After the queen, Vai was the first to know it was time. He spent the day packing Fiona's things as well as his own. He paused for a brief moment, holding a pair of his pants. Black velvet. Not particularly comfortable or for travel. They were what Lyra liked. He set them aside.

Eirik was informed after he put his daughter to bed. Lyra whispered it to him as he left the chamber. He'd snuck back in to kiss the sleeping girl on the forehead one last time. Then he had to report to the royal bedchamber.

Lyra waited for them both. She was more than a little irked at both her husband and losing Vai and she relished the emotions on their faces when they both entered the room. Eirik looking at Vai with that pathetic longing while Vai carefully hid his distaste and apprehension. If this was their last night, she was going to make it a fun one.

After his part, Eirik was dismissed, and, as usual when the three bedded together, he burned with embarrassment. Though after sliding off the sheets and gathering his clothes, he paused. "Will I be able to see her off? To say good-bye?"

Lyra sighed and pushed Vai away from where he had been preparing to kiss her and continue. "No, you'll need to be with a Corvin. She's leaving with a battalion for the frontlines, hidden in the supply wagon. Corvin's used his magic to conjure an impressive illusion of the girl that you'll need to sell."

She waved a hand. "The illusion will leave by official caravan a week later. I'll use that as a chance to investigate some of our enemies and flush them out. If you do your part and work with Corvin, I'll let you give Vai a letter to deliver. Now leave us in peace."

Pulling Vai back into place, Lyra didn't acknowledge her husband as he slipped out to write a long and tear stained letter.