We quickly reached the dais. A number of the Beefeaters statiohere looked at Princess Eleanor curiously, and from my experience I could tell that several of them were Chosen like us. There aren’t many Beefeaters, so I expect that they are just Chosen dressed as them. It’s not a bad pn to have extra hidden prote.

  “I’m taking these guests to see grandmother.” Eleanor said, her toill a touch bitter, though she was making an effort to present a cordial outlook.

  “Yeah, my grandmother will want to have a talk with them.” Prince Henry agreed, holding the hand of Melissa, who was still looking at me as though I was something filthy, giving the girls looks of sympathy. Behind us, we had drawn a lot of attention from the gathered Chosen and political figures, though holy, I expected that was mostly due to the girls, as I had to admit they looked outstanding in the beautiful white gowns.

  “They e forward.” The Queen said regally from the dais, and I could see she was us, her eyes still bright with curiosity, despite her advanced age. As we stepped onto the dais there was a buzz of versation from the guests, and as I widened my vision with aether, I could see Mary Stuart eyeing us coldly. Yes, she doesn’t seem to like us much, does she?

  Eleanor pulled the curtain behind us, obsg us from the public view. “Grandmother…” she said when that was done. “I… we have some guests from Japan.”

  “We know.” The Queen said, adopting the royal ‘we’ as she was now talking to us officially. “We and Shige are old acquaintances. His granddaughters have certainly grown up wonderfully. So, dear Eleanor, we are waiting for introdus.”

  “Oh, yes.” She said. “This is Akio Moonstone Oshiro. He’s… well, supposedly he’s the lead Gods’ Chosen in Japan, if he be believed.” Her tone was even, but I could hear the doubt. “These here…” she paused, shaking her head. “… are his fiancées, Motoko Tsumura, Natsumi Hori… and… well, I believe she goes by just Hyath.”

  “Why, aren’t you all adorable? We are most impressed.” The Queen said, looking like the kindly grandmother she was. “We know yrandfather well, Motoko.” The Queen tinued. “Sihe aftermath of the war, Japan and Great Britain have id aside their differences and worked together. We hope it will long tinue.”

  As Motoko bowed politely, the Queen tinued. “We did believe it was just yageme today though. To think we would have these others on dispy as well…”

  “I am hoo meet you.” Natsumi also bowed.

  “Well, aren’t you very polite? We expeo less from the well-raised daughters of nobility though. As for you…” she looked at Hyath, whose face was an expressionless mask. “We think you are not human. Are you a Japanese spirit, what we believe you would call a Yokai?”

  “Nooo.” Hyath shook her head. “I am a Fae. I am.” She insisted. “I serve Akio and all the mistresses. And I am mooost angry at the disrespect they have been shooown.” Her violet-eyed gre took in Princess Eleanor and Melissa.

  “I say, steady on. No need for that.” Prince Henry said, shielding his girlfriend from her gaze. “She’s just worried for you all.”

  “We do not need your worry.” Motoko decred proudly, and then her expression softened a little. “Again, I do thank you for your , but we could not be happier. Despite how it started, we chose this, and I am no child. I know my own mind and wishes.”

  “That’s right.” Natsumi agreed. “Your brother should agree…” she looked at Prince Henry and smiled. “When you take up arms, you bee a warriht? So at least give us the dignity of accepting that choice.”

  Henry looked a little defeated, but he agreed weakly.

  “We see. Perhaps there have been failures of diplomacy?” the Queen said softly, and I couldn’t hold back a ugh.

  “I should say so.” I managed. “We came here, not only as Japanese envoys, but as Chosen with information that directly s the safety of Princess Eleanor and your whole try, only to be met with s.” Really, I don’t like frontatio doesn’t be either side, but… just as when I made the resolve to not let Hinata be looked down on by nobility, I’ll be damned if I let Motoko, Natsumi and Hyath be mocked and ridiculed. Besides, while taking some insults in stride makes it look like I don’t even sider their opinions meaningful enough to upset me, which be sidered a power py, versely too much leniency makes me look weak. And here… I’m in a position of strength.

  “Yes, we have not heard all the details, but Shige was insistent that we hear you out. He pces a great deal of trust in you, Akio. We may call you that, right?”

  “Of course, your Majesty. In fact, I’m actually half-British myself, on my mother’s side, and I was born here. I lived here until I was a young boy, so I have great respect for the . That’s what makes it all the sadder when the Princess here tried to upset Motoko on her e debut. So I felt I had to make a statement.”

  “We see. Well, we were rather curious about your new ws.” The Queen nodded sagely, thinking, and I could see that she hadn’t lost any of her wisdom with age as her mind worked quickly. “Some of those we would do well to imitate, though the press here is far more… inquisitive, we might say… than those of Japan. So we fear it is impossible for now. A few, however…” she looked at the girls, a slight smile on her face.

  “It’s nht, grandmother.” The Princess decred stubbornly, unwilling to let it go. “They’re so young and impressionable. As for the bigamy…”

  “That’s right!” Melissa agreed. “Ba the USA, he’d be locked up!”

  “Really? Well, we think perhaps the Ameris should be wary of casting their first stones.” The Queen snorted. “We are not sure what Henry told you, my dear… too much, if we were a betting woman.” She snorted, and the Prince looked suitably chagrined, face flushed. “…but ood Ameri allies have been illegally abdug our citizens and putting them through cruel acts that are much more inhumahan be tenanced.” She looked at me then. “Shige said they tried to take you, and failed. Hehe reason ere able to uheir schemes. We are grateful, and proud that someone born on these shores is so resolute.” She praised me, and it felt good. This is the Queen of Great Britain! She’s one of the most famous people in the world…

  “Hold on a sed.” I let out a surge of wind element. Eleanor panicked, reag for a on that wasn’t at her side, but the Queen merely looked on, curious. As the Princess saw nothing dangerous happening, she paused, gring at me, her sapphire eyes hard.

  “What did you do?” she demanded.

  “Akio merely sealed ooour h wind element.” Hyath snorted. “If yooou panic at every little thing, I dooo not see why we need yooou. Mistress Shaeu and mistress Shirooo are true Princesses. Not like this ooone.” Her tone was withering, and Eleanor flinched, her face as red as Henry’s now, but with anger, not embarrassment.

  “Hyath, even though we have beeed with great disrespect, we should not return unkindness with unkindness. That is not our way.” Motoko said, and Hyath apologised, calming down. “I am sorry. But Hyath lives for Akio after he gave her a name and saved her from a cruel fate. To see him insulted, to see us insulted, it is more than she bear. Please do uand.”

  “I should have asked first.” I apologised. “But precautions are important. It was a simple elemental w, nothing you should be surprised by, Princess.”

  “I uand those.” She said softly, calming down. “Raidre and his selkie use water element.”

  “Good. Well, now we ’t be overheard… yes, your Majesty, the Ameris did try and take me. I’d been careless and indiscreet. I was fortuhat the meraries they hired to help them had principles, or it could have been much worse.” I expihe details of the atta the Shrine.

  “We find that most impressive.” The Queen said in the end. Melissa looked stunned by the revetions, and though she wao say that her fellow trymen wouldn’t do such a thing, in the end she shut her mouth, troubled.

  “No wohe Japanese have secured cessions from America retly.” The Queen chortled, pleased by the story. “We did sider why you were receiving boons beyond what was ary. But we are off the topic we were on. Granddaughter, we should not force others to to our ways. There are many tries that practice multiple marriage before these events. Including America. Yes, it is illegal, but sious sects do still permit it, and as long as they keep out of trouble, the State does not interfere. There are more than fifty tries worldwide that legally allow such marriages. We do not like to interfere with such matters. We are not Gods, nor tyrants.”

  “But, it’s demeaning to women!” Melissa insisted, only for Henry to surprise me by speaking up.

  “We settled this earlier, didn’t we, Mel, Ellie?” he said. “America’s one of the strictest tries worldwide on the subject, but here and in Japan, it’s perfectly legal, and marriages with a six or seven year age gap or with brides of their ages happen every day, and they’re no more likely to be abusive or end in divorce than any other marriage, right? Besides…” he looked at the girls with respect. “They’re right. We let people choose to fight and die and worse, kill otlefields youhahey themselves chose that path. Credit them with some free will. You’re always saying that girls are not dolls, Mel, but have free will and are every bit as intelligent and driven as men. So let them decide for themselves. They’re not fools. Just because some girls are exploited…” he paused, and realised what he was saying.

  The Queen looked downcast for a moment, before shrugging. “Well, we know, not everyone is as wise as they should be. But…” she addressed the three girls. “… you do all seem very ambitious and motivated.”

  “We have to fight for our dreams.” Motoko aowledged, perfectly at ease in this august pany. “As we have said, Princess Eleanor, you must be a kind person, to worry about us so. Natsumi and I, we are grateful” Natsumi nodded as well. “However, were you to visit Japan as an envoy, we would never show you such disrespect as we have suffered. An insult to Akio is not just spitting in our faces, but also Japan as a whole.”

  Before anyone could respond, she tinued, speaking for my women. “As agreed, we will take your phone number, and should we ever feel we are misled and ill-treated, we will surely reach out to you. I will even pass it to the others. But… such a time will never e.” She avowed firmly.

  “How you be sure?” Melissa pressed. “From what I tell, you are sheltered and ck experiehe sort of girl whose family would arrange a marriage for her due to politics isn’t going to be able to see through the lies of a ing older man.”

  “That might be true.” Motoko agreed. “We are raised specifically to be caged birds, beautiful, pliant and loyal. But Natsumi and I were never good at that.” She smiled. “We wao carry our swords, our spears and our bows, and live our best lives. Now we . As for being fooled…”

  “It’s impossible.” Natsumi said. “Even if you ighe fact that Akio is very easy to read, well, no, it’s totally impossible.”’

  “How you be sure?” Melissa pressed, and Natsumi looked at me for firmation. We had the wind barrier up, so I nodded.

  “We be sure because we are linked, bonded.” Natsumi said boldly. “Those who Akio loves and who love him, they are bound by the Lovers’ Link.”

  “Yes.” Hyath agreed. “It is the skill ooof mistress Shaeu, though it has ged greatly, sooo she says. It is truly wonderful.” Hyath giggled, clutg herself with her arms, which was a dangerously cute and alluring sight in the dress she wore now. “Hyath ooonly knew cold darkness and suffering. But nooow… I feel his looove. It is nooo lie, and those who say it is, I will destroooy!” I calmed her down by patting her head, and her smile turned from a malicious oo a bright one.

  “She speaks no lies. We are tied together by our hearts. Hearts do not lie. So we know.” Motoko paused. “In a way, it is a little sad, as it removes the o trust. But even so, we do trust Akio. He ged the w for us. We were his anyway, but he wanted us to fulfil all our dreams, for our families to be proud of us. So, reciate your worry, but hate your dession.” Motoko finished.

  “Just how many abilities do you have? Healing, a strengthening skill, now this…” princess Eleanor pined. “Wait, David, that idiot, he fought you…”

  “Water uhe bridge.” I said, shrugging. “Yes, he was stunningly rude, but he gave a genuine apology to me and the girls afterwards. Your apology cks heart, Princess. You still don’t believe in us.” I observed shrewdly.

  “Eleanor, we know you have strong moral character. That is good. You care for all around you, even those who are not our subjects. But you are also the face of Britai es to matters of the Gods’ Chosen. You speak with our voice, and we are represented by your words. Do you believe you have represented us well with this guest?”

  “No, but at least I didn’t go so far as to e to blows, grandmother…” she ma st.

  “Excuses don’t bee you, Eleanor. od’s Choseen reckless and hot-headed, arust you will have words with him ter regarding this matter. But you have the responsibility to act with dignity at all times. We are a little disappointed in you, Granddaughter.” The Queeood, and actually bowed to us in Japanese fashion.

  Uh, unfortable. This is going further than she o. She’s already told Eleanor she was wrong. “Please don’t, your Majesty. It makes me feel guilty.” I tried to ugh it off.

  “Well then, since our Eleanor has been so disrespectful to an ally ing from far away t us news, what should be a suitable apology? Be warhough, we ’t give you her hand in marriage.” The Queen’s lips quirked into a smile, and Eleanor let out a loud gasp.

  “Grandmother, that isn’t funny!”

  “We think it is.” She snorted. “When you get te, amusing ourselves with humour is all we have left. No, please do tell us what we do to make it up to you, else we will feel like we have unfinished business.”

  I exged gnces with the girls, who were leaving it up to me. Seeing them in their beautiful dresses, I smiled. That could work. “I was worried that this could ruin Motoko’s e debut. Well, I suppose it’s spiralled into Natsumi’s as well. Hyath… well, she’s not Japanese nobility, but I didn’t want her left out. So, if we could have a photograph, all together, showing they found favour, it’d mean a lot to them, their families and friends.”

  “We think that is rather sweet.” The Queen said, smiling. “See, Granddaughter, Melissa. He does think of them, rather than his own rewards. We would be happy to.” Moments ter we were all in the frame, and using a little wind I mao take a perfect shot of us all, which left Melissa and Henry rather speechless.

  “I will send this to the others. Father, mother and grandfather too.”

  “Yes, I’ll send it to my parents.” Natsumi agreed. I retrieved my phone and pinged off the photo to the girls, and with that done, I shrugged.

  ”Thanks for that, your Majesty. Now at least their debuts be sidered a big success. There was one more thing, though…”

  “Oh, we are waiting.” The queen said, while Eleanor looked a bit suspicious. Cut me a break, haven’t we already agreed to let things go? Maybe all of the Princesses were going to be hardheaded. I remembered the first battle with Shaeu, and when Tan took over Shiro to oppose me. I suppose a bit of s is less trouble than they were…

  “I didn’t just e here for fun. I have an urgent warning for you, Princess Eleanor.” I said, flexing all of my League, Majesty and Charm. It drew their eyes and attention, and Eleanor nodded, despite herself.

  “Do go on. Shige has vouched for you, arust he would not be so foolish as to back a liar or a simpleton. Especially since we hear one of his precious granddaughters is under your care and receiving yuidance.” she said shrewdly.

  “Not much gets past you, does it?” I praised the Queen. I looked over at Melissa, and Henry spoke up.

  “It’s fine. Mel and I won’t ever talk about it carelessly. Right Mel?”

  Melissa shook her head, face troubled. “No, I won’t let Henry down. After all… we’re going to be married.”

  “Oh, so that pyboy grandson of ours has finally popped the question. gratutions, Melissa. Wele to our family!”

  We offered our own gratutions, Motoko and Natsumi rather sincerely, which left Melissa feeling a bit guilty. When that was done, we all sat down and I strengthehe wind barrier to make sure nobody overhead us.

  “You may be aware of Kyoto. I’m not going into details, but the focus of the battle was a woman known as the Diviner. She was skilled even before she became a Chosen.”

  “Yes, we knew of her, if only by reputation.” The Queen agreed. “A sad loss. We hate those who serve their try loyally suffering unjust ends.”

  “Yes, the funeral was grim.” I said, remembering. Though even now, her spirit light is with me. “But her gifts were prophecy. She identified six important people, which her prophecy termed the Princesses of the Six Paths. These women would all face a terrible threat, and would also face a dahat would sy them.”

  “I see.” Eleanor shifted unfortably. “But telling the future isn’t something even the Gods do, surely? The future does yet.”

  “True. It’s a case of knowing enough about the now to get the best version of then. It’s a bit like Lapce’s Demon. But her visions are highly accurate. She was able to predict her owh, ae our efforts, it happened. She also identified several others. But you, Princess of the Humans…” I gave her the title Tsukiko-san did. “… we know you are one as well.”

  “If that’s true, you’re in danger, Ellie!” Prince Henry said, armed, only to quail as she gred at him.

  “Of course I’m in danger. I fight endless battles. You think I want to? Of course I don’t. But… I have no other choice.”

  “You have grown braver, sihe first time we talked with you about this, Eleanor. We remember you trembling like a newborn foal as you reted tales of your exploits.”

  “Grandmother! Not in front of them!” she pined, only to be surprised as I looked sympathetic.

  “I get it. When I first had to fight I was terrible at it. I nearly died a number of times, and I was always afraid.” Only Ortlinde saying I could have a trial version was enough to get me started. I wonder why more don’t do simir, or spend some time giving a tutorial? Well, it doesn’t matter… “But as I tinued, I realised what it’d mean to me to get stronger. And more importantly, I had family and friends to protect. If the world is in danger, I couldn’t just sit back, despite the risks.”

  Motoko, Natsumi and Hyath looked proud at that, and even Eleanor looked a little impressed.

  “Yes, we know much of what is to e. We have known since we took the throhe Queen whispered. “We protect a legacy, which will be needed if Britain, this verdant isle, is to endure, and the people survive. Many relics of the past, including some from the Fae when they dwelt here.” She looked at Hyath then, who cocked her head to the side, puzzled.

  “Grandmother! Such a secret shouldn’t be shared!” Eleanor protested.

  “Hush now, granddaughter. We both know that the time to show a little good faith is now.” The Queen silenced her. “From the days of King Arthur, who erhaps not as the myths would have us believe, through to modern times, rotected the relics. But that is but part of our responsibility. We must proteething else as well. And only he or she who is decred as the champion of the Royal Family, of Royal blood of the reigning monarch, uake this role. To lose Eleanor would be to risk losing access to what we must protect.” Her expression was grave. “So tell us, Akio Moonstone Oshiro. What dangers face our beloved granddaughter, the Green Knight of Britain?”

  I took a deep breath, gathering all my persuasiveness. “We’ve narrowed it down. Eleanor is walking through rooms and corridors, almost like a maze, but there are lots of people there. You seem them, happy to see them, but then they reveal white masks, sending you running down other, darker corridors. In another vision, the Diviner said these figures were ‘false friends’ and hid venomous daggers behind their backs. I’m not an expert in deg visions, but it seems to me a betrayal is ing.”

  For a moment the Princess paused, before she shook her head vehemently. “Nonsense. Everyone who my grandmother has gathered is loyal to me and the . They want to give their all, for proteg the people, or if not that, then the generous rewards. Why would they have cause to betray me?” She shook her head again, angered.

  “I don’t know.” I admitted. “How could I? But as an example, the Diviner saw herself being swarmed by red ants ing from a red dragon. Doesn’t that bring a to mind?”

  “It rather does, we think.” The Queen admitted, troubled.

  “False friends doesn’t have to be literal. I mean, there’s some dangerous people here at this ga, right? That Cardinal woman, for one.”

  “Mary Stuart.” Eleanhed. “Yes, I admit you might be right about that, but we don’t trust her, and grandmother is having her watched. But even though she is part of a minor Catholiominatioill ’t afford to offend her if all she does is make veiled pints. She and her allies have also tributed a lot, as I’ve already said.”

  “I don’t doubt it. But… look, the Diviner’s prophecies and visions guided Japan even before all this happened. I’d ask that you don’t dismiss this. Ideally, I’d like permission to set up another Faerie Ring Gate so I could move between Japan and London.”

  “I don’t think so.” Eleanor said, frowning. “Having fn Gods’ Chosen with access to our Avalon sounds too much of a risk. I’m grateful you came here to pass on a message to me, but five me if we haveablished a retionship where we trust each other yet.”

  I guess she still isn’t fond of me. Well, we have only just met and got off on the wrong foot a bit… “I uand it’s a big ask, diplomatically speaking. But I want you to take our s seriously.”

  “Ellie, nobody wants to think a friend or rade could turn traitor. Especially not in the military, which you are effectively in. But it does happen. Rarely, but that just makes it hurt all the more. After all, would we ever have expected America to betray us the way they did? I’ve fought alongside their troops in Afghanistan, and it hurts to think some of the guys I fought with could have been involved in stealing our citizens…” Prince Henry said thoughtfully.

  “That’s true, but we still have no guarantee we trust him and his word, do we?”

  “I think we shooould go, Akio. I hate this woooman. She is a fool. We will mahout her somehow. Hyath thinks there are still five ooother Princesses. Maybe ooone of the other mistresses repce her as Princess ooof Humans?” The anger Hyath was radiating alpable, and once more I had to calm her down, Natsumi and Motoko helping. Yeah, I don’t think we just sub her out for another person. Through… even if Princess Eleanor does die, we won’t give up trying to fight until the bitter end.

  “Really? I think the fact I’m not asking for anything iurn should be a good indicator.” I was annoyed myself, but arguing would only hurt any future cooperation. “Look, all I’m saying is, make some preparations, be more wary. If you have some tingehe ce of surviving arayal will be much higher.” I sighed. “And if you do want help, there’s support rovide. Even if you’re unwilling to allow us to set up a Ring Gate, which I uand, Raidre is a Fae, right? From the Seelie Court?”

  “We find it most exg that some of the Fae have returhey too in a way are our citizens.” The Queen said softly.

  “Well, Raidre is somewhat estranged from the Court.” Eleanor admitted. “He does get news from there at times, though.”

  “In that case, maybe we could arrange for reinforts from the Seelie Court? Shaeu’s stretched thin, keeping the Spring of Clear Refles, my Territory and now Kyoto guarded, but every little helps, right?”

  “You’re talking about betrayal, and you wao guard my Territory and my person with unknown Fae, with hidden motives?” she sniffed, and I realised I wasn’t going to win this one. If all this is because I turned up with Motoko, that’s a stupid thing to get herself killed over.

  “All right then.” I said, exerting my Majesty and Charm to maximum once again. “If that’s what you want, so be it. At least be alert though. You do that, right? And to prove my good iions…” I looked at the Queen. “You’ll be meeting this Christina Bakker woman ter?”

  “Yes, this evening as the ga begins to wind down. Amerieeds to answer for its sins, but we have little hope, sidering their envoy.” Her smile was wry.

  “Yeah, I get that. But in a weird way, sending one of the people responsible could be a sign of siy. Maybe?” I wasn’t even vinced myself so I didn’t sound fident. “The thing is, if Fujiwara-san and I could sit in on yotiations, it should give you the edge. After all…” I said modestly. “…since I mao escape being targeted by their snatch squads, I have the high ground when it es to their guilt.”

  “We see that. What do you think, Henry, Eleanor?”

  “We’ve been allies with Japan for a long time. Besides, Katsuro-san has always been straight with me.” He smiled at Motoko, who nodded, pleased that her grandfather was being praised by fn royalty. “I don’t think it hurt. Besides, I’m worried about Ellie. She be too stubborn for her own good.”

  “I’m against it.” Princess Eleanor said. “This is a matter for Britain to resolve. But…” she sidered it, putting aside her annoyance, which made me respect her at least a little. “I suppose we are trying to firm up our alliances. And I have perhaps not been as diplomatic as I should have been, as a Princess and a Gods’ Chosen. I still think that your Diviner’s visions are wrong though. But… just maybe there are those that would do me ill.”

  “Henry would be devastated if you were to get hurt.” Melissa said to her, and she nodded.

  “Grandmother, I will bow to your judgement.” Eleanor said, and the matter was settled.

  “Excellent. rove.” The Queen smiled at me. “Once more ologise for Eleanor’s anners. As an envoy from Japan, the rudeness was quite inexcusable. But we trust that as a Gods’ Chosen who carries much weight on your shoulders, you uand that she is rather stressed and ill-tempered. Really, she used to be such a soft-spoken, shy little thing. We miss that, sometimes…”

  “Grandmother!” The Princess gasped, face fring red, even down her neck.

  “She’s right Ellie. You’re like a veteran soldier now.” Henry joined in, and there was ughter. When that was dohe Queen asked us what we were going to do for now.

  “Mingle, make es, I guess.” I said, looking at the girls. “Might as well make their debuts go with a bang.”

  “In that case, Eleano with them.” The Queen ordered. “At least for a while. We would show there is no discord between us. As for the news yht… the troubling prophecy… well, we would hear more about it ter at length. After all, we have our own wisdom passed dowhe turies, and that has proved sadly true… we dist nothing anymore.”

  With that I dismissed my wind barrier, and the curtain ulled back. That drew curious gazes, and as the guests watched us, we desded the steps, Motoko, Natsumi and Hyath in my arms again, looking regal and posed. Beside me, Princess Eleanor snorted sourly.

  “I still don’t think anyone could betray me. You’ve met David and the others. You think they’re the sort to repay loyalty with treachery?”

  No, not really. But then who knows what darkness lies within people’s hearts, or what methods could be used to turn someone? If those I love were held hostage, for example… I just don’t know. “I hope your faith isn’t mispced, I really do…”

  It was then that Mary Stuart appeared once more, her green eyes intense. “Princess, I see you have been in sel with this fner. Be careful, listening to those who serve false Gods puts your soul in grave peril.”

  “As always I appreciate your . But I ’t give up the power of the Green Knight, even for your aid. I have a duty to protect Britain and all its people. Surely God would praise that, I think.” She replied, a versation she must have had a number of times, so exasperated she looked.

  “You are a kind girl, Princess.” Mary Stuart said, surprising me, as she did indeed look impressed. “Saving others is a worthy goal, and one we share. But the means… the road to Hell is paved with good iions, is it not? And time is running out…” Mary gazed at me, her emerald eyes serious, before looking back at Eleanor. “… you have what does not belong to you, and it must be returned. Before all the grace is used.” She shuddered, eyes moist. “If you see reason, please tact Maxwell Power immediately. Before it is too te. God will five a sinner, but a wilful one who sie knowing they d… even if God fives, I fear I ot, Princess. But I do dearly hope we be friends. After all, was not the prodigal son weled back, even after wasting all the wealth and grace of his father? We would wele you with open arms, Princess. But… wealth and grace we ill afford to waste, for uhe father, we have no fattened calf to kill, no fine robes to share.” Her gaze was glittering with emotions I couldn’t decipher, a mixture of anger, sadness and piety. “The world stands on the brink of Hell, and we squabble. Uniting together uhe banner of the Lord is the only ill join the Ninth Heaven and be saved. Your family has taken what it should not have, but… ignorance is not a sin. Only remaining ignorant when the hand of enlighte is offered is worthy of damnation.” She offered a hand. “I too was impious, I did not believe. Now I know. Princess, take my hand.”

  “I’m sorry.” Eleanor said. “But I ot. Not over this.” Shaking her head, she sighed wearily. “Anything but that and we be friends, allies. After all, we are all on the same side.”

  “Yes, but a foolish ally often be more treacherous than a heretiemy.” She was rubbing an ornate golden knotw on her finger, and for a moment I was tempted to use my Eye to take a look, feeling a prickle of Fht telli was dangerous. But I was dissuaded as Hyath squeezed my arm tightly. As Mary Stuart walked away again, I looked at the Princess, who seemed troubled.

  “What was that about?” I asked.

  “I ’t say.” She bit her lip, stressed. “But it’s nothing unusual. She’s eager for me to accept her aid, but the price she wants, I ’t pay.”

  “I see. Well, if you’ll excuse me for speaking out of turn, I get the feeling she’s bad news.”

  “It takes little wisdom to see that.” Motoko said, and Princess Eleanhed bitterly.

  “That’s true. But I think she genuinely means well. The good works the Silver Hands Foundation has doheir support has pushed us forwards. It’s nothing she hasn’t said before. Just words. I think that’s just how she talks, all religious metaphors. It’s not like she attack me. The whole try would rally against her.” She sighed, shaking off her gloom. “I’ll ask that you put it all out of your mind.”

  “Fine, I do that.” I replied. “But never uimate eople do. Just look at America or a.” I warned. “You might not be vinced, but trust me, I am. The Diviner wanted you to survive. So at least take some precautions. And be careful who you tell. Ideally, just those of us there should know what we talked about.”

  Eleanor thought for a minute, before nodding once. “I at least do that. Though it does make me feel bad, being distrusting…”

  “Better distrustful and wrong, than trusting and dead.” Motoko said, and Eleanhed weakly.

  “Yes, I suppose that’s true…” she said softly, and for a moment she looked small and weak, and so very alone…

  ShipTeaser