Kaid felt the gentle sway of the waves rocking the large vessel back and forth in a rather soothing motion. It was his first time on a ship as large, and luxurious, as this, but it gained a lot of speed with the right wind. And right now, they were expected to reach the Southern Isles by the early evening just in time for a grand dinner. The weather there was to be much warmer than the rest of Vitross: hot sun, gorgeous skies, and most of all lukewarm oceans. Christine had helped him pack and bring clothes much more suitable for the heat and sun protection, although she stated given his complexion it wouldn't be as bad as Jessamine's.

Sebastian had been there to see them off, wearing his officially new Guard uniform, finally graduating from a recruit. Kaid made sure to give him words of wisdom to stay out of trouble while he was gone. Lilah's departure was hitting some of the children hard, but Jessamine's replacement didn't seem too terrible. Kaid knew it would only take some time, as most things needed. Kaid liked to believe time heals most wounds, but how much time would heal a wound that took thirty years to fester?

Mind-witches have no point of origin but despite their rarity of Magic, are one of the most commonly notated uses of magical prowess in historical literature. Mind-witches are the only form of Magic that are derived entirely from women, hence the name. There is no explanation as to why this is, but early doctors believed their attachments to emotions were much more powerful and direct than from men. Mind-witches were often hunted down, as they were demonized as a danger to society. It wasn't until many determined their rare usefulness to read emotions and secrets that they became the most sought after Magic.

Its popularity was so great, it resulted in the science behind trying to genetically pass along Magic to children, which has been evidently determined to be false. Magic has speculated to pick and choose its host, but those with Magic bearing parents do have a greater chance of possessing a power themselves.

Mind witches have been rumored to be so powerful to control and dominate the minds of individuals to do their biddings. However, this rumor is baseless and only nightmarish stories to demonize mind-witches further.

"I have no idea how you can read and not get sick," Jessamine walked into the lounge area, straight to a corner of various drinks and liquids, "can I get you anything? We should be arriving soon."

"Just water, please," he smiled, closing the book in his lap.

"Do you ever drink anything besides water?" she sighed, but had the faintest smile on her face as she began to pour a small glass of wine. While the wine was resting, she stretched her leg out on the table nearest Kaid, undoing the straps of her heels. Ever since Jessamine had made the smallest comment about how much heels hurt her ankles, he despised the shoes and noticed how often strained her feet were from wearing them. Sandals would do just fine in the Southern Isles, and she hoped nobody made a comment regarding the regality of it.

She moved to Kaid with her glass and his, sitting perpendicular to him on the same sofa, her back pressed to the arm rest, draping her legs over his. Kaid moved his book aside, hands resting on her legs underneath her opal blue dress, caressing her soft skin. Jessamine had to remind herself every once in a while they were together, as it still felt like a dream to her. It still surprised her every time how a simple touch from him could send shivers down her spine. She never wanted to get used to it. The fact he never hesitated to show affection in their privacy only made her feel less deserving of it.

"Please, don't let me stop you from reading," she smiled, feeling his thumb rub circles around the area above her achilles, as if that would take the soreness of the heels away.

"Maybe I was getting a little seasick," he teased with a lie, "I don't think reading at the moment will help much with what we are up against."

"Well, that's because you don't know what we are up against with Grotto," she sighed, taking a little bit more than just a sip of her wine, "there's something I need to tell you. Payne offered to debrief you about it, but I told him it was better you heard it from me."

Kaid nodded, focusing all his attention on her. She looked hesitant, as if scared. It wasn't the same frightened look she had right before the birthday celebration, or the one she had when thrown into Caladin. It was fear of judgment. Why did she think Kaid would judge her for something? He of all people was the most understanding when it came to life's choices, and most of all, choices made to survive. She noticed his confidence and intent to listen, which was something she appreciated. Kaid always had a way of encouraging her, instilling a bit of bravery that she wasn't sure she could carry alone. It was the same comfort he had provided the very first day she became his cell-mate.

"My relationship with my brother, Alec, wasn't a very traditional sibling relationship. My father more than likely saw to it that we keep our distance from each other to not pose as distractions. Alec was trained to be Emperor, and as far as he knew, I did my own thing. If I had to put a word to our relationship it was very...transactional. Only when it benefited one or both of us would we interact. The worst of it was with Mattias," she explained slowly, taking a deep and shaky breath, "I got pregnant. I knew if my father found out, the marriage would be made permanent and I'd be married to a man who only saw me as a piece of flesh to fuck. Alec found out."

"Jess..." Kaid whispered, not even able to imagine the horrors. To experience the trauma of what Mattias did and to bear a consequence, a constant reminder of that night was a horrible thing. His heart ached at the idea alone, and seeing the slight pain on her face worsened it. She looked distraught and he hated there was no comforting that.

"It's okay," she whispered back, her hand reaching across her lap to hold his; by how tight she gripped it, she didn't seem okay, "Alec found out and promised to assist in getting rid of it. He knew a person, a doctor, that could do so and be paid well enough to not tell a soul. Only thing was, he asked for something in return. Alec was engaged to Grotto's daughter Persephone since they were both the age of ten. She was a sweet girl and fell in love with him deeply, but it was rather unrequited. And unrequited love can be quite painful. He wanted me to infiltrate her mind, convince her she wasn't in love with him, and end the marriage. Because Persephone was so in love with him, Alec wasn't able to find other suitors.

"Given everything with Mattias, Alec could end the engagement with Persephone and find someone from Lungor to repair relations. That's what he sold to me anyways. So, I agreed. Alec got me help before it got the slightest noticeable. I just remember feeling so scared. I didn't necessarily want to...get rid of it. I just knew bringing it to life would wreak havoc on my own life, on the throne, and overall to that child. I would have made a horrible mother. The procedure removed the only thing my father saw valuable in me: my ability to make children. Kaid, if you want any, I suggest you find someone else without a broken-"

"Jessamine, don't even say that," Kaid interrupted her, his thumb brushing over her knuckles to soothe her, "I'm not concerned with such matters. That's not important to me; you're important to me." It wasn't a priority to him and he didn't think he'd make a good father either, having no parents. He knew Jess might disagree. She was relieved at the comment, taking another deep breath before downing the rest of her wine. How he could be so understanding and kind, Jessamine didn't know. It felt like he always knew exactly what to say.

"After that was done, I requested to stay at the Southern Isles to escape everything that had happened, as a cover to do my brother's bidding. My father wanted me out of my hair, but my mother knew something was up in my departure. I had two months to convince Persephone to end the engagement. I spent the first weeks just trying to talk her through it, hinting at it but she was obsessed with him. Persephone was...is...a bit of an oddity. She hyper fixates on things, works rather differently than other people I was used to. When I got into her mind it was just like I entered a peculiar entity, everything felt rushed or scattered," Jessamine explained, "I wasn't sure how I was going to do this. I knew if I didn't do it, my brother would tell my father, that was merely part of the transaction."

"Your brother is a real piece of shit," Kaid scoffed.

"He was desperate. He wasn't always like that," she replied, squeezing his hand, "so I tried to do what he wanted. Remember when you asked what it was like? Entering someone's mind and how to maneuver for information? I stated I did something horrible to someone I cared about, pushed a little too far. That person was Persephone. I pushed her brain too hard, and instead of nudging her to end the engagement, it was as if I physically grabbed her and forced the thoughts myself. Whether it was just her already odd way of thinking or just the notion that there are some emotions, feelings at play I can't mess with...it shoved her off the edge entirely."

Love couldn't be forced. It couldn't be taken away by a mere possession of mind. If love was a flower, its roots ran so deep it was impossible to destroy. Jessamine could try all she wanted to tear the petals off, demolish its beauty...but it wasn't enough.

"She seized up, scattering that brain even more than possible. I did that. I caused it to happen. Doctors couldn't find an explanation behind it. They just stated it was like she lost oxygen and access to most of her brain, like the other parts of it were just dead. I made her insane, Kaid," Jessamine whispered, looking at their hands, not capable of looking him in the eye, "and to my brother, that was a success. To me, it's one of my greatest regrets. Duke Grotto always believed I had something to do with it. Every time Persephone saw me after, she'd react violently, like an untamed creature. When I took the throne, Grotto believed I did so by force, that I took out the rest of my family one by one until I got what I 'wanted'. All I ever wanted was to just be me. And I never had the chance to figure that out. He and others will always see me as a woman of vicious, malicious opportunity..."

Kaid didn't even know what to say at that moment. None of her words changed his opinion of Jessamine, who he knew already to be a very complex soul, one whom he cared for dearly. Jessamine had suffered far greater than perhaps any young woman could grasp, and in her actions to try and make things better, she made it worse. And Kaid once thought his life to be a great tragedy, it was nothing compared to hers.

"You didn't know, Jessamine. I know deep down if you did know, knew the result before it happened, you wouldn't have done it," he assured her.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that. You said it yourself, when people get desperate, we can do things we swore we'd never do," she whispered, "I never wanted to enter a mind again, but I did. I couldn't detach myself from my illness. I longed for the days where mind-witches were burned at the stake, I prayed every day to ridiculous gods to take this nightmare away from me. But I knew that I couldn't. I had to accept it was a part of me, that I'd always be a manipulating, selfish..."

She couldn't even finish the words, a tear escaping her right eye against her will. She wiped it quickly, her voice and breath wavering as she controlled herself. Kaid leaned closer to her, Jessamine hesitating before allowing herself to curl against him, feeling his warmth envelop her. She didn't feel deserving of anything, but she wouldn't deny the comfort of feeling him hold her.

"We can't erase the past. We can't change what's happened. I once wished I could just go back to my own childhood, find a way to escape going into Caladin. I wanted it so badly. But if I had somehow, against the very laws of time, been able to do that, I wouldn't have met you. I would understand if you would want to go back, not hurt Persephone, and it would mean never meeting me. But it's just not possible. The only thing we can do is use ourselves for good, use our Oblivion for good. There will always be regret in our life, something that wants to plunge us into the trenches, we just need to find something to cling to, to hold on until we are finally capable of climbing."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Something or someone?" she asked, her voice faint as she kept her eyes low to look at their hands.

"Depends. Something is artificial but sometimes everlasting. Someone can be real, but it doesn't always last as long as we'd wish," he answered.

"Do you really think there's even a chance of climbing from a trench too deep? I feel like I haven't done a good deed in forever, good enough to make me warm inside."

"You rescued me and we both know you didn't need to," Kaid pointed out. He knew from the very beginning from her determination alone, she could have escaped without his help. But she insisted on taking him with her.

"Yes, but that felt such an easy decision to make," she shook her head.

"To you. Not to me, not to Payne, not to everyone who believed taking me in would change things," he explained, "sometimes we get so used to the struggle, that we believe the easier choice to be an even greater tribulation. When all it is, is seeing it from a different perspective. The choices you make when you're backed into a corner are choices nobody can criticize because not many people know what it is like to be put in that corner, time and time again. You will never have to justify a decision to me especially when you feel there's not much of a choice."

She stayed silent but he could tell she appreciated her words by the way her heart rate calmed and the tears in her eyes faded. She just traced his hand with hers, feeling every muscle, crevice, or coarse corner of his fingers. Just a circular motion of calm, tracing fingers against his. They sat there for several minutes, slowly letting the darkness of the prior conversation fade away and look to their brighter future: their future together.

"It'll be my first time back to the Isles since," she whispered, finally looking up at him.

"It will be my first time entirely. You will have to show me around, show me where your mother grew up," he smiled softly, seeing her attempt a smile in return.

"She would have loved you, you know that?" Jessamine gleamed.

"Who? Your mother?" Kaid asked, seeing her nod immediately.

"She always said I would need to find someone of opposite temperament, a calm, careful and caring man. A man who didn't feel he had to support me all the time, but would be there when I stubbornly admit I need help. A man that would melt my cold heart every time I laid my eyes on him, whom I would do anything for."

"Anything?" Kaid asked, trying to hide his blushing cheeks at her compliments. He knew she wasn't describing what her mother wanted from a potential son-in-law, but she was describing him.

"Anything," she affirmed, leaning up to kiss his lips gently, her free hand immediately going to the back of his hair, combing through it like she always did. Her body turned, this time facing him as her hips straddled his own, the hand still holding Kaid's guiding it to her side, just above the hip. In him, Jessamine found true comfort, an eternal flame she could hope to melt her icy heart that had remained frozen for years. Every touch, kiss, laugh from him seemed to overtake any struggle or bad memory stuck in her mind.

It didn't help what he thought of her in moments like this, always thinking she was the most beautiful woman in the entire continent.

Her fingers dug further into his hair, tugging slightly to tilt his head and expose his neck, his beard freshly trimmed, no longer sharp bristles to tickle her skin. Her lips moved down, finding the muscular indent on the side of his neck to place soft, long kisses against. A low, uncontrolled moan left Kaid's throat, not escaping his lips as it seemed he was embarrassed by the sound. But it certainly spurred Jessamine, who smiled as she marked his neck with a soft bite.

"Don't be shy," she whispered against his skin, her hips brushing against his as she moved closer, lips now moving back up to his to kiss tenderly.

Her smile widened as it seemed he took her advice, the hand on her hip slipping under her dress, feeling the stocking band where her knives were hidden before up to her hip. Her breath hitched, a whispered and wanting sigh leaving her lips as her hand moved downward, fingers curling into the hem of his linen pants.

The sound of soft ringing bells pulled them both from the illusion, Jessamine pulling away with a racing heart to glance up. It seemed with the strong tailwinds they arrived even earlier than expected. She had a slight scowl on her face due to the inconvenience, her hands steadying herself against his shoulders. It wasn't until she looked in a distant mirror she saw what a mess she looked.

"Sorry, if I arrive looking like this..." she spoke, removing herself from his lap and clearing her throat.

"You'd still turn heads at your arrival," he finished for her, his hands adjusting the seam of his pants, knowing he might have to make some minor adjustments as well to his appearance.

She smiled at his words, tempted to roll her eyes before she moved back to kiss his lips, reaching over to grab her heels she left on the floor, "Thank you, for listening Kaid. I'll meet you up on the deck soon?"

"Always," he nodded, watching her take off. Jess didn't seem the type to really care for appearances, but that all changed now she was an Empress. It seemed even more severe in this situation, as Kaid figured the first person to greet them at those docks would be Duke Grotto or a delegate of his.

He took the moment to catch his breath, going over everything he had learned just now. This blackmail Grotto had was strong, seriously strong. Finding something to hold over his head to win negotiations had to be much stronger than the incident with Persephone. And finding something like that could take more than just three days. Kaid was wondering if maybe Payne had given them a faulty approach. What would Grotto want, in return for his navy actually sinking those pirate ships? What would it take?

If Kaid knew anything, it would take Jessamine stepping off that throne, and that was unacceptable.

—------------------------------------------------------------

Kaid admired the beautiful sunset as they approached the harbor, the giant sandstone castle in the distance. The sand here was pearly white, no clouds visible as the sky was illuminated with various shades of pink, dark orange, and just a hint of a red bloody death. The sea here smelled the same as Vitross, the only difference being the water looked so clear he believed he could see the bottom. Jessamine finally stood beside him, admiring the sunset with him. Her hair was tied back into a secure, tight braid, intertwining the brown and red in her hair to create beautiful unity.

"Where's your sword?" she whispered, glancing back to see him what appeared to be unarmed. Kaid stepped back from the balcony, reaching behind himself before grabbing the folded blade handle. He slowed time, flicking the blade forward, each piece unfolding before connecting to make a solid piece. In his mind, it took a few seconds to really get there as he was still learning how to properly turn what looked like a folded staff into a heavy blade. To Jessamine, one blink was all it took before it appeared to her.

It was ingenious, both the secrecy it held but also the ability only Kaid would be capable of unfolding it in a timely manner.

"You will have to teach me how to do that, just in case we get in a rut and I need it," she observed, admiring the silver blade.

He unfolded it the same way, flicking it backward until it all fell into place, hinged together with the smallest safety pin. She liked how fluid he could make it look, although even she knew he was using his Oblivion to make it appear that way.

"It's rather complicated, but I think with time you could do it," he spoke. Jessamine pulled her own blade attached to her thigh, spinning it in her fingers until the blade unfolded, almost similar fashion to his sword. She did it naturally, as if she didn't have to glance down to avoid slicing her fingers to do so.

"I think time is different between you and me," she smiled, unfolding her own knife to place back securely and secretly under her dress, "all you'll be teaching me is how to do it with a bigger blade."

"Fair enough," Kaid smiled, seeing her point. She was right though. Anyone else would struggle to unfold his blade if in dire need of it. It would be good to teach Jessamine of the technique should she ever have to take possession of his sword.

Her hand reached over to hold his, knowing at the moment everyone else was occupied with bringing this ship safely and confidently into the harbor. Kaid could tell from the grasp she was nervous, but did his best to reassure her. No matter what happened, he'd be there for her, supporting her decision. The closer they got, her hand slowly slipped from his, the action alone causing the drop of confidence in her expression.

Duke Grotto stood on the long stone harbor way, the Empress's vessel slowly turning in before anchoring down perfectly adjacent. He was accompanied by five guards and a tall, thin brunette woman, presumably his latest wife. Jessamine straightened her shoulders, taking one last deep breath before leading the way, Kaid behind her. The walk across the plank seemed to symbolize the danger they were walking into, unsteady and unsure of what land they would soon walk upon.

Even if Jessamine had been here before, it wasn't the same place she would remember.

"The big guard...he has very good hearing. Mind what we say around him," Jessamine whispered, "the woman next to the Duke is the mind-witch."

"How good is she?" Kaid asked.

"Can't tell yet. She stands confident but I will find out soon enough," Jessamine spoke, "just don't let your guard down. Try to focus on a memory if you start to get nervous, single your mind out to clear it."

It was a relief to him she seemed a bit nervous as well, despite her elegant, always confident appearance. Jessamine always looked to be in control. Whether that was true and Kaid only saw a slimmer of shakiness, or Jessamine was just good at pretending, it didn't matter. As long as the Duke was sold on it, that was what mostly mattered.

"Duke Grotto, it's been a long time," Jessamine spoke, bowing her head out of politeness.

"It has, Empress," he spoke, his tone disgusted the second he said the word Empress, but he did bow fully to her, "I apologize for missing the birthday celebration. I had other matters to attend to."

"It's quite alright. You didn't miss much excitement," Jessamine smiled, all of them knowing that was a lie, "what matters most is that we are here now. I look forward to finally working with you."

"Empress, please meet my new wife, Arryn," the Duke introduced, Arryn giving a polite and well rehearsed curtsy.

"Pleased to meet you, by the gold necklace around your neck, I can presume you're from Arilla?" Jessamine asked, Kaid glancing over. It looked like an ordinary necklace to him. Something told Kaid their mind games were already beginning. If she was from Arilla, then maybe his pockets were deep as well with that wealth. Only time would tell.

"I am," she answered, the faintest forced smile appearing on her lips, "and this must be the latest hero, Kaid. We've heard so much about you from the papers, you look much different than we expected. Congratulations on your latest appointment as Guardian."

"Thank you," he bowed his head, "looks can be rather deceiving."

Jessamine smiled genuinely at that, "He is well deserving of the title, I can assure you."

"Yes, poor Kiev must be devastated," Duke Grotto sighed, "shall we head over for dinner? We have our finest specialties all available for your arrival. I will have my guards help your small staff with your luggage. Please, Kaid, let me show you the palace."

It was much smaller than Vitross, which made sense given this was more of a district rather than headquarters of an empire. But the castle was still beautiful regardless, made entirely out of sandstone, architecture looking like the entire palace had been a singular rock carved inside and out. The interior was beautiful, ornate carpet spread across the hard stone floor and lanterns dangling to illuminate their path. Kaid took a moment to glance around before realizing the interior design and beauty of the place was the last thing he should be focused on.

Jessamine glanced at him, offering the slightest wink. What it meant, Kaid wasn't entirely sure. But it was a confident symbol, perhaps meaning Arryn was not as strong as first perceived. Kaid only hoped she didn't push the woman too hard, forcing her into Oblivion the same as her step-daughter.

They entered the dining room, a salty, fishy smell reaching Kaid's nose. The entire table was covered in seafood, most of it dark in color, thin out and wrapped in rice. Oysters laid on one side, lobster on the other, enough to feed an entire village. The smell and appearance of it alone made Kaid flinch slightly, knowing he wasn't used to such cuisine. Jessamine on the other hand, looked pleased at the menu laid out before them.

Kaid noticed the table had six chairs, one chair missing a plate, but the other fully equipped with silverware and nearby food. Only four of them stood together right now, which meant another guest would be arriving soon.

"Father, sorry I am late," a soft voice broke through the silence as they walked forward. The voice stopped Jessamine in her tracks, freezing up just as Kaid had when she forced him to. Only this time, it was her own body doing it to her, her natural instincts kicking in to stop herself.

A young woman walked in, hair dark as night, sharp jaw, and porcelain skin entered the room. She wore a soft black dress that matched her hair, ending at her shins, exposing her shoulders and thin fragile neck. She was the night sky incorporated into human form, a necessary shadow to go against the light. Her demeanor spoke softness like calming waves, but her eyes were like a storm. All similar to the woman beside Kaid.

"Empress, it's been a long time," the young woman smiled sweetly, making her way over to her in a quick pace.

"Persephone, you haven't aged a day..." the Empress replied, an unsure, hesitant smile leaving her lips.

This just got complicated, a lot more complicated than Kaid could have imagined. By the smirk on Grotto's face, this blackmail only got darker, and their belief that they would come out of here with a negotiation was the least of their fears. This was about Jessamine facing her fears, facing her past, and most of all, feeling doomed to repeat it.