Eiridan winced as he sat up. One arm was stiff and sore, practically unusable. Out of energy, he wasn't able to heal it. He probably wouldn't be able to for a while, and he preferred to allow it to heal on its own instead. It could take a few months because he was fairly certain he'd fractured something.

It had hurt a few nights ago when he was with Jaeyria, but he'd ignored the pain, foolishly, because he was caught up in the moment and wanted to forget the other pains, which hurt far more than his arm. Inhaling sharply, he moved to the side of the bed.

Really, he had no one to blame but himself. It had been injured during the fight with Vaxon, and then he'd insisted on trying to go riding. Losing control of the horse, he'd broken it in the fall not two days after it was announced that Vaxon was dead, and Kyren declared him a free man.

Now they had a nice little set of rooms next to Kyren's, and Eiridan wasn't cooped up all day. In fact, his friend even allowed him to help in the infirmary and work at his side in politics. He had a unique ability to tell when someone was being deceitful due to his aura reading capabilities, and Kyren used it to his advantage.

Eiridan was happy to oblige. He loved working with people, and he enjoyed helping a friend out as well. He was good at the strategy and persuasion necessary, which made him an asset. The only blight on his days now was his wife's slow decent into despair.

She didn't regret Vaxon's death in the least, but she was hurting because she'd realized how much pain her choices caused. He'd known it would tear her apart from the beginning, even if she didn't. And now she blamed herself for everything. Others did too.

Kyren, surprisingly, didn't blame her or treat her with vindication. He'd pardoned her for siding with Vaxon and put her in charge of watching over his now motherless sister. Really, that was a hilarious choice because Jaeyria had no patience for the young girl's bubbly, air-headed approach. However, Nassia had grown up a lot when she saw her mother and father die and witnessed her father's cruelty firsthand. The once light and flirtatious fourteen-year-old was now quiet and withdrawn. She still flirted or made painfully obvious attempts to get the younger Magi men to pay attention to her, but it was guided by a sort of superficial interest and deep-seated pain.

Strangely, the young girl gravitated toward Jaeyria and Kyren for direction in the chaos her life had taken on. He smiled sadly as he watched his wife and thought about all this.

Jaeyria was sitting on the window sill, her legs drawn up to her chest as she sat on the wide stone sill and stared out across Castre. Her face was turned away from him, but he could still see the tears that dripped silently down her cheeks and the silver sadness flowing through her dark aura. Her shoulders were tense, and every so often they jerked as she took a quiet, shuddering breath. The anguish she felt weighed him down, settling heavily on his shoulders and crushing his heart.

Getting up, he went to her and set a hand on her shoulder. She turned to look at him, her eyes red-rimmed and awash with tears. Wordlessly, she got up and made a move toward the bed. But he intercepted her, wrapping his good arm around her waist and tugging her into him. "Please don't spend another day in here away from the world."

"I can't face them," she whispered listlessly. "My mistakes are too great to be forgiven, and they don't want me there anyway."

Eiridan sighed, kissing her forehead gently. She took it without comment and without moving. Her skin was cold as his lips pressed against it. "You have to move on, Jae. Some of them do want you there. But you've got to forgive yourself regardless."

"Easy for you to say. You didn't side with Vaxon."

"No," he whispered. "I didn't. But I let my mother die. Do you think that I go a single moment without thinking about how horrible that choice was? That my nights are free from pain or nightmares? Because I think of it every free moment. I dream about it at night. I lost her because I chose not to give in. But I have to forgive myself for that."

"No, Eiridan. You made a choice that she wanted you to make. I was just selfish. I can't forgive myself. You shouldn't forgive me either." Her lashes dropped down to cover her green irises, their lengths dark and wet with tears.

Astonished, Eiridan took her chin in his hand, forcing her to look at him. "Jaeyria, I've forgiven you already. I told you that. Is that why you hide even from me? You don't believe me?"

Pain drudged through her aura as her lower lip trembled. "I want to," she whispered. "But... For the first time in my life, Eiridan, I don't believe anything. I don't even know what to believe. For the first time since I first let you into my life, I doubt you and the rest of the world." She buried her face in his shirt, crying again. "Did you see the aftermath, Eiridan? Did you see what I allowed? Kids were murdered because I sided with Vaxon. Men and women who might've had families or spouses. It's not the others I fear. It's me. I made this choice, and if I can do this, then how can I trust myself on anything else?"

Eiridan stayed quiet for a moment, pondering his next words. Then he murmured, "Listen to me... I forgive you. It doesn't matter whether you think you deserve it or not. I've chosen to forgive, and now you have to accept it and let go. If you can't trust yourself, then lean on me. Let me be the anchor you need in all the confusion, Jae."

She nodded, sobbing full force and clinging to him. He inhaled sharply as she jostled his broken arm, but he wrapped his uninjured arm around her, rubbing her back as he made soft cooing noises. She sucked in gulps of air in between hysterical sobs. "I... I need to... tell the others. That I'm sorry, I mean. I need to... tell them."

"And you can. At breakfast this morning, if you want. But before you tell them, you need to be willing to forgive yourself. Can you do that?"

"It hurts so much," she murmured, pressing her palms to her eyes as she moved away and sat on the bed. "It hurts so bad. It just hurts so bad. Can't you make it stop?" she whimpered.

He shook his head. "The pain is emotional, Jae. It's pain that you're experiencing because of guilt and remorse. Only you can allow yourself to feel better and move on. Forgiveness from others helps, and it's important that you apologize for the mistakes you've made. But ultimately, after you've done your best to make things right, you have to move on."

"I can't move on, Eiridan. I'm never going to forget what I've done or what it caused, and I don't know that I want to forget. If I forget, I could do it again. I could make foolish choices or selfish ones that hurt others because I forgot what kinds of disasters that causes."

"Jae," Eiridan murmured, wrapping her up in his arms despite the agonizing burn in his shoulder and left arm.

She let him hold her without speaking or moving. After a while, she moved away again and wiped her eyes with a sniffle. "I can't forget, Eiri. But maybe in time I can forgive myself. It's not going to be easy... But... You'll be there for me?" She bit her lip, messing with the hem of her shirt.

Eiridan squeezed her hand with his good one. "Through thick and thin, Jae. Rain or shine. I'll be here."

She rested her head in her hands and nodded. "Then I can try."

***

"Kyren?" Jaeyria cleared her throat, stopping him just outside the dining room doors.

He turned to look at them, raising a brow at Eiridan. Eiridan shrugged, letting his wife talk. She needed this, and she'd have to be the one reaching for it. "What?" he asked when she didn't say anything.

"Can I..." She paused biting her lip as her aura flushed with the yellow timbres of hesitancy. "That is to say, can I talk for a few minutes at the breakfast table? I swear it won't take long." Her shoulders tensed as though she expected him to deny the request.

He shrugged. "Sure."

"I just really need to say... Wait, yes?" she stopped, frowning.

"Yes," Kyren repeated. "Did you expect a no?"

"Umm... Kind of?" She blushed, stepping back and lowering her head when he laughed quietly. Eiridan wrapped his arm around her waist with a supportive kiss on the top of the head, taking care not to jostle his fractured arm in the process.

Since Vaxon's defeat, Jaeyria had become quieter and withdrawn. Her usual masks were shattered beyond repair, and she was vulnerable. Eriswen had tried to engage her, but it was unsuccessful. Jaeyria couldn't come to terms with what she'd done, and as a result, she was pushing everyone away, sometimes even him. She no longer bantered with Kyren or argued with people. In fact, she adopted an attitude that was that of almost fearful respect when it came to Kyren.

For his part, Kyren was unexpectedly gentle in his dealings with her. He tried to grant her requests when she brought them forward, which didn't happen much. When she wandered the halls listlessly, he tried to distract her by asking for her help with things or involving her with his baby daughter, who needed someone responsible to care for her anyway when Kyren wasn't around. If she was sad, he tried to help Eiridan cheer her up, which had been occurring a lot lately. All in all, Kyren seemed to sense Jaeyria's fragility, and he came along side as a friend instead of treating her as an enemy. This, in particular, surprised Eiridan since Kyren wasn't very forgiving, and he'd been furious with Jaeyria after her betrayal. After a bit, he began to suspect that a good part of Kyren's change in behavior was the result of their friendship rather than any specific attitude change in Jaeyria.

Kyren smiled wearily at him and shoved open the dining room doors. Entering, he took his spot at the head of the table and sat down. There were some discontented murmurs from a few Magi, but the majority stayed quiet. The mood of the room was suppressed as Kyren settled in. It felt hot and stuffy.

Eiridan sat down on Kyren's left, wincing as Mordzar's blatant distrust toward Kyren barreled into him. It was just like this yesterday when Kyren announced that they would meet daily over breakfast to discuss where things were at. Nothing had changed since that tense morning.

Mordzar, Eriswen, Aelia, and Zentra all either disliked or were suspicious of Kyren. Leo and Lydora didn't seem interested. Most of the remaining Magi were hopeful and looked up to him. A few, like Jaeyria, were terrified of Kyren or were afraid that he might condemn them for their actions prior to Vaxon's death. All of that mingled to create an overwhelmingly negative atmosphere.

"Jaeyria has something to say," Kyren said, raising his voice so that he could be heard at the end of the room. "Please listen respectfully," he finished as murmurs broke out.

Jaeyria took a deep breath and stood, fiddling with her sleeves. Eiridan noted with surprise that she had tears on her cheeks. "I need to... apologize to all of you for what I did," she choked out. "While I know that this can't make up for the choices I made and their consequences... I needed... to... to say it. Beyond that, I'm sorry for the ways I hurt you all those years in hiding when I was cold or manipulative. I can't do anything besides apologize and prove, through my actions, that I've changed. So I leave it up to you. I know I can't make you forgive me. I wouldn't forgive myself if I was in your shoes, and I'll understand if none of you want to. Regardless..." She stopped, swallowing and swiping away her tears with an embarrassed smile. "I had to apologize. Thank you for hearing me out."

The Magi exchanged glances, and a few looked unconvinced. Several seemed confused, and only one or two were nodding in agreement, their faces expressing sympathy. No one, however, openly expressed forgiveness.

Kyren cast him a look that said, hey, I tried, and shrugged. Eiridan raised a brow, crossing his arms.

What? Kyren complained mentally.

Maybe the forgiving could start with you? Eiridan suggested, taking a bite of his egg.

Seriously? An announcement that I forgive her? I already did. Why would I do that? Kyren started eating too as the other Magi followed his example in silence.

Because many of them respect you and follow your example. Especially after your bravery facing Vaxon when he killed your mother and the Magi families. That earned you a lot respect. What could it hurt, anyway?

Kyren sighed and sat straighter, clearing his throat. "Well, for what it's worth, I forgive her. Some of you have had bad pasts riddled with mistakes. I'm no exception. This new kingdom is to be built on forgiveness and love instead of hatred and fear, am I right? Perhaps, then, we might start with one of our own who has come back from her mistakes with a penitent heart?"

Jaeyria's gratefulness washed over Eiridan gently as she kept her head down, waiting for the consensus.

There, Kyren thought, glancing at Eiridan. Good?

Eiridan smiled. Yes. Thank you very much, Kyren.

Don't mention it, he answered with an acerbic tone. But his eyes were warm and he had a slight smile on his face as he kept eating.

A few murmured statements of forgiveness followed Kyren's, but for the most part, disappointingly, people said nothing. Still, Eiridan caught drifts of consideration and thoughtfulness sweeping through the Magi as they pondered what Jaeyria and Kyren had said.

***

"Mordzar, will you head the armies?" Kyren asked, tapping his fingers against the solid oak surface of the table. Everyone sat around the round table in one of Vaxon's meeting rooms. It hadn't been used in a while, but Kyren couldn't stand the formal atmosphere of meeting in the throne room, nor could he handle the silent hostilities of the breakfast table. So instead, he had chosen this comfortable, inviting atmosphere to — he hoped — put everyone at ease.

To some extent, it was working. Everyone was relaxed in their chairs, but the wary glances at him and each other didn't completely subside. A few persistent conspiracy theorists still believed that this whole thing had been his way to ingratiate himself into their midst for some nefarious purpose. Really, it was laughable, but Kyren supposed that he understood some of the distrust.

Mordzar leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes. "If that's your desire, Sire."

Eiridan bit his lip. Mordzar's sarcasm and blatant distaste for Kyren just kept making their appearances, and the younger man seemed uninterested in disguising them. Sooner or later, he expected that Kyren would blow up. But, surprisingly, Kyren didn't seem ruffled by Mordzar's poorly disguised contempt.

He just cleared his throat and leaned forward. "Stop calling me that. We're not going to set up another dictator or monarch. I intend to try something that gives the people more control over government. In fact, I heard about a new system while traveling in the kingdom of Syrodon some time ago. That was a few years back, but it's worked very well, and their demographics are similar to ours. It's not easy to set up, and it can be expensive, but I think it will work in Castre's favor in the long run. Most importantly, it will keep one person from being or becoming the tyrant Vaxon was."

Eriswen cocked her head to the side and asked, "Do we get a say?"

"Well, I'd like very much to involve all of you in the new government, so naturally, you'll get a say. I respect your opinions, and I'd like to hear all of them. Keep in mind, however, that we have to get control over the disaster that Vaxon has instigated, and we also need to find a way to make it work. The nobles will, of course, be opposed to anything that forces them to give up their positions, and for the sake of true freedom, we can't allow them to have positions of power all by themselves in this new order. If it's to represent the people, we need the government to be comprised of all stations of life, not just the rich. With all of that said, due to the political unrest, we'll have to work on bringing in peace before we introduce anything new."

Eiridan nodded, smiling. Eriswen seemed satisfied as well, and many around the table were thinking over Kyren's idea. Hope sparked in the majority of them, and a few of the ones who were hesitant to trust Kyren at first were beginning to think he wasn't all that bad.

"If we do get a say," Zentra said, glaring at Kyren. "Then maybe you should explain this new system of government."

Kyren sighed. "I will, but as I said a few moments ago, we have more pressing matters to deal with. If any of you would like to discuss it before I present the plan publicly, feel free to ask me in private. For now, let's focus on the issues threatening to rip Castre apart. Capite, Zentra?" He raised a brow.

Zentra sneered at him, but she sat back and stayed quiet.

"Moving on..." Kyren announced, looking around the circle. "Eriswen, I'd like you to head up the dragon division and work with magical creatures who are on our side. Organize them, help them, and keep the relations between the races cordial. Aelia, will you work with her? You're both good with animals and nature. I've noticed that you both observe people's motivations and needs intrinsically, so you'd be good at helping us with this."

Eriswen smiled, a thrill of happiness threading through her glitzy aura. She nodded to Kyren. "I'd love to."

Aelia hesitated longer, biting her lip. She shied away from Kyren's gaze, dropping hers to the oak tabletop where she sketched invisible lines with her finger. "Uh... I..."

"I won't force you, Aelia, but it would be a great help to Eriswen, I'm sure."

Eiridan noticed that Kyren avoided saying it would be helpful to him. He knew that the Magi still didn't fully accept him, and he was playing to their friendships and loyalties where he could to help them work together. Although Eriswen and Aelia had run into difficulties when Eriswen surrendered and Aelia didn't, they had since mended their friendship, and the two were very close.

"Well... Would it, Eris?"

The other girl nodded with an encouraging smile. "There are so many different races and people to deal with. I could certainly use it!"

Aelia nodded slowly. "I'll help, then, I guess. If it's... If it's helpful to you too, that is. I don't want to be a burden on anyone."

Kyren smiled at her, his gaze gentle. Since his wife's passing, he'd grown gentler with others and become more understanding of their pain or hesitations. He had more patience with those who were hurting especially. It was as though, with his father gone, he was finally free to expose the kind, genuine side of him that he had previously hidden behind masks and sarcasm. "Thank you."

Eiridan leaned back, thinking that there couldn't be much of anything for him to do. Kyren wouldn't trust him to be ruthless in any battle situation, and he wasn't much of a politician. Yes, he was a strategist, but only when he didn't see the deadly results of his choices. In theory, he knew how to handle the situation they were in, but in practice, he wasn't sure he'd have the guts to carry it out. It was a very good thing that Kyren was in charge, he mused.

"Eiridan?" Kyren snapped his fingers at him with a raised brow.

"Umm... Sorry, what?"

Kyren good-naturedly rolled his eyes. "Try not to fall asleep, would you? I was just asking if you could work on the nobles and meet with the rebel factions who weren't working with Jahad."

He blinked, sitting up straighter in his high-backed seat. Any vestige of sleepy introspection fled upon that suggestion. "I'm not sure if..." he started, rubbing his uninjured hand on his pants. "That is to say..."

"Oh, just say yes, Eiridan," Zentra snapped. "Everyone knows you're too much of a pushover to say no, and anyway, you'd be good at it. Always saying just the right thing to everyone at the right time... Never hurting anyone. By the time you're done, all the nobles will have agreed to join simply because you're too nice to deny." With a huff, she added, "Plus, nobles are known for being thick-headed, and any inkling of grand ideals or foolishly high goals will get them to side with you."

Mordzar glared at her. "Hey! Not all nobles are like that!"

"Says the guy who joined a rebellion... Wait, no... Started one. That's totally not a grand ideal or foolishly high goal."

"Well, we defeated Vaxon, didn't we?" he snapped back.

"And look how many people died accomplishing that, nincompoop." Zentra shoved her chair back and stood, heading for Mordzar.

"Now, wait just a minute... Guys, please, stop," Eiridan protested weakly. "No one here is stupid, and we're trying to make things better, not worse."

"See what I mean?" Zentra said, pointing a finger at him with a derisive laugh. "You always try not to hurt other people's feelings when you have to say something that needs saying. Even when it should sound mean or deriding, you make it sound sincere and loving. It's sick because it's too kind to be real. You're just a really good fake."

Eiridan's gut clenched, and he hung his head under the low blow. It wasn't worth being upset or angry about. She didn't know him, and Zentra always made snap judgments about people. But it still hurt because he tried so hard to be friendly to her, and she always rebuffed his efforts.

Kyren stood up, frowning. "Zentra Oromis, go back to your seat and behave your age or get out of the meeting room. I'll not have you ruining everything with your provoking, unnecessary comments!"

Zentra turned on him then. "Are you kidding me? You just got done with your whole spiel — I'm not a king, rule by the people, yada, yada, yada — and now you're acting like the monarch you claim you're not? Fine. I'm done with this lunacy. This whole meeting was a farce anyway, so have fun playing make-believe." She stormed out of the room, slamming the heavy door behind her.

Eiridan stared at the dark plank door in stunned silence. What had just happened? She'd been abrasive earlier, yes, but she hadn't been downright degrading. What had brought on the sudden outburst? He wondered if he'd said something to make her so angry.

"Well, good riddance then," Mordzar mumbled.

The others agreed with exasperated huffs and head shaking.

"Now that she's gone, maybe we can have some peace," Jaeyria muttered, sounding like her old self again. "She's worse than Nassia."

Kyren eyed her for a long moment, and then he laughed. "That she is. So, Eiridan... Will you take the position or not?"

Eiridan nodded with a sheepish smile. "Guess she was right about one thing. I don't know how to say no."

That got everyone laughing, and the tension in the room eased, becoming more friendly and open than it had been even before Zentra's outburst. The negativity seemed to slowly bleed away as Kyren continued working around the room, asking people to do various tasks.

***

An hour later, it was finally sorted out. Kyren flopped down onto a cushioned chair in the sitting room that their chambers shared and rubbed his temples. "Sometimes I really hate dealing with people. It's tiring," he grumbled.

Jaeyria smiled at him, and once again she surprised Eiridan. He'd never seen her smile shyly at anyone besides him, and even that was rare. He'd come to believe she was never shy. "I know how you feel. Some of them weren't very supportive of you."

He grunted.

"But... Kyren, why didn't you give me something to do?" she murmured, sitting in Eiridan's lap. "I want to help, and I really want to make a fresh start. I can't do that if I get left out in this whole thing. Please... Let me help."

Eiridan rested his chin on her shoulder as they waited for Kyren's response.

"Yeah, you can... I just didn't want to involve you right then. Look at how they took Eiridan's nomination. And he's fairly well liked by most. Granted, some of them picked on him and bullied him, but none of them liked you all that much. At least, not the ones left."

"So..." she said, drawing out the word slowly. "What can I do?"

"Help Eiridan. While he works with the men, you work with the women. You're smart and intuitive. You're practically made for court life, and just like my mother, you know how to play people. So use that talent for something good instead of evil. Oh, and..." he paused, thinking over his request.

"And?"

"I know you've been helping a bit with Nassia. She's really going through a hard time right now, Jae. Can you please help? Come alongside and support her? I can't really do much because I don't fully understand how she feels since I was never close to my parents. She needs someone who knows how it feels, and she needs a mother figure: someone who will teach her and knock some good manners into her brain. I think you'll find her far more teachable now that she's realized that life isn't what she thought it was." Kyren's words were rushed, and he watched her closely as though he now feared her refusal as she'd feared his earlier in the day.

She bit her lip, and Eiridan felt the strong dislike for Nassia shudder through her. "You think she's changed?" she asked, hesitant. "Because last time I saw her, she hit on Eiridan, drooled over half the other male Magi, and called me names. Oh, and she called me a coward for not telling Eiridan how I felt. She insinuated that the only reason I wouldn't talk to him about it was that I knew he didn't really love me." She wrinkled her nose. "Your sister needs a lot of help in the behavior department."

"That's why I'm asking you, Jae. She needs someone like you to set her straight, and she needs someone to look up to. All her life, she's seen love as a fickle thing. Even with her sheltered childhood, she could tell that my parents didn't really love each other. She's never seen any true fidelity or love in any relationship, and I think you'll be a good role model. You and Eiridan can be the older role models she needs to steady her out. All I'm asking is that you try."

Sucking in a breath, Jaeyria nodded. "I'll try, but no promises."

Kyren smiled brightly, the most enthusiasm he'd shown in the last two or three days since his wife's death. Maybe he fooled the others with his buoyant façade and kind demeanor, but Eiridan saw straight through his friend. Kyren was hurting badly, and he was pulling it all inside, trying to be strong so that he wouldn't have to see Castre fall to pieces the same way his personal life fell apart. He needed help now from Eiridan even if he wouldn't admit to his need.

Jaeyria stood. "I'll go see if I can find her now."

Eiridan shot her a grateful smile, and she smiled back before she left the room. His gaze lingered on the smooth cherry finish of the doors and moved on to the wine-red curtains covering the windows. Sunlight filtered through the clear glass, which was a rarity here that few could afford. In fact, Eiridan had only seen it once or twice in his life, and one of those times was when he'd visited Komesen. His eyes shifted, meandering to the rug on the floor, which was in an old oriental style. A last remnant of the old world and another time, he reflected. Finally, he planted his gaze on Kyren, who had moved to a couch and laid down, massaging his temples.

"You want to talk about what happened?" Eiridan asked, sensing the other man's need for an outlet.

"When we killed Vaxon? Or in the day or two before you woke up and proceeded to break your arm by falling from a horse?" Kyren tried to banter, but his tone was weary, and the dark currents of grief undercut the attempt.

"No. I want to know if you'd like to tell me about her. Ashyra... How she died." He picked up the wicker chair and moved it to Kyren's side of the room so that he could be closer to his friend.

Kyren shifted so that his head was resting on the arm of the wicker couch. Wincing, he put a spare pillow behind his head to cushion it. Sighing, he mumbled, "I don't know... It's like... It's like I can't accept she's gone, you know? I keep thinking that she'll be there when I wake up. Or that, maybe, she'll be nursing Rya." He threw an arm over his eyes. "Heavens above... I never thought... I never, ever thought that I'd lose her." His voice hitched, and when he pulled his arm away, Eiridan saw tears in Kyren's eyes.

"I know, Kyren... I know," he whispered, feeling how inadequate the words were. After that, he stayed quiet, letting Kyren decide if he wanted to keep talking. Even if he didn't, Eiridan wasn't going to ruin things by speaking. He'd found that, when confronted with loss and death, words could never be enough, and he tried not to fill the void with meaningless nonsense.

"Does it make me weak for still hurting over her?" Kyren whispered, closing his eyes as a tear slipped down his cheek. "Does it make me a fool for loving her in the first place? Or maybe I'm a failure because I couldn't stop my father from murdering my wife and son?"

Eiridan laid a hand on Kyren's shoulder with a quiet shake of his head. "Stop, Kyren. You're none of those things. And you're only a failure if you give up. You still have Rya, so be grateful for her. Let go of the pain you associate with Ashyra's death and just know she's in a better place. Hold her in your heart along with your son and cherish them forever, but don't wallow in the grief."

Kyren took a deep breath, exhaling wearily a moment later. He sat up, smiling weakly. "Thank you for listening. I don't think I've ever thanked you, but I'm very grateful to you for being my friend when no one else would be. And for continuing to come after me even when I wanted to kill you for being so annoyingly persistent about the matter."

Eiridan laughed. "What are friends for, Kyren?"

"Doing stupid things that are likely to get them killed?" he suggested with a smirk that was faintly reminiscent of his prior self.

"Only if those things will help a friend in the long run," Eiridan teased back. "But in general, they're there to help you up when you fall down."

"After they stop laughing, of course," Kyren muttered, shaking his head.

"I didn't laugh at you!" Eiridan protested, grinning.

Kyren raised a brow.

"Okay, fine. On occasion, your suffering was funny. But only when it didn't involve any real physical, emotional, or mental harm."

"Because you're definitely too nice to laugh about other people's pain in those cases," Kyren groused, but he had a twinkle in his eyes that indicated he'd pushed away the pain again and was moving on.

"I didn't laugh at you for crying a few minutes ago," Eiridan pointed out.

"No, but you're rubbing it in now."

"Am not!"

"Are too!" Kyren shot back, getting up and heading for the door.

Eiridan rolled his eyes. "Well, good day to you too," he grumbled.

Kyren laughed and turned back to look at him. "See you at lunch. In the meantime, start getting to know the nobles, would you?"

Shrugging, Eiridan said, "Sure, why not? All work and no play."

"What are you going to do with that arm besides work?" Kyren challenged. "You can't move it beyond the minimal necessary to dress or change the sling and dressings. So what did you have in mind that would be more enjoyable than talking to a bunch of nobles?"

"Anything. A book... A nice walk... Spending time with my lovely wife."

Kyren wrinkled his nose. "Now you really are rubbing things in... Remember, it's a package deal. She's with Nassia right now, so spending time with her means dealing with my sister."

"And that's certainly worse than dealing with a bunch of nobles."

He raised a brow, leaning on the door. "You deny it?"

"Well... No." Eiridan shrugged with an embarrassed smile as he rubbed the back of his neck. "She is a little... overbearing."

"To be nice," Kyren agreed.

***

"So... You're the recently titled one Kyren's always talking about?" one of the nobles asked.

Eiridan looked at Kyren with a raised brow as he sipped his grape juice. "Ah... Yes? I wasn't aware he'd been talking about me."

"All good things, I assure you," another man jumped in with a laugh. "To listen to him talk, you're practically angelic."

"Am I now?" He shot Kyren another pointed look.

What's your problem now, Eiridan? Kyren teased.

You know what! We're supposed to be taking the old order apart, and you told them that you made me a noble! What part of that seemed smart to you? Eiridan asked with an internal sigh.

You needed some extra rapport with them, and this was my way of helping you out. Maybe you should thank me? Kyren smirked, lifting his glass in a toast from his position in the middle of a group of admirers. Everyone turned to look at him, wondering what he had to do with the King.

Eiridan rolled his eyes. Thank you so much, Majesty.

Kyren glowered at him and turned back to the group of besotted women.

"He's got practically all the women now that his servant girl wife passed away," a man with hard eyes and a frown groused.

"So? Keeps those harpies from digging their claws into us, Milton."

"Some of us actually want to get married, Chase. So speak for yourself."

"Ignore him..." Chase huffed, raising a glass. "He's just grouchy because his wife passed on, and he's a bear that no woman wants to marry. I think maybe he's getting a bit frustrated with it, if you know what I mean... No heir. No kids at all, in fact, and I think he..."

"Chase!" Milton snapped. "Shut your mouth. You're not a gossiping old biddy, so don't act like it."

Chase rolled his eyes and took Eiridan's arm, leading him to another group. "Have fun with your friends, Milton... Wait, you have none!" he shot back.

Eiridan cleared his throat. "Was that truly necessary?"

"Of course. Milton's always acting all high and mighty. He's one of the old, stuffy sorts. Someone's got to bring him down to size, and heaven knows that no one else cares enough to do it. I'm just about the only one who has anything to do with him, and I'm probably the only friend the pompous geezer has." Chase dragged him to the edge of the ballroom floor. "Now, why don't we find some ladies to dance with... Oh, and care to introduce yourself?"

"I was under the impression that Ky— I mean, I thought King Kyren had spoken of me. How is it you don't know my name?"

"Oh, you can dispense with those formalities with me. Kyren and I have known each other for years, and he's not real fond of titles. Change is coming to Castre, you know, and soon we won't be ruled by a King at all. Don't go telling Kyren that I said that. He's trying to keep it quiet, you know?" Chase whispered, rubbing the back of his head.

"I already know about it," Eiridan said, smiling at the energetic noble. Kyren, he thought. What name did you give them, and what title?

Now you want to know? Thought you were upset about it...

Just tell me, please. Before people find out that I have no idea what I'm supposed to be or what my station is.

Oh, calm down... You're Archduke of Criopolis. It's a country archduchy to the south of Elloyn. They'll address you by Criopolis or Archduke Criopolis rather than by your true last name. Happy?

I'm really not cut out for this! Eiridan sighed internally, conveying his trepidation to Kyren.

Kyren's laughter echoed over their link. You want to help me out here? I can't get rid of these women. And surprisingly, Lilja and Aelia are among the group of women I can't seem to get rid of.

"Umm... Chase?"

He looked away from the dance floor with a raised brow. "Yes?"

"You asked about the name? It's Criopolis."

"Oh! He gave you the Archduchy of Criopolis? That's a key section of land. Maybe it's country, but among other things, the Archduchy contains three of Castre's biggest sea ports, and much of Castre's most fertile land is there. Have you seen it yet?"

Eiridan shook his head. "I only recently learned that I'd been given a title, to be honest," Eiridan admitted.

Chase laughed and clapped him on the back. "You'll get used to that. Kyren's the least predictable chap I've ever known."

"Yes, I've noticed," Eiridan muttered. "By the way, if you're looking for women, Kyren's surrounded. And he keeps sending me frantic glances too. I think he wants help."

Chase clapped his hands together, nodding to a few other nobles who passed by. "Well, it'll be like old times then! Only it'll be a trio instead of a duo."

Eiridan blinked, confusion washing over him. He wrinkled his nose. "A trio?"

"Yes, we're going to work the crowd. See who's the best fit. Have a bit of fun. Peruse the girls... Steal a kiss or two in the garden when their chaperones aren't paying attention."

"Well... That sounds... delightful," Eiridan mumbled, casting about for a way out of the situation. Jaeyria's smile and slender figure came into view, and he smiled. "But I'm afraid I'm already taken, my friend."

Chase raised a brow. "Oh? Who's the beautiful young lady who managed to catch you?"

Eiridan laughed with a good-natured grin. "I'll introduce you, and then we'll go rescue Kyren. He just lost his wife, Chase. Have a bit of sympathy for a mutual friend. He doesn't know what to do with all the womanly attention."

Chase shook his head. "You've hit the mark with that one, friend."

Shrugging, Eiridan reached out and took Jaeyria's hand, drawing her toward him before she walked past and missed them in the crowd. Pressing a light kiss to her cheek, he said, "Jaeyria, this is..."

"Lord Chase Thornton. But you can just call me Chase, Archduchess."

Jaeyria's confusion swamped him, and he murmured in her ear, "Kyren made us nobles. Without informing me until now."

She smiled at Chase without much real enthusiasm. "Of course. It's wonderful to meet you. You can just call me Jaeyria. I'm not one for titles."

"Most of us have departed from that as well. Unless we're dealing with a situation that calls for it, we much prefer to abandon it. You are not alone, madam."

Jaeyria turned to him. "I should go and mingle. Unless you need me here..." Her voice was almost hopeful, and Eiridan laughed.

"No, I don't need you here. You can stay if you really wish to, though."

"No, no... I wouldn't want to be a useless weight. Besides, the women aren't really mingling with the men unless they're on the dance floor or courting. So I'll just go find the other matrons and married women." She drifted off reluctantly.

Chase rubbed his hands together. "You've got a delightful wife, Criopolis."

"Please, don't use my title. It's just Eiridan... Like my wife, I find the title a bit... uncomfortable." Eiridan glanced over at Kyren. "We really ought to help him out."

"Yes, we ought to!" Chase exclaimed with a boyish grin.

Without another word, he took off into the crowd, leaving Eiridan in his wake to figure how to best navigate the crush of nobles and servants.

I still can't believe that they chose to throw a party when so many people are starving and suffering, Eiridan mused with a sigh. It's such a waste of time and effort...

I did try to discourage them, Kyren butted in with a laugh.

Eiridan couldn't see him anymore, but he shook his head with an exasperated roll of his eyes. Kyren? Do me a favor?

Hmm?

Don't eavesdrop on private thoughts. What if I was thinking about something extremely private?

Like what? Kyren joked. You're an open book anyway.

Eiridan shook his head again, growing a bit impatient with the restricting crowd, which was making him feel claustrophobic and trapped. You really can be a jerk. And asinine too.

Ouch.

You deserved it...

Yup.

He felt Kyren withdraw from his mind as he stumbled through the fringes of the crowd and into the group of young women vying for Kyren's attention. They stood around him, chattering and waving their fans with flirtatious smiles and lowered gazes. A few looked unsure and shy, which, in Eiridan's opinion, made them more attractive than the carefully crafted sexual appeal of the older girls and young women in the circle.

Among those who were unsure of themselves were Lilja and Aelia. Lilja didn't seem that interested in Kyren as she stood just outside the group and watched quietly. Aelia tried to give him a friendly face and conversationalist who didn't have marriage on their mind. Eiridan saw through it though; she was trying harder than she should, and her aura tinged with pink every time that Kyren looked at her. Beyond that, her cheeks went a pretty shade of pink when he made an idle comment about the way her dress complimented her eyes.

Eiridan narrowed his eyes. Kyren didn't seem too distressed by the attention. He clearly didn't like the majority of the women in the circle; Eiridan didn't blame him there. However, he showed some partiality to Aelia as she brought her own humble, sweet touch to the conversation.

"Do you... Do you want to go for a walk in the gardens, Sire?" Aelia finally asked softly. "I wanted to ask you something," she added when he looked at her strangely.

Eiridan sent Kyren a look. Someone's interested in you, my friend... She's a nice girl though. Always generous and trying to help. She'd be good for Rya and you.

I'm not replacing Ashyra.

No one's asking you to. There's room for more than one person in our hearts though, Kyren.

He wrinkled his nose at Eiridan, knowing that he'd pick up the imperceptible micro expressions that would hint Kyren's annoyance. If Jaeyria died, would you remarry?

Uh... I don't know...

My point exactly. I don't know either.

No one said you couldn't give it a shot.

"Sire?" Aelia murmured again, wilting under the annoyed glares and acidic stares from the other women.

Kyren shot them all irritated looks and then turned a bright smile on Aelia. "It sounds like a wonderful idea, Lady Aelia."

She blushed prettily and smiled back.

The other women huffed and flounced off, but not without casting Aelia warning and angered glances. They'd hoped to be the next Queen Asherex, and Eiridan had to smile at that because they couldn't be more wrong. Kyren wasn't looking for a Queen or a wife, but he needed a wife, not a Queen. He needed a woman who wasn't looking for a position but liked him for who he was.

Aelia had been growing more and more attached to Kyren since Vaxon's defeat, and he'd seen how she loved little Rya. Any chance she got, Aelia was hanging out with the single father and his cute baby girl. She adored the baby, and she did everything she could to make her happy. Eiridan liked to see Aelia opening up to someone again too. She'd been starting to shut herself off a bit too much for comfort as she lost loved one after loved one.

Really, he thought that Aelia and Kyren were great together. Kyren needed a woman who would support him when it counted and stand up to him when necessary. His daughter needed a kind woman to act as a mother since her own had passed. And they both needed someone to lavish devotion on them. Maybe he was wrong, but Aelia could be the right one for that. Beyond that, she was a Magi as well, and therefore she understood what Kyren dealt with in that aspect of life. She'd be able to train Rya too if the little one manifested the power of the Magi as well.

You could be right, Kyren mumbled in his head. But don't take that as encouragement to do your magic and put the two of us together.

I wouldn't dare! Eiridan scoffed, then added, And I told you to stay out of my private thoughts.

I did. You were practically throwing that train of thought at me. So I thought I'd do us both a favor and answer.

Fine, fine... Answer me something, though, Kyren. And do so honestly. Do you like spending time with her? Ignore, just for a moment, the whole idea of getting married... Do you think she's someone you want in your life and your daughter's life?

Kyren didn't respond for a moment. But when he did, his tone was final. Yes.

Then you'd better think long and hard about whether or not you want her to be just a friend or something more. If she's not the right one for you, that's fine. But don't rule the idea out just because you're still mourning. Aelia understands that; I know she does. She won't push you to let go of your wife regardless of how she feels. And if you're never able to move past it to marry again, I think she'll still understand and be there for you. It's just who she is.

That remains to be seen.

Just promise to consider it, Kyren.

Another long pause. Then, alright, fine... I'll consider it. But that's all I'm promising!

It's all I'm asking, Eiridan replied with a slight smile. Have fun.

Whatever.

***

Eiridan stared at the ruins of their old home. While they hadn't lived in Odera for more than ten years, the shock still hit them hard. Both of them had spent at least a few years here, and despite the way they'd both been a bit withdrawn and lonely, they'd viewed it as home more than they thought.

The trees were flattened. Boards and planking lay scattered about on the forest floor. Blackened dirt stretched for as far as they could see, and few trees were left standing. All foliage had been stripped from even those, and they were a lonely testament to the civilization that once stood.

In the few places that hadn't burned, they could see the remains of huts that had burned and scorch marks on trees or the ground where people had fought the fire successfully. In the treetops of the little stretch of forest that had survived, the grand civilization of Odera was a frail shadow of its former glory. The huts had been ripped apart by some unknown force. Treetop walkways had been torn from their moorings and hung from the trees like sad, tattered drapery in a ruined drawing room.

Ashes dusted everything, and dried leaves covered the ground just past a ditch, which had long since dried out. From the ditch onward, the ground was ruined and coated in ashes, bones, and melted, twisted orifices of culture.

"What h-happened here?" Jaeyria whispered, stepping forward with a dazed stare. Her lower lip wobbled, and her brows drew together in sadness as the corners of her mouth drew down. Surprise had flashed through her for a half second, but the anguish replaced it quickly. Now she rubbed her fingers against her forehead on one side, staring at the destruction. Her shoulders hunched, and she ducked her head, staring at the ground then.

Eiridan stepped forward. "Hey, don't blame yourself."

"How... How did you..." She looked up, eyes widening, and her lips parted a bit.

"Your aura. And you're also displaying the classic signs of shame. Hunched shoulders. Avoiding eye contact. I could go on. But I'm telling you that you can't blame yourself for this, Jae." He laid his uninjured hand on her shoulder.

She shook her head, climbing over piles of wreckage and crunching through the charred remains of Odera. Breaking into a run, she headed for the section of the forest that was mostly untouched by the damage from the fire.

Eiridan followed, wondering what she was doing. Perhaps she was going to see if her house still stood? But why would it? She'd told him it was destroyed during her ill-fated magic trick. There wasn't much left if she'd told him the truth, and he saw no reason for her to lie about that.

Sure enough, she ran into a small clearing where the grass was still untouched. Around the edges of the clearing, the grass was brown from the heat, but further in, it was lush and verdant. No sign of her old house still stood, but two grave markers stood in the center. The stones were unmarked, and vines grew over the surface. She stopped, dropping to her knees in front of the headstones.

Her sadness swept over him as they stared at the graves. "They buried them here by the home they loved," she whispered. "I'm glad they did..."

Eiridan sat beside her, providing quiet support. "You never came back?"

She shook her head. "They didn't want me here after what happened, and I couldn't stand it." Sucking in a breath, she shook her head. "But I'm glad I got to see it today."

He squeezed her shoulder. "I think they'd be glad that you did," he murmured.

She sighed with a shrug. "Maybe... Maybe not. It doesn't really matter anymore, does it?"

"Guess not," Eiridan admitted.

They sat in silence, staring at the graves. Pain radiated through the atmosphere, and they provided each other with the quiet, solid support each needed.

***

"What's it like out there?" Kyren asked. "You went to see what happened to Odera, right?"

"Yeah," Eiridan muttered. His throat felt tight and constricted as he stared at the wood flooring in Kyren's private chambers.

"That bad?" Kyren winced. "Guess I'm not surprised by that. So... Is anything left? I know most of the rebels came from there, Hallowes, or Demarke. Vaxon would've hit those places hardest and first."

Eiridan rubbed his temples. "We spent hours out there looking at all the major cities. Most are completely destroyed. A few areas still stand, but very little forest is left. Everything's in a state of ruin."

"What about Hallowes?" Kyren inquired. "We need the farmland, or we'll grow low on food."

"It's weathered the attacks. Vaxon didn't destroy everything there, but villages have been wiped out. The people were hostile and untrusting, which is hardly surprising. I suspect they'd rally around your cause too." He stared down at the wine in his glass, swirling it about with a weary sigh. "If they don't, we're going to be in trouble."

Kyren nodded, staring at his own glass of whisky in reflective silence. With a huff, he got up and tossed back the little bit of whisky he had left. Then he went to the liquor cabinet and pulled out some herbal tea. Eiridan almost laughed at the anomaly despite the seriousness of the situation. The fact that Kyren kept herbal teas with his whisky and brandy was a bit amusing.

"Maybe mixing herbs and alcohol isn't that bright?" Eiridan suggested, raising a brow when Kyren turned back to him.

"Who cares?" Kyren muttered, sitting back down and sipping at the lukewarm beverage. "Would you rather I drink?"

Eiridan shook his head. "Not particularly."

"Then shut up." Kyren raised his glass in a toast. "And let me drink my healthy beverage in peace."

Rolling his eyes, Eiridan leaned back against the comfortable cushioned back of the sofa and propped his feet on a footstool. Still slowly swirling his wine in the glass, he looked at the room quietly.

"Like what you see?" Kyren asked.

Eiridan wrinkled his nose. The drapes were dark grey, and they looked almost washed out against the rich cherry tones of the flooring. The same drab theme adorned the rest of the room, and the furniture matched the floor. Someone had chosen to panel the wall with stained cherry wood planks to cover the original stone. A pretentious chandelier hung from the ceiling, its glass trinkets tinkling as the candles guttered and spat, just barely managing to light the room.

"Didn't think so. It's my mother's handiwork. Not the best designer, really."

"Well, it could be worse," Eiridan muttered, unconvinced. He supposed the drapes could've been a horrific, bumble-bee shade of yellow. That certainly would've been worse. It was all in your perspective, he thought.

"Don't see how, but whatever." Kyren stared into the dark depths of his glass and leaned back.

Eiridan relaxed against the light grey cushions, resting his arm, which was out of its sling for a bit, on the pillows. Tiny shockwaves of pain rippled through his arm when he did so. "So..." he said, staring at his wine, which was nearly the same shade of cherry as the rest of the room.

"So?" Kyren drew the word out with a smirk.

"Well, what did Aelia want to discuss?"

"Kind of nosy, aren't you?" Kyren asked with a raised brow. "And anyway, we talked nearly two days ago tonight, so why ask me now?"

"Only because I care. And I waited because I was being nice and giving you time to sort yourself out."

"Sort myself out?" Kyren echoed with a laugh. "When have I ever sorted myself out? Sorted myself out... Man, that's a good one."

"Well, I'm sure you have at some point," Eiridan said mildly.

"Just not recently when you've known me, right?"

"I never said that!" he protested, giving Kyren a censoring look.

"You implied it."

"Oh, would you quit deflecting? Just answer the question straight, Kyren." Eiridan sighed.

"Fine. She wanted to make sure she was actually offering me the most help by working with Eriswen. She also wanted to tell me how happy she is to get to spend time with Rya. Beyond that, she practically begged me to let her be Rya's full-time nanny."

"Really?" Eiridan frowned. "That's interesting..."

"No, not really, blockhead!" Kyren rolled his eyes with a laugh. "You read auras, so how come you can't tell when I'm lying?"

"Other emotions override the deceit in your aura. Emotions like contentment and interest, two emotions which, I'm sure, have less to do with me and more to do with a certain someone."

Kyren blinked then sipped his tea. Staring at a spot above Eiridan's head for a long moment, he stayed quiet. Finally, he mumbled, "Maybe."

Eiridan grinned. "I was right!"

"No one said that."

"Actually," Eiridan started. "I said..."

"Save it."

"Okay, but Kyren, she does really adore Rya. And she likes being around you."

"Nonsense. Why would anyone like being around me? I tried to kill her in the arena too, remember. She ought to run for the hills at the first opportunity instead of hanging around and being so nice." Kyren sighed, rubbing his temple as he set his tumbler down. "She reminds me so much of Ashyra sometimes. Kind. Generous. Loves spending time with Rya. She sings Rya the same lullabies that Ashyra sang when I couldn't get one of the little ones to sleep for naptime. They've got the same laugh too... And the same way of giving it to you straight. Ashyra always looked at things realistically with just the right dose of optimism. Aelia's the same way. It hurts so bad sometimes," Kyren whispered. "And I feel guilty too..."

Eiridan felt the weight of Kyren's guilt pressing against his chest as Kyren spoke, but he stayed quiet and let Kyren vent instead.

"I feel as though I'm dishonoring Ashyra's memory or somehow breaking faith with her by enjoying my time with Aelia like I do. I feel like it's too soon. I mean, Ashyra died a week ago. A week ago, minus one or two days. How can I just move on and let go like this? On the one hand, I want to stop hurting and be happy again. On the other, I never want to let go of her even a little bit, regardless of what kind of pain it causes.

"But when I see how happy Rya is around her, and I think about how Aelia's insisted on being there for me since we met up again in camp, I can't help but want to see if maybe I can be happy again with someone else. Start a family with someone who can love me here and now. Someone that's, maybe, like Aelia. Yet I always pull back because the idea hurts. It hurts to remember her, but it hurts more to think about letting go and moving on..." He ran his fingers through his hair with a ragged sigh. "It's so frustrating."

"It hurts me to remember my mother. Whenever I think about her, my chest gets all tight, and I feel like I can't breathe. It's as though I'm being sat on by a horse or something. When I'm sad, I have Jaeyria to help support me emotionally. Aelia could be there for you in the same way. She'll never replace Ashyra, and she doesn't want to. But she can be just as important to you as Ashyra was. Think about it this way, Kyren. You loved your son when he was born. Did you love Rya less when Ashyra gave birth to her?"

Kyren bit his lip. "Well, no..."

"You made equal space for them both in your heart. You can do the same thing with Aelia and Ashyra. Ashyra would want you to be happy. She wasn't the kind of woman who would begrudge you happiness and a new marriage if that would make you happy. And I don't think she'd disapprove of Aelia either."

"Maybe not."

"So I say you let Aelia in even if it's just as a friend. Let her provide the support you need." Eiridan leaned forward, resting his good arm on his knee. "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how good it feels to let her take care of and look up to you."

Kyren made a face, but his eyes twinkled with returned good humor. "But, Eiridan... Why would I need Aelia when I've got you to give me these extremely uplifting pep talks?"

Eiridan rolled his eyes. "Go to bed, Kyren." With that, he got up and headed back to his own chambers just down the hall.

***

"So Kyren sent you to negotiate with us?" The farmer leaned against the side of his barn. "That's a laugh. You're just a boy, and you're too big-hearted for your own good."

Eiridan smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah... I get that a lot. But he asked me because he thought I'd be the easiest one to work with."

"Really?"

"Yes. Probably because he knew everyone sees me as too big-hearted for my own good," Eiridan said. "But that could just be me projecting on the situation. Either way, I'm here. Kyren wants to work with your individual rebel units. He's extending official pardons if you're willing to help out."

"Help out with what?" the farmer asked. "Setting him up as the next dictator?"

"No. He wants to institute a system like Syrodon has. But to do that, he needs the support of as many people as he can get. Some of the nobles won't like it, and he needs to have enough man power to neutralize the problems they represent."

"You mean to say that any of them are keen on the idea?" Motioning to one of his men, the farmer said, "Look, you're going to have to talk to all the leaders, not just me. I can only make the call for the group under my control. We work with other rebel groups on occasion, but we're independent. Otherwise, we would be with the group that Kyren and Jahad led. We're independent because we don't want to see another king on the throne."

"And Kyren understands that," Eiridan placated. "He understands what a mess this has become, and he's trying to alleviate the pressure. For now, that means he has to take control and lead like the King most expect him to be. However, he asked me to come to you because he doesn't want to follow in his ancestors' footsteps. He wants a new system. Otherwise, he wouldn't bother with you because he knows you don't want another king."

The man laughed. "You talk a good talk, boy. We'll see. Tell Kyren to talk to the leaders himself. Maybe if we think he's sincere, we'll help out. But not until then. Got that?"

"Yes," Eiridan said, bowing his head. "I'll talk to him about it. Thank you for your time."

***

Eiridan groaned and threw his good arm over his eyes when Jaeyria threw open their shades, letting the light filter in through the open window. "Ugh..." he grumbled. "Why are you getting up at this ungodly hour of the morning?"

Jaeyria leaned over him, kissing the tip of his nose with a smile. "It's noon, Eiridan. Not an ungodly hour. We're going out calling."

"We're doing what?" Eiridan mumbled, rolling over so that he could sleep a little longer.

"Going calling... It's a noble's tradition. You go to another noble's house at specified hours and visit with them. Then you might go have tea or dinner with someone else and go out to a play after with yet another person. Wonderful for helping us socialize, really."

Eiridan sighed, pulling a pillow over his head. He wasn't a morning person, and he'd been up late talking to Kyren last night. He didn't want anything to do with calling right now. If it required him to get up, it sounded like a bad idea.

"You'd be a lot more keen on this if I'd suggested breakfast or lounging around in bed all day, wouldn't you?" Jaeyria huffed, coming around to sit beside him on the bed.

"Depends. Do I have to get out of bed or wake up to eat?" he asked, his voice muffled by the pillow.

"Well, you at least have to wake up. Anyway, I already told Lady Agatha we'd meet her for tea at one. And we're to have dinner with Duchess Corinlane and her husband at five. In between two and five, we should be meeting a few other nobles and visiting. Duke Fairgraves' wife, Lydia, wanted us to visit them around two thirty. They have open visiting hours for the women, but Fairgraves expressed a desire to talk to you, actually."

"In other words, I can't stay here all day and sleep," Eiridan muttered, forcing himself to sit up. Rubbing his eyes, he stifled a groan at the stiff pain in his injured arm.

Jaeyria took his hand in hers in concern. "How is that feeling?"

"More mobile than yesterday?" He'd intended to make it a statement, but his voice hitched uncertainly. Gently tugging his hand out of her grasp, he tried to move the arm a bit, but that just sent blazing pain up it. It was, however, better than yesterday. His theory was that, as his magic recuperated from casting Consumption, his arm was healing slowly. Unfortunately, it kept his magic reserves at the lowest point he could safely hazard and live. It was something of a disadvantage.

"Sure it is. Quit moving it around, Eiridan. You're a healer. Out of all people, you should know how bad it is to move a broken arm around like that. Let me help you redress it and put the sling on."

Eiridan yawned and sent her a lazy smile. "You sure? We could just spend the day in bed. It'd be a lot better, and I wouldn't need to wear the sling."

She got off the bed quickly, blushing. Putting her hands on her hips, she said, "Eiridan Stormblessed, get out of bed. We're not spending our day cavorting around in here."

He grinned as she turned away and mumbled very quietly, "Even if it would be a lot more enjoyable than calling."

Just to tease her further, he said, "Get your mind out of the ditch. I said we'd spend the day in bed. I never said we'd be doing anything. I've got a broken arm, remember."

He was rewarded with an even fiercer blush as she realized that they hadn't been thinking the same thing at all. "Umm... Yes, well... Here!" She thrust a clean shirt and pile of bandages at him, biting her lip.

"You're not going to help me get dressed?" he asked.

"No." She backed up. "We both know that's not a good idea right now."

"Scared?" His smile became indolent, and his eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Of course not. But we have duties, and Kyren wants us to work with the nobles," she mumbled, running her thumb over the back of her hand repeatedly as she spoke.

Eiridan laughed. "Keep telling yourself that. I'll be ready to go calling in a half-hour, okay? Could take me some time to get this redressed, and dressing is a bit of a hassle with the fancy clothes we're supposed to wear." He scanned her emerald green gown with a grin. "You look nice though. The dress makes you look lovely."

She narrowed her eyes at him as he stood up and came closer. Pressing her back to the wooden door, she looked up at him with flushed cheeks. "That's... Thank you..."

"It really accents your slender figure," he continued.

The blush deepened, creeping over her nose. "Umm... Well... Eiridan? We need to be getting ready to leave. Not fooling around."

He wrapped his un-fractured arm around her waist and gave her a quick kiss, which elicited a squeak of surprise from her. Satisfied, he pulled away and began changing the wrappings on his broken arm. "I'm getting ready to leave. But it'd go faster if you helped."

She cleared her throat. "I guess I could help, but you'd better behave. We need to finish up here, or we'll be late."

***

"So... How'd it go with the rebel groups?" Kyren asked, falling into step with Eiridan as he headed for the carriage house.

"Umm... Well?"

"Hmm... You don't sound sure," Kyren noted.

"Okay, fine. They want to talk to you. In person. If you don't convince them of your sincerity yourself, all bets are off. They won't help at all unless they meet you, though. So maybe we should set up a meeting?"

"You told them that I was willing to pardon them if they'd help us in our goal?"

Eiridan nodded.

"And they weren't responsive to this?"

"Well, they sort of were... The leaders seemed to like the idea, but none of them would support your cause without further proof of your sincerity. Their words were, and I quote: 'You're a big-hearted, naïve kid. Kyren's smart; he could fool you any day, and you'd go along with it because you always believe the best about people.'" Eiridan wrinkled his nose.

"They've sort of hit a nerve with that one, haven't they?" Kyren raised a brow.

"A little... If I didn't think you were serious about this, I wouldn't be out there touting the cause."

"Ah, but their point is that you would believe me even if I was lying to you simply because you believe the best of me and nearly everyone else. Up until the end, you even thought you could still save Vaxon."

"I suppose they have a point," Eiridan muttered, rubbing his forehead. "But you are serious..."

"Yes. They just don't know that. Which is why I'm going to do as you've suggested and meet with them. Now you go have fun calling with your wife. I'll talk to you later." Kyren clapped him on the back and walked off, leaving Eiridan to himself.

"Guess he could be right about me being a bit naïve," Eiridan mumbled, shaking his head. Then again... I've got bigger things to worry about right now.

***

"It was so good of you to come today," Lady Agatha said, taking Jaeyria's hands in hers. "And that emerald gown of yours is simply stunning. Where did you get it?"

"Oh, one of the seamstresses at the castle created it for me. She did a wonderful job."

Lady Agatha nodded, casting an admiring glance on it. "Yes, she certainly did. Archduke Criopolis, it's an honor to have you and your wife for tea. My husband will be in from his afternoon ride in a moment. Won't you both come into the parlor while we wait?" She ushered them in, dismissing the maid at the same time.

They followed with genial smiles and polite thanks to Lady Agatha.

As promised, her husband showed up only a few moments later. He led the way into the dining room, which was a grand affair with gilded furniture of oak and wine curtains that went beautifully with the cream wallpaper. It showed taste and elegance as well as good fortune since the windows were glass.

"I'm glad that you could come today, Archduke Criopolis," Lord Havinshire said.

"Please, it's just Eiridan. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Havinshire." He took Havinshire's proffered hand and shook it firmly.

"Well, Eiridan, since we're to be on such familiar terms, you can call me Percy. I'm sure you've noticed that many of the younger nobles are moving away from using titles. My generation isn't much for that foolishness, especially among equals. We've seen the suffering under Vaxon, and we've no desire to be yet another generation that upholds such tyranny."

"So you would be amicable to a change that, potentially, gave lower ranking people a say in government?" Eiridan asked carefully.

"If you mean a democracy like nearby Syrodon, then yes. Several of the major names in the noble circles have been pushing for that kind of change, and I back it whole-heartedly. I think most of us do at this point. Really, we just want to retain our family lands and earnings so that we can continue doing as we have in the past. At this point, most of us are little more than wealthy merchants and land-owners rather than nobles. Our involvement in court has been stripped away for the most part due to Vaxon's dictatorship."

"I presume that has annoyed some?"

"Some, but most are content to care for their own land, pay taxes, and live as they will. The older generations are a bit more entrenched, but even they have come to see that our system is broken over the years."

The women were conversing quietly as the men talked, and tea passed far quicker than Eiridan had thought it would. By the time they were done, Lord Havinshire agreed whole-heartedly to support Kyren's plans and a democracy by the people, assuming, of course, that the nobles still had some say in the government. Eiridan was quick to assure him that the nobles would have an equal say in the government just as the common folk would.

Satisfied, Lord Havinshire pledged his support to the movement and saw them off with smiles and affection.

***

The conversation went similarly at Duke Fairgraves'. They sat in the library while the women mingled in the drawing room. This time, Fairgraves had two friends over as well, and the four men sat together in the library, discussing Castre's current condition over whisky and wine.

Eiridan barely touched his wine. He wasn't particularly fond of drinking, though he did so on occasion. Water was his preferred drink when it was clean and available. He also needed to keep his head clear in order to facilitate help from these men.

"So, what do you think, Criopolis?" Duke Fairgraves asked. "Rumors are circulating about a movement to change our way of running things. As a new member of our ranks, how do you feel about this?"

"Well," Eiridan said slowly. "I feel that our current system is quite broken. After all, it allowed a man like Vaxon to take over and destroy our economy. I'm certain that you've all felt the pressure on your purses due to his poor policies."

"That we have! As landowners and merchants, we've seen how badly the market's done, and it's weighed heavily on all of us, even those who are extremely rich," a man with carefully waxed hair and blue eyes said.

The third man, who was quieter and of a mild disposition, tossed back the rest of his whisky as he nodded. "I would venture to agree with Colton in this matter, Henrique. We've all seen how much trouble our system has caused."

Lord Fairgraves shrugged amicably. "I suppose you all have a point. And I allow that the system has caused issues, Kane. I just don't know if I think that implementing Syrodon's system would be best."

"I've traveled there extensively," Kane said. "And the system works very well. There's opportunity for anyone who is a landowner to get ahead if they follow the rules, and the government is much better for a free market like we want to see here. It's really the perfect blend of power and freedom there. Their country isn't all that different from us either. Similar people. Similar history, too, in fact." He lapsed back into silence.

Fairgraves nodded. "Well, I'll take your word on that matter then, Kane. I know little of Syrodon, but I have heard that the system's done wonders for their economy and country. Richest country in the area, actually."

Colton laughed. "Of course. The government doesn't stifle business or contain it to just a few. If the whole country works in contented tandem, you end up with a much richer country. That's why Corinlane supports it like he does. And I'd wager that our new friend, Criopolis, formed his opinion of the matter on the same basis. Am I right, Archduke?"

Eiridan nodded with a warm smile. "Yes, quite right."

"I suppose that, against such reasoning as you've brought forward, I have no ground for continuing to deny the benefits we'd see. But how do you propose that we go about changing things? Vaxon's son has taken over."

The three all looked to him.

He looked around the room, pursing his lips. "Is there a reason that everyone suddenly thinks I know something?" he wondered aloud.

"Yes," Colton said with a warm laugh. "It's no secret that you are good friends with the King. So would he be amicable to a change?"

"Well, I think perhaps he might... But you'd have to approach him about it yourselves, sirs. I'm not in the position to go speaking for him."

They nodded and moved on from the topic to other things.

***

"So, what do you know about this rumor circulating?" Archduke Canterbury inquired.

"Rumor?" Eiridan asked, frowning as they sat in the sitting room.

"That Kyren is trying to set up a democracy?"

"Where did you hear that?" Eiridan swallowed a sip of his water, praying that Canterbury wasn't going to be upset or try to hinder the plans.

The man was intense, calculating, and contrary to anything that hurt his wealth or station. It was unlikely that he'd support the cause. Fortunately, even if he didn't, Canterbury didn't command any men. He did have a lot of political wallop and many resources, but that could be neutralized with a little bit of work. At least, he hoped that would be the case.

"Here and there," Canterbury said with a smirk. "Plenty of people at court hear things and pass them on. Is it true?"

"I really can't speak for Kyren," Eiridan hedged. "If you want an answer, ask him. I'm new to the political scene, and so I don't see why you think I know what he's planning."

"He made you Archduke of Criopolis, Stormblessed. Kyren doesn't do things without a good reason and some measure of deep confidence in the people he involves. If he made you an Archduke, you know what he's up to. He wouldn't put an enemy in that position. Especially not when Criopolis has the most resources of all the Archduchies. Do you take me for a fool?"

"Certainly not," Eiridan mumbled. "I still can't speak for Kyren. Even if I know what he's up to — you're pressing your luck to assume that — I can't tell you. If you're interested, speak to him."

"If that's how you feel."

"Did you truly expect me to tell you straight, Canterbury? I'm no traitor, and I'm not a loose-mouthed gossip-monger either."

"Never said you were. But most at court are. I hardly know you, Stormblessed. Your wife is quite the calculating type, and naturally, I assumed you'd be similar. More interested in your own benefit than any cause?"

"You've misjudged. My wife is, as you say, calculating and very smart. However, we are as opposite as you can get. I prefer to be genuine, and I rarely, if ever, hide behind masks. Tricking people isn't in my nature. If you don't believe me, ask anyone who knows me or has seen my daily behavior. They'll corroborate, I'm sure."

"I'm not accusing you of anything, Stormblessed. My base-line was inaccurate for you; I acknowledge that fact. However, we clearly don't see eye to eye on Kyren's rumored policies. So do you want to tell me why you're here?"

"In all honesty?"

"Well, I'd rather you didn't lie to me," Canterbury said, smiling coldly. "Neither of us would be pleased with the outcome of that indiscretion."

"I'm not afraid of your threats, Canterbury. And in all honesty, I came for several reasons. First and foremost, I'm new to this whole business of being nobility. I hoped to learn some about it from other nobles around me who came from generations of nobility. Second, my wife dragged me out of bed to go calling, so I figured I'd best make a day of it if I had to go anyway. Finally, I came, as you already divined, to find out where you stood on political issues. In this time of unrest, knowing your neighbors' standing on major issues is a wise idea. Call it research if you will," Eiridan said, leaning back in his chair and sipping at his water as he watched Canterbury's lined face.

The older man grunted with a shake of his head. "You're an interesting one, Stormblessed. I might not agree in every realm of life with your view, but I respect you for sticking to your beliefs. Unfortunately, I won't be supporting you or Kyren in your misguided attempt to create a system like Syrodon's in Castre. You'll only destroy us. The people need a firm monarch and strong ruling class to keep them in line. No one wants another tyrant like Vaxon, and some aren't keen on Kyren as his successor. However, I have no problem with Kyren as King. I simply have an issue with his foolish notions of freedom and democracy. You can relay that message to him, and I'll speak to him when I next get the opportunity." Canterbury rubbed his forehead with a sigh. "I'd hate to see such a promising young man destroy the country he loves."

"It seems we'll just have to agree on disagreeing, then. Unfortunately, I can't agree with you on the belief that Kyren's making a mistake. But you can speak to him if you wish. See where he lies on the issue in actuality. Because most of this is hypothetical. You're assuming that the rumors of setting up a democracy are accurate. Without further confirmation, you may be fighting against nothing."

Canterbury shrugged. "Perhaps, but having spoken to you, I doubt it. Well, have a wonderful evening, Stormblessed. I'm sure we'll see more of each other in the future." The elderly man got up, leaning heavily on his cane. With a brisk nod, he led Eiridan to the front door where the women were waiting. That duty done, he turned and limped back to the sitting room without further comment.

***

Exhausted, Eiridan sank down onto the bed. Jaeyria gave him a concerned look and drifted over. Her nightgown fluttered gently in the warm breeze coming through their window. He noticed with a smile that she'd cut it and hemmed it so that it fell to barely mid-thigh. She never had liked the restrictive dresses that most women and girls favored. Nightgowns weren't much different to her.

Her blond hair had been released from its chignon and slid over her bare shoulders in silky waves. He tugged her onto his lap and toyed with a few of the soft strands. She breathed in deeply and let out a slow sigh when he kissed her gently.

"Do you ever miss the simplicity of life before Vaxon caught us all?" she asked, laying her head on his shoulder.

Eiridan thought about it as he rested his head on hers. "Well, sometimes, I guess. But you were so closed off then. And I don't miss that. I don't miss the constant ache that grew every time you pushed me away."

She looked up at him. "I wish I'd never put you through it all, Eiridan. I wish it hadn't taken a near death experience for me to admit how I felt."

"It's fine. You just needed time."

"It scares me sometimes, you know," she whispered. "The way you love me so much. The way I love you and how I feel about us terrifies me because I haven't felt this way or chosen to love someone like this in years. My parents were the only people I truly loved after my brother died. After he was gone, affection was... minimal... My father wasn't the most affectionate in the first place, and my mother withdrew. I learned that no one would be there when I needed to talk. So I just bottle everything up now, and it's normal. It's hard and sometimes scary to break out of that pattern. But I try because I know it hurts you when I don't let you in."

Eiridan kissed her again, letting his lips linger on hers for a few moments. "I don't ask anything else, Jae. And I'm not asking you to become someone else for me. But I love you, and I want to see you happy. When there's something bothering you, I want to help, and it hurts when I can't."

Smiling, she kissed him back. "I appreciate that more than you know."

He laughed. "Glad to hear that you do."

"How do you think we did with the nobles?" she asked after a moment.

"Hmm... Well, I think it went well. Most I talked to more or less agreed, and quite a few said they wanted me to help them get an audience with Kyren. They want in on the plan. There were a few dissenters, but they don't have any men under their command, and only one is a major noble or political leader. What about you?"

"The women are generally uninterested. They'll do whatever their husbands or fathers ask of them in this regard. They are, however, very receptive to new ideas, surprisingly."

"I suppose today was productive after all, then." Eiridan murmured, shifting so that he could lie down.

Jaeyria moved too, curling up against his warm side. Lazily, she traced invisible patterns onto his bare abdomen. He caught her hand, pressing a gentle kiss to her fingertips. "Don't tease," he mumbled. "It's not nice."

"I wasn't," she protested.

"Sure you weren't." He glanced over at her with a smile.

She leaned up and kissed him tenderly. "Go to sleep, Eiridan. You need your rest, and so do I. It's been a long day, and I don't envision the coming days to be any easier. There's a war coming if we're to set up a new order, and we'll need our strength."

Eiridan sighed sleepily and shifted onto his side to keep his injured arm from being under too much pressure. Jaeyria laid her head just beneath his, cuddling up against him. Content with that, he let her tug the covers over them and closed his eyes, drifting off into a dark, dreamless sleep.