistrate then properly sentenced you to death or slavery. You choose death to protect your family’s honor and status. Have I missed anything?” Count Galloway said giving Mr. Donovan a cold level look.

“No Milord, you have the right of it.” Mr. Donovan said stoically, squaring his shoulders.

“Very well. I take it you're set on this course then Mr. Donovan? Will you reconsider, for the sake of your family?” The count asked formally.

“They will be better without the stain of my dishonor. My son is grown, and will see to them. My mind is set.” He replied.

“Do you have anything you would like to add Sir. Lorie?” Carson asked gently.

“Yes milord.” Lorie said turning to the merchant. “You should’ve just come to me Benjamin. Philip was my youngest, your Emily would have been a good match.” He said with a huge sigh and a shake of his head, tears slowly falling.

“Alright, I have to ask one more time. Are you sure you won’t take the brand Benjamin Donovan?” The count asked in a clear voice that carried to the corners of the vast room.

“I won’t be anyone’s slave, not even yours, milord.” Benjamin answered clearly.

“Okay, Edward if you would?” Carson said with a resigned sigh.

“This way.” Edward said guiding the man to the guillotine and getting him situated with his head under the large weighted blade. Taking his time to inspect the blade and adjust the basket, then with his hand on the lever he looked at his father. With a nod from the count, he pulled the lever letting the blade fall. There was a sharp squelch sound, then the merchant’s head tumbled into the basket.

Turning back to face the crowd Count Galloway said. “That’s it for the justice for the month. Next up I believe we had a petition for air mages the help keep fruit dry. Any air mages interested in a short-term job?” he asked forcing a smile.

“Goddess, I almost forgot how boring this could be.” Nita lamented quietly to the others, settling back into her seat.

“I agree. At least there was only one execution this month.” Cid said with a shrug, sitting back in his chair and crossing his arms mirroring Nita.