“You deserve the credit,” Rhys grumbled at me for the twentieth time since we returned to Cardinal.

“It will serve your cause better than mine,” I repeated back to him. My leg was throbbing again and even after two weeks of healing, it still wasn’t ready to stop complaining, much like Rhys.

It made perfect sense. All we had to do was not tell anyone the truth and Rhys would forever be the powerful heir who could hold his own in single combat. Of course Rhys told Eleanor the second we reunited. I was rewarded for his blabbing with her complete agreement. This was exactly the kind of event that the Sovereign had in mind when she secured his position with Eternal Affairs.

I would much rather Rhys’s success than more notoriety for myself. Even as we returned with Rhys’s victory, the rumors about me had only increased in stature and size. Some nobles looked on me with awe and others contempt. Gossip took a backseat when the situation was explained to the Sovereign though.

The court was in an uproar. A Governor's husband at the center of a vast conspiracy turned me into second rate attraction. When it came out that Rhys had slain him at the scene of the crime in an honorable duel, I became barely a footnote in the proceedings.

I appreciated the lack of attention. I had reports to file, debriefings to attend, and screaming rooms to not be in.

And there were many, many rooms filled with screaming. The Governor was pleading her case and she had somehow positioned herself as completely unaware, completely repentant, and completely unwilling to give up an ounce of perceived respect or privilege. She had somehow also alluded to others who would “share her feelings” in a casual and threatening way. She didn’t say the words, but rumors of rebellion were brewing.

For as many friends as she had, there were just as many detractors that were deeply excited to see her punished for her husband's sins. They kept making loud cases for accountability and compensation.

Rhys, Eleanor, and I would meet up nightly. Holding our own small court over the event and the outrageous behavior on display from everyone in the capital.

“You put your life in danger to stop Kael. You’re the hero of the story,” Rhys began, as he often did.

“And you put your life in danger to hold that door. You’re not going to guilt, cajole, or bribe me into this. I’ve made my decision,” I sighed at him.

“Sweetie, could you hand me that book over there? There is some wisdom in it that fits this situation perfectly,” Eleanor asked, pointing out a large novel. As soon as it was firmly in her hand, she slapped the back of Rhys’s head with it, “Let Victoria be smarter than you. It’s 15 minutes of fame for her, it’s the starting place for a legacy for you.”

“It’s a lie,” Rhys ruminated.

“Until we tell it enough times, then it becomes the official record,” I chuckled, but Rhys frowned at me, “We should really be thanking Eleanor. If she hadn’t gotten worried about us, they’d have been days late just to find our corpses.”

“You were lucky that my nerves got the best of me. If I had more faith in your wild scheme, I wouldn’t have gotten my mother to rally the troops.”

“You doubt in the most romantic ways,” Rhys smiled.

“Though it was my mother who got the most lucky. Her leading the charge gave excellent political cover to any involvement.”

“Speaking of which, is your mother really going to start a rebellion over her husband that she is somehow both ‘completely detached from’ and ‘misses greatly’?” I asked.

“She does seem to be spinning the narrative on a dime,” Eleanor mused. The Governor sanctioning the imperial assault on the tavern and its underground had saved her from a majority of scrutiny. Eleanor seemed to doubt that she had any knowledge of Kael’s moves “She would’ve run it better” was the defense that I agreed with completely.

“She’s just looking for an off ramp from this crisis. Anything that gives her another day, she’ll say until she finds an exit to her liking,” Rhys said bitterly.

Eleanor nodded, “Very likely, but I’m more nervous of the other camp. This is a moment that could call into question the very authority of the Sovereign as well as push the rumors of vampiric preferential treatment.”

“It’s quite the tightrope act,” I said more to myself than the other two. I felt restless. I was hoping that returning to the capital would be the end of the business. A well earned respite from everything, but the fallout was quicking becoming more dangerous than the conspiracy itself.

The feeling was made worse when I was called into the Sovereign’s war room the next day. Inside the Sovereign, Epswitch, and Rhys stood around a table with a list of names in three lists. Each column had a title above it “Mercy,” “Punishment,” and “unknown”

“My son let me know your deeds the day of the raid. I think that earned you a place at the table,” The Sovereign said, nodding at me to join.

“It was my duty to hold back the horde as Rhys took on Kael,” I responded, practiced and cool.

“I’m happy to see you’re ready to tell the official story, but no, he told us the truth,” Epswitch replied, bemused at my response. I shot Rhys a dirty look that he shrugged off.

I looked more closely at the list of names. There were very few in the unknown category. That wasn’t surprising, most had made their feelings known very loudly and quickly. Most of the unknowns were not in the capital yet. Governor Briggs was the only name I recognized from that list. Even on the mercy and punishment side, most of the names were strangers. Those columns were almost the exact same number of names, this had truly split the court in half.

“Who do we care about offending the least and is there anyone that can be convinced to switch sides?” The Sovereign asked.

I felt like I had been pulled in half way through the conversation. It seems it had been decided there was no way to bridge the gap. I barely heard Epswitch talking about the satyr’s fickle nature and another governor probably being more hot air than action. He was halfway through a plan that seemed half blackmail and half vicious threat when a thought popped into my head.

“Why not both?” I interjected.

“What?” Rhys looked at me confused.

“Why not both mercy and punishment?” I asked again.

“Because they’re conflicting ideas…” Epswitch slowly responded, “We either punish or we don’t?”

“Then fine not punish and mercy, but what about punish and reward?”

“That’s…” Epswitch started.

“Excellent!” The Sovereign clapped her hands together, “In one of her many diatribes she did try to claim heroics in helping stop her husband. We just need something to mollify both sides enough.”

Epswitch seemed to be coming around, “The punishment camp is easy. Any additional oversight or removal from power will appease them. What will quell everyone in Trask’s camp? There’s nothing they all want.”

“That’s because they want nothing really, they’re just responding to favors owed to Governor Trask. We just need to give her something to accept the sanction. The second she gives the all clear, they’ll disperse,” Rhys said, pensively looking away. I could tell his mind was trying to find some gift or worthy trade for what Barbra Trask would obviously take as an insult.

I already knew the answer. I was almost giddy with the idea, now I just had to sell it, “There is one thing you could do that would publicly affirm your allegiance with the vampires while in the middle of punishing them. I know that the Governor would be hard pressed to decline.”

“What is it?” Epswitch asked. I could see the calculations running in his head, aggressively trying to figure it out before I gave away the answer.

“A political marriage.”

I didn’t need to offer anything else. Their faces made it obvious they knew the match. Epswitch was running the value trade on this event versus Rhys’s potential future suitors, the Sovereign somehow amused and annoyed, and I could see Rhys simply holding his breath.

“You’re sure she’d agree to this,” The Sovereign hissed.

For a moment I thought Rhys would answer, but for the first time he seemed dumbstruck, “Yes, Ma’am,” I answered for him. I thought on the vagueness of the she in that sentence, it didn’t matter Eleanor or Barbra, the answer remained the same.

The Sovereign called a guard in and ordered Governor Trask brought in, “I’d hear her response before we publicly announce anything. I won’t have Rhys have his first proposal declined in the middle of an emergency.”

“First?” Rhys asked.

“And only, I’m sure,” Epswitch sort of laughed.

We waited as Epswitch and the Sovereign discussed various punishments. I wondered how far in the castle the Governor was located. The answer turned out to be not far or she had moved with extreme haste. Neither answer surprised me as I was doubtful anyone was excited to keep the Sovereign waiting.

“Barbra, welcome, we believe there is a solution to our shared problem!” The Sovereign spoke cheerfully as if to an old friend.

“Jacqueline, I would expect nothing less from someone as clever as you,” the governor responded. Her tone was much more casual than the monologues she had been giving out in court.

“I need you to accept that I’m going to take over oversight for all the taxes that go in and out of your lands for the next five years.”

“I don’t know what to say. I thought I was invited in here as a friend,” her tone already taking on a combative tone.

The Sovereign just gave a little laugh, “Oh, Barbra, you know I value your input, but I do not require your consent on that. That’s not what we’re negotiating.”

“What are we negotiating then, if not recourse for this horrendous revelation that caught all of us unaware.”

“My renewed and public support of you and your administration.”

“What support could you offer that would offset the hostilities you heap upon me?” the Governor asked, almost huffy.

“Such a bold claim, I haven’t offered any hostilities. No, my hostilities hold no such subtly to them. You will know when I’ve begun such an event,” The Sovereign was getting lost in her threat before she seemed to remember the point of the meeting, “I think you’ll find this more than outweighs any perceived slight. I believe Eleanor and Rhys should wed.”

This caught the governor off guard. She stopped for a moment, not just speaking, but making any real facial expression. For all her maneuvering, I don’t think any thought went to turning this into a proposal.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

There was a little click on her face as she made a decision. A wide smile across her face, “I’ll have to publicly denounce the increased oversight.”

“But privately, you’ll call off your dogs?”

“You give me too much credit. I don’t control what they do, but I’m sure they’ll see the wisdom of your actions,” her smile stayed still, but her eyes seemed unfocused as if already imagining some grand wedding.

“Everyone, if you’d please give Barbra and I the room.”

Epswitch, Rhys, and I bowed out. As soon as we were out of the room, I struggled to remain upright as Rhys tackled me in a hug.

“How long were you sitting on that idea?” Rhys whispered as we continued down the hallway.

“About 10 seconds before I said it. It was actually something Eleanor said about temporary political problems and permanent matrimonial solutions.”

“It was an excellent idea,” Epswitch said, offering rare praise.

“You’re just jealous you didn’t think of it first,” I taunted him, feeling a bit of pride.

“I chose to bring you into the room, I’ll take half credit on this,” he smiled back at me.

“He was the one that said we should bring you in,” Rhys conceded. I took another look at Epswitch. I was surprised at his support, but happy to have proven worthy.

“Now all that’s left is to inform the bride-to-be,” I proudly proclaimed.

Rhys stopped dead in his tracks, “How should I do it? Should I do it? It was your idea. Should you do it?” He started rambling.

“You should do it,” I said firmly, “We can all celebrate after. As far as how, you know her best. I’m sure you’ll find a way to romanticize her non-negotiable nuptials.”

I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand on end as I caught sight of Governor Briggs coming down the other end of the hallway. His nostrils flared and the dirt of travel still rested on him. He was heading directly towards the war room we had left. I thought of the “unknown” category, demeanor made it obvious the side he was on.

Epswitch started to make a move towards him, but I stopped him, “Let me handle this.” I felt confidence surge through me. I had just navigated one of the most contentious political affairs in the books. I could handle this monster from my past.

“No, this is too important,” he countered.

“So were the last three things you threw me in the middle of. There’s no half credit for either of us if he barges in and causes problems.

Epswitch looked at me, eyes narrowing and a twitch at the right corner of his mouth, “Fine.”

The minister had sounded resistant, but as I moved towards the governor I second guessed if Epswitch’s move towards Briggs was authentic or just another game to make me take this next step.

“Governor Briggs,” I saluted as I got in his way.

“Forgotten prisoner,” The governor responded, trying to take a step around me.

I continued blocking him. His vast size dwarfed me. I took a moment to realize I had no idea what to say to him, “I need you to not go in there.”

Briggs stared down at me, his snout curling with a low growl, “So I just let the vampires get another backroom deal and escape all punishment. No, I think I will make myself known.”

I tried to think of an angle “I don’t think you will,” I took a breath and tried to focus on what would matter to him, “I think you will let the Sovereign punish Governor Trask.”

“And what weak punishment has the Empire decided upon for their favorite child.”

“A complete loss of control over her tax collection and oversight for five years.”

Briggs seemed to mull it over, “That’s actually decent,” he looked at me unconvinced, “What does she get?”

My anxiety spiked back up, “Her daughter will be married to the heir.”

The growl was now a snarl, “Ah yes, a lovely permanent imperial tie to reward her glorious mismanagement.”

I could see it all now. The governor was going to push past me, slam open the door, and pretty much announce an open revolt.

“It’s for love!” I rushed out before any of that could happen.

It was a bold play, but it was an honest one. It was the only chance I had to sell the engagement. Governor Briggs was a passionate man, I hoped that the passion could be used in my favor.

“Bullshit, just cover for the Sovereign to save face,” he snapped back

“You’re right, how can there be any trust between us? With everything we’ve been through, the wrongs we both have been a part of. Your friend is dead from my actions. I wish it had ended differently, but now someone has to make the first move. Let me do it, let me arm you with information that you can use to discredit me and embarrass the Sovereign, and stop any chance of any deal being made.”

“There’s nothing you could say that would do that.”

“I was initially hired to kill the Sovereign. You can go public and make one of the heroes of the hour completely untrustworthy. It’ll be obvious I was the one that gave you the information. The chaos will destroy any chance at reconciliation in the court. You are now armed to make whatever future you want happen. You could throw away peace just to hurt others.”

“And now I could march into court and just announce everything you said. You wouldn’t stop me?”

I looked the wolf up and down, “You think I could physically restrain you?”

Briggs gave a deep chuckle and then seemed annoyed at his own laugh. There was silence between us. I worried saying anything more would shatter the careful narrative I had constructed.

Governor Briggs turned around without saying anything else. I took the silence as agreement or more so hoped it was.

I returned to my room and sat on my bed. Bravado completely spent. I focused on steadying my breathing. Replaying the event, I tried to convince myself I had made the right decision. I tried not to imagine what it would be like if I hadn’t, but couldn’t stop thoughts of dungeons, executions, and ordered deaths in mysterious circumstances.

The next day I was in a small showroom. There was a large oval table with all the governors present. Minotaur was next to Valkyrie, next to werewolf, all around the table against the were their trusted attendants. I stood at the back in my dress uniform. I was not there on behalf of anyone around the table. Most of the people took an aggressive stance to ignore me.

There were numerous hushed conversations and I wondered if they were delicate maneuverings or vapid petty comments. I thought of everything I had seen over the past couple months, it could very easily be both.

The Sovereign entered. Rhys did not follow behind her like I expected. It made sense, a messy compromise didn’t fit the narrative she had so carefully built for her son.

“Good morning, my trusted competitors in this grand experiment we are constantly refining,” The Sovereign began. She was fully armored in black plate that seemed to absorb the light of the room. Strings of rubies were embedded in her gauntlets, large enough to see even from my position in the back of the room.

She continued and explained the plan I had already heard in detail. There was muted cheering as many nobles looked at each other trying to decide if they were alright with the shifting political landscape. I saw Governor Briggs look at me for just a moment and my heart stopped before he continued his polite clapping. Just as faint celebration started evolving into murmuring started to take over the sovereign raised her hand for silence again.

“I have another announcement,” She started. I leaned in, curious to what additional detail she had devised, “Every territory will receive a 7% subsidy on their blood tithes and a 5% decrease on their required harvest,” There was a cheer, but there was confusion. The Empire was going to give blood and take less? How was she going to manage this? “In turn, all executions will no longer be handled by the territories. The empire directly will oversee all the condemned and they will no longer count towards taxes.”

Pragmatic while changing the metrics that had started this entire scandal, I sensed Epswitch’s hand in this plan. There was no noise for a second. No one cheered, but no one complained. I believe many were calculating the overall effects on their yields. Was this an increase or not? I also had to wonder if others were abusing the system and worried that any public display would draw scrutiny that they could not withstand.

I broke the silence and started clapping. There were complex machinations all around me, but I had seen first hand the dangers of the current system and it was being addressed right in front of me.

My clapping started a respectful and rhythmic response as more people joined in. As the public opinion started, most followed, looking to not be the last to join in. Many looked back and when their eyes fell on me, I could see all the gossip and rumors had had their intended effect. There was shock painted on their faces.

Here the conscripted myth murdering empire hating deviant was publicly supporting the Sovereign's latest decision on how to kill humans. I thought I’d be annoyed seeing my position on the board used so effectively, but I felt a sense of peace, that maybe everything I had gone through had a purpose beyond the random buffets of fate.

The Sovereign was the first to leave the room, but I took it as a sign I could escape the crowded space. I had my standing appointment with Eleanor and Rhys. I much preferred their company to the stares of the landed gentry.

I wasn’t the first in the room. Eleanor sat looking out a window. She had a smile as she sipped from a small cup. I knocked on the door to make my presence known.

Eleanor embraced me hard enough to knock the air out of my lungs, “Thank you.” I returned the hug as we stood in silence. I tried to catch my breath as Eleanor’s grip only tightened. Finally, she pulled back and gave me a moment to inhale, “Rhys told me all about your idea.”

“It was your idea,” I conceded, “I just repeated it at the right time.

Eleanor wiped at the corner of her eyes, “I agree, I am quite brilliant.”

“Pure gratitude to complete arrogance in under a minute. I think that’s a new record, sweetie” Rhys said as he entered the room.

“I can be gracious and self-aware,” Eleanor playfully shot back.

“If that’s how you define those words, then yes you can, better than anyone I know,” He said, kissing her forehead.

It was a sight that brought me so much joy. They were exceptional people and I was happy I was able to make this happen. Making a small piece of definite good out of the intertangled webs of political machinations. I had no idea how the new tax oversight or execution rules would turn out, but I was sure about them.

Rhys pulled away from Eleanor and asked her for a moment. It was just Rhys and I in the room. He had on his bad news smile. It matched well with his overall exhausted look. As the forced march navigating the court was wrapping up, it was obvious his body was ready to collapse.

“I’m being moved from Eternal Affairs. Apparently one nation changing incident is more than enough,” He stated. I could tell he didn’t have the energy to add any padding.

I sighed, but was unsurprised, “Well, we were excellent.”

“We got lucky. This is just one of many controversies that I’ll have to navigate,” I could see what was weighing on his mind. There was a future where today was just another footnote in history and other deadly decisions would have to be made.

“We’ll do it together.”

“What happens when our goals don’t as easily align. It’s not all weddings and day drinking to solve conspiracies,” he responded with a sardonic tone.

“I mean you’ll be in charge, why can’t it be?” He gave me a serious look. I relented and cut my smirk, “When it comes to it, I’ll throw on my prettiest dress uniform and you’ll throw on your favorite bathrobe and we’ll figure it out. That’s all I can promise you, but I can promise that.”

There was silence around the dining table in my father’s manor. It had been mine for a year now, but this was only the second time I had been inside since his death. Mason and Mr. Thill had stopped eating. I sipped some peppermint tea.

“What are you going to do with Rhys being gone?” Mason asked, analytical of my dramatic retelling.

I had invited all of them to this house. I was officially on rest and relaxation from my duties. This coincided with Rhys’s honeymoon intentionally. With the wedding complete, I was officially an agent without a partner.

My next steps were as much a mystery to me as they were to my friends, “I don’t know.”

“Would you be able to continue investigating without a partner?” Mr. Thill added a follow up question.

I had thought about it, “I probably could.”

“Did you hear her story? Who needs to write you a note? The minister of finance, the heir to the empire, or the dark sovereign herself?” Mason interjected.

I shrugged, “I definitely could.”

“Would you want to?” Mr. Thill pressed. He had been worried and fretting since I had announced my vacation plans. The house was spotless. I assumed as much as a distraction while he had waited for me as it was for my arrival.

“I am excited to get back to work. I know that. There is a lot of real suffering recorded in the grievance room. I haven’t decided if I’ll press to work alone.”

“Would there be any ramifications if you did?” Mason’s eyes were elsewhere as he asked as if he was mentally replaying the story trying to guess the answer.

“There always is,” I chuckled. The thought of a new partner and learning their political machinations, who had sent them, and why tired me out even in concept. Still, the system of two existed for a reason, there was safety of someone there to back up your story, if they backed up your story.

I couldn’t imagine trusting some stranger in the next investigation. Rhys had been the most reliable imperial person I had met. Now I sat with the other three people I trusted most and we would decide on my next steps.