The next phase of the war with the gnomes started not with a bang, but a whimper. At least for Regina, who was not there and had other things to worry about as well.

The whimper part was pretty literal for her, too. In fact, it was the whimper of one of her drones - her children - carried by the psychic link, along with the plea for help from her companions, which really told Regina that the war was on and what it meant.

She didn’t hesitate. Focusing on the psychic link let her assess the situation quickly, and she cast Queen’s Summons just in time, before the gnomish Sorcerer unleashed some kind of firestorm Spell on the small unit of War Drones she’d gone to reinforce. They didn’t survive.

Kit landed in front of her, falling to crouch on all fours in a fluent motion that hid her disorientation. Luckily, Regina was currently relatively alone, on the balcony of the room she’d been given, where she’d gone for a bit of fresh air between talking to people.

She rushed forward, already focusing on her magic. Kit would survive, but she’d already been badly injured. Besides numerous lacerations and contusions, she had a deep cut across her right upper blade-arm, her left knee was downright shattered and she had what Regina was fairly sure was a concussion. She’s probably been lucky, Regina reflected before she cast Greater Heal and concentrated entirely on healing Kit.

She wasn’t the only injured one, Regina realized when she was finally done enough to focus on the psychic link again. Luckily, the Hive kept healers close by, but it would be touch-and-go for a few of the drones. She wished she could Summon them, too, but the Ability’s cooldown was much too long for that kind of use. She should just be glad she’d gotten to Kit in time.

“Are you alright?” she asked, checking again to make sure she hadn’t missed anything.

Kit smiled weakly. “I’m fine, just a bit disoriented,” she said. “Thank you, my Queen.”

“Good. I’d ask how the battle is going, but …”

“Yeah.” Kit glanced around. “Where are we right now?”

"Still the Delvers’ town,” Regina said. “Actually, the way things have been going, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were going to make that description official soon. Anyway, we’re in Cernlia, so most of what we know about the Gnomish Confederation isn’t in my range, and it will take you a bit to get back. Assuming you decide to.”

Kit frowned. “I could stay here with you. Where do you need me, my Queen?”

She shrugged. “I’m not sure. I’d talk to Max and Ben.”

Then Regina turned her attention to the psychic link again, a bit distracted. The current battle against the gnomes had been going reasonably well, objectively speaking. She wasn’t entirely happy with it, and not just because she’d just had to rescue Kit from death’s door. The gnomes were clearly learning, and too quickly for Regina’s taste. They’d unleashed a hail of crossbow bolts that had to have been reinforced by some kind of magic or Class Skill and actually managed to drive off the Hive’s fliers for a while. And to make matters worse, they’d broken one charge of War Drones almost entirely, only succumbing when two more waves were sent in against the same soldiers. It wasn’t like Regina couldn’t afford to commit those numbers, but she’d prefer not to. They might have to step up their game.

And her drones still weren’t even fighting in the tunnels of the gnomish nation, she reminded herself.

“How are things going with the Delvers?” Kit asked hesitantly. “I thought you were supposed to already be leaving?”

“They’re well enough,” Regina replied, still a bit distracted. “We will soon.” I just decided to exercise a bit more caution in light of recent revelations.

And wasn’t that a thing. She wasn’t sure what to think about Galatea telling her that the gods might be screwing around with the Delvers more directly than they thought, perhaps even to the extent of direct mental influence. Except that it was good she and Madris were getting along and that Madris had told them, she supposed.

Still, what did you even do about a possibility like this? Even if they were able to confirm it somehow (maybe she could get the truth out of Leian or even Alianais? Assuming they knew what other gods got up to), she wasn’t sure what she’d be able to do about it. Although Galatea had told her that skill could trump even divine power, so she’d definitely focus on increasing her abilities with her psychic gifts and get as much training from Madris as she could fit into her schedule. Otherwise, they just had to stay vigilant, there wasn’t much else they could do for now.

Kit nodded, then stepped back. “I’ll go talk to Max now, if you don’t need me.”

“Sure, tell me if there are any problems.” Regina waved her off, then turned around and watched the horizon for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

There was another reason she was standing out here right now in the cool morning air, besides wanting to be alone to decompress for a bit. She’d been planning on trying to scry Kiara. Usually, she would try to arrange a time beforehand, but the girl shouldn’t mind if she called her now, anyway.

Before she started using her magic, Regina focused on Via’s presence in the psychic link again. Hey Via, any news? Did you hear anything else about Kiara or anything related to Lyns’ army?

Nothing beyond what I told you yesterday evening, Mother, Via replied, although she sounded a bit concerned, still. Her security has been increased and stayed at this level, and her official visits have been reduced a lot. In fact, I don’t think she’s seen anyone except maybe her father or her best friend since whatever this is started.

That doesn’t sound good, Regina observed, chewing on her lower lip.

I’ve tried to find out more about potential threats that would warrant this response, but so far, I haven’t gotten any information. Although — I’m not sure how reliable it is, but a few people have been talking about this being a front, and how Marquis Lyns is actually just punishing Kiara. The wilder rumors even have her trying a coup and getting caught.

Regina raised an eyebrow, despite herself. The uneasy feeling she had got stronger. Interesting, she said. Thank you, Via. Continue keeping your ear to the ground.

Of course, my Queen. I’m ready to act if I need to, just say the word. Via paused for a moment. Also, it’s possible you won’t be able to talk to her, after all. If they’ve increased the security measures …

True.

Regina sighed and ran a hand through her hair, pulling her focus from the psychic link and contemplating the horizon for a second. It still didn’t hold any more answers than it did before.

Then she pulled on her magic and focused on the familiar steps of setting up the scrying link, paying particular attention this time to making sure that it was done properly and every step set up perfectly. It didn’t really surprise her when she found it more difficult than expected to try and get through, to get a picture of what she wanted to see.

Regina screwed her eyes shut and deepened her concentration, throwing her mental weight at the problem. She’d never tried something like using her psychic abilities with this before, and while it felt like the barrier holding her back gave a little, a moment later it bounced back and she stumbled back a step in the physical world. “Dammit,” she cursed, rubbing her forehead.

She was familiar with Kiara’s security measures and the artifact she used to direct the scrying. This was not that. Lyns was probably aware of their scrying conversations, though. Even if not, he would have added increased protections against scrying, and she supposed it made sense that it would keep her out.

Regina hesitated for a moment, then changed her target and instead focused on Margaret Szertyn, the young Lady Bluegrass. They’d spoken before and she remembered her well, so it wasn’t too difficult, especially since she knew the area through Via. A few moments later, she got a patchy view of the young woman, until it resolved itself into a clear scene of her surroundings. Regina guessed she was looking into another room in the same building Kiara had been in, or somewhere close by. Margaret was bent over a desk with a few papers, then looked up and gestured animatedly at someone. Regina took a moment to recognize Sir Willard, one of Kiara’s knights, along with Baron Theraln, one of Bluegrass’ retainers.

Regina hesitated, then decided not to press her luck. Unlike Kiara, Margaret had no special talent for magic and no experience communicating like this, and had never spoken to her remotely before. An attempt was unlikely to go well.

Instead, she ended her scrying and focused back on the psychic link. If the direct way wouldn’t work, she could always work through the drones she had on the scene. So, she contacted Via again. We should talk to Margaret, she said, find out what she knows. If they need help.

I could send one of the others to talk to her, Via offered. It might be less suspicious than if I go myself. Most people don’t realize the extent of the connection the psychic link gives us.

Please do. In the meantime, are you up for talking to the marquis?

Of course. In an official capacity, I take it? Am I to function as your instrument?

Regina hesitated for a moment. She knew Via was asking if she was going to speak directly through her, using her as a medium, a puppet. She wasn’t opposed to the idea, just asking about the framing. Maybe, Regina said. If Lyns doesn’t already know I can do that, he’s clearly failed in his job, and speaking to him ‘directly’ might be better. Maybe showing him what we can do will even help.

Via agreed with equanimity, and took a moment to make herself as presentable as possible before she left to meet Lyns, while Regina sent one of the other healers present, a younger Attendant, to arrange the meeting. Few of the drones actually had fancy clothes, since they generally didn’t much care about them. Via did have a few things that had been gifted to her, although they mostly needed alterations to fit a drone. She ended up with a royal blue dress and a black jacket over it, putting her hair up with a few pins. She also took a few other drones as an escort, who’d probably make more of an impression.

Lyns still let her wait for a quarter of an hour. Regina would have liked to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume important state matters required his time, but she could tell he wasn’t actually meeting with anyone. By the time Via was ushered into his office, without anyone else coming out first, of course, even she felt a bit annoyed. She managed to suppress the feeling, though.

“Lady Via,” Lyns greeted her, standing up behind his desk. He made no motion to kiss her hand or anything like that, but that she would actually chalk that up to cultural sensitivity on his part. “A pleasure to meet you, as always. What matters cause you to seek me out so urgently?”

Urgently? She supposed they could have arranged a meeting a day or more in advance, but as close allies and with Via staying in the same place, even if she’d let him know she was representing Regina, should that really be necessary?

“There has been no new catastrophe, no need to worry, Lord Lyns,” Via smiled. She took a seat on a chair opposite his desk after he gestured at it. “However, we have heard that there appears to be a threat to your family’s security, and wanted to inquire into the veracity of such news as well as how we might be able to help.”

Lyns regarded her steadily. “I see. Thank you for the offer, of course. Fortunately, in this case it appears rumor has exaggerated the situation, there is no great threat to our safety.”

“I am pleased to hear that,” Via said pleasantly. “In this case, we hope Lady Kiara will resume her usual duties soon and that we may speak to her presently.”

“Why would you need to speak to Kiara so soon?” he asked, ignoring the implied question.

Mention her family, especially June, Regina murmured to Via, guiding her next words.

“Matters of the family. Hive Queen Regina has assured your daughter June that she would speak to her older sister. I understand there was praise involved, and discussion of magical sensing.” Via gave her best disarming, playful smile.

“June. Of course. How has she been doing?”

“Quite well, our treatments continue to keep her illness entirely suppressed and she has been enjoying her time and learning many new things,” Via responded. “But back to the matter at hand, I take it I may go to speak to your elder child now?”

“Unfortunately, that will not be possible.”

Via frowned. “My lord Lyns, I am sure you realize how suddenly cutting Kiara off from us looks.”

Lyns sighed. “She is my daughter, and there are internal matters of my house involved. Our alliance is still strong, Lady Via, and this does not concern it.”

“It does, Lord Lyns.” Via paused. “My Queen would like to speak to you directly.”

“Right now?“

He cut himself off as Regina took control of Via’s body, shifting her posture, sitting up straighter and leaning forward slightly. The change in her expression might have made the change even clearer.

“Marquis Lyns.” She gave him a curt nod. “I admit to some concern over the state of events. Perhaps you can put my mind at ease?”

He blinked, then seemed to realize what was happening and nodded at her. “Your Majesty. A pleasure. I assure you there is no need to be concerned, I have the situation well in hand.”

Regina folded Via’s fingers in front of her, raising an eyebrow. “I suggest we speak frankly, Marquis.” She paused for a moment. “I am helping you win a civil war over a succession dispute. I would not want your side to get into another conflict over it. And before you’ve even won the war, at that.”

He chuckled. “I assure you, absolutely no one wants that, Hive Queen. I won’t let it come to that.” He leaned forward a little. “As soon as my son is born, which you have assured me should happen with no complications, I hope we can put the whole matter behind us.”

Regina frowned. “You have a perfectly willing and competent child who is of age already,” she pointed out. “Two, counting June. It would take more than a decade for your unborn son to be remotely able to take over the position, assuming he doesn’t die of illness or injury in the meantime, and anything could happen to you in that time. Not to mention the many people who, for obvious reasons, see Kiara as your heir.” She shook her head. “I really cannot understand this insistence, just for what, their biological sex? Simple sexism?”

Lyns scowled at her. “Do you think I have not considered these points myself, Your Majesty? While I appreciate your assistance in this war, it is up to me to decide who is a suitable heir.”

“And Kiara isn’t?”

He visibly paused, probably rethinking what he wanted to say. “Regardless, this is not a matter I can allow a foreigner, however well-intentioned, to interfere with.”

“Funny. It’s not a matter I can afford to ignore.”

His eyes narrowed even further. “My heir will not be a member of your Hive. If you think you can —“

Regina shook her head. “Kiara certainly is not and likely never will be. Even June does not, at present, want to join the Hive. That does not mean it doesn’t affect me, I shouldn’t have to remind you of how our efforts are intertwined. And not being part of my Hive doesn’t mean Kiara isn’t my friend.”

“Be that as it may. Is there a point to this, Hive Queen?”

Regina fixed him with her best cold look, even if she was working through Via. He was really starting to piss her off. “I insist that you let me contact Kiara again, and that you accept her place as heir to the crown you are fighting to claim.”

His lip curled. “And I insist that you keep your nose out of my family’s and my kingdom’s internal affairs.”

They stared at each other for a moment. “If you think you can ‘remove’ her -“ “If you think I’ll stand for -“

They’d both tried to speak at the same time and now fell silent. Regina took a deep breath, and from what she could tell, he was mastering himself, too. Distantly, she wished she was here in her own body and able to use her psychic abilities effectively. But this wouldn’t be going anywhere, anyway, she realized.

Regina pushed Via’s body up and stepped back, while he leaned back in his seat. They were both metaphorically and literally taking a step back from the heated conversation it had turned into, she recognized. Before they said something they couldn’t take back.

“I will let Via return to her duties now. I expect to either scry Kiara or send a drone to talk to her in person by tomorrow. Good day, Marquis.”

With that, she turned and moved away. Lyns didn’t say anything else.

Well, Regina contemplated. That could have gone better. At least she was fairly sure he wasn’t actually planning to do anything harmful to Kiara. And things hadn’t escalated too far to solve them yet. Hopefully.