Abby tried not to fidget under Darcy’s warm smile.

“Apologies, Abby, but you know this is just procedure,” he murmured.

“Of course,” said Abby darkly. “I was the last to see him, it’s only proper I am investigated. I suppose no exception could be made.”

Darcy stepped back at the hostile tone. “Yes, well, we need to know everything that happened that night.”

Abby stared down at her lap. She nodded once.

“The guards said you were delivering food to the prisoner under Nikolai’s command,” began Cristin. “We believe that must be the key to how he escaped.”

Abby flinched slightly. Her nails dug into her skin. “How are they doing?”

“We are hoping for the best.” Crossing his arms, Cristin leaned against the wall. “If we were any slower they would have bled out. Even now, Johnathan has them under constant surveillance.”

The two guards were from Feldgrau. They were young. Darcy had watched them grow from scrawny teens. He had been the one to take them into the lord’s command. Now, they were dying.

“It is my fault.” Darcy clenched his fist. “I was the one who advised the lord to send the assassin to the royal prisons. We should have gotten rid of him immediately.”

“They are strong, they’ll make it.” Cristin patted the other man’s shoulders. “We will find him.”

Abby trembled, “And what will you do when you catch him?”

“Find out his accomplice and have them both hanged by the old laws of Feldgrau,” said Darcy, eyes blazing. The calm commander burned with the desire for revenge. “They forfeited their life when they dared to touch our lord and attacked the lady.”

Abby licked her lips nervously. “Will the people not think our lord too harsh? Perhaps they will accuse him of being merciless.”

“They will think him weak if he does not,” explained Cristin. “When our enemies realize we will allow assassins to live, what will they have to fear?”

“It is harsh, Abby, but necessary,” Darcy adjusted his eyepatch. “The old laws exist for a reason. Only the lord may pardon him, and he certainly won’t be doing that.”

Cristin suddenly perked up. “Abby, Nikolai never ordered the prisoner to have a last meal. Who told you of this?”

The older woman was silent. She looked down at her scratched palms. They looked painful, but they didn’t even hurt.

“Abby? Are you alright?” asked Cristin, he stepped forward worriedly.

The head servant looked up, face calm. “There was a servant. They said it was the lord’s command. I had not seen much of them so I decided to deliver the meal myself.”

Cristin and Darcy shared a look.

“Abby, would you be able to identify them?” asked Darcy.

In her lap, Abby’s fist clenched. Cristin said it himself, there would be no mercy. Even if she begged, Abby knew Nikolai would not pardon her son. But could she really sentence an innocent soul to cover up for her own crimes?

“Yes.”

—

Romelo was a master performer. He had scammed hundreds of people, and half of them were still unaware of it to this day.

But under the Lord of Feldgrau’s glare, he could not help but feel like an animal stuck in a trap. It was as if those blue eyes, a shade deeper than his own, could pierce through his skin seeing all that laid beneath.

It was unnerving to say the least.

“Romelo,” called the ice prince.

The man stiffened, “Yes, my lord?”

Folding his hands on his desk, the lord shot him a curious look. “Do you wish to go back to jail?”

“Of course not!” Romelo shook his head so fast the world spun. The man fell to his knees. Sweat ran down his forehead. Life’s cruelty had taught him pride meant little, groveling came easy. “Please, my lord, have mercy.” He cursed his own stupidity. “I should have reported this to you at once. It was foolish of me to wait.”

“Indeed,” hummed the lord but his gaze was set back to the ever-present documents on his desk.

“But I reported this now,” started the lookalike. “Surely this counts for something. A lesser man may have kept silent until it was too late.” He trailed off. Romelo swallowed down his nerves. “Maybe it even merits an award.”

There was a pause.

“Romelo, by the old laws you would be hanged off the walls of Feldgrau.” The lord sighed heavily. “You could still be hanged. In fact, a good many of those you swindled have asked for it. The only reason you still walk this land is because I have use of you.”

As the poor man trembled, the ice prince beckoned the guard forward. The man eagerly unsheathed his sword.

“Easy there!” Romelo’s voice was pitched. “I meant no harm, my lord! Please! I am grateful for all you have given me!”

“Good.” The ice prince picked up his quill. “Do not become a liability, Romelo.”

The guard sheathed their blade.

“Keep your head low and do not leave the residence. The Lucky Charm is no longer safe.” Seeing that the man was about to protest, the lord added, “The courtesan likely told the queen your true identity. If she has, Her Majesty will have your head for impersonating royalty.”

And with that, the protests died on his tongue. Romelo wanted to slap his past self. Telling Elody his true identity was a slip-up, one he never would have made in the past. Living as the lord’s double had been luxurious. He had enough food to eat and all the paints he desired. Such a lifestyle had dulled his edge.

However, if the ice prince no longer needed him to roam the streets in his place, Romelo’s only use was as bait for assassins. “My lord, I have many other skills, I can also-“

He was rudely cut off as the lord snapped, “You have done more than enough.” There was a finality in his tone. “Do not make me regret this.”

The master thief gritted his teeth. Hiding his clenched fists behind his back, the man bowed low. “Yes, my lord.”

—

“Well, this is curious,” Faye set down her cup of tea. “Usually it’s the other way around.”

Fidgeting in his seat, Rufus did not dare pick up his cup. He cleared his throat. “Yes, indeed.”

Leaning her chin against her hand, Faye gazed at the boy. “You’re not here to congratulate me on my recovery.”

“Recovery? From what?” asked Rufus, thrown off by the topic. “I was not aware something happened to you.”

“That’s because you were only listening for news of something happening to Nikolai,” said Faye bluntly. “Are you here to warn me off?”

Rufus scratched the back of his neck. “Well, aside from a slightly burnt residence, the lord seems in good health.” Rufus shook his head. He needed to focus. “General, I have come this time with a request of my own.”

Faye leaned back. “And if I deny it?”

Rufus stared down at his lap. “I hope it does not come to that.”

Amber eyes regarded him steadily. “We shall see then. What is it you want?”

The great hall of the Prince’s Residence was quite unnerving. A few paintings hung on the wall, but they were faded and random. It was clear the space was not personalized. It was always said that the residence was a lady’s place of power, the great hall the couple’s court for entertaining friends and enemies alike. But this great hall felt as if it were borrowed.

For a moment, Rufus wondered what the great hall of the ancient Feldgrau castle was like. It was an ancient structure, centuries older than its royal counterpart here. Was it large and dominating, mocking outsiders that dared to sit in it? Or were the walls narrow and sharp, suffocating those with treasonous thoughts?

Suddenly, Rufus felt glad that they were only in the Prince’s Residence where he could manage a semblance of self-control. Since even the Raven General seemed as much a stranger within these walls as he did, it gave him the confidence for his next words.

“I wish to have,” the young lord cleared his throat. It was now or never. The words tumbled out of him. “A private audience with the Lord of Feldgrau. There are important matters I must discuss with him.”

To the boy’s surprise, the Raven General did not press the issue.

“That sounds simple enough,” but Faye’s eyes narrowed. “I shall pass along your request. A messenger will reach out with the date and time. When the day comes, we shall go together.” She downed her tea and made to get up. “If that is all-”

“Actually, I need to talk to him alone.” Rufus gulped and added nicely. “And preferably as soon as possible. Such as today. Thank you?”

Faye set down her cup. She fixed the young man with a hard look. “Now, why would you want that?”

—

Rufus stood awkwardly. He was alone in another lord’s private study. It was certainly improper, and definitely impolite. Lady Langard would have him flogged if she found out.

Crossing his arms, Rufus was unsure if it was more proper to sit or remain standing.

“Gods, I hope this works,” he muttered.

Exhaling, the boy finally chose to sit. The young lord crossed his arms. He puffed up his chest. The Lord of Feldgrau might be intimidating but Rufus was the son of General Langard! Technically, they were of similar standing.

“You’re in my seat.”

Rufus jumped up to his feet immediately. Face red, he stammered, “Apologies, I meant no disrespect I-“ He quivered under the eye-patched man’s glare… and the sword pointed towards him. “My lord, please forgive me.”

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“Who are you?” came the low growl.

Rufus’ eyes widened comically. “Uh, Lord of Feldgrau, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I apologize for any indiscretion, my lord, but I am-”

“Boy, you are greeting the wrong master.” The eye-patched man huffed. The sword lowered slightly. The man stepped aside to reveal another. “I do not believe an assassin would be so… dim, my lord.”

Blue eyes stared at Rufus. “At ease, Darcy.”

The young lord froze at the cold stare. It had been many years since they had seen one another in passing, but how could a person grow to look even more serious and aloof? Rufus could not fathom why the Raven General liked such a stone-faced and cold person. The Lord of Feldgrau had handsome features but with one look he could make you feel like a speck of dust.

“You’re not my wife,” noted the ice prince. He glanced around the room as if searching for something. He even glanced up at the ceiling for some unknown reason.

Rufus smiled awkwardly. “That I am not.”

There was a silent pause.

The boy hurried to add, “The Raven General told me to wait for you here.”

“Where is the lady now?” asked the eye-patched man. The lord called him Darcy, noted Rufus.

“She wanted to go to the festival,” Rufus glanced at the sword before looking back up to meet his stare. “If you need to make certain of my identity we can go find her-“

“That won’t be necessary,” cut in the ice prince. He stalked towards his desk. “I know who you are, Rufus Langard.”

“After using my name for so many years, I’m not surprised,” blurted out the boy before he could stop himself. He covered his mouth realizing the mistake but it was already too late.

But the lord only took a seat and sighed, “So you’re the one who told Faye.” He looked bored but his tone was sharp. “I was led to believe you were quite useless, my lord. It seems they were wrong about you.”

Squaring his shoulders, the boy met the lord’s challenge. “I am resourceful when I need to be.”

Their silent staring match lasted a moment before Rufus looked away. “In truth, I came today because I need your help, Lord of Feldgrau.”

The ice prince folded his hands. “And Faye knows of this?”

“She led me to your study, didn’t she?” retorted Rufus. He found it odd that the subject matter kept returning to the general. “Please, it is an urgent matter that endangers you as well.”

“Endangers me? Lord Langard, I am a forgotten prince, practically exiled to the borderlands. Who could want to do me harm?” The lord seemed genuinely distressed and confused.

But Rufus knew better than to fall for it. “The queen, my lord.”

Behind the lord, Darcy shifted. His hand fell to his sword, but neither man seemed surprised.

“Well, that is unfortunate,” said the ice prince. “What is your request?”

“A promise of protection.” Wringing his hands together Rufus mumbled, “And before I tell you the information, you must swear that this person will not come to harm.”

“I cannot do that,” came the blunt reply.

Rufus’ eyes narrowed. “Then I will not tell you.”

“Very well,” the lord gestured to his door. “Darcy will see you out.”

Gaping, Rufus stared at the man before him. Bursting to his feet, the boy exclaimed, “But you could be in danger! What I say might save you and your household, my lord.”

Rufus could not hold back his disbelief. Was this such a hard request? “All I need is a promise you won’t harm them!”

The lord leaned forward. “And if I believe this person needs to die?”

“Die?” Rufus paled at the drastic implications. “But they are innocent! Truly, this I promise you!”

The ice prince was unmoved.

Rufus slammed his hands against the table. “It’s not like I’m telling you to protect a murderer! Lady El is-“ he cut himself off. “I mean, this person-“

“You refer to the courtesan Elody,” the blue eyes grew even colder. “So you know of this matter as well. I must say, I am quite impressed Lord Langard.”

The eye-patched man suddenly spoke up. “She is a liability now, my lord.” Darcy’s tone was disgusted. “Not only has she given us up to the queen, but she is telling this to her other patrons as well!”

The ice prince shook his head. “This is a serious breach of the Lucky Charm’s contracts.” He turned to Darcy. “Go inform Matron Athena of this. She will take care of the rest.”

The eye-patched commander nodded.

Rufus felt like all the air had left his lungs. He had just doomed Elody. “No, no, no! My lord, please, she has only told me of this! No one else!”

“You expect us to believe that?” sneered Darcy.

Rufus glared at him.

“You are already one too many,” said the lord. “It is only your father’s honor and friendship that stays my hand, otherwise you would find yourself in the same position as your paramour.”

The young lord fought to regain his composure. He looked away. His best friend was going to die because of him. And there was no one he could go to without putting even more targets on her head.

“You can’t do this.” Rufus choked. He tried to hold back his tears. “Please, my lord, have mercy.”

The Lord of Feldgrau frowned, “Remember this, Rufus Langard.” His words were sharp and unforgiving. “If you had not said anything, your courtesan would still be fine.”

Rufus’ eyes widened.

“If you tell the queen or any of the royal guards what has transpired here today, you not only doom yourself but your family will also be led to ruin,” warned the ice prince. “And it will not save your courtesan.”

Rufus’ eyes hardened. “Are you threatening me?”

“Yes,” said the lord firmly. “Your courtesan’s life is already forfeited. Do not bring everyone else down with you.”

The boy hung his head. Gritting his teeth, he could only hold back his anger and shame. “There is a danger living in your house with the means and desire to kill you,” Rufus’ eyes burned. “I hope it does.”

“Darcy,” The lord turned to his commander. “Escort Lord Langard out.”

—

Faye took a bite of the butter bread Aimee had brought for her. She stuck out her tongue. Scrunching her nose, she stared in affront at the pastry.

The obscene amount of sugar doused her tongue with unpleasantness. She wrapped it back in the fabric.

Faye kicked at the dirt. She tried to ignore the grumblings of her stomach. It was foolish to come out without a meal but she had been too excited.

There were only a few days left to the Lantern Festival and Faye was not going to miss it.

She hummed a marching anthem under her breath as she eyed the different stalls and merchants. This was a different part of the city. One she had never frequented before. The Street of Joy.

Bian had mentioned a few of his clan mates traded information there. The Street of Joy’s information trade was one of the strongest in Eburean. But after one unnamable bad experience, Bian refused to take a step there again. He always sent others in his place despite it being against his careful nature to do so.

Faye was curious to check out a place that could make the little bird so flustered and nervous. And do some information gathering herself.

The number of couples seemed to thin as she walked down the street. A heavy mix of floral scents floated in the air. The colored lanterns grew bolder, saturation high but lights dimmed. Silks and beautiful men and women filled the streets. Their smiles were painted and their calls were melodious.

Faye’s ears perked up. To her right came the sound of protests and grunting.

A woman cried out. “If you have any decency left, leave me alone!”

Faye picked up her hood. She eyed the display of ribbons. Apparently, these accompanied the ones Ebureans received from their parents at birth. She wondered what color her mother would have picked her ribbon to be.

“Leave me alone or I shall cry out loud!” came the voice again. “The royal guards will come running.”

The only guards in the Street of Joy were hired men who were only loyal to their establishments.

Faye reached into her pockets. Did she bring enough coins? The light blue ribbon was quite fetching. The color reminded her of the open skies of the grasslands. And a certain lord’s eyes.

“Help!” screamed the woman. “Please someone help!”

Faye grimaced. Not enough coin. What a pity.

“Somebody, please!”

The Raven General’s shoulders drooped.

In the alleyway, those who saw the three burly men hurried to pass and cross to the other side. They shot the frightened maiden a pitying look but did not answer her cries for help.

One of the men stepped forward, towering over the woman. He reached a hand out to touch her face but was slapped away.

He scowled, “I thought women from the Lucky Charm were nice! You’re not nice at all.”

“I am not from the Lucky Charm!” protested the woman, backing herself into the wall. “You’ll regret laying a hand on me! Leave before it is too late!”

“That’s what they all say!” The men laughed cruelly. “It’s never true.”

A new voice suddenly chimed in. “That I highly doubt.”

Staring at one another, the men were confused. That voice did not come from them.

The woman peered over their shoulders to stare at the mysterious party. Their face was hidden by their hood but there was a swagger to their walk. “Step away. Last chance,” offered the stranger.

A rough hand gripped the woman’s chin. She cried out.

“We’ll deal with you after,” spit the leader.

The three turned to face the interloper. They towered over the smaller. Cracking their fists, they smirked at one another.

“I was itching for a fight.” The stranger opened their arms wide as if asking for a hug. “What are we waiting for?”

They all lunged at the same time.

—

Nikolai almost slipped on the tile of the roof. Catching himself at the last moment he cursed his attendant. “Take the roofs, it’s easier,” he copied Cristin’s snide tone. For a man usually so terrified for his lord’s safety, the fact that Nikolai could faceplant into a stranger’s terrace did not seem to cross Cristin’s mind.

Treading carefully, the lord could only thank the fact he was almost at the Lucky Charm.

Cristin was right about one thing. People rarely looked up. With the courtesan’s betrayal, it was necessary to be overly cautious. No doubt Rewanna would have stationed men to watch over the Lucky Charm.

Unconsciously, Nikolai brushed a hand over his mask. He tightened the strings just in case.

“By the gods!”

Nikolai paused. That voice was familiar but he could not place it. Creeping to the side of the roof, he peered down into the alleyway.

Three men, face bloodied and bruised were fighting against a smaller figure. The small fighter moved gracefully but their hits were full of vigor and force.

“We’ll show you, little shit!” Screamed one of the larger men. His teeth were bloodied and his wrist was broken.

The figure laughed, “I’m looking forward to it.” They dodged out of the way of a kick and landed one of their own. “So far, this fight has been boring.”

The hairs on the back of Nikolai’s neck rose. That was Faye’s voice! He was sure of it.

In the corner, a woman cheered.

For a split second, Nikolai wondered if he should step in and plead mercy for those unfortunate enough to gain the Raven General’s ire. Three against one was quite unfair. The lord was surprised the fight was still going on. The three men were brutes but not great fighters, their centers unbalanced and punches loose and wild.

“That’s it!” One of the men was grabbing at their pants. “I’m out of here!”

“No, you aren’t!” Faye chuckled darkly. “We’re just getting started.”

“You bastard!” Came the pained cry.

Nikolai shivered. Those men did not deserve his help. They probably were asking for a beating. Shaking himself, he crept away from the edge. He would leave Faye to her fun.

—

The Raven General blew the hair out of her face. She spit out a wad of blood. One of the men got in a lucky hit.

She glanced up at the dark roofs. There had been a presence before. She thought perhaps someone had been watching.

Tensing, she readied herself to end the fight. They had been toyed with long enough.

Grabbing the leader forward with inhuman strength, she brought her knee up to his chin. The white of his eyes rolled back before he fell to a heap on the floor.

“Who’s next?” She grunted.

The remaining two glanced at each other. They very much wanted to keep their lives… and their teeth.

“Wait!” One of them rushed at her, but only to feint and drag their third counterpart away. Without another word, the two ran like they were possessed. In a blink, they were gone.

Faye brushed at her bloodied mouth. “That was unexpected.”

A hand landed on her arm. Faye tensed.

“Thank you, sir! I do not know how I could even thank you.”

Sighing, Faye started, “It is-“ She stilled at the sight.

The Rose of Eburean, wearing servant clothing, stared wide-eyed at her, clearly recognizing the Raven General as well. She backed away. “It’s you!”

“Well met,” Faye’s eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms. “Lady Asinara.”