Jessamine let Kaid rest for the morning, not disturbing him as she climbed out carefully to get ready for the day. Knowing how much he had used his Oblivion yesterday, it was no surprise he was exhausted. Jessamine remembered the days when she extensively used her own, feeling that pound in her head that just wouldn't go away, and being so exhausted her mind couldn't even find reasonable sleep. Those days were gone, but only because they became so much more common.

Her mind ranged that morning on all various topics: last night's incident, her conversation with Kaid, but mostly focused on these negotiations. Grotto wasn't in any place to make demands, but he certainly would try. Jessamine would have to find something they could agree on, that didn't even cross Grotto's mind for what he wanted. He wouldn't make this easy, but being an Empress meant having to always be in these difficult positions, even if the rest of the world saw her life as easy.

Adjusting the cuffs of her dress shirt, folding them back to align with the rest of her business suit, she made sure nothing looked wrinkled or unpresentable. On any other occasion when this man wasn't the Duke, a man who already despised her to an extent (although that was lessening), she'd wear the most scandalous outfit she could. Call it a distraction, or whatever tool it was, the tool her father created, it usually worked. Kaid also might play a part in it, unknowingly, as Jessamine was unsure of wearing such clothing for that motivation. But for Grotto, a business suit would do.

Hearing the door open, she peered up to see Kaid walking in, wearing a cream-colored kaftan with red trim. She was sure that the man selling his wife's homemade kaftan's business was only kept afloat by Kaid's spending, but when they looked so good on him, Jessamine would pay them anything to keep him wearing them. She noticed his eyes on her attire, knowing he hadn't seen her wearing such business clothes before. But the brown in his eyes expanded, a slight smile on the edge of his lips.

"Christine did say you might look twice if I wore this," she hummed, "good morning. I hope you don't mind that I gave you some surplus time to rest."

"No, it was very much appreciated," he smiled, not upset by her absence, "you look lovely, by the way. Not like...you never don't. But everything you wear looks spectacular on you." Because her attire wasn't what made her incredibly spectacular or attractive, they only enhanced it.

"I used to wear them more often, I might have to take it up again if you keep looking at me like that," she smiled in return, "are you ready?"

He nodded, taking a deep breath, "Are you?"

"No, but I don't think I ever will be," she sighed, walking over to him. She fixed a part of his hair his comb must've missed, patting down the stray curl before letting her hand slide gently across his jaw and neck before falling completely.

They walked down the long hallway on a mission, both pairing stride by stride, eager to get this over with. Kaid could sense she was confident, both in her gaze and the way she walked, but even he knew she had to feel nervous. The good news was, with her Oblivion, that hopefully amongst their conversation, she'd find something to be in favor with him. Kaid would have thought saving Persephone's life last night might have been enough, but it only highlighted everything that was at stake here.

They stopped at the main office, Jessamine not even seeing a guard around at the moment before Duke Grotto walked over, adjusting his overly stiff dress shirt and vest. He looked exhausted, as if he didn't get much sleep either last night. His confidence was rather wavering compared to the Empress and her Guardian.

"Kaid, please, do the honors and search the room," Grotto smiled, unlocking the door for him.

"I beg your pardon?" Kaid asked, wondering if that was an issue. Surely he could just be in the room, right?

"Well, we don't know how long this is going to take. I figured you would want better use of your time. You can wait out here, read a book, keep watch. I don't see any need for you to be in the room with us. Guardian's aren't heavily involved in politics anyways. I'm sure Jessamine won't mind," he explained, glancing over at her.

She wasn't pleased, but did her best not to show it, "It shouldn't be an issue."

She knew what it was, a last minute decision to throw her only support on the other side of a door. Jessamine knew Kaid wouldn't input his opinion, interject in the negotiations, but merely having his presence there was a plus. He was a reminder of all the things she had to do, all the things she wanted to make better, and of the mistakes she had to try and make right. Kaid knew this was out of his hands too. So, he searched the room, closing the door slightly before glancing around. Nothing looked out of the norm, but he did take a close look at his desk.

Slowing time, he took the inconspicuous moment to let his fingers glide across the edges, finding a part of wood that should've been smoothed out. Kaid bent down, seeing the indent acting as a sheath. He pulled the small blade out, examining it. Given how sharp it was, no indents or chips in the blade, and the slight dust, it looked never used and never removed from this table. It was a mere precaution, a safety button for the Duke to use should anything go wrong in any of his conversations. Still, Kaid couldn't let this sit here unchecked. He removed the blade, tucking it very carefully into his beltline covered by his kaftan.

"Everything is clear," Kaid spoke as he exited, eyes glancing at Jessamine who nodded.

"Thank you, Kaid. If I need you, I'll shout," she said, explaining that it would be the only case she would be in need of him. Kaid wasn't worried, knowing she could probably take down the Duke quicker than he ever could.

"Thank you, my boy," he let his hand rest firmly against his shoulder, "you're a good man."

Yes, he is, Jessamine thought, letting the Duke walk in first before closing the door behind her. She offered a small wink to Kaid through the closing slit, assuring him that this was going to go their way. It had to go their way, no matter how long it took.

Kaid didn't know how long time had passed, but it was getting to the point his feet were getting sore from standing in one spot. Sometimes the conversation spiked in heated conversations, but overall Kaid didn't hear much shouting that called for concern to intervene. If anything, most of it sounded like a civil conversation, exactly what it needed to be. Kaid just hoped they wouldn't rush into a decision. Neither of them wanted to be in that room, but they had to be.

Persephone paced back and forth in the foyer near Kaid, who had offered him a warm smile but didn't say much. The weight of decisions, decisions made by people behind this door, were heavy on her shoulders as she knew her fate was being written for her. That kind of stress was something nobody should have to go through, and Kaid could tell it was tearing her apart. Her father could deny any assistance to Jessamine, and Jessamine could deny any assistance to the Southern Isles in return. These people relied on trade, relied on continent resources, and not having that promise would cause the commoner to suffer, not like they already weren't suffering.

Arryn walked over, offering Kaid some iced coffee which he accepted. He was growing accustomed to the taste, much better than he was with alcohol. But he knew it would help with his slight grogginess this morning.

"I want to apologize for yesterday, Kaid. I spoke out of term and didn't mean to hurt you," she spoke softly, expressing her apologies rather sincerely.

"It is alright. I just...I don't talk about her often. She's in the past. I'm looking forward to the future," Kaid spoke, "it caught me off guard. I didn't mean to raise my voice at you."

"So, do you think Payne was the one who...you know..." Arryn whispered, Kaid astounded that she was not letting this go. He wanted to take his own apology back, wondering why she was still holding on to this conversation.

"It's one thing to know you're already in my mind, it's another to have you bring it up to my face," Kaid spoke, his tone not as pleasant as before, "you already know what I think, what I do. If you really cared, Arryn, you would get to know me by natural means."

"Well, what if I told you that I could answer that question for you?" she asked, catching him off guard once more.

"Like I'm supposed to believe an Arrillian aristocrat, a poorly trained mind-witch, would be able to confirm if my antagonist really was the villain I think he is?"

Arryn bristled, about to say something before Persephone had walked over, noticing the tension.

"Arryn, I don't think now is the best time to be rude to our guest. Let's not undo everything my father is trying to fix right now," Persephone begged softly, "there's no need to be harsh, no need to throw his pain back in his face."

"I think a man like him would rather accept the harsh truth than the soft lies he's been fed so eagerly," Arryn spoke, shaking her head, "no matter, he will find out eventually. Just watch your back, Kaid. The worst stabs come from behind." Arryn walked off, still bristled but she wasn't in the mood to continue the conversation.

Kaid silently thanked Persephone for interjecting, not entirely sure what that was about still. More than likely, Grotto told her to try and distract him if needed, get in his head. All these little political alliances, loyalties to strangers or delegates, was really giving him a headache.

"Sorry, I think she still has a lot to learn about when it's appropriate to pry that information and use it," Persephone apologized for her, "I wouldn't worry about it, Kaid. She's just questioning your loyalty to Jessamine."

"As does everyone," Kaid was tempted to roll his eyes, taking a sip of his coffee.

"You're a foreigner, one who doesn't know where he comes from, who his family is. You have no ties to Vitross or its Empire, yet you support her. In this world, people like to put their faith in ideals, in principles...you like to put your faith in other people. I find it admirable, but admirably foolish," she whispered, "people will fail you, Kaid. Principles, ideas, concepts...those won't necessarily betray you."

"I like the fact that people will fail me," Kaid interjected, "the perfection of a person is their imperfections. A principle only fails, a society only crumbles because of people. I don't misplace my faith, I don't expect perfection from her. I see her struggle and I see her results. To me, that is more principle and backbone than whatever everyone else places their faith in. When people place their faith in things, they don't expect failure. I expect failure when I put my faith in people, but I also expect them to rise above it. Jessamine failed you, I know, but she's here now to make it right."

"You think they'll let me walk around with my mind again? Nowhere is safe, Kaid, not even my own home. Last night proved that. Jessamine makes a deal, I go back to how it was before, just a trapped soul in a confused mind."

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"We can protect you. Your father meddled into something he shouldn't have-"

"You can't protect anyone, Kaid. Look, I don't know what kind of power you have but you escaped Caladin with Jessamine, defeated a man in combat with little to no experience, pummeled my bodyguard to near death last night...we both know that's more than just beginner's luck. The fact this has all escalated since your escape, do you really think you're not a part of this?" she beckoned.

"I never said I wasn't. Look, I get it, everyone thinks I'm a man who can't handle reality, this reality. I'm still growing used to it. I'm playing a game where the nice ones get hurt, where the good ones go missing, die, or leave. But maybe I can end this game once and for all."

"Not with her, you can't," Persephone shook her head, "look, I care for her too. But even I know that you can't end this game without ending her too. She's been trained to play it since the day she was born, against her will or not, she's a key player."

"So what do you suggest I do, Persephone?" Kaid scoffed.

"Walk away. Both of you, walk away, enjoy what you have together and be somewhere far away from this throne. But I can guarantee you, the day you ask her, she won't say yes," she hushed, about to say more before the door behind them opened.

Duke Grotto walked out, wiping the sweat across his neck with a handkerchief, his face red, eyes a bit bloodshot. If anything, it looked like he had just finished a challenging workout rather than some mind games and politics. Perhaps they were both one in the same. His expression was unreadable at first, but he did eventually smile, sighing with relief.

"Pleasure doing business, as always," he extended his hand for Kaid to shake, which he did so with uncertainty, "I look forward to seeing you in a couple months, Kaid. So will Persephone."

"I will?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, my dove, come, let's talk," he nodded, wrapping his arm around her shoulder in a fatherly embrace, an apology for his own actions these past few weeks. Kaid watched them walk out towards the hallway, Grotto walking with a bit of pep in his step. Whatever happened, it seemed he was happy. Kaid didn't know what Jessamine would feel like.

He walked into the office, seeing her gazing out from the small patio there, overlooking the town. He closed the door, securing it before walking over. Her eyes finally left the view, neck craning to view Kaid walking over. His eyes spoke a thousand questions, wondering what had happened, what had been decided. But a slow nod from her made it seem like they were both happy, in some ways.

"Is he gone? And Arryn?" she asked cautiously, seeing Kaid nod.

"Yes, both of them. Arryn was...pestering me, again," he sighed.

"I assumed she would, the second Grotto said you'd be keeping watch," Jessamine spoke, taking the top part of her suit off, rolling her sleeves up given the warm weather already coming through, "the partial blockade and lack of trade was causing the whale population to flourish. I don't think she was happy knowing Grotto and I were coming to good terms. Trade will resume, and her business will continue but not flourish as much. She wanted to get inside your head because she couldn't get into mine."

"So, you came to a deal?" Kaid asked, seeing her nod again, a sliver of a smile forming.

"Yes, a decent one, actually. The issue wherein lies with the promise and this may backfire over time, but it will repair our relations. Duke Grotto is sending out the order to sink any pirates in the sea by tonight, and will be escorting those of high value merchandise if needed," she explained, "all for a turbine. Two, actually: one for water, the other for electricity."

"That's it? Turbines?" he asked, surprised that was all it took.

"They're rather expensive, Kaid. And again, this will now set a new precedent with my extensions of the Empire. Every community will begin to ask for them. It used to be set at a price, a very expensive price. This was given as a gift, but it will also hold Grotto to his word. We will monitor the shipments while the turbines are being established and engineered here. Should the Duke try to betray me, I can easily prevent those turbines from working, even in the future."

"That's...actually impressive. In the end, everyone wins and flourishes," Kaid thought about it, knowing the people of the Southern Isles would greatly benefit from the technology, "What of the Confederation? Did he mention anything about that?"

They would be the only ones not benefitting.

"Hm, he admitted to their assistance for Persephone. But he was displeased at their infiltration last night, he felt it was rather a stab in the back. If things had gone wrong with me, he would've been the one to blame. He is going to assist Payne, when he comes out to pick up the prisoner Nic, in giving him information. He doesn't know names, but he can illustrate a few faces. I told him if the Confederation threatens with use of Persephone, she is more than welcome to come to Vitross for her safety. They took a risk with healing Persephone, one they thought that was in their favor. Maybe it was. None of us expected her to forgive me," she sighed.

"It speaks of her character, and yours," Kaid spoke, seeing her blue eyes flutter up to gaze into his own, "what was the heated argument about? It was brief but...we all kind of heard something going on."

"You, actually," she answered, seeing the surprise on his face, "your loyalty. I don't think he really realized it until he noticed you took that knife of his beneath the desk. He was surprised you found it. He didn't tell me this, but he sure thought it."

"Persephone brought up something similar, actually," Kaid grunted, crossing his arms in frustration, "she was worried about me. I'll return his knife, it wasn't meant for you anyways."

Jessamine let out a soft laugh, "Grotto was more concerned for me. This Confederation...they know about you to an extent. They warned him you would be arriving with me for these meetings. It's possible Lilah's dealings were meant more than just means of opportunity. They could have used her, because she was somewhat close to you. It's why Arryn was infiltrating your mind, not for your concern, but my own. This belief of your kindness being an act, they wanted to ensure I was safe around you. Don't worry, the heated argument was me defending you. I can have them questioning my own motives, my decisions...but I won't dare let them accuse you of trying to ruin this Empire. You're the least deserving of such accusations."

"But...how would they know about me?" Kaid asked, feeling overall very confused about that. Being a foreigner, he could understand how his intent to be Guardian was a bit suspicious.

"I don't know. That's what I want Payne to try and find out. It could be tied to Caladin. They could be in direct communication with someone from there, or even run it themselves. I doubt it, but the more we learn about our mysterious adversaries, the more we will learn how you're tied into this," she walked over to him, her hand covering his hand, "Whatever it is, we will figure it out. I promise. I don't question your motivations, not for a second, not when you've done more good in a few months than I have in a couple of years."

Kaid thought for a moment what Persephone had said, figuring his ties to this weren't just coincidence or luck.

"Kaid, without you, I wouldn't have been successful with this. Your guidance to follow acts of kindness is what resulted in this: saving Persephone, being polite with the Duke...all of it paid off to make a negotiation as easy as this," her thumb brushed across his knuckles, "thank you, sincerely."

"You don't have to thank me," he shook his head.

"I will give you credit when it's due, and this has long been overdue. Kaid, you're the greatest thing to happen in my life, I hope you know that," she spoke, her voice soft and borderlining a whisper, "I don't need to be the greatest thing in your life...but I am so glad you are in mine."

Kaid moved his hand to brush a stray hair from her braid, tucking it behind her ear, "Who says you aren't in mine?"

Her face flushed into a shy blush, seeing her want to smile widely and say something but she hesitated for a moment, "I've never been important like that, to anyone. It's a lot of faith to put in one person."

"Then I will consider you a religion, given how much faith I put in you. A goddess deserves to be worshiped," he smiled, leaning close to kiss the side of her lips gently. He felt her smile, his lips entering the small dimples to caress gently. Her lips met his gently, her hand gripping his with certainty, certainty of her love and affection for him. Oh how she wanted nothing more than to be worshiped by him, or for her to worship him as well, a god of his own kindness.

But, a goddess also demanded sacrifice, sometimes of extreme measures.

Together they all enjoyed one last luncheon, the tensions of the morning withering away. Arryn was a bit displeased, but remained pleasant throughout the conversations. Persephone seemed actually in a very good mood, as if the dark cloud of storms residing over her head were gone. It was replaced with a ray of sunshine, sunshine that filled her very soul. She was excited to come to Vitross in the future, having not been there for a long time. Jessamine seemed pleased at her excitement, which was mainly a long, fast dialogue of all the things they'd do.

Parties, beach days, sailing into storms, exploring the caverns up north. Persephone seemed overjoyed at the prospects. Not to mention, it would get her out of the Isles for a bit, meet new people, maybe even find someone special. She deserved that, at least that, given what Alec had done.

Persephone and Jessamine's goodbye was sorrowful. Not as sorrowful as their greetings a few days prior, in fact it was a good kind of sorrow. It would take time to really repair their relationship, but given the negotiations went well, it was a good start at improvement. Jessamine had proved everyone wrong, removed herself from their worst fears. Perhaps that was their worst mistake, or their best.

No matter what happened, the Confederation lost, and Kaid saw that as a win.

What they knew about him, he wasn't sure. But he knew he would have to keep his Oblivion hidden, because once they knew about that, this game would become deadlier. Kaid knew the game's stakes were only worsened with his growing love for Jessamine, and it was the same fear she felt for him. Their love would only make the pain worse if something happened. Which is why Kaid couldn't let anything happen to her. He'd do anything to stop that from happening, even if, somehow, it resulted in that nightmare of his coming true.

Kaid still left the Southern Isles with more questions than answers, but he did have a better understanding of the woman who stood beside him, watching the sunset upon their return. If life were encapsulated into a human being, it chose Jessamine to bear all its gifts and pestilence. Whether life was destiny, fate, or luck all wrapped together, Jessamine may have had the worst of it. Yet she found solace in the man beside her, a revelation into what life was all about.

Life wasn't explained or found in books, but in experience, in seeing how it would affect the lives, choices, and consequences of others. Time partnered with life in many ways, woven into the very fabrics of what this world meant. What makes a person's worth in life? Is it what they do with their time, what they added to the history books, their accomplishments and failures? Or was it all about what time does to them, how it shapes them, defines them, or destroys them?

Even the controller of time couldn't answer that question.

When they returned to Vitross, Kiev was awaiting as an escort back to the palace, despite how late in the evening it was. Jessamine did not want to give a formal debrief, but did at least explain that the negotiations went well. She didn't want to bring up any of the incidents, potentially life threatening ones, as she could still sense bitterness in Kiev's heart about losing to Kaid. But she did thank him for the escort, and assistance of the Guards with their luggage.

Kaid waited in Jessamine's office, seeing her write a report to Payne to be sent overnight given their success. She hoped he would be at least proud that she got it done, by unconventional means. It wasn't what Payne had hoped, having to give two turbines out for basically free, but it meant avoiding animosity and bloodshed. That had to count for something. She was eager to get that letter finished, delivering it to the post master so Payne could read it like a morning newspaper, awaiting the good and bad news. Both of them were relieved to just be home, to smell the dark scent of the rainy clouds or hear the distant storms.

"You're not exhausted, are you?" Jessamine asked, walking with him down the hallways to their room.

Kaid shook his head, "No, I'm afraid it might take me some time to sleep. My mind is in a billion places right now."

"Good," she replied but didn't explain further.

Upon entering her room, Kaid was about to check it, given they were both gone for the time being and he wanted to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary. But she had immediately turned around, one hand caressing his face, the other moving to the door to lock it securely. Her lips met his passionately and deeply, her free hand now moving to claw gently into his chest, begging for what she had wanted all this time.

No guards, nobody stationed outside their doors tonight. It was just them, an act of celebration, and most of all gratitude and love.

Kaid didn't hesitate to return the passion, hands moving to her hips, tempting to remove the belt around her waist. He knew he wanted this, wanted her. He had wanted it the second they had kissed, the moment he knew she felt for him the same he had with her. But he also had a bit of hesitation, knowing this was his first time, and the last thing he wanted was to be a disappointment.

"Jess," he whispered, pulling away slightly with quick breaths, "it's my first time and I don't want to-"

"Do you trust me?" she interrupted him, eyes glancing up at him with desire, as if she wanted him now and if she didn't get that, her entire world would end.

"Yes," he answered without hesitation.

"Then let me take care of you," she hushed, "all I ask in return is that you don't hold back. Can you promise me that?"

His lips met hers once more, harsher than usual, but all the roughness Jessamine needed to spur her desires from certainty. She wanted all of him tonight and nothing was going to stop that. She would show her love, her devotion, and give him whatever he pleased. She wanted to hear his pleas, begs, moans...feel him inside her, joined together. He was the first and only man she could desire like this, as if her very life depended on him.

"Always," he whispered in reply against her lips, feeling her smile in return.