Author's Note: So sorry for the short chapter but I had to fit this in before the next one that's the longest yet. Also in the next one, we're finally going to start seeing progress with Rahn and her investigation!

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"Greetings, Lord Kahal."

"Lady Biechta." Kahal nodded to her as he was standing in front of his assistant's desk, in the office adjoining his study. "Greetings. I trust you're enjoying your stay in the grand hall?"

"Yes, it's lovely, my lord."

Lovely. How generic an answer, Kahal thought. What one might say about the weather or a garden. Not The Grand Hall of the Homeland.

"Did my lady find her dwelling acceptable?"

"Yes, perfectly acceptable, my lord."

"..."

"..."

"Is there something you need, Lady Biechta?"

"I am here for our appointed meeting, my lord."

"Meeting?" His brows furrowed and he turned to the Qarthan male sitting at a desk beside him.

"My apologies, my lord. I see no such meeting on your calendar. In fact you have another appointment scheduled for this time."

"Oh! My... my apologies, my lord." Biechta said, embarrassed. "I was told this was the time... I apologize, I must have been mistaken."

"It is fine, lady Biechta." He waved a hand to assure her. "Would I be correct in guessing this message was given through my mother?"

"Oh...yes, actually." Her brows furrowed.

"I must apologize on her behalf. She was mistaken." At this he turned his attention back to his administrator. "Thuq, let's look for a time that would work for both Lady Biechta and I." He turned to look at Lady Biechta again. "Shall we?"

They agreed on breakfast the following morning and were saying their polite goodbyes when Othen walked in.

"Kahal, I wanted to ask... oh. Greetings Lady Biechta." He nodded her direction then also nodded a greeting at Thuq.

"Othen, it seems our mother has again taken it upon herself to work things into my schedule that do not fit. Would you happen to be free? I would hate for the lady to spend too much time alone while visiting our grand hall."

"Oh. my Lord. That is thoughtful but I couldn't possibly ask that of the Lord."

"Actually, my lady, I was heading to the theater to meet with our sister-in-law, Lord Joreth's life partner. Perhaps you'd like to meet her and see the production they're building?"

"I couldn't possibly impose, my lord."

"I am going there anyway, and Halan loves any opportunity to showcase her creative process. It would be no imposition at all, I assure you."

"If you are certain, my Lord." She nodded timidly.

Othen handed Kahal a thick stack of papers he was holding. "She has more edits for you to approve."

Kahal sighed. "Right." He said as he took the stack from his brother, saying goodbyes to Biechta before retreating into his study.

"I take it you are familiar with the major events of the homeland that occurred over the last several weeks?" Othen asked Biechta as they walked down the hallway.

"Somewhat, my lord."

"Just Othen is fine. Please."

She gave him a small smile and nod.

"My sister-in-law, Halan, is a very excitable Qarthan, I must warn you." He chuckled "As soon as details of the events became known to her, she immediately began planning her epic masterpiece as she calls it."

"So soon, my lord?"

"Othen. And yes, she began planning immediately. She has the king and queens permission, of course. With perhaps a few more sensitive details left out."

"The royal king and queen promote such events?" She asked, surprised. He stopped and gave her a tiny smile. It was the first time she'd shown any type of excitement or emotion of any kind. And it was the first time she'd dropped his title, he noticed.

"Yes, they do. They support all of our artists and encourage them to showcase their skills and passions to our people. Although they hardly had a choice, with a son that loves them so passionately." He said as he opened the door to the theater suite and escorted her in as she nodded. As they passed by hundreds of empty rows he continued.

"Y...you?"

"Yes, yours truly." He said as he continued their walk down to the front of the theater. "Are the arts not celebrated in your uncle's providence?"

"No." She answered softly. "Not for me, anyway."

"What do you mean?"

"Othen!" They turned as a loud voice called out from the stage. "Greetings! And who is this beautiful female you have with you?"

"Greetings, Halan." He gave a nod to the female. "This is Lady Biechta, Lord Teth's niece. Lady Biechta, this is Halan, Lord Joreth's life partner."

They nodded at each other and exchanged greetings as Halan excitedly ushered them onto the stage, practically bouncing with energy. "Wait until you see it, Lady Biechta! Everything will be fantastical!"



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"Lord Kahal." Rahn nodded as she entered his study after greeting Thuq.

"Rahn." He nodded in return. "Any news?"

"With respect, my lord. It is still early days."

"Something has come up and I will not be able to meet you at our previously appointed time. Let me know what progress you do have."

"You're confident I've made progress in three and a half days, my lord?" She eyed him.

"I have confidence in you, yes." He answered.

"I may have made preliminary contact but nothing is confirmed."

"Explain."

"Yes, my lord." She nodded but he cut her off before she could continue.

"Rahn, I know it's proper but please do me a favor and don't say my lord with every sentence. You have my permission to not be quite so formal or we'll never make it through these meetings."

"As you wish." She shrugged. "I have been going through the communities and looking for work, making purchases, mingling. As I converse with various people I've been making small talk and occasionally dropping statements to subtly express my dislike of the current premier. Particularly how the king and queen are too lenient. You should be relieved to know that most Qarthans did not take the comments happily. In fact, I may have to watch my back more from your family's devoted fans than I do the enemy." She let herself smile just slightly but he didn't reciprocate so she quickly returned her features to neutral and cleared her throat.

"Yesterday afternoon I was approached by an individual. She mentioned she'd been keeping an eye on me and that she agreed with my thoughts." He stared at her as if expecting her to continue. "I believe her speaking to me was intentional. I will keep an eye out for her and-"

"That's it?"

"Yes."

"She approached you, made these statements, and then you simply let her walk away?" He said it calmly but still... it felt as if he were yelling at her for incompetence.

"I would blow my cover if I came off too eager."

"You didn't think to at least tail her?"

"And if I got caught? We'd be nowhere and the group would be onto the fact that you're sending undercover guards."

He stood and braced his hands against the table as he watched her. "And if she doesn't show herself again, what then?"

She didn't move but matched his fiery glare. "We only have one shot at this and I intend to do it right. I am good at what I do. You said you have confidence in me, so let me do my job."

He drew in a deep breath through his nostrils and slowly released it as he sat back down behind his desk. Worry began to seep into her at her foolishness. She just went toe to toe with a Prince, the standing General, and the future king. How could she be so reckless?

She almost opened her mouth to apologize but then he threw her completely off guard as he let out a small chuckle. Not a full roaring laugh, but still...What?

"You're right." He said with a slight smile to his lips and she had to fight to keep her jaw from dropping. "It was the right call, good job."

"Thank you, my lord." She nodded slightly but kept her eyes on his.

He eyed her as if to say really? Before continuing.

"I knew you were the right Qarthan for the job. Now that you stood your ground against me, I'm even more confident. I'm sure next we meet, you'll have made much progress. Now, unfortunately I have yet another meeting to get to. Good luck, Rahn."