*Journal Entry*
It was a complicated feeling for Maeve. The last several months she had seen her mother completely transform. Genuine happiness being with the man known as Varen.
Despite him being a fraction of the age of her mother she couldn't deny he seemed completely off about him. The way he looked at her the few times they had met since their first unfortunate encounter was not unlike the feeling she had towards her mother.
Maeve couldn't deny it was love, but kore like a fatherly love. What bothered her was two things. First he wasn't her father. Second she didn't seem to mind despite he being closer age as siblings than parents.
One thing was certain if he ever asked her to call him father she would skew him with her blade!
*Journal entry end*
Amelia laughed, the Maeve girl was exactly the type of person she liked. Perhaps they could get closer and it would achieve both her goals.
The man's entrance into her life was quite sudden. That caused even Maeve suspicions which vindicated her own.
Taking a breath Amelia moved to the next entry.
*Journal entry*
Mother came to me again and told me she loved Varen and wished to marry him. What is it about this man that had her so enthralled?
Over the last few weeks her mother even seemed to have gotten younger and more youthful. Her gray hairs had vanished and her mature beauty had gotten even more striking.
Still she couldn't deny that perhaps it was due to love.
On top of that her mother broke the news that she and Varen were going to open a trading corporation and that the Blackwood’s were going to invest.
In her heart Maeve felt this man was far more sinister than she initially suspected. At first a mere lecher after her mother. Now perhaps a scam artist?
Regardless I opposed the idea, but my mother insisted and said she can support her or not. Either way she was going to go through with it.
I need to investigate into this man Varen more!
*Journal Entry end*
Amelia eagerly turned to the next entry of relevance. Maeve investigated the man who would soon be her step father. This was far more serious than she suspected. In a years time this man entered into Maeve and her mother's life and completely transformed it.
*Journal Entry*
In less than four months since Varen entered their lives he completely transformed it. He married mother and took her name!
Even after months of investigation not a single clue as to who this Varen was had been discovered.
Maeve, as confounded as she was, didn't know what else she could possibly do. So it seems she approached Varen, but did not write down what was said.
The company was a near overnight success as if many merchants were clamoring to work with Varen and Valeri Felmark. Which confused Maeve who never knew her mother was such a proficient business person.
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*Journal Entry end*
Amelia knew after reading the journal that Varen Felmark, if that was his real name even, was a potential threat. What his motives were she wasn’t sure yet, but what she was sure about is that the only way to resolve more of this was to meet with Maeve herself.
…
Maeve rarely grew nervous, but the last year, particularly the last eight months had caused her to be more anxious than she had ever felt in her entire short life so far. Varen had continued to be suspicious and his influence was growing at a rate that was simply abnormal. The Goddess Caphaine only knew what was going on, but even as a Paladin the Goddess was notably absent.
The Temple told them that the monsters and beast activity caused the Goddess’s presence to be dimmed, but Maeve still couldn’t help, but wonder if there was something more that the Temple did not reveal.
Now on top of everything that she had been going through she was being called by Princess Amelia who normally wouldn’t bother getting involved with the Paladins under Hero Maxius’s purview.
Approaching the large single hinge oak door wearing her usual plate armor she knocked three times.
“Come in.” The gentle, but firm voice of the Princess came through.
Maeve entered with confidence holding her head up high. The room was much simpler than she imagined considering it was the Princess of all of Myredien. A single bed with a dresser and a large stone arched closet on one side with a balcony on the opposite that was tall enough to see nearly all of Myredi city.
“How can I help you Princess Amelia?” Maeve bowed lowly as was proper form.
Amelia gestured to sit across from her in a simple wooden chair “Please take a seat I've wanted to meet with you ever since I heard you were the daughter of the infamous Valeri Felmark.”
Maeve froze for a brief moment hearing her mother’s name as she sat down looking at Princess Amelia who did not flinch or give a hint of her thoughts. “I apologize Princess, it is still odd for people to know my mother’s name. It wasn't long ago she was a simple stewardess.”
“That is exactly why I’ve called you here. Maeve Felmark, your step-father’s recent rise to power and influence in Myredi has concerned myself and other noble families in the Kingdom. I looked into your background and your mother’s background extensively and believe you to be a true servant of Caphaine and Myredien. What troubles me is that I know nothing of this man who has so deeply embedded himself with your mother.”
Maeve’s eye twitched hearing Varen be called her step-father. Maeve had her own suspicions of the man, but all her investigations came to the conclusion that he had appeared out of nowhere in the city and inserted himself directly into her mother’s life. None of it made sense why he would target her mother who had no position of influence or power. Even a minor noble lady who he could seduce would have been a better mark if he had intentions of gaining power.
“Well Princess, I have my own suspicions, but I never could prove anything and he is a complete mystery to me. I wish I could be of more assistance beyond that.” Maeve said defeated.
Amelia smiled as she stirred a bit of what smelt like strong cocoa which would have been imported from Ipanya which was quite a far distance away. Taking the cup she handed it to Maeve. Maeve had never had cocoa before, but heard it was quite delicious. “There is something Maeve Felmark that you can do for me and even help me with.”
Maeve took a sip of the cocoa drink which was warm and tasted unlike anything she had ever tasted before. “What can I do Princess?” she asked as she took another eager sip.
“I need you to take a leave of absence from your duties as a Paladin and immediately attempt to get closer to Varen Felmark. Attempt to get as much information about him, his intentions, and goals as possible. My main concern is to know if he is a threat to Myredien. This may mean lying and manipulating your mother as well, but I can promise you one thing before you raise any objections. If your mother is involved in a plot I will ensure she is not tangled up into this as a conspirator.” Amelia took a sip of her own drink keeping her face expressionless.
Maeve shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she gulped down the last of her drink. If her mother was to be protected she knew this was the best way forward and it would also let her put to rest any concerns she has about Varen. “I-I accept.”
“Good I already informed your superior that you will be doing something personally for me. In a few days you will find an item which will allow you to report to me anything you discover. Please know Maeve I have no intention of harming Varen if he proves to be not a threat.”
Maeve steeled her resolve and stood up. “I will be off immediately Princess.”
Amelia nodded, “I will look forward to your first report.”
After storing her equipment and bringing only her sword at her hip she exited the citadel where the Paladins under Hero Maxius stayed. In her heart she hoped she was wrong about Varen. The happiness she could see in her mother was obvious, but she couldn’t ignore the warning signs either.