"Lucas and Andrew."

A pair couldn't look less alike. Andrew was wearing a polo and shorts while Lucas sported a three-piece. Although, the two were closer in height than any other couple. An advantage I remembered for snuggling and other... positions.

Never mind that.

You shake your head, laughing with a light blush.

"Hello, Conscience. I suppose you already know I'll need Lucas alone before this is over."

Andrew, laid back as ever, nodded. "Yeah. Whatever. Uhm... I think I've already said everything I needed to say to you. You and I see each other enough that a pep talk isn't really necessary. Just know the Probabilities have been steadily shrinking since their formation, and especially in the last few days."

We clasped hands and ended in a fist bump. "Thanks for keeping on top of it, but try to relax. This Verse isn't over yet."

"Fucking tell me about it. How many more do you have after this?" He patted his pockets until he found a piece of hard candy to suck on.

After a moment of considering his question, I said, "I guess only Korac and Sagan after you two. We'll return to the story proper after that."

"Great." Andrew glanced between me and Lucas before letting out a sigh. "Okay. Well, you two have fun." He kissed Lucas' cheek on the way out. "Don't get into any trouble."

Lucas' eyes glittered as he said, "I try not to, but no one believes me."

When the door closed, I said, "I believe you."

The smile Lucas gave me in return said he didn't really care either way. Here was a friend and an ancient adversary with far more behind his eyes than I'd ever gave credit to.

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"I like you, Lucas," I admitted.

He bowed with his head. "Likewise, your imperial majesty."

My hands went to my hips while I considered how to ask this. Thanks to Andrew, I suddenly wanted some candy to chew on. Eventually, I said, "You're still keeping secrets."

Lucas nodded sagely. "Yes. It's how I've stayed alive for so long."

"But... you're with us, aren't you?" I couldn't keep the emotion from my voice. I wanted him to be on our side.

"The Probabilities make it so," Lucas confessed.

I stared at him. That could mean anything. Without further preamble, I asked, "How did you make the shield?"

Like Silence, a shadow flickered in Lucas' golden eyes. "Your majesty asks the wrong questions."

A little impatient, I pressed, "What should I be asking?"

Lucas said, "Why was it pertinent I keep it secret? That's the key to all of my secrets, Xelan. Why do I keep them?"

My heart raced while I stared into the ancient intelligence inside someone I considered a brother.

Why?

For millennia, we'd known each other, and he'd lied to me the entire time. But not once did he endanger me. I breathed, "Tell me." Please, let it be good.

Alien and remote, Lucas tilted his head to one side and stared into my mind with piercing gold eyes. He said, almost curiously, "You're not ready to know yet. But soon... Yes, soon, Xelan, we will tell you."

We.

"I caught that, too."

This felt familiar.

And frustrating.

I could arrest him and force the information from him in an interrogation, but as I gazed at the monolith in front of me, I knew making an enemy of Lucas would be a mistake. Wetting my lips, I asked the only question which mattered. "Will anyone else get hurt in the meantime?"

Lucas shook his head and assured, "We aren't interested in causing you harm."

"I suppose that will have to do."

The Icarus—if he even was an Icarus—took a step closer to me, straightened my shirt on my shoulders, and smiled in my face while he did it.

Then Lucas left.