Chapter Twenty-Seven

The rainbow coatl was sulking in the stables when Harmony visited. Bowe didn’t like being away from Prince Adric any more than necessary. The pet of her pet, there had been some time contemplating what that meant for her relationship with the magnificent beast. It didn’t help that there was that awkward attempt to claim the serpent, which ended up with her bonded to the prince. After seeing the large poops Adric needed to clean up, she decided it was best to separate herself from it and let him handle those tasks without her help. One of the benefits of being a lady had to be no longer needing to handle so much shit.

“Bowe, do I need to go and rescue Adric?” Even massaging the bond with her undead pet, it was hard to get the details needed. The coatl would have more insight into how the prince was feeling.

Bowe uncoiled enough to let an eye peer out. “He is not in danger, Lady Healer. But he is lost and would not want to burden you with his problems.” The feathered serpent's voice came out a gravelly rasp. It was also a dozen more words than she’d heard Bowe speak ever. They usually spoke through their bond with Adric and he relayed the information.

“Like he wouldn’t drop everything to help you. We share that same kind of bond. Would you like me to go and help him?”

Bowe rippled with discomfort. Harmony wasn’t involved right now. The idea that the healer could get into trouble was something neither wanted. Humans were hard to read. Yet this smaller one radiated determination. No wouldn’t be enough. It would need to forbid it. Addy dispaired. Addy felt alone. Unmoored from their litter. But he wasn’t alone and never would be. “Yes.” They rasped out.

“Don’t worry I’ll take care of it.”

Asking Adric’s pet had been a first step. Getting confirmation that he needed help. If there was any sign that he’d be home soon Bowe would have said no. This strained family interaction would take more time. Even as a prince with authority to his name, they hadn’t recognized him after all these months despite his return. That couldn’t be a good sign. It was time to see what influence the Challenger of Haz’ el Ri, the opener of the Ascendant Games, the first risen lady of Hazeldown had other than attracting annoying dinner guests.

With hours until dinner, Harmony called her crew to help with planning.

“Ambrosia, I don’t happen to have any invitations to visit where Adric is being held?”

There was no need to ask if she knew where Adric was at. Harmony’s pet was whisked away. Of course, she was going to keep tabs on them. “We have none for the palace tower. I can have Bates write a request to visit and send it through the proper channels.” That response came with a knowing look.

Harmony had seen that game played before. All that meant was that it could be accepted at any speed the palace wanted. Since there wasn’t an outstanding invitation it was unlikely she’d be able to visit soon. Could Princess Rosaline get them an invitation? Harmony was loathe to lean on that connection, even if there might be some guilt she could leverage around the handmaiden incident.

“Any way I can use the fact that he’s my pet to get them to return him?”

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“With the commission having so much power. There are a lot of laws around pets, their rights, and such. Many lawyers focus on pet law as a specialist practice. While intelligent pets aren’t unique, Adric is. Legal proceedings could be started, but I’d expect the retainer to take all our funds.”

Pet law? Crazy. You’d think there would be a simple requirement to return pets to their bonded. They haven’t even established if Adric has been denied the ability to leave. It was entirely possible the idiot felt he was staying there for her protection. That, disappointingly, was the most likely situation.

“Let’s see if we can make contact first. Send letters to Adric to see if we can get a response.”

Ambrosia grimaced. “I’d already sent letters after he was picked up to them. Both under your name and under the staff auspicious of needing his schedule for planning. There has been no response.”

Without informing her? Harmony activated [Poise and Bearing] to keep from snapping as tress and internal conflict reared their heads. It was Ambrosia's job to keep track of the situation. If she hadn’t cared for a few days or hours and Adric arrived home despite the lack of response there would have been no need to aggravate the situation by informing her of needless stresses like the lack of properly being able to schedule Adric for the day.

“If I get close enough I might be able to use my bond to figure out what is actually going on.” As much as she’d like to barge up there and bang on the door demanding answers. That wasn’t the polite way to accomplish things and likely would ruin her first attempt at meeting more than just Adric's favorite aunt. There also had to be trust that he knew what he was doing. Well, maybe not that. But at least it would help to know what is rolling around in his adorable head.

Sir Maxwell cleared his throat from his corner of the room. “There is a private gathering happening in the second-floor ballroom tonight at the palace tower. It’s not an event I’d expect Adric to be at. We don’t have an invitation but plus ones are allowed.”

“Then we have a party to crash. Parties are easy to slip into.”

Sir Maxwell interjected. “It’s not that kind of gathering. It’s a recruitment event for the temples. Kind of a chance for talented individuals to nudge their class or profession in that direction before their first evolution. I was going to try for it if you refused my service.”

Harmony tried to picture the large pink-haired knight doing his noble service for one of the temples. While she stifled her giggle Ambrosia did not.

“What? I would have shaved.” His hands stroked his braided beard protectively. “I’m very honored to be in your service, Lady White.”

Temples were one of the few things Harmony agreed with her mother on. Not the kindest towards necromancy or beggars. “Where does that leave me? I can’t see them being very accepting of lady maid Harmony White, necromancer.”

“They’d be a fool to refuse you if that is where you wanted your path to travel. But considering your goals it would be best to go incognito. Anonymous applicants are not unusual. I wouldn’t have suggested it if it wasn’t possible.” Max finished.

Pure madness. “And in the worst case scenario, my identity is uncovered?”

“Another round of wild speculation in the papers,” Max answered with a shrug.

“It’s not like you care about how the gossip rags portray you. I think I could create some interesting songs around it if it does happen.” Ambrosia cajoled.

Neither was appealing. There was still time left. “Let’s see if we can come up with something better?”