Jessamine awoke to silence. Normally, she would have loved such mornings: no running maids or servants down the halls, not being rushed awake by her mother or brother to get ready for the day, or the sound of the Vitross bells to alert an incoming delegate. She couldn't even hear the waves crash against the rocks, the seabirds honking around the harbor...not even the harsh wind was whispering this morning. Her room was cold and dark like the ocean that surrounded her. How badly she missed the light, the warmth of his embrace. How badly she had taken for granted the strength of his arms wrapping around her, sometimes so tightly she had to exert force to pry away from him even in his sleepy state. She missed the soft hums when she'd pepper his face with kisses, or the sound of his deep, taught morning voice. Most of all she missed that stupid bed head, the way his slight curls would go wavy and look a righteous mess.

Kaid was right when he said he'd be detained on the spot. Even Bridger was hesitant to bring Kaid back with them to Vitross, just in time to avoid any Lungor assistance to Caladin. The moment they stepped out of the portal, guards had pinned Kaid to the ground, much against Kiev's own commands. The guards were more scared of Payne, so they were much more inclined to follow his orders. Even Jessamine had no authority in a moment like this. Everyone at that moment only viewed her with pity, thinking she had gone in there to stop him. If anything, she went to go help him.

The evidence against Kaid had been astronomical, not because of just Bridger's account and remaining injuries, but also that of written confirmation. Payne had been tracking Kaid's letters sent through the Sender, to Mara of course. Kaid should have known he was being monitored. And upon reading the line: I will give you whatever you want, blueprints of Vitross palace, trade routes, the Empress's schedule, gold...I will give anything for your service to destroy Caladin. That was enough evidence of treason Payne needed. Jessamine felt that letter like an additional sting, an extra blemish to her already bruised neck. Kaid had gone to Mara instead of her to try and fix his torment.

Yet, she deserved it, didn't she?

How could he trust her when Mara had planted that seed of doubt? And it wasn't as if Jessamine could blame Mara because Mara hadn't been lying. She had been looking out for her old friend. Jessamine just wished he had come to her with this, she would have told him everything. Perhaps that wouldn't change anything.

Regardless, it seemed Payne didn't notice or think about them finding his office. Perhaps he was like Vyper and thought it to be impossible. After all, Jessamine didn't spend long in Caladin retrieving Kaid to come back, but they hadn't faced much resistance as Kaid had practically removed that. Payne even routinely checked up on Jessamine, although she was weary every time he did so. She was just frightened, and he knew that.

But, he so eagerly awaited to tell her the words on the tip of his tongue: I told you so.

A knock on the door alerted her, and she quickly grabbed her robe to cover up, opening it for the servant bringing a fresh kettle of tea.

"Thank you, Lyss," Jessamine forced a smile, "Do you know if Lord Kaid ate his dinner last night?"

"He did. He also accepted the tea this morning," she nodded, about to leave before hesitating, "Empress, forgive me if this is reaching but...is it true? Did he really commit treason?"

Empress Jessamine before meeting Kaid would have snarled as such an inquiry, an overreach of authority, a disrespectful question at that. Now, she could only notice wonder and perhaps worry in her voice, concern (whether that be for Kaid or perhaps the kingdom). The fact Lyss even had the gall to ask meant she didn't think the Empress could grow upset about the question.

"Yes, he did. But like any Guardian, he must be put on trial and given the proper process, unlike what the Royal Investigator says. Until he is properly found guilty, he is still Lord Protector."

"Of course, your ladyship," she nodded, although it didn't exactly answer her question, she took it as Kaid still needed to be treated as palace personnel even within a prison cell.

Jessamine closed the door behind her, taking a deep breath before sensing something different. The room was still dark and silent, only the natural light of gray stormy clouds entering the room from the balcony. But there was a thought, a presence that lingered that surprised Jessamine. It wasn't an unwelcome surprise, though.

Jessamine locked the door, walking to her tea to begin her day.

"I'm surprised you came," she finally spoke, pouring herself a cup before glancing around. Where he was, she didn't know the exact location he stood. But he was here, that much was certain, and must have entered when the servant left the door open.

Vrah appeared nearby, exiting his Oblivion, glancing around at her room with slight awe before observing her. How quite opposite they looked. Jessamine looked like a pale mess, hair still dark and disheveled, darkness under her eyes akin to the dark bruises littering her neck, and her voice still hoarse. Vrah, however, was dressed nicely in light leather armor and had his Lungorian rapier attached to his hip, and his new industrious firearm on the other. His hair was longer than she last remembered, almost as if trying to match Kaid's hairline, but lacking a beard. She didn't think Vrah would look very pleasant with one.

"I'm surprised you offered a moment to talk, given the circumstances. Although I must say, your method of reaching me was a bit unorthodox," he smiled softly, despite the grave conversation.

"Hm, I had to be careful if my own letters were being monitored. And I don't think your father would take much pleasure in knowing you're here this morning, correct?"

"Correct," he nodded, taking a deep breath, "I suppose he wouldn't unless you gave into his demands."

Lungor wanted Kaid, and more than just to throw him back into Caladin but to make him pay. Emperor Bashir wanted to erase any identity from Kaid, any knowledge of Kaid's existence as his bastard son, but also eradicate the power he had. Lungor wanted to make Kaid into a preposterous war criminal, an enemy to every principle that the empire held dear. They wanted execution. And if Vitross refused to hand over that fugitive, it would mean war. It already was war.

Seven days. That's how long it would be until Lungor would begin their blockade and potentially force their way here. Seven days before a war Jessamine didn't want to fight. While her Guards had great morale under Kiev's leadership, they were ill prepared. So much talk of peace had distracted them from the duties of wartime. And Jessamine did not want her men and women fighting for something like this. The guilt that would be on her hands...and most of all, on Kaid's.

"Is Kaid alright?" Vrah asked.

"Yes, as alright as he could be I think.. His mind is still a bit fractured but...he's getting better. We aren't allowed to speak to each other. How are you?"

"I could be better. I've been busy," he laughed, a hint of tiredness in his voice.

"How bad is it?"

"The numbers are still...loose. Over seventy-five Caladin Guards were slaughtered. Nearly sixty prisoners escaped, how, where, why...tracking them down is the hardest part. We've retrieved maybe half a dozen but they're in hiding, and they're hiding well. Caladin is in complete ruins, those who couldn't escape might have to be killed for insurrection so, you tell me, is that bad?"

"I'd say I'm sorry, but I'd be lying," she sighed, knowing while perhaps 'innocent' people died, she still believed in Kaid's cause. Even after everything that happened, she believed he did the right thing. It probably just hadn't been the right time.

"Are you alright? Your neck is...well, I feel bad for the idiot who did that to you. Kaid must've torn him to shreds..." Vrah muttered, knowing how protective his brother was of this Empress. Who could blame him? Some men were called to action whenever a woman was threatened, not like she couldn't take care of herself.

Jessamine sipped her tea for a moment, debating on telling him the truth, "Kaid was the one who did this to me."

Christine and Kassandra had mentioned something similar, in which Jessamine did not lie. She couldn't. Even she was tormented by it. But she didn't say the truth to tarnish Kaid's character or good nature, but rather to show Kaid had reached a limit, a very dangerous point of delusion, one that Jessamine unknowingly pushed him to. Part of her felt she deserved the bruises, that she shouldn't cover them with makeup or a headdress. Christine and Kassandra were both horrified, but she knew it didn't change their opinion of him, thankfully. Even they didn't know the depths of Jessamine's deceit, which she came forth with as well. They were much more forgiving and understanding than she thought they'd be.

"Oh...I-I'm sorry-" he stuttered with surprise, not knowing Kaid was capable of such.

"I deserved it, and more, that's in the past. He's alive, that's what is most important to me, other than this meeting. I know I was vague in my letter, but the very fact you're here must mean you believe war is unnecessary, same as I do," she explained, cutting to the chase, "we both grew up seeing our ancestors tear each other apart. I don't want our children to do the same."

"How do I know if I can trust you?" Vrah asked; a question so dear and near to her heart because his brother had questioned the very same of her.

"It's not about trust, it's about if I am right or if I am wrong. If I am wrong, you have nothing to fear. If I am right and you do nothing, millions of lives are at stake," Jessamine whispered, still worried someone might overhear.

"Jessamine," Vrah stepped closer, "whatever information you have, bring it forward."

"The turbines. It's always been about the bloody turbines. Payne wanted war, he still wants war. I don't know for what, whether it's profit or mere chaos, but he wants war more than anything. When we stole Kaid from Caladin, Payne thought you'd react rashly. It wasn't until he was poisoned at my birthday that changed, it wasn't until I turned into a diplomat that Payne's agenda adapted, mutated into an even more dangerous, delirious idea. Vrah, he means to poison the Continent with those turbines."

"What?! Did you know-"

"I knew the turbine engineers had a way to sabotage, yes. I knew when I gave them to the Duke as leverage if he didn't follow through. I never once thought or fathomed using that against you, or even using them to poison the water supply. And Payne might have planted evidence to prove otherwise, but you have to listen to me. I am warning you right now: turn off all turbines. Your supply feeds directly into the irrigation for Skale, which will result in poisoned food, crops, famine...you name it. I am trying to stop the entire collapse of civilization right now. Again, if I am wrong, you have nothing to lose. If I am right and you listen, you'll be responsible for saving your people, you'll be a hero."

Vrah looked aghast, bewildered that even he didn't see this coming. He knew Vitross had withheld turbines for decades, and was surprised she gave them so easily in their meeting. However, Vrah could tell Jessamine spoke sincerely here. This was no formal meeting of elegance. She wasn't wearing a dress and adorned with jewelry to appear like an Empress, this was a mere conversation between two civilians who cared for their people, who held just enough power to try and make a difference.

"O-okay," he nodded, "I can send some letters out, without my father taking notice and without causing panic. But what about Payne? If what you say is true, he needs to be removed."

"That's not your problem, but mine. He already tried to kill you once-"

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"What?!"

"Uhkhtar, you think that bomb was meant for me, or your father? You think the Confederacy at the time was following your father's orders? Payne had left the room mere minutes before, and he knew neither you nor Kaid would move away from that wall. He intended to kill you both," Jessamine disclosed, "Look, I don't know the depths of how much Payne infiltrated. He may even be in your father's court. But he was your Warden at Caladin. He's my Royal Investigator. I need to stop him, but I have to try quietly. If you get involved or anyone else does, that's your life on the line. And he might have more than enough leverage of blackmail to use against us. The last thing I want is him hurting the people I care about."

"And I assume you're not providing this information for free?" Vrah asked, slowly crossing his arms to see the ulterior motive.

"If I was going to hold this above your head, I would made my demands before telling you," Jessamine almost scowled, but she had to remember Vrah didn't know her that well, "I told you because I believe this information is true, and I want you to be one step ahead before it turns disastrous. Look, if there's one thing you can give me, or are willing to give me, it's time. Seven days is not enough."

"What about Kaid? What if I can promise no harm to come to him? Will you offer him to us, and all talks of war are diminished?

"And imprison him indefinitely? That definitely worked before..." Jessamine scoffed, "I need time. I do not require or want anything else. If you truly believe me, and wish to give something in return for this information, then give me what I ask for."

"What is it you need it for?"

"Your brother."

"You're breaking him out?!" Vrah asked.

"I'm not breaking him out," Jessamine shook her head immediately.

"Who is?"

"Does it matter?" she asked, seeing him scowl before shaking his head, "Look, you give me time, Kaid will be somewhere nobody will know. Not you. Not me. It's what he deserves: a clean slate from us, from the monsters who believed we could control him. Kaid disappears, no evidence of his escape leads back to me, both of us can live in peace. Payne is taken out, there won't be war. We can truly continue on our original plan: peace, prosperity, trade, commerce...a proper alliance." And by proper, she did hint at marriage. As much as she hated the idea, if it worked, if it kept Kaid safe, that's all that mattered.

"My father will not like this."

"I know, but you must admit it, his health prospects aren't looking good. He's already groomed you to be his heir, his Emperor. You being here right now is even a good sign of what kind of Emperor you'll be. Think of it, us together, working side by side. People will prosper. They won't grow up the same way we did."

Vrah almost hesitated. Perhaps he should have thought about this longer. Was this Jessamine being genuine? Or was this something else entirely? Her eyes spoke honestly. She wanted what was best for her people, and very clearly, still loved Kaid. Despite the bruises around her neck, Jessamine wanted Kaid far away from this place, far away from a trial or execution.

Jessamine stepped closer, her hand resting delicately on his shoulder, thumb brushing just next to his nervous Adam's apple, "Please...just think about it. I know you care about your people, and I know you care about him, the brother you always wish you had. It's time both of us do the right thing."

His eyes dilated slightly upon her closeness, but he didn't tense up, merely relaxed at her presence, "Forty days. That's what I can give you."

Forty days were enough. Forty days to free Kaid. Forty days to plan for something and pray Payne wasn't one step ahead. Forty days to kill him, or die trying.

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

The nightmare still remained. Kaid awoke from it, although not with the usual exasperated, heart racing shock it usually brought. The information he learned from Vyper was now imperative, critical, and most of all, something he needed to hone. The dreams did mean something. However, what made them all differ? The premise of the nightmare did not alter, but something in the dream always did. He always thought it was the conversation although he could never predict it, nor understand it by the time he woke up. This time, though, he knew the difference.

Kaid watched himself do those things to Jessamine, as a bystander, like an oracle watching what would happen like when he controlled time. He didn't know exactly what it meant. But it felt important. The littlest of things in something that changed constantly could mean everything. The tiniest of details could make a difference, if only he could decipher it.

It had been twenty five days since he was thrown in here, yet he wasn't treated any differently, or at least how he should have been. Christine or Kassandra, even both together, visited him daily. They'd bring him books or sneak some sweets from the kitchen. They'd let him know how Jessamine was doing although it was minimal. They didn't see much of her either. How badly he felt like he should apologize. How badly he felt anger that she still lied. He was torn on how he should feel. If she could lie with depths greater than caverns like this, to the person she claimed to love, how much worse could she lie to a complete stranger? Or even her own people?

Being locked in here didn't help his situation. The enchanted cuffs always seemed to exhaust him a bit. It was odd he could still have those dreams even with the cuffs, but perhaps they weren't powerful enough to stop Oblivion in unconsciousness. He wanted to help. He wanted to fight. He knew what Payne was capable of, how he could torture with a smile on his face, kill without hesitation. Jessamine didn't tell him what she had found out, and perhaps that was for his own good. Payne had tried interrogating him once, to no avail.

Kaid's attention was diverted as he saw Christine running up to him and the one guard stationed to monitor him at this time. Usually it was two, but around this time there was only one due to short staffing and well, nobody expected him to get anywhere with these cuffs on. Yet she was winded, as if she had run the entirety of the spiral stairs in a hurry. Kaid stood up, wondering if something was wrong.

"Please, you have to help. Kassandra broke her ankle on the way up here, we need your help to take her Cadize," Christine pleaded. The Guard immediately glanced back at Kaid, figuring he was going nowhere. And honestly, the worried look on Christine's face flustered the Guard. Christine had been nothing but nice to everyone, so of course they'd feel called to help. What man didn't like to help a woman in need?

"Is she alright?" Kaid asked, with no reply as the guard rushed with Christine back down. It wasn't until he heard a loud bang that reverberated up the stairs, sounding like iron hitting something with impact, and hard impact at that. Seconds later, Christine was back running up the stairs...with Kassandra beside her, looking totally fine. Besides the large cast iron skillet in her hand.

"Did you just...?" Kaid asked, before realizing the answer was yes, they hit that guard with a fucking skillet.

"Shut up and let us be the heroes for once," Christine gleamed, "he'll be fine, minus a concussion."

Kassandra pulled the keys from her pocket, unlocking the cell doors before moving to undo the cuffs around his wrists. Kaid eagerly shook them off, rubbing his sore wrists before Christine handed him a small bag of items he'd need. He pulled his sword out, before noticing multiple packs of clothing and even a few books, along with that gold watch. He put the gold watch on, glancing at his friends.

"What's with the clothes? What's the plan?" he asked, knowing they must be planning for a fight. Lungor was supposed to be here any time soon, and it was about time to remove Payne.

"Uh, well..." Christine trailed off, knowing there wasn't a good way of wording this.

"You're getting out of here, entirely. Clothes just enough to maybe make a week, should you not spill blood on it. There's enough money to last a good year or so. We're helping you get out of here, now. There's a contact we are supposed to meet by the gates with Kiev, they'll take you to a ship, and you'll be out of here."

"What? No, that wasn't the plan. Jessamine needs my help-"

"Kaid, she wants you gone, do you understand? She doesn't need your help. She needs you, wants you, to get out of here, for your safety," Kassandra retorted, perhaps not being as kind as she could be.

"Kaid, please, we love you," Christine reiterated, "all of us. Cadize, Kassandra, even Jessamine. The best thing for you is to get away from here. We can handle Payne."

"No, you can't," Kaid clenched his jaw, "I need to make this right, I can't let him win."

"Kaid, we are stretching our necks out for you right now. All of us. You need to get on that ship."

"Nobody asked you to help me! Nobody asked you to outstretch your hand, nobody asked you to sacrifice!" Kaid shouted, seeing Christine jump back. He immediately closed his eyes out of guilt and frustration. Kassandra looked seconds away from slapping Kaid with that fucking pan.

Christine ignored her initial urge at being frightened, moving back closer to give him an embrace, knowing he needed it more than anything. He truly needed it more than anything in this world, to know he was loved. Christine glanced back at her partner, as if encouraging her to join in. She sighed, before walking over to embrace his other side, feeling Kaid relax at their comfort.

"There, that's better. No more yelling," Christine teased.

"I'm sorry," he shook his head.

"We know," Kassandra pinched him, hearing him yelp slightly, "let us help you."

"Christine, Kassandra...I really can't thank you enough. For being my friends, for getting to know me when nobody else wanted to. For supporting me whenever Jessamine couldn't. You two are the greatest friends anyone could want at their sides. But...please, when I insist on helping, I mean it. I can't leave. I just can't. I need to be by Jessamine's side, I need to end Payne, to end his insurrection. Please, I need your help. Jess needs your help, even if she won't admit it. We can't fight him alone."

Both women looked at each other, as if both had been convinced but wanted to make sure they were on the same page.

"If any of the guards see you the bells will ring like crazy and you won't get a foot close to the throne room where Jessamine is. I know Jessamine mentioned a bunch of secret rooms around this palace but I don't think that will help," Christine sighed, not knowing what they could do.

"There's always Bridger...but I doubt he will be inclined to help you," Kassandra scoffed, knowing Bridger definitely changed opinions after Kaid threatened to kill him. Kaid winced at that idea, but it was the best they had.

"Bridger can get me directly to that portal. I'll give him whatever he wants, money, unlimited wine...a big fucking apology. I just need his help. I need everyone's help," Kaid admitted, seeing them nod.

"Right, well, let's find you a nice storage closet to hide in. I'll go fetch Bridger, he should be in his office. Kass, you go tell Kiev. I doubt he will be happy about the news but he deserves to know, and also help us if he so chooses," Christine demanded, a righteous, proud look on her face, "let's go save the day!"

Or, let's go ruin it, let's rip it out entirely, starting with the fruit, then the entire fruit tree and roots along with it before it rots me further, Kaid thought, smiling back.

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

Mara paced back and forth, adjusting her head scarf. Vitross was much different than she had expected. It certainly was a beautiful city and harbor. Everyone here despite the head covering seemed nice, offering her directions and assistance. She awaited by this crack in the palace walls, having to kick rocks out of anxious boredom. The plan was simple: sneak Kaid to the harbor, get on the ship with him where her son was awaiting, and sail off in any direction they wished. They could all three start anew. Mara would break her bond with the Confederates, break her illusory contract, and Kaid would be free. Free from her influence, free to make his own decisions.

However as she heard footsteps approach, it wasn't the golden skinned, bearded friend she knew. It was someone she recognized, though.

She produced a flame in her fist, hiding it from him, "Ice boy...what a pleasant surprise."

"The Lady of Fire. Mara," Kiev bowed slightly, glaring at her fist, "No need to fight...although I am the bearer of bad news."

"I should hope not, you'd lose, again," she bantered, "What's the problem, where's Kaid? Could they not break him out?"

"Oh, he's out alright, but he's not coming with you. He's going to stop Payne. It sounds like the girls tried to stop him but-"

"There's no convincing or persuading Kaid when he's made up his mind. He's a very, very, stubborn man," Mara sighed, knowing she fucking risked her life for this, "how the hell is he going to help? The entire palace is on lockdown."

"Something about portaling there, if Bridger can help. I don't know. I just wanted to let you know he isn't planning on coming. I know Jessamine may have wasted your time but...." he trailed off, the soft General of the Guards much more gentle than Mara had remembered him to be on the battlefield.

"Bridger...not, not the shaggy brown hair, always uneven stubble, alcoholic Bridger?" Mara asked, seeing Kiev glance at her with waryness.

"I..uh, yes that sounds about right. Although he tries to remain sober when on duty," Kiev spoke, "and how do you two know each other? Another fight on the battlefield?"

"Well no, he was Emperor Bashir's portalist when I spoke with him, the rare times that we did speak in private to conduct assassination plans for the Confederacy," Mara spoke, knowing that those plans had been against Jessamine. How odd now it seemed Jessamine had sent a letter pleading for help, and Mara arrived. Of course she wasn't doing it for her. She was only here for Kaid and him alone, but he didn't seem to want to leave.

"Shit," Kiev spoke, a slight gasp leaving his lips, "you spoke with Emperor Bashir? And Vrah, was he there?"

"Funny, Kaid asked that too when I told him..." Mara paused, before seeing the look in Kiev's eyes.

"You weren't speaking with the Emperor, you never even spoke with him. While he may have funded a bit of your plans...it wasn't him giving you direct orders. It was-"

"Payne," they answered at the same time, both of them glancing at the palace before Kiev started walking over.

"Which means...Bridger is working with him. Kaid can't go to Bridger, either Bridger won't give him what he wants and Payne will know. Or Bridger will definitely send Kaid somewhere where we will never see him again," Kiev hurried, glancing back to see her standing still, "and if Kaid is sent somewhere like that...all of us will be considered aiding and abetting a traitor."

"My son, I can't-"

"I know. Go. We can handle this. Thank you for telling us this Mara, it changes everything. If you hear no news by sunset, assume we failed and you need to leave," Kiev nodded.

Mara swallowed, wishing nothing more than to help her friend. But, these friends of his seemed to trust Kaid, more than she had. They would move heaven and earth for him, because they believed he would do the same for them. And he would. When faced with a hard choice and an easy one, Kaid would pick the hard one, because it usually meant doing the right thing. Kaid Al-Yami had made plenty of mistakes in his life, whatever he was about to do, wouldn't be a mistake. It simply couldn't be a mistake. It was time to sink or swim, no do-overs, not without the entire continent at risk. The one thing that made it so much easier for Mara was knowing he didn't have to do this alone.