Wulfram frowned into his drink and reach up a hand to touch his suddenly damp face. Tears? He had doubted it when he saw one drop into his cup, but there they were. But why? He had no reason to be upset, today had been a very productive day. Tomorrow would out of necessity be just as productive. After all, he had to finalize arrangements for his trip, review the troops assigned to accompany him, get Dani to come to the palace, and finalize measurements and the design for his suit for the ball. Then it would be an early night for an early ride out the next day.

With any luck he would be able to get Dani to stay at the palace while he was gone. It would be safer for her, and more comfortable. He somehow doubted that she would be more comfortable wherever she happened to be right now.

Wait, was he crying because of Dani? He set down his glass and looked at his bracelet, focusing on what little he could feel through it. Without the Archmage boosting it he could only catch faint emotions, nothing definite. It was hard to tell, but he could almost feel.. sadness? Frustration? Damn, why wasn’t it clearer? What good was this thing if he couldn’t tell what was going on with her?

He jumped as a knock came at the door, and let out a quiet curse. He wiped his eyes one more time before the door opened, Ben stepping in without waiting for an invitation. “Knock knock, still awake in here?”

Wulfram turned to look at his friend, frowning slightly. “Since when do you just barge in here?”

“Since when do I not?” Ben asked, both eyebrows rising at the tone in Wulfram’s voice. “Something the matter, old friend?”

Wulfram let out a sigh and ran a hand across his face. “I’m fine, just tired I think. And I’m worried something is wrong with Dani.” He admitted that last part reluctantly, looking down at the bracelet again. “I can almost feel her through this damn thing.”

“You can feel her? What makes you think something is wrong?” Ben frowned, watching Wulfram carefully. “It could just be your imagination.”

“It could be, but I’ve been getting faint traces of emotion through this thing since we put it on. I’m not sure if she gets them too, but right now she feels... sad.”

“People get sad old friend, your little thief is no exception to that. I’m sure she’s fine.” Ben patted Wulfram on the shoulder.

“I hope so. Tomorrow I’m going to bring her to the palace. With any luck we can keep her here where she’ll be safe.” Wulfram said, and poured himself a bit more whiskey. That would be his limit for tonight, he had much to do tomorrow and had no desire to be fighting a hangover while doing it.

“Keep her here? Didn’t you mention something about promising not to lock her up?” Ben asked, and poured himself a glass of whiskey.

“I promised I wouldn’t throw her in the dungeon. But she would be safer in the palace, and more comfortable.” Wulfram couldn’t help but feel a twinge of discomfort as he said it though. She seemed like the type to value her freedom above all else. What if she did have a problem with staying in the palace? He could keep her here of course, but at what price?

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Damnit, why should he care? Once the bracelets were off he wouldn’t think of her again. But for right now, it was a danger to have her out there on her own. Even if people didn’t realize what the bracelet was, it would look expensive enough to tempt thieves to try and take it. And when they realized they couldn’t just take it off her, what would happen then?

“And if she doesn’t like the idea of staying in the palace? She might be more comfortable where she is. You don’t know for certain.” Ben leaned against the wall, watching as Wulfram started to pace.

“She was talking about sleeping in the crypts and on rooftops! Surely wherever she’s sleeping now isn’t as comfortable as the beds we have here. And what if it rains? She could get sick!”

“She could I suppose.” Ben said slowly.

“Maybe we should go get her now.” Wulfram turned towards the door, but stopped himself, letting out a frustrated growl. “No, my parents would throw a fit if I went into the Tangle this late at night, and they’d be right to. I suppose we could send the guards.”

“How much have you had to drink?” Ben asked suddenly, pulling Wulfram up short.

“What?” Wulfram asked, looking at Ben.

“Wulfram, you’re talking crazy. The woman has survived this long on her own in the Tangle, she’s probably fine. Who knows, maybe she’s,” Ben paused, thinking for a moment before continuing. “Maybe she’s reading a sad book or something. But I am certain she’s fine. You’re obsessing over this woman! It isn’t healthy.”

Wulfram let out a groan and rubbed his eyes. Gods, Ben was right. She was likely fine. Maybe he was just tired. “You’re right. Tell me what has been decided about exploring the tunnels.”

Ben nodded and handed Wulfram his drink. “Your father has approved sending three groups to explore the tunnels, comprised of guards, scholars and cartographers. It’s a bit different than mapping the land or sea, but they should be up to the task. One cartographer per group, one historian, and two guards. The first group will start where we found you and your little thief-”

“Lady Daniella.” Wulfram corrected, and then paused and shook his head. “Sorry, continue.”

“Lady Daniella,” Ben repeated, before continuing on. “The second group will start in the Quietus catacombs, we’ve already gotten permission from the priests. That group will have a priest with them as well, which will be quite the crowd. Lastly, the third will start by digging out the building that caved in on you. That final group will have a mage in it in case of any undead. Lord Roderick was quite excited to try and find any of that ancient wine you were talking about down there.”

“Lord Roderick won’t be getting any. The skeletons only came after us when Dani opened the bottle of wine and started drinking from it. Until the dead are laid to rest properly, even I won’t be taking the chance. It sounds like everything has been arranged, good.”

“Are you disappointed that you won’t be exploring the tunnels as well?” Ben asked with a smile.

“I am.” Wulfram admitted, and smiled himself. “There’s history down there, and we could put an end to some smugglers operations if we get lucky. That and it was... exciting. But the Hesiodos delegation is more important. If we can get them to agree to peace again, it will all be worth it.”

“I’m sure if anyone can, it’s you.” Ben downed the rest of his drink, and set the glass down. “Now get some sleep, your royal highness looks like shit.”

“Kiss ass.” Wulfram responded with a laugh. “Go get some sleep yourself. You’re going to be in charge of supervising the final packing and preparations while I deal with Dani, and probably her father.”

Ben grinned and nodded. “Yes Sir. Have fun with that by the way, her father sounds like a absolute delight.”

“Thank you, I suspect I’ll need it.” Wulfram sighed as Ben closed the door, and stared out at the city beyond the palace walls. Gently, he turned his senses to the bracelet again and the emotions that filtered through it. She still felt sad... what had happened?