#Kragan Salgria

[thecandywrites]

The Switch Chapter 15

Second to the last chapter. I will miss this story, but at the same time, I need to hurry up and get it off my plate (along with a few others) so I can focus on other stories.

The Switch 

Chapter 15

Three Months Later…

Millie sat at the vanity getting her wedding makeup applied as she was both excited to finally get married, but also, to finally be reunited with you. But most of all, to see her wedding present- her skyship. Named The Radiant Contessina Especial. “The Special Radiant Contessina”. Which was supposed to be bigger and grander than the Contessina Originale that Kragan had drawn up on your wedding day at the start of the season. And with her wedding date being put back to right before the highest of the high holidays. She didn’t care if there was snow on the ground and she’d be have to cover her dress in a fur to finally see it. She would be using it to sail to Wakanear to have the honeymoon to end all honeymoons in a tropical paradise. It was literally a fairytale come true and then after that, she would get to travel the world, and while some Radiance Skyports were still being finished, over a dozen had been finished and were ready for her to come and enjoy them when she would be done with her honeymoon. 

It had been an agonizing wait for this moment, for the last few weeks, royals had come from all over the world to stay at the grand houses of Nobility and even others staying at the skyport itself. The greatest ones staying with the King and Queen and then herself and with the Lavines and the wedding gifts had already begun to start pouring in. 

And she was ever so grateful for the expansion of the skyport because otherwise there was no way everyone could be accommodated. 

 And while you had showed her via messengerari- certain rooms and more details to make sure it was built to suit her tastes as well as Ron’s, she wanted to see her ship in all of it’s glory. And for what Ron and his family had already sunk into it, even with the discount, she had very high expectations of it. And only hoped it would be as perfect as everything else. The same way she did of herself on this day. Everything was going perfect so far and she had planned every tiny detail so it would be the perfect day to start off the perfect new year. 

The skyports, both for Salgria Shipping and The Order of Radiance Skyports- known simply as The Radiance Skyports- had already been built and the Salgria Shipping port and skyport were in a constant state of movement from ships coming and going to both ever since they were erected. But The Radiance Skyport had even been decorated in the same manner that Millie’s wedding had been for after the wedding and reception, the party could move to the skyport so all of her guests could view her ship and hopefully all fawn and awe at the perfect gift for the perfect bride. And then get to see all the others that would be unveiled soon after. And there were massive clouds in the skies that the mouras themselves had made to hide the fleet of ships until the right moment. But the way the sun would shine through the clouds, one could still make out beautiful details as the whole country had their eyes skywards, both towards the skyport and the ships in the skies, hidden by clouds. You and Kragan were actually taking up a suite on the Skyport as you had helped make the top “flower” perfect for her reception. And because of the advancements, a feast to end all feasts would be fed to the many royal guests. 

You had been in contact with her all week, finalizing the very moment she wanted you to come, even as large as you had become in your pregnancy. Which thankfully had- since it’s discovery- gone very well, thanks to Agnes�� intervention and the further healing you had received at the hands of the healers at Audrey, Sarah and Benyana, since that fateful day five months prior. And when Saffiro had come home, he had done so with none other than Samantha as his bride.  Who you had personally appointed as your Radiance De Major of The Order of Radiance Skyport. Which made her acceptance into the family easy and warmly welcomed. 

And while Millie had felt a little irritated that Samantha was instantly loved by her parents as much as they still loved and favored you. She had to remind herself that to her own inlaws, she was treated and viewed the same. Because to Millie, Samantha had no breeding or impressive lineage. She was a Souja, from Fitsdale and supposedly an heiress from there. So Millie felt superior to her, but was displeased when that view wasn’t mirrored by Samantha. And while Samantha was polite, Samantha also would not be fawning over Millie the way everyone else was. But thankfully you had reminded her that after today, Samantha would be sister to her in name only. And that after today, Millie would be far too busy all around the world to be bothered to have any dealings with Samantha. Which had been enough for Millie to leave the matter alone. 

Because Samantha was very no nonsense, all business kind of person. She spoke plainly, to the point and directly and did not mince or beautify her words, which your parents adored, especially your father. Especially when she had been so similar to you- in that she was extremely intelligent and very practical, kind and discrete but didn’t put up with any bullshit either. Plus, Saffiro and her genuinely loved each other, and were the perfect team and helped each other and communicated very well. And were very much like your own parents in that respect, which Millie found herself agreeing that for that- she could admire the match. And she could agree that Samantha would see to it that Saffiro would be the heir he was always meant to be. And for that, Millie was grateful. According to Saffiro- he and Samantha had rather spontaneously fallen in love at first sight, which Millie couldn’t speak for- only because that’s the way it had been for her and Ron. 

But now, after so many months of hard work and negotiations, it was Millie’s day and Millie was relishing it. It was her time to shine and she would be damned if she didn’t sparkle like the diamond she knew herself to be. Now all it needed was her ship. 

But that wasn’t her only cause for excitement. No. The famed King and Queen of Yekmeni were supposed to come along with Prince and Princess of Wakanear as your personal guests to her wedding and she couldn’t be happier about it and would be having them sit at the same high table she had set up for the King and Queen of Solowards along with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, who were themselves, eager to see them. Especially the Crown Princess  especially to see what gifts they might bestow upon her on such an important day. 

And the “additions” to the skyport also got to go into production because you were sure this was going to be a thing from now on at every skyport all around the world. To have The Radiance Skyports be the preferred dining halls for all major weddings in all the countries. And the spaces could be “docked” on the lower decks to simply make the skyport seem larger, but when the additions would be flown to dock into place, it would make it almost look like a daisy blooming, setting it’s petals out wide like a table. Although, you were sure that from now on, you could change them to suit just about any other flower most popular in each country. And the fees you could charge for such a thing, could be anything you wanted them to be and also help the skyports- earn quite the income from hosting future events. 

“You ok?” She heard Kragan’s voice out in the hall as Millie’s ears perked up to hear his deeper voice below all the other girl’s soft but high voices. 

“Yeah, just…I have to go to the bathroom again.” Millie heard you answer back. 

And thankfully you could slip from the hall to her bathroom and as much as she wanted to get up and come to you, you needed privacy before you entered her room with Mildred as Millie’s bridal party, the younger sisters of your friends were all excited and eager to see you and especially see your large belly bump. 

“Tessa!” Everyone cheered as they came into the room from the bathroom as they all came around to hug you and kiss your cheeks as you kissed theirs in turn.

“Oh my goodness, are you sure you should be out? Aren’t you afraid you’ll go into labor at any moment?” They asked. 

“No, I still have at least a week, if not two. I’ll be ok.” You reassured them before you finally got to hug and hold Millie as tight as you dared. 

“I’m so happy you could make it.” Millie began to tear up as she hugged you as tight as she could. 

“Me too. I wouldn’t miss this for anything.” You answered her before Serena seemed to kick at Millie before you both started erupted into laughter. 

“She likes me!” Millie said as she pulled back to press her hands to your belly to feel your daughter’s kicks. 

“Oh yes. He’s ecstatic. He’s seen to it that every place we would ever think of laying our heads has the perfect nurseries for her. He’s even built a small little bassinet, that floats like the ships do because he got tiny little anti-gravity discs that will keep the bassinet like it’s a buggy, but without wheels. And it looks like a tiny little rowboat, it’ll even rock and swing if you press different buttons on it. That way, even if she’s sleeping, she’ll always be within reach. He’s practically been over the moon since we found out. And once we settled on the name, he’s been buying nappies and clothes for her. She’ll surely grow out of things before she’ll ever get a chance to wear it all.” You revealed happily. 

“She sure does.” You laughed as all the others came around to do the same.

“So Kragan really is happy and elated to have  a daughter?” Millie questioned as she was still wrapping her head around the notion. 

“Well you look truly radiant, I see you’re well and pregnancy suits you beautifully.” Cassandra offered sweetly. 

“Thank you.” You thanked her happily. 

“So is my crown ready?” Millie asked giddily. 

“Crown? What crown?” You teased with a giggle as all the other ladies started giggling with you as Millie rolled her pretty blue eyes but couldn’t stop from smiling while crinkling her nose at you as you mirrored her. 

“Yes. It’s ready. As is everything else, including your glorious ship. It’s still being kept hidden for now. But you should love it. It shines white and gold like pearls from heaven.” You hinted with a wink. Because you had actually put a fine veneer on all of the white surfaces of powdered pearls. It had been an extra expense, but it had come out so beautifully and you could only hope Millie would approve. 

“Yes!” Millie cheered happily and bounced on her toes as she clapped her hands happily. 

“Everything is all set and ready. We just need to wait for the perfectly auspicious appointed time. Ladies, don’t forget to eat a few bracing bites between now and then, can’t have any of you precious jewels fainting can we?” You urged them once a new snack tray was delivered before you went over and grabbed a quick plate full while the others did too before you left the room to make your way over your old room, where Gwen was hiding out and practicing her music piece she had composed for the event as you noticed all of her jewelry was still in it’s case on her vanity, as were other bottles of perfume. But they were practically ignored from her place on the piano forte as she was still changing a few notes to suit her highly trained ear before you sat with her and added the notes she seemed to be searching for. 

“Thank you!” She exclaimed as she wrote those notes into the new music sheets. 

“You’re welcome. It was getting too high and sweet, it needed balance.” You noted. 

“Well Millie didn’t want it to be too dark, and hint at doom or gloom.” Gwen griped. 

“Millie will be too distracted by her ship by this point. She won’t even notice or care about anyone or anything else.” You tried to reassure her before you reached into your pocket and slid her a special coin across the piano’s board which helped pull Gwen’s focus to it. 

“What is this?” She asked as she picked it up. 

“It’s your badge. You’re going to be sailing around the world and find members of your artisan guild, who will receive these. And this will be the way you will recognize each other.” You explained before you gave her the other artisan guild. Whether they have a craft of knowledge, or skill to create art of all kinds from all kinds of mediums.” You explained as she gasped softly to take them and noticed each coin like badge was it’s own work of art as she noticed that you had a few of each kind of medium of art on them. 

“Do you like them?” You asked. 

“I love them.” She smiled happily and hugged you the best she could. 

“Oh my goodness, Serena! You’re blowing my sister up like a balloon!” She teased your unborn daughter as she reached over and held your belly in her hands as Serena kicked at her hands which got you both to giggle. 

“Nah, she’s fine. I just don’t want her getting too big in there. Cause I still have to push her out.” You grimaced slightly at the thought. 

“Well, you’ll have your moura friends, won’t they help with the pain part?” She asked. 

“They will, but still, a big baby is still a big baby and it’s hard not to fall over, because between her, and these, I feel like my breasts and belly enter a room a good five minutes before the rest of me does.” You joked. 

“Well, I’m sure Kragan doesn’t mind that though.” Gwen candidly remarked. 

“No he does not.” You snickered a laugh as you both giggled. 

“Have you seen what Millie’s medicine has done to her breasts? She looks like a stick with two cantalopes stuffed into her corset.” Gwen asked. 

“I did. They felt unusually hard and stiff. Very unnatural.” You frowned and shook your head. 

“She insists that they’re just firm. But they practically have a rind at this point.” Gwen muttered under her breath which made you laugh even harder with her. 

“They do!” You cackled. 

“So, I wanted to ask you something.” You prodded when you seemed to calm down a bit from your laughing fit. 

“What?” Gwen asked. 

“How would you like to spend tonight on my ship with me? I have some friends I really want you to meet.” You invited. 

“I would love that!” She beamed happily. 

“Good, Mamah and Papah will be too busy showing off, as will Millie and everyone else. I don’t think anyone in the family will notice your absence.” You grinned. 

“Why do you have that mischievous twinkle in your eye?” Gwen asked. 

“Because I have your first group of artisans for you to see them and their works of art and sculpture and to hear their music. Several composers and musicians to talk about music with. Just…like minded people to be around. Who like their privacy just as much as you do and who don’t like the huge masses of crowds.” You hinted. 

“I would love that.” She smiled gratefully. 

“Plus, tomorrow is the bidding war, which thankfully Samantha is handling. I no longer have the patience and my politic tongue is practically worn out. It will be nice to finally get a reprieve before Serena comes.” You admitted. 

“Can I stay with you for your confinement too?” She asked hopefully. 

“Do you really want to?” You asked her. 

“If it’s on your ship, yes. I can’t even leave my rooms without feeling like I step into the halls of court in this house. I…I just want to be close to you and away from everyone else, Papah has already gotten so many proposals for my hand and I already know I’m going to be paraded around even at Millie’s wedding. And…I thought I had more time to prepare myself and I’m terrified of doing such a thing.” She confessed. 

“Then of course you can Gwen. Besides, all you have to do is smile and wave and not commit to anything ok? All you have to say to invitations to go anywhere, is ‘I will have to check my schedule and get back to you, what’s your messengerari number?’ And write that number down. And then say that I got you a new messengerari that you haven’t gotten the new number memorized yet. That’s it. That’s all you have to say and give ok? Get numbers, don’t give any.” You coached her. 

“Thank you.” She thanked you before she practiced that line with you until she was more comfortable with it. 

“Perfect, you’ll be ok. It’s only a day, it doesn’t have more hours in it than any other. It will pass soon enough. I know my wedding day did.” You smiled. 

“But yours was so different. Yours was romantic and so private it bordered on intimate and one that I wish I could have and that I wish could have lasted forever. I feel like everyone is looking to me to somehow top both your financial success and Milie’s production. And I can’t do either.” Gwen admitted in a small voice as her eyes looked so sorrowfully at her piano. 

“Quite the opposite, Dearest. I’m looking to you, to find the private places of rest. Which is something I know you have a natural inclination for. And the more private and the more secluded, the better. Where you can be left alone to the quietness and simply be in awe of the creation around you, to enjoy it in serenity. Something I know you can do and will give you excuse enough to avoid any and all stages at all costs.” You encouraged her as you wrapped your arm around her shoulders. 

“Thank you.” She thanked you. 

“Now, that jewelry looks a bit much. Even for you. Would you like me to try to find something smaller? Or does Millie demand you be as gaudy as her?” You asked as you nodded over to where the jewelry is. 

“It was a gift by our guests. Mamah and Papah insist I wear it to show my own gratitude in it’s acceptance. But it pinches me and I do not like it.” She frowned. 

“Oh, well it’s a shame I love it so much that you were inclined to give it to me as a way to help boost the guests' relationship with me then huh?” You offered. 

“Really? You would do that?” Gwen asked with sweet, relieved eyes. 

“Yes, don’t worry. I got this.” You encouraged her as she helped you get to your feet again as you walked over to it and inspected it and frowned at it’s flashy nature but seeing why and how it would pinch the wearer.

“Well this certainly won’t do.” You shook your head and poked your head out into the hall and whistled lowly to get Kragan’s attention as he was sitting in a nearby chair and writing something down in his notebook while he patiently waited for you to have a few moments of privacy with your other siblings.

“Yes My Love?” He asked as he practically jumped to his feet to get to the door. 

“Hey, I need you to get me something real quick. You know in my jewelry room on the ship?” You whispered as you went through your keys on your keychain to get the right one. 

“Yeah?” He asked with a quizzical brow. 

“You know how I have it color coordinated? I need you to get to the yellow section. And third drawer up from the bottom. I need you to bring me the jewelry set that’s second set from the left in that drawer, oh and use the staff staircase, it’s just through there, it’ll be quickest to the ship on the roof.” You specified as you handed him the keys he would need to get into it. 

“Yup, you got it.” He nodded and got the keys and practically disappeared down the hall after he found the door to the back staircase. 

“I love it that he just…does whatever you ask of him.” Gwen sighed dreamily. 

“Well that’s only because I would do anything I could for him too.” You smiled. 

“Ok, I need another potty break.” You admitted before she helped you to the bathroom and helped you get on the toilet without messing up your gown. 

“Serena practically uses my bladder like it’s a pegasus springboard.” You admitted as you sat there, annoyed when it was barely a spoonful of pee.

But the remark made Gwen snicker a laugh. 

“It could be worse.” Gwen tried to offer. 

“Oh? How?” You asked. 

“She could decide to break the water…” Gwen began to tease before you put your hand over her mouth to keep her from finishing that sentance. 

“Don’t even say such things out loud! I do not want to tempt fate more than I already have. Don’t you dare. I would never live it down if Serena tried to come right now and take any spotlight away from Millie.” You practically hissed as you fixed her with a sharp look. 

“It’s bad enough that my back is killing me and my feet are so swollen I can barely fit my feet into any shoes.” You admitted. 

“Here, then wear this. It’s underwear with sponges, just in case.” Gwen encouraged you. 

“Where did you get such a thing?” You asked as you looked it over. 

“I made it. Because I was worried.” She admitted. 

“Oh, you sweet thing, Yes, I love it. And yes I will wear it, just in case.” You readily agreed as you changed from the underwear you were wearing to this.

“Granted it feels like I’m wearing something of a nappy. But I do feel a bit better about this.” You admitted once you had her help you up and pull it up under you voluminous skirt, which she teased was like a proper circus tent which got you to bop her head under your skirt which only caused her to snicker a laugh even harder before there was a knock on the door as you both nearly tripped on each other to try to answer it which got you both to laugh even harder as you were grateful you were wearing it to catch the few drops of pee that escaped from the laughter as Kragan came in to see you leaning against the sink and laughing so hard, your chest was heaving and shaking while crying, while Gwen battled your layers of skirts to escape. 

“Worst circus in the world in there.” Gwen laughed once she was able to crawl out on her hands and knees before she laid on her back on the floor and hugged her middle as she laughed in delight. 

“I got so lost, I had to stop and ask your legs for directions, got turned around several times.” Gwen laughed so hard, she began to cry and streak her mascara as Kragan helped her to her feet as you helped her with her makeup. 

“Are you two ok?” He asked the two of you. 

“Yeah, we’re ok. Just…just needed a good laugh.” You waived off. 

“Ok, well I couldn’t remember which one you needed from which side so I just brought…all of them from the drawer.” Kragan admitted as he gestured to his bag. 

“Oh, sorry, I should have written it down so you didn’t have to carry all that.” You apologized. 

“No, it’s fine. Better to be safe than sorry.” He waived off before he put them down on the counter and opened them as you went and got the other one. 

“Which one do you want to trade this with?” You asked her. 

“This one?” Gwen said as she pointed to one in particular. 

“Oh, see then it’s a good thing Kragan brought the whole drawer, cause this was not the one that first came to mind.” You smiled before you helped her put it on. 

“Much better.” You cooed once you put it on her and smiled when she seemed much more comfortable. 

“Could you put these back please Dearest?” You requested of Kragan. 

“Of course.” He smiled and took the others and left you with Gwen as you were happy to sit in your old sofa, your body secretly longing for the piece of furniture. 

“I’m so happy you’re happy. This was not how I imagined you coming back home would ever look or be like.” Gwen admitted as she sat into the sofa with you and was happy to simply keep her hands on your belly to feel for kicks. 

“Me either. But I prefer it this way. Millie will finally be the star of the show, you and I will happily slink back to the shadows to keep her in the spotlight for as long as possible.” You admitted before there was a knock at the door. 

“Yes?” You and Gwen both answered at the same time. 

“It’s just me.” Samantha admitted as she slipped into the room. 

“Hey stranger. How are you?” You asked. 

“Pregnant.” Samantha blurted a bit anxiously which caused you and Gwen to snap open your eyes open and look over towards her in surprise.

“Congratulations?” You and Gwen both offered to see Samantha there looking, conflicted and  anxious but palming her belly nonetheless. 

“Yeah, um, I’m apparently 5 months along.” She admitted. 

“Ah, and you’ve only been married to Saff for three.” You realized. 

“Yeah,” she nodded with a huff. 

“Do you need to talk about it?” You asked her. 

“Well no, well, yeah, well, I don’t know. I just hugged Audrey and she congratulated me. And I didn’t know I was to be congratulated and it was just…odd and awkward and Saff wasn’t with me, he was talking to your dad on the other side of the room and I really, just…don’t want your parents to find out.” Samantha admitted. 

“I think they already knew.” Gwen offered. 

“They did?” You and Samantha both repeated. 

“Well, yeah, I think that’s how Saff got you to be his Lady without my parents putting up any kind of a fight about it. I think probably the morning after you slept together, Saffiro was already in love with you and was bound and determined to love you any way you’d let him.” Gwen ventured. 

“Oh, oh.” Samantha realized. 

“Were you really so busy that you didn’t notice you didn’t have your cycle for almost 6 months?” Gwen asked. 

“Well I mean look at me! How do I look pregnant?” Samantha asked asked as she turned to profile herself and flattened her dress over her belly which was remarkably still trim. 

“It’s possible that you’re in such good shape that the baby has just moved upward rather than outward.” You offered. 

“Well, yeah, I guess.” Samantha had to nod in agreement. 

“I just…I just don’t want this to take away from that.” Samantha said as she gestured to herself then gestured to the door. 

“I don’t either. I don’t think it will. If you’ve kept mum about it until now, another week or two won’t kill you or hurt anything.” You offered. 

“And if you’re really worried about the timing, you could always go back to Fitsdale, and no one will pay any mind if you come back in several months with a baby. And no one will remember to compare the dates or anything.” You added. 

“Yes, that would solve the dilemma quite well, plus you’ve been quite homesick for Fitsdale anyway.” Gwen added. 

“But what about you?” Samantha asked Gwen. 

“Oh I’ll be just fine. I’m staying with Tessa for the next few months anyway to help with Serena.” Gwen smiled happily. 

“Do you really need the help?” Samantha asked you. 

“No, but Gwen needs the escape after today.” You shrugged. 

“Well, when you’re done, then you can come and stay with me if you need to.” Samantha offered. 

“Thanks.” Gwen smiled happily. 

“Oh speaking of today, did you need help with Mrs. DeWinters and Mrs Danvers?” You asked. 

“Yes.” Gwen all but whimpered. 

“Girl, I got you.” Samantha offered before she turned on her heel and left, and passed your Mamah as she did so. 

“Oh there you are my Darlings.” Your Mamah cooed as she came in. 

“Your dance cards for the evening.” She offered to Gwen as she handed Gwen her already filled out dance cards for the reception. 

“Mamah…” Gwen whined when she saw that the first two pages were just prince after prince.

“Oh hush. Besides Millie, you’re Belle of the ball tonight, you’ve only been promised to dance. You haven’t been betrothed yet.” Your mother rebuffed her before you took it and looked it over and just shook your head. 

“I hate to remind you of this Dearest, but it is only for tonight. This is your last act as filial loyalty of your last night here at home. I promise it’ll be over before you know it. And besides, Prince…” You began as you told her about the princes you’d already met and knew of. 

“See? Even Tessa approves, so you must follow through. You’ve been well prepared. After Millie says her vows, it will be your time to shine.” She admonished Gwen. 

“She’ll be ready Mamah.” You reassured her. 

“Good, listen to your sister in this regard.” Your mother urged Gwen before she left. 

“You’ll shine like a firefly in a field. Only a glimmer before you disappear into the darkness.” You murmured to her once your mother left. 

“Promise?” She pleaded. 

“Promise.” You reassured her before Samantha came back with “reinforcements”. 

“I have someone I want you to meet. This is Lieutenant Lucas Hampton. He will be your forest through the trees. He has two more sentinels that are out in the hallway. And this is Ashurah’s sister Ashanti. She knows, literally every language everyone else will be speaking tonight and she will also probably know everyone else there tonight as well.” Samantha proudly proclaimed. 

“And the sentinels will give Mrs. Danvers and Mrs. DeWinters a run for their money.” Samantha added. 

“Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Gwen offered to Ashanti first. 

“A pleasure to meet you too.” Ashanti smiled as they shook hands. 

“At your service your Ladyship.” Lucas offered as he bowed and kissed her hand as Gwen grew bashful but allowed it. 

“Thank you for coming Lucas.” She smiled happily. 

“Do you two know each other?” Samantha asked. 

“Yeah, Lucas answered the messengerari when I called Tessa the other day when she was busy with her other call and kept me company while I waited for Tess to finish with the other person. That’s all.” Gwen immediately offered. 

“Thanks for doing this Lucas.” You smiled at him. 

“I’m happy to be of service.” Lucas smiled happily. 

“Would you know who these people are?” Gwen asked Ashanti as she handed her dance book over to Ashanti once she got her hand back from Lucas and tried to focus on Ashanti rather than Lucas’ rugged good looks and charm. 

“Oh yes,” Ashanti nodded before she began to go though them all, one by one, giving Gwen a small rundown of them all. 

“Oh thank all the gods you know who they are.” Gwen blew out a breath of relief. 

“They are princes who court Dorierran brides, of course I know them.” Ashanti chuckled. 

“Oh really?” Gwen blinked in surprise. 

“Oh yes.” Ashanti nodded. 

“My parents are expecting her to shine like a jewel in a crown. If you could help her glow more like a firefly in a field, only to appear for a moment and then disappear again until she needs to glow again, that would be most appreciated.” You offered from the couch. 

“Yes please.” Gwen nodded in agreement. 

“Understood.” Lucas nodded in agreement as you couldn’t help but grin a little to see Gwen looked relieved that they understood before Kragan came back. 

“Hey, so this is where you pulled him to.” Kragan noted to Samantha as he nodded over to Lucas. 

“Yup.” Samantha beamed proudly before Kragan came over to you. 

“No, I’m one with this couch.” You mock complained before you dissolved into giggles as you hid your hands under your arms to keep him from pulling you to your feet.

“Do I need to have this couch moved with you on it?” Kragan asked as he laughed with you and gestured to you. 

“Yes. I forgot how much I missed this couch.” You admitted. 

“I can have it moved to your ship.” Gwen offered. 

“No, it’s your couch, I have others. I just…have a lot of sentimental attachments to it, that’s all.” 

“Like your desk, yeah I get it.” Kragan nodded. 

“Come on, up, it’s about time to start making our way down there. With as slow as you’ve been moving we have to go now to get there in time. Plus there’s like five bathrooms between here and there that I’m sure you’ll want to hit.” Kragan urged you.

“Including this one.” You agreed as you let him pull you to your feet again and help you back to the bathroom. 

“Plus I got you this. From Grandma Agnes.” He whispered as he handed you a flask. 

“What is it?” You asked. 

“She said it was a fortifying bone broth, to help you through today and keep Serena from coming today.” He offered. 

“Oh thank the heavens.” You breathed as you took it and chugged it. 

“Oh it’s really good too.” You admitted between long pulls before you practically had to pee all over again once you finished drinking it. 

“Can you get more of that?” You asked him. 

“Oh you mean like this?” He said as he traded flasks with you. 

“Yes please.” You readily traded the empty one for the full one and drank that one down too. 

“Refill those and come back to me ok? I think I have to poop now.” You admitted. 

“Ok.” Kragan chuckled and kissed you sweetly before he did just that. 

“Are you ok?” Gwen asked as she slipped into the bathroom once Kragan left. 

“Yeah, just Serena doesn’t like my bladder to have more than a thimble of pee in it, or else it encroaches on her space.” You chuckled as you cleaned and wiped yourself up before she helped you back to your feet and helped you wash your hands. 

“Is Lucas going to be ok? Or do I need to change him out?” You whispered. 

“No. He’ll be fine. It’s just..why does Kragan always have the most handsome guys as his friends? How am I supposed to dance with princes when I have Mr. Dashing nearby?” Gwen breathed in a whisper. 

“I don’t know. Is it too much of a temptation?” You asked. 

“No. No, please don’t take him from me. It’s so wonderful to have someone I already have a rapport with rather than a stranger.” She readily offered. 

“Ok. I’ll keep Mamah and Papah preoccupied so that, should any of those people not show up to dance with you, you might have Lucas stand in instead. And I could always dump whatever drink I’m drinking on it too.” You offered. 

“Now that’s too tempting.” Gwen giggled softly. 

“Ok.” You smiled before you got out of the bathroom and into her rooms to see your couch missing. 

“Where did it go?” You asked. 

“I had Lucas and Kragan take it your ship. You need your couch.” Gwen smiled victoriously. 

“Oh my goodness, that’s ridiculous.” You laughed before they were back momentarily and Kragan took you while Lucas escorted Gwen to the site of the ceremony where your parents were already there at the front and receiving the guests who were streaming in as you were grateful to get to sit down in the cushioned seat and sit beside Gwen while Kragan and Lucas stood off to the side to talk while others seemed to come to you and come around you and chat before others came and soon the church was stuffed to the brim. 

“Hello again Father Edward.” You cooed to the priest who had only, not that long ago, performed the wedding ceremony for you. 

“Hello, it’s always a pleasure to see you again my Daughter. I see the gods have been very good to you and answered many prayers.” He happily said as he leaned over to kiss your forehead after taking your hand and squeezing it. 

“Yes they have, they’ve been extraordinary in their answers.” Kragan offered as he reappeared beside you to see Father Edward again.

“Oh, look at the pair of you, so happy and healthy and expecting a girl I understand?” He asked. 

“Yes, can we still count on you for the baptism?” Kragan asked. 

“Of course, of course. Are you still settled on the name?” Father Edward asked. 

“Yes, Adorabella Seraphina Magdelainluna.” Kragan repeated, his daughter’s name rolling off his tongue with all the love and pride that yours usually did. 

“Oh, such a beautiful name, surely she will be just as beautiful as her mother.” Father Edward praised. 

“Both inside and out.” Kragan smiled with a nod as you reached up over your shoulder to squeeze his hand that had settled on your shoulder as you looked up at him proudly. 

“Of course.” Father Edward agreed before Serena kicked to hear Kragan’s voice again before you broke out into a laugh before Father Edward leaned and touched your belly. 

“She is most fond of her father’s voice.” You explained. 

“Of course, children usually are, both in the flesh, and in the heavens.” Father Edward cooed as he happily felt Serena’s kicks and squirms. 

“I pray she does not come today of all days though.” Father Edward quietly whispered. 

“Us too.” You whispered back as you smiled and crinkled your nose. 

“Well, I must excuse myself, it seems the Holy Pontifix needs reminding of who he is marrying today.” Father Edward murmured to see the Holy Pontefix already out and almost staggering as he shuffled his feet in his holy robes as you and Kragan both gave each other a meaningful look before he came around and sat beside you. 

“In case anyone wonders that such an office should come with an age limit.” Kragan breathed in your ear as you did your best to stifle a snickering laugh, lest you practically be smited in this temple. 

“Stop, you’ll get us smited.” You urged him before the Holy Pontefix came over and you had Kragan help you to your feet o receive him as respectfully as you could. 

“Oh, the holy Serephina, the angels themselves guard her, the lovely Serephina, she comes.” He praised as he came over and gestured to your belly. 

“Thank you, Your Holiness.” You thanked him as your cheeks flushed. 

“Yes, yes, she comes soon. Make ready for her.” He urged you. 

“Of course, we stay at the ready.” Kragan tried to offer. 

“Yes, yes, she comes to you with blessings and good tidings. And she does not come alone.” He said. 

“Excuse me?” You asked, the smallest bit of worry coming from your tone. 

“She does not come alone. Many others there are here.” He said as he gestured to the other ladies who were pregnant as you smiled in understanding. 

“Yes, it is the season for new life to bloom in the cold of winter.” You offered. 

“To hurry spring.” He nodded in agreement before he turned and wandered back to the front before you and Kragan looked at each other curiously before you sat down again. 

“There should only be one of you in there.” You murmured to your belly. 

“If there was two, Audrey and Sarah and Agnes would have seen them.” Kragan reminded you. 

“I know, it’s just…why would he say that?” You asked. 

“He’s old and senile.” Kragan excused. 

“It feels like it’s more than that.” You shook your head as you went to push in on Serena to make sure she was head down and in position. 

“My Love, please don’t get yourself worked up over this. It’s just Serena in there, don’t let his comment get to you. He just noticed you were pregnant as is just about every other woman in here today.” Kragan murmured. 

“Including Samantha.” You murmured under your breath back at him. 

“She’s what?” Kragan blinked. 

“Don’t say anything, she just found out herself today and doesn’t want anyone else to know or detract from Millie’s attention today.” You whispered to him. 

“Well, I mean, it’s not a surprise, they’ve been married for a few months now.” Kragan breathed as he turned towards you and wrapped his arm around your shoulders and held your hand and squeezed it reassuringly. 

“The pregnancy is older than the marriage.” You breathed as you looked around you to make sure no one else overheard you. 

“Well, that doesn’t surprise me either.” He admitted. 

“No, me either, just…the poor thing is worried sick about my parent’s reaction and wants to go back to Fitsdale.” You revealed. 

“Nah, I think she’ll be fine. I don’t think anyone will notice or care.” Kragan shrugged off. 

“Except for the people who matter the most to her.” You gently argued. 

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. Again, you have Serena to worry about it. And she’s more than enough as she is.” Kragan gently contested. 

“True.” You had to admit. 

“It’ll be ok. Everything will work out. You just have to trust that it will. Serena will come when she’s ready and if she’s anything like you, she’ll be well worth the wait. And she’ll be perfect, just the way she is and just like you are.” Kragan reassured you. 

“Please don’t let the Fates be listening to you and think that you’re challenging them.” You offered in a teasing soft laugh as you looked up towards the ceiling and took a cleansing breath as you tried not to let Kragan’s sweet words render you to sweet tears that he clearly loved you and loved Serena so completely. 

“No, of course not.” Kragan murmured with a soft smile before more and more people came into the temple and you got a new flood of visitors at your seat before the wedding was announced to begin to commence so that others could get their seats while you were happy to have Gwen on one side of you and Kragan on the other as Ron took his stand up at the front with His Holiness and the other priests, cardinals and bishops as you had never been so happy that he was not your groom as you locked eyes with him for a small eternity. 

‘Thank you.’ He mouthed to you gratefully from his spot. 

‘Thank you.’ You mouthed back to him as the two of you smiled fondly at each other before the wedding procession came down the aisle and your attention, as well as everyone else’s went to the gaggle of flower girls, practically looking like little angels as they practically floated down the aisle and tossed flower petals all around. 

Then all of Millie’s 30- bridesmaids and her three maids of honor as you fought not to roll your eyes. 

And then when it was Millie’s turn, you and the others stood and in that moment you could only smile pleasantly as Millie walked at a glacial pace, soaking up every single second of this. 

And Millie did look like- the picture perfect bride. The perfect tiara, the perfect hair, the perfect face and cosmetics, the perfect skin, the perfect jewelry, the perfect dress, the perfect gloves and slippers and just..everything was almost uncannily perfect and you wondered if the more magic heavy guests were perhaps adding glamors and magic charm to her and her appearance. Her train followed for good twenty paces behind her, heavy with embroidery, fur and jewels. 

But for you, to look over and see Ron crying a few glistening tears as you had never seen him smile so brightly and happily before. 

You were sure he had never been as happy at the birth of his own bastards and you could only shake your head and look at the ceiling to keep your own tears from flooding your vision at the thought of how they must have been locked up for such an event as this, surly to be kept from making a scene to detract from the occasion. 

You all sat down as Millie then knelt in front of His Holiness with Ron at the altar. 

“I thought Serena was going to be born and baptized before Millie made it down that aisle.” Kragan muttered to you as you elbowed his side as Gwen and Lucas snickered a laugh. 

“Me too!” Gwen whispered. 

“Both of you hush.” You shushed them with warning looks, but not missing how Lucas slipped his fingers in with Gwen’s, as Gwen’s cheeks flushed prettily as you began to wonder just how…friendly those two had gotten since they first “accidentally” made each other’s aquaintances only a few months prior. 

But you let it go and put a serene smile on your schooled features. 

You could have sworn your parents paid the Temple ten years worth of tribute for this service to end all services that rivaled every high holiday all rolled into one. You looked over to see many start to lose interest and grow bored as even a few grew tired as the sun set in the windows, coloring the temple in color from the stained glass windows as His Holiness used the best versions of the holy texts for this service as the choirs had to be changed out five times to keep the poor children who were singing various hymns during the service from losing their voices all together. And you were ever so grateful for that broth because you could hear more than a hundred stomachs begin to growl all around you. 

It wasn’t until the first one fell asleep and began to snore that the entire congregation looked over and all but snickered at the poor soul that got jolted awake that they finally got a move on for the service itself and when the children’s choir got the addition of the adults that you had any hope that this was going to end at a merciful hour before they finally got to the vows and finally got to kiss and be proclaimed man and wife and you had never been so happy to stand and clap as the certificate was signed and sealed as it seemed the entire temple breathed a sigh of relief that it was finally over. 

You went with Kragan to the skyport and were ever relieved when everything was right on time and perfectly timed so that the moment the guests flooded in, they were greeted by an army of servers with all kinds of trays of little bites to eat while “grazing” tables were featured throughout from foods from all over the world that many of the guests appreciated to get a bite of familiar food and get a chance to converse with others. 

You could see Samantha was still working, closing as many deals as she could, while she could. You were sure she had a messengerari in her holy book to keep doing business while she was in the temple itself, as were most of the royals in attendance as you were relieved to simply, once again, sit at the table and have just about every single waiter or waitress offer you what they had while Kragan was happy to finally get something to eat himself, because you had heard his stomach growl the most and the loudest through the whole service. 

“I seriously thought Serena was going to be born and baptized, maybe learn to walk and talk by the time Millie made it down that damn aisle.” Kragan muttered as you snorted a laugh. 

“Me too. But I dare not say such things and tempt Fate any more than I already have.” You admitted as you were happy to practically gorge yourself on the offerings. 

“Ooh, grab a few more of these for me.” You urged him. 

“Yeah, on it.” He nodded and made a whistle call and every single server within earshot flocked back to you as you blushed but gratefully took it as you apologized for the loud call, but they were all happy to oblige and soon your own plate was piled high with a bit of everything before Lucas brought Gwen back to the table, with a heaping plate himself before he slipped half the food from his plate, to hers, since it was clear she was trying to only get “appropriate” amounts. 

“Ooh, that looks good. Where’d you get that?” Kragan asked. 

“Oh, that one.” Lucas answered. 

“Here, come with me.” Kragan nodded over to it. 

“So how long have you and Lucas been talking?” You asked Gwen before she looked at her plate guiltily. 

“Not long.” She shook her head no. 

“Yes, I promise.” You reassured her. 

“Dearest. I’m not trying to pry or probe, and I’m not judging you on the matter. It’s just that I’ve noticed there is a familiarity between you, is all. However, if you wish to claim that I proposed Lucas be your companion for the evening and that Lucas was someone I trusted in that respect, I can. I just need to know what and how to answer our parents- when they ask. And they will ask. I just need to know the answer so that our answers match and you do not get any grief over it.” You murmured to her.

“Promise you won’t get upset?” She asked. 

“He picked up the call and talked to me a few months ago when I called you about my job. And from there we’ve just…talked.” Gwen admitted. 

“How often?” You asked carefully. 

“As often as I can get away with.” Gwen confessed. 

“Which is why you’ve called the messengerari in that lounge instead of my usual one in my room.” You realized. 

“Yeah. But we haven’t talked about anything inappropriate or anything untoward.” She insisted. 

“And I would have thought being with him in person would have been odd or uncomfortable, but quite the opposite, it’s been, like I can face every prince in here down and play this stupid part Millie and our parents have demanded of me, but only as long as he’s with me. And Samantha, of course, has been covering for me and letting me steal every moment I can away until today and I was dreading even leaving my room, until he came in.” Gwen confessed. 

“Oh dear, Mamah is coming, please, please don’t say anything.” Gwen begged. 

“Of course not. Don’t worry about it. You just need to play your part tonight ok? Focus on Mamah’s list, remember, they all have to share you tonight. But for every day after today, it’s you and Lucas with me and Kragan on a ship around the world.” You reminded her. 

“I know, I can’t wait.” Gwen smiled. 

“My Darlings.” Your Mamah smiled pleasantly. 

“Gwendowlyn, I need you to go and speak to the Prime Minister and his wife, and in particular their son who is by the fruit table.” She urged as she gestured over to them. 

“Yes Mamah.” Gwen sighed in defeat and got up and obediently walked over as you slid Gwen’s plate next to yours.

“Oh, I see, using Gwen’s plate to satisfy your own hunger?” Your mother noted with a look of relief. 

“Yes, Serena’s hunger grows just as much as she does. I bid her to lave my womb to satisfy it -herself, on every day but today.” You maintained. 

“Oh good, so who is this young man you have with Gwendolyn?” She asked. 

“Won’t you have a seat Mamah?” You invited. 

“I believe I will.” She said before she sat down in the seat Gwendolyn just vacated. 

“He is a member of my security team. The necklace she is wearing, is one of mine, it was given to me by the Raj Mahal of Shrivanka. Because the necklace given to her for today had shoddy workmanship and was pinching her skin and was very uncomfortable, so I am letting her borrow mine, with the understanding that she is to be guarded and keep the jewels safe. Because the Raj is very generous but does wish for the jewels he gives to others the same care they would receive should they stay in his royal treasury. So I asked my most trusted body guard to guard her, because she is one, the second most precious woman here tonight, besides Millie herself. But also, because she just happens to be wearing the largest yellow diamond in the world that is currently known.” You explained nonchalantly.

“Oh! So who is he beyond that?” She asked. 

“His name is Lucas Hampton, he is a Lieutenant Commander of my guard on my ship. Today is the first day they’ve ever been in each other’s company. But the only reason why she knows him at all is because of how close I keep him with me usually. And I do not take Gwendolyn’s safety lightly. Since, not only will she be the belle of the ball besides Millie tonight, but I need to make sure that all of those princes you’ve lined up, get the best Gwen for the few moments they do get to have her. I would not put anyone who I did not implicitly trust with my own life, with her. I know how precious and important she is, especially today of all days. She needs to feel calm and she needs to feel safe. She can not feel like a lamb in a den of wolves, which this assembly very much can turn into at a moment’s notice.” You reassured your Mamah. 

“I do not leave anything to chance any more Mamah.” You added as the two of you watched as Lucas seemed to find Gwendolyn again and simply escort her around the room as she simply double checked her dance cards for the evening. 

“And those two?” She asked as she noticed the sentinels that seemed to shadow Gwen and Lucas. 

“That is Brick and Mortar. The two most terrifyingly impressive body guards I have. But if you look closely, there are six more, not too far away. Meant to blend in and meant to be the forest through the trees. And then of course, there is the mouse.” You hinted. 

“Mouse? What mouse?” Your mother asked as she leaned over towards you as you leaned towards her in turn. 

“Duchess Ashanti. She is the younger sister to Grand Duchess Ashurah. She is there to serve as Gwen’s translator. And because she is Dorierran, she knows each and every single person you put on Gwen’s dance card tonight and will help Gwen transition from prince to prince with ease. And she will remember anything and everything that is said both to and around Gwendolyn.” You reassured her. 

“I see, a mouse, meant to listen in and not really be seen until it squeaks.” Your mother grinned proudly. 

“Exactly. So you see mother, everything is taken care of and you have already gotten Millie and myself to the altar in a single season. I dare say, Gwen may well be meeting her future husband tonight. And what a pool she has to pull from. But don’t put all your eggs in Gwen’s basket, You still have two more sons too now.” You recalled. 

“Well if Gwen is practically all of taken care of, then I believe you are right, I believe I should be focusing on your other brothers, for they have the same magnificent pool too.” Your mother nodded her agreement. 

“Happy to see that Serena did not see that she needed to crash the party either.” She cooed with a pat to your belly before she got up and walked back to your father to give him the answer she just got from you. 

“You shouldn’t have stuck your neck out like that for Lucas.” Kragan remarked as he came up and sat down in his seat next to you. 

“I didn’t do it for him. I did it for Gwen. I can only hope he will not betray such a confidence.” You offered somberly. 

“He won’t, I made sure to explain things to him as I walked with him around the various food tables.” Kragan offered. 

“Thank you.” You thanked him. 

“Don’t thank me yet. We still have the rest of the evening to get through.” He admitted. 

“True.” You nodded. 

“My Lord and Lady, the bride and groom have arrived.” A servant informed you as you had Kragan help you to your feet once again as you stood and made ready to applaud their entrance. 

Ron and Millie looked like a crown prince and princess becoming king and queen the way they entered the large banquet hall and took their seats at the head table at the banquet and you had never seen them so happy to sit so high above everyone else as everyone else got their seats as the banquet was then immediately served. 

“So what did you tell Mamah?” Gwen whispered to you as she took her seat beside you once again. 

“That the necklace you’re wearing is very valuable, and that it needed its own security guard and I put one my most trusted with it and you.” You explained as you ate the first course. 

“Is it really?” She asked. 

“Eh,” you shrugged nonchalantly. 

“Well, I shall act accordingly.” Gwen assured you. 

“You already do. It’s fine.” You reassured her in turn. 

You got through the dinner and it was time for toasts. And to see and hear Millie’s friends basically kiss her ass and Ron’s ass and go on and on about the ‘star crossed soul mates’ and even read “poetry” which was a very loose term to apply to such prose. 

“Thank you.” Kragan began to say to you. 

“For what?” You whispered back to him. 

“For not wanting our wedding to be anything like this. They are gilding the lily and the baby’s breath with all of this. This is practically torture for it’s overly sweet syrupy sappyness that will rot every tooth I have out of my head, and practically rot my brain out.” He complained. 

“Well, in that case, thank you My Love for giving me a perfect wedding. I thought ours was perfectly dignified, still sweet and happy but there was a somber seriousness that suited the occasion. And it really only had the people we cared the most about in attendance. This is just pandering for the sake of pandering.” You replied. 

“Exactly. It’s all theatrics, it’s incredibly insincere. Ours was at least sincere and heartfelt and genuine.” Kragan appraised. 

“And intimate.” You waggled your eyebrows with a grin at him. 

“Oh, don’t start that now, or I’ll just go fully feral and throw you over my shoulder and haul you off if you start talking much more like that.” Kragan warned you. 

“Mmm. Good to know.” You cooed licentiously until you heard your name and snapped your attention to Ron who had stood to give a toast…to you. 

“I won’t make you stand, for you are quite heavy with child, and you’ve been made to get up and down quite enough today.” Ron said as he gestured to you as you flushed when it seemed everyone turned their attention to you as you grabbed Kragan’s hand under the table. 

“As I’m sure all those in Solowardian society know, but for those who do not. I had actually been betrothed since birth to Her Radiance Contessina Salgria since infancy, something I fought most viciously against, because, I knew in my bones that it was not the right match for me. And one that Contessina also knew was not right for her. For we were much more suited to be siblings than fiances. And then His Radiance Kragan Salgria came calling on my beloved and Contessina, being the practically all wise and all knowing genius she is, instantly knew that she and My Beloved had been mismatched, and proposed to switch. I know the gods themselves blessed her and her intuition in this regard. And from there, everything fell perfectly into place. For the gods themselves knew she was capable of so much more than I could ever fathom. Just look around us tonight. Only a genius is capable of envisioning such splendor. And only Kragan could have recognized such brilliance and given her the entire supersphere as her oyster to create such a wonder. But none of this would have been possible, if Contessina had not insisted that she switch. And it was that one, pivotal, yet perfect change that brought all of this about. I couldn’t be happier with her foresight, her forethought and her courage to change something she knew was set wrong at first glance. So I urge you all, to consider this- women are rational and wise, beautiful and intelligent, and that if only they are given the chance to choose for themselves what is best for them, that the world will be better for it. Which is why, from this moment on, The Order of Radiance, will be the only thing that brings law and order to myself and my family.” Ron announced before everyone erupted into thunderous applause as you looked over at Ron to see him giving you a standing ovation before you stood and simply curtsied and sat down to bring an end to this before it was Millie’s turn to give a toast as Kragan immediately reached for his other flask that had a very good brandy in it and spiked his wine cup with it. 

“I too would like to thank my sister for the switch she made at the beginning of the year. For such a switch has brought us all entire lifetimes of happiness. And I would also like to thank…” She began as she brought her ‘list’ for those who gifted her various things just to get an invitation as she made sure to practically spell out who gave what as she publicly thanked them for their generosity which appeased everyone else. While also bringing looks of approval and small sets of applause to all the other royals in attendance. 

Then it was Kragan’s turn to give his “toast” and most importantly, his “gift” to the couple, being his skyships. 

“I would also like to start this with a toast to my wife, who was the inspiration for the greatest ships I have ever had the honor and privilege of designing. On our wedding day I awoke early to a vision of a skyship that had no equal in beauty, sophistication and supreme sailing ability. And would take to the twelve winds as easily as any bird takes to soaring in the skies. The first ship I designed was the Contessina Originalle. From there, over two dozen designs ranging in size from a lightning rider, to the largest airship to ever take to the skies to date- came to be. And it is my privilege to unveil the entire line up. Starting first with Contessina De Minor.” He said as he made a gesture and the first ship sailed around the skyport as applause broke out among the guests to see them. 

“Then the Contessina Honorable`.” Kragan announced as the next flew around. 

“The Contessina Exuberance`.” Kragan continued. 

“The Contessina Champione`." 

“The Contessina Emaculente’.” 

“The Contessina Brilliance`.” 

“The Contessina Originalle`, which is the original design.” He specified. 

“The Contessina Especial.” 

“The Contessina Valiance`.” 

“The Contessina Celebrante`." 

“The Contessina Courageousa`.” 

“The Contessina De Faithful.”  

“The Contessina De Truth.” 

“The Contessina Illumina.” 

“The Contessina Jubilea`.” 

“The Contessina Excellence`.” 

“The Contessina Superiore`.” 

“The Contessina Extraordinaire`.” 

“The Contessina De Jewel.” 

“The Contessina Opulence`.” 

“The Contessina Adorabella.” 

“The Contessina Magdalena Luna.” 

“The Contessina Serephina.” 

“The Contessina De. Crowne De Jewele`.” 

“The Conessina Ethereal.” 

“And last, but certainly not least. The Contessina De Magnifica!” Kragan beamed as the largest and grandest ship of all flew around as everyone else got to their feet to give a standing applause before Kragan walked over and presented the key to Millie and Ron’s ship to them before he presented the key to the Magifica to their Majesties. Knowing that they had already had to make good on their “downpayment” for their ship. And knowing that he all be owned the very National Bank that was financing such an expenditure. 

“Enjoy.” Kragan smiled like ‘fuck you’ was written on his teeth as he was sure this was the hopefully the last time he would ever have to see them face to face before he strutted back to his spot just as the ships docked with the very large platform, it being just big enough that a ship could dock with each part of the platform. 

Millie and Ron quickly cut their cake and did one dance before they opened the doors to the ships so that they and their guests could get a first hand experience with their ships as you were happy to simply sit in their ship’s main salon after using the bathroom so that they could get the grand tour from the butler they had stationed on the ship. 

“Are you happy with it?” You asked once they reappeared and came back to you. 

“Yes!” Millie giddily squealed as she hugged you tightly. 

“I’m so happy you’re happy. Enjoy.” You bid them before they went back to their wedding and you and Kragan slipped away to your own vessel that flew by just long enough for you to get on board and then float away, sailing just above it all as you and Kragan just looked down at it all before a familiar song began to play. 

“Oh, remember? This was the first dance we ever danced with each other at my parent’s ball.” You recalled. 

“I do. Can I have this dance?” He asked before you giggled but took his hand and danced the same dance again, granted, a bit differently because you were now pregnant and couldn’t quite hop and your steps didn’t have the same spring in them. 

“What?” You asked him as he danced with you on the deck of your ship. 

“I’m just realizing how everything is the same yet everything is different. I still felt out of place and awkward, the same way I always felt on Solowardian soil., but a lot less intensely this time. But because I had you with me. It was like, nothing else mattered and that it didn’t matter if I was in crowd that felt innumerable, all that mattered was you and me. And that you are dancing with me, and how after I met you, I knew I didn’t want to dance, or even get to know or be intimate with anyone else other than you. And that has never changed and probably will never change.” Kragan explained. 

“Aww, I feel the same way. I don’t care what anyone else thinks or feels about me or you or us. The only good opinion I need is yours. And as long as you love me and our daughter, and care for me and her too, nothing else matters. Just us and her.” You fawned as you slowed your steps to simply walk in circles, shoulder to shoulder with him before he moved and just began to dance how the music was moving him to, which felt much more natural and happier, having you practically chest to chest and belly to belly but moving gracefully across the boards of the deck, as if they were any other ballroom floor. 

“Always and forever.” Kragan readily reassured you before the song ended and you paused to simply hug each other as the stars were coming out to glitter in the sky the way diamonds did when cast over a sheet of inky blue velvet. You kissed him sweetly but soundly all the same. Before that kiss quickly morphed from sweet, to sensual to needy as Kragan was happy and eager to get you inside and away from any prying eyes to disrobe you and make love to you on the very same couch from your old room. 

“Finally, the sex I always wanted to have on this couch with the one person I was always meant to have it with.” You cooed as you laid back into your favorite spot as Kragan carefully laid over you to kiss you before he leaned back up to pillow your bottom up so that his pelvis met yours just right as you breathed in relief to finally be rejoined with him. To be free of all constraints of jewel and gown and undergarment. Where it was just his body and yours, coming together as one flesh, where if it had not been for the contrast of skin color, it would otherwise be quite hard to tell where he started and you ended. Your pleasured cry of bliss was the most beautiful music to Kragan’s ears as his own grunt and small roar of your name from his lips was your favorite sound in the world.

[thecandywrites]

The Switch Chapter 14

The Order of Radiance

Woo, it's been a hot minute since my last update, took me 6 months to do Monster March. But I got through it and now it's back to my regularly scheduled stuff. Enjoy.

The Switch 

Chapter 14

The next morning, you awoke with a start, right at dawn and immediately reached for your pen and latest journal to write as fast your hand could move across the page as your new pen barely kept the ink flowing freely enough to keep up with you. 

Because while you had tried to shrug off the “altercation” with your former King and Queen. It had still bugged you and you felt like you were missing an obvious solution to the problem and after sleeping on it and even dreaming about it, you awoke with a solution. 

You barely had it written down before you got out of bed to quickly relieve yourself and keep writing as you did so and barely had the lights dimly lit so you could go to your desk and keep expounding on the idea and before you knew it, you were using up all the ink in this pen. You tried to use your second and spare pen to trade out while the other hand refilled the ink reservoir as the other hand just kept writing- like a woman possessed, trying to get it all out and all down as it was like the most beautiful flower blooming in your mind as suddenly everything came together and with just a quick look at the bank note from Solowards- and the sale of the land that Saffiro had left behind, you beamed when you did some quick math and calculations right there in your notebook and then- like finally placing the last pieces of a puzzle together. Suddenly with only a new page, using your now- refilled pen, you drafted the first The Order of Radiance Lease Agreement and when you had finished the contract you took a few shaky breaths but stared at it and your face suddenly bloomed in a smile of relieved victory. 

This was it. 

This was how you were going to deal with them, this was the perfect solution. And how you were going to practically own them and every other unsavory royal you had ever encountered and ever would encounter. And this was how you were going to protect yourself, the Contessina Order, which from now on would be known as The Order of Radiance- using your official Dorierran given honorific title, so that future generations wouldn’t have to worry about distinguishing themselves from you on an individual level. And this would protect Salgria Shipping and every other person in the D.A. who would ever even think of landing on Solowardian Soil or even airspace for that matter. 

And then like magic, once the flower seemed to fully bloom in your mind, another seemed to come into view and suddenly you were reaching for a stack of papers and suddenly you were writing as fast as you could, trying to get it all down and write with one hand and draft with the other, without really looking at what the other hand was drawing as you kept closing your eyes and seeing it in your mind and trying to write it all down. You were going to make each skyport a flower. A perfect- daisy like flower. A single, beautiful divinely simple, stately stem, but with a disk like face with each petal making up the face when it would need to bloom and show off it’s pretty petals. 

And no sooner had you done that before suddenly you were using up every flower you knew of to create more versions of what you could clearly now see in your mind as your imagination created it as fast as you could write it down as you were creating stacks and stacks of papers from both hands as you were so infinitely grateful you were ambidextrous to allow this feat as you were putting each stack of notes with each drawing into one big, rather messy pile in front of you, trying to criss cross them so that you could keep them all separate. 

You had drained two whole bottles of ink and were on your third just as Kragan woke up a couple of hours later as you were so far down the rabbit hole, your eyes were traveling back and forth between the two stacks of paper to make sure that each thing you were working on with two separate hands doing two separate things were- somehow perfectly in sync.  You didn’t care if your fingers were going to permanently turn midnight blue from the ever precious indigo ink. This was pure genius. And it was like you were on some kind of super drug where time was no longer a concept your brain was accustomed to. You barely registered the sun rising, only that the room was getting lighter from the greater increase of light coming into the room through the windows helped you work. 

“Tess?” Kragan murmured once he woke up and reached for you, only to find the blankets pulled back and you were no longer beside him. And even the bed itself was now cold from your absence as his eyes soon snapped open to see you no longer in the bed and he felt panicked to no longer see or even hear you. 

“Tess?!” Kragan called out a little louder and it caused you to finally pull you out of your hyperfocus and jumped in your skin and caused both hands to jerk the ink on the pages. 

“I’m here. I’m here. I…I am having the best and most genius idea ever and I’m writing it down.” You answered as you finally seemed to come up for air for the first time you woke up before you seemed to take a nose dive right back into it. 

“Ok… wanna tell me or if you do, you’ll lose momentum?” Kragan asked as his body relaxed as he looked from the bed, to where you now resided in the middle of the room where your desk was- to feel like a fool for not realizing that if you were not in bed- of course you would be at your desk. 

“I’ll lose momentum. I can’t stop. I’m not done yet. I mean, I’m almost done but I can’t stop now. If I stop now, it’ll stop blooming and I can’t cut the flowers off before they bloom.” You cryptically answered him back. 

“Flowers?” He repeated in confusion. 

“Yeah, flowers. So many flowers, all blooming, all at the same time. Like late spring, when the whole garden starts to bud and then bloom all at the same time. But I have to get to all the blooms. I can’t miss any of them or else they’ll wilt before I get them all. I can’t miss them.” You implored desperately. 

“Did you get any sleep last night?” Kragan asked. 

“Yes! I got the best sleep of my life! It’s where the first buds of the first buds of blooms started to appear and when I woke up the buds bloomed.” You answered manically as you continued to go at a hectic pace. 

“Are you…are you on drugs? You’re…you’re manic. Why are you manic?” Kragan asked worriedly when he recognized your tone and got up and came over to the desk to see you working like some kind of supercharged machine. 

“No! I’m not on drugs. Well, not any of the ones that any mortal can make. My brain is giving me my own drugs. My own fireworks of flowers. It’s like divine inspiration, when the gods inspired the holy books to be written by the prophets. Same thing but just..less holy but if this is what divine inspiration feels like- I get it. I’m almost done, I’m almost done, I only have a few more flowers to get to.” You repeated as you wrote so fast, the writing was near illegible and you were writing in shorthand too! And your hand and wrist and forearm from the other hand were already stained and you didn’t care if you were smudging your own drawings, they were still there enough for Kragan to look at and redraft officially if he needed to. 

“If you must look, start with the bottom section of the stack in front of me, but, very, very carefully, don’t disturb the rest of the stack.” You urged him as you kept moving your head and your eyes back and forth as you drew and wrote as fast as your fingers would let you. 

“...okay…” Kragan frowned but did as you asked and oh so carefully pulled the section at the bottom of the stack out and left the rest as undisturbed as possible before he looked at the drawing and then to the pages as you had put the lease agreement first and then the first flower, the daisy plans with that. 

“Oh-ho-ho-ho! Yes! Oh Babe, this is genius!” Kragan cheered when he read it. 

“Thank you, Now look at the flower! Look at the flower!” You urged him as you continued at your near frantic pace. 

“What the…oh, wait, wait, what? What did you…Did you seriously design a ship with no sails but…but that could move in the twelve winds because you…you redesigned the propulsion engine motor?!” Kragan gasped when he saw the “flower” and all of it’s beautiful, glorious petals. 

“Oh, oh this is giving me an idea. Have you tackled the sunflower yet?” He asked. 

“That’s the third one.” You answered as he then took the next two out from under the stack, and got the “sunflower” one out and laughed in delight. 

“Oh! This changes everything! This changes everything! Oh my gods, this, this completely changes everything! This is perfect! I love you so much! You’re the smartest being in the universe! You’re divine!” He announced as he kissed your cheek emphatically before he took it and went to his desk that was on the other side of you and did a freehand drawing first, using your sketch and your writing as a guide and just as you were finished with the current flower and changing putting it all together and simply made a second stack, he was just diving into these first ones. 

Kragan practically giggled as he drew out the basic design and then gave it bones and flesh and then skin, like creating a new life from scratch. And because he knew the real world applications and know-how and even used your inspiration to spark his own imagination and his own spark of creativity as he then redesigned how it would all work and how it would all be built and what the dimensions needed to be. What everything needed to be- in order to work. And work like the dream came to life that it was. 

“So it’s possible?” You asked as you took a moment after finishing your last set to look over at him and watched fondly as he worked. 

“Yes. Very much so. I never would have thought to do anything like this without your divine inspiration.” He beamed happily back at you as he looked at you with absolute delight and giddy excitement.

“I don’t know if it’s divine…” You allowed. 

“Oh, it is, trust me. This is how you’re going to catapult us into the future. And if you’re doing these based on flowers, each country and each place has it’s favorite flowers, you could totally tailor these to more suit the aesthetics of each place. And they will be perfect works of art and wonders of the world and will be its own destination. Plus I love the change to the Order. It’ll make the privilege of knowing you personally that much more precious and intimate in a way.” He began. 

“That and it’ll be easier for the future generations to not constantly feel like they’re in my shadow and have to constantly differentiate them from me.” You explained. 

“Yes, I agree. It would be confusing in a lot of ways, like it has with the ships themselves.” He agreed with a nod. 

“I’m happy you agree, I have another idea but I wanted to run it by you.” You began. 

“I’m all ears Dearest.” He invited. 

“I want to give Millie a job.” You began and it caused him to frown slightly in confusion for a moment.  

“Doing what?” He asked, trying to keep his tone light and not betray how much he was against Millie ever tearing down anything you had built up. 

“My mother has always insisted that Millie was always a princess and future queen in the making. And with this wedding, she is loving all of the attention and the favors and the royal treatment and everyone kissing her ass so to speak. And she couldn’t be happier with that. And it’s a spectacle where she’s the star of the show.” You began as you saved your best “flower” for last as you slowed down and really took your time with it. 

“Ok…” Kragan slowly nodded in agreement as his frown deepened. 

“But Millie is dreading her life as Countess Lavine in Solowards. Because here I am, practically empress of my own empire and she’s being looked at and expected to repeat what I’ve done and she…she has no idea how to do that and wouldn’t even know where to start. Because all she knows is the performance. She doesn’t know anything else. And that’s only because she’s had it practically beat into her since she was a child to be nothing like me, to be the exact opposite of me, all flash but nothing of real substance. Because if anything of real weight is a burden and no one wants to be a burden. To not be too educated, to not be too intelligent, to not be anything other than a little doll to be dressed up. Or a jewel in a jewelry case, to be worn and to be an accessory to Ron but not be her own person. And now that others are expecting her to be her own person, she’s having a hard time figuring who and what that person is without being told by someone else. And even now, Gwendolyn is terrified to even leave the house. She hates all the pressure that I’ve unknowingly and unintentionally put on her and Millie. And she’s incredibly introverted and very shy and she hates the spotlight of any kind. And she is dreading the thought of even following in either my or Millie’s footsteps. But I have an idea for her, but I want to go over it with my parents. But before I do that, I want Millie to have a chance to stay in the spotlight so that Gwendolyn never has to even get on the stage, not until she really wants to.” You explained. 

“So..this is more, how to save your sister Gwendolyn from being a spectacle, while making it so that Millie stays the spectacle?” Kragan concluded. 

“Yes.” You confirmed. 

“Ok. What did you have in mind?” He asked curiously as his knitted brow relaxed.  

“When people will no doubt get their ships and are eager to set sail on the twelve winds and see the world, the rich and powerful and most likely royal ones- will need something of a guide. I want to promote Millie to be a Radiant Diamond. Which is really, only a fancy title that will make her feel important. But it’ll be so that she can go around to all of these capitals first, go to all the opulent opera houses and go to all the courts and palaces that- for those who want to pay the price of staying a night in a castle and live like a royal guest for a day, she could create a guide and her own diamond system. I’m thinking of giving her- her own rating system of diamonds. Specifically five. So if she will go to these eating establishments or will go to these other palaces to stay and live like the princess she’s always wanted to be and has been trained, since birth to have the super fine, opulent and super luxurious tastes. And she can rank and rate everything the world over, starting with Wakanear first since she will be there on her honeymoon. And after the honeymoon, simply either transition or keep it going and sail around and the moment a skyport is opened up, she will be there, trying out everything first to see which places are worth the time to get to. And the fuss that everyone will have when they see her ship, followed by it’s fleet of huge cargo ships behind her and surrounded by other guard ships, as if she is the most precious new bride in the world, more precious than even the Dorrierran ones. Not only would and could she do such a thing, gleefully and joyfully, it would be something she could and would take very seriously. Because it puts her as the seat of judging everyone else and everything else instead of herself being judged and she would have her chance to have her nearly impossibly high standards to be met. And she wouldn’t have to worry about the Solowardian court or really trimming down from Princess to Countess, if anything she can keep herself as she is if she wants to be. She would amass her own empire of all things luxurious and refined sophistication. Since, one, she has the training, two she has the desire and the patience and the skill for that arena that I simply don’t want to have. Hell I was going to go and ask High Councilor Langashi for that biggest and most grandiose crown and present it to her as a wedding present and “anoint” her as such after the wedding. Because then it would be seen as I would only ever trust her super refined luxurious tastes to suit The Order of Radiance Luxury Guide Book.” You relayed. 

“That..that would be perfect for her.” Kragan blinked in surprise as his eyebrows lifted for a moment but a smile soon bloomed on his features. 

“So what about Gwen?” He asked. 

“Well, she’s always been more intellectual like me. But because she is so private and likes the comfort of home but doesn’t want to be a home body all the time and is only currently that because she has a fear of being judged and picked apart if she were to leave the house. She even moved into my old suite of rooms at home, eager to have a private space of solitude, but at the same time, confinement is better than being thrust into the spectacle with Millie. But at the same time, I think she will do better at finding the super secret gems. Like the opposite of Millie, where Millie will be quick to be drawn like a magnet to the really popular and pave the way to the best time of your life at any point in your travels around the world. Gwendolyn will be anti-popular, but for those who want the real, authentic experience, she’ll be the super secret guide. The places where you can’t make reservations. The places that don’t cater to tourists but where you can find the real truth and real soul and real authentic experiences at various places instead of falling for the tourist traps. I want her to find the opposite of that and her guide will be for the precious few intellectuals, artists, those who are more genuinely interested in not going along with Millie’s extravagant luxury guide, but are happy and content to be much more discrete and where no one gives a shit about who you are and what you do and how much money you make or that you’re wearing the latest and greatest. If anything, it will be the opposite, where you can just be and be comfortable. Like when you were just a sailor on your ships before you met me. All of those places that you knew you could and would be accepted just the way you were. But places that might not break out in brawls because these will still need to be safe for others to travel to without getting into trouble or come to any kind of harm. But that you’re not just a tourist, that you’re taken as you are without any kind of pretense, you’re just passing through like any other person. I want her to find the kind of places that will be happy to welcome you in, you can clap along to the music, drink the beer and enjoy really good music and your evenings after doing art or music or reading or appreciating architecture or meet authors and artists and musicians and enjoy their company and either join in or appreciate them as they are. Places like Souja Tavern. The places that make you feel like you’re a local. That you’re no better or no worse than anyone else and where everyone is equal and as long as you have some coin, and good manners, you can still have a good time. The artist circles, cafes, the little eateries, places like that. For the people who march to the beat of their own drum, but can do so safely.” You expounded. 

“And then I want you and your brothers and even your dad- to make your own list of places that- if you want rowdy, if you want rough and tumble and dangerous and thrilling, these are the places for you. You either can or can not use your own name of course. But it would be a very much- travelers beware- danger can lurk here- kind of thing.” You carefully expounded.  

“Yes, I believe I can do that.” Kragan laughed with a nod. 

“Thank you.” You thanked him. 

“But otherwise? That five diamond thing? I think Millie would take to that job like a fish to water. And I think your parents would love that for Gwendolyn to feel involved and feel included but not have to be part of the production like Millie is. I think that’s brilliant. And it’s your empire, you do with it what you want and of course I would be happy to help you and support however I can. But yes, I think those are excellent ideas and I think Millie especially will be ecstatic.” 

“Also I want to give Millie- plaques that her super famous, super luxurious places she will undoubtedly find- can proudly display. But I want Gwendolyn to have her own marker. But I want it gold with black laquer. Like a super secret code. Or like a password to get into the secret but exclusive places that only those in the know and those in the intellectual, musical and theological, and artisanal spaces would be happy to have those like minded and be beacons where those of likemindedness can come and be themselves without judgment or without too much dangerous exposure, does that make sense?” You asked. 

“Yes, perfect sense.” Kragan nodded with a proud smile. 

“Thank you.” You smiled. 

“Also, I want to hire a police and security force and especially a lawyer team and an investigative branch as well. Like I want The Order of Radiance to be taken seriously and have it’s presence felt and understood with crystal clear clarity.” You added. 

“Oh yeah, of course.” Kragan nodded in agreement before Mildred knocked on the door. 

“Yes?” You and Kragan answered before Mildred came in with a small tray of tea. 

“Oh my goodness, up and doing business already and not even dressed?” She teased. 

“Tessa woke up quite inspired, it couldn’t wait.” Kragan readily excused with a proud smile. 

“Oh?” Mildred asked as she set the teapot down and poured a cup of tea for each of you before she got you a little plate and passed it to you. 

“Oh my goodness, Lady Tessa! Your hands! And your arms?! Are you tattooing yourself in your ink again? You and your ambidextrousness, both hands are like this.” Mildress teased before she tried to grab a rag to try to clean it up. 

“But look at what she was making.” Kragan said as he handed her the finished sketch he just then finished up. 

“It’s beautiful. I have no idea what it is. But whatever it is, looks beautiful.” Mildred praised. 

“Mildred, when you watch a daisy bloom and atop a stately stem, suddenly a table like bloom rests serenely atop it’s stem?” You asked. 

“Yes.” Mildred nodded. 

“Now you know how a leaved table, with a simple pull on the outer fram and a few adjustments, suddenly a table that once only could seat four, could now seat six or even eight, depending on how many leaves you put into it?’ You continued. 

“Yes…” Mildred slowly nodded as she still tried to see how the two things would be related. 

“Now, imagine, instead of pulling the frame apart with the table to set the leaves inside. Imagine adding the leaves to the table on the outside. And you can add as many leaves or in this case- petals, as you want. And you can interlock them to the center stem. And, if the petals are supported, not all the stress of bearing the weight is on the stem, suddenly, you can make that flower as large as you want.” You explained as you showed her your original sketch before Kragan showed her his and how it would work and how you could make a “flower” out of the skyport. And potentially make it to be as big as the city itself if you needed it to. 

“But what about those under it? Wouldn’t that block out the sun from them?” Mildred asked. 

“It would only be up for a few days for special occasions. Otherwise the petals can be like little additional meeting rooms on the skyport. But with each having it’s own engine, they can be flown and arranged anywhere on the skyport that they’re needed and with retractable walls. They can either make a larger enclosed space or even be open to allow a good breeze to come through.” You expounded. 

“Oh, well that would be lovely. Like little additions to any of the skyports or even the ships themselves.” Mildred noted before you and Kragan and yourself immediately seemed to light up excitedly. 

“Oh Dear. I’ve done it again. Ok, let me get you both your breakfast and most likely lunch and dinner delivered to your rooms. And I’ll send for more paper. Large drafting paper especially. And I’ll even get more inks if I have to.” Mildred sighed in defeat before she saw herself out and had another cart brought in, covered in various dishes from the kitchens before she went ahead and got at least a dressing robe on you both, should anyone actually call you on the messengerari and not still see Kragan shirtless and you in nothing more than a nightgown and opened the windows to let the fair breeze into the rooms. 

“Happy Anniversary by the way My Lord and Lady.” Mildred said as she brought in fresh floral arrangements into the room and set it by the window so that the breezes would waft the scents into the room. . 

“Anniversary?” You questioned as you looked up at her and looked at the date. 

“Yes, it’s been a whole six months already. And you’re still halfway through your pregnancy. But with your sister’s wedding still a good three months off. It will be a wonder what will happen first, your sister becoming Countess Lavine or you becoming a mother because they should be happening at about the same time. But my midwifing instincts say they won’t. Your sister should walk down that aisle before you walk into motherhood with his Lordship walking beside you in fatherhood.” Mildred cooed happily as she replaced the floral arrangement on the table you were eating from too, making sure the fragrance of the blooms would be appreciated as much as it’s beauty without getting in the line of sight between yourself and Kragan since the small table was really only big for two people and their dishes for breakfast. 

“Oh gods, please don’t come before the wedding or even the day of. The day after? Go for it my Darling.” You worriedly told your belly as you rubbed at the babe inside as they seemed to still be sleeping. 

“Oh don’t even speak such things My Lady. Don’t be tempting Fate like that, lest they make it somehow ten times worse.” Mildred urged you. 

“Seriously, don’t.” Kragan shook his head no. 

“But yes, happy 6 month anniversary My Love.” He added when he kissed you sweetly.

“Happy Anniversary Beloved.” You mirrored happily. 

“And if my midwifin instincts are still as sharp as they ever were, I would actually wager your sister being done with her honeymoon by the time the babe comes.” Mildred wagered. 

“Then I trust your word for it.” You offered before a thought came to your mind once you took a bite of breakfast and chewed it thoughtfully. 

“Mmm! We should call the notaries, the bankers and others to come to the house for the lease agreement as well as make the changes to The Order.” You reminded both Kragan and yourself. 

“Perhaps you should get dressed in something other than a nightgown and a robe if you are to entertain guests of any kind, My Lady.” Mildred urged. 

“Yes, after breakfast though.” You nodded before you quickly jotted down a list and handed it to Mildred. 

“While I finish up eating breakfast, could you please call those people and tell them that I will need to speak with them at their earliest convenience?” You asked Mildred sweetly. 

“Of course My Lady.” She smiled as she took the list before she put it into her portable “phonebook” she kept in a notebook of her own that had all the messenerari numbers on it of all the people you liked to keep in contact with. 

Once you had eaten your fill, then you let the other servants come in and help you dress in your new dresses that had been delivered the day before to suit your growing belly and bosom and support you while still keeping you in surprising stylish comfort. You chose something much more discreet and much more demure for today- than what you had gotten yesterday. 

And once you were dressed, then you called your parents, who thankfully informed you that the King and Queen both refused court today because they were still reeling from the call yesterday. As you told them about the plan you had hatched that morning and showed them the lease agreement and the countermeasures you had already drawn up. They were ecstatic for it and thought the plan was ingenious.

And when Langashi called you, at Mildred’s request, you showed it to her and even she thought it was ingenious and was quite impressed and agreed that this was the best honey trap imaginable and that if they did not go into the honey trap, she would the iron fist to back you and The Order up. Which you were eternally grateful for. 

Within the hour, you had teams of notaries, bankers, and even Langashi came with Dorierran Judiciaries to your palace, and in particular to your “official reception room” where you were content to put on a simple diadem instead of a full crown in your head as you sat at the head of the long business table with Langashi at your right as others took seats along the table as they drafted up official paperwork to do as you wanted and needed them to. 

You had the Masters use their special paper, their special inks, and their special magic tools to make the lease agreement or the purchase agreement, whichever their Majesties would prefer as you wrote out your official offer to them, making it the best sales pitch you could, full of ass kissing flattery and strokes to their egos and instead of giving them a choice where they felt they were within a rock and a hard place and instead of challenging the norm. Offer them the option to keep it a cost they would happily pay, while also releasing others from it if they wished to leave it. 

And it seemed it all came to be done all at the same time because the ink had no sooner dried on the official document and the seal already stamped in place before your messengerari had rung from your parents and the Lavines. 

“Well, it is all done. All that needs to happen is for the exchange of money and land holdings to go into your name.” Your father proudly informed you. 

“Perfect. Then let’s get our business done first, and then from there, we can negotiate with their Majesties.” You nodded before you took the special messengerari pen and signed the documents your father had prepared as well as Count Lavine before a Banker processed the large transfers of wealth to their D.A. accounts and made ready for the influx of wealth to the King and Queen of Solowards. 

“Pahpah, I now grant you the office of my Official Ambassador of the former Contessina Order, which has just been changed to The Order of Radiance- simply for my own simplicity sake- as well as the title of Supreme Chancellor of Commerce for The Order of Radiance as well. And as Ambassador, your estate, land holdings are now property of The Order and I am granting it to your ownership and stewardship. And those in your household and tenants are now all officially citizens of The Order of Radiance. Please note that The Order holds every man, woman and child as individual citizens. Every man, woman and child of the commonwealth will now receive a yearly stipend which is to be used as a base income in The Order of Radiance within the Dorierran Alliance of a thousand gold denari and 500 silver denari in addition to any good or service they may provide to supplement such an income in union with their support of The Order. They shall receive this as a living starting at the age of 1 and shall go into immediate effect. They are all protected under The Order of Radiance Charter. As well as enjoy the rights and freedoms as stated within The Order’s Bill of Rights. Do you, as landholder and renter to The Order of Radiance tenants- agree to these terms on their behalf and under penalty of The Order of Radiance Law- swear to uphold the Law of the Order as it coincides with the Dorierran Alliance Law and Order?” You offered. 

“It is my pleasure to uphold such an honor.” Your father agreed before he signed the papers of Nobility under the Order as well as relinquished his former title as Duke for the King and Queen of Solowards, with one stroke of the pen- freeing himself, his family and those he cared for as landowner- of Solowardian Law and fully into the D.A. and The Order of Radiance. 

“Excellent. Congratulations Ambassador.” You smiled. 

“Now, for the details. It is decreed under The Order of Radiance that, as Ambassador to The Order- you will only ever owe the nominal fee to the D.A. as a citizen of the D.A. As well as to The Order of a thousand gold Dorierran danari a year. Otherwise there will be no other taxes collected by The Order. Only those by the D.A. which we are all international citizens of. But otherwise, you will now have an income from The Order- and that salary is this amount. Is this agreeable?” You officially informed him once you wrote that number down for him to quickly see. 

“I do.” He smiled as you could tell he was already thinking of ways to turn that sum of a hundred thousand gold denari into millions. 

“And my beautiful Mamah. You are my Prime Radiance of The Order of Radiance Official Court. Where you can choose any court site of your liking to hold your court. You may hold your court in conjunction with The Order’s Court of Commerce. Or, if you wish to keep your court separate and have it be any other kind of court you see fit- you are empowered to make this court how you see fit and I now empower you to accept or decline anyone whom you deem worthy into your court, if I or any other Lady of the Order do not accept them into the court previously. And that, as also my Ambassador to any and all other courts within the Dorierran Alliance, that you will be the Order’s eyes, ears and mouthpiece should you see fit.” You informed your mother proudly. 

“It is my pleasure to hold this honor.” She gleefully agreed. 

“Excellent. Also your income for this office, both as Ambassador and as Prime Radiance- to be used how you see fit and engage in any business you so desire both in and out of The Order’s Court of Commerce.” You grinned before your mother gasped when she saw the same number for her. 

“Are…are you sure?” She couldn’t help but blurt out. 

“Yes. Both of you are heads of your courts. I couldn’t have one- make more than the other. I need to empower and fully realize both courts.” You nodded. 

“I’m…humbled by your generosity.” Your mother offered as her lips wavered while her eyes grew glassy with tears but she signed it before you pulled the papers back. 

“Excellent. Now I will need all of my siblings to please enter the room, if they are not already present.” You offered. 

“We’re here!” Your other sisters and brothers giddily announced as they came around to be with your parents on the Messengerari. 

“Now, Toulouse, I know you want to be a lawyer, I’m going to count on you to help me with The Order’s interests in navigating Solowardian Law, I’ll be sending you law books and a team from Dorierra to bring you up to speed on the D.A. side of things, and I’ll need your help drafting more than just the Bill of Rights ok?” You requested. 

“Yes, on it.” He readily reassured you. 

“Saffiro, you’re already my Chief Financial Officer for The Order. So that’s already taken care of. Bellamy, I know you’re really good at sneaking. I’m sending you a team of investigators. I’m gonna need you as my Chief Investigator for The Order, you think you might be up to learning to be that? I know you’re only 15 but you’re pretty good at it as it is.” You urged him. 

“Yes!” He beamed. 

“Gwendolyn, I need you to help me find the best musicians to provide music for various functions The Order will no doubt have. Because you’re a natural talent for it. I’m counting on you helping me find the best talent- even if it’s in unexpected places and I’ll send you the finer details later, but for now I need you to sign here.” You worded with a meaningful look as Gwen blinked in surprise to hear that but did as you asked and signed it before a packet came to her own private messengerari in her room. 

“So what do I get to do?” Millie asked expectantly. 

“I have saved the best for last, my Dear Millicent.” You grinned. 

“Yes!” She cheered. 

“Since you will be getting your ship first and you will be the first to use it to sail around the world with Ron and his family. I’m making you Premiere Diamond DeCuisine- which I want you to take the special plaques that- are still being finished as we speak, because this was going to be a wedding present, but there’s no time like the present- but I want you and Ron to go around the world and make a Premiere Diamond DeCuisine Guide Book for The Order of Radiance. Every royal and every noble with the pocketbooks of a royal will need to know where they can go in any given location at any given time of year and receive the best banquet their money can buy. You will give a rating system of five diamonds. If you find a place that has the food, service and atmosphere worthy of those five, perfect, flawless diamonds in the rating, then all those who have a Radiance Ship, will happily follow where you will lead them in the culinary arts and your word, your nod will be as good as gold and diamonds. But, you can’t let anyone try to beguile you or find a way to bribe you into giving them that five diamond rating if they are not worthy and are not capable of giving everyone who would follow you there- the same five diamond experience. Because others will trust your word in that guide as if it’s the gospel truth. Do you think you and Ron could do that?” You urged her. 

“Yes!” Ron immediately agreed. 

“Yes! Wait, won’t I get fat?” Millie asked as an afterthought. 

“Not if you judge them based on a single bite.” You answered. 

“Then yes! I would happily and proudly do such a thing. Do I get my own crown?” She asked. 

“Yes. You will get your own crown. I will crown you as your wedding present. How’s that?” You proposed. 

“As long as it’s that really big one you had the option of getting.” She answered. 

“You mean this one?” Langashi asked as she seemed to have brought that with her and practically pulled it out from a bag she had brought with her. 

“Yes! That one!” Millie squealed in delight. 

“I won’t have to wear a crown will I?” Gwen asked fearfully. 

“Nope, not at all. I know how much you don’t like them and how discrete you like to keep yourself, I’m hoping you will conduct yourself and your task with as much anonymity as you wish to keep.” You reassured her as she blew out a breath of relief. 

“So how much will the income be?” Millie asked you. 

“This much.” You offered as you wrote down 25,000 a year. Which you were sure her food as going to be comped anyway. 

“Yes! Can’t wait!” She beamed. 

“Awesome, now Count Lavine, I’m hereby anointing you as my Prime Vizier of Commerce to assist the Chancellor in the Court of Commerce for The Order of Radiance. And if you will sell The Order of Radiance- all the lands to which you own within the Kingdom of Solowards, so that The Order will pay the one time sales tax to the King of Solowards- so that such properties will be under the same embassy protections of The Order. And I will in turn- grant you said lands and estates as Prime Vizier of Commerce your estate, land holdings are now property of The Order. And those in your household and tenants are now all officially citizens of The Order of Radiance. Please note that The Order holds every man, woman and child as individual citizens. Every man, woman and child of the commonwealth will now receive a yearly stipend which is to be used as a base income in The Order of Radiance within the Dorierran Alliance of a thousand gold denari and 500 silver denari in addition to any good or service they may provide to supplement such an income in union with their support of The Order. They shall receive this as a living starting at the age of 1 and shall go into immediate effect. They are all protected under The Order of Radiance Charter. As well as enjoy the rights and freedoms as stated within The Order’s Bill of Rights. Do you, as landholder and renter to The Order of Radiance tenants- agree to these terms on their behalf and under penalty of The Order of Radiance Law- swear to uphold the Law of the Order as it coincides with the Dorierran Alliance Law and Order?” You questioned. 

“It is my pleasure to hold such an honor.” Count Lavine smiled happily. 

“And is this income sufficient for such an office?” You asked as you showed him an offer of 50,000 gold denari a year. 

“Yes, more than generous.” He smiled. 

“And Countess Lavine, I would like to anoint you as Premiere Vogue. You will assist Her Prime Radiance with The Order of Radiance Official Court.” 

“It would be my pleasure to accept such an honor.” Kathryn happily squealed in delight and readily signed as you had to quickly write down her income, also 50,000 denari a year to which she practically had diamonds floating in her eyes to see. 

“However, I urge you to help Her Prime Radiance to keep the styling and fashion of the court of The Order, comfortable for all and simple, timeless elegance so that none of us have to worry about investing in huge wardrobes that will be in fashion one year and out the next, or colors that will be in fashion one day and out the next. I wish for every woman to embrace the stylings she is most comfortable in. And simply have something simple- like a sash, to be worn over her desired clothes to signify that she too is a Lady of The Order of Radiance Court and is an a court of equals and I wish for the matters of the day to take precedence over what anyone else just happen to choose to wear that day to court. And gentlemen, I urge you to do the same. Find a style that is timelessly elegant, but perhaps a bit more discrete in it’s lavishness, because I wish for the Court of Commerce to care more about the business of the day rather than what everyone else is choosing to comfortably wear. Please take His Royal Radiance Supreme as a great example of what fashions should be. The Order has the whole of the Supersphere within it. And being a part of the Dorierran Alliance, we should be embracing other people from other countries and other locations. We should be welcoming towards all, not excluding anyone else- also welcomed into the Order. No matter their country of origin, race, ethnicity, creed, tribe, kind or tongue of language. We are a worldwide organization. We should embody that and keep that in mind always. For we are always stronger together than apart. Agreed?” You urged them all. 

“Agreed.” Everyone echoed. 

“Excellent, now Young Count Lavine, I would like to anoint you as Golden Radiance. Because as we are all aware, that no jewel is safe unless it is in a setting most befitting the jewel. So your job is to secure Her Diamond Radiance so that together, you may find the best places to see and be seen in. Opera houses, theaters, restaurants, casinos, and any other venue of entertainment. And that the masses that will soon follow and join you on your flights around the world may enjoy such diversions with you- in safety, style and comfort. Do you accept this anointing?” You asked him. 

“I do. I never thought in a million years I would ever say ‘I do’ to you for any reason, but I’m happy to be wrong and I wholeheartedly do pledge ‘I do’ to that anointing.” Ron couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of his choice of words. 

“Then please sign and agree to the income.” You urged him as you wrote down an income of 25,000 gold denari a year. Knowing he would most likely get everything he would ever want to spend on food and entertainment comped anyway. But it would protect them from Solowards, just in case the King decided to strip away anything else that wasn’t listed in these documents. 

“So that should be everything? If I missed anything, we can work it out later, because I feel it’s time we face the King and Queen of Solowards, don’t you think?” You asked. 

“Yes.” Everyone grinned before you punched in the code to call them. 

“Your Radiance. We were not expecting to hear from you so soon.” Queen Phelicity offered a bit nervously. 

“I came to offer an apology.” You offered as you kept your family and the Lavines on a separate screen so that it looked like it was a private call between just you and her.  

“Oh.” She blinked in surprise. 

“Please call for the King.” Queen Phelicity urged her attendants. 

“Thank you so much Your Radiance, really, we meant no disrespect yesterday.” She tried to soothe over as you simply gave her a polite but serene smile. 

“I know you didn’t. Which is why I’m calling.” You answered as she looked so incredibly relieved. 

“My King, Her Radiance has called to apologize.” She informed her husband when he came into the room. 

“Oh, good.” He seemed to breathe in relief as he came and looked at you expectantly and you could thankfully had Kragan just out of sight as you squeezed his hand when you heard him huff. But hopefully Kragan wouldn’t make any other noise or really be seen either. 

“King Grenevere and Queen Phelicity. I called to apologize for being rude to you yesterday. I have been incredibly busy with my business as of late and I fear that has not been good for me, it’s been exhausting in all honesty. And that exhaustion has made me incredibly irritable. And I unfortunately let that irritation to vent on you yesterday. And I called to offer my apologies for not receiving you with the respect and graciousness that your Majesties deserve.” You began as you could see them both relax and actually smile and even preen to hear the words. But for this to work, you needed to make a show of being humble to their faces and give them the lip service they felt they were entitled to, whether they deserved it or not. 

“I was appointed the owner of a business. And while that business has been promoted to the station of it’s own kingdom, I must keep in mind that you both were anointed and enthroned into your thrones by the priests from the very gods we both worship. And have been appointed by the gods we both believe in to rule over your kingdom. And I need to first- show respect and reverence for that. For- to do otherwise is to laugh in the god’s faces and court disaster, which I do not wish upon anyone, lest myself.” You continued. 

“Yes, thank you so much for recognizing that.” King Grenevere offered as you could see that such a thing had not even occurred to him. But the fact that you brought it up you could see that he was delighted to realize that he had that angle to work from.

“Our interaction yesterday did not sit well with me and I didn’t sleep as well as I wished I could have. But when I awoke early this morning. I think divine inspiration has moved me to try to make things right and amend this breach so that we may both come to an understanding and a solution that we both will be happy with. So, as it stands. I have bought some lands for future development in Solowards and I wish to send you the correct tax on those sales. This is the receipt of the sales so that you may see and make sure that the calculations were done correctly.” You began as the bankers sent the documents through, as a simple total was the title page. 

“Oh my goodness. Yes. That is more than acceptable. I do happily accept such a sum as sales tax from your Order for property bought.” King Grenevere smiled happily as he was happy and content with the total page and didn’t even bother looking at what you had actually bought. Which you were hoping for anyway. 

“Good. Because I do realize that taxes are how the Crown sustains itself and I must respect that first and foremost.” You placated. 

“Of course.” They both readily agreed. 

“Next, I would also like to offer your Majesties the dignity of a good choice. I do realize that it would be in bad taste to unveil the Radiance Ships at my sister’s wedding and it would be the right thing to it that a ship to your Majesties was also given. However, there was a promise made that the highest bid would win the ship. And I myself can not go back on my word, neither I, nor The Order as a whole. And unfortunately, the Radiant Contessina Magnifica- the bid is currently at 499.9 million gold denari, which- each gold bouillon is equal to the gold denari. And The Order must be an organization and business of it’s word. And there is nothing I can do to stop the bidding from continuing. However, all I can do is either accept new bids and then stop the bidding once it’s done. But I do not wish to bankrupt the Solowardian Crown either. So, if you want to enter into the bidding of The Magnifica, only a bid of 500 million gold denari or higher will be accepted. But the entire amount would not be demanded all up front and not all at once. If needed, I could break that down into much smaller and much easier to manage payments if you wanted to buy it outright. And as it stands, with taxes and fees demanded for such a purchase, if I spread out the sum over say a 20 year period and do monthly payments, is still a payment of 2.6 million gold denari a month. Is this what you want? Or I have other options if your Majesties would permit me to explain them.” You offered as they seemed to sharply inhale from “price shock” you were sure. 

“What are our other options?” King Grenevere. 

“What you could do- is simply lease the Radiance Contessina Magnifica while your own custom one is being built. You have to remember, that if you choose to do this, not only will you get sailing rights on the largest, grandest skyship to ever sail the twelve winds. You’d be the first royals to set sail on the skies. I’m commissioning a master cuisine magnifique to go to every single Radiance Skyport’s location and find the best restaurants and other amusements. And you’d be the first royal tourists. You’d have the first of the greatest experiences the supersphere can offer. You can even sail this ship past the outer layer to the middle world and get to see everything within that since the Order is building skyports even there. And even sail to the core if you so desired.” You tempted. 

“You’d be in the skies to see events, such as the great moura migrations that happen only twice a year. Where they fly through the entirety of the supersphere in one single flight. You could sail with them in the skies as they fly in the northern and southern lights in the winter, following the moon and lighting up like diamonds scattered across the velvety sky. Or follow the golden sun around the equator in the summer. You would be the first in the world to do so. And every single king and queen, czar and czarina, cesar and cesaress, emperor and empress and every other kind of ruler you can think of, will all be coming to you- to learn where to go when to get the best experience. You’d be the greatest royal travelers in the superspheres and you’d do so from the greatest ship in the fleet. Protected by the best Dorierran and The Order’s security detail. So that not a single thing goes missing and that not once, are either of you, nor any member of your family and household would ever be in any kind of danger. You would have the best staff if you didn’t want to bring the staff from your own castle. I would personally see to it that the best staff in Dorierra would be staffing your ship for the duration of the lease. And when your ship is done. You simply get to move from- what will by then- be a five year old ship- into a brand new one. And one that will have five years worth of enhancements, upgrades and the very best of the best materials and components will be there, waiting for you to continue the journey if you so desire.” You detailed, going down a quick list you had made up that morning to really “sell” them on such an idea. 

“How much would leasing the ship be?” King Grenevere asked. 

“Well, unfortunately, this too has been up for bidding. Currently, a bid of 50 million denari a year is the lowest bid I can take to close out the bid. But again, this would only be for a few years. At the very longest- five years. And in that five years, again you’d only be paying a fraction of what you would be- should you buy it outright. And what you’re getting is the experience of getting the best- first. And have bragging rights for life for having the opportunity to do what no one else in the world can and could do. And while I can only pay purchase taxes from my business, because I never was a full Solowardian citizen. Because if women were given full citizenship rights, then they could be taxed as such as well. But Solowards and it’s laws and societies have been its way for generations and for such a strong tradition to change only for you to collect more taxes, I do not know or think would honor the Solowardian Tradition- do you?” You offered. 

“Well, that is a good point.” King Grenevere had to nod in agreement. 

“And Solowards wouldn't be Solowards if you changed too much too quickly. All I wish to do is to bring Solowards into the Dorierran Alliance and bring it into the world stage- in style.” You professed with a nod as you noticed, they were nodding with you, which was exactly what you wanted. 

“Now, if you choose to lease the Magnifica for that 50 million denari a year, for anywhere from one to five years, depending on how long it would take to build your Royal Solowardian Magnifica Radiance Ship, which you can name any name you wish. You can have it simply be the Royal Radiant Magnifica if you wanted, and keep my name off of it completely if you so desired. Because your custom ship, which I will see to it’s building personally to make sure it is the best of the best for you- and that while we will do our best to keep the wait as short as possible, we would not do so at the cost of the quality of the workmanship being anything less than perfect. And we would never cut corners or take cheap shortcuts, which so far- only seems to make ten more new problems when you try to take them, but that has only led to ingenious solutions to such problems being discovered that don’t create any additional problems whatsoever. So if it only ends up taking two years to build your perfect ship. Then that means, you will have gotten an 80% discount on the best ship of the supersphere and at end of that time, get the best ship in the world- yet again!” You implored. 

“And by then, the first Magnifica will still be the first Magnifica but by then, that’s when the new ships will take to the skies and by then there would be so many more royals to sail with from all over the world and in the D.A. And that’s where you can boast that I, the namesake of The Contessina Magnifica was born on Solowardian soil. That my ancestors lived and served yours for the last fifteen generations and that I was the highest station outside of royalty when I was there. That once upon, not such a long time ago- I was your Duchess Contessina DeBaringer before I ever became Her Radiance, Contessina Salgria. We could even commission paintings of when I was presented to Your Majesties in your court at the height of fashion. And your ship will always be the gold standard, to which all others are measured, right from the start.” You flourished, appealing to their vanity and ego and you could see it was working perfectly. 

“The only thing is, is that with such a sum, on a yearly basis, means that your monthly payment will be a bit higher than if you paid for ten times the price but over twenty times the length. A monthly payment of 5.2 million denari a month would need to be paid for all taxes and fees from the Dorierran Alliance. But there is no additional tax from The Order of Radiance. For you are King and Queen of my homeland, I would never dream of charging you of all people a tax. But there is, unfortunately, nothing I can do to negate the Dorrierran tax, which we all must partake in. I myself the most of all, because they charge a flat rate. So it doesn’t matter what I buy or spend, they get theirs one way or another, I assure you. But that also helps the realm, which, Solowards is also a part of. And it would trickle down to you one way or another.” You reassured them. 

“And, because you would be getting your own custom ship in the end, its price tag would still never be as high as the first Magnifica ship would be. And instead of paying 50 million denari for a ship a year, your ship could end up only costing you 50 million total. And that broken down into monthly payments for a twenty year loan would only end up being- a measly 434,000 deneri a month. And with all the income Solowards would receive from other royal tourists, such a sum would be a piece of cake to make and be one that you would never have to raise taxes on the people to make. That you would make it off of the other tourists instead. But keep your true Solowardian Soul and Spirit unchanged and keep it as grand in it’s traditions as it is.” You added. 

“Surely our treasury could afford such a thing. The pride of Solowards is resting on this.” Queen Phelicity urged her husband. 

“Yes, absolutely.” He agreed as you smiled happily while Kragan couldn’t help but grin victoriously and give your hand a reassuring squeeze. 

“I’m so happy we could come to such a beautiful and mutually beneficial understanding and arrangement. Now, I have three contracts for you to sign. The first- is that all those who come to tour Solowards can expect to pay fair market value on resupplying supplies, such as food and water, the necessities of life. However, on more luxury goods, that are not necessities. Like high Solowardian Society garments. Or jewelry, or wine or other spirits. You can always charge a luxury tax on such goods when being sold to other royalty and nobility who would come to tour Solowards. All of whom would be coming with their heavy pocketbooks-, eager to fill any other pocket for any memento of their wonderful travels to our magnificent homeland. You could even commission special gift shops making things in Solowards with even the Solowardian royal seal and coat of arms on them to sell as souvenirs. And you would not have to charge such a tax on your own native Solowardian citizens either.” You began as you put that one down first before you got their signatures on that first. And in the fine print of course, was the rights and freedoms of The Order’s citizens too. 

“Next is the lease agreement for the very first Radiant Contessina Magnifica and that you will have that model of ship exclusively for the first year. So that whenever anyone will see it, they will know that it has to be no other than the Magnificent King Grenevere and his beautiful Queen Phelicity and any and all other members of your royal family- there sailing in their skies and gracing them with your magnificent presence.” You flattered as you put the lease agreement down and they both eagerly signed it and were more than happy to put their royal seals into it and have that notarized as well. 

“And the moment the ship is unveiled at my sister Millicent’s wedding, you and any other you wish to invite on board are more than welcome to tour the greatest ship in the supersphere. You could even charge a small fee to offer personal tours so that all those in attendants will practically turn green with envy if they are not already naturally green.” You giggled with a wave of your hand which got them to chuckle laughter with you. 

“And lastly, is the building agreement for your own future Magnifica Ship. And here are the plans I’ve drawn up and we can always make changes to the little details as the building progresses and as new improvements come to light over the next two to five years. And should there be a difference in price between now and then, we can always work that out at another suitable time.” You offered as they were practically drooling to sign that as well. 

“And these plans are yours to keep and pour over- for as long as you want to and physical copies will also be presented at my sister’s Wedding in just a few short months. And that way you can compare your plans to the first Magnifica and if you find anything about the first Magnifica that you wish was different or that you wish you could change for your own future ship, by all means, do so in the plans- so that when you do get your dream ship in a few years time- it will be perfect for you and only you.” You encouraged them. 

“Oh, such a thing sounds absolutely divine.” Phelicity sighed dreamily.

“Well, like I said, I woke up early because this is what struck me. And if you feel it is divine, then I can not help but to agree. And this way, no other damage was done than a simple misunderstanding. But if anything, our bond and relationship can only improve and grow even more fruitful than it already has been.” You flattered. 

“Yes of course, it is as it always should be.” King Grenevere happily praised. 

“Well then, thank you so much for your time and should you have any other lands or properties for sale to The Order become available- so that more amusements and attractions might be built and made so that for years and decades and even generations to come, Solowards will be the first port of call on anyone’s itinerary, you have my number. And even if I should pay the luxury tax on such things, I will be happy to. For even the Solowardian Crown was put into place by the gods.” You reminded them. 

“Oh no, you are a daughter of Solowards. And I hereby decree that you always were a full citizen under the Solowardian Crown. You have every right that any other citizen under the crown has. And I shall put such things into writing today, both you and the family you were born from and the one you married into. I shall promote you all to the nobility of Grand Dukes and Duchesses in our court. And the native nobility will always be saved from paying the luxury tax, because we need to keep the nobility class noble don’t we?” King Grenevere offered. 

“Many countless thanks King Grenevere, you are ever wise and gracious.” You offered sweetly. 

“Now if Your Majesties will please excuse me, I have much work to get started on.” You offered sweetly. 

“Yes, until we meet again Your Radiance.” They offered. 

“Your Majesties.” You smiled sweetly and shut off the call to their Majesties as everyone else in your family and the Lavines and even those in the room with you all began to cheer and applaud you before Kragan leaned over and wrapped his arms around you to hug you from the large double seat the two of you liked to sit in and kissed your cheek sweetly before you kissed him back happily. 

“You played them like fiddle.” He praised. 

“Did I come off as too sweet that it could be seen as insincere?” You asked him.

“Nope, from where I sat, you made it sound like the gospel truth. Hell you had me going for a second.” Kragan teased as he kept his arm wrapped around your shoulders and nuzzled his face with yours before he used his other hand to pick up a pen and make notes to start looking and training guards for The Order’s guardian ships. Which would honestly just be Salgria Shipping ships armored and armed to the teeth with an even darker shade of gray in the uniforms. 

“I tried.” You offered as you relaxed into his side while making more notes with your hand as well. 

“You succeeded.” He cooed. 

“Very well done Dearest. You should win an award for that. Now Ladies? That’s how it’s done. That’s how you kiss someone’s ass without getting your nose brown.” Your mother gestured to you with each of your sister’s under her arms and squeezing them both as they both couldn’t help but roll their eyes slightly. 

“Seriously, I am over here taking notes!” Samantha even chimed in proudly as she literally was taking notes about this interaction. 

“If I had a hundred more of you in the bride system, ugh, there would never be another war, ever.” Langashi appraised. 

“Please have this crown, with it’s suite of jewels prepared as gifts for her Diamond Radiance and a masculine set to suit his Golden Radiance.” She offered to one of her servants who came and took the crown, it’s case from her and left to do just that. 

“And you did it so beautifully, and while you had to put on a little show of humility, the line of reasoning you used was flawless. And perfectly executed. You really are a wonder. Kragan, do well to cherish such a treasure. For there will be nothing that the two of you together can not do.” Langashi praised you and him. 

“Also, I hope you will forgive me, but I did have some laws drawn up for your approval for The Order of Radiance.” She offered before she made a gesture and showed you a set of manuscripts as you sat there and felt like you grinned like an idiot for every page you turned over and read as your eyes got almost impossibly wide but your smile got to be so bright and in awed wonder while your eyes glazed with tears as Kragan wasn’t able to keep up with you and simply rubbed circles into your back and let you speed read your way through them as you also took your pen and were marking which laws you didn’t care for as you went. 

“It’s like she’s a machine.” Langashi murmured in a gentle teasing tone. 

“She’s brilliant.” Kragan praised. 

“She’s a wonder.” Langashi praised. 

“Well this should do it for now. Should you ever need an iron fist wielding an iron hammer, you know where and how to reach me.” Langashi offered. 

“Thank you, for everything.” You paused and looked up at her as she began to stand up as you stood up with her to offer a more intimate goodbye with your newest best mother figure. 

“You’re welcome. It’s young ladies like yourself that are the reason I have become what I am today. And if by smashing the patriarchy, one kingdom and crown at a time is what I have to do it- to give young ladies like yourself every opportunity to make the world a better place, then so be it.” She smiled as she came over and kissed the crown of your head and hugged you as you got up to hug her back, like she was another mother or perhaps even a young grandmother to you.  

“Oh, this little one, she’s going to be trailblazer, just like her mother.” She said as she palmed your belly as she withdrew from the hug. 

“She?!” You and Kragan both excitedly gasped, as did everyone else present.  

“Yes. She. Mouras, can tell with their lira light touch- at conception, what their little ones will be. Other kinds, we have to wait until midpoint in the pregnancy to be able to tell if the little one will be a girl or a boy when the sex develops in the developing fetus. And in feeling her now, she is a girl. A lovely, strong and very intelligent girl, just like her mother. Although, she does turn slightly whenever her father talks.” She noted. 

“We’re having a girl! Oh my goodness it’s a girl! I get to have an Empress and a Princess!” Kragan cheered happily and practically bounced out of the chair to pull you into another tight hug. 

“Now that reaction right there, what I would give for every father to have that reaction when they are finding that their wives are pregnant with daughters, oh the world would be such a better place.” Langashi laughed as you immediately flung yourself into Kragan’s arms before your parents and the lavines all cheered their congratulations and immediately of course, started to throw out baby names. 

“Enough, enough, Kragan and I will decide for ourselves what to name our daughter, we will let you know when we have a name picked out. I’ll see you all again soon.” You urged before you said your goodbyes and asked for copies of baby name books be brought your personal, private quarters along with these volumes of manuscripts. 

“Of course.” Langashi readily agreed. 

“It’s a girl! It’s a girl! It’s a girl! Yes! That’s what I’ve been hoping for!” Kragan cheered as he literally jumped up and down in the room once you retreated back to your own private rooms as you laughed and hugged your belly happily as you laughed at his antics. 

“What are we going to name her? Victoria? Like Victory? Or Celestra? Because she’s the star of our life. Ooh! Or Lunesta? Or Lunabella? Because she’ll be the beautiful moon and stars in our lives?” Kragan asked. 

“Those…those are very Solowardian names Kragan. Are you sure you want to name her a Solowardian name? I thought you’d want to name her something from your culture because she’s just as much from you and yours as she is from me and mine, she’s ours. We can name her whatever we want or we can wait until she’s born to see what she will be when we see her?” You offered. 

“Yeah but, as much as Solowards is stupid, it kind of went off with the names. Solowards does have some really pretty names.” He excused.

“Doesn’t mean that Forestrong names are any less beautiful.” You tried to gently argue. 

“Darling, I love you, you’re brilliant and beautiful, but come on, she should have an amazing name that means something amazing.” He urged you. 

“But what if she’s like Gwen and hates having super auspicious name and that pressure for her to be equally impressive and remarkable has her running for the hills?” You tried to reason. 

“I mean my name means royalty. Because before Ron was born, my dad was trying to marry me off into the royal family. And that would have been as equally devastating as marrying Ron would have been. Do I want her to have a pretty name? Yes. But I also don’t want her to have such as extravagant name that she feels like she has to use two pages of paper to write it all out. I want to give her the choice and the chance to either taken the stage or shy away from it if she so desires. I mean, I’m happy to work at my desk, sitting in that double chair with you all the days of my life. She may want something similar or she may hate paperwork all together and never be stuck behind the back of a desk and sail the twelve winds just like you- with the sun and wind in her face and hair and a belt on her trousers and a ropes in her hands instead of a pen or gold for that matter. She may be our little adventurer where the only paper she wants to touch is the parchment of maps.” You tried to contend. 

“...true.” He had to admit. 

“...but that being said, I do like the name Glorianna and or Victoria or even Fortunata- for a middle name perhaps. Or even Adorabella, or Serephena or even simplified into Serena, or even Madelluna, or Magdellaina or whatever.” You clarified. 

“Adorabella Seraphina Magdelainluna. We can call her Adora or Bella or Serena or Maggie or Maddie or Del, or Luna for short.” Kragan offered as he listed off the several nicknames to be had from just those names.

“OK, that does sound quite beautiful and with enough variability she could do any number of things with her own name. That’s perfectly beautiful Kragan- Adorabella Seraphina Magdelainluna Salgria, there, a proper - but probably over complicated name for her Little Radiance.” You offered just as the baby name books got delivered which got you both to chuckle. 

“Do you want to see if we can find a prettier name or find other names for future children?” You suggested.  

“Ooh, the latter. I think we have Little Serena’s name pretty well settled.” He offered as he giddily palmed your belly. 

“Yes, Serena, I like it. Simple and if anything, she has filled me with a sense of serenity.” You offered. 

“Me too.” Kragan smiled before he kissed you and thankfully, lunch was delivered before you could eat again before you filled your hunger from each other again before you sat down to a wonderful lunch and baby name books.

[thecandywrites]

The Switch- Chapter 1

Woo, for Day 28 of Monster March being my favorite prompt in the whole wide world- Orcs. But this comes with a side of intrigue and that ‘are you gonna pull this off in time’ kind of thing. This is also a piece that is happening just after Burn Without You and Souja. Same universe, different point of view. But again, you don’t have to read those others to understand this. Since this can still be a stand alone piece. 

So let’s meet our characters. Top left, Baron Kragan Salgria and going from left to right and at a slant. Next we have “Tessa” aka our reader who has a dire and pressing situation on her hands who is our leading lady. Next to her is “Milli” her next youngest sister and then the guy all the way on the left, Count Roncharles Lavine. 

The Switch

Chapter 1

You laid in your bed, having your mother hold your hand as two doctors, one elven and one human invasively looked you over laying there in only a nightgown and poked and prodded you. One was from the Orient, the other from the Middle East. You had fallen ill about a month ago and at first your family’s preferred doctor had dismissed your sickness as “an upset stomach” and suggested a change in diet to correct it. But as more time went on, the more serious it got and the more agonizing pain you experienced. It was obvious that it was serious and not something to be dismissed. Now your parents were reaching out for a second and third opinion but doing so far and wide and most importantly- quietly. 

The reasons for their cautiousness- besides their natural love for you, is because you had been betrothed since you were a toddler to a young Count by the name of Count Roncharles Lavine. Who was from a very wealthy, powerful, influential and very prestigious family. And the match had been made when the Young Count was born since he was two and a half years your junior. It was expected that you would grow to be a sophisticated, intelligent and competent yet submissive wife and Countess. And birth many heirs for the young Count and the wedding was yet a year away and your wedding dress was still being heavily embroidered and embellished with the best silks, threads and laces money could buy because all of noble society and even royalty was supposed to come and attend the event. And with such a prestigious match, your parents had made sure to do all they could to ensure the match would be a success. And this illness was a dangerous complication.   

One of the doctors began to press on your abdomen and you lurched in bed and cried out and both doctors froze. 

“How long have you had this?” One of them asked as both of them took turns continuing to press and feel around on your side as you were in tears from the agonizing pain as even your mother was about ready to demand for them to stop but they obviously just found the cause for your illness. 

“I don’t know, I have had discomfort when wearing my corset recently so I’ve had my maids tie it loosely. But only for the last month or so, but when you press that, it’s like you’re stabbing me there and on the other side.” You whimpered before they were both pressing on it, trying to feel for something as you wanted to hit and kick them both. But managed to not do so, with coaching from your mother. But you couldn’t help but writhe in bed from the pain and cry out and wail in pain before both doctors gave each other a worried but meaningful look before they looked to you and your mother apologetically as they both came to the same conclusion. 

“She has side sickness and I can feel a growth.” Dr. Morad, the human diagnosed. 

“The growth must be cancer.” Dr. Tian, the elf diagnosed. 

“Yes, I’m so sorry but it is cancer, and the worst case of side sickness I’ve ever seen. Between your symptoms and your coloring, and judging by the way your urine has changed color. It is most definitely cancer.” Dr. Morad explained as he gestured to the vials of urine where they collected it earlier and divided it into five different bottles and added various components to see if the urine would react and reveal the cause of the illness. 

“No. No you can’t be serious, there’s no way that’s right.” Your mother shook her head no as tears welled in her glasz eyes as her breath hitched in her chest, causing the words to come out in almost a stutter. 

“I would stake my career on it. She doesn't have long left, you need to start to prepare yourselves since this will be terminal.” Dr. Morad insisted as Dr. Tian nodded. 

“I agree, this will be terminal, I’m so sorry.” Dr. Tian offered consolingly as you laid there in shock and felt completely numb from the news. 

“How long does she have?” Your mother asked. 

“If she was feeling fine months ago but her pain has increased in such a short time and the tumor has grown this much in such a time. And since she has shown such a steep decline in health, she could live for another 3-6 months without issue, but in a year, her abdomen will swell like she is with child and then it may be a matter of weeks after that.” Dr. Morad speculated. 

“If that long, my diagnosis is she has 6 months to a year at the most, maybe three months at the soonest.” Dr. Tian professed apologetically. 

“What can be done? Surely there is something that can be done- magic, medicine, I don't care how, but she can't die! Too much is… ” Your mother pressed. 

"Duchess, there is no medicine for this, there is no magical cure. Even the strongest, most powerful Wizard or Witch would die from this and even fully collared mouras have great difficulty in trying to heal this ailment. And it would cost you and your family everything you have ten times over to even try to buy a moura’s cure for this. I'm sorry but this condition is always fatal and the moment it's detected, it's already too late. Surgery would kill her. She is already so weak." Dr. Morad explained. 

“But surely there is something that can be done!” Your mother insisted. 

“We can prescribe some herbs and healing teas to preserve what life she has left. Some medicine for pain and discomfort. But otherwise, we need to keep her comfortable. But from now on- no more corsets, that will make it worse and possibly progress it faster.” Dr. Tian suggested. 

“I second that council. I have some medicinal oils to press into her skin that will help with the pain. And help her have an appetite so her body doesn’t waste away before her spirit can. But yes, no more corsets and she must be kept comfortable. Turn her frequently so she does not get bed sores. And medical rubbing is a must to keep her comfortable and preserve her body and her spirit. And make sure she gets fresh air and sunshine from now on. But otherwise, all you can do is try to keep her comfortable.” Dr. Morad urged. 

And just like that it felt like you were in a coffin and the nails were being driven in and you felt like you couldn’t hardly breathe as everything fell out of focus as your mind stopped your ears from hearing and stopped paying attention to their words as you looked out the window at the tree where a bird was over it’s nest and you felt so jealous of the bird. To have wings and to fly freely, to be slave to no will but your own. All you could hear is the bird’s chirps and whistles to it’s mate who had come to feed it a grub so it could stay sitting on the nest before the male left again. 

You were all of 20 and your whole life had been controlled. Every breath, every movement, every step, carefully calculated and measured before it could be taken. And now you were facing death when you had never really lived.  

Then a thousand and one regrets came barreling over you. Maybe you should have run away with that stable boy when you were 16, or even that elven hybrid merchant’s son at 17, or even that dashing blacksmith in town with the large, muscular arms and eyes that while dark, burned bright like the coals he worked with at 18. Or any number of suitors that had come up since then. At least you would have had a few years of happiness. Of course, if you had gotten sick with any of them, both would have had to resort to begging to pay for your care now and it would have been looked at as the gods punishing you for running away from your responsibilities and duty with the betrothal. 

But now? Was it just bad luck? A cruel twist of fate? 

You had lived your life so carefully, afraid to make a misstep to ensure your family’s safety and success. And now, you were going to die and you were suddenly so angry that you would never get to see the pay off or reward for all of this hard work. And you knew that once the truth would be found out, that Count Lavine would probably dump you on your parents’ doorstep and demand one of your sisters in your place. All your plans and hopes and dreams as Countess Lavine seemed to vanish into smoke. 

Although, you had only met him once when you were 15 and he had barely been a boy of 13 and all he wanted to talk about was shooting and hunting and he didn’t like the fact that you weren’t that pretty. To be fair, you had been an awkward teenager but you had grown into your looks and blossomed into a beauty within the last few years but still, you would last only for one more, if that. 

Your maid got you dressed only in something soft and comfortable and then another left to get you some tea as that was the only thing that brought your mind out of your reverie  as you realized that your mother and the doctors had left you alone in your room.  

“Mildred.” You called. 

“Yes My Lady?” She said as she paused from leaving. 

“If I drink one more cup of bitter healing tea, I will vomit. Please bring me some fruit tea or lemonade or something like that.” You pleaded from your bed as your mother and father were still arguing with the doctors down the hallway as you could hear your father’s rising voice in anger and denial and demands that the doctors contact other doctors but to do so under the greatest secrecy while also demanding what their price would be for their silence but also insisting for more doctors to come to do a fourth and a fifth consultations and diagnosis. 

“Yes my Lady.” She answered with a small, rather pitying smile. 

Within a week two more doctors came and all five of them did the same examination, retested you and your bodily fluids and all of the tests came back with the same result- terminal cancer from advanced side sickness. Your father paid them all more than double their fees to keep their silence and their visitation to your family’s estate a secret. Because if this got out- it would ruin you and your family and every plan they had ever had regarding your future, much less the futures of your younger sisters. 

Then the next two weeks after that were just a blur of sleeping, taking medicine, getting medical rubbing which had been prescribed. The medical rubbing all over your body from a female practitioner to help ease and relax you was something you quite enjoyed actually. Otherwise you got to eat all your meals in bed. You also got to read some really good novels your sister Milli had picked out for you from the library. The ones with the happiest endings where the hero whisked his princess off into the sunset to rule in a perfect castle, far far away with a happily ever after being her personal favorites. Which you appreciated her efforts to try to keep your spirits high by keeping entertained. But sadly, you couldn’t relate to the stories because such a thing was never going to happen to you. 

Your mother informed you that your father was taking the news of your illness very hard, but you wondered if it was only a hard blow for him because he could no longer use you for his business and political purposes. And only when all five doctors had come to do their examinations had been the only time you had seen your father since the diagnosis of the second and third doctors. 

Then one morning Milli came bursting into your room, her red face and puffy eyes accompanying her wail. 

“Tessa! It’s not fair! You have to help me!” She begged as she knelt down next to the bed and reached for you. 

“What’s happened?” You asked. 

“Papah! He’s married me off to orcs!” She wailed. 

“What?” You breathed in shock. 

“Some merchant orc, some filthy sailor! Who somehow struck it rich and is trying to buy their way into nobility!” She cried. 

“H...how?” You asked. 

“Instead of my inheritance of 30,000 gold bouillon, he’s offering Papah 50,000 gold bouillon for my hand and Papah already accepted! He didn’t even give me a choice or ask for my opinion at all!” She said. 

The sum raised your eyebrows, that would not only pay off every debt your father had but it would also set your family up for at least 3 generations at it’s current spending habits and then some.  

“How many heirs are they demanding?” You asked. 

“I don’t know! One is too many! I would rather trade my life with yours than marry a barbarian!” She continued to wail into your bosom. 

“Help me out of bed.” You told her. 

“What?” She asked. 

“Help me out of bed, if Papah will not come to me, I will come to him.” You insisted before she helped you out of bed and put a shawl around you before she helped you walk to your father’s office where your mother was equally hysterical inside of it. 

“Tessa! What are you doing out of bed?” Your parents chastised. 

“I’m not in my grave yet! There is still life in my breast and I demand to not be treated as if I’m already in my coffin.” You growled. 

“Tessa this is not like you.” Your father urged. 

“How would you know?! Since the doctors came you have not come to see me once!” You snapped angrily at him which caused him to turn downcast and flush with shame. 

“Now, will someone tell me what in all of the gods’ graces is going on?!” You demanded as you took a seat across from your father’s desk and looked expectantly at your father. 

“Milli has had an offer of marriage.” Your father began. 

“Which I refuse!” Milli insisted but you raised your hand to hush your sister, before you reached out to hold her hand. 

“Tell me the whole offer, read it word by word if you have to.” You insisted calmly before your father picked up the letter from his desk. 

“’Baron Thaddius Salgria offers his hier’s hand to my daughter Millicent who he has heard is unbetrothed. He is looking to legitimize his family into the nobility since King Grenver has bestowed the title of Baron onto him and his family and he is currently building an estate in northern Solowards and the estate will need a Great Lady to ensure the estate’s success and is offering me fifty thousand gold bullion for her hand in marriage’.” He paraphrased from the letter before he handed it to you for you to read it yourself and tried to look at this with the utmost objectification, not letting any emotions get into your mind or your thinking. Because such an offer from anyone else would have anyone with reason doing all they could to agree to such a thing. Newcomers to nobility were both a novelty yet treated with weary suspicion because they were unknown and the fact that they were of orcish descent was the farthest thing from your mind, if this had been a human or elven or any other offer from any of the other “high” species, this would have been a done deal and your sister would not be reacting like this.

“What do we know about the Salgria family?” You asked calmly as you kept the letter in your other hand as your other was still holding Milli’s. 

“They’ve made their great fortune in Forestrong from the Brighway Line. They’ve also gained great fortune in Fitsdale which was just outside of Brighway Line. And now they’ve increased their income almost a hundred fold by being the first to have a hand in doing business in Wakanear and Yekemeni. Especially since Yekmeni now owns Wakanear as it’s territory. The Yekmenians killed off the pirates and built it up to be a trading outpost and since both places are now ruled by human Dorierran royalty as queens and princesses. Dorierra now has two more jewels in it’s every growing crown of the Dorierran Alliance. But the King of Yekmeni is an orc, and his cousin, the Prince of Wakanear is an orc as well. But they married sisters to my understanding. And since the sisters have started to rule both places have practically doubled several times in wealth and success ever since. Especially having Dorierra as an ally and they now do business with all of Dorierra’s allies which we are a part of as well.” Your father began to list off as you kept his gaze steadily. 

“The Salgria’s hired their clan connections to work and build up Wakanear and their fleet of sea ships and skyships are now a constant in all four places and now that they have connections in Yekmeni and Wakanear, their shipping and trading with Dorierra has also greatly increased. And even in Dorierra they keep ships there so their presence is even to be had there with great success thanks to Yekmeni and Wakanear’s backing. Salgria Shipping is now poised to be a major monopoly in shipping in the whole supersphere. And their ships from their multiple shipyards are the finest ships in the supersphere. And they have shipyards churning out ships at almost an alarming rate at all five places. And even though their quantity is going up, their quality has not lacked at all. If anything the quality of their ships has improved as well. They have just as much money as the royal family at this point, if not more. And it was because of their very generous donation to King Grenver for his fleet and his treasury that he gave them the title of Baron, only last year along with the allotment of land in the kingdom. Hoping to keep the Salgria’s here and their taxes to fuel the empire and the king has since ordered for me to see to it that they stay here so of course Milli is the obvious choice. Since then everything the Salgrias touch practically turns to gold. If word got out that they were looking for a lady, the Harringtons, let alone any other and every other family in the nobility would slit our throats for this offer. The fact that they offered it to us first and only us right now is a great advantage.” He insisted as he gestured to the letter.  

“How many heirs are they asking for? Because this offer doesn’t say, I take it you’ve had some correspondence with them since. This letter was dated weeks ago, a letter like this demands a prompt response.” You asked as you held up the letter and pointed to the dated- noticing it was only days after Dr. Tian and Dr. Morad gave you- your terminal diagnosis.  

“It was not mentioned but I would wager it’s implied.” He answered. 

“Well then I think the solution to this problem is clear. Count Lavine’s offer of marriage was always contingent on my ability to produce heirs. And with my current state of health, that’s no longer possible. Switch Milli and I.” You proposed as you put the letter back down on his desk. 

“How? You’ve been betrothed since his birth.” Your mother contested. 

“And Young Count Roncharles has never once liked it or been agreeable to it! He has always fought against it and resented it! Look, Milli is prettier than I am and the reason why Young Count Lavine has chafed at the betrothal was because he thought I was too plain and simple the one time he met with me face to face. And he has never tried to meet with me or converse with me or exchange a single word with me since and despite all of your best efforts and his parent’s efforts. It was always going to be a strenuous dutiful arrangement. There has never been any effort on his part to incite any kind of affection in our match, despite my best efforts- so there is absolutely no love lost here.” You pointed out as you dug your index finger into a letter from the Elder Count Lavine on your father’s desk. 

“All we need to do is to arrange for Milli and Young Count Lavine to meet in a setting he will feel comfortable meeting her in. Make it a ball where his peers and friends will be in attendance so he will actually want to attend. Put her in the prettiest dress we can buy or have made for her. Using Young Count Lavine’s favorite colors that compliment her. And have it set the bar in fashion. Have her dripping with jewels, even if they’re paste. Make her up to be the most ravishing lady in the room. The belle of the ball. And Young Count Lavine is only 18 now, like any young man his age- his eyes will be more influential on his mind than anything else. Make Milli into the prize any young man his age would want and be enraptured with. Stuff her corset with stockings to make her bosom larger if you absolutely must. Do whatever it takes to make her as appealing and appetizing to him as you can.” You pointed out as you kept your gaze locked with your father’s but you could see in your peripherals that your mother was realizing you had a good point and was nodding in agreement. 

“Especially since he is the same age as Milli, hopefully she will catch his eye and all of us will just have to pray that he likes her more than me. Or that his friends will also find her even more attractive and interesting than she has already demonstrated to be- to stir his own competitive streak to take action and take an interest in her to assert his dominance among his peers. Then tell Senior Count Lavine, very secretly that I have seen many doctors and they all say I am barren. That I fell from a horse or I have been in an accident, or whatever lie you wish to tell because I sincerely doubt you’ve told them I’m terminally ill yet.” You wagered as you pointed to the letter from the elder Count on his desk and noticed it was dated only recently, your father cast his eyes down at the letter as his cheeks flushed with even more shame. 

“Pay the same doctors who gave me the diagnosis- give “an official report” to Senior Count Lavine as “proof” if need be. Because if you can buy their silence, I would wager you could also pay for them to change said diagnosis to suit Senior Count Lavine’s ears too because he doesn’t need to know the truth, all he needs to know is all he would want to hear.” You insisted as you gestured to the diagnosis reports from the doctors still on your father’s desk to this side. 

“And for Senior Count Lavine to hear that I am barren will be enough to induce him to release me from the betrothal and if and when he does- and Milli can secure the Young Count Lavine- the switch will be a success. Because Young Count Lavine wouldn’t be fighting against it, but would be fighting for it to secure the most beautiful diamond of the season and the season is still new and still full of excitement. Because Milli has already gotten a lot of interest from Young Count Lavine’s peers. So I would wager he has at least heard about her beauty and would be eager to see it with his own eyes and if his father gives him the freedom to choose anyone but me, he will most likely go for Milli with much more enthusiasm.” You insisted as your father was impressed by how you were dealing with this and being so quick to find an equitable solution. 

“Then tell Baron Salgria that Young Count Lavine has fallen in love with Millie, broken off his betrothal with me, when he saw her. And make it sound like love at first sight for the pair.  And then offer me instead but stress that I’m not broken hearted about it. But that I too was not agreeable to the match either. And that I am grateful and relieved to be released from the betrothal. Which if this switch can be successful, I will honestly and truly be. My marriage into the Salgria family will be just as legitimizing as Milli’s would be. And since Milli refuses the offer from the Salgrias, I will accept it in her place- if she can secure the Young Count Lavine.” You proposed as you pointed to the letter from Senior Baron Salgria again for emphasis.  

“I have trained my whole life to be Countess Lavine. But I wager I can’t muck up being Baroness Salgria anymore than I could muck up being an Archduchess at this point. Just tell the Salgria’s I have a delicate disposition and constitution since my “accident” but that I will make a full recovery soon. But that should be enough to explain why I need as much medicine and tender loving care from the physicians as I am getting. I don’t look that sick yet and I can put on a show of being well long enough for a quick courtship, engagement and wedding to the Salgria’s. Because surely their business will pull them away quickly again and they can simply take me with and I can always come down with my illness while I travel. It happens all the time, it wouldn’t be suspicious to anyone else.” You proposed. 

“Once Milli can capture Young Count Lavine’s interest, and that switch is set. Then make the plans for my own wedding to Young Baron Salgria as quickly as you can and marry me off before I show any more signs of sickness. That way when the truth of my illness may be known, it will be in their care and the blame for it will be on them. And if they want to spend their enormous wealth on a collared moura’s cure then so be it. But the blame and responsibility for my cure will not be on you. I may be dying but I will rest in peace if I know that Millie and Gwen are taken care of, and have a measure of happiness and comfort in their matches. And for all we know Milli will be much happier with Young Count Lavine than she will be with anyone else right?” You insisted. 

“Yes, I would.” Milli confirmed with an emphatic nod of her head.  

“If Baron Salgria has fifty thousand bouillon to offer for Millie’s hand or even mine for that matter. They have more than enough money to make sure my final moments are in comfort if even they can not afford a cure. And it will ensure our family’s position and prosperity for generations. For at least three by the calculations off the top of my head at our current spending rate. I have spent my whole life preparing for a future that will never be mine. The least I can do is trade what life I have left to ensure that all of you will live well. Let my dying wish be to sacrifice myself for this cause. At least this way I’ll get to travel and be able to see a little bit of the world before I leave it.” You negotiated with your father as your mother and Millie were both crying, being touched your effort to at least try to sacrifice yourself for the good of the family as all three of you were looking expectantly at your father for his answer before he nodded in agreement and got up from his seat and walked around his desk and pulled you to your feet before he hugged you tight. 

“Alright, alright.” He agreed softly before he started crying as he held you in his arms as you hugged him back just as tightly and couldn’t help but give way to tears to as you finally got to feel the love your father had for you before your mother and your sister joined in the hug before your father brought you back into your room so you could get back into bed. 

“I’ll take care of everything.” He reassured you. 

Within a week, carts full of yards and yards of new fabrics and laces came into the house as the seamstresses came en masse and fitted Millie for new dresses as you sat down in the salon with her as she stood on top of the pedestal as your mother went over all the kinds of lace that had come in and directing another seamstress about where to put each one on the dress while your father was picking out a selection of jewels since several jewelers and other people with their accessories, had come with the best jewels they had for your father to choose for. Each one setting their wares out on a table for him to peruse from the comfort of your mother’s dressing salon. Your father was not just shopping jewels for your sister but for you, Gwen and your mother as well- using your own dowry to pay for all of it. The bank had come with stacks of bills since your father kept your dowry at the best bank in the country that accrued interest off of it.  Your father’s steward and your mother’s head mistress were making plans for the ball your family would be hosting where Count Lavine and his family were promised to attend along with Baron Salgria and their family along with everyone else in nobility too as your whole family’s estate was being transformed to host the largest ball of the season. 

In that week your father had paid off all five doctors to give the report that you were kicked by a horse in a riding accident, and had become barren. Senior Count Lavine immediately believed the lie and immediately released you from your betrothal. And secretly accepted Milli in exchange and your father even offered to increase Millie’s dowry by five thousand gold bouillon for the ‘inconvenience’. Which was also immediately accepted. 

Young Count Lavine had never been more happy or relieved to hear the news as he felt like he was finally in control of himself and his own destiny and your father simply gave Young Count Lavine the option that if he wanted Milli instead, he would have his blessing. But that Young Count Lavine was not obligated to accept her in order to give Young Count Lavine the illusion that he had a choice in the matter. Which for once Young Count Roncharles was looking forward to attending the function to finally meet your sister of who he had heard many reports that she was exquisitely ravishing and he was for once eager to see if the reports were true as he actually seemed excited at the prospect. 

And only an hour later- your father got in touch with Senior Baron Salgria and told him the news that Millie was no longer available but that you were. And that you were happy and relieved to be released from your formal betrothal. Because there was a small clash in personality that made the betrothal a little bit strenuous for the Count. Senior Baron Salgria also immediately agreed on the switch upon hearing how Young Count Lavine had fallen in love with Millie. 

And all you could do was pray that young Count Lavine would play along and just like Millie. And this switch would work out successfully. You immediately reached out to Young Baron Salgria and his family. Getting the names of every member of his family and their approximate ages as you made sure to send individual letters to all of them. You did so in attept to try to get on some kind of good terms with them which worked. The letters you got back from the whole Salgria family were encouraging and they were happy and eager to have you join their family as their daughters especially were keen to have a sister who knew Solowards and it’s fashions and how to adjust to it and how to navigate the social spheres. Which you were more than happy to offer any and all advice you could. 

But all Young Baron Kragan Salgria responded with -’was that he would be looking forward to meeting you at the ball’. He did not make any other efforts to contact you further. And from that moment, you took that as face value. And frankly you didn’t care if Young Baron Salgria would only tolerate you, like Young Count Lavine always had. For you- all that mattered was that Young Count Lavine would actually like Milli and go along with this and “choose her of his own free will”. But you were pleased that the rest of the Salgria family seemed to be eager and pleased with your correspondence and especially between his mother and his sisters, an easy friendship was struck with them and so there was regular correspondence with them in such a short amount of time as you had just gotten letters from the Baroness and her daughters just that day as you sat down at your mother’s writing desk and were reading them and replying to them about your own eagerness to finally get a chance to meet them in person.  

Once you were done and you handed your responses to an attendant to send them to the post- post haste. You finally got up and walked past the tables of jewels. Before you sidled up next to your father and helped your father pick an exquisite set of jewels for Milli as you handed your father your correspondence with the Salgria’s so he could read them and see your progress with them as he read them and gave you his approving smile before he handed them back. 

“Very well done Tessa, at least you’ll have friends among his mother and his sisters. The Salgria’s are good people, and Baron Thaddius is an exquisite businessman. Very practical and very reasonable and his son and hier- Kragan is a lot like his father- very practical and reasonable too. I’ve been using Salgria Shipping before and after his receiving a title. Because usually his ships are so well manned and run in protective formation that very rarely do they fall prey to pirates. And especially since his ships are now armed with Yekmenian armaments, any cargo the ship's hold is practically insured and guaranteed to make it to its destination in pristine condition. But they have come from humble backgrounds and have had difficulty adjusting to the formal manners of nobility here in Ramer. But you are handling this very delicate situation very well.” He praised. 

“Thank you, I’m doing my best to simply appeal to them as a friend rather than anything else, like you’ve suggested.” You answered. 

“And that will get you far. The Salgrias for the most part have a hard time discerning genuine interest from polite manners. It’s led to some very awkward encounters at court. So at court I’ve done my best to try to take Thaddius under my wing so to speak to help him navigate the unfamiliar waters.” You father admitted. 

“Who have they managed to offend then?” You asked. 

“Oh almost everyone. Everyone thinks that the Salgria’s have tried to buy and bribe their way into the King’s court with their family’s donation to the King’s fleet in dealing with the pirates south of the Brighway Line that everyone else here has to deal with. And the fact that they are orcs has it’s own prejudice hurdles that they are having difficulty in overcoming. But the King is adamant that he wants them here. And so he has tasked me with helping them ease into society, and this betrothal is pivotal to that. Even if you only have a few months left, any help you can offer them will be invaluable. Especially to Thaddius’ wife and daughters who have had no training whatsoever about how to navigate society.” Your father urged you. 

“Of course.” You nodded in understanding. 

“However it’s Young Kragan Salgria that will be your greatest challenge.” Your father gently warned you as he held a set of jewelry up to you and immediately told the jeweler he would take it for you and to put it into a case and put it with the others he was buying for you and yoru sisters and your mother. 

“Harder than Roncharles has been? Is that even possible?” You couldn’t help but sarcastically retort which got your father to grin in amusement. 

“Simply different kind of difficulty. Kragan is prone to closing himself off completely and is difficult to draw him out. But if you can manage to get him comfortable and draw him out and assure him and reassure him that you won’t judge him harshly, you might stand a chance.” Your father mused. 

“How could I do that then?” You asked. 

“When he comes to the house for the ball, pull him aside, off to the side, somewhere secluded and private. Like the balcony of the music room that overlooks the gardens. Drop the pretenses, drop the formalities and just try to have as open and honest of a conversation as possible without telling on yourself or the family too much. He will most likely be nervous and hesitant. But if you can make him ease enough up and make him laugh, you’ll be doing good. Be genuinely witty and charming but not forced at all, simply be open and inviting, let him know that you are a trustworthy person and can hold his confidence and he will hold yours.” Your father advised thoghtfully. 

“But isn’t it usually prohibited to be alone with a gentleman?” You asked. 

“This will have to be an exception. I will make any and every excuse for your absence and assure that you are being chaperoned to keep your reputation intact. But do anything and everything you can to win him over and make yourself as non threatening, non judgemental, friendly, approachable and not intimidating in any way. Cuss if you have to.” He urged you as your eyes went wide as your eyebrows nearly went into your hairline as you couldn’t help but snort a laugh.

“Really? Cussing?” You repeated in amusement. 

“He’s a born sailor, cussing is like his second language.” Your father muttered to you under his breath which got you both to stifle your laughter. 

“Fair point. I will take and use your advice. Besides, it’s practically a done deal anyway right? Maybe if I give him the illusion of letting him have a choice in the matter- he might go willingly, like Roncharles should be doing.” You mused. 

“That would work too, probably might work even better on Kragan, than it will work on Roncharles. Besides, Roncharles has never appreciated you or your efforts which has always irked me. Kragan no doubt will though. He will be very appreciative and much more willing to listen if he can discern that you’re there to help and not hinder.” Your father reassured you. 

“And yet all I have from him is just this. It barely counts as a letter, much less a note.” You admitted as you pulled out the one piece of correspondence you had gotten from Kragan. Saying that he was coming to the ball. It was only a single line. No other comments and nothing to go on, even though you had written him back. But had not heard from him since, and you dare not send even more to him, for fear you’d come off as insincere and desperate. You had even tried to analyze his handwriting to see if you could glean anything from that because otherwise, you didn’t have anything else to go on, other than his parents saying he was ‘busy with business’ that kept him from writing you back. 

“He’s reluctant and very apprehensive because of his other experiences at court. You must prove to him that you are nothing like the rest of the gentry. That you’re nothing to be afraid of. And that you’re trustworthy. That he is safe to let his guard down around you. You must do your best to not be offended by his manners, while also not giving him any cause to be offended either. It’s a tall order but I have every faith and trust that you can do it. If you’ve dealt with the petulant Roncharles, an apprehensive but infinitely more mature Kragan will be much easier for you to deal with.” Your father encouraged you. 

“Thank you Papah, I will do my best to not let you down.” You offered to him as you let your head rest on his shoulder before he hugged you from the side. 

“You never have Tessa.” He offered before he kissed the crown of your head which made you both smile. 

“I think these would look best on Milli.” You suggested as a particular pair of earrings caught your eye before you picked them up and left your father’s side to bring the earrings to Milli who was still standing tall on the pedestal, being measured as different fabrics were put to her body to see how she would look in them. 

 “I almost feel guilty.” Milli murmured as you held earrings up to her ears to see how she would look in them. 

“Don’t. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Enjoy my lemonade Dearest.” You urged her goodnaturedly. 

“It’s the sweetest ever, only a sister who truly loved another would do such a thing as this.” She professed. 

“As if there was ever any doubt?” You posed rhetorically in a light teasing tone.

“The pear shaped ones look best with your face shape.” You insisted. 

“No.” She shook her head to your rhetorical question. “Your dress should be just as great as mine.” She insisted. 

“No, you have to be the belle of the ball. Young Count Lavine must take one look at you and in that first moment- fall as much in love with you on sight as possible and then be won over by your charms the next moment after that. There can be no competition for his attention. When he looks out among the guests, you must shine like the full moon among the stars. Baron Salgria will be grateful he’s getting me at all. He shouldn’t fuss about my trappings too much. I won’t be dressing in burlap, I promise.” You reassured her before you looked over at your mother who directed which lace she wanted to see where in which of the dresses as she was ordering so many as the seamstresses were barely keeping up with your mother and her orders and specifications and demands as she had the seamstresses make your sister’s dresses waistline lower and much more pinched while she felt like your dresses were going back in time to the Renassiance. With the waistline just under your bosom. But in order for you not to be in pain in a full corset, it was just how it needed to be.  

“Ma’mah, you must make sure the softest silk lace is against her skin, we can do a second layer of the stiffer lace on top of the soft, she must be in comfort at all times. She can not be itched by the stiffer lace and need to scratch her skin and have it turn red. It’ll be seen as blemish, and she must be the epitome of unblemished.” You urged your mother as you looked at her comparing the lace. 

Meanwhile, nearby, another woman who was a Master of Cosmetics was already mixing powders, pigments and crushed flowers and butters and balms with crushed pearls and dust from gold leaf for Milli’s cosmetics so that it would look like she had a glowing complexion. Using only the best ingredients so that the skin would not be irritated by the cosmetics themselves along with making cosmetics for every woman in your family. 

“Yes of course Tessa, you’re right.” Your mother conceded which made you and Millie smile gratefully back to her. 

One of the few comforts you could get in your final days is that nothing you asked for was ever denied now. And you would use that power to benefit both of your sisters and your younger brothers. 

Meanwhile, against the advice of the first three doctors, the fourth and fifth doctors were working on concoctions to help you look healthier and more vibrant. They were mixing a variety of medicines to achieve this and while it would make you look healthier and act healthier and give you more energy in the moment and mask your current symptoms. When the medicines would wear off, you would most likely feel and look worse than you did before. But it was a price you needed to pay for the foreseeable future until you were married to the Young Baron Kragan Salgria. They all however had warned you and your parents that in the long term such medicines could be harmful to your health. But since you were terminally ill anyway, such cautions were ignored. Since you and your parents insisted that in order for this to work, it was a risk that you needed to take and a necessary measure for success. And at least the concoction was a nice mix of sweet with a twinge of sour. But the aftertaste left much to be desired. 

You needed to appear perfectly fine and healthy to Baron Salgria and his family. So that they wouldn’t be suspicious of anything. The doctors made many bottles of the medicine. So that the moment you felt one dose starting to wear off, you would take another dose and keep up the facade for as long as you could stand to. And while it would ultimately shorten your already shrinking lifespan, this was already a race against the clock and right now you and your parents were desperate to win such a race.

[thecandywrites]

The Switch- Chapter 4

Now the perfect wedding for the pair. 

The Switch 

Chapter 4

“How did you manage to get him to propose so quickly?” Saffiro asked you as you were in your room about to go to bed and he came to say his goodnights to you in person. 

“I gave him the illusion that he had a choice. And that all I wanted was to be his friend if at all possible, married to him or not. Which that part was true. But, that- I wasn’t going to force him to marry me if he didn’t like me and couldn’t get along with me. And that if he really didn’t like me, Papah and his own be damned. That he didn’t have to marry me if he didn’t want to. Which gave him quite a bit of relief and took all the pressure off. Without the pressure, there was no need to be anxious, no need to force myself into liking him and no need for him to push himself to like me if he didn’t naturally feel inclined to be. And it gave the poor guy some breathing room and assurances that I wasn’t his worst nightmares incarnate. Because he walked into the house last night, absolutely convinced that I was going to treat him and view him the way Millie really did.” You confessed. 

“Which- it still doesn’t make sense that we’re related to her at all.” Saffiro admitted sarcastically which made you smile. 

“Well Kragan didn’t know that. He just assumed the worst. Even though I tried to write to him and reach out to him and his family, he thought that either I was forcing myself to try to make this work or that Papah was twisting my arm or had me at knifepoint or something. He just assumed the worst and until I could show him and prove to him otherwise, he had every reason to assume what he did. Especially the way they’ve been received into the King’s Court, or so Papah and yourself have told me anyway. He thought I was going to be just like everyone else. And when I showed him and proved to him that I wasn’t, and he put aside his assumptions and just took me as I was, he warmed right up to me.” You revealed. 

“And then from there, I just tried to find a common ground to build a friendship on. And then I told the disastrous hunting trip with Ron- story. Which broke the ice, made him laugh, which was crucial. But it also really impressed upon him just what kind of person I was. And from there, a friendship easily and quickly bloomed. And a surprisingly genuine one too. And he’s…he’s a lot like you in the best of ways. He has struggled in his own way, he continues to struggle in Solowardian high society. And when I asked about his title as Baron. I found out Dad and the King, have been double playing him and his family.” You admitted. 

“I was wondering how long it was going to take you to figure that out.” Saffiro confessed lowly as he folded his arms over his chest and looked down at the floor as his shoulders sagged and his cheeks flushed with shame. 

“Let me guess, Pahpah ‘forbade you from telling me’?” You guessed with a heavy sigh as he nodded in confirmation as his cheeks flushed harder. 

“There was already so much at stake, he didn’t want to chance you finding out the truth and mucking up all his plans.” Saffiro admitted. 

“But a hundred and fifty gold bullion for only twenty acres of forest on the side of a hill? Wasn’t that a bit excessive? Papah is already leeching fifty thousand gold bouillon out of them, that wasn’t enough?” You asked. 

“Actually, once the gentry found out who and why land was being bought, that really was the only land to be found and that price was the lowest the Danvers would go. Even now, tall fences are trying to be put up around it and right now they are all fighting which side gets to have a road built to it because no one even wants to share a road with them.” Saffiro revealed. 

“Oh.” You frowned.

“Well they are already getting the short end of the stick with me as it is. And then that 20 acres is like rubbing salt in the wound that will be inflicted once I pass. I doubt the Salgrias will really settle here after I pass.” You gently warned. 

“I know. It’s a shame. I kind of like Kragan. I’ve been weary of him in court because I wanted to observe him from a distance like you’ve taught me to. But in talking with him today, I see why you like him so much. And I can understand why and how you were able to capture him as quickly as you did. We could have been really good friends if…” Saffiro trailed off as his facial expression grew dark and pained. 

“If I wasn’t only a few months away from dying and he’ll go anywhere but here because there’s a chance he won’t be able to set foot on Solowardian soil without thinking about me and be pained?” You assumed. 

“Exactly.” Saffiro nodded. 

“Saffiro, I know you’re scared. I know you don’t want to let me go. And that you’ll feel lost without me, but I promise you, you will not be lost. Saffiro, I will do all I can while I still draw breath to continue to help you. But at some point, you’re going to have to deal with things on your own. At least Papah is still alive and is healthy enough that he can still teach you things for the foreseeable future and I will try to impress upon him how gentle he needs to stay with you. Not coddle you but not feed you to the wolves either. And I don’t necessarily want to leave you either.” You tried to reassure him as you came up to him and brought his chin up so he would look you in the eye and hold your gaze. 

“But at the same time. I can’t help but feel that Fate, for dealing me with such a fatal blow, at least made the blow less painful for the family. And at least if I’m to die before I had hoped, Fate sent me the perfect mate to spend my last moments with. I’m happy and content with my choice in Kragan just as much as he is happy and content with his choice in me. And the way you see us together- is real, it’s not a show that we are putting on to fool everyone. It’s real, it’s genuine and how we’ve been in private is the same way we are in front of others. We actually genuinely care for each other and are genuinely attracted to each other. He adores me and respects me and will give me more than my due respect and dignity as long as I live.” You reassured him. 

“Plus, he wants to hand over half of Salgria Shipping to me so that we can run it together. Which- if I wasn’t dying in a few months, I would have loved nothing more than to do with him. He sees and treats me like I am his equal if not his superior in every way and he defers to me and is happy and eager to take any help I offer him. He’s humble but confident, he’s smart without being obnoxious or haughty. He works hard and earns everything he has. There is no greater man for me than him. I know it in my heart as well as my mind. We both feel that Fate brought us together, despite the way the circumstances look. That’s why things are moving so fast but it’s not forced at all. It’s perfectly natural, for both of us. He will be loyal to me for as long as I live and I will be the same to him. I have no doubts that he wouldn’t treat me well and provide me with all the comfort I need and want. There is nothing about him that gives me pause or that I doubt.” You professed earnestly to Saffiro. 

“And at least with Millie and I switched, she can give Ron a taste of his own medicine and get away with it. If she can get him to eat out of her hand so easily, she can bring him to his knees just as easily too.” You appraised which got Saffiro to nod in agreement. 

“But with Kragan, it’s not that way with us at all. We have no desire to control the other or to tear down the other, only build up and support. We have a real friendship and a real foundation we will build our good, albeit short, marriage on. It will be honest and true and not built off of anything but our own affections for each other and our own willingness to make it work. And that’s all we need and all we want to be happy is each other. At least for now, and at least for as long as I can stay alive to be with him. And all I can hope for is that you find the right woman who can do the same for you. But hopefully live a very long and very happy life right alongside you. And while things with Kragan and I seem short and fast, they have had to be. But for you- the old adage of ‘slow and steady, steady and slow’ will prove true and will be better for you in the long run. And while Kragan and I will only get a few months, you will hopefully get years and decades of success and happiness.” You urged him as you held his face and pressed your forehead to his to keep his gaze locked with yours. 

“At least we still have the rest of the week. Let’s enjoy it to the full. And if Kragan can and will be your friend, then do yourself the favor of befriending him in turn. Hell, after I pass and you’ve healed and fully recovered, take a year and go around the world with him. Take an adventure of your own before you have to settle down yourself. I’m sure if you and Kragan can grow to be friends over the week and exchange letters and calls while I’m alive. And especially once I pass, he’d be happy to have you and take you on such a journey. Especially if I’m able to hide the fact that you and everyone else in the family knew of my illness before we ever met. And Kragan will feel like having you with him is like having a piece of me back because we are pretty similar. And I will always be with you in your mind and heart. I can’t leave you if you don’t leave me- in your thoughts. But you also have to live for yourself, Saffiro. Don’t let me or Papah or anyone or anything else hold you back from getting what you want. And getting the happiness you deserve.” You urged him. 

“But will I be able to keep such a secret from Kragan? Or especially once you die, will that guilt plague me as it has ever since you suggested this switch?” Saffiro asked rhetorically. 

“Saffiro. You know I love you. You know I would do anything I could for you. But if I’m able to take such a secret to my grave, do me the honor and let me keep it with me in the grave. And once I die, that guilt and that burden should die with me. I’m strong enough to bear it on my own. So don’t worry about bearing it for me. You already have enough burden as it is. And while I have tried to lessen those burdens for you, or help you carry them better, and with more ease, they are still going to be yours. Don’t lose yourself to grief and join me in the grave before it’s your time to do so. Hopefully you’ll be aged and have a family of your very own to take care of and a son of your own to help and to train and a wife who will love you and care for you better than I ever could because she will be your wife and all I will ever be is your sister and your friend. But let your future wife be your new best friend. You have every reason to live and keep going. Don’t let me or my memory hold you back from living your life to the full too.” You encouraged him as you came up and held his face in your hands and pulled his face up some more to look up at you instead of at the floor again. 

“If Kragan can fall in love with me in a day and a night, he can move on relatively quickly from me too. I have no doubts that he will grieve me, but it shouldn’t be for too long.  And for you, it’s ok if you grieve me longer than he will. I fully expect you to grieve my death the most and the longest because we’ve always been the closest. The doctors put Violet Eye in my medicine. It’s a natural reproductive inhibitor. I won’t be taking any other soul with me to the grave other than my own. It’s been too easy to fall in lust with Kragan and even easier to call it love when it’s only going to last a few months. And while I have done all I can to help you. I will spend the next few months helping him too. Because I don’t want Kragan to feel cheated by us, when my cancer comes to claim me. He can blame Fate and the gods all he wants, but I don’t want you or the rest of the family to suffer more than you already will be when it’s my time to pass. I want him to benefit from having me as his wife just as much as you have benefited from having me as your sister.” You eagerly professed. 

“It’s just not fair, why couldn’t it have been Ron to get the cancer, the gods know he’s the one who deserves it, the bastardly prick.” Saffiro complained. 

“I don’t know. I mean I agree, but I’m sure that prick’s mistakes will come back to haunt him soon enough. And who knows, if there really is life after death and I can be a ghost, I can split my time between haunting him if he ever mistreats Millie, and guiding you and Kragan.” You teased with a shrug. 

“Promise?” Saffiro requested. 

“You bet. Besides, I have always been blessed to have you as my brother and my best friend up until now Saff. And I will continue to be your best friend for as long as I can live. All I have- is thanks to you insisting that you’ve needed me by your side for your education. You’ve given me more than anyone else has. Even Papah. You’ve given me a chance to be your equal. And it is a gift that Kragan has given me as well. Which is why I’m so happy to marry him. And why I care for him as much as I do even though we’ve only known each other for a short time. He’s incredibly perceptive and appreciative and seeks my counsel as much as you have and I have done all I can to counsel him the way I have you. He appreciates me. He adores me and truly cares for me. Let him do me the honor of marrying me. And making me the happiest woman in the world for the rest of my life, for as long or as short as that gets to be.” You thanked him gratefully as your eyes glassed over with bittersweet tears. 

“Do me a favor and give that same gift to your future wife too. Whoever she may be, may the gods bless her soul and may she be just as good to you as I have been, if not better. Because if you can find a woman who is just as wise as I’ve been blessed to become, if not more so. Then you will do nothing but benefit from each other. And she will bless you in turn by giving you a family of your own and just as many heirs, made in all the love and care as Mamah and Papah have made us. And her own whole heart and whole soul and whole devotion  will be yours and yours alone, just as much as you would give those things to her.” You encouraged him. 

“How will I know it’s the right one without you to help me see her if she’s hidden from my sight?” Saffiro cried. 

“Because your heart will reveal her to you even if your eyes don’t see her right away. Come here, sit down.” You urged him as you brought him to your couch at the foot of your bed and sat together. 

“When Kragan first walked into the house, he looked like a male version of a damsel in distress and my heart immediately went out to him. He looked like an eagle dressed up to be a peacock and so uncomfortable and awkward. Just the way you were when you first went to the King’s Court with Papah. And all I wanted to do was assure him that there was nothing for him to be stressed about from me. That he had nothing to fear from me and that I would never judge him or criticize him harshly. And that if he was going to save me from Ron, I could save him from a ball being surrounded by people who despised him. It took a glass of champagne, a pot of tea and an entire tray of snacks and a few hours of talking with him just to gain his trust and put him at ease. But once I was able to do so, it was like he took off those feathers that didn’t belong to him, relaxed and then once I gave him the space, he stretched out his wings and soared cloud high. And once he landed, then he was happy to settle down and show me his true colors.” You recounted. 

“And he was happy to see mine. The real ones, not the pretty ones we try to put on for others. But he earnestly just wanted to get to know the real me once he learned and accepted that’s all that I wanted to do with him. And from there, the rest was easy and fell into place and we fit together like two puzzle pieces. And once we came to an accurate understanding of each other and saw how easily we could fit together and work together and be friends just as much as we could be romantically involved. And once he learned how hard and brutal life can be for women in the gentry here. It was so easy for him to sympathize and empathize with me and actually want to save me from it. And give me something better. Something no other man in Solowards could ever dream of doing. Here, let me show you.” You urged as you got up and went to your jewelry box and got the ridiculously large ring out. 

“This is the ring his father forced him to buy to propose to me, fearing I was the kind of woman that needed something that large and ridiculous.” You said as you opened the ring box and showed him as Saffiro’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. 

“Damn.” Saffiro coughed. 

“And Kragan was so happy and relieved that I wasn’t that kind of woman. And he was happy that this is all I needed and wanted. Something smaller, but still beautiful and dignified. And I love this ring so much more than I do that one.” You insisted as you compared your actual engagement ring to the big ridiculous one. 

“I’ve checked it out and tested it beyond its providence that is in the box itself. It’s a blue diamond, set in platinum. That ring is at least equal to the fifty thousand bouillon he gave Papah for me. But you know what? While I think it’s too big and ridiculous. Kragan insisted that I keep it as an insurance policy on him. Because if something happens to me and heaven forbid something happens to him and he dies before I do and I have to return here. I will be able to come home and that is all I need to set me up for generations if it needs to. That’s the kind of man Kragan is. And he gave that to me before he officially proposed to me because he wanted to make sure I was always protected against poverty. Always.” You revealed. 

“Then he is a good man, if he was willing to hand something like this over to you, before he could even propose. It shows he has his priorities right, by putting you first.” Saffiro nodded in agreement. 

“So I'll tell you what. Do something similar. Get two rings, one big and grand like that. But one smaller and simpler. And if your future wife is the kind of woman who is happy with the smaller one and the more discrete one, that will be a very clear indicator that she will be easily content-ed and will marry you for you, not for your title, not for your income, not for your estate. But for you. That’s how you’ll know you have found the right one.” You suggested. 

“So what will you do with this when you pass?” Saffiro asked you. 

“I haven’t decided yet. In Forestrong, where Kragan is from, they don’t have primogeniture. So his sisters will have an equal share of Salgria Shipping if they stay there. Which for their sake, they should do. They would fare better there and the fashions there are much more to their liking. Besides I learned from Kragan’s sister Norada- that she has her eye on a young man in Yekmeni. Who loves the fact that she sails on skyships and has helped fit out all of their ships with the cannons. And he’s a blacksmith who works in the foundry, making the cannons and the deadly rose cannonballs. So I doubt any of Kragan’s sisters would need it because I sincerely doubt they will settle here either. Especially once they find out how little Solowards could offer them individually. But then again, since Kragan bought it to begin with, part of me wants him to keep it, or sell it and use it for Salgria Shipping. But if he doesn’t want it, I want to give it to you. So that this is the large ring you can use for your own test. Because if Millie so much as sniffs this out, she’d sell it and blow it’s sum by living better than royalty for a few years. She’s the last person who I want it to go to. But then again, if Ron ever decides to divorce her, she could live pretty well off of that to spite him anyway. So I guess it just depends on what happens.” You shrugged. 

���Well I certainly don’t deserve it.” Saffiro handed it back. 

“But your future wife might.” You countered as you took it back and looked at it and just shook your head. 

“Neither of us have any idea who she could be and you’re already making plans for her?” He posed. 

“Yes, because she will be stuck in Solowardian high society, just like I could have been. And if she will truly love you- for you, then she would be worthy of such a prize.” You insisted before you closed the box and put it back before you returned to your spot next to him. 

“And the next few months, even though they will be my last, Kragan will make sure that they are the best ones of my life. So don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll be happy, truly. But don’t go chasing comfort from my loss into the closest girl you can find. Make sure you grieve my loss completely before you ever look for your wife. Maybe after I pass and you get a chance to take that adventure with Kragan, maybe you’ll find her then. Because Solowards is in the D.A. now, so your pool to choose a bride from just got much larger because of it. I don’t care where she comes from or who she is, only that you will love her and be loyal, faithful and true to her the way our Papah has been for Mamah and she will be the same to you. Don’t do her the disservice of getting a mistress to bury your woes into- in the meantime.” You urged him. 

“I won’t.” Saffiro promised. 

“Good, goodnight Saff, I love you.” You urged him as you hugged him as he hugged you tightly and simply held you for a few long moments as you relished in the feeling of having your favorite sibling in your arms too. Knowing you’d be missing Saffiro the most. 

“Promise me something?” Saffiro sniffled as he fought not to cry. 

“Anything.” You readily agreed as you ran your fingers through his hair and pet the back of his head. 

“Just in case you can’t take this secret to your grave, and Kragan reacts badly. I want you to use a messengerari and for you to call me and I’ll come get you. Propriety and family honor be damned. If he can not make sure that you pass peacefully, I will.” Saffiro pleaded. 

“Ok. I will.” You nodded. 

“And…and if you feel you’re close, call me regardless. I want to be with you when you do pass. I need to be with you. Just in case I get the chance to be able to bury your body here, where it should be.” Saffiro requested. 

“Ok.” You agreed as he just held you tighter and cried into your shoulder as you comforted him. 

“It’s ok Saff, it’s ok. I’m not dead in my grave yet. I’m still right here. And I’ll be here all week. You can be Kragan and I’s primary chaperone, how about that? It’ll give you and Kragan a chance to get to know each other better and have a greater chance at being friends and build up a trust that he’ll be good to me. Give him a chance to earn your good opinion just as much as you can earn his.” You offered. 

“Ok.” Saffiro nodded as he regained his composure.  

“Goodnight Saff.” You urged him as he reluctantly pulled away and kissed your cheek affectionately as you did the same. 

“Goodnight Tess.” He offered before he saw himself out before you got onto bed, staring at your engagement ring happily, going to bed with a smile on your face that you were marrying a great man. While also silently praying for the gods to give Kragan and Saffiro the strength to endure your loss. And that once Saffiro and Kragan both mourned your loss sufficiently, that they find the right women to help them in life and who would love them both the way they deserved. 

From there, time was a blur as your parents readily made all the arrangements for a small, intimate wedding at the estate’s chapel. The seamstresses still had plenty of lace left to make a proper viel. 

Meanwhile, you happily just spent all day every day with Kragan and his family. You happily got to know each member of his family and were especially fond of his little siblings. All the while, Saffiro never leaving your side for a moment, and able to do the same as Kragan and Saffiro were able to form a very easy friendship which made you happy. 

Especially when the three of you went on a hunt together and it was single handedly the greatest and most successful hunt. Mostly because you got to wear pants and ride astride and race both of them in the fields after you shot your game. All three of you being excellent shots. Rupert was one of the fastest horses in your family’s stables and actually very tame otherwise. What made it especially enjoyable was when Saffiro opened up about the fiasco that was the “hunting trip” with Ron. Saffiro could clearly and readily see and agree that Kragan was thankfully nothing like Ron and Kragan and Saffiro both could bond over their mutual spiteful hatred for Ron and their love and adoration for you. 

Thaddius Salgaria made arrangements for the whole sum to be delivered to your house since they were invited to stay at your estate for the duration of the week and honeymoon as the rest of their things were brought from the inn and sent for- for the week, the wedding and after.  

Before you knew it, it was your wedding day. You wore your mother’s wedding dress which was closer in style to the dress you had been wearing all week. With the higher waistline. There was something precious and sentimental for you and your mother especially to wear your mother’s wedding dress. As if it was a good luck charm that your marriage to Kragan would be just as happy as theirs was now. 

The doctors had made you gallons of the medicine. Put into special jars with the label of the name of the medicine they made up so that you had a vial of medicine to take every day and all the vials put into special cases to always have with you as your Lady in Waiting- Mildred. Mildred was older, closer to your mother’s age and had helped your mother birth you and nurse you and had taken care of you all your life. And she would make sure that you would always have easy access to the medicine. Mildred had always been something of a second mother or a really close aunt and friend. She volunteered to help you and follow you and help take care of you as much as you needed her to and once you would pass, she would return to your parents estate. There was enough “medicine” to last you a few months at least. But for every dose you took, you felt like one more day of life was being peeled away from the last of your lifetime. 

And while you really started to care and have an ever growing affection for Kragan. You also loved your family without measure and you needed to ensure this switch by marrying Kragan as quickly as you could. 

And you needed to go through with this and successfully carry on this ruse for as long as possible. And while it hurt to know that in order for him and his family to not be suspicious in the moment, your time with them was being shortened with every dose of the medicine you had to take. You almost hated Fate for bringing you such a wonderful man, only knowing that you would get the pleasure to spend such a short amount of time with him. But you wanted each and every single moment to count and to mean something and to be special. So in a way, you succeeded. you did it. You made it to your wedding day. You would get exactly one adventure before you would leave this world and Kragan would be the one to give it to you. 

You spent more time actually packing your things up, and saying your pre-emptive goodbyes to your family than actually getting ready that day. All of them were both happy yet sad to be technically parted with you after today. Because after today, you would no longer be Duchess DeBaringer, you would be Baroness Salgria. What made it especially sad was that they didn’t know if you would be alive for too much longer or if this was going to be the last time they would get to see you face to face because they didn’t know if you would live long enough to see Milli get married in several months time. 

One of the doctors- very wisely, made you a special jelly like mask to wear at night “for your complexion”. So that you could wear that when you couldn’t stomach the medicine and it would cover how sick you were in the complexion of your face. Since when you weren’t taking the medicine. There were deep, dark rings around your eyes and your complexion grew a sickly greenish yellow, even though you were completely human. But all you would need to do is soak it in special tea and water to “rehydrate” the mask before it would stick to your skin again. And the jelly of the mask was a beautiful pinkish purple. To help counteract the unnatural green and yellow coloring of your sickly complexion. 

Your mother also sent almost all of her old wardrobe from her youth since she and you were similar sizes. And her clothes at the time were a bit more “poor” than what she currently wore. But would be much more comfortable for you to travel in and if you got any of it dirty or ruined, it wouldn’t be the end of the world along with all your other garments. All of which took up so many chests and so many carts along with other gifts your parents gave you “to have at your new estate”. But it was really just to offer you a piece of home in your final moments if they couldn’t be there themselves wherever your last moments would be spent and this packing process would take a few days to do. 

Once you got dressed in your mother’s wedding dress and your things that you would need for the next few days were moved to the royal suite to have a few days of honeymoon with Kragan at home. Before you would be leaving with him and his family in a few more days. 

At the last possible moment, you took a big dose of the medicine and waited a few anxious moments before it took effect as you breathed out a breath of relief. Your complexion became rosey and practically glowed. Your eyes were bright and vibrant green, the green in your hazel eyes seeming to be much more pronounced and the dark circles around them vanished. You didn’t feel like you were on death’s doorstep anymore. In fact, you suspected you could almost go run a marathon and still have enough energy left to bed Kragan several times over and still want more. 

Your mother gratefully put many vials of intimate oils on the royal suite’s bedside table just in case you needed them to bed Kragan that night before an attendant came with a letter from Kragan who was getting ready on the other end of the house. 

You smiled at the letter, happy to see the sailship in the wax that came from the signet ring he wore. 

‘Once upon a time. In a palace, in a distant land. Was a Great Beauty, with a heart of gold and a mind like a diamond.  With a name so long, it would take up ten pages of paper.’ You read, imagining Kragan’s voice saying the words as you couldn’t help but giggle as you read it. 

‘The Great Beauty was betrothed to the ugliest, meanest, most blind beast in the land, who could not see or appreciate her beauty since it was beyond the tip of the beast’s nose.’ Kragan wrote on. 

‘Until one day- a huge boar came and gored the beast to death. Freeing the Great Beauty from his clutches. Then a ship captain, coming in from far and wide, having heard tales of the Great Beauty’s elegance, and sophistication, came to see that the Great Beauty had been underestimated. For her beauty was more than skin deep, it was her mind, heart and soul that was more beautiful than any sunrise or sunset that the captain had ever seen. And so with a smile and promise, the captain whisked the Great Beauty away, to see the world, to live all the adventures she had  only ever read about. Because of all the treasures in the world, she was the greatest one.’ Kragan wrote and you wanted to cry. You clutched the letter to your chest before you quickly wrote a note in response. 

‘And they lived happily ever. Every day of their lives- a new adventure for them to embark on- together. Sincerely- Your Tessa.’’ You wrote before you folded it and sealed the note with a small flower in the wax seal, using one of your more fun seals to seal the wax of the note. 

“Please give this is Baron Kragan Salgria.” You urged the attendant as you folded up his note and put it into your bosom to have it close to your heart. 

Kragan was practically frantically writing down all of his ideas he had about the estate he was going to build for you in any country you wanted it built in. How richly it was going to be furnished. How your gowns would be second only to the King and Queen themselves. How you would have more jewels than you knew what to do with. How your library would be the best library and second only to the great library in Dorierra. How art would be on every wall and you would have a room for every purpose you wanted and be as simple or lavish as you wanted it. And how there would be no need for separate bedrooms because by your side is where he belonged or would stay as the master bedroom suite of rooms would be in the absolutely middle of the house. How you would have every comfort, every modern convenience. How this estate you and him would oversee together would be a palace that would dwarf even this one. How he wished he was more than just a lowly Baron but a title that would either equal the one you already had or would surpass it when you would go “citizen shopping”. He wanted you to keep your prestige. You deserved to live and be treated like a Princess in all honestly. And how it would be Roncharles to curse the day he ever underestimated you or your beauty and that even he would have to admit that he did not measure up to your greatness. 

Kragan also thought up ideas to make a new ship. That would make the Violet Skye look like a simple rowboat. How the two of you could travel the world in it. And still have every comfort and modern convenience and have greater adventures than even any book could contain. How you could even just keep a journal that would be full of your adventures together. Because surely even the largest and grandest estate would not be sufficient for you and your amazing mind and imagination. How you could dress as lavishly or as simply as you wanted, as long as you were comfortable. And he’d happily rip, shred, cut and burn all your corsets so that never again would you and your body ever be uncomfortable. You were already so soft and but strong in body and you didn’t need to be impeded in any way. He couldn’t even fathom what heavenly feelings he would feel when you would finally disrobe and bare yourself to him. He knew his body showed his life, it had a scar and here and there and hopefully you would easily forgive and overlook such blemishes. 

“Baron Salgria.” The attendant said as he knocked on the door of the room that Kragan had been using since he got here. 

“Yes?” Kragan asked as he quickly jumped up and answered the door. 

“The reply.” The messenger said as he handed the note over as Kragan smiled happily. 

“Thank you.” Kragan thanked him as he took the note and smiled adoringly at the little flower and smelled it and smiled when it was baby’s breath that was the flower in the wax seal. 

Oh he was going to give you a baby, tonight if he could. You would make the best mother. And hopefully the estate could be built in time so that it would be born at the estate. Which the estate still needed a name. Hell you would be the first Lady of the estate, he thought that you should be the one to name it. Hell you could even name it after yourself and he wouldn’t care what it was called. As long as you were happy to call it home. That’s all that would matter. Or hell have a house with your name in every country you wanted one. Each one more lavish than the last. 

He opened the note and while it was only a single line. But it was such an impactful line. It practically took the wind out of his lungs but in a good way. He was determined about the ship. Every day would be an adventure with you. And one he would happily embark on every day for the rest of his life.  

Then there was another knock on the door. 

“Yes?” Kragan asked before he opened it to see your brother Saffiro on the other side.

“Oh, hi, is everything alright?” Kragan asked when he saw Saffiro fidget nervously. 

“Yes, everything is fine, can I just talk to you for a moment?” Saffiro asked hopefully.

“Yes, by all means.” Kragan invited him in. 

“Already passing love notes?” Saffiro asked when he saw the note still in Kragan’s hand. 

“Yes.” Kragan chuckled as he held the note like it was a sacred treasure. 

“I just…I just wanted to talk to you man to man for a moment.” Saffiro began before clearing his throat as his cheeks flushed and he continued to fidget his family crest on his right hand’s ring. 

“I just wanted to request that you treat Tessa with kindness.” Saffiro began. 

“Of course I will. Do you not think I would? I thought we already talked about this?” Kragan asked with a confused frown. 

“No, it’s not a matter of what I think. But Roncharles wasn’t the only one to chafe against his betrothal to Tessa. Tessa nearly ran away from home and eloped with a couple of others just to escape Ron. And most men do not like the idea of their bride already being slighted by other men, especially right before they marry them or especially after they’ve already married them. I didn’t want Tessa to tell you and you to be upset or angry with her. Because I sincerely doubt she would ever do that to you.” Saffiro worded carefully. 

“Well, in all honesty, I completely understand. Ron-is a shallow, self centered, selfish, arrogant prick. Again, I thought we already talked about this and agreed on this? Are you really that worried that I would find Tessa’s own need for self preservation that offputting?” Kragan asked. 

“Well, Tess wasn’t the only one to chafe at the idea of being betrothed to Ron. I also have tried to do everything in my power to try to stop it, including introducing the very men that Tessa would run away and elope with to her because I couldn’t stomach that Tessa would go to that ungrateful brat. But thankfully Millie stepped in and took him off of Tessa’s hands. And in all honesty, Millie and Ron belong together. Millie cares more about her looks and appearances than anything else. She cares more about her gowns and jewels and shoes matching and more about how heavy her purse is than her studies of any subject. She has an eye for beauty, but only for her own. The only mathematics she knows is how to spend money on the stupidest, most ridiculous things and I’ll be so happy when they get married and Millie will get to spend all of Ron’s money instead of my father’s. And if you had stayed betrothed with her, she would have found a way to spend even you into the poorhouse.” Saffiro admitted. 

“Yeah, I gathered. Well, the eloping thing, that doesn’t make me think less of Tessa or you for that matter. You were just trying to save her from him. And I don’t hold that against her at all. If anything I completely empathize and sympathize with her. So I’m not worried or offended or anything. If anything it speaks to her survival instincts. And the fact that you were the one to try to help her, shows how much you love and care for her. Because you’re a good brother. I’ve been able to see all week how the two of you are practically twins, despite being a year apart. I know you’ll miss her, but I promise and swear, I will take the best care of her that I can, to the best of my ability.” Kragan noted. 

“Good. Because if she had been born a male- she would not only be my father’s heir but his favorite child period, instead of just being my father’s favorite daughter. Tessa has always been serious but tempered with fun. Righteous and just but tempered with mercy and kindness. Tessa is my favorite sister and I just…I hate to let her go. But if I have to, I’m really happy she’s going to you.”  Saffiro praised with a fond grin. 

“Me too.” Kragan smiled too. 

“Because even though we’ve only known each other for a week. I know you’ll really appreciate her. Tessa is a marvel. She’s smart and level headed and easy going and really funny and witty when you give her room to be. She’s just a delight to be around. And Tessa has the same mind and sense when it comes to money and investments that my father does- that I wish I had. To the point that she counsels me about what to do and how to do it. And besides my father’s advice and council or my mother’s advice and council- I will take Tessa’s words and thoughts to heart before my own. And I have only ever benefited from listening to her. And even now, as my father is grooming me to look for potential brides. It’s sad that my own sister is my gold standard that I measure all others to. And sadly find all of them lacking so far. Because all the others that I’ve met - at least, so far- are just like Millie. And it drives me insane that the two women in society with any brains are my mother and my sister Tessa. So whatever advice she will give you and your family. Please do her the honor of listening to it and heeding it. She won’t say anything unless she feels you need to hear it. And don’t let her own past mistakes, made in desperation- have you think any less of her.” Saffiro pleaded. 

“I swear on my own mother’s life, I won’t hold it against her. And I do promise and swear to always take her council on everything and always listen to her words of wisdom.” Kragan readily and easily assured him.

“Thank you, you should only benefit from doing so.” Saffiro said. 

“I know I will.” Kragan smiled happily. 

“I’ll let you finish getting ready. I’ll see you in the chapel in a little bit.” Saffiro offered before he left Kragan in peace to finish getting ready that Kragan easily used up every moment to write more ideas about a ship. He was going to call it The Contesssina. And it was going to be the best airship ever constructed. It was going to be a floating yacht. A mansion to sail all around the world. That every royal family in the world would want one just like it. Hell Dorierra would commission an entire fleet to mail their brides all over the world with ease.

It felt like all too soon, it was time as Kragan tried to quickly grab his stacks of papers and stuffing them into his wedding coat pockets and tried to keep them organized as he designated which pockets held the ideas for the estates and which pocket would hold the ideas about The Contessina and all other ships made in her glorious image and his general plans for the beautiful and wonderful future he was sure to have with you. 

He eagerly got packed up and quickly left the room just as clean and orderly as he found it and met up with his family and went down to the chapel while you, Millie and your mother were still getting you ready as your father patiently waited in the hall outside the room to take you down. 

“There, you’re as pretty as a picture.” Your mother praised. You could tell she was fighting not to cry. 

“Mamah, after today, this is how I want you to remember me. Just as I am right now. Happy and looking and feeling healthy and that nothing is wrong. I’m happy with my choice. I have every faith he will see to it that I spend the rest of my days in comfort. And I will want- for nothing but my family’s company. I just…could you do me a favor?” You requested as you tried not to cry too. 

“Anything.” She readily agreed. 

“After I die, and if the Salgria’s choose to stay here, please, take care of Astrin and her daughters. Teach them how to navigate Solowardian high society the way you have taught me. I will try to lay as good of a foundation for them as I can. But from there, they will need help building from there. Please, just, try.” You pleaded. 

“Of course I will. I will do my best to guide them the way I have guided you and your sisters.” She readily agreed. 

“Thank you Mamah.” You thanked her. 

“And Millie- I know you already have to walk a fine line with Ron and my match to the Salgrias. Once you marry him, I know you will have your own societal expectations. But all I ask is that you not make it harder on Kragan’s sisters than the way they already have it. Try to be kind to them too. Even if it’s just simple things like how to coordinate outfits.” You asked of her. 

“I will. I don’t think I could hold myself back from doing so if I tried.” Millie admitted as she tried not to cry too. 

“Millie, I know you think I’m sacrificing myself. But I truly do not feel that way. I feel happy and relieved that you will have a partner in life that is so much like yourself. But in ways that will only compliment you and together you and Ron will always set the bar in society and fashion and you will rule Solowardian high society the way our parents have. And I only hope you will find every happiness and delight in each other. And I hope he stays as true to you as he possibly can and I hope that you can stay true to him as long as he stays true to you. But I feel I am doing the same. Kragan may be an orc. But he’s a very good man, he’s kind and gentle and brilliant. And he’s worldly and very well traveled and he will give me the one thing I’ve always wanted- an adventure. And will do so in style which is never a bad thing. And I know he will care for me and be kind to me and be loyal to me for as long as I live, for however short or long that might be. So don’t begrudge him or look down on him for who and what he is. Be grateful to him for giving me what I’ve always wanted. A chance at adventure and for me to spend the rest of my days with a fellow adventurer. I’ll keep a diary. And when I die, I’ll ask for you to have a copy of it. So that it will be like you were right there alongside me.”  You urged her. 

“I will.”  Millie nodded as she hugged you tight. 

“I love you so much. I’m so happy you’re happy. And I’m so happy that because you are happy, I will be too.” Millie offered. 

“I know. Now, let’s go, before it gets too late. Can’t keep my groom waiting much longer.” You urged her. 

“Ok.” She nodded as she reluctantly pulled away and wiped at her eyes to keep herself from crying and took her little bouquet as she and your mother both opened the doors for you. 

“You’re so beautiful Contessina.” Your father praised as his eyes glazed with tears. 

“Thank you Papah.” You thanked him as you took his arm with one hand while the other held your bouquet of flowers, freshly cut from the gardens that very morning that had just gotten to bloom and smelled heavenly. 

“Papah, I have two last favors to ask of you.” You proposed as you walked with him down the halls. 

“Anything My Dearest Daughter.” Your father readily answered. 

“The first is- I don’t know how Kragan and his family will react once the truth will be known of my health. I don’t know if Thaddius and especially Kragan will simply throw themselves into business or withdraw completely from Solowardian society. Because for Kragan especially, he may not be able to look at you or anyone else in my family and not think of me, let alone set foot on Solowardian soil. Because he has told me several times that I am my father’s daughter, which is the highest praise anyone has ever given me. And I know he cares for me and I know he will see to it that I receive the best care possible. But this first favor is- I want you to promise me to look out for them and their interests both during my final days and after. Because surely they will be mutually beneficial to do so.” You urged him. 

“Especially once I pass. I want them to fare well here if they choose to stay. I already asked Mamah to look after Astrin and her daughters if they choose to stay. But I specifically want you and Saffiro to take Thaddius and Kragan under your wings respectively. Just, be a lighthouse for them. Because Kragan cares for me so much and so deeply even after such a short time. I have no doubts those affections will only grow and deepen the more time goes on. And I fear he might blame himself for not seeing my illness sooner than when I will show him. Or whatever the case may be. Sometimes bad things happen to good people for no reason at all. Tell him that. Tell him I said that. But also remind him of the fact that I am happy that Fate at least saw to it to send me an adventurer to have one adventure with before I die. And I am perfectly happy and content with that. I know you saw this as a business and political match. But I don’t. I see it as a Fateful one. But in the best sense.” You offered as your father had to use his handkerchief to dab his eyes because this was your wedding day and yet your thoughts were always about the future. And not just the future of your family but Kragan’s. 

“And the second favor is about Saffiro. I know Saffiro has had difficulty in finding a bride that would ever measure up to me. And it may take him some time and he may have to look a little farther than just Solowardian high society to do so. Saffiro will suffer my loss probably the most because we’re the closest and he has always looked up to me and has asked for my advice. And he will feel the most lost when I pass. He has always wished I was born a male so that I could be the eldest son and your heir because he has struggled to be everything you’ve wanted him to be. And he has always felt like even though I was your  eldest daughter, that you always measured him against me too. And that’s not fair to him.” You urged your father. 

“Even though he’s guilty of the same exact thing because he measures every lady he meets against me but only to see how they don't measure up to me in any way he wants them to. Once I pass, I know he will put me on a pedestal equal to a goddess. And that will most likely lead him to believe that no one will ever be good enough because if he can’t have what you and Mamah have worked so hard to create- he won’t have anything at all. So what I would like, is since Thaddius just gave our family 50,000 gold bouillon. Please pay off all our debts and do not incur more if you don’t absolutely have to. But I want you to use the rest of it to pay for a Dorierran bride for Saffiro. Because surely only one of that caliber will be good enough for him after I pass and she can help guide him the way I have been.” You requested. 

“He’s not weak for listening and wanting a woman’s opinion. Just the way you haven’t been weak for listing to Mamah and seeking her counsel. Surely no man is, especially when the woman is well educated and capable and like minded. And surely even a Dorierran bride will be good enough. Even for him. And she might come and really give Millie a run for her money. But in so doing, you will have another daughter, who is brilliant and cunning and probably more ruthless than I ever could be. But you’ll need that too. Because I know you will miss me and I know you will mourn my loss too. But for the sake of our family, you can not get lost in it and you can not let Saffiro or anyone else in the family get lost in it either. We are the DeBaringers. Not even cancer and an early death can defeat us. Not our spirit anyway.” You insisted. 

“Of course Contessina. I will see to it personally.” Your father reassured you. 

“Thank you.” You thanked him gratefully as you lifted your viel if only to kiss his cheeks. 

“Now lets get this wedding underway shall we?” You urged him. 

“Of course.” He readily agreed just as you came out of the house and made your way to the family’s chapel as your mother had walked ahead of you with Millie, leaving you and your father to talk privately through the house. 

Kragan’s littlest sister- Geilia was your flower girl as she smiled happily at you, so happy that she could wear such a beautiful dress that was really one of your own mother’s bride’s maids dresses that was hemmed short to suit her because she was as round as human woman- at her young age. But it was perfect for her after the length was halved for her as she happily took the fresh flower petals and put them down the long carpet that had been laid as the priest was wearing one of his finer garments since the one being made for him for the wedding Millie would have to Roncharles was also still being made and altered. 

Kragan was wearing his best suit. And one that not only looked good on him but he was comfortable in. It wasn’t necessarily in the Solowardian high society style but it was exotic and rich and made him look so handsome and distinguished. His younger brother Thaire was dressed similarly and walked Millie down after Geilia.

Millie made no show that she was disgusted or upset, but instead wore a charming smile and acted like she was proud to walk down the aisle with Thaire only because she was your maid of honor. And for that alone, she would be happy. Ron along with his parents, insisted she come and stay with them while the Salgrias were there to help Millie “ease into her future station” of becoming the new Lady of the House and also “save her from socializing with the Salgrira’s which would certainly be her death socially”. 

And while Millie could agree with them on that point, she also didn’t want to abandon you just yet. But with a little bit of encouragement from you- saying that you wanted her to be as successful as possible, she caved and went home with the Lavines. And got a head start on becoming Lady of Crimore, which was the name of their grand estate. Once she and Ron officially married. 

When she had went home with them the day of her engagement, she was shown to her rooms which had originally been made for you. But all the initials that were embroidered on everything that were once what yours would have been, had you married him and become Countess Lavine of Crimore and moved into this suite of rooms. All the C’s and V’s for Contessinaessa Vessezin, being undone and redone with M’s and R’s for Millicentuza Rolfigne. 

Thankfully Roncharles absolutely dismissed his previous lovers and his mother happily moved them and their young children to other estates so that Millie would never know they were ever there and had ever been part of Ron’s life. Ron expressed that he ‘would never need another lover or mistress with Millie as his wife’ which was a great relief to his mother and impressed his father that Millie seemed to help him grow up and really embrace his destiny in such a short amount of time. Ron had had his own transformation all week, going from spoiled, reluctant and petulant teenager- to a willing, serious, capable, loyal and eager young man for Millie’s sake. Which was a great relief to all. 

All the jewels that Countess Lavine had started to accumulate for you, in the jewelry box in that suite of rooms, she happily handed the key over to Millie. Millie was ecstatic to receive so many beautiful, wonderful jewelry. Some of it, passed down through the generations. Some of it brand new as Millie felt right at home in the suite of rooms and were happy they were just as fantastic, and just as luxurious as the ones she already had. 

Ron also made plans to move his rooms into the suite of rooms right next door for the foreseeable future, so that her suite of rooms would be his while also instructing for both suites to receive new luxurious furnishings because he wanted Millie to feel like a literal Princess in Crimore. Countess Lavine took Millie to the dress shops and made sure to order Millie a new wardrobe for the end of the season since Millie and Ron would be married at the end of the season in just a short 5 and a half months. But that when Millie would marry, their wedding would be the last and greatest end to the social season instead of the very beginning of next year’s. And while Millie was at the dress shops with the Countess, Ron and his father were at the jewelers, commissioning new jewelry just for Millie as Ron had taken back any and all jewelry he had given his previous mistress who had not been a maid, dropped her and his bastard son off at a whorehouse. And while he would be paying for his bastard’s education, he was eager to divorce himself emotionally from both of them and used the jewelry to fund Millie’s new jewels. 

And even now, while Millie also wore one of her mother’s bride’s maid’s dresses, she still wore Ron’s new jewels with pride. But still wore gloves to keep her hands from actually touching Thaire’s. And she would be burning the gloves later that night so that in Ron’s eyes and her own, she was never tainted by any of the Salgrias filthy touches. And while she had promised you to help Kragan’s sisters if they chose to stay in Solowards,she would be doing so by letter only. Of course, after she ran the promise by Ron and the Count and Countess Lavine tonight, because while you were going to be honeymooning here, she would only ever come back to bid you goodbye when you would leave after it. But otherwise would not be staying another night in her own home while the Salgria’s were here. 

And of course, all week, Ron and his mother encouraged Millie to urge her mother to burn the very linens and bedding and even mattresses the Salgria’s used while they stayed there. And you compromised saying that you wanted the linens, bedding and mattresses with you. So that they wouldn’t go to waste and it would be a small memento of home. Which your mother agreed to and was compromise enough for Millie and the Lavines. 

And while your mother hated the fact that Millie was divorcing herself from this and from you. And completely clinging to the Count and Countess and Ron. Because she didn’t want her own daughters to be enemies in society. She understood that for Millie’s future, Millie needed to shift her loyalties and opinions to theirs for her own success. And your mother understood that you would most likely die before you would ever have to stand in the Royal Court as Baroness Salgria. 

And the likelihood of the Salgria’s staying in Solowards was a very slim chance because the Salgria’s had stopped at just surveying the land and had not done anything to it to indicate they were going to settle there and build an estate there. Which was actually a relief to her and many others. Because while she would still do her best to fulfill her promise to you, she doubted she would actually have to follow through with it. And therefore could fully support Millie in society. And thus, with you being dead and your connection to the Salgrias dying with you, that would actually enhance Gwens’ chances of marrying very well in society when she came of age along with Saffiro, when he got to be of age in a few years. And that fifty thousand gold bouillon would go a very long way. 

Your father had gone with you to the jeweler, a different one than the one that he knew the Count Lavine used. And he also bought even more jewels for you for the wedding and for when you would be Baroness Salgria around the world. Because you were still his daughter regardless and for your adventure and when you would go to all these other countries on your “prolonged” honeymoon around the world. When and if you ever met with other nobility, he wanted to impress upon them that you were the best of Solowardian high society when you would travel around to the other countries in the D.A. But of course Kragan had bought you more large and extravagant jewels. But also bought you much smaller, simpler jewelry so that even if you were beside him, walking to various hotels and inns, you could still comfortably wear jewelry without fear of it being stolen right off your body and be the prey to thieves. Which you loved and adored Kragan’s practicality and readily accepted all of it. 

In the chapel, your mother was sitting on the front row with the rest of your siblings sitting after her and behind her in the second row on the bride’s side with Saffiro holding her hand tightly so that neither of them would cry. While Kragan’s parents sat in the front row on the other side with his other siblings sitting in the rest of the row and behind them on the groom’s side. It really was just your two families and the priest. But that’s all you needed and wanted right now. 

You didn’t want all of Solowardian high society to make judgements on you or your attire or your groom and his. This was so much better than what you envisioned for your wedding day. Everything was so simple and elegant and easy and you adored your groom. He was the best part about all of this. 

Kragan looked so happy. Not nervous or anxious. Just happy. And that was the greatest gift you could ask of him and when your veil lifted up and he really got to see you his smile was nearly blinding as you were sure that your smile was just as bright, just as happy. 

Your father kissed your cheeks as you kissed his before he kissed your forehead for not one beat, but for two as his eyes closed as he fought not to cry as he did so. You gave his hand one last reassuring squeeze before he withdrew and passed you off to Kragan. You both stood across from each other in front of the priest as he began the service with the Holy Book on his pedestal and the marriage liscence on the little table between you and Kragan. 

The priest- Father Edward, was even happy and relieved that this switch had been made. Because he had married many couples over the decades. But this one- was his most proud one to give. As even though he knew that this marriage would be short- he knew it would probably be the happiest of all. In talking with Kragan over the week, he knew Kragan would be a good husband to you. 

And while he also had done his best to comfort you after your diagnosis, he was impressed by how mature you were and how well you were handling the circumstances and facing death head on and using what life you had left to help others, namely your family. He was so proud of you. And he was so happy for you that you were going to be married to a man who would care for you the way you deserved. And not a spoiled rotten child parading around like a man- which is what he thought of Ron. And frankly Millie annoyed the living daylights out of him so he thought that match would be appropriate and happy for as long as each of them were young and beautiful. Bhe felt he knew that the moment that would change, the happiness would flee far- far away and never return again. 

What surprised you was how individualized this service was, it was filled with wonderful remarks about how holy and sacred and natural marriage was. But also about the person of the heart. And how that was the key to marital happiness, was that one would know and be happy and content with that above all else. And to keep each other in sickness and in health and for richer or for poorer and to be loyal to each other. The service itself was warm, loving, comforting and gentle, like a loving embrace from the gods you both believed in. Not harsh, not filled with rules and orders. Nor was it filled with any pretense, no “ass kissing” as you were sure the service he would have to give for Ron and Millie. 

Part of you wondered if the priest himself was sneaking in parts of your memorial service that he had already started to draft up once he heard the news of your impending death. And while he did stress that you would and should be a good wife- humble, modest, wise, discerning, supportive and submissive. 

He also stressed how important it was for a husband to treat his wife well, better than he treated himself. With more care and concern than himself. That he would leave his father and mother mentally and emotionally and stick to his wife and the two would become one. That a good husband would implicitly trust and confide in his wife, seek her wisdom and counsel and to come together to find solutions to any problem a couple might face- together. So that they would live in peace and harmony. And that even in sickness that it was of paramount importance to love more than ever before and in times of health. 

It was unlike any other wedding service he had ever given but it was beyond perfect and by the end of it, there wasn’t a dry tear to be had in the small little chapel. You looked to Father Edward and gave him the most warm adoring and appreciative smile as you let go of holding your bouquet with both hands to reach out and hold Father Edward’s hands. Especially when his voice wavered for the more emotional parts of the service- to help give him the strength to continue. Father Edward took your hand with both of his and added every blessing he could think of both for you personally and for Kragan and your union with him. 

You had told Father Edward earlier in the week that you would send for him and for your family and that Saffiro especially would come with him to come and read you- your last rights when it would be your time which he readily agreed. And if it would be at the time of Millie’s wedding, he arranged for another priest to give the service because your last rights were more important to him that giving Millie’s wedding ceremony. 

Kragan was impressed and very touched by all of it, especially to see how you obviously had endeared yourself to the Priest and were clearly a very spiritual woman and obviously very close to the priest. Although he was sure it was from his one on one instruction of the scriptures rather than you confessing to any sins. 

Then came time for the rings as you placed a simple gold band that had a hammered appearance on the surface. You specifically ordered the jeweler to do this. Because you knew that Kragan would most likely be working hard throughout your marriage to him. And you didn’t want Kragan to hold back from that work, fearing he’d dent or scuff or dent the ring. But you still wanted him to wear it with a sense of pride. The jeweler engraved your initials and Kragan’s on the inside of the band along with the date of the wedding while the inside of the ring was polished smooth as you wanted to make sure Kragan could wear it comfortably. But the ring would be a keepsake after the inevitable. And could easily be put on a chain that you had privately ordered in the right size to fit around Kragan’s neck for him to wear it for as long as he wanted to wear it and that if you would not be buried with your wedding ring, that too could go on the necklace. 

But for now, you needed to push those sad thoughts away and just embrace and enjoy the present. 

With a happy heart you said your vows as your guilt was small enough to be pushed back to not taint the moment with sadness. You would love Kragan with your whole heart and be the best wife and companion and friend to him as you could possibly be. 

Your wedding band was actually two to frame both sides of the ring, an upper and lower band, all melted together so that when all three rings were united, it created the illusion of one much bigger ring. What was once a simple but stunning engagement ring was now a beautifully embellished and perfectly suiting wedding ring.

And with the vows said, the rings exchanged, all that was left was to kiss your groom. It was a sweet, but meaningful kiss, chaste for the occasion but still holding genuine love, care and devotion. 

You took Kragan’s arm, as the Priest introduced you to your family and his as Baron and Baroness Salgria. The small family chapel was filled with applause before you signed your new name on the marriage certificate at the table with Millie signing her name as your maid of honor, Thaire signing as Kragan’s best man. And of course his parent’s signatures as parents of the groom. Your parents signatures as parents of the bride along with the priest’s along with Saffiro, as the eldest son and heir to your father, giving his own blessing on the union. 

And in one- painless, but portentous moment. It was done. You succeeded to secure Kragan and in the nick of time. You could rest, relax and were safe from your true health being exposed your groom and inlaws before you were ready to show it to them. 

You went back into the house as part of the orchestra played for you to walk down the small isle, followed by Millie and Thaire and Geilia as your family and his threw more flower petals over you and Kragan before you all went back into the house for the small but very lavish wedding feast.

[thecandywrites]

The Switch- Chapter 2

Now, can Millie succed in the almost impossible task of capturing and keeping Young Count’s Roncharles Lavine’s interest? And what’s more, can our heroine actually convince a very hesitant and reluctant Baron Kragan Salgria to go along with this scheme too? And can she do so in enough time? 

The Switch

Chapter 2

The day of the ball you found yourself in your mother’s salon, you had had a large breakfast with your mother and sisters. But when it became noon, they all stopped eating in an effort to squeeze into their dresses. Except for you. You were allowed to indulge in a light lunch and tea to keep your strength up. And swallow down your medicine to make you more comfortable and to make you appear glowing and healthy. The medicine worked wonders as in just a few moments after taking it, you felt like you had the energy of a small child, wanting to practically bound down the hallways. And while the medicine did work wonders in the moment, when it wore off, you looked and felt even worse than before you took it. So you would only be using it when you absolutely needed to and right now it was only half an hour before your guests would be arriving and this large dose would and should last for the rest of the evening. 

Your mother was fretting over every single hair on Millie’s head to make sure that not a single one got out of place. Milli looked prettier than a picture and like a proper princess with a tiara and everything. She had every accessory and every flourish possible from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Even when she had been presented at the Queen’s Court only a couple of month’s prior she had not been this embellished. Even though her shoes would barely be seen, even they- were the height of fashion. And when they would peek out under her dress, even they would glitter and glow because of the jewels sewn into the very fine silk and trimmed with fur. The shoes alone were a work of art. Milli had gotten over a dozen new pairs, their delicate heels and arches making her feet look small, delicate, refined and sophisticated. Meanwhile your own shoes were still beautiful, but they were built with comfort in mind and had wonderful cushion in the soles from sea sponges so that it felt like you were walking on pillows. 

Meanwhile you were just grateful your new half corset to just keep your breasts up and pressed high and accentuated your ample cleavage but the cut of your dress made your waistband higher to hide the fact that you weren’t wearing a full corset. The half corset itself wasn’t hurting you and you did like the way your new dress looked on you as you liked the higher waistline even if it was of later fashion. It made your legs look longer and your bosom look larger while only subtly hinting at a pinch of a waist. It was dignified, distinguished, yet discretely lavish and magnificent in it’s own way. 

Where your sister Millie wore bright gold on shiny silks and satins and brocades and glittered and glowed, with heavy embroidery. And even little jewels sewn into the fabrics so that she was glittering in any and every light. But you, while you had details of gold threaded trim and lace and shimmer and sheen, you chose a more flattering color for your complexion and one that brought out your glasz eyes a pretty blue green over gray. Only when one looked closely could they see the thoughtful and luxurious yet delicate touches. The deep pockets that could hold a volume sized book, the fine embroidery touches here and there, the softest lace against your skin and that every time you moved, you could feel the softness of the fabric against your skin and you liked the way it swished and whispered when you walked. 

Then a morbid thought crossed your brain. What you would look like as a corpse? And what plot your body would find rest in?

But you couldn’t help but feel anxious. What if Young Count Lavine would take one look at Milli and dismiss her just as quickly as he did you?

And to make matters worse, at this point, Young Baron Salgria had still not given you any other letters.

But his mother and his sisters had. And so in light of this, you had immediately struck up an easy friendship with them which was paramount for your own success with the Salgrias as a whole.

Because right now, you didn’t care if the Young Baron liked you or not. As long as he would not abuse you or find about this ruse and feel cheated. And as long as he treated you pleasantly, you would die happy as you looked in the mirror and wondered if this was the best you were ever going to look. 

“My Lady, guests are coming down the drive.” Mrs. Canters informed your mother. 

“Well then we shouldn’t dally then- Contessina, Millicent, Gwendolyn, it’s time. Remember, head up, shoulders back, think tall and walk like a swan swims on the water, effortlessly smooth.” Your mother urged you and your sisters before you queued up behind her before and got into position as you reached back to Milli to squeeze her hand reassuringly as she squeezed back tightly before your mother sauntered through the house with you, Millie and Gwen walking behind her in a straight line before you united with your father and brothers at the receiving line to receive your family’s guests. 

Then the big moment came and you quickly traded places with Gwendolyn and Milli so that you were at the end of the line and hopefully out of enough sight that Young Count Lavine wouldn’t notice you. The worst that could happen, in your opinion, was that he would take one look at you all grown up and think you were a greater beauty than your younger sister and want to switch back.  

Then Count and Countess Lavine came in and Young Count Roncharles Lavine practically froze in place as he almost stopped breathing as he watched your sister Milli curtsy low in greeting him as everything about her glittered, glowed and sparkled and caught his eye, practically hypnotizing him.  

“Count and Countess Lavine, this is our daughter Duchess Millicentuza Rolfigne DeBaringer,” Your mother introduced, using Milli’s whole name as Milli gently dipped her head before lifting her gaze to lock with Young Count Roncharles Lavine, who was staring at her in awed wonder and had to be elbowed by his father to finally react. 

“Yes, such a pleasure to see you, I mean meet you, at last Duchess DeBaringer.” He fumbled before he practically leapt forward to claim her hand to kiss her knuckles without breaking eye contact which caused her to giggle behind her fan which was tailored to match the dress perfectly. 

“If I may be so bold as to claim the first two dances tonight.” He offered. 

“You may.” Milli answered sweetly. 

“Perhaps you should show our guests to the ballroom and to the refreshments.” Your mother prodded Milli. 

“It would be my honor if you would accompany me Duchess DeBaringer.” Roncharles emplored Milli. 

“Of course.” She readily agreed and took his offered arm before she was escorted away as Roncharles practically ignored everyone else in the room, including you. Much to everyone’s relief as you could see and feel your family and his own blow out a silent breath of relief that Roncharles was practically enraptured with Milli immediately too! Your father and his both exchanged a knowing and victorious grin.  

“Are you quite recovered Duchess Contessina DeBaringer?” His mother paused before she and her husband passed you. Countess Lavine had actually been the one to exchange letters with you most of your teenage years. Trying to get on the best terms she could with her expected daughter in law. And when you had gotten a letter from her asking about the “accident” you had to go to your father to know everything he had said so that your story would match his and the doctor’s new “report”.  But she had wanted to stay close and stay friends even after the switch. You tried to telling her all about Milli so that she would not be surprised about her, and could adjust to Milli being her new daughter in law. And build up a good rapport with her as well as Milli and her had exchanged letters with great success and also got along quite well from the start.  

“As recovered as I’ll probably ever be Countess Lavine, thank you so much for asking, please, enjoy the ball tonight.” You answered demurely. Not wanting to make any conversation awkward as she simply smiled appreciatively and a bit bittersweetly and nodded at you and walked on with her husband. 

 You looked at Roncharles’ back as he had turned to Milli and was talking to her very eagerly and animatedly already. He had grown into a reasonably handsome young man. And part of you wondered if this was fate’s hand. Because the two were suddenly acting like star crossed lovers. Milli was staring at him in the most adored wonder right back, being quite enraptured by his own handsome charm that suddenly seemed to ooze out of him towards her. It was easy to bat away jealousy seeing them clearly being so happy together. You realized it would probably be inevitable. And how crushed you would have been if this had bloomed between them and you were still betrothed to him. You knew your sister would never do you the dishonor of becoming your husband’s mistress but if they were fated to be together, they would both be miserable trying to fight this attraction. It was for the best that they could be together so freely and so honorably now. 

“Tessa Dearest, the Salgria’s are here.” Your mother pulled your attention back from watching your sister before you moved back to your mother’s right hand side and prepared yourself. Shoulders down and back, think tall, stand tall, head forward, fan at the ready. Feel at ease- to put them at ease. Feel calm- to help them feel calm. Be friendly, steady and most importantly, looking healthy and perfectly fine and most importantly- unintimidating.  

“Baron Salgria, thank you so much for coming tonight, this is my wife Duchess Elouise Vasselli LaRoche DeBaringer.” Your father introduced your mother who curtsied respectfully. 

“And this is our daughter Duchess Contessinaessa Vessezin DeBaringer,” Your mother introduced as you curtsied respectfully before your parents introduced your three other siblings. 

 Then Baron Thaddius Salgria introduced himself and his family as you finally got to place faces with the names you were already familiar with, especially his wife Astrin and their daughters. Who were only a year or two younger than Milli. You smiled your brightest, most friendly and welcoming smile as you traded compliments about their dresses and jewels and accessories. Which they were happy to do and could really feel and appreciate the genuine nature of your compliments. 

Then your attention was finally turned to his eldest son Kragan who had been standing behind his sisters and other siblings as if hiding behind them and not wanting to even enter the room. Who had been watching you interact with the rest of his family, as if afraid to even set foot into the light so that you couldn’t see him and reject him as quickly as he feared. 

“Would the Young Baron Kragan Salgria, take a short walk with me? I’m in desperate need of some fresh air.” You proposed before he was practically pushed towards you some more by his father. Then he awkwardly put his arm out which you took and both of you quickly grabbed a glass of champagne from an attendant as you led him through your family’s palace. He wouldn’t even look at you, he couldn’t even bring his gaze up from the floor. Because you could see the others giving you looks of almost pity and apology that you were on his arm and not any other as you gave polite smiles back in response. 

You had never seen a more uncomfortable young man in your life. He looked like an eagle trying to wear a peacock’s feathers as he was trying not to fidget with the edges of his sleeves. And he looked at you with barely veiled fear. With a nervous smile and he just looked like a masculine version of a ‘damsel in distress’. Both of his parents had to take each of his arms and force him to move forward and to stand in front of you. And all you could feel for him was sympathy and empathy. The poor young man looked terrified and extremely awkward. Like he was being presented to the King for a crime and about to be beheaded or something. You felt so sorry for the poor guy. Because not that long ago, you had felt and probably looked the same way when you met with Roncharles. But where Roncharles had met with you with harsh judgment and criticism- you were determined for this meeting to go much better and not do the same. You were going to be as kind and gentle with him as you could be. That was the least you could do for him. 

But the other guests also knew to not even try to interfere as they kept a respectful distance. Countess Lavine gave you the most apologetic look of all and almost tried to come to your rescue. But with a subtle shake of your head and her husband gently keeping his grip firmly into the crook of his elbow to keep her from interfering. You gave her a reassuring smile as if trying to convey to her that you were in fact- ok and that it was going to be alright.  

“Please, I’ve heard you’re fond of music, I must show you our music room. We have instruments from all over the supersphere. Surely you’ll recognize them, perhaps it will remind you of your times from such exotic places. I’d love to hear about your travels, if you’d indulge me.” You urged the Young Baron who nodded as you then practically led him away from the rest of the ball, through the palace to the music room. 

“Do you recognize any of the instruments?” You asked him once you got into the room as the instruments in question were on display in the room. 

“I’ve seen some of them, being played by musicians, performing the streets and in taverns and other places. I don’t know how to play any of them though.” The Young Baron admitted. 

“Just because you can’t play the instrument doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy the music it can create. Our music room has a balcony where we can get that fresh air. This house can get a little stuffy at times. It’s just through here, would you mind getting the doors for me?” You requested as you gestured to the doors. 

“Oh, yes, of- of course.” The Young Baron agreed before he did, revealing the balcony that overlooked the expansive gardens. Just as the sun was beginning to set, coloring the sky and the landscape beautifully. The balcony had already been set up and staged for this engagement. 

The servants let the two of you practically vanish into the large palace from the sight of the other guests. And sadly neither of you were really missed by the others as your youngest siblings practically babysat his as his youngest siblings were eager to leave the ball and go off and play in a playroom. Gwendowlyn managed to juggle Kragan’s other sisters while your younger brother, Saffiro who was your father’s eldest son and heir juggled Kragan’s other brothers himself. 

All while your parents continued to greet their guests for the ball leaving Baron and Baroness Salgria to simply stand awkwardly on a wall and sip on champagne and accept little plates of little appetizers. Because your father knew that if the waitstaff offered them a tray of appetizers, no other guest would eat after them. So he kept the waitstaff offering the trays to other guests while a separate waitstaff attended to the Salgrias and only the Salgrias so that things would appear to be running smoothly and no one would find any offense from either side. 

Meanwhile you were happy that you finally managed to lead Kragan to your final destination. The balcony had been lit with lanterns and the seating arrangement was set in such a way that it would provide the two of you with as much proximity or as much space you needed. Your mother had been extremely thorough and particular about how this space would be set up. She wanted it to be comfortable, relaxed. Yet only hinting at romantic and intimate but not so much that it would scare off and spook Kragan. 

Especially since your father and his own had clued her in on how apprehensive Kragan was about this arrangement. And so your mother tried to make the atmosphere- be both catering to him, while also giving you every possible advantage. Both of your parents had done their best to drill every piece of advice into you for most of the day on how to handle Kragan successfully. Which was to do so in such a way that he didn’t feel handled at all. You had to be subtle, discrete yet very discerning- observant without making him feel like you were watching him like a hawk so to speak. 

“Won’t you join me for some beverages and refreshments?” You invited him to join you on the balcony as you easily slipped past him and sat on the couch and noticed there was a very large and rather lavish spread put out on the table. 

Farthest away from you was a silver pitcher, filled with ice with a bottle of champagne, ready to be popped open if your champagne flutes needed to be refilled. There was some punch in a bowl and a full tea service along with a large platter of appetizers and other small dishes. Supposedly meant for two but could easily feed four people because Kragan was supposed to have a large appetite. 

The seating arrangements were a very comfortable couch, slightly bigger than a loveseat and two armchairs kitty corner so that they had equal access to the table and it’s offerings. 

The seating arrangement was not so close so that you would have no choice but to practically sit side by side on the sofa. But that Kragan could- if he wanted to- he could either sit on the couch with you or sit in any of the armchairs and still be close enough for conversation. But still be apart enough to respect personal space, as much or as little as he needed or wanted in the moment. So you chose to sit on the couch, to the end that was nearest to the closest chair but not so far away that it would indicate that you wanted him to sit as far away from you as possible and it was evident that he could still join you on the couch if he wanted to.

And with as nervous and anxious as he was, you expected him to sit in the farthest chair and closest to the champagne since he seemed to have drained his champagne flute already, just being led here. 

You hoped he would choose to sit in one of the armchairs and actually face you. And depending on which of the two chairs he would sit on, would indicate how much work you had to do to gently help him lower his guard. He seemed to take your nonverbal cue after quickly looking and weighing his options for where to sit. And he surprised you by sitting in the closer armchair. It actually filled you with relief. It was a subconscious indicator that you wouldn’t have to work too hard to convince him of the virtues of the match. 

“I know this is our first conversation together. And it should be filled with polite pleasantries to ensure a good first impression. And while I do want to give you that. It’s more important to me to give you an accurate understanding of who I really am. And we could spend the night doing nothing but practically talking in circles about nothing of importance. And not really get anywhere other than impersonal polite pleasantries. Instead, what I would prefer- is to have an honest and frank conversation with you if you would be comfortable indulging me to do so.” You began as you took the steaming teapot and prepared your own cup of tea, leaving the champagne flute on the side because you didn’t need the alcohol to dull your senses or relax you to the point that you would miss hearing and noting important details. This tea blend was actually rather on the fruity and sweet side which you liked and his mother had told you was one that he liked as well.

“Really?” He asked, almost afraid to believe you. 

“Unless you don’t want to. It’s a lovely sunset and our view is very picturesque. I suppose we could talk as much or as little about it as any other subject and simply get back to the ball if you would prefer that.” You offered as you gestured dismissively towards the beautiful landscape around you.

“No! I do want to talk with you. And an open and honest conversation is actually what I’ve been needing the most. And I’m so happy and relieved you want to have one with me. But I just don’t want to offend you either. Since I’ve been at court, I’ve come to learn that my manners are... in much need of improvement and I fear I will say something wrong and cause offense with you like I have with others.” He quickly corrected himself. 

“I understand your hesitancy and your reluctance. My father has informed me of your difficulting adjusting to court life. Which, according to my father- is more like a gladiatorial arena but instead of weapons of steel they use tongues of silver and words that are as pretty as a concerto to the ears but strike as viciously as viper once you grasp their meaning and intent. I have never been to the King’s Court. And so I can not say for sure. But my father has taken my brother Saffiro, who claims the same things my father has said. And when I was presented at the Queen’s Court only two years ago- I got to see first hand how her court wasn’t much different. It’s just with ladies but instead of money and business on the line- it’s your reputation that’s at stake if you say anything wrong or make a miss-step. My mother did her best to prepare me for it. But even with her council and guidance, I still felt like I was being thrown into a pool of sharks. Each one more hungry for fresh blood than the last. I was so grateful at the time I was already betrothed, because otherwise I felt like the others were going to eat me alive and swallow me whole.” You confessed honestly. 

“Yes! That’s exactly what it is like! I’ve sailed the nine seas and sailed the twelve winds and faced actual, literal, pirates. But all of that has been nothing compared to life at court. And if it was not for your father helping us, we would have been ripped to shreds and swallowed whole the moment King Grenver gave us the title of Baron.” Kragan readily confessed as you could tell he was so happy and grateful and relieved to finally get that off his chest. 

“Then we have much more in common than I think we’ve realized. Won’t you please shut the doors so we don’t have anyone overhearing us then? So we can have a measure of privacy if you want it Sir.” You urged him as you gestured behind you to where the doors to the balcony were still wide open.

He was all too happy to oblige, immediately getting up and closing the doors as quietly as he could, peeking through the glass and curtains to see if anyone from the ball had been there to see or overhear so far. And thankfully found no one but a door man, standing at attention at the door to the music room from the hallway.

 You took the shall that had already been placed on the back of the couch and wrapped it around your shoulders to stave off the chill that was creeping into the air as the sun sank lower into the horizon. Then you made yourself a small plate of appetizers that just been put here only moments before you came. They were still very fresh and the hot ones were still quite hot while the chilled ones were still ice cold. All the appetizers that were being served to the guests at the rest of the ball. With additional ones that had been crafted just for the two of you. That even featured ingredients and cooking styles Astrin had told you that Kragan liked since she was the only one who you trusted to ask about him since he wouldn’t communicate with you himself to tell you of his preferences himself. But Kragan seemed hesitant to sit back down again. 

“Come and sit down and talk and help yourself to some tea, or punch or champagne if you would like and other appetizers before dinner. It’s safe. I don’t bite. I promise. I would just like to talk, and please know that whatever we talk about I will keep in confidence. That is all I would like.” You gently teased yet reassured him. Which got him to huff a laugh as he sat down in the same chair as before. 

And after a moment of watching you eat and drink- he decided to take you up on your offer since he had already practically gulped down his champagne to try to calm his nerves. But he didn’t want to drink any more and loosen his lips any more than they already were. Besides the champagne on his empty stomach had calmed down his nerves enough but had loosened his lips enough as it was already and he didn’t want to push his luck.  

“I take it you have some questions for me. Ask any question you wish, and I’ll answer them as honestly as I can.” You generously offered. 

“Aren’t you angry about all this?” He blurted out before he could stop himself as you nearly choked on your tea, being thrown by his first choice for a question. You were expecting other questions like what your preferences were or what food you liked to eat. But you did ask for honest conversation and if he honestly wanted the answer to such an question, you needed to give an honest answer. 

“No, I’m not angry at all. Why would I be angry? And what should I be angry about exactly?” You asked as you curiously cocked your head to the side and raised a curious brow and gave him a curious look. 

“This whole...scenario. You spent most of your life being engaged, betrothed, which I’m pretty sure they mean the same thing. But you were in this arrangement to a young Count. And you probably planned for a life with him but because he fell in love with your sister, you’re abandoned and then practically sold to...me basically. Aren’t you angry about any or all of that?” He asked and you couldn’t help it- you laughed, a good, hearty, genuine laugh. 

“Could I be completely candid with you?” You asked with a hopeful smile. 

“Please, by all means, I wouldn’t have asked the question if I didn’t want the answer. Especially an honest one which you’ve been gracious enough to offer,” he implored as you could see he was genuinely fearful that you would be angry about the arrangement. The poor man. 

“No, I am not angry or upset about it at all. Relieved actually, very, very relieved. Especially since the more time goes on and the more I see the Young Count Lavine and my sister together. To see the ease of which they do get along and the natural attraction they have to each other. I’m very relieved to not be in the way of their relationship, especially when my relationship with him has always been very strained and forced for both of us.” You revealed. 

“Wait what? Did you two not get along?” He asked, in complete shock at that revelation.  

“No, not at all. We have both made efforts to obey the rules of “polite and civilized society”. But we clashed very badly. And so it was never even close to being even friendly between the two of us. He has always dodged me and refused to even meet with me at any social gathering. Even balls at his own home. He has somehow managed to weasle out of them to avoid me. And the moment he hears I’m even coming down the drive to visit him and his family, he escapes into the woods on a hunting expedition to get away from me. And that’s usually only when my parents have to twist my arm to even do that much. And despite all the invitations to come here, he has always found an excuse to not attend. He has always actively avoided me since our first meeting. And I must confess, I have done the same. That’s how badly we clashed and did not get along.” You revealed with a small huff of a laugh at all the memories of the last few years. 

“But you were engaged! Betrothed! How could you be engaged to a man who you didn’t even like to the point that you both did all you could to avoid each other?!” Kragan asked incrediously. 

“Well my father betrothed me to him when he was a newborn. And I was only two. So it’s something we have had to make our peace with for most if not all of our lives. Well, until only recently. So when the plans changed, it came to our mutual great relief.” You confessed. 

“Why?” Kragan asked because by the looks of it, you were perfectly lovely, he couldn’t fathom why anyone would find anything about you objectionable. You were seemingly perfect and to his delight, so easy going and actually fun to be around so far. Like you were this long lost friend just waiting to be reaquainted with him. And he was so drawn to you. He couldn’t fathom how any man in his right mind would not be drawn to you as well. 

“Well the only encounter I’ve ever had with Young Count Roncharles Lavine- was five, almost six years ago. It was the first and last time we met in person and talked face to face. Well, that was until before this ball tonight. And even tonight- he didn’t even look at me or even in my general direction in the receiving line. Because once his gaze locked onto my sister, he had eyes for no one else in the room. Which, I’m happy for her in that respect that she can capture and keep his gaze and interest. Especially since it’s something I have never been able to do in my life nor something I’ve ever wanted to do either. And she does it rather effortlessly. Which only speaks to the naturalness of their attraction and attachment to each other. But back to his first and only meeting with me, it was an utter and complete disaster and our betrothal has been doomed ever since. Because everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong. Two opposing armies on the battlefield probably had less clash than we did in that instance.” You confessed as you illustrated by punching your fists against each other. 

“How is that possible? What happened?” Kragan asked as his brow furrowed and he outright frowned in response which was actually adorable which brought another easy smile and a bit of a laugh to your tone.   

“Oh it was very much one of those- everything that could go wrong did go wrong. And it brought out the worst in both of us and we were kids, barely teenagers and barely out of the nursery. And both of us reacted to the situation and each other in the worst, most immature ways. And it still is a time both of us look back on and shudder to think of it and I would hate for you to think I’m still that way and have not grown or matured past it.” You explained. 

“The fact that you can admit that much is clearly an indication that you have. Please, could you indulge me by telling me? I’m very curious now.” Kragan admitted as you narrowed your eyes but krinkled your nose and couldn’t help but smirk as you caved which Kragan thought was completely adorable and endearing. 

“Well, you indulged me by speaking to me candidly. I will indulge you in turn. It’s only fair.” You allowed as you scooted closer to the arm of the chair and leaned towards him so you wouldn’t have to speak these words too loudly as he did the same, mirroring you as you could tell you were actually capturing and holding his interest which was a victory in of itself. 

“So, what happened was- we met for the first time- for a hunt on his family’s very large and vast country estate. Our fathers were going after one fox that went in one direction, he, my brother and I and the Game Warden went after the other in another direction. And without our father’s supervision and constant instruction. We were unfortunately left to our own devices and left to try to work together. For the sole purpose to make our fathers proud. And prove our own maturity and skill, of which we barely had any at all.” You began, setting the scene, complete with big gestures and meaningful and very expressive facial expressions which Kragan was practically swooning. Because finally, a real woman. Not a pretty doll in a dress. But a real, living, breathing, flesh and blood woman. This was heavenly. 

“So, I thought he was very short, weak, selfish and extremely entitled. So entitled in fact, to the point I was convinced- that he was sure that the supersphere revolved around him and only him. Because he was cursing the horse for not having a smoother gait. Especially since he was tied into his saddle. Because he was such a bad seat in riding. And had only done his hunting from the ground before. And it was his first time doing so from horseback. But he was over confident and very arrogant and could barely keep a hold of his rifle. And keep it from actually shooting his own horse. He actually tried to use the poor horse’s head to rest the barrel of the rifle on. Which his horse did not like. And he nearly got bucked off and the horse tried to scrape him out of and off the saddle on a tree. That horse did not want him to be it’s rider. So he was already pissing me off by blaming the horse for being, you know, a normal horse.” You explained as you held up your index finger and pinky fingers and touched your thumb to your middle and ring fingers to illustrate the horse’s head and then took the first and second fingers of your other hand to illustrate the barrel of the gun and put the “barrel” of the gun between the “horses” ears. 

“The Game Warden, bless his heart and soul. He had to take the Young Count’s bridle and calm the horse down. And the Game Warden had to insist that if the Young Count were take another shot- to turn the horse to the side. And not try to use the horse’s head as it’s rest. Because otherwise the Young Count was so weak he couldn’t even hold the stupid rifle up on his own and it nearly kicked his body backwards when the rifle kicked back into his shoulder.” You recalled as you used the heel of your hand to immitate the kick back from the rifle as you dramatically laid back on the couch to show Roncharles practically blown to lay backwards as you gestured that the rifle was sticking straight up in the air as Kragan actually laughed. Like a good, hearty, true, genuine laugh. That was music to your ears as you laughed too. 

“So he was a very bad sport.” Kragan realised. 

“The worst I have ever seen in my life.” You immediately agreed as you sat back up and tried to get straightened up again. 

“He was also cursing the fox for hiding from the hounds and not practically standing still in front of his rifle so he could shoot it easier. And one look at the Game Warden doing his best to coach the Young Count in how to shoot the rifle. All while the Young Count chastized him for treating him like an imbecile. Because that’s exactly what he was and how he was behaving! And the Young Count even threatened to fire the Game Warden! If he disrespected him in front of his guests. Which was just plain embarrassing for all of us. Because the Game Warden was old enough to be our grandfather. And I was raised to always be respectful of everyone. Especially someone as important as the Game Warden who ensured that the house would always have a strong steady supply of game. And the Young Count really hated how once he threatened to fire the Game Warden. My brother Saffiro, offered to hire him as our Game Warden. And for every piece of criticism the Young Count gave that poor man, my brother and I were of course giving the Game Warden praise and accolades for everything we could. Just to try to even things out. Which didn’t help my case with the Young Count but that Game Warden really appreciated it.” You explained. 

“But yet, despite all of that. My brother and I could tell that this was the norm for him to deal with the Young Count. And where the Young Count brushed off his Game Warden’s advice, my brother and I invited it and respectfully listened and obeyed any and all advice and council he gave us. Because he knew those woods better than anyone else and we learned some very invaluable insights into the sport and land stewardship which only pissed off the Young Count that we were doing that and then turned on us and accused us of poaching his staff.” You added. 

“Oh for fuck’s sake! No wonder you hated him. I hate him just listening to this.” Kragan admitted. 

“Well, hopefully he’s grown up and out of this since then.” You tried to offer.

“Doubt it.” Kragan quickly argued. 

“Yeah me too.” You quickly agreed with an adamant shake of your head that you were sure the fat of your face jiggled with the movement but it just made Kragan’s grin grow broader and into a full blown smile. 

“So anyway, there we were, in the woods, on a hunt. The fox now long gone with three young teens arguing and fighting with each other and the Game Warden in the woods. Our fathers are no where to be seen or heard. Leaving us to bicker like the children we were. Meanwhile the Young Count was jealous that the Game Warden praised my brother’s and I horsemanship and riding seats and shooting skills. And the fact that our father actually taught us how to hunt properly. Whereas the Young Count had only been shooting clays or pigeons let loose barely a pace away from the front of his rifle. So the Young Count criticized me for every piece of praise I received from anyone and everyone else. Because he believed that it was going to my head and making me vain and overconfident. He told me to my face that ‘I was much too fat, too plain and rather ugly and much too tall so that I was an elephant awkwardly trying to pose as a gazelle and very boring’.” You recounted as Kragan outright frowned and actually looked upset and offended on your behalf. Oh this was going swimmingly. Worst experience of your life endearing you to the Young Baron Kragan Salgria? You’d take that win. 

“Which pissed my brother off of course, because I was his sister and he did his best to defend me against such “slander”. But the Young Count just brushed him off and reminded us ‘on whose lands and whose game we were really hunting and if we couldn’t take any criticisms, we should return to the nursery at the house and not get in his way of having victory’. And so, as I’m sure you’ve been able to gather- he couldn’t be more disinterested in me if he tried. And so for the rest of the time, all he could really talk about- besides my ugliness, plainness, fatness and awkwardness- was shooting and the thrill of hunting despite the fact that he was absolutely terribly awful and dreadful at both.” You recounted, surprising yourself for sharing this story in the first place because you were sure you wanted this moment to die and be forgotten for forever. But the more you told the story- the more interested Kragan became as he was eagerly eating the food and drinking the tea and listening with rapt attention and actually leaning towards you with every word.  

“Oh how awful. What a prick.” Kragan spat in disgust. 

“Sadly, that wasn’t the worst of it.” You winced. 

“Oh no, how could it get worse?” Kragan asked. 

“It got much worse when the Young Count shot one of the hunting dogs.” You revealed. 

“Yeah, that would make things worse.” Kragan readily admitted with a nod.

“And the Young Count had the audacity to actually be mad at the dog for being in the way of his shot! Which I found exceedingly upsetting that he had no remorse or feeling, for shooting an innocent animal that was just trying to help him. So I immediately dismounted and tried coming to the dog’s aid. He also dismounted and came over and disgustingly appraised that ‘at least the poor dog was well shot’. And was more interested in reloading his rifle than the dog who was bleeding out right before him. The other dogs had retreated to be behind the Game Warden for protection. He then blamed me for ‘my horrendous fat odor- scaring away all the game and making the hunt as disastorus as it was’. And that’s when things went from worse to disastrous.” You admitted. 

“Please tell me you handed him his ass.” Kragan pleaded.  

“Oh, yeah. In a very unladylike fashion, I lost my temper. And I told him exactly what I thought of him and how wrong he was about everything. And how his mother had failed to give him a heart or any feeling at all at birth. All while I scooped up the poor dog into my arms and carried her away to try and get the shot out of her and heal her and save the dog’s life with the Game Warden. The Warden was actually very touched and impressed with my concern. I used my own hunting coat to move the dog to so that the litter on the forrest floor wouldn’t get in her wounds as my brother and I used our own handkerchiefs to try to stop her bleeding out. But,.. to no avail, she died in my arms only twenty paces away. And when she died, I collapsed on the forest floor, covered in her blood and cried. And then when the Young Count rebuked me for being so emotional- I lost every shred of self control. And then I really let my temper get the best of me. I took that prick’s own hunting rifle out of his hands by grabbing the barrel- out of his weak, soft hands and bashed him over the head with the butt of it. I knocked him down and then I kicked him the gut and in the privates while he was on the ground and threw the rifle as far away as possible. And of course this was just as our fathers came upon us. From hearing my own sobbing and seeing me standing there without my hunting coat but covered in blood and crying and upset and screaming and crying and fearing the worst and my brother and father had to pull me off from attacking that prick further as he tried to knock me off my own feet to get me to fall myself and attack me in turn. Which was very ungentlemanly of him on top of everything else.” You recalled. 

“I would have killed him. I would have shot him with his own rifle and then asked how it felt to be full of birdshot himself.” Kragan admitted. 

“Yeah, my brother was ready to do the same exact thing and even threated to do it too. Just as our fathers thought that the Young Count had actually shot me and I was the one bleeding out. Which is why I was attacking him back, because I was fighting for my life. Which immediately started a fight among our fathers as my father was very angry with his, that his son would actually shoot me. Until the Game Warden and my brother explained that it wasn’t my blood, it was the dogs. As they brought the now dead dog over in my hunting jacket and explained what had happened to them. I was still crying into my father’s chest about how the Young Count was a monster for shooting his own dog and wasn’t even sad or sorry about it and had no heart, no feeling and was mad at the dog and was such a horrible, ruthless, unethical murderer.  Which having my brother repeating everything I said as the Game Warden simply tried to state the facts but even his account lined up with my brother’s and my own account to give it credibility.” You admitted. 

“You need to introduce me to your brother, he sounds like a good decent person.” Kragan insisted. 

“I will because he is.” You reassured him. 

“But it was very unladylike, and very uncivilized. And while my father was not pleased with my behavior. He was secretly very proud of me for standing up to the overgrown toddler. Especailly when it was my brother who explained the situation and recounted what had been said by the Young Count and what he had done and what had happened and defended me. And when the Game Warden showed them the dead dog, who was the best dog the game Warden had and had a litter of puppies she was supposed to be nursing and training. That prick’s father actually rebuked his son for shooting her and behaving like a spoiled brat and making him look like a monster for rasing such an entitled imbicile and for behaving so indecently. And if Roncharles thought I gave him a beating, it was nothing compared to the one his father gave him for shooting the dog right there in the woods and treated to shoot him and make his baby brother his heir instead. And for being so mean to me and taunting me and insulting me in the first place. And while we were both made to apologize, his parents were surprisingly understanding of my reaction to their son’s behavior and promised me that that was the worst their son would ever behave in his life. While my father promised the same thing about me and my brother. But my brother and I had never been closer or on better terms after that. So like I said- it was completely disastrous.” You explained as Kragan sucked in a breath with his teeth and winced at the story about how awful Roncharles had been. 

“Yeah, ok, I get it now, how could you stomach being betrothed to him after that?” Kragan asked. 

“Well I had gotten a lot of assurances from his parents and his other siblings and even his tutors that he had "improved" since then. But until I would see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe their claims. And he felt the exact same way about me, that I felt about him. With such an impactful and memorable first meeting and first impression, it was impossible for both of us to move past it.  We have never exchanged letters and he has never once made an effort to get to know me besides that initial first impression ever since. And in all truth, he has actually been against my betrothal to him ever since then too.” You shrugged as he seemed to nod in understanding to that. 

“I see.” Kragan nodded as he drank his tea down and found himself actually impressed by that because if you were still anything like that now- that would actually bode very well for the two of you. 

“Although to be fair, he was only a boy of 13 at the time and I was only 15 myself. And Saffiro was only 14 himself. And what made the first impression even more disastrous was that I had just gotten one of my more terrible acne breakouts- the day before I met him. Because I was- understandably- very stressed about it. And the makeup I wore to try to cover the acne up was, admittedly, very badly done. And he told me to my face that ‘it made me look ten years older than I was’ and ‘it made me look both like a young girl trying to parade like a young woman while also making me look like an old hag, trying to parade around like a young woman’. I was of course heartbroken and hurt that he took one look at me and judged me so harshly. And when I tried to wash it off, then he made it worse by actually grimacing at the horrible acne. And even though he was forced by his parents to apologize for his rude remark. He has never made an effort to see me or get to know me ever since. And every time he would ever think of me that image was all his mind could bring up and it disgusted him.” You confessed with a wince and a blush yourself. 

“But you’ve clearly grown up and out of that. Every teenager gets acne at that age. And he was the one who started that off on the wrong foot by being a prick. Honestly I would have had the same exact reaction to him if he had done that to me. He could have shown a little more sympathy and understanding. Especially when he no doubt went through the exact same thing at the same age. And I’m actually happy, relieved and proud you put that prick in his place the way you did. It takes courage and gumption to stand up to people like that. You’re lovely and charming and I can’t see or find a single fault in your character or your actions. Then or now. Or even your looks now at least, you’re beautiful.” Kragan insisted as he gestured to you which got you to smile brightly and laugh again as you felt relieved that Kragan at least approved of your looks, which for you was half the battle. 

“Thank you. I appreciate that very much. That does help me feel better about it and myself. I have since learned that the less makeup I put on and the better the quality of the makeup I use - strictly for balls such as this. And never for every day life- the happier my skin is and I only really put on just a hint of rouge and maybe a little bit of something on the lids of my eyes, but nothing more.” You confessed. 

“Well then you’ve mastered it because you look lovely.” Kragan praised. 

“Thank you. And you do look quite handsome yourself Sir. Although if it is not too forward of me- you do look very uncomfortable in that suit coat. You keep scratching at your wrists, I take it the material is itching your skin there?” You asked as you nodded over to his hands to see his hands immediately stop and tightly interlock his fingers to keep himself from scratching it further as he had already practically inhaled his previous plate of snacks because he had been so nervous all day he couldn’t eat and now that he was with you he was practically ravenous.  

“You’re not too forward, you’re absolutely correct. This suit jacket- coat, whatever it is- is not only itchy but it’s very restrictive and I feel like if I breathe in too deeply, I’ll pop the buttons off.” Kragan admitted as he ran his fingers through his hair and fought to not rip it off of himself for getting on every nerve he had.  

“I know exactly how that feels. You see women have to wear these things called corsets. I don’t know if you’ve heard of them.” You began in another light teasing tone which got both of you to laugh and his amused smile was actually practically making you swoon too. 

He was a very handsome young man. Roncharles was nothing compared to Kragan. Roncharles was thin from lack of work or physical exertion that wasn’t fucking every pretty maid his family had in his estate. You could see Kragan’s practically sculpted and bulging muscles through his clothes. He was tall, broad and his hands were rough from years of hard work and he had a roguish orcish charm that you found you quite liked. And were honestly and very genuinely attracted to. Your mind seemed to come to the conclusion that this must have been fate’s hand too because if this attraction had bloomed between the two of you while Milli and himself had been betrothed, you would have had to fight this attraction. But now, instead you were free to pursue it, if he wanted to be pursued that is. 

“Yes, I have heard of those, my mother and my sisters did nothing but complain about them the whole way here.” He admitted with another laugh before he got another plate of food from the tray while you also snagged your favorite and added that to your plate and refilled your teacup and offered to refill his as he gratefully handed it back to you so you could before you handed it back, your fingers grazing his and his touch almost felt electric but in a very good way. 

“If a woman is not used to wearing them- they can be very uncomfortable. Even I hate to wear them. They are the bane of my existence.” You groaned as you stuck out your tongue as if you were gagging which got him to bark a loud and very genuine and amused laugh as his posture in his seat became much more relaxed as did yours which was very good sign that this was starting to work, and work very well. 

“Well then you’re in good company. At home my sisters and my mother simply dress comfortably because we still live in a small family home while the estate is built up in Solowards and while we’re in town at the King’s Court, my father and I just rent an apartment. But we know that once we officially move in, we will be expected to be “more in fashion”. Most of the time we’re either on the seas or in the skies and it’s important to be comfortable while traveling while wearing good quality clothes that won’t rip and tear apart if you have to work on the ship.” Kragan admitted.

“Oh perfect. I have never really done any traveling. Most of my father’s business associates come to him or does his business in the King’s Court and my family has a house in town we keep to afford my mother easier access to The Queen’s Court. Or for my father to have easier access to the King’s Court. Otherwise, they rarely ever has to leave this place. Which is our country estate. And other than going to other estates for balls and things we don’t travel much at all. That would be a nice change of pace and exciting, well, if you’d let me come along that is.” You clarified. 

“Yeah, I just…remembered we’re technically betrothed and I guess engaged?” Kragan asked and you could see his weariness and discomfort and fear return in an instant. You felt frustrated that you were losing ground that you needed to reclaim. Time to go for ‘free choice’. 

“Only if you want to be. I’m not going to force you into the match if you don’t want to be in it. I’ve seen and unfortunately felt what it’s like to be in an arrangement at least one party doesn’t want to be in. Although for you, I guess it would feel like I’m more of a consolation prize if anything.” You allowed. 

“No! You’re not a consolation prize at all! I’m the one feeling sorry for you that you’re engaged to me.” Kragan blurted out again. 

“Do you think so little of yourself or do you feel that we’re that mismatched?” You asked worriedly. 

“No, you’re lovely, I just…I feel unworthy.” Kragan confessed with an apologetic look. 

“You’re not unworthy Sir.” You immediately tried to reassure him. 

“But see, you are still calling me “Sir”. You’re so formal and…” Kragan began before you reached out and simply touched his hand to stop him from spiraling, like calming a spooking horse. 

“I see your point. I was just trying to be respectful but if you find that uncomfortable. Then we can very easily dispense with any and all formalities. Let’s try this again.” You suggested before you turned to face him completely and scooted closer to him so your knees were practically touching him to initiate a more intimate but more comfortable space. 

“Hi, I’m Tessa,” you offered your hand to shake his. 

“Kragan.” Kragan offered as he shook your hand and was impressed you shook it firmly and had a surprisingly strong grip for such a high borne lady.  As his mind rather naughtily thought of what else that strong grip of yours could be grasping. 

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person Kragan. I’m sorry if I upset you by my formalities, even though I previously suggested we forgo them. That wasn’t fair and it wasn’t consistent. And was probably very confusing because I said one thing and did another and that’s not fair to you. If you want me to call you by your name, I will. And you are more than welcome to call me by my name. I realize my full name is a very long mouthful and even my own parents don’t use my full name at home. My friends and family just call me Tessa. And it’s why I usually go by my initials in my correspondence. Because if I tried to write out my whole name and title, I would take up an entire page of a letter, which is entirely unnecessary. So, let’s clear the air and set the record straight and lay all our cards on the table so to speak ok?” You suggested. 

“Ok.” Kragan agreed. 

“Kragan, I do not feel like a piece of cattle being sold off to you and I don’t want you to look at me that way either. We are both people, with rights and free will. And I don’t want you to feel burdened or trapped by the possibility of being betrothed to me. Or that if you do you agree to the betrothal- that the life you’ve worked so hard to build for yourself will be over. And that you have to abandon it in order to embrace me. I understand that your business is very “hands on” so to speak. And that you will most likely spend the majority of your time steering and driving your business- with your own two hands. And I’m perfectly understanding and sympathetic to that.” You reassured him.  

“And all I am, is a girl who was betrothed to a guy she hated, and who hated her just as much. But because our parents thought it was a good political and business idea, we were stuck with each other. But because he met my sister and instantly fell in love with her, much to our mutual delight and relief. Because to me, he was an asshole, to her he’s practically Prince Charming and I’m really happy he can be that way for her and to her. Because I love my sister and I feel that’s what she deserves. And I never want to take that away from her. That just means that my own possibilites and opportunities are opening up for me too. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can breathe easily. And breathe freely without Ronchalres doing his best to find fault even in my breathing. And I get to meet you. Which let me say, it’s been a wonderful change of pace to actually talk to another being without having to slice through like two to three dozen layers of formaliites and pretenses. And this is the most fun I’ve ever had a ball at my own house.” You confessed. 

“Not every man has the luxury of doing the majority of his business at home like my father does. And not every man has the luxury of traveling the world like you have either. And most are usually somewhere in the middle and that’s ok. If anything, your life is just beginning and your opportunities to take your life in any direction you want it to go are all around you and I want you to be happy with your choices. Even if one of those choices isn’t to be betrothed to me. Even if, all I can ever be to you- is a friend. Then that’s all I will ask for and pursue. And I will find contentment in it, I promise.  Every person has their own boundaries and those boundaries need to be respected and validated. The last thing I want to do is to force you into circumstances you don’t want to be in. I’ve lived the last five years of my life like that- and I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemies and I certainly will not do that to you too. Because you deserve better. You’re Captain Kragan Salgria for crying out loud! You were the youngest but best captain in your father’s fleet! The entire world is your oyster and for you, it’s practically laiden with pearls, figuratively speaking at least.” You insisted. 

“And clearly you feel the same way about me. You don’t want me to feel that I’m tied to you whether I want to be or not. But just talking with you, and getting to know you and you getting to know me. It gives me hope that we can at least be friends. Good, genuine friends. Which any and all relationships, no matter the kind, should start with friendship as it’s base. However, I’m open and willing to be betrothed to you but only if you want to be betrothed to me. Because what you see with me is what you get. And if you’re not happy with me the way I am, I’m old enough and mature enough to take that rejection well. And I’m strong enough to bare it.” You insisted. 

“I’ve spent the last five years trying to make a relationship work with a man who was disgusted just with the thought of me. And I was so frustrated that he would never give me another chance to try again and at least try to prove to him that I had grown up and changed.  At least this time with you, I can say with a clear conscience that I tried and that will be enough.” You insisted as you reached out and held one of his hands in both of yours as you kept your gaze fixed firmly with his as you were relieved he was allowing you to even touch him this much and the fact that he was gently squeezing back gave you encouragement that you were on the right path. 

“Kragan, don’t worry about upsetting your father or mine. They’re grown men- they will make peace with disappointment. And to hell with them and their expectations. It’s your life. You have every right to live it how you please. So don’t pressure yourself into accepting me or push yourself beyond your own comfortable limits. Or your own natural attractions because that’s unnatural, unsustainable and unfair and unrealistic to both of us. And we both deserve better. Wouldn’t you agree?” You reasoned with him. 

“I would. I just don’t want you to feel stuck with me.” Kragan admitted but despite his words, his grip on you tightened as he took his other hand and put it on the outside of yours and leaned forward towards you. 

“Kragan, I don’t feel stuck with you. If anything I feel comfortable and at ease with you. I don’t even converse this freely with my own father. My brothers? Yes because we’re siblings and bonds between siblings can be close yet adversarial depending on the age and maturity level.” You admitted which got him to grin fondly. 

“True.” Kragan admitted as his thumb stroked the outside of your hand which felt marvelous. 

“Kragan, I just wanted the opportunity to talk to you, the real you. And not through a mask and a costume you feel you have to wear to fit in here. If that damn suit jacket is irritating you, just take the damn thing off. It will help you breathe easier and feel more at ease. I want you to feel comfortable with me and around me and I want you to feel and to know that you can trust me to be yourself around me because I’m just trying my best to be that way around you. The reason Roncharles and I clashed was because we never got past our own pretenses. And that’s what doomed our relationship and because Roncharles doesn’t put on a pretense with Milli and she doesn’t put on a pretense with him- that’s why they work so well because they were able to move past it and beyond it. And I’m happy for them. And I’m not angry or upset or jealous that he has switched his attentions. If anything I’m so relieved she took him off my hands because him and I were like oil and water for some reason. We just didn’t mix well at all. And if we don’t end up being able to get along and we clash for whatever reason, I won’t hold it against either of us. Some people just can’t get along no matter how hard they try.” You explained with a small shrug. 

“Well then I’m relieved too. Because that blind idiot doesn’t deserve the wonder that you are.” Kragan insisted and your heart fluttered and butterflies had invaded your stomach because that was very high praise. 

“Well I’m happy you feel that way. And Milli is missing out on the chance of a lifetime by choosing him over you. Because if you were to agree to this betrothal, I would simply see it as an invitation to join your family. And your family is wonderful. Your sisters are bright and fun and your younger brothers are spunky and hilarious. And you obviously work very hard and have worked very hard most if not all your life. With your father getting to sail the nine seas and see places I have never even heard of yet.” You praised which brought a fond, appreciative smile to his face. 

“For me, it is an exciting opportunity to even have a chance to be a part of such a well traveled and worldy family. That has gotten to see and experience more than most ever dream of doing. I’m actually happy and relieved you even like me at all and even find me remotely attractive and can laugh and talk with me as much as you have. We have conversed more in the last few minutes than Roncharles and I have done our whole lives. And talking to you is actually amusing and really nice. Especially to do so honestly, candidly and rather easily. And in all honesty, if you choose to be betrothed to me, you would be the one saving me from a completely hopeless and loveless match either to Roncharles or any of his equally stupid friends. That would have been such a miserable marriage if I had gone through with it. If anything you should feel like a hero. Not unworthy at all.” You reassured him as you both squeezed the other’s hands a little tighter for emphasis. 

“Well then I’m happy I could do so. And I’m happy and relieved you feel that way too. And I’m so happy, relieved and grateful for this. You have no idea.” Kragan thanked you before he rather boldly brought your hands up to his mouth so he could kiss your knuckles which seemed to ignite your imagination of what else his so luscious lips could be kissing. 

“You’re welcome. Thank you for indulging me.” You thanked him. 

“You’re welcome, let me know how else I can do so in the future and I’ll try my best to accommodate you.” Kragan insisted before he took your advice and took that damn coat off and his shirt was all kinds of creased and wrinkled shirt underneath but even his vest was still tight and only accentuated his own broad shoulders and his own pinched waist that you could feel your cheeks darken even more, no need for a rouge on your cheeks now. Your body was providing more than enough all on it’s own.

“So you don’t have any disappointments about this?” He asked. 

“You know, I never even considered that. Honestly, I haven’t been more in touch with you because I just…I came to the wrong conclusions about you and what you’d be like. And I just thought that your letter was more of a formality than genuine interest.” Kragan admitted. 

“The only disappointment I have about any of this is the fact that over the years his mother become a dear friend of mine and we probably will continue to keep in touch because Countess Kathryn Lavine is a really nice, thoughtful caring woman. And I’m sure after Roncharles marries my sister, Kathryn and I will stay friends but that is it. Otherwise there was no other emotional attachment on either of our sides. So there is no affection or love lost here. I’m happy that he and my sister are happy together. Besides, who am I to get between my sister and her happiness? I know she would not do me the dishonor of becoming my husband’s mistress and I would hate to see the natural attraction and affection between them bloom under my former circumstances. So in all honesty, this is probably the best way these circumstances could have played out. They get to be together with honor and legitimacy and you and I get a chance to have fresh new start.” You reassured him with a genuine and easy smile. 

“Well that’s the trouble with letters versus face to face conversation- is you can’t hear tone or inflection and with letters, depending on who is sending them. Words can be ambiguous and can easily be misread. Especially when you’re trying to “read between the lines” so to speak, and that’s just plain exhausting. I know if our positions were reversed, I would be just as cautious and weary as you have been. And you have every right and justification for that hesitancy and weariness.” You sympathized. 

“We unfortunately live in times where arranged marriages among the nobility are the norm. However since you are new to the nobility, you may feel very differently about it. And from talking to you, you obviously do. And I don’t fault you for it, if anything it speaks to your intellect and your firm grasp on reality. Because you’ve grown up in a very different world than I have. And you’ve probably gotten to see almost if not all of it. You could have chosen to settle down anywhere. You could have built an estate anywhere. You could have chosen any bride you wanted and you still have those choices to make. Nothing is set in stone. All I wanted tonight was to see if we could at least try to get along and be friends at least. And if you were as dead set against me as much as Young Count Lavine has been, I would have called it off. Because I didn’t want to trade one miserable marraige for another.” You reassured him. 

“But, this is still your life, and your choice and your call. And you deserve to live your life how you want and find peace and happiness in it. You’re a man of success and business and a man of the world. Your possibilities are endless. So I completely understand your reluctance and hesitancy to settled down here. Because if our positions were reversed, I’m sure I would be reluctant and hesitant about this arrangement too. All of this is so new to you and your family. It’s a lot to get used to and probably a pretty large culture shock.” You reasoned as he seemed to weigh those words over and seemed to relax just a little as the tension in his shoulders seemed to drop and not hold so much tension they were holding only a moment before. 

“Culture shock doesn’t even begin to cover it. Every place has it’s own languages, culture and customs and traditions and trying to keep up with all of it makes my head spin. And coming to this ball tonight, had me feeling terrified because I was sure the moment I even crossed the threshold, I was going to say something wrong or do something wrong and offend everyone and mess everything up.” Kragan confessed. 

“And yet you’ve done none of those things. I haven’t been offended by you or your manners or anything you’ve said. And we’re speaking candidly and openly, which for a lot of people, it cause enough for offense. I’m just grateful and relieved neither of us are those kinds of people.” You reassured him. 

“Me too.” Kragan smiled fondly at you. 

“So, just to be clear, you’re not upset you’re betrothed to someone of a different kind?” He asked. 

“No. I have seen first hand how blended families can make it work and how hybrids are just as healthy as their pureblooded counterparts, if not more so.” You shook your head no.

“Are you?” You asked him. 

“No, I see it all the time everywhere else I go. And it’s the norm everywhere else- except here apparently.” He confessed. 

“Well, then we get to be the firsts here, if you want to be the first that is.” You reasoned. 

“I do actually.” Kragan admitted with a bashful smile. 

“So do I.” You smiled back fondly. 

“So just like that? It’s that easy?” Kragan asked. 

“Do you want me to make this difficult? I can if you really want me to. I would do that for you if that would make you happy. I could always throw a temper tantrum and do everything in my power to make you as miserable as I possibly could, if you really really wanted me to. I don’t want to let you down and disappoint you and have all worried for nothing.” You gently teased with another laugh which got him to laugh because of the clearly sarcastic teasing tone you were using. 

“No that’s ok, I would hate for you to go out of your way, I would hate for you to trouble yourself so.” He finally teased back which got you to laugh in turn.

“Well if you ever want me to, just say the word. I would happily go into all kinds of hysterics. I can scream and cry and throw things and break things and really relive my toddler days.” You offered with a giggle as you couldn’t help but press your side because of all the laughter was giving you just a twinge of discomfort from your sides going through the motions of laughing so much. 

“Well thank you for the offer, but I will politely decline it. Because in all honesty, this is a million times better. I would prefer if we could just stay like this, nice, calm, easy. It’s much more pleasant and gives me hope that we actually have a chance of being happy with each other.”  Kragan admitted. 

“Me too. I think we have better odds than most. Mostly because we’re both actually willing to try.” You appraised. 

“You know I have to say, I’m so relieved you’re nothing like I thought you’d be.” Kragan admitted. 

“Me too.” You admitted. 

“How do you mean?” Kragan asked curiously. 

“Well, honestly I thought instead of convincing you that you weren’t buying me, I had expected to be convincing you of the opposite. Most men the gentry are very controlling and -with as generous as your family’s offer was- I was expecting you to treat me like you did own me already. I thought our first conversation was going to be you telling me how my life was going to be and what exactly you were going to expect and demand of me and how I better deal with it or else.” You confessed, feeling a bit embarrassed that you had misjudged him so poorly. 

“Well sadly, I was expecting the exact same thing from you. I was expecting you to remind me- that you’re the one with all the nobility and give me my marching orders. And how if I didn’t follow your orders you were going to tell your dad to bring hell or highwater until I met your demands. And I thought it was you that was going to be telling me that I should be lucky you were even going to breathe the same air as me.” Kragan admitted, feeling the same. 

“I’m so sorry if I ever gave you any indication that…” You began to apologize. 

“No! You didn’t indicate any of that at all! You and your family have been the only ones in the gentry that have ever treated us with any kind of kindness or respect. This is the first social gathering we’ve been invited to since we got the title. And because your dad used our company before and after we got the title and never haggled over our shipping prices and fees, and have always treated us with respect. And he even vouched for us to the King that we got the Baron title and the lands in the first place. That’s why my dad offered what he did. Because your dad pointed out that in order for the rest of the gentry to take us seriously, we needed to further legitimize our station in gentry society and since the betrothal, he’s been right. But from the way others treated us before and especially after we got the title of Barons. That’s why I thought you’d be the way I feared you’d be. Before we got the title, others in the gentry were happy to use our shipping company but always tried to do so at a reduced rate because almost all of our crews are orcs from all kinds of clans from all over the supersphere. But the gentry here don’t think that orcs deserve good wages in the first place. And then after we got the title of Baron people in the gentry act like we bribed the King with a fleet of ships for it. And so they actually stopped doing business with us altogether. Even at much higher rates from less than reputable companies just because the people who run them aren’t orcs.” Kragan explained as you bit your tongue as you realized your father had orchestrated this for a long time now. 

“I’m so sorry others have treated you that way. If I had known, I would have changed my letters to include a lot more assurances and reassurances that I would never treat you or anyone else in your family that way. That is inexcusable behavior. And I know for a fact that no one in the gentry would ever treat my father, much less anyone else in the gentry that way. And I will do all I can to make sure that as long as I draw breath, that type of behavior stops immediately. Because if the King wishes to keep your family and your business and especially any income he might receive from any taxes on anything you and your family make. He better be reminding his kingdom of exactly what they will be missing out on. Because my father told me you have several other places to go and build a home. And you can always say ‘thanks but no thanks’ to the King about building an estate and settling down here. And then you can promptly leave with all of your business and ships and get citizenship and title and land holdings anywhere in the supersphere you want.” You reminded him. 

“Places like Yekmeni or Wakanear where the rulers are orcs and would be much more welcoming and much more accomodating. And I hope the people who have treated you that way end up suffering great losses for their prejudice and are cheated out of the very business they would withhold from you. Especially when it’s so unfounded.” You insisted as you were genuinely incensed on his behalf as Kragan gave you a broad appreciative grin.

“And here I thought I would have had to argue about how my company and our crews are worth their prices to begin with.” Kragan admitted. 

“No, that’s the last thing you need to convince me of. Your results and your reputation speak for themselves. My father chooses his business partners very carefully. And many in the gentry have been offended when they have come to him for business ventures and he’s been able to see that they’re bad and will lose money. And then since they are usually so insistant, he takes up a counter wager and usually always wins. He says that all business has risk, some risks are smaller than others. And that sometimes with great risk comes great rewards but usually the greater the risk, the higher probability that it will fail. And usually after things play out and he wins and the counter wagers pay out, it usually leads to ruined friendships and alliances. But even the King and Count Lavine and many others have learned that my father has a sixth sense about money and business and whatever my father decides, so many more follow.  And the fact that my father’s business dealings with your shipping company, have not changed before or after you got your title. And to the point he vouched for you to the King himself, speaks very highly of you and your family and their virtues. That’s why I have never had a problem with this match. Because I trust my father and his judgment and meeting you face to face and actually getting to know you better, I can see why my father would do so. You and your family are good, honorable, trustworthy people.” You praised. 

“Thank you for being the same way. You are a lot like your father in a lot of ways. And I mean that in the best, most flattering way. Your father is a very- no nonsense, speak plainly and to the point kind of guy. Where you always know where you stand with him but at the same time, he can be fun and relaxed and at ease and put others at ease. And I’m happy you’re like that too.” Kragan admitted. 

“Well this approach was my father’s idea. He had told me about your hesitancy and encouraged me to just be open and honest with you and to forgo the formalities and just try to talk to you. Try find some common ground with you. And that there would be a lot of it. And to simply be myself and prove to you that I wasn’t your worst nightmares in the flesh. And that if I could get you to laugh and relax and open up just a little with me, that I would be pleasantly surprised and would find a friend with you. And I’m happy I followed his advice and that he was right.” You admitted. 

“Me too. Remind me to thank him later. Because this is exactly what I needed. The whole way here, I had convinced myself that you were going to be like everyone else and that you were not going to be your father’s daughter. And I’m so happy and relieved to be wrong. I feel so much better about all of this and I’m really looking forward to showing you anything and everything you’d want to see of the world and myself. Because you’re lovely, inside and out and the fact that you’re willing to try and find common ground and just be friendly without pushing or forcing anything, was the best decision and the right course to take. Thank you so much for this.” Kragan thanked you. 

“Thank you. Hopefully you’ll be pleased to know that I’m surprisingly content with less than most would expect. Please, don’t let my station and noble title fool you. As long as the offer was not a hardship on your family. And as long as you and your family can treat me with the same consideration, respect, care and kindness I will do my best to show you. I’ll be happy and content and I will do my best to get along with you and everyone else in your family and friend circle. Plus Forestrong is a good journey’s distance away through some gorgeous country and according to my father, you’re still living in a family home while your family’s estate is being built. I would think it’s a great honor to be the first lady of the estate and hopefully be the first in a long line of distinguished and honorable ladies. It will be an honor to be in such a legacy.” You professed. 

“We’re the ones who are honored. I’m just happy it’s not all business for you.” Kragan admitted. 

“Well, in all honestly, unfortunately, before tonight and before I met you and got to talk to you and speak with you face to face. I would have to confess that in my previous betrothal, it was just business and nothing more. I have spent most of my life thinking that it would always be that way for me. I’m a woman who was born into a noble family and brought up knowing that betrothals and marriage alliances are usually just a business practice. And I have always resigned myself to the knowledge that such a practice would be an intrinsic part of my life. Marriage has always been a business to the wealthy and powerful, especially among nobility. But you are new to it, since this is your family’s first generation with it. I’m sure you probably had your own plans for your own future only a few short years ago. Plans that thanks the King, have had to undoubtedly change. Perhaps you are still mourning their loss.” You noted as you looked him over carefully, trying to get a good read on him. 

“I too wish I could deny such things, but in all honesty, it’s true. It felt like overnight, everything has changed since the King awarded my family the title of Barons and I was happy with the way my life was before. It was much simpler and now that we are Barons and have to engage in politics instead of just business, everything feels infinitely more complicated. And I’m not taking to the changes well. I feel like a common seagull trying to parade around like a peacock and I’m not used to any of it.” He confessed lowly. 

“I don’t think you’re a common seagull, you strike me more as an eagle being forced to parade as a peacock. You’re used to flying and soaring freely and now you probably feel like you’re in a cage being handed puzzles you were never trained on how to solve.” You ventured. 

“How old are you again?” He asked. 

“Twenty.” You answered. 

“You speak as though you’re three times that age. I mean you don’t look it, obviously, but you… you speak wisely, as if you were. Sorry, I’m not that great with words.” He apologized as he stumbled over your words as you simply smiled your best, most understanding smile at him. Knowing what he meant and took no offense at all, firstly because you weren’t offended but you also knew that this moment was crucial, your family’s future depended on you not getting offended or upset. You needed to win him over just as much as Milli had won Roncharles over. It was clear he was not going to be taken by a pretty face. But he was a man of simple practicality so you needed to appeal to that. 

“Only because I’ve lived my whole life making peace with it. I am only the third generation to my father’s line of nobility. And I’m the 22’nd in my mothers. My paternal grandfather won the Duchy in the biggest bet and gamble when my father was a boy. That’s how my family got this estate and my grandfather never stopped making big gambles. And while he lost a few times, for the most part, he usually won and they have paid out handsomely. And my grandfather and my father got to amass quite a bit of wealth which is why my own dowry and my sister’s dowry were as handsome as they are. When my father was a young man and his family had all this money, but were brand new the gentry. And treated with the same weariness yours is facing now. They did what your family has done, and my grandfather made an offer for my mother’s hand for my father. Since my mother and her family had all the lineage but were poor in estate. They barely had enough money to keep the candles lit and the fires going and were about to sell all the family heirlooms- just to feed themselves. And then my father’s offer was remarkably similar to your own. And with that money, it set my mother’s family up and help sustain them and keep the estate and themselves financially viable and paid off all their debts.” You revealed. 

“So I’m not offended by these circumstances, if anything, I feel a bit peculiar that history is repeating itself. What has helped my parents have a successful marriage, is that they communicate honestly. Without pretense or reserve and communicate about anything and everything on their minds and they make a remarkable team and have common goals and help each other reach their own individual goals as well as their common ones. They are happy to give each other their little happinesses and thoughtful gestures and affections, as small or as grand as they can be. To be honest, they still pass love notes to each other whenever they have to be apart, especially when my mother is in the Queen’s Court and my father is in the King’s Court. They bring a messenger and even though they are seperate, they pass notes to each other and stay in constant contact, telling the other what is happening as it’s happening. So that they both know what’s going on with each other and in the other court. Not even the King and Queen communicate that much.” You informed him rather proudly. 

“And it has been a wonderful life, having both parents love and care for each other as much as they do. True, it did not start out that way. They started out simply being friends and it has blossomed over time and grew stronger. Like any sapling growing into a tree. It just has to start with a seed and get watered through attention and affection and given time to grow.” You revealed and tried to illustrate as he seemed to nod his head a little in understanding at your metaphor.  

 “So, what would your little pleasures be? What makes you happy?” You asked as you could see he was coming around to this which gave you some relief that this was working and you had reassured him enough. 

“And while I understand your misgivings and your own apprehension, I completely sympathize and empathize with you. Please understand that at the end of the day, if all we can ever be is friends, then that is all I will hope for and I’m not expecting you to fall instantly in love with me, nor I you. That’s unrealistic and unreasonable. Attraction is what you see, infatuation is what you feel, but love- real, true love is knowing, love is trusting and love is not blind, but sees another for all that they are and choosing to care for them anyway, as perfectly imperfect as they are. I am not perfect, I have more flaws than I care to admit. But I am not so naive to believe that you are perfect either. We will both make mistakes and have misunderstandings. But a willingness in attitude and willingness to forgive, will go a long way. And if we are to build any kind of foundation for our relationship, I want it’s foundation to be honesty and understanding.” You professed as he sat there and stared at you in both surprise and awe as you could see the tension in his frame begin to give way as he finally seemed to accept what you were saying as the truths it was as he seemed to relax completely. 

“Nothing befitting a Baron.” He shook his head as his eyes became downcast as his shoulders sagged. You could already tell he was afraid of being judged. 

“So, Kragan, will you do me the honor of being honest with me since I have been honest with you?” You proposed. 

“Yes,” he nodded. 

“Then please answer me honestly and know that I will not judge you on your answers and I promise not to get upset at any answer to a question I asked. I just want us to be honest with each other, that is all. What makes you happy?” You repeated. 

“Sailing, I’ve gotten to sail with my father since I was a boy and I could probably trace our routes by heart, both in the seas and in the skies.” He confessed. 

“Now that you are a Baron, does that mean that you don’t get the opportunity to spend as much time sailing as you want to?” You asked before he nodded in confirmation. 

“Since my family became Barons, my father has taken me to the King’s Court most of the time ever since.” He confessed. 

“Court politics go hand in hand with intrigue. It’s a mind game. And if you’ve spent your life sailing, I would imagine it feels worse than a stuffy, cramped cabin to you. And I know when I was presented at the Queen’s Court to enter into society only two years ago, how I felt so anxious to be among so many people yet feeling all alone. But my previous betrothal to the Count Lavine kept me above the fray. My sister Milli was presented at the Queen’s Court only a few weeks ago and she’s quickly had to learn how deep and treacherous those waters can be. My youngest sister will be presented at the Quenn’s Court next season. And I’m genuinely afraid for her and how she will fare.” You admitted. 

“Sometimes at court, whether it’s the Queen’s or the King’s or especially when they are together and it’s the Royal Court. It can feel like a pack of wolves if you find yourself on the wrong side of it. Which is why my parents have worked so tirelessly to make sure they always stay on the right side of things. The rules change all the time and what is shunned one day is celebrated the next and is thrown out the day after that. Like the waves of the sea only it’s your livelihood and reputation that’s at stake and teetering in the waves. And it’s terrifying.” You recounted. 

“That’s why some gentlemen and nobles who can afford to travel extensively, often do. As long as your steward and your housekeeper can keep things running smoothly at home. And any tennants you have, keep paying their rent or your businesses can forward you your income. You really only need to come home every once in a while just to check in on things. I know of several gentlemen in nobility that have rarely ever shown their faces at court. And as long as they pay their dues to The King and keep a trusted friend at court in their place. Just to keep an eye and an ear on things and report back what’s happening, very few people care where or how they spend their time otherwise. Perhaps you would benefit from such an arrangement yourself Kragan.” You suggested sagely. 

“Perhaps.” Kragan agreed. 

“So what makes you happy Tessa?” Kragan asked curiously as he seemed to settle down and really take note of you, allowing himself to really take all of you in. He was still in awe at the sheer beauty that was before him. He thought Count Lavine would be mad to think a gorgeous young lady such as yourself was plain of all things. You were exquisite. Tastefully elegant but not audaciously lavish. You were discrete in both self and the way you were dressed. You were modest and it became you beautifully. He still felt like a moth made to look like a butterfly but there was an ease about you that had him forgetting his discomfort. It was your ease and pleasantness yet your down to earth nature that he found the most attractive. He would have thought you would be insisting to him about the kind of life you were expecting to live or else. He would have thought that he would be feeling anger and resentment roll off of you like tidal waves. But this was surprising him in the most pleasant way. He found he was relieved for it and feeling like he had been dreading this for nothing. You were lovely, inside and out. And he coudn’t be happier to be proven wrong. 

“Books. I love to read about many different subjects. But my favorites are always especially good stories, with adventure and travels and happy endings. If I’m to be your Baroness of your estate, my only request is that your future estate have a decent library.” You answered amiably. 

“That is already underway.” He reassured you which brought a fond smile to your face, although you doubted you would live long enough to see it. 

“Good.” You nodded. 

You had been so worried that his own nervousness and anxiety would forbid him from relaxing and really engaging in conversation with you. But the more you gently drew him out and assured him and reassured him that you would be non judgemental, he opened up-like a butterfly finally letting its pretty wings rest and open wide to catch the light, and it was beautiful. 

“Is there any other little happinesses you have?” Kragan asked.

"Well, now that you ask..." You began with a giddy grin.

And before you knew it, you had spent most of the evening just talking. Kragan and yourself both drawing closer and closer together to the point you felt like both of you were in the company of a good friend. Which was an outcome you could only hope to dream of. Every little bit that Kragon relaxed and opened up gave you a sense of victory that you were conquering his mind which was the key to ingratiating yourself into his affections as well.  

Kragan, for being so handsome, was also incredibly humble. If not incredibly  passionate about things which you appreciated. The way he spoke of the sailing both in the sea and in the skies had your soul aching to see it and sail it yourself.

And what really struck you was his gentle reverence for you. And his respect and his willingness to listen to your opinion and take your advice and he treated you like his intellectual equal, if not superior. But not in a self depreciating way. And what had started off as fearful anxiousness, melted away into ease with familiarity within what felt like mere minutes but you knew was probably closer to a few hours. 

He was proud of his family’s accomplishments, but he also didn’t think too much of himself. Which you found you liked very much.

And by the call to dinner, you helped him get his suit coat back on before you both eagerly went to dinner, arm in arm. And happily sat next to each other at dinner and continued to talk excitedly with each other.

You stole a few glances at Millie to see her in a similar state. The Young Count was still practically enchanted with her and practically eating out of her hand. As was his parents. Which was a great sucess for Millie. 

Thankfully after dinner, you got to dance one dance with the Young Baron. And while he had rhythm, he didn’t quite get the steps right. But it was easy to forgive and once the dance was over, you begged to be led away to catch your breath. Which he was eager to do- before you once again, found yourself on the same candle and lantern lit balcony. The couch had a fur this time for you- to stave off the chill of the night air. 

But you were slowly working on Kragan too. Once you got a good read on him, you realized going too quickly would scare him off and spook him. You had to go at his pace. But once you got going, it was easy to keep momentum.

Usually it was a death sentence socially for a young couple to be alone. But you needed to keep the privacy- to keep him comfortable and keep him open and keep it one on one. And by being open and honest to a degree yourself, it encouraged him to be the same and with the servants always being within earshot and a line of sight from other balconies. They would act as a “chaperone” but at a respectful distance while also secretly reporting your progress to your parents which were keen to hear how you were doing. As they had silently been praying that both you and Millie would conquer your prospective matches with success.  

 Kragan and yourself happily talked the night away from the comfort of the couch. Right next to each other, the fur covering both of you, as your head leaned on his warm but strong shoulder as you both reclined on the sofa and looked up at the stars.

He was telling you about how to chart courses by them and knew all of the star constellations by heart. You readily picked up where you had left off in close, surprisingly intimate conversation as it felt like each of you got to bare more and more of your souls to each other and to feel relief when what you were brave enough to show, was accepted with kindess, gentleness, reverence and appreciation. You readily and easily took each other’s hands and despite his larger hand, it was still comfortable for you to hold his. And his hand was so incredibly warm since your hands were always chronically cold from having bad circulation.

And by the time a servant came to fetch him because his family was wanting to know where he was, you both had formed an attachment and an easy enough friendship that bordered on flirtation and romance. You were both relieved could be had between the two of you. You were both relieved that the other was so agreeable and had hope that this was actually going to work out well.

Very well in fact.  

“So where did you keep sneaking off to tonight?” His mother asked as they made their ways to the rooms since it had become so late, they were invited to stay the night and once inside the suite of rooms did Kragan answer fully as he eagerly divested himself of his jacket and vest, having felt like he was being constrained in them all night.

Well, for as long as it could of course. Because once your body would completely fail you, it would inevitably end as you walked him to his family's rooms and bid him goodnight, even as much as the two of you didn't want to leave the other, but had to - for propriety's sake.

But it happenned just in the nick of time because the moment you turned the corner and got out of sight, you nearly collapsed into your father's arms as you both hurriedly and quietly went back to your own rooms. Since the medication was wearing off, the moment you left Kragan's sight.

“We just went to a nearby balcony, and we just talked. The whole time- about everything. She’s exquisite. She’s nothing like I thought she would be. She’s beautiful from the inside out. She’s friendly and honest yet tactful and incredibly sweet and amiable and accommodating and wise and so generous with her intellect. Of which she owns vast amounts of. Which was the most impressive to me. She’s unassuming and humble and discrete and incredibly insightful. She has wisdom of someone who is three to four times her age but yet she still has fresh and vibrant views of the world. And isn’t jaded or callused but not naive either, she’s the perfect balance of everything. We got along famously. It was as if my greatest friend and ally in the world was just wating for me. She treated me as if we were already friends. As if we were already on the best terms.” Kragan praised with a overwhelmingly happy and love drunk smile. 

“She took the time to actually try to get to know me, the real me, she took care to be gentle and genuine with me and she worked so hard to assure me and reassure me that she wasn’t anything like anyone else in the gentry, thank every God we both believe in. She wasn’t judgemental at all. She wasn’t angry or upset at all. She’s nothing like I imagined she would be. She is very much her father’s daughter, but in the best ways. She’s easy going, she’s calm, she’s serene but she’s also fun and exciting and really entertaining. And I wish tonight could never end so that I could just keep talking to her until my voice gives out. She’s so easy to talk to too and to be around. And I feel safe letting my guard down with her. And talking to her and confiding in her because it’s like I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that she will keep whatever I talk to her about- in confidence. She’s on my side. She’s in my corner and she didn’t want to push this on me at all. She made it abundantly clear that I was the one who ultimately would make the decision about her and that it was my choice to make. And if I decided against her, she wasn’t going to have any hurt feelings. All she wanted was just to talk. All she wanted was just to be my friend if at all possible. And that’s exactly what I wanted and needed the most. She was and is everything I want and need. Like even if you guys hadn’t already approached us with this betrothal. I would be pursuing it anyway of my own free will had we met under any other circumstances. Like I very much want to be betrothed to her. Because she is everything I could ever hope to look for in a mate and so much more than I could have ever hoped or imagined or even dreamed of.” Kragan eagerly professed which got both of his parents to raise thier eyebrows in surprise to hear that declaration.  

“If she accepts me, she will be the perfect and ideal Baroness to our estate. She would be the perfect Lady to any estate she wanted to be and anyone who would doubt her is a fool. I could not have chosen a greater partner in life if I tried. At first, all she wanted from me is just to be my friend and is happy and content with just that. And yet, in only a few hours I find myself wanting so much more than that. Friendship between us came so easily, but it wasn’t forced or too much too fast. It was good and surprisingly natural. She never forced herself or her ideals or demands or expectations on me. But she instead actually took the time to sympathize with me and empathize with me and draw me out and didn’t judge me at all. Which was the thing I was fearing the worst. And I feared and fretted and fought against this for nothing, there isn’t a single thing I can find wrong about her or this match.” Kragan expressed. 

“Even when I should have been the one to do those things with her. It was as easy as catching a good current or the trade winds when you see them. Fate is being very kind to us by putting her in our lives and I don’t feel worthy of the wonder that she is. But am I forever grateful to the gods for her. We became the fastest yet best of friends in just a few short hours. And yet I selfishly want a million more nights just like tonight and if I had known that a woman such as her was waiting for me. Just wanting to befriend me, I never would have resisted.” He confessed while both of his parents were instantly relieved that Kragan had seemingly changed his mind about the matter and had a complete change in attitude. Because he was completely against it from the start. And they knew that their own prayers were being answered as shortly thereafter, their servant came with a trunk full of clothes for them to wear the following day that had been fetched from the local Inn before Kragan said his goodnights and went to his own room next door and laid in the beautiful bed in the opulant room and knew that he was going to make his estate a hundred times more lavish than this. You deserved to be treated like a goddess and live in perfect comfort and luxury. 

Meanwhile Millie was escorting Roncharles and his family to their own lavish rooms a few floors above them. The best ones in the house, since they were the highest of rank of all the guests. She had danced every dance with Roncharles. And would stand with no other. They were inseparable all evening and Roncharles was utterly enraptured with her and was delighted, relieved and elated that you and Millie had switched. He couldn’t imagine ever parting with her to lowly orc Barons. He instantly knew that he just had to have her as his wife as soon as possible and once Milli said her goodnights, he stayed and stole a quick kiss to seal the deal anyway. Because by morning, he was going to be proposing to her and had his parents send for “the ring”. Because he was going to propose to her as soon as he possibly could. 

[thecandywrites]

The Switch Chapter 10

And now we have reached the apex, next- the fall. 

The Switch 

Chapter 10

Kragan’s family was of course so excited at the prospect of being invited to not only be Yekmenian’s but be in nobility as the whole family was eager to move here. You watched on as Kragan’s family eagerly signed the written offers from Audrey and Lukher. Thaddius and Astrin as well as Kragan and yourself and his siblings who were of marriagable age and ready to strike out on their own- looked for a good place to build your estates on among the lands. 

You looked at what parcels of land had the best access to roads- so that it was easily accessible. Also that it always had a good fresh water supply for plumbing. Where it wouldn’t be prone to any storms or damage from the elements but also where the land was fertile to plant gardens and even a vineyard and an orchard and grazing lands for any flocks so that the estate would have a good food supply along with electricity. But the thing was- every piece of land had those things and you were spoiled for choice before you chose based on what the views would be like. 

The Yekmenian National Bank- which was the official title of the bank that Queen Audravienne had opened for her citizens. That had been a portion of the Yekmenian Royal Treasury- would give Kragan amazing rates of interest for any money he would deposit. You immediately deposited the rest of your funds that you had on hand. Audrey was more than happy to take actual gold bricks and bars- melt them down - add adani to them to make them adani gold drakars. And then deposited them into the accounts. Which each drakar was a third of the size of a gold bouillon brick from Solowards. So she- in one fell swoop immediately tripled your money for the price of a single gold bouillon in exchange for all the adani mineral to do it. 

You talked with Audrey very extensively about your own ideas and visions for what The Contessina Ships, and their ports would all eventually look like and feel like when the guest was on board. And how you could make a universally pleasing layout where the details and the finishes could be customized to suit the buyer. Tests were run to see how thin the materials could be made so that things like marble tiles for floors and walls wouldn’t necessarily be all that heavy. But be durable to withstand the forces that would be put onto them when in use. And wouldn’t crack depending on how heavy the person walking on them would be. You and Audrey used Thobin as your test subject to make sure that especially ships made for Dorierra- orcs of his size could easily walk through the entire ship. And especially learn the layout quickly and for there to be a safe room to easily get a bride and her party into it, defend the vessel, safely manuver the vessel out of danger and then get back on course. Audrey insisted that they build a mock up of the basic inner layout of the ship in a courtyard to make sure everything would be at the right height and width- just for the Dorierran ships. While the other ships didn’t necessarily have to be so accommodating of the larger builds of Dorierran orcs. Before you reached a decision of a set of parameters for each size of ship depending on how big and massive and sprawling the ship could be and how big the guests on board would be. 

All of Yekmeni and the surrounding colonies were overjoyed to be working on not just Salgria Shipping Ships but especially The Contessina Ships since mouras naturally had a flare and love for the luxurious when possible and would be doing a fair bit of the finishing work. The rest of your personal wealth was poured into an account that would pay the laborers to build the ships, and would pay the artisans for their beautiful crafts and workmanship and craftmanship to finish the ship. Since the ships would be built in three stages. The first stage- building the “skeleton” of the ship. Then the “fleshing out” stage and finally “finishing” stage. 

Audrey insisted that stone timber pines from the West Coast of Nuvaric from where Stormbreaker was- where her friend Benyana was the Clan Chieftess would be the best wood in all of the supersphere to use to flesh out the ships. Because while it took a bit to get used to working with it, it lasted usually at least ten times as long as any other wood.  And surely between adani steel in the frame of The Contessina Ships themselves, and the stone timber pine in the hauls and inner frames and walls. The Contessina Ships could always get upgrades and face lifts in finishing materials while also lasting at least a few lifetimes or at least a few generations of owners. And then all the various colors of marble to finish out the interiors of the ships would appeal to a variety of tastes and beautiful and wonderfully intricate but durable carpets to go on the floors whether they be stone or wood- for easy cleaning would be ideal. So that each one both looked and felt like a proper palace when you were on board the ships themselves. 

But after your initial healing from the stones- the more medicine that you took from Dr. Hayati- the worse you began to feel. The feeling of impending death slowly crept back into your heart and mind. And feeling that the number of your days start to tick down slowly became more poignant. You felt like you were cramming as much as possible into each and every single minute so that Audrey would have the same vision you did of the ships as both of you made dozens of finishing sets. With samples of marble, paints for the walls. Woods for the trim and finishes and sketches both vague yet detailed for every kind of ship as you both broke it down to a bare bones model that would be a base model and then built up from there before Lukher, Audrey, Kragan and yourself came up with the largest and most luxurious one as each variant had it’s own added title. And the most grand designed Kragan named The Contessina Magnifica. And it would be very much- a floating palace. And while the smaller skyships would look like little toy boats in the clouds. The Contessina Magnifica would look large enough even from the ground that one would feel like they could reach up and pluck it from the sky with their hand and it would come with a crew of smaller defensive ships to fly around it in formation to protect it and the occupants from any would be attackers. 

The plan was that once the ships had their adani steel frames, like a steel skeleton- and adani anti-gravity disks and adani propulsion engines and the beginning of the plumbing and electrical wiring installed- the ships would then be flown to Drauch to be “fleshed out” by the stone timber pines and then sailed back to Yekmeni to be finished. 

Kragan poured most of his money into the sails for the Contessina Ships. They would be a brand new wonder of engineering. The sails themselves would not only harness the wind- but the sunshine too. And even moonlight - as an energy source. Skyships had something of windmills at the bottom that helped turn a turbine engine which in turn would help turn the paddles of the windmills like propellers of a seaship. 

But because of the very advanced technology in Yekmeni and thanks to the ingenuity of not just the native Yekmenians but the mouras in the surrounding colonies- Kragan invented a new propulsion engine that was a turbine of but blades that would cut through the air faster than a propeller. And the engine turbines could be put on the bottom of the ship and with just a move of a lever and a joystick- could me moved and maneuvered in any direction so that the ship could move in any direction for ease of movement and quickness of movement so that you didn’t have to go at whatever the wind speeds were.  

And the engineers and artisans at Yekmeni made a special cloth that was both machine and cloth that had special cells that would capture sunlight and turn it into electrical energy to help power the ship, charge the batteries and the generator and engines and anti-gravity disks and the turbines.  And where the SSCS woven into the sails themselves- that thread would actually glitter during the daylight and glow at night. Especially under moonlight since the sails were dyed in special dye that would make the sails glow as if under blacklight at night and if a light were shone on them- from a lighthouse or in a storm- the sails themselves would reflect back as if painted with light reflecting paint. The sails themselves were an utter marvel too and would soon be put to use in the regular Salgria Shipping boats. And with the different classes- the sails themselves could have their designation. So that the sails of The Contesssina Magnifica Ships would have SSCS-M on the ships so that even at a distance you could tell what class Contessina Ship it was. 

All of it was so exciting yet it was a bitter sweet process for you. Because while Kragan and yourself threw yourselves into this project. You knew you would probably never see it completed. But what a wonder these ships would be when they were finished. And what fortunes they would make Kragan and his family- you could only fathom and fantasize about, as you would draw and paint picture after picture of possible looks based on Kragan’s initial design which ended up being the middle of the road model- called Originale. 

But as the feeling of impending doom grew stronger and things seemed to settle on specific plans and less about theory and more about making those theories into realities- you had been in Yekmeni a month. And while Audrey and Lukher always made Kragan and his family and yourself feel at ease and welcome here. This was not to place to reveal your truth. Because you knew the moment you did, especially if you did it here- it would kill all enthusiasm for the project and kill it in it’s tracks. And as much as you loved and enjoyed seeing Kragan soar so high in mind, heart and spirit. You didn’t have the heart to take the air from under his wings just as he finally achieved his new height. But you also didn’t want Kragan to wake up next to a dead corpse either. So you finally suggested that his family at least go home, and start to pack up their home and say their goodbyes and meet with their other family and friends in Forestrong.

Kragan’s older siblings basically told their mother to pack up their stuff and ship it here because they were excited to get their own building of their own houses and estates underway. Especially when so many of them already had a prospective mate already here in Yekmeni, or in Stormbreaker. Especially as Kragan’s brother Thaire was excited to get to Stormbreaker and see Brock’s younger sister Salri, as he volunteered to be in Drauch. And specifically Stormbreaker to oversee all the stone timber pine works. 

Audrey insisted that you spend your last night at Yekmeni under the stones “just in case the first time had missed anything”. But you knew she was really just trying to buy you more time again as both of you did your best to act like nothing was wrong. Which got harder and harder for Audrey to do when she noticed you try so hard and struggle with keeping up the appearance that you were fine.

When really, every day you woke up and pulled yourself out of bed was a feat. And Audrey could tell you were growing tired and weary. And when you told her that you could feel the end coming near again, she made sure to shut down any reasons for keeping you and Kragan here. She took on more and more of the directive control of The Contessina Project for you.  You trusted her judgment and her tastes implicitly because no greater friend or ally had you made than her. And she herself was angry and upset that Dorierra would dare charge you so much to heal you. But she didn’t seek any other advice or council of anyone else, out of respect for keeping the matter of your personal health a private matter only for you to decide. 

And while you got to go to the colonies, you were too scared to approach a healer and make any kind of inquiries because you were too afraid of the price they would ask. And too afraid of Kragan’s reaction and what he would risk or spend or leverage to try and help. Astrin had already had to tell him that he needed to wait for a few months to get more funds to pour into The Contessina Project because every bit of profit and income that wasn’t earmarked to care for the family and it’s needs or the company, it’s workers and it’s needs- was being dumped into The Contessina Project already. And you could already sense that things were beginning to be strapped tight. 

Even with Audrey’s generosity with turning any gold money or even paper money- using Dorierra’s exchange rates as her own- to gauge and calculate the wealth in your accounts - as even the interest accumulated was being spent as quickly as it could be accrued. And you just knew that if you said something now- everything would stop. People’s jobs and livelihoods were now on the line and hanging in the balance and you could not in good conscience deprive countless people- their means of income- just to prolong your own life. The needs of many outweighed your single life.  

But at the same time. You knew Kragan would be furious that you had kept this from him your whole marriage. He had given you countless opportunities to tell him and to come clean about it. And you were still too afraid to fully open up because you didn’t want things- that were finally going right- as all your plans were finally being put into actions- to end. You didn’t want to see how much he would be hurt and betrayed by this. And you loved him too much and cared for him too much to want him to suffer at all, or to be in any kind of pain or distress. And so- out of fear- you let him stay in blissful ignorance- trying to keep the blissful state intact for as long as possible. While also pushing off the inevitable for as long as possible. By Solowardian Law- a groom could sue his inlaws in the first two months of marriage for a “lame” bride. And you did everything in your power to make it to that second month. And you were only mere weeks away from it. But at the same time. You only hoped that you had that much time left at all. 

While you had stayed in Yekmeni, between Audrey ordering more clothes for you in the Yekmenian style so that you could always be comfortable, and even “sold” you jewelry at a very reduced rate so that you looked and felt more Yekmenian by the day. It still didn’t feel real to you. You still felt like a fish out of water and just a traveller- passing through, never staying for too long. 

Audrey even happily let you hold Ahi as much as you wanted. Since she knew you probably would never get a chance to hold a baby of your own. That and Ahi was just the sweetest baby. And had fat rolls for days and always hot so he barely wore a diaper most of the time. And between looking at him, and Ashurah’s son Harashu and Masairra’s twins Jahoel and Jahaline. All of them were this big and this chunky which thier fathers claimed almost all orc babies- at least very well fed ones looked like that and were the epitome of health. He was more olive green than brown as his coloring was almost exactly like the forest floor, save for his bright yellow eyes. But Kragan only seemed to be more turned on every time you held either Ahi or any of the other babies because he was bound and determined to give you a baby of your own.  

Once you finally left Yekmeni, you stopped off at Drauch and Stormbreaker and commissioned for not just stone timbers to be cut down, but for every one that was cut down- two more would be planted in its place on Stormbreaker lands since Stormbreaker had a magnificent stone timber pine forest in it’s territory and since Stormbreaker, Drauch and Suchi had become allies with Yekmeni. And Brock and Yana being close friends with Lukher and Audrey- it seemed only natural that you would take Lukher and Audrey’s advice and go to the best and most abundant source of stone timber pines- that would give you a very good price for such a precious material- if they got to work with it themselves and while they understood that sky ships and seaships were similar- they had key differences too but Stormbreaker seemed up to the task to learn and do all they could.  

Meeting Brock and Yana was like meeting old friends too- as Kragan and Brock were just as good of friends as Kragan was with Lukher. And Yana- while different from Audrey, was very fun to be with and be around. And getting introduced to more of the mountain moura colony culture was a wonderful experience. And their little Brive was just too precious. He was six months younger than Ahi but his pastel mint green skin and bright golden blonde hair in beautiful little curls was darling. And he was just as happy and gregarious as Ahi was. And he was about as round as he was long with lots of fat rolls himself. His little limbs seeming nothing but little fat rolls which was a very good sign of infant health. And to see so many other mouras married into the Stormbreaker Clan and so many hybrid children was amazing. While heartwarming, affirming and reassuring for Kragan. It was bittersweet for you to see it because you knew in your heart that there was no way for you to give Kragan such a priceless gift. 

The clan was all too happy to agree and happily took on the building contract. Part of Drauch was changed by the mouras in Stormbreaker to make adequate room for the ships and the lumber yards and the skyship yards. Work was immediately started- felling trees and preparing the wood for the curing process so that when Yekmeni would send out their “bare bones” ships. They would get “fleshed out” here- by adding the stone timber pine wood planks and fill out the haul and would be the beams for the walls and masts for the sails. As Kragan happily gave Brock and Thaire the construction plans for each and every single class of Contessina Ship that would be coming to be “fleshed out”. And then once the boat was fully-“fleshed out” - it would be towed back to Yekmeni to get the finishing touches put into it and the rest of the plumbing and electrical wiring installed along with the sails. 

Brock and Yana were especially happy for the opportunity because it meant that the forest wouldn’t get depleted. Because it would be in a constant state of being replanted as areas where the trees had already been felled to build the ever growing town of Stormbreaker. It also meant work and even more income- independent from their seafood sales at Suchi. Drauch and even Vraum could be stopping points for the Contessina Ships. Since Drauch and Vraum were unique in the world and soon gaining interest in as a world wonder to have floating cities made out of clouds that could move on the wind, even to other colonies around the world. 

Kragan and yourself were given a move in ready estate in Drauch to stay in while you would be there in the future. All you needed to move in were your clothing, food and other household supplies. But otherwise the estate itself was fully furnished and Yana used her own palatial home to use as the basis for it as she and the other mouras used the home as thanks for bringing Salgria Shipping and The Contessina Shipping Project to them and give them that much more independance from Suchi financially. 

But after your dealings with Stormbreaker- the weariness of traveling was soon felt in your bones and you just wanted to rest. You still didn’t want to tell Kragan in Stormbreaker either. Your fears intensified while the feeling of impending doom was getting too great to ignore. Even with the second healing from the stones, which you felt gave you about another month of life. Now you only had a week before the two month mark and you wanted Kragan to be at home by then. And with just a little bit of pleading- Kragan finally caved and brought you to his home so that you could fully rest and recover from moving from room to room, bed to bed and rest and recover from your efforts being poured into The Contessina Project ever since you got married. 

And while Kragan was embarrassed by his home’s simpleness and plainness. You assured him and reassured him that you didn’t need anything that fancy. You just wanted to finally have a rest without having to work on the project or having to worry about when you would need to go somewhere else to take care of the next thing. You just wanted a break from all of that. 

So Kragan and his parents and his younger siblings brought you to their surprisingly humble home and with Kragan’s older siblings no longer with you- Mildred packed up their things into trunks for Thaddius to send them and took up the room right next to yours so that she was always as close as possible. 

You were just grateful it was a home. You slept on the couch while Kragan and Captain Tilge moved your mattress and other things from the Violet Skye into Kragan’s room. And while it wasn’t that much of a room as far as size or opulance. You were just grateful to get a room where your bed wasn’t moving with the winds and stayed still. Because while it had taken you a while to get “your sky legs” so to speak. You missed solid ground. And you missed laying still and laying in a bed that was yours through and through. Where it didn’t feel like you were a guest but that was yours. Even as welcoming Audrey had made Yekmeni and Yana had made Drauch and Tilge had made the Violet Skye- it all still felt like Souja Tavern to you. None of it didn’t quite feel like home to you. And your soul demanded that you needed to rest in your true- home. Not a house that you were calling home for the time being with Kragan on your travels.  

Mildred regretfully woke you up when the room was ready and dinner was ready as you sleepily went to the dining room and tiredly ate. Barely able to keep your eyes open as you tried to eat. Kragan noticed your extreme fatigue and insisted that he help you to bed because you still looked so tired you were about to fall over and fall face first into your soup as Astrin seemed a little giddy at the development of you becoming increasingly tired ever since Yekmeni. 

Kragan helped you into bed and you didn’t even get a chance to take your nightly medicine before you were fast asleep as soon as your body all but collapsed into bed. 

“I’m really worried about Tessa.” Kragan admitted when he rejoined his remaining family around their dining room table.  

“I’m not.” Astrin grinned wider as she continued to eat what was at the table and keeping a watchful eye on her kids to make sure they were eating off of their own plates and not taking food from their sibling’s plates. 

“Why?” Kragan asked his mom. 

“Kragan, it’s been a month and a half since she got off that gods awful medicine from Solowards in Yekmeni. And she hasn’t had her menstruation since the wedding. Some women, when they’re really early in the pregnancy- just tend to sleep a lot because their bodies are too busy making another person.” Astrin hinted as Kragan gasped softly. 

“Really?” Kragan asked excitedly. 

“Yes really. But it’s still too early for the pregnancy to show up on the traditional tests. It’ll be another two months at least. But I’ll bet you- your britches that she’s already with child. The two of you have done nothing else nearly day and night for the last two months but try. Some women just get super tired in the beginning of their pregnancies and I think she’s one of them.” Astrin ventured.

Mildred hung back from re-entering the dining room as tears flooded her eyes. If only they knew. She didn’t even re-enter the dining room. And instead retired to her own room for the night. Much to Tilge’s disappointment because he was hoping to finally get invited to stay in Mildred’s room with her. Because the two had grown their own relationship and had become quite close. Tilge always practically bending over backwards to help and support and befriend and charm Mildred and try to sweep her off her feet.

But Mildred still refused physical closeness or intimacy. And still kept him at arm’s reach emotionally and mentally. Which Tilge had thought she was just playing hard to get. But really it was Mildred knowing that soon, you would pass. And that soon, she’d be going back to Solowards to live and serve out the rest of her life at your family’s estate. Despite you saying that once you passed, she was free to do with her life as she pleased. And that if she didn’t want to go back to Solowards, she didn’t have to or was obligated to. And while she had always served with distinction, she was not a slave. And didn’t belong or was owned by you or anyone else in your family. You had paid her double for following you and helping you with the last moments of your life. And you just wanted her to be happy. 

Mildred came back into your room and simply sat on the bed and lovingly pet your head and running her fingertips through your hair. Remembering with bittersweetness- all the memories of watching you grow up. And now to be so young but already at the end of your life- Mildred felt it wasn’t fair at all. That the world’s sweetest and brightest shining star would only shine so bright for such a short time. It would just be another few days before it would be past the marriageable probationary time period. You were almost there. And she would personally see to it that if you made it there and a day longer- she would consider it a job well done. 

Mildred wiped the tears streaming down her cheeks and used her handkerchief to sniffle into because carrying this weight with you had been just as equally heavy for her to carry too. She felt like a coward for hiding behind the ‘It’s not my place’ rule of serving a master. She could now only hope and pray you could live out for the rest of the week. She had mentally dug her heels in and would be seeing to you as if you were an invalid if she needed to. And had actually had a vial of actual poison that she had hidden inside a small board game that the doctors had given her that if and when your suffering was stretching on and you were suffering senselessly. She could end it for you. Mildred did her best to regain her composure before she checked to make sure you were still breathing before she left the room when she heard someone climb the stairs and the stairs creek and groan with the movement. 

“She’s still sleeping Sir. Good night Sir.” Mildred offered when she saw it was Kragan before she slipped into her room when all Kragan did was nod in understanding. 

“Goodnight Mama Mildred.” He offered her retreating form as she did her little waive as she shut the door and no sooner had she hid herself in her room before she did her best to weep as silently as she could as she got the poison out and made sure it was now at the ready for when you would need it before she slid into bed and silently cried herself to sleep. 

You barely registered Kragan coming to bed, as the mattress shifted with his weight before he gathered you into his arms and his warmth seep into you as Kragan noticed that the heat pattern of your body had changed now that he took a moment to really become attuned to you. 

There was heat pooling in your abdomen. Usually you were always just a touch colder than him. But now, he could distinctly feel the warmth all collect and pool in your abdomen. Even to his well trained and sensitive touch- your abdomen, that now no longer had so much pain. He could feel that your lower belly was in fact just barely larger than normal. He couldn’t help but tear up and smile at the thought that you were pregnant. Then he shimmied down in the bed and noticed that your womanhood even smelled slightly different. A little stronger and more potent but while his mouth watered, he wouldn’t give into his craving for it and risk waking you up. 

“If you’re in there. I’m here. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a son or a daughter, I will love you with my whole heart and soul regardless.” Kragan whispered before he pressed a soft kiss into your belly. Before wriggling back up and gathering you in his arms. He didn’t know how else to sleep now. He didn’t care what bed he had to sleep on or how rich the room was furnished. If you were comfortable, that’s all that he cared about. And the last two months had been the best and most exciting months of his life. And he felt like you were the catalyst that would give him all the motivation he needed to build you an empire- worthy of your name. And give you something worthy for you to rule over, besides his heart, mind and soul. You could sleep for the next nine months straight if it meant that you would be ok and that if you were carrying a child, that that child would be happy and healthy. 

But Kragan woke up alone in the bed in the morning and only the sound of you vomiting in the grass outside of his bedroom as Mildred was already up and dressed and helping you as you laid in the yard since his house didn’t have indoor plumbing. 

“Tessa! Are you ok?” Kragan asked as he came downstairs and out of the house in a robe. 

“Yeah, I tried taking my morning medicine. I threw it right back up and even the smell of it is making me sick and I didn’t want to wake you or anyone else up.” You croaked as you looked miserable as Mildred was nearby with a bucket of water and a steaming teapot as she poured you a cup from her pocket and poured you a cup of peppermint tea for nausea. 

“Well if it’s making you sick, stop taking it altogether.” Kragan urged you. 

“You have felt worse the more you’ve taken Dr. Hayati’s medicine. It isn’t the same as your old medicine. Your old medicine never made you this sick.” Mildred commented. 

“But the old medicine was still harming me internally, period. And even by now, I would be weaning off the old altogether. Maybe the doctors didn’t put enough Green Tansey with the Violet Eye or something. I’ve just felt awful since I started taking the new medicine. Like I feel like I never should have taken anything after those stones did what they could. And Hayati didn’t say that I would feel worse before I would feel better or anything like that. Maybe I should just stop taking it all together and see how I fare for a few days.” You ventured. 

“Yeah, I think that’s wise Tessa.” Kragan readily agreed. 

“Tessa? Are you ok Hun?” Astrin asked as she came out of the house in her robe and came over. 

“Yeah, just feeling really nauseous this morning. Just the smell of Dr. Hayati’s medicine made me hurl.” You admitted as Astrin smiled brightly. 

“Well that’s normal. I would think it’s morning sickness. Besides, when a woman comes to be with child, her tastes change and her sense of smell becomes much more acute.” Astrin hinted as Mildred turned to look at to see how you would react. 

“It’s a possibility.” You tried to smile politely before another wave hit you and you hugged your other bucket and hurled into it. That little bit of peppermint tea coming back up and out in a hurry. 

“I know just the thing for you hun. Let me get it prepared for you.” Astrin urged as she went back into the house. 

“Do you think you might be with child?” Kragan asked as he sat down in the grass with you. 

“If the blood in my underwear this morning is an indication- no.” You muttered as you spit out the vomit tainted saliva in your mouth into the bucket. 

“Oh, so your moon blood did come, it just came late.” Kragan noted as his shoulders dropped a little in disappointment. 

“Well either way, we should stop the medicine regardless.” You insisted to Mildred. 

“Yes. I can have it disposed of by this afternoon.” Mildred offered. 

“No, just..hang onto it for a while. And we’ll see if this resolves with me no longer taking it.” You urged her. 

“Ok.” Mildred agreed before a messenger came to the house as Kragan stood and saw who it was. 

“Is everything ok?” Kragan asked as he came up to them and greeted them. 

“Yes, the first three Contessina Ship steel frames were finished yesterday. They are being towed to Drauch in Stormbreaker as we speak. But Stormbreaker didn’t think they would be done that fast and doesn’t have the plank steamers ready and the trees haven’t even been cut down into planks yet, let alone dried out or aged or anything.” He answered. 

“Kragan.” You called out as Mildred helped you hobble over as you had overheard what the messenger had to say. 

“Hmm?” Kragan asked. 

“If they don’t have the plank steamers, are there extra steamers that can be pulled from your other shipyards that can be brought to Drauch? And you can build new ones in Drauch while the others are still working in Drauch? Don’t hold up production just because Yekmeni worked faster than Drauch did. Even if you have to pull whole crews from here in Forestrong or Fitsdale or wherever just to train the new builders in Drauch? They know how to build fishing boats in Drauch but this is a new venture for everyone. They’ll need all the help they can get.” You put to him. 

“It’s either that or have the ships brought to the other shipyards but if I do that. Stormbreaker won’t be pleased because I gave the contract to them for their cheaper but better lumber.” Kragan answered. 

“Do you have workers that can go and stay anywhere? Drauch is still plenty big enough and has plenty of empty houses to host all kinds of families if they need to. You can either rent out the spaces for the workers to stay or you can outright buy the whole neighborhood in Drauch from Brock and Yana just for the shipbuilders to stay and give them a raise for moving just to accommodate the move. And Drauch has all kinds of amenities that make moving to it wonderful. Audrey literally tripled our money in Yekmeni. Take a third of it to buy the section in Drauch if you have to. And the food is awesome in both Stormbreaker and Drauch. Just go to Brock- get the ok. And then go to your shipyards and ask for volunteers. And the bonus of your workers moving to where you need them should be enough of an incentive.” You urged him. 

“But we just got home yesterday. You need me here to..” Kragan began to argue. 

“I’ll be fine. Just let me stay here and rest and recuperate. I’ll join up with you later or you can come back and get me once you get this sorted out. Duty and business calls, you need to answer it. Don’t let me hold you back. This needs immediate attention and immediate action. Give it the attention it needs and take the action it requires.” You urged him. 

“But I don’t want to leave you. What if you need me for…something?” Kragan frowned. 

“I have Mama Mildred. She’ll take care of me the same way she always has. I’m in good hands. And between her and whoever else wants to stay behind. I’ll be fine.” You reassured him even though right now, you could barely keep standing because of your depleting strength. 

“You sure?” Kragan put to you.

“I’m positive.” You nodded. 

“Go, get your father, discuss what you can do and how you can make this work and what you need to do next. It’ll be fine. You’re a very intelligent man, you’ll figure it out.” You reassured him before Kragan caved and brought the messenger inside. Just as Astrin was in the middle of making breakfast for the family herself as Mildred immediately tried to pitch in and at least help and over breakfast. 

Thaddius and Kragan agreed that your solution was best and would have to leave when they hadn’t even unpacked. Kragan laid with you one more time but he found that there seemed to be a wall to keep himself from seating fully into you this time but he was just happy he could give you your pleasure twice before getting his own before finally pulling himself from you and hoping that that seed would have a chance to take root if the others hadn’t. 

“The moment you need me or want me or get hungry for me, you call me ok?” He urged you. 

“Ok.” You agreed before you kissed him sweetly and saw him off. Wishing you had more time and wishing you could have had a chance to tell him the truth but you didn’t want the truth of the matter to derail him. Not when The Contessina Project was getting underway much faster than you had anticipated. 

By nightfall it was just Astrin, and her younger children, Mildred and yourself left in the house. You stayed out and watched Kragan and Thaddius and Tilge board the Violet Skye and shrink to barely a speck in the dusk as the sun set and the glorious colors of the sunset stretched out over the sky. And even as beautiful as it was, it felt like Kragan had taken your heart from your chest when he left. 

You just sat in the grass and cried. Because in the end- all those chances to tell Kragan the truth, had officially slipped through your fingers like sand or water. And you felt so unworthy of Kragan’s love and trust. Because you knew he kept no secrets from you. And you hated yourself for keeping this from him. You hated being a coward, and you hated the fact that you didn’t have the strength to go with him. And you hated the fact that even at his childhood home- you still didn’t feel at home. But you couldn’t go home to Solowards and your family’s estate now. This is where you asked Kragan to take you and to leave you. And this would be where you would die. Alone- except for Mildred. 

So here you sat, sobbing in the soft grass- knowing you were never going to see your husband face to face again.

[thecandywrites]

The Switch Chapter 11

Ok, this lovely woman above Contessina is Mama Mildred and then in the upper right hand corner- That’s Kragan’s mother Astrin. To the right of Tessa is Saffiro. And then of course we have Grandma Agnes in the bottom and to the right of her is Samantha. 

Yes, I am stealing the Soul Forge from Thor because it’s awesome. 

The Switch 

Chapter 11

Astrin was just happy to be home and didn’t have to worry about dressing any other kind of way except comfortably which you loved and were happy to do. Especially with the undergarments Audrey had gotten made for you- a bralette for your breasts instead of a corset and underwear. Both of which were infinately more comfortable and easy to put on by yourself. Astrin very happily and proudly taught you how to cook and was grateful you were a quick study and learner. Astrin also proudly showed you the accounting books for Salgria Shipping that she always had on her at all time since she managed the money for the company- leaving Thaddius and Kragan and her other children for the hands on part of the business. 

She showed you how she kept track of the business and all of it’s money and already had made her own money changing system before and independant of the D.A. Which you happily used and agreed was a much better and more accurate one to use since the Dorierran one was slanted in Dorierra’s favor. You loved and adored the details and the presicion and accuracy in which she kept her business straight. They were the most beautiful and wonderful accounting books you had ever had the pleasure of seeing and to your utter delight- there was absolutely no way to improve upon them. Salgria Shipping didn’t need you to overhaul the accounts- they were already in perfect running order which was solely why Salgria Shipping was as rock solid of a company as it was. Astrin was happy you weren’t intimidated or daunted by it. Especially when the book itself was actually dozens of books because each country in which they did business had it’s own book. And she had every single employee and their wages and how long they had been with the company noted as well.

When you told Astrin about your accounting service that you ran under your initials of C.V. DeBaringer and every single business you had done it for- she was very impressed and exceedingly pleased. Especially to hear how each one was run and the fact that before you got ahold of their books, you had overhauled their businesses and the business models and saved them money and helped them earn even more. 

She was rightfully disgusted that because you were a woman- that by Solowardian Law- it was your father that had to collect for the fees and that without your father’s kindness, he could have- in theory, kept every penny of it. And she wholeheartedly agreed that the best place for Salgria Shipping to call it’s home base was Yekmeni. Where she and her daughters would have equal rights as people among their male counterparts and proper titles and good interest rates and was impressed that you could get Audrey to be so generous. And when both of you worked out the changes of Salgria Shipping, and the uniforms and the copyrighted nature of the business, the projections of the business before the changes was already almost astronomical and she could only laugh at the thought of how much money they would be raking in once the changes were implimented into Salgria Shipping. And especially once The Contessina Project was introduced to the market. 

“So I had an idea.” Astrin began as you sat at the table and drank wine as dinner simmered in the pots and dishes in the hearth of the kitchen as the books were all laid out on the table as you finished putting the last and latest information into your own book for The Contessina Project. 

“I’m all ears.” You invited. 

“Since those skeletons got done early, and now they get to be fleshed out early- what if we debut them at your sister’s wedding?” Astrin suggested. 

“Well it would be a tight squeeze but I think Yekmeni could pull it off. I mean the skyport would have to start being constructed right about now. So that when the first three ships are done, we have somewhere to put them when they would be flown there. And her wedding would be the ideal place to debut them. All of Solowradian high society and royalty will be there and it’s still seven months away because they had to push the wedding back to it’s original date. Now granted- the Lavines would have to buy it sight unseen so that when the ships sail in on their wedding day- it can appear that the ship was a wedding present and really make a big splash so to speak. And especially if we have an Origninale, an Agile, and if not a Magnifica- then at least an Elegante, it would give a small- medium-large range. Millie still thinks that the whole fleet will have just the Origniale’s. But if we give her the medium and we can either tempt them with upgrading or leave the larger Elegante or Magnifica to royalty. And could give them the royal price tag to go with it. Kragan was hoping that Dorierra would get the first peek at the line. But if we give Solowards a pre-view so to speak. Yes I think that would be a very good idea. Wet their appetite so to speak.” You noted with a nod and pleased grin. 

“You know, now that Kragan isn’t hogging you all to himself, I see why he fell in love with you so fast.” Astrin grinned. 

“Why?” You laughed. 

“Because your mind and personality are that of a businesswoman. You’re very clever and creative. Kragan didn’t stand a chance.” Astrin gently teased which got you to laugh harder. 

“Honestly, I didn’t either.” You shrugged as your laughter subsided. 

“Why’s that?” Astrin asked. 

“Because Kragan is everything I never knew I always wanted and needed. I’ve always loved numbers because unlike with words because the common tongue is a bully language that beats up other languages in back alleys and rifles through their pockets for spare vocabulary...” You began which got Astrin to laugh. 

“Numbers don’t change or lie or have special rules for when they mean one thing or another. And as long as the numbers you are working with are true- they’ll never fail you. And Kragan appreciates my intellect and adores my grasp of mathmatics. I’ve spent the last 16 years betrothed to a man who couldn’t even do simple math and hated the fact that my grasp of mathmatics and business was better than his because it bruised his ego.” You muttered with a shake of your head. 

“Well the bastard will be getting what’s coming to him. He’s getting a pretty but stupid wife. His ego gets to be boosted but his pocketbook will be run empty.” Astrin assured you. 

“Oh I know. I’m just grateful I’ll never get to see the day when it turns from intense infactuation to bitter and resentful hatred. Cause that day is coming. It’ll come when they both wake up and realize that they’ve built their relationship on nothing more than their youthful looks and popularity among their peers and both of them wanting needing to be the center of attention to be pleasant people to be around.” You mused as you sighed tiredly. 

“Because you’ll be Duchess Salgria of Yekmeni, and a thousand miles away, making money hand over fist while you and your husband grow your family and grow your businesses.” Astrin grinned as you smiled at the thought but couldn’t look at her. 

“Well that’s the plan anyway. But since when does life go according to plan? Life is full of surprises. Some of them good, and some of them bad and you just have to play the cards life keeps dealing you.” You allowed. 

“Speaking of surprises- I noticed quite a few women at Souja Tavern greet Kragan enthusiastically.” You recalled. 

“Oh, pshhffb.” Astrin razzberried and waived it off. 

“Each and every single one of em were nothing more than a whore in a whorehouse, looking to divest him of his coin and nothing more.” Astrin insisted. 

“Well there were a few in Yekmeni that seemed to have their eye on him too.” You recalled. 

“They may have had their eyes on him but before he met you- his mind and his eyes have always been on the business and nothing else.” Astrin maintained. 

“And now that he has you- his eyes will never wander or stray, not unless every bit of sense leaves him first.” Astrin assured you. 

“So Kragan didn’t have any other loves or lovers before me?” You asked. 

“Lovers? Eh, again loosely- those whores at Souja, Loves? No. At least none that I know of.” Astrin answered. 

“Who would know?” You asked. 

“Look at you, Kragan’s been gone a day and you’re worried that he’s already gonna be unfaithful?” Astrin asked as she tried to play it off even though you could tell she was at least a little offended by the notion. 

“No, it’s not that at all. I have every faith that Kragan will be faithful to me as long as I draw breath. But he was extremely hesitant to even meet me or exchange a letter with me before he met me in person. It made me wonder if his heart was already with another before me. Which was what held him back so much before he met me. All I want to know- is if that was the case. I’ve asked Kragan and he has told me there were others before me but he never gave me names and he was simply assuring me- as his new bride- that I didn’t have to worry about them. Which I trust his word. But I was just curious to know specifics. To at least know names and know what happened and how long ago it did happen.” You explained. 

“Oh, ok, well- granted I’m his mother so he doesn’t tell me a whole lot since he’s grown up and been on his own so to speak, but at least in childhood he was sweet on...” Astrin began before she told you about what she noticed and saw when he was a young boy and a young teenager. But once he left her side to be with his father on the various boats at 15. But after that point- she didn’t know of anyone or anything. So for her- the last eight years had been a bit of a blank. And that either Thaddius would know or Thaire or Johnny as you made a mental note to write to Johnny at least. 

And after a week of not taking the medicine you actually felt so much better. And you had more energy. And the less you felt you needed to sleep 24.7. Astrin helped you keep track of The Contessina Project from the loads of mail and reports that came in from Yekmeni, Drauch and everyhere else. 

Kragan called you at least twice a day on the messengerari including writing you love letters and business letters and updates every day. He always called once in the morning and once again at night to give you progress reports on things in Drauch. He was so happy and relieved that without the medicine altogether you were improving by leaps and bounds again. And while he hated to be apart from you- he was grateful that he could be there where he was needed. And could work and be so hands on and feel useful and help build your dream with you as you were happy that at least you got that much as were so happy to see his face through the pane of the messengeraries at least that Audrey had made sure that you both had. As even she would call once a day to check up on you and give you updates about the work in Yekmeni and the progress she and everyone else was making. 

By the end of the week, Yekmeni had finished welding three more ships. And sent those to Drauch too as Audrey loved your idea of unveling at least one ship from each of the classes at your sister’s wedding and insisted that if you could and would not be there to introduce them yourself, that she would go too and if you could not show them off- she would. 

Kragan had bought up a third of Drauch’s houses so all of his workers and their families could be working there. And the families that had first moved had expressed an interest that they wanted to stay in Drauch forever. Because the Stormbreaker Clan was awesome. They were friendly and supportive and so welcoming. And were happy that Drauch seemed to finally feel full. The women were happy to have such fine houses with amazing amenities. The kids were happy to go to a school and have parks and playgrounds to play in. And the single young men were happy that Stormbreaker had its own population of fine young women who cooked extremely well and were quite pretty and even the local moura population within Drauch were happy to heal any who would be injured for a very reasonable price. 

And the men of Suchi also came to Drauch to be hired on too because they could fly. For them to fly the ropes and rigging for the sails and masts made that job almost too easy for them to do. And in no time, new dryers to speed cure the planks of wood were built and being used in bulk. Because once the trees had been cut down and then sawed into planks of the right sizes and lengths, the boards needed to be cured. A huge factory was built to do it. And then once the boards were cured and treated- then they could be put into the steamers to soften the planks and make them bendable and maleable without loosing integrity or splintering. And while the old steamers were a help- they had to be steamed twice with the old steamers because stone timber pine was so dense, in order to reach the core of the plank- they needed to be steamed at the proper temperature but for twice as long as usual. Once the plank was steamed- they would be moved and hammered and drilled and nailed into place over the skeletons. Drauch seemed to be working non stop on the now six ships in it’s shipyard, each one bigger than the last. And it was a relief to Kragan that he could actually pay his workers both a good wage while also letting them rent to own the houses they were inhabiting in Drauch and the rent could subsidize the wages. 

And with all of this business booming, you got to see for yourself how Salgria Shipping was actually a multi-million dollar company when you looked at their income and profits over the course of a year. But even still, for your million dollar cure- it would still put the business in jeapordy and kill the project. Just a week past the probationary period by Solowardian Law. 

But by the second week, your nausea came back full force and it didn’t matter what you ate or drank- all day every day- you were sick again. And you started to lose weight. And you started sleeping more and more every day and began to miss Kragan’s calls so that you only got to see him once a day when you would call him. And he literally would drop everything just to talk to you for however long you could talk for as he wanted to come home so bad. But he was at the most crucial stage in production and couldn’t come away and you couldn’t come to him. 

When you were awake during that second week, you withdrew to Kragan’s room and had Mildred bring you everything as you had to resort to using a chamber pot because you could never make it to the outhouse in time. You would spend your precious few hours of consciousness writing your final goodbye letters to everyone. You instructed Mildred that Lena would get all of your childhood clothes and jewelry while you split your jewels evenly between Kragan’s mother and sisters, leaving only the most prized and precious pieces for Kragan and Saffiro and their future wives.  

“I think it’s time Mildred. It won’t be long now.” You whispered as she put you back in bed after you had finished writing the last of your letters and gave them to Mildred to deliver for you when you would pass in either the next couple of days or hours- you weren’t sure.  

“Can you invite Astrin in here please?” You requested of Mildred. 

“Yes My Lady.” Mildred nodded before she got Astrin and brought her in. 

“What’s going on Tessa?” Astrin asked as she sat on the bed with you and noticed that you started to look really sick again and frowned. Because you had been doing so good last week but it seemed like you were slipping backwards again. 

“I feel very ill, and faint. Like I’m going to die. Can you...can you tell me who else Kragan has loved in the past, so that when I die, she can come and take my place?” You asked her. 

“What are you talking about?” Astrin asked both confused and appalled to hear you speak like this. 

“Kragan, I know he has loved others before me. Can you tell me who they are and contact them to be ready to comfort Kragan when I die? You said yourself that you didn’t know. Have your husband or your other sons tell you if you must.” You requested. 

“You’re not going to die. You have morning sickness. You’re pregnant I’m sure of it. And no I’m not going to call anyone else- because Kragan has loved no other than you. You are going to be just fine. You just need to sleep Tessa, you need to eat and sleep and that’s all there is to it.” Astrin insisted as she firmly shook her head no. 

“Astrin- please, for Kragan, can you at least tell me about..” You asked as you opened your notebook of the other women you had taken note of in Fitsdale. 

“All of them are whores in Souja Tavern. Not a single one of those love him, only the coin in his purse and he knows it. He loves you. He only wants you. And I will be damned if any of them think they can come in here and replace you. You just need to eat, you’re not thinking straight.” Astrin insisted. 

“But..What about Samantha Souja?” You asked. 

“I’m not having this conversation with you Tessa. You’re delirious from not eating or drinking enough. Morning sickness can make any woman feel like she’s dying but you are not. I will personally make sure you don’t die. There’s no need to think this way.” Astrin insisted. 

“But just to be sure, can you fetch a doctor?” Mildred requested. 

“Yes, of course.” Astrin agreed before she left and got her favorite doctor from the nearby village to come in and have a look at you. You submitted yourself to her test as she only took a tiny drop of blood from a pin prick and a small sample of urine. 

“Well, congratulations, you’re pregnant. But you are also very sick. You need to be put onto a special diet because the medicine to cure you will kill your baby.” The medicine woman, Dr. Kalli informed you.  

“I’m what?” You asked in shock. 

“You’re pregnant. But you also have side sickness. It’s from too much sugar and fat and grease in your diet. If you stop eating sweets or fried things or fatty things, you’ll feel better. But you have to be very careful, your pregnancy is still early and still in danger.” Kalli repeated. 

“But the side sickness, is that all it is? Is there anything else?” You asked her. 

“What were you expecting?” Kalli asked. 

“Cancer.” You blurted out. 

“Oh! No! You don’t have cancer. The inflammation of your side, your bowel on your right side especially- is quite high. And sometimes inflammation and cancer can show up as the same result on certain tests. But there are specific tests to differentiate the two and the tests to differentiate the two all showed side sickness and inflammation but not cancer. But look. Look at the blood yourself.” She invited as she brought you over to her microscope that was set up on your desk. 

“Do you see how there’s white blood cells and red blood cells within the blood?” She asked you. 

“Yes.” You answered as you looked through it and saw in awed wonder what was before you. 

“Because of your inflammation- there’s more of them than normal. But if you had cancer, your blood would look like a sea of white blood cells instead of just slightly more than the red.” She insisted. 

“So I don’t have cancer?” You asked in disbelief as you frowned deeply. 

“No, why? Did another doctor tell you that you did?” She asked. 

“Yes.” You answered. 

“Wait, other doctors told you- that you had cancer? Did Dr. Hayati say you had cancer?” Astrin asked. 

“Yes. And five others before her. That was why I was taking the medicine I was. It was supposed to be…a cure.” You stuttered before you looked at the blood in the microscope again. 

“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?! Does Kragan know that you had that diagnosis?” Astrin asked. 

“No. I didn’t want him to worry. I didn’t want that news to hold him back or hold the business back and the medicine was supposed to… help.” You tried to excuse. 

“But if you were taking medicine for a cancer that you didn’t have- that is very dangerous. Some cures for some cancers that I’ve seen and heard other doctors use- actually make the cancer worse. Or- give someone who just had inflammation like you- end up giving you cancer anyway. Because sometimes inflammation can be a pre-curser to cancer. How long have you been taking such medicine?” Dr. Kalli asked. 

“For the last four months.” You answered with a wince and grimace. 

“What?!” Astrin shrieked as she looked like you had just burdered her baby in her arms.  

“Oh no. Astrin, she needs to get either to a moura or another healer. Maybe we caught this in time. There’s still time to fix this and heal this.” Dr. Kalli insisted to Astrin before Astrin nodded, paid Dr. Kalli and immediately left to her room and called Thaddius and Kragan as you called Saffiro who was actually on the other line with Kragan as the two were talking and catching up. 

“Uh, hang on, my mom is calling and saying it’s urgent, hang on for a second.” Kragan excused. 

“Yeah, I’m getting another call too. I’ll put you on hold.” Saffiro said before he saw it was you calling him and put his call with Kragan on hold. 

“Is it time?” Saffiro asked worriedly when he saw your tears down your cheeks. 

“Yes, but it’s now really complicated. I’m pregnant.” You revealed with a sob. 

“But the medicine was…” 

“Kragan took me to Yekmeni to meet King Lukher and Queen Audravienne. She has a law- ‘no poison is to be brought into Yekmeni, and those bringing it in are to be put to death and the poison is to be destroyed’. She tested my medicine and found all the poisons and was about to put Mildred to death. Since Mildred had the medicine on her. So to save Mildred’s life I had to tell Audrey everything. I told her about my true diagnosis. And the fact that I knew the medicine was poisonous. And why I was taking it. She spared my life and Mildred’s life. But she still had to uphold her law. She destroyed my medicine supply. And then her master of medicine- Dr. Hayati tried to make me more but it wasn’t the same. And I feel like I’m asking for death every time I take it.” You tearfully confessed to Saffiro. 

“I got sick off of it two weeks ago and so I stopped taking it. But it was my pregnancy making my body reject it. I just got another doctor who claims I only have side sickness and I’ll get better with a change in diet. But I don’t believe her. How can six doctors- one of them a collared moura healer- get this wrong? Even Queen Audrey and Dr. Hayati who are fully collared mouras could sense it. I was never supposed to fall pregnant. And now I feel like I’m going to die any moment now. “You added as anxiety gripped your chest harder than any corset ever had. 

“And Astrin or any of his siblings won’t tell me anything about anyone who was in his past who can step in for me. Astrin is about to take me to another healer but surely they will find the cancer. I can’t do this alone! I can’t do this Kragan!” You cried. 

Astrin could hear you through the wall and was furious that you would hide this from them, from Kragan especially as she told Kragan to drop everything and come home and take you to Grandma Agnes because that was the only healer she trusted besides Dr. Kalli. 

“Ok, I’m coming. With Kragan’s dowry I got a pegasus. As soon as I’m packed, I’ll ride to you.” Saffiro insisted. 

“Please hurry.” You pleaded with him before you gave him directions on where to find you as Saffiro was already packing up everything that he could before his call to Kragan came back. 

“What are you doing?” Kragan asked as he was still in shock. 

“I’m packing and I’m coming to Tessa, she needs me by her side and you need to go home to her as soon as you can.” Saffiro answered him as he was throwing his things into a pack as he went about his room.

“I will as soon as..” 

“No Kragan, not as soon as whatever you have going on is done- NOW!” Saffiro cut him off which startled Kragan to see the sudden change and outburst as he culd recognize genuine panick in Saffiro’s tone and facial expression and body language.  

“You need to drop everything and go home right now because if you wait, Tessa could be dead before you get home!” Saffiro barked as he was both upset and worried as he just threw things haphazardly into the pack before he got dressed in riding leathers, boots and grabbed his helmet.

“I bought a pegasus. I have directions to your house. I’m flying in. You need to use whatever you can to fly home too.” Saffiro insisted. 

“Why would Tessa die before I can get home?” Kragan asked as panic and anger both swirled in his mind and chest. 

“Because she’s dying of cancer!” Saffiro yelled from his spot. 

“So it’s true? She’s been hiding her cancer from me?” Kragan accused as angry tears of betrayal filled his eyes. 

“Yes. We all have. Look, there was no horse riding accident. Two days before your father’s marraige offer came to the house, two doctors had come to check on her because Tessa was in excruciating pain. Both of them found very advanced side sickness and cancer of her liver. And a week later three more doctors came and all five of them including our family doctor tested her again. And every single one came to the same diagnosis. Very advanced side sickness and deep rooted- incurable and inoperable cancer. She was given only a few months left to live and at the very most- a year. And when my father inquired of Dorierra how much it would cost to cure Tessa, they told him a million gold boullion to even try. If my father sold everything my family had, we could only ever come up with a quarter of such amount. And there was no way for us to come up with anything else. My father agreed to your father’s match because he was just trying to amass enough wealth to leverage for Tessa’s cure. But Tessa stopped us.” 

“Why?” Kragan asked. 

“Because when Millie learned of the match- she through a fit and threatened to kill herself by throwing herself off the roof and would rather be dead than marry you. Because she was this season’s diamond and she didn’t want to go to- and I quote- “a filthy sailor”. And Tessa’s betrothal to the Lavines was always contingent on her producing two male hiers in the first two years of marraige or they would throw her into the street. And Ron- was actually happy and relieved when he found out she was dying!” Saffiro confessed as you sat at his desk and cried into his hands. 

“So Tessa suggested the switch of Millie and herself. Tessa didn’t care about who or what you were, only that you would be kind to her and give her a measure of comfort at the end of her life. Otherwise she only cared that our family would be safe, secure and protected and benefited. She swore us all to secrecy to protect us and to protect our family’s reputation. Because by Solowardian Law, there is a probationary period. It’s the first two months after marriage.  And if the bride is found with any defect, the groom can sue her family for the defective bride. So Tessa asked for the doctors who diagnosed her to make a false diagnosis to the Lavines about the horse accident and the fake diagnosis that it resulted in her becoming barren. But to protect the Lavine’s honor and our family honor- it was done in secret. Her and my father practiced that lie so that when they would retell it- it would sound like the truth. But it was just to cover up the truth. The medicine was to hide her true symptoms and make her appear healthy but would also keep pregnancy at bay so that when she did die, she would take no other soul into the grave but her own. That’s why she was so insistent to marry you so quickly and help Salgria Shipping and kickstarting The Contessina Project. She poured every cent she had into it so that you would not feel cheated and sue when you found out and would not sue my family for everything we had for plying you with a lame bride.” Saffiro confessed as Kragan just stared in horror as tears ran down his eyes as he wanted to break Solowards like a bug in his palm for being so ridiculusly horrible. 

“And she managed to live two months past her estimated death date. And a week beyond the cut off point where you can sue us by Solowardian Law. She was going to tell you but you got called away by business. And she didn’t want to hold you back or keep you from that. Not when you’re at the most cruicial point for it. And she didn’t want you to lose momentum or traction. She wanted to give you every help and every advantage she could.” Saffiro insisted.

“So she’s already on borrowed time?” Kragan asked as Saffiro nodded as Kragan’s eyes just giving a river of tears down his cheeks.  

“She even took note of every woman who expressed an interest in you. So that when she died, you’d have someone, somewhere to swoop in and save you from losing yourself to heartache and grief. She’s been lowkey looking for replacements for herself all along. And at the top of her list is Samantha Souja, because if Sammy can help run a tavern, she can at least have something to use to learn to run a business. Even one as great and grand as The Contessina one.” Saffiro explained. 

“When you took her to Yekmeni- her medicine was tested and found to be poison and Queen Audravienne was going to kill Mildred for it. But Tessa intervened and explained what it was and why she was taking it. And told her that if Queen Audravienne was going to kill anyone- to kill her but it would only shorten her lifespan by a couple of days, maybe a couple of weeks at the most. So Queen Audravienne still insisted on destroying the medicine but replacing it with other medicine. But it wasn’t the same and it wasn’t as effective. And then because it wasn’t effective- she got pregnant anyway. And now she’s stuck at your home and scared out of her mind because she has made her peace that she’s dying for the last four months. But now that she’s pregnant, she will do whatever it takes to prolong her life so that she can carry that baby as close to full term as possible. But I sincerely doubt she will survive the birth. She didn’t want you to sink Salgria Shipping just to buy her a cure. She didn’t want you to kill The Contessina Project just to save it’s name sake. Especially now that Yekmeni and Drauch are both hinging on it and countless others are now gainfully employed for it. She’s been telling me that she’s just one life and that the needs of so many outweigh just her. She never wanted to hurt or ruin you. She’s never wanted to hurt or ruin anyone. So if you get to her before me, swear to me you won’t hurt her either.” Saffiro tearfully pleaded. 

“I give you my word.” Kragan answered as tears continued to flow from his own eyes. He kicked himself for not seeing all of this sooner. He just thought that he was struck by true love and soul mates and all of that to explain why dating you and courting you and marrying you was so rushed. This explained everything. And while he was angry and upset for you keeping this from him. He also couldn’t fault you too much either. A million gold bouillon. He could pay a million gold bouillon if he had to. He would put everything on hold for now but he could do it. He could buy you a cure, one from anywhere you needed it. 

“Thank you. I’ll see you soon.” Saffiro offered before he ended the call and ordered for his pegasus to be ready as he quickly told the rest of his family the news and then got into the air within the hour as Kragan had taken a speeder- which was a small but especially fast skyship that would sail as fast as lightning would light up the sky and flew home. 

“Tessa!” Kragan hollard as the ship was barely docked in his front yard and he was tossing the knotted rope around the special holder as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him as his call for you, woke you up from where you had fallen asleep, having Mildred bar the door to keep Astrin at bay. 

“My Lady, Lord Kragan is back.” Mildred informed you.

“Yes, I can hear him.” You answered. 

“Where’s Tessa?” Kragan asked his mother. 

“Mildred and Tessa have locked themselves in the room.” Astrin answered in angry irritation. 

“Tessa! Please open the door, I just want to talk to you. I promise I won’t lay a hand on you if you don’t want me to. But we need to talk.” Kragan asked as he came up and knocked on the door after trying the handle to find it was locked. 

“Let him in. But stay outside the door.” You whispered to Mildred after she helped you to sit up in bed. 

“Please, be careful with her. She’s in a delicate state Sir.” Mildred tearfully pleaded as she openned the door to let him in before she dissolved into whimpering cries as she left the room and shut the door behind her. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Kragan asked as he came over and sat on the bed with you and anxiously wringed his dirty hands together to keep from reaching out and holding yours. 

“Because by Solo…” You began.

“No, don’t pull the Solowards card again. You used in Yekmeni, that card is already played. What have I done to make you think that you needed to fear from me so much you wouldn’t tell me you were dying?!” Kragan asked as you could see how wounded he was. 

“Nothing. You’ve done nothing to make me fear you physically. But my own fears have been larger and heavier and louder than anything else in my life. They’ve had my whole life to grow and develop. And past experiences didn’t help. Watching men go from kind and sweet one moment to cruel, vindictive and spiteful the next. And I just didn’t want to test to see if you would be the next. Because I didn’t want you to stop loving me.” You answered as tears were already streaming down your cheeks as you curled in on yourself and used the sheets to soak up your tears as you wracked a sob as Kragan felt like his heart was being pulled from his chest and being crushed by a sledgehammer. 

“I thought I told you I’m nothing like all the others?” Kragan recalled. 

“You did. I just..I was too afraid to test that out. Because everyone I have ever tested in that respect has failed. And if I never tested you- you could never fail me. Or prove me wrong or show me where your love for me stops and at what point it would turn from love to hate. At least, that’s what I told myself.” You admitted. 

“I was so afraid that if it didn’t make you hate me- that at the very least you would sink Salgria Shipping and kill The Contessina Project in it’s tracks to save me. I’ve gone over the books for Salgria Shipping. You are pouring every cent possible into The Contessina Project. You can not have it and buy my cure at the same time. And thousands of people depend on you. I’m just one person.” 

“But you are the only person who I love and who matters to me.” Kragan insisted. 

“The Contessina Project will simply have to wait until you are cured and the world can wait to see the fucking ships. Because without you, without my Contessina, there shouldn’t be a ship in your name. Because you are worth more than a fleet of ships, more than any business or money I would happily and gladly spend saving your life. Even if you weren’t pregnant. I would do so. But now that you are- you need to be cured as quickly as possible.” Kragan insisted. 

“But I’ll never make it to Dorierra.” You shook your head no. 

“Good, because that’s not where I would take you. Fitsdale is where I’m taking you. It’ll take a couple of hours at the most. I have a lightning rider. I’m taking you to Grandma Agnes. She’s healed me more times than I can count and she won’t charge any fees that are nearly that price. But she is the only healer I trust with you and I wish you would have told me about this when we were there last.” Kragan insisted. 

“I know. I’m sorry.” You apologized. 

“And if she can’t do anything- which I sincerely doubt she can’t help. Dorierra isn’t the only place with mouras who can cure you. And I know for a fact I have ten thousand of them at my disposal- right now- between several colonies, all of them would be lining up to heal you if I asked and none of them would dream of charging so much.” Kragan insisted. 

“How much would she charge?” You asked. 

“Whatever it is- I will happily pay it. You don’t have to pay for anything anymore. I am your husband and your mate and I made a vow to every god we both believe in to take care of you. And nothing will keep me from that vow.” Kragan insisted. 

“You could have told me all of this- in your first letter to me. You could have told me the first night we met. You could have told me the real reason why you switched with your sister. And I still would have taken you as my wife and I still would have you healed. And I would have done so before you ever took a drop of that poison. I’m the world traveller remember? I know a lot more people and places. And I would have used all of them to help you. Even as just a friend. And I still would have fallen as hopelessly in love with you as I have. So that you never would have had to carry such a heavy burden all by yourself. I’m sorry that you grew up thinking that you have to spend your whole life serving your father or your husband. You don’t. You are servant to no one’s wishes or will but your own.” Kragan insisted. 

“Thank you.” You thanked him as you reached out and finally got to hold his hand again. Not caring if they were clean or dirty, or whatever. They were his hands and the only hands you ever wanted to hold before he just gathered you in his arms as you both just cried into each other and hold each other as tightly as you could. So happy and grateful that he came home to you as quickly as he did. 

“I love you so much Tessa. I love you, I love you, I love you. I will do whatever I have to do to prove it to you so that you know and feel it in every fiber of your being. I never want to let you down or dissappoint you. And my love for you will never, ever turn to hate. Test me all you want. Test me over and over again to be sure. Test me as harshly or extremely as you want to. And I will do my best to never fail you. Nothing will make me stop loving you. Nothing will stop me from wanting to care for you better than I care for myself or anyone else. I don’t want this or anything else to ever get between us.” Kragan insisted as he peppered your face with kisses. 

“Ok, there is nothing else than. This was it. You already knew everything else, complete with names and dates and everything.” You assured him. 

“Yeah, I should have done the same. You’ve been asking about my past and I just though you were feeling insecure. If I had know this was why you were asking. I still would have reassured you but I also would have been more forthcoming with the details.” Kragan answered. 

“But Sammy? No. Never gonna happen between me and her. Mostly because I’ve already fucked her sister since her sister Sasha works as a whore in Souja Tavern.” Kragan admitted which got you to laugh through your tears and got him to crack a lopsided grin. 

“Fuck Solowards and their stupid rules and their really fucking stupid laws.” Kragan insisted which got you to laugh some more. 

“I agree, fuck them and everyone in that gods foresaken country. I want to show up at my sisters wedding with a huge pregnant belly a fleet of ships and covered in jewels and silk and a dress just as fine as hers and basically walk backwards down the isle flipping them all off and make each and every single one of them- except for Saffiro to pay through the nose if they ever want the pleasure to step foot on any ship with my name on it.”  You insisted which got Kragan to bark a laugh. 

“That’s my girl.” Kragan cooed as he pet your head and pet down your back and smiled when you practically melted into him. 

“I agree. I also want to go to that wedding just to give Ron the biggest “Fuck You!” ever.” Kragan admitted, happy that at least you still had that wicked and wonderful sense of humor. 

“Well, he and his father did give us that land to build the Contessina skyport on. But that was more out of guilt once they learned of my true diagnosis. On our wedding night no less. Frankly I thought Millie was going to blab the truth much sooner because the girl can keep a secret as well as she can keep a true friend.” You muttered. 

“Ouch.” Kragan snorted a laugh. 

“Saffiro told me Ron was happy when he found out that you were dying. I want him to fuck right off and take a long walk off a short peir, tied to a millstone if you know what I mean.” Kragan admitted. 

“No, Saffiro got that wrong. Ron was happy and relieved to find out I was potentially barren and that was one of the clauses that qualified to break our damned betrothal. And it was a great relief to both of us. But according to Ron and every single member of his family- they all- including Ron- cried like a baby. And he felt like the world’s biggest asshole for being so mean to me. And being so difficult and being a total jackass to me my whole life. And regret has eaten him alive too. I’ve gotten several letters and calls from all of them, begging for any chance or any opportunity to help. And Ron has apparently- done a 180 in personality- now that he’s no longer betrothed to me. Figures. Which for Millie- I’m grateful for the present. But yeah, after their wedding- the only exchange I want with Solowards is with my family. Countess Lavine and then taking all the money anyone will pay us for the ships and that’s it. Everyone else can burn for all I care.” You insisted as you buried your head into Kragan’s chest and let his scent be a grounding force of calm for you.

“Yeah, figures.” Kragan muttered. 

“So, why did you ask my mother about my love life before you? My father would have been the better person to ask. And how come you didn’t ask me? Well, actually you did. But why didn’t you tell me why you were asking? Don’t you think if the possibility of you dying and me moving on with someone else that I should have been involved in that conversation?” Kragan asked. 

“Because I did not want to insult your pride or honor, yet alone aggrieve myself to your face. Besides, you should know that pregnancy is dangerous. You know how dangerous the sea and the skies can be yet you sail anyway. Because you love it and it’s what you were put in this world to do. It is no different with pregnancy. Each one is an adventure and a danger. I am already weak and at a disadvantage physically. And women stronger and braver than I have gone through this ordeal and have been lost. I needed to prepare myself and those around me for eventualities which at this point are practically inevitable. It is my duty to do as such. And if I don’t make it, I want to ensure that you have someone already in place- that you have an affection for, who can take my place and take care of you and take care of the estate. And with me out of the way, you can finally live in peace and happiness with your previous love, not your obligation. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to have everything you want.”  You implored him as tears returned and welled and fell from your eyes because you didn’t want to die, you didn’t want to leave him. And especially if you were pregnant, and ill, you wanted the baby to live, even if you couldn’t. 

“But you alone are My Love! You are already all I want and all I need and it is you and only you that have made me happy. Why do you think I just made a four day journey in only five hours? I did it just to get home as soon as I heard you were sick and with child! Our child. In our marriage it is just you and me. No one else. I will only ever want you for as long as I live. The rest of the world can burn for all I care. You are more precious to me than any sea or any treasure. You are so much more than an obligation. You never were and you never will be. You are my life, my wife, my pride and joy and delight and happiness. And every day I thank the gods for having you in my life. And every day I smile because it’s you who has made me so happy.” He implored as he tenderly held your face in his hands as you both were brought to tears. 

“I don’t care if I have to spend every cent I have on doctors and medicine. But I will do whatever it takes to make sure you live. Cost what it may. I can’t do without you. Not even for a day., or an hour or a minute. And it’s killed me to be away from you for the last two weeks. I’ve hardly slept because you haven’t been there to sleep beside me and only eaten enough to stave off hunger because none of the meals are ever as tasty as they are when they’re shared with you. Nothing I’ve done for the last two weeks has brought me any degree of real satisfaction. You are my best and dearest friend in the world. Being lost at sea or adrift in the skies with no wind- doesn’t hold a candle to being lost without you. I’m just… so lost without you. Because only you see me for me and I like to think that I too, see you for you. And you are all I ever want to see.” He vowed before he pressed his mouth to yours in a desperate kiss which you eagerly returned as you pulled him to yourself with all your depleting strength. 

“Likewise.” You answered as you pressed your forehead to his. 

“Come on. Hopefully Mildred didn’t unpack everything. Or if she did, she can pack it all quickly again. Just get only what you absolutely can’t live without and pack it into the boat, cause it’s not that big. I’ll find a way to tell Saffiro where to find us. We’re going to Fitsdale to Souja Apothocary and Grandma Agnes can bill me for whatever she wants to.” Kragan insisted before you nodded in agreement.

Kragan helped you out of bed and helped you get dressed and wrapped you in that fur and carried you to the boat and laid you down in the one bed on board.  Astrin and Mildred had been outside the door and overheard and Astrin felt like a bitch for getting so angry with you earlier and apologized profusely now that she understood the whole situation and the circumstances before she helped Mildred help you and Kragan to get packed and ready to go to Souja Tavern. Astrin and Mildred got a trunk of your clothes and put it onboard before Mildred and her own pack of clothes got on board herself. 

Kragan flew you both to Fitsdale by dawn. He carefully carried you out of the boat and put you into a carriage and had Mildred take care of everything else. He had the carriage drive you straight to Souja Apothocary and even waited in the hall where it connected to Souja Tavern for it to open as Agnes’ daughter Ainsley came to open the shop for the day. 

“Oh my goodness, Tessa? Are you ok?” Ainsley asked when she saw you laying down on the bench, still wrapped in that wonderful warm fur. 

“No,” you shook your head. 

“She’s very sick and pregnant and right now she and the baby are in danger of being lost.” Kragan informed her. 

“Oh my gods! Come on, get in, we’ll see what’s wrong and get you fixed up immediately!” She urged you before she went and got her mother who came in and took one look at you and winced and grimaced at the looks of you as she pet your head and felt for a fever. 

“Oh you poor thing. Come on, Kragan, put her onto this table. Ainsely, we need to get the soul forge up and running to see what’s going on.” Agnes insisted as Kragan laid you down on the special table. Then Agnes awoke her soul forge and “peered” inside of you without having to actually cut you open to see. 

“So tell me what’s going on.” Agnes invited. 

“Four months ago, I was trying on a new corset to pinch my waist tighter for my wedding dress to my previous bethrothed. And that wedding dress was more to his tastes than mine.” You began as Agnes scuffed at the news and crinkled her nose in disgust. 

“It was your wedding dress, it should have been everything you wanted it to be.” Agnes insisted. 

“It’s Solowards- women are second class citizens the property of their fathers before marraige and the property of their husbands after marraige.” Kragan sneered hatefully. 

“Disgusting. Remind me to never go there. Glad you married him and he got you out of there huh?” Agnes urged you which got you to huff a laugh and smile dreamily. 

“Yeah, you have no idea.” You smiled at Kragan and squeezed his hand tighter as he smiled softly. 

“She’s the best thing to ever come out of that gods foresaken place.” Kragan cooed to you. 

“So, wedding dress to asshole is where we left off.” Agnes prompted. 

“Oh yes, well the new corset hurt like hell and it felt like a ball of broken glass and metal shavings with acid inside was inside me and I screamed and passed out.” You continued. 

“And at the time once the corset was cut off of me, I felt better but the family doctor simply said that all my fat was pushing on my inner organs and that if I just lost all the fat in my abdomen, I would be fine. But for a month- the pain just got worse and worse and I was put on a diet of water crackers and water and nothing else and it was still painful and my body didn’t lose weight but actully found a way to gain weight.” You ventured. 

“Becuase your body was in starvation survival mode. Ancenstors that lived through famine and when put on starvation rations- genetically it backfires. Because the body’s natural defense mechanism is to hoard fat. Because body fat is the body’s only food source and vital for the body to survive when in those conditions. If they wanted you to lose weight- feed you like a queen. When the body feels and knows that food is not a precious commodity- it’ll let it go freely.” Agnes countered. 

“Well, that explains it. Anyway, when the pain intensified so that any pressure from anything was over my abdomen- I was in agonizing pain- that’s when my parents called in two doctors. Dr. Tian from the Orientals and Dr. Morad from the Middle East. When they examined me, they swore on thier careers that they felt a cancerous growth in my liver. They tested my blood and urine and even my spit and vaginal discharge. Every body fluid I had and they claimed all the tests came back as a positive result for incurable side sickness and they said if they tried to operate on me- that I would bleed to death before they could cut the tumor out and they gave me only weeks or months left to live- but nothing longer than a year.” You revealed. 

“And then my father demanded that they- bring in other doctors and specialists but in the greatest of secrecy because in Solowards- a father can be sued for playing a “lame” bride as one would sue for being sold a lame horse.” You explained. 

“Now I really don’t like Solowards.” Agnes admitted. 

“It’s ok, neither do we.” You waived off which got Kragan and Agnes grinned. 

“Anyway- when three more doctors came and they bled me until I passed out and once again tested every body fluid I had. And the answers once again said that it was cancer and side sickness. And so since such a diagnosis would ruin me and my family by Solowardian rule and law, I talked them all into giving me a fake diagnosis saying I was in a horse riding accident and had become barren and then I sent that fake diagnosis to my previous betrothed. He was happy and relieved at the news and most importantly- about his parents releasing me from my betrothal to him and he happily and gleefully took my younger, prettier, thinner and stupider sister instead.” You recounted. 

“And I hope she bleeds him dry.” Agnes offered. 

“Oh she’ll do that within the first month of marraige, no doubt about it.”  You readily offered. 

“Anyway, so in Solowards- there is a law- stating that any bride found to be “lame” within the first two months after the wedding- her family can be sued for anything from double the dowry or up to- anything and everything the bride’s family has- depending oh the degree of lameness and severity of the issue. So with that in mind- and not knowing Kragan because I had wrote to him to feel it out and he stonewalled me. So I bribed to of the doctors to make me a special concoction of...” you began to list off all the ingredients as both Kragan and Agnes paused and just stared at you and frowned deeply when you listed off what was in it and why it was there and what it was for and how long exactly you had taken it for and what strength and dosage it was before you listed off what happened in Yekmeni and what Dr. Hayati had replaced that previous medicine with. 

“Well that would mask the symptoms all right. especially if all you had to go on was those tests and the results. Well, that’s a proper fuck up. At least you’re here now and at least it’s not to late to try and fix this and make this right. Let’s get to work.” Agnes appraised. 

“Oh my goodness.” Agnes breathed as she looked around. 

“It’s cancer isn’t it?” You sniffled. 

“What? No. No it’s not cancer. Here, look.” She turned the “screen” to you. 

“So, good news is- you’re definitely pregnant.” She said as she had it look at your womb and then into your womb to see the little baby developing safe and sound as it was the size of a fingernail and looked like a piece of candy actually.

“But the problem is, is your gallbladder is full of stones, see?” She moved the “eye” so to speak up to your gallbladder that was swollen and lumpy from all the stones. 

“And you have kidney stones.” She moved the eye to both of your kidneys as the stones looked like sea urchins- little stones covered in spikes. 

“And your liver is very weighed down so it will need to be flushed.” She noted. 

“Ah, and here is your appendix, it looks like it is about to burst and is quite sick. So between those three things that definitely counts as the trifecta that is “side sickness” honestly- such a broad term. So good news is we can heal all of this.” She noted as Ainsely wrote all this down. 

“And this is probably what your doctors have been feeling and calling cancer. It’s your colon. It’s inflamed and stiff instead of soft. You have a disease that is affecting your colon. But otherwise, you’re sick in a few of your vital organs but nothing to the extent that they need to be replaced or anything like that. Look- there is no cancer at all. You don’t have cancer. You never did. So good news is. You’re not going to die. At least not anytime in the next oh..I’d say fifty to sixty years.” Agnes showed you and Kragan as you were both crying tears of relief. 

“So how can she be healed?” Kragan asked. 

“Well the gallstones need to be taken out. The kidney stones need to be dissolved and the liver and kidneys need to be flushed. Her appendix should be removed. But good news is- she can live perfectly fine without it. Now, all that inflammation from her colon probably threw all the other doctor’s tests into giving a false positive for cancer. And when someone takes medicine for something- they don’t have, that medicine is always like poison. Which is why her liver is so bogged down. But once we get the inflammation down and that part of the colon healthy again. She’ll be fine. She will have to change her diet from now on, but she’ll be fine.” Agnes diagnosed. 

“Please heal her, charge me whatever you want. I’ll pay whatever it is.” Kragan pleaded. 

“Ok. I will. Now Tessa, I’m going to put you to sleep to take care of all these issues so you won’t feel anything in the moment. Your abdomen will ache a bit. So go easy- no intercourse or heavy lifting or anything physically strenuous for at least a few days- the closer to a week or so- the better. And when I’m done, I’m going to have you both moved to a room in the family wing that has it’s own bathroom and most importantly- it’s own kitchen so that you can cook your own special diet. It’s gonna suck because this special diet is usually nothing but everone’s least favorite foods. But if you can find a way to stomach it and stay on and stay true to the diet for as long as possible- you’ll be fine. That and seasonings and how you prepare those foods can go a long way.” She insisted. 

“Ok, I can do that.” You readily agreed. 

“I know you will, because your life and the life of your baby is counting on it. And I know you’ve been taking more medicine for the last four months than most will take in their lives. But do not take anything that I don’t perscribe to you from now on. Most “doctors” don’t know shit about how different medicines affect women differently than men anyway. Let me guess, men doctors had you taking this medicine?” She guessed. 

“Yes. But Dr. Hayati was a woman, but she only tried to replicate what my other doctors had already perscribed me.” You admitted. 

“Figures. Stupid men, no offense Kragan.” Agnes offered as she reached out and touched his arm with her hand. 

“None taken.” Kragan grinned. 

“I will have you take something for the inflammation, something to boost your immune system. And when I’m done, I’m going to give you a special medicine that will make you extremely thirsty. Drink all the fresh and clean water you can- and don’t go much father than a few steps from a toilet. And you’re going to feel like you’re living on it for a while. Because we need to flush your body from all the toxins that have been building up in your system before your baby starts to feed on what you eat and what you take into your body. Ok?” Agnes urged. 

“Ok.” You nodded as you squeezed Kragan’s hand as you finally felt so much better and lighter now that you weren’t carrying this burden with you anymore. 

“Ok, now sleep in five, four, three, two, one.” Agnes coached before you fell into a deep coma right there on the table as your breathing slowed down. 

“Ok, Astrin, write down the list of what foods are on and off of the low residue diet and the low fiber diet. I don’t want her colon stressed any more than it is. And once I get these stones out of her gallbladder, she should be able to eat fat better because her colon will need the fat as a lubricaiton to clean everything out. Gelatin and broths to start, gentle foods for a while and then that special diet once she fully recovers. But she’ll be here for a while. And you’re going to have to take your appointments and mine the rest of the morning cause I’ll be spending my morning on Tessa.” Agnes urged Ainsley. 

“Yes Mama.” Ainsley nodded in agreement as she was already pulling out her mother’s special diet books and writing down the special diet and pulling the appropriate ingredients for the medicines her mother would need to make when she was done with the surgery before she answered the almost incessant knocking at the shop door from the street. 

Kragan sat next to the table, his hand never leaving yours. Agnes pulled up a chair across from him and continued to use her soul forge to manipulate your insides without having to actually cut you open and operate on you herself. She cut off the appendix. Then took all the stones out of the gallbladder and unclogged all the bile ducts so that it could continue to make bile and put them into your colon so you would pass them out on your next bowel movement. She corralled all the toxins in the liver and moved them to be the first things to leave to go into your bladder once you would drink water. And then she broke up all the kidney stones and primed them to be flushed. 

“So? How long had she been diagnosed and she was betrothed to you?” Agnes asked Kragan thoughtfully as she worked. 

“She was diagnosed only two days before her father betrothed her sister to me but thankfully her brat of a sister refused and she switched places with me immediately after. And I’m so grateful she did. Tessa’s awesome. I would have fallen in love with her even if she had been betrothed to another. And had she not switched, I would have.” Kragan admitted. 

“And how much did the other doctors charge to try to cure her?” Agnes asked.

“No idea. But Dorrierra demanded  a million doubloons to even try.” Kragan said, figuring that would be the equivalent. 

“Oh good grief.” Agnes frowned. 

“Those stupid doctors. If they had actually tried to operate on her, they would have absolutely killed her trying to root around for a cancer that wasn’t there.” Agnes ventured. 

“Which is why I brought her to you as soon as I found out.” Kragan revealed. 

“You mean she didn’t tell you until just now?” Agnes asked. 

“Yeah. Fuck Solowards, Tessa really is the only good thing to come out of that place. Well that and her brother Saffiro.” Kragan grumped. 

“I agree.” Agnes hummed a small chuckle.  

“So with such a high price, I take it she didn’t tell you because she didn’t want you spending that kind of sum.” Agnes ventured. 

“Yup.” Kragan nodded.

“Well I’m happy it isn’t cancer. And even if it was. Cancer isn’t the death sentence it used to be. Why do you think I have this soul forge? I’ve operated on almost countless cancer patients when mouras give them unreachably high costs to cure it.” Agnes revealed. 

“Now I’ve known mountain moura who will charge about ten thousand silver doubloons to heal cancer. But a million is just stupid ridiculous. But if she was a Duchess, in such a place as Solowards. It’s probably the kind of place where family honor and family reputation is more valuable than gold and silver.” Agnes ventured. 

“It is apparently.” Kragan nodded. 

“Then that was why she probably didn’t try to get any other offers for cures. And most people think that whatever Dorierra can charge- is in fact the going rate for all. If only they knew the truth that usually Dorierra is the stupid high price. And in colonies is where it’s at. Once I’m done with her. If it costs you a thousand silver doubloons to cure her colon, I’ll be shocked because it should be about half of that, especially if she’s with child. Mouras will often take a cut if it’s for a mother because they put very high values between the relationships of parents and their children. But I’m curing everything else.” Agnes insisted as she double checked your body to make sure she didn’t miss anything as she had the eye travel over your whole body to make sure that nothing else was escaping her or her soul forge as she stood up to move it around you. 

“Thank you. How much do I owe you?” Kragan asked. 

“A kiss on the cheek would be nice.” Agnes giggled which broke the tension because it got Kragan to break out into a big grin and chuckle softly. 

“No, really, how much?” Kragan asked. 

“Oh let me tally it up later.” Agnes waived off before she finished and shut the soul forge down and began going through her apothecary and getting the other things she needed for her medicine for you and getting it prepared before she handed Kragan the list of foods to eat and the other list of foods to avoid. 

“Uh oh.” Kragan huffed a laugh.

“All her favorite foods on the ‘avoid’ list?” Agnes guessed. 

“Yes they are.” Kragan nodded. 

“Well, I think once she wakes up, she’ll happily eat grass if it means she can keep the baby. Oh that’s what I need, wheat grass.” Agnes recalled as she stepped into her little greenhouse and used some scissors to cut up the wheatgrass that was growing and all the other fresh herbs she needed for the medicine and came back to her work bench before there was a knock on the door. 

“Yeah?” Agnes called through the door. 

“Mama Mildred and a guy who claims to be Saffiro- Tessa’s brother are here to check up on Tessa.” Ainsley called through the door before Agnes looked to Kragan who nodded his permission for them to come in. 

“Let them in.” Agnes called back before Ainsley opened the door to see Mildred and Saffiro both tearfully entering the room. 

“Oh My Lady!” Mildred cried as she practically threw herself onto your body. 

“Easy! Easy! She just had surgery.” Kragan helped pull Mildred off of you. 

“But she made it through?” Mildred asked as she reluctantly let you go and made sure you were still breathing. 

“Yes. She’ll be fine. Give me like ten more minutes to finish up this last bit of medicine for her and I’ll show you myself.” Agnes placated. 

“Oh thank the gods.” Mildred and Saffiro both nearly fell to their knees besides the table. 

“So she’ll live? The cancer won’t claim her life?” Saffiro asked. 

“No it won’t because she never had cancer to begin with…” Agnes insisted before she repeated her earlier sentiments and diagnosis and what her previous findings were with help of her soul forge before she finished with the medicine and revived the soul forge and showed Agnes and Saffiro herself what was inside of you without having to actually open you up to do so. 

“See? No cancer. Yes on the side sickness which was her appendix being sick and her gallbladder being full of stones. But I removed the appendix and the stones from the gallbladder. And as you can see, her colon is inflamed and stiff and angry. That’s probably what the doctors were feeling and where her pain is coming from. But otherwise she’s fine. As long as she sticks to the diet until a moura can heal her of her of that she’ll be just fine for the next forty or fifty years at least. Maybe even sixty.” Agnes ventured.  

“Oh praise all the gods.” Mildred and Saffiro both cried in relief before Agnes shut the soul forge off. 

Saffiro and Mildred both pulled her into a tight hug as she accepted their thanks before Kragan hugged her too and kissed both of her cheeks which made Agnes giggle. Then Agnes repeated to all three what your care would entail for the next month or so as Kragan and Saffiro both playfully fought over who would pay Agnes’ bill which she still wouldn’t say exactly how much it was. 

“Whoever can put their money on the table the fastest.” Agnes decided before Saffiro reached into his pocket and put a wad of bills on it and smiled victoriously at Kragan before Agnes took only a few off the top and nudged the rest back at Saffiro. 

“No, that can’t be all. The medicine alone is worth four times what you just took. You just saved my best friend in the world’s life and my favorite sister and the mother to my other best friend’s future children. I owe you ten times what I just put on the table. Please, take it, take all of it and every and all other money I could put into your hands.” Saffiro insisted. 

“Ok, two good things came out of Solowards, Tessa and you.” Agnes grinned to Kragan. 

“Yes.” Kragan laughed. 

“Ok fine, I’ll take oohhh, this much.” Agnes finally caved and took half the stack. 

“And that’s all I’ll take from either one of you.” Agnes insisted as she pointed between Saffiro and Kragan. 

“Ainsley?” Saffiro asked. 

“Yeah?” Ainsley asked as she came to the sound of her name. 

“Can you take this please for my sister’s care?” Saffiro offered her the rest of the money. 

“Yes.” Ainsley smiled as she took it and grinned at her mom. 

“Getting soft in your old age mom.” Ainsley teased. 

“She’s pregnant and already the victim of greedy doctors. I didn’t want to be another one of them.” Agnes defended. 

“You’re right. But I’m not about to turn down well earned money for hard work that was well done. Especially when Felicity needs new shoes and a new winter coat this winter.” Ainsley shrugged before she left to go to her next client. 

“You can pay for Tessa’s room and board while she’s here though.” Saffiro offered to Kragan. 

“Ok fine, you get this round Saffiro. But it’ll be the last time.” Kragan playfully warned before he went over and picked you up off the table just as Mildred came back with the room key to the right room that was given to her from the instructions on the note Agnes wrote to the Inn side for you to stay in a family room. Since you would be staying for at least a month or two as Kragan picked you up and carried you to the room. 

“So did she make it through alright?” Samantha asked as she saw Kragan carrying you and walking with another gentleman along with Mama Mildred who she had given the room key to. 

“She did. Hey, this is her brother Saffiro,” Kragan introduced. 

“Hi, I’m Sammy.” She answered as she shook his hand.  

“Miss Samantha, I was hoping I could get your help. Do you know where the market is that I can get these ingredients?” Mildred asked hopefully as she saw the list and showed it to Samantha.

“Oh my yes. This is a very special diet, poor Tessa. Do you have a budget that you need to stay in?” Sammy asked

“No.” Saffiro and Kragan both answered at the same time. 

“Let me get her in the room and I’ll get you all the coin you’ll need Mildred.” Kragan insisted before Mildred used her key and opened the door for him so he could put you on the bed and let you sleep before he got his bill fold out and handed Mildred a stack of bills. Mildred passed off your new medicine and the prescriptions onto the bedside table for when you would wake up. It was a very standard room. Just small one room apartment with a small kitchen and bathroom area and a bed. But not much else. 

“You’ll need cooking equipment and things too.” He insisted to Mildred. 

“Yes Sir.” Mildred nodded before Saffiro insisted on going with her and helping her in the market before Sammy decided to go and help out too since Sasha was taking care of the desk for the day.  

Kragan opened the windows to let the nice summer breeze in since it was still mid morning and the heat wouldn’t be too high yet. Then he laid down in bed with you and rested while you recovered. After a little while- he felt movement to see you had turned towards him and were frowning in sleep. You squirmed in the thick fur blanket still wrapped tightly around you before Kragan partially unwrapped you so you could move easier before you immediately felt Kragan and cuddled up with him and then relaxed when you were in his arms once more. 

“Is it over?” You asked as your abdomen ached but differently than how you were used to it feeling. 

“Yes, Agnes healed you as much as she could and when you’re ready- I’m sorry- but you do have more medicine to take. But don’t worry, hopefully this will be the last medicine you take for a very long time.” Kragan murmured. 

“If you trust this medicine- I do too.” You said simply. 

“I do. If there was any healer or doctor or medicine. You just got seen by the best there is.” Kragan insisted. 

“I’ll take your word for it. I’m so sorry for keeping this from you. I should have told you so much sooner. You gave me chance after chance after chance to tell you and I never took them and those regrets have been eating away at me.” You murmured tiredly as tears began to escape your closed eyes.

“You never should have let it to begin with. But at least it’s out now and at least it’s not eating at you now is it?” Kragan comforted. 

“No, thank you for not being more furious with me than you already are.” You thanked him. 

“My Love, you thought you had cancer. And because you had the very unfortunate curse as to be born in such a place as Solowards, with it’s stupid rules and laws and such. No wonder you didn’t want to tell me. I..I understand why you didn’t. I just wish I had earned enough of your trust to overcome all of that.” Kragan soothed as he held you tight and pet your hair and down your back. 

“You did. I just let my own fears overwhelm my sense.” You insisted. 

“So tell me how to chase those away too.” Kragan offered. 

“You already have.” You reassured him. 

“As long as I can get through- however long this will take to get my liver and other vital organs flushed out, I shouldn’t have to worry about anything else. Well, for another 9 months at least. And then that something will have a name of it’s own.” You offered with a smile through your happy tears.  

“Yes it will, and I want you to know that I don’t care what if it’s a son or a daughter. It will always get equal love in my eyes and heart.” Kragan assured you. 

“Me too.” You whispered as you hugged him tight and wiped your tears off of his shirt. 

“I can’t imagine starting a family with anyone else.” You added.

“Me either. That child will have one hell of a smart mother.” Kragan grinned. 

“And one hell of a sailor and captain for a father.” You smiled too. 

“I’m just happy that it’s taken care of and dealt with, is there anything else you should tell me?” Kragan asked. 

“Audrey threatened to kill Mildred when we went to Yekmeni over my medicine. So to save Mildred’s life, I had to tell her and it was why Thobin used the stones. Twice.” You confessed. 

“And you never got kicked by a horse?” Kragan ventured. 

“I have in the past but I haven’t been kicked by a horse since I was a teenager.” You clarified. 

“And all this from trying to get a new corset?” Kragan asked.  

“Yup, because each and every single lover Ron has ever had has always had a tiny waist.” You murmured. 

“He’s still an ass.” Kragan insisted. 

“I know.” You readily agreed. 

“And of course- to add insult to injury. When I told Mamah to use my wedding dress to Ron for Millie- she told me she needed to take most of it in the waist but insisted doctors give her special medicine to make her breasts bigger so that the bust of the dress could stay the same so she would pretty much look like an hourglass.” You murmured with a sigh. 

“Well that’s her problem and her health that she’s gambling with.” Kragan sighed too. 

“Oh I know. I’m just grateful I’ll be pregnant and have an excuse not to squeeze my ten pounds of sugar into a five pound bag for the wedding.” You snorted which got Kragan to snicker a laugh too. 

“Nah, I’ll upgrade it to a full 20 lb sack of flour- how’s that?” Kragan teased. 

“Perfect.” You giggled. 

“And so now- you can burn every corset I have. I want to move to Yekmeni after this. I love it that they don’t have corsets at all and the weather is awesome and the food is superb but most importantly- it will give your mother and your sisters and our daughters just as many rights and liberties as it will give to your father, your brother and our sons. But I also want to live in Druach because Drauch was awesome too with the same peramiters that Yekmeni offers, or even anywhere else you want to go. Because with you gone from my side-  noklwhere feels like home without you calling it home with me.” You admitted. 

“Well then we will have a house in both. Besides, I own about a third of Druach anyway, And I’ve been getting that estate even more ready for you for the last two weeks. And I might know of a few more places you might like to lay down some roots in addition to those places.” Kragan admitted. 

“Aww, thank you. You’re too good to me.” You cooed before you finally opened your eyes and pulled him down to kiss you softly but before you could kiss him deeper, your bowel growled. 

“Oh shit, I need to get up, I’ll shit the bed.” You gasped before Kragan helped you up and over to the bathroom before you promptly evacuated your bowles. 

“Oh gods, this wreaks!” You waived the air as you tried flushing it to try to get the offending smell at bay. But still it was awful before Kragan lit a bunch of matches around you to help with the smell. Which got you both to laugh at how rank it was before you heard someone in the street start gagging and cussing up a storm. Which got Kragan and yourself to laugh harder which only made you pass gass even louder and the sound echo in the room which only made you laugh hysterically as Kragan was trying to find something to fan the smell out towards the windows. 

“So how long do we get to stay here this time?” You asked Kragan as you finally finished and had to flush a couple more times to get it all out before you took some special soft toilet paper to wipe with and no sooner had you done that before Mildred came in and nearly fainted. 

“Oh gods!” Mildred began gagging as she dropped her things on the floor and backed out of the room. 

“Potpourri, I need to buy some potpourri!” Mildred insisted before Kragan and yourself picked up what she had bought as she quickly bolted down the hallway to escape the stench. 

“I know that smell, that’s- shitting your guts out to get whatever your body needs to get out- out in a hurry.” Sammy noted with an apologetic look as she was carrying things in as Saffiro’s arms were about ready to give out from all the things he was carrying as he was trying not to gag himself. 

“Good heaven above- did she buy half the market?” You asked Saffiro as you helped unload Sammy’s arms. 

“Yes and more is being delivered at the end of the day. Mildred insisted that if the four of us are going to be staying here for the next two months- that we needed to be comfortable. So I’m right across the hall and Mildred is right next to me.” Saffiro offered as Kragan helped unload his own arms. 

“And all four of you are invited to eat with the family while you’re here. It’s an hour later than the other guests in the dining room. Save for whatever is on the menu that you shouldn’t have Tessa.” Sammy explained. 

“Oh thank you so much.” You thanked her. 

“You’re welcome. You’re going to be part of the family for the time being. Just take your time, rest, recuperate. Hopefully the time will fly by before you know it.” Sammy offered before Nora and Johnny, Lena and Grayson all came to the room. 

“Hey neighbors.” They smiled. 

“Hey.” You waived. 

“Do you still like your dresses?” You asked Lena as you sat back down on the bed. 

“I love them, thank you so much. I wear each one when I go to temple and I get so many compliments whenever I wear them.” Lena giggled gleefully as she was wearing one of your dresses just for this occasion of seeing you again as she twilled in the dress happily. 

“Oh good.” You smiled tiredly. 

“We just came to give you house warming gifts since you’re going to be with us for a while.” Nora explained. 

“Thank you.” You smiled. 

“So are you here cause you’re gonna have a baby like my Mama?” Lena asked you as you had placed your hand over your belly. 

“Yup. I am. It’s still really early and new so I have to be extra careful.” You answered her. 

“Well you have Kragan. My Daddy has been telling me all about how Kragan fights pirates! So if there’s anyone who can keep you safe, it’s Kragan!” Lena insisted which got you to giggle and wrap her up in your arms and hug her tight as Saffiro awed. 

“You’re right. There is no one I’m better off with or safer with- than Kragan.” You readily agreed. 

“Hey have you met my brother? That’s Saffiro.” You introduced her to your brother. 

“If she was a Duchess, does that mean you’re a Duke?” Lena asked. 

“Nope, our father is the Duke. I’ll only inherit that title when my father dies. So not for a very long time. So I am just Saffiro, at your service My Lady” Saffiro insisted charmingly to Lena who giggled in delight.