“Why are we leaving, Axis? You didn’t let me say goodbye.”

Axis was pulling Lexia by the hand, dragging her out of the Copper Cathedral. She spared a glance at the doors, and noticed the copper monument was plus one more figure, trapped in an eternal scream. She shuddered.

But didn’t Lexia agree?

Rhyme and Bolt joined them out on the cobblestones, where Axis dragged her to his parallel-parked car. He still wasn’t answering her questions. Then he planted both hands on the roof of the car, leaned against it, and contended with the emotions warring in his eyes.

Lexia couldn’t hide her concern as she said, “Please talk to me.”

Bolt came around the car, sword returned to its case in his hands, and sat in the driver’s seat. Rhyme joined him on the passenger side, leaving the couple alone.

Haunted, Axis said, “No man should have so much power.”

Gauge had acted as judge, jury, and executioner. It’s true, his might was terrifying to behold, especially as nonchalantly as he confessed to the judgment. However, Lexia was conflicted. How else should they punish a man caught in the act of rape? Perhaps the Count would be open to alternatives. Maybe they could all three talk about it over negotiating the accords.

Even though Lexia feared disappointing Axis, she said, “I believe Count Snow acts in the interest of the public.”

Axis snapped up to her, shock in his eyes.

She staved him with her hands. “We can discuss methods of delivering justice. I completely understand that, but I also understand why Gauge takes such extreme measures. By allowing assault such as what Walker committed, it can spread like the cancer now metastasizing in your factories. Or are you more offended Gauge was the one to dole out the punishment and not you?”

Almost as if Axis meant to wipe away the shock, he swiped a gloved hand down his face and cupped it over his mouth. A tear brimmed his lashes, and Lexia feared she’d broken his heart after all. He dropped his hand and said, “I can’t believe you think so little of me. No, I’m not upset Gauge ‘delivered justice’ in my place. I’m upset because I endangered a woman I suspected was Snow’s spy and entrapped a man—ultimately condemning him to his death.” He cut the air with both hands. “I don’t want any of this, and I’m angry with my father for leaving me with this mess to clean up.”

Lexia winced. “Forgive me, but Axis… Think of Mrs. Tenz. She would see both you and Gauge as heroes.”

Axis slammed his hand on the roof of the car, startling Lexia. He said, “There has to be a better way than copper. What about rehabilitation and redemption?”

This was it. Lexia took his hand. “You’re right. We can take your ideas to Gauge. He’ll listen—”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“No. And, please forgive me, but I don’t want you to go near him again.”

That took Lexia aback. It wasn’t at all like Axis to hinder her spontaneous nature. He’d said a thousand times how he loved her ‘untethered way of being.’ She breathed, “Axis…”

Despite its excessive size on her, suddenly his timepiece felt… confining.

Regret softened Axis’ eyes. He took her other hand until he held both, saying, “I’m sorry. Ignore my foolish behavior under this stress. Never would I ever restrict you, my wild, chaotic sprite. I only fear his influence over you, but I want you to know I trust you completely. Do whatever you like.”

Even though Lexia believed Axis’ words were true, she wasn’t entirely confident his distaste for Gauge wasn’t also genuine. She said, “Ask me why I offered myself as a prize.”

Axis’ eyes narrowed, but he played along. “Why did you offer yourself as a prize?”

She tugged on his hands. “I want us to get along. No matter how you see our future, we work with Gauge. Wouldn’t it be best if we did it together?”

Axis brought her hands together and kissed them. “Will you let me think on it?”

“Always.”

They didn’t spend the rest of the morning together. Instead, Lexia had lunch with her father. It was too cold for the veranda today, so they ate in the kitchen, much to the fuss of the servants. Father and daughter sat on barstools across the butcher block from one another eating salad.

“I understand Count Snow and our Axis had a match today. Was that as bracing as I’d imagine?”

Lexia laughed. “Well, you could say that.”

She opened her mouth to tell Leon all about Gauge’s exotic crops, but her father said, “I also understand there’s been some trouble in the factories and Snow had to intervene.”

This again. Lexia blew the air from her cheeks, puffing her bangs. “Father, it wasn’t exactly like that. Gauge only adhered to the laws as they’re currently written. Could they use some revising with rehabilitation in mind? Absolutely. But I don’t think he’ll be open to such discussion if everyone keeps treating him like a tyrant.”

Leon blinked at her, mid-bite.

Lexia tired of this. “Why does everyone look at me like that when I say something nice about the man?”

With stiff movements, her father set down his fork, pushed his plate away, and touched his napkin to the corners of his mouth. Finished with the motions, he said, “Perhaps it’s because you’ve only been around him a short time—a single evening—and you’re speaking as if you know him intimately. As if you know him better than those of us who have dealt with him for years. Myself, for a decade.”

Well, that didn’t come across as condescending at all. Lexia considered herself an expert judge of character, and she’d never said she knew Gauge better than anyone else. Just that they should work with the Count instead of against themselves. But if she tried to communicate any of this, it would seem like petty defensiveness.

Lexia sulked.

“Daughter mine, you have always been an optimist. It’s why Winter loves you, but Axis’ suspicions of Snow aren’t unfounded. The Count has played a careful game with our accords and his Founding Religion for a decade. If you think the parade is eerie, wait until you see the play tonight.”

Lexia perked up. “A play?”

Leon passed her a copper leaf envelope along the countertop, saying, “These came this morning before you returned from the match. I’d heard this decennial there might be a new addition to the Season.”

The two copper cards boasted a shooting star and Lexia and Leon’s names.

Lexia took hers and stood, ready to prepare for the evening. But she stalled and bit her lip. After a second, she said, “Father, be honest. Did you consider hiding these from me?”

“Absolutely—” Leon held up his hand to stop Lexia from arguing. “You are a girl who has always needed to experience things for herself. I would never stand in the way of that, but as your father, I can only pray you don’t get hurt in your constant pursuit of fairness.”

Lexia nodded her understanding at him. “I’ll be ready in an hour.” After she considered the outfit she wanted to wear, she said, “Make that two.”