I would like to say that I accepted the King’s gift out of pragmatism and necessity, but in the deep places of my heart, there was also ambition and selfishness—emotions I had never felt strongly before. I was very much surprised at how much they had leverage over me before my final decision.

The King bent forward ever so slightly.

“Your words gladden my heart, Mr. Espian. You have no obligation to undertake this monumentous task, yet you choose to do so willingly, as we all have. I hope in due time, the name of you and your order will hold much weight in the high circles of the kingdom.”

“Let us raise a toast to this occasion, Jonas,” said Ames and poured from a crystal carafe four glasses of dark blackcurrant liqueur. We raised the glasses and drank, and then the Crown Prince extended his pipe that was filled with caramel-smelling tobacco, which originated from his mother’s plantations in the far southwest, near the borders of the Free City of Quirrin.

We made pleasant conversation about this very tobacco, the Queen’s plantations there, and the many different liqueurs that the King has in his cupboard. The room was filled with sweet-smelling aromas and light-hearted topics for a length of time. ‘

The mood passed soon enough, though, and Ames continued with polite enthusiasm: “Jonas, you need a base of operations. Rainier is currently looking for a suitable place in the northern provinces, close to the border with Stotor. If none suits our needs, we will arrange it built by our sorcerer-architects.”

“You’re very gracious, Ames.”

“The pockets of my family are deep, Mr. Espian,” said the King. “I will make it so you will not be starved of any means, though… the Crown’s coffers will be shared amongst many enterprises. Preparing for a long war takes careful planning and will most definitely drain my finances if it shall be done carelessly.”

“We don’t know the extent of the war yet, Jonas,” said Pitties. “But it is safe to assume we must rearrange our entire kingdom to support it.”

“No longer can the young boy sprouting into manhood easily choose his path in this world,” said the King. “Many of them must take up the sword or the bow and devote their life to the martial arts. We must make this path worthwhile for them. A sense of duty will not carry our need for long.”

“Let’s not bore Jonas with these topics. He must aim his mind squarely at the studying demonlore,” said Ames. “Leave the mundane topics of war and swords to us. We are well equipped to handle these challenges, but we have none to face the demon bravely head-on.”

I thanked the Crown Prince for his kind words, and asked the King: “Your Majesty, how do you envision the operation of my Order?”

The King stood in contemplation and then said: “A lot will, of course, fall into its right place as the work is being done, but the first step in the process is spywork done by Rainier’s agents. A clue or a rumor must be found which you must then pursue, Mr. Espian. Rainier already has a wide and very deep network of… contacts in all social circles.”

“A network I am very proud of!” said Rainier. “It has taken me decades to set up.”

“We should call you spymaster,” said Ames. “Instead of advisor, because you do much more than simply advise.”

“I’m content with the title and honors I have now,” said Rainier politely and bowed.

“Indeed…” spoke the King and continued. “When a lead is found and confirmed true, by whichever means that is achieved—how this is done must also fall in its place as the work is done—the situation then falls upon you, Mr. Espian, to handle it as you see fit, considering all the knowledge you have accumulated. But—” the King stepped closer and his voice quieted, “This work you must do at night! Take those who are guilty away in dark wagons, unmarked, with cloaked riders. You are above the law. Bring those corrupted into your fortress, and interrogate them ruthlessly. Use any means in order to extract information from them. You shall have the law on your side. There is but one thing…”

“Which is?” I asked the King.

“Anything you find you must share with us!” said Ames.

“Of course,” I replied.

Ames continued: “Here I will play a part. We will be working closely together from here on out. My father needs to keep up appearances in front of the nobility—make it seem that we have everything under control—and keep the Lienor traditions alive. Uncle Verguill will command our armies, and I will be at the center of it all, delegating information and knowledge as necessary.”

“I’m sure you are up to that task,” I said politely to the Crown Prince and he nodded with warmth.

“Do you finally understand the severity of my sacrifice, Mr. Espian?” asked the King. “I know of no king or queen that has relinquished so much of their power to save their realm. Most of whom I know would rather see their kingdom weaken or fall, rather than give up power. But my priorities lie elsewhere—in the survival of Lienor. Fate seems to demand I support your work, instead of the other way around. These new days are indeed peculiar…”

“We’ll have enough time to figure out the exact workings of things, but for now, let us talk about more pleasant things,” spoke Ames. “Namely—a noble needs an estate to call home, Jonas, and it happened at chance that countess Patricia de-Braccarte has been most gracious to offer one which suits our needs. She gifted you, Jonas, a modest cut of land south of Lottie, in the Pania peninsula, along with an old estate that belonged to her family. She’ll be at the ceremony tomorrow. I’m sure you will talk at length before you get there.”

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“An estate? That’s very generous, Ames.” It occurred to me that I never had a home that was mine, and felt a hint of excitement over the thought.

“We would’ve given you one even without the help of Patricia, but she was adamant to do her part. She’s been a tremendous help after the battle with knowledge and advice about magical matters,” said Ames.

“Her gifts in magecraft are deep,” said the King, who was now tired and sat down on the couch. “She has been of great help to us, indeed, in these past few weeks.”

“But…” I began, hesitating. “The others? How will you reward them? Especially Florencia? I couldn’t have done this much without her help.”

“Mr. Karis and Miss Penkios from Szell I shall reward them with citizenship of Lienor, and the four of them I shall reward them with the Marbled Cross with honors. It is of the highest honor to receive such a thing.”

“And Florencia?” I lingered.

“What of her?” asked Ames. “I was under the impression that the two of you are… together? We expected your title of nobility to extend to her as well when the two of you choose to wed. We judge it more than fair. She has done much good for the kingdom.”

“Wed?” I stuttered, taken by surprise.

“She is your partner, she expects marriage, does she not?”

“I’ve never thought about it. I’ve been so preoccupied with my mission that the thought has never crossed my mind!”

“Make no mistake, Mr. Espian,” spoke the King. “It may seem that it is our armies, or Rainier’s spies, or the greatness of the Crown that holds our kingdom together, but it would be nothing more than an illusion. It is the union of family that is the foundation of stone that a kingdom is built upon. The soldiery is merely the mortar that keeps the walls from crumbling against the tumults. And while I understand, that Miss Regalla might not have spoken about marriage, I sense it weighs in her mind.” I saw Pitties nod along. “I suggest to decide this matter quickly, Mr. Espian. The longer you let it stew, the more it could turn against your favor.”

“I… I will,” I stuttered again. Now I truly felt my shoulders burdened heavily.

The King then turned towards the window overlooking the bare fields of Loran, and the three-eyed moon that slowly made its way around. His face looked old and weathered in the silver light.

“I think we are done for the evening. Mr. Espian needs time to come to an understanding of what he agreed to, and there is much to prepare for tomorrow.”

I was exhausted as well. A pain stung in my shoulder again, and a dull headache set in behind my eyes. I needed time to think and to speak with Florencia more than ever.

We said our polite goodbyes and began to retire to our rooms until Ames’ hand on my shoulder stopped me in my steps. It was only the two of us in the dark and silent estate. Only a single lit candle was in the distance, in front of an oval-shaped mirror, and the carpet under our feet was thick and muted our voices.

“My father is becoming very long-winded in these years,” said the Crown Prince. He looked away, then down at his feet, and then back at me. “It’s not because he loves to hear himself talk; rather, I think talking helps him think. I must confess, Jonas, my father initially opposed the idea of making you viscount. That was Rainier’s idea, not his. But you must know that his intentions are good, his mind is still sharp and quick, and he is dedicated to fighting the Enemy with all his strength. Don’t mistake his ramblings for weakness!”

“I would never presume to!” I replied. I was again taken aback by the sudden confessions of Ames. Standing here before me, he did look different than he had been those hours before. His magnetic aura was gone and only a man was left, and I sensed Ames also needed support for what was to come. “I could never ask for a greater alliance than with you and Our Majesty. I only hope my strength will live up to your expectations.”

“As do I, Jonas. As do I…” spoke the Crown Prince silently. “Well, let’s retire. Tomorrow is a grand day for you. You’ll be made viscount, and your Order—Order of Hiskandrios—will be officially added to the Roll of Orders. Get some rest.”

And with that, we finally retired to our rooms.

*

She stood barefooted before the window, twirling her blonde hair between her fingers, wearing a loose white shirt and a thick blanket around her shoulders. Her boots, polished immaculate, were in front of the fireplace where a bed of smoldering coals rested. The air was still warm.

When I entered, her head turned sharply and she asked: “Well? How did it go? What did the King say?”

But my mind was too strained from these new thoughts and burdens, and I took my time making myself comfortable. She looked nervously as I took my boots and coat off, and slowly walked before the bed.

“Well?” she asked again, without annoyance. She stepped closer and put her hand on the back of my back. “Is everything alright?”

“I… I think so,” I replied and told her about the King’s offer. But I said nothing about his plan to abdicate, nor about the ideas of marriage which had taken me completely off guard.

“Jonas… I knew it would be something major, but I didn’t expect this. Not at all.” Her tone was soft yet cold, and I sensed a jealousy there. I understood why. “How long have you to decide?”

“I already accepted.”

She was silent and sat down beside me.

“But… those are good news. I think. Now I understand why Pitties was so secretive. He guarded his thoughts well. I could never have guessed the enormity of this gift. How do you feel?”

I smirked, which Florencia thought was odd, and said: “The King said this is not a gift, but a bribe. He said that he needed a way to keep me interested in the fate of Lienor. This was what they came up with.”

She flashed a quick smile. “I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a viscount before. Barons and lords are everywhere, but I don’t think I’ve ever met a viscount. I think… I’m happy for you, Jonas.”

“For us,” I said.

“For you, Jonas. You deserve this gift. Just promise me that when a baron is being difficult, you’ll tell them to eat dirt! That will be a greater gift than some medal of merit.”

“That medal will make you the honorable Florencia Regalla.”

“I don’t care about that—”

“Of course you do. I can sense it.”

“Those emotions are private!” she laughed.

“Then guard them better. I’m not even trying to sense them.”

“Fine! I confess that I’m spiteful of having worked for decades for the Lodge, only to be met with contempt and distrust by the noble houses, and most people I met. That you can stand on equal footing with them, makes me delighted...”

“I could’ve become one of them, you know?” I gave her an inquisitive look. “If Cappesand had not worked so hard to make me loathe them, I could’ve climbed into the high societies, and wouldn’t have to grovel at their feet.”

“Ah, you have so much contempt for them.”

She laughed. I smelled sweet wine on her breath. “Enough about that,” she said. “Thinking about that makes me angry. When’s the ceremony?”

“Tomorrow. It’s all already arranged.”

“At least they’re not wasting time.”

“The King wanted to give us time to rest and gather our thoughts at—”

“At your new estate?” Florencia smiled and her eyes almost sparkled.

“Yes, in our new estate.”

“In your new estate,” she said and pushed me down on the bed.

I didn’t correct her, but hoped, perhaps, my slight hints would warm her to the idea, though I had never been subtle.

“Well, dear, if the ceremony is tomorrow, we need to get some sleep. You look tired. Come, the bed is warm.”