Even from afar the Audience Hall nearly vibrated with low buzz of various voices. Sometimes loud, sometimes barely a whisper. Vast room was filled with too many people, the sheer number exceeded all expectations, but that wasn't the biggest problem…

The more time passed, the more agitated people became. Only silent presence of mysterious warriors of Leone, together with assistance of neutral Laoud soldiers, who were standing in neuralgic positions in the hall made it possible to contain guests for the time being.

Even though silence of masked tribesmen successfully suppressed any sign of outward violence between gathered visitors, it was only matter of time before their patience would wane.

Clearly, fate decided to test their tolerance in more extreme manner this evening...

"…What are they doing here…?!"

"…Who let them in…?"

"…How dare they show their faces, here of all places…?!"

"…why is nobody throwing them out of here…?!"

Dismayed and outraged people started to use offensive gestures, previously low whispers became loud angered complaint some even threatened small, compared to the rest of gathered in the Audience Hall people, dense group, which was standing next to the door.

The Leone did nothing to separate the most dangerous individuals and their newest prey, quite the opposite. It seemed that behind their masks and veils, they shared the same hostility toward newcomers.

The present soldiers of Laoud were puzzled by such strange behaviour of their companions in duty. Impassivity of Leone together with their clear resentment underneath bordered on open permission for more brazen if not dangerous actions from citizens of Sevia.

The Black Devils…

They weren't so scary anymore… The infamous, fearsome Jegger Tribe… and now what? Detached, tired, so thin…

…so few…

…so ordinary.

Are they truly the same demons, who slew so many? Who inflicted such fear by their almost inhuman deeds?

This is what we were so afraid of all those years?

Perhaps out of pent-up fear and misery, now that threat of Black Devils seemed to disappear in thin air all those suppressed for many years emotions could pour out freely and focus directly on its sole cause.

The group counted barely over one hundred tribesmen… Through the entire war numbers of Jegger were severely decimated by both the Queen herself and by wrong decisions of the Earl. What was left of this 'nation' was pale fang-less shadow.

Exhausted and little detached women were keeping an eye on few children, who survived. Kids like no other easily could sense hidden aggression, be it thanks to their instinct or 'purity'. Even though Leone neither approached them nor openly acknowledged their presence, none of the children dared to wander away from adults in their proximity.

Most of men died during the war. It was said that both sexes were equally bloodthirsty, but no one could deny the fact that males were simply stronger than their female counterparts.

Thus, women usually helped with reconnaissance while men were sent to exterminate any obstacles through assassinations. There were few females strong enough to rival their men, but they were exception to the rule. In the end, most women stuck to gathering intelligence from the enemies of their tribe.

This tactic was plainly evident with numbers of men who did survive the last war in Tamir. Those who managed to come back were either severely wounded or even crippled for a life.

They never took hostages, neither they expected to be taken as such.

In these bloody times to live to an old age bordered on a miracle. These few who survived despite war and nomadic lifestyle dictated by widespread hatred toward their kind were respected by their brethren for wisdom and thus protected. It was almost ridiculous that current members of Jegger were mostly women, elder or children. They didn't possess any true military power anymore, the Queen with her premature decision to terminate them made sure of that.

What was probably the most depressing was the fact that adult members of Jegger Tribe weren't surprised by reaction of the crowd, more like they were used to this kind of treatment…

Nobody noticed small, thin boy, who conquered his fear of Leone and sneaked near the groaning with food table.

Since Eleanor's treacherous poisoning, Jeggers became extremely wary of food prepared by 'others'. That's why, when they were somehow forced to stay in the East Wing of the Palace most of them despite Daniel's many reassurances decided to stick to their own provisions. Soon they had to ration the food and together with prolonged stay under watchful surveillance of victorious forces, the situation rapidly became dire.

Boy glanced over his shoulder in direction of his younger sister. She was so pale and listless with hunger that she seemed like empty doll tucked underneath arm of their aunt.

None of their parents survived the war, so duty to feed his sibling fell upon him. He couldn't rely on adults, they only stupidly stood there and allowed others to becall them freely. Adults were truly useless…

Anyhow, why anyone would try to poison them now? What's the point? They lost, as simple as it was, they didn't have any strength left to fight anymore. Stupid aunt and her stupid fears.

He looked around warily and once he was sure nobody paid him any attention, he reached for one roast chicken thigh which was laying closer to him. Quickly he slipped it under his tattered caftan and slowly counted to ten. When nobody reacted too preoccupied with adult quarrelling he moved to opposite end of table, where he could see some loafs of bread.

He carefully surveyed his surroundings and once again reached for food. Just before he was able to safely hide it a large shadow fell upon him from behind and one meaty hand grabbed his wrist squeezing it painfully.

"What do we have here?" stranger's voice boomed high over boy's head drawing more attention "Dirty little thief?!" man shook wrist of his captive so viciously that loaf of bread fell from kid's numb fingers. Boy sorrowfully watched its inevitable descend toward dirty floor as if in slowed motion.

When it bounced several times only to be kicked away by the brute, who still held his arm boy felt rising fury. Such a waste of food! Why?! Why won't they leave us alone?! Tear born out of frustration slowly run down his cheek.

That's when man decided to punch his lights out with back of his hand. The slap was so heavy, that he fell into near chair and crumpled to the ground stunned by strength of impact, which too focused on food he didn't see coming.

Little dizzy and aching all over boy bit his lower lip in order not to either scream at man or burst in angry tears. He succeeded only partially, even though no words came out of his mouth, despite his best efforts one angry tear slowly travelled down his hot from strike face.

Encouraged by silent approval from other people, indifference of Leone and clear resignation from Jeggers man took one threatening step toward the child revolting smile spreading on his lips.

At the entrance there could be heard some commotion. The new group has just arrived. Before either Shine or Daniel could react, cold, filled with fury female voice sliced through constant noise of discussions instantly silencing the crowd.

"What on earth do you think you are doing to this kid?"

This was as if Lena came back to her own childhood days. The scene unfolding before her was sickeningly familiar. How many times she had to endure humiliation and scorn form so-called elite? And because of what? Her heritage? Her mom? Or perhaps her father's misplaced pride?

This atmosphere, as if this boy wasn't even human being… A thing not even worth your 'precious' time and attention…

She bloody knows this atmosphere.

She quickly surveyed room as far as she could from the place she stood at the entrance, immediately noticing unmoved by incident Leone, confused soldiers of Laoud and resigned Jeggers. Her 'guests' froze at her entering with expressions of mild interest but completely no objection to man's unacceptable behaviour.

She narrowed her eyes threateningly barely managing to contain just awakened old demons from her distant past, which successfully fuelled her rapidly rising fury.

Her companions also stopped at entrance, surprised by her sudden outburst. Alarmed by her frozen expression, which usually foreshadowed someone's swift and painful death during the most fierce battles they warily followed line of her glare.

The entire Audience Hall was filled with pregnant silence waiting for man's answer.

Man frowned clearly surprised that somebody would actually interrupt his little fun. Stupid, satisfied with himself grin slowly faded replaced by perplexed expression. Suddenly realising WHOSE exactly attention he captured, he froze. Immediately all the blood left his face. There was only one woman with such exotic features in Sevia…

"Oh…" he stammered "It's only… khm!..." finally he managed to overcome his initial shock and begun once again, this time with more self-confidence "This little spawn of Black Devils tried to steal with his filthy hands food prepared for feast in your honour, My Lady." He bowed reverently "They dared to show themselves uninvited and since nobody reacted to such disgrace I decided to punish this skinny rat properly." He finished clearly proud of himself, after all who's going to care about little brat? Maybe his actions will ensure him some gratitude from the future queen? He protected her honour, didn't he? Filled with hope he flashed her broad satisfied smile.

"Unbelievable…" Lena didn't think she could be more furious, clearly she was wrong. What a lousy excuse for getting your way and trying to butter somebody up like that. Was he only stupid or simply blind?

"I can't believe I'm hearing this rubbish…" cold fury was ringing in her outwardly calm voice.

"But , My Lady, I thought…" man fumbled for words faintly.

"You weren't 'thinking' and that's the problem." deliberately she slowly stepped forward and gracefully sashayed toward him "As the matter of fact, Jegger Tribe WAS invited" she paused "– by ME." When her last word echoed in stunned Audience Hall many thought that now she resembled more some jungle cat on the prowl rather than elegant, lithe exotic beauty.

Ignoring collective shocked sigh she devoted her complete attention to once again pale man.

When she reached him she whispered confidentially in not so low voice "If you want to be able to sit on you fat backside tomorrow morning, move out of my way… now." Only those, who were the nearest were able to hear her words clearly, as for the rest it was left to their vivid imagination.

Ley stood tall and regal, but compared to this man who was easily twice her size, even she looked rather petite. When the male saw her deceivingly calm and composed face so close he froze for a moment. That is until he saw dark fire of carefully concealed fury burning within her obsidian eyes.

He stepped aside so quickly, that he nearly tripped over his own suddenly sluggish legs. His only panicked thought was: All this for one mere brat?

As if he didn't exist anymore, Ley breezed past him heading toward stunned by course of events boy.

When she reached the kid she noticed he was around Maria's age maybe little older, but not by much. His clothes were used for far too many years, not to mention they were little too big for his indeed skinny body.

Despite fact that this oaf of man had to look for this child like a huge mountain, boy didn't seem to be scared, more like frustrated or even angry.

She crossed arms over her chest and tilted her head slightly "Why did you try to steal this food?"

Boy stubbornly pressed his lips together and didn't utter a word, probably thinking that once again he is being toyed with. More tears shone in his eyes at this new humiliation, but not even one run down his cheek anymore. He managed to wipe last two when woman was whispering something to this fat brute.

Good, they weren't able to break him yet. Ley thought slightly amused by his stubborn and proud expression, even if he wiped his tears she could easily see he did cry a little at some point.

When the silence prolonged and it was obvious this strange woman was simply waiting patiently for his answer without any signs of irritation, boy looked up at her face once again. She seemed… curious, he thought with shock. Not annoyed, not furious, but… INTERESTED in his honest answer.

She SAW him… not Black Devil, not thief or beggar, but him.

Even though her face was neither friendly nor hostile, he felt somehow safe.

That was just too much! He bit his lower lip and clenched both fists, trying desperately not to cry. He will not! No matter what!

One traitorous tear run down his red from strike cheek. Irritated he rubbed it off quickly before it reached his chin.

When strange woman didn't comment on his sign of weakness, he decided to answer her honestly. He didn't have anything to loose anyway…

"We don't have enough food and my little sister is hungry." He said succinctly. Warily, he glanced from under his fringe at woman and her reaction.

Little puzzled, Ley cocked her head to the other side "Hungry? But the servants were responsible for providing food also to the East Wing…"

Boy blushed ashamed by what was to come next, even so he answered once again albeit little begrudgingly "Since the Queen Eleanor poisoned our tribe once in the past, we don't trust easily strangers and their treat, Lady." He lowered his gaze awaiting punishment for too much honesty.

The blow or curse never came, instead he heard heavy exasperated sigh and calm order "Don't lower your eyes."

Surprised by her stern tone his head involuntarily snapped up as if by its own will, only to meet dark watchful gaze.

"What's your name?"

Bewildered by sudden change of course in this rather abstract situation, boy answered this time without any hesitation "Geralt, My Lady."

Only then woman grimaced slightly, but more at his choice of words than at him "Quit addressing me that, you can call me Ley."

Geralt's eyes widened with astonishment and probably not only his but other people's also. He was actually conversing casually with pretender to the throne of Kabul.

Unmoved by commotion she caused, woman – no – Ley, came closer calmly continuing as if nothing happened "When you speak, never turn your eyes away, don't lower your gaze, rise your head proudly, you have nothing to be ashamed of. I should have known that some of your tribesmen would be wary if not downright distrustful while being our guests. It was miscalculation on my part, I apologize for that."

WHAT? This, this woman was APOLOGIZING to him? To Jegger?!

Thus indifferent Leone suddenly showed some signs of mild discomfort. They didn't like the way The Child of The Prophecy treated Jegger, not even a little bit.

Not that it was going to stop Lena from doing as she pleases...

For the first time, Jegger Tribe seemed more lively as if they awakened from long trance. That so wasn't what they expected. They weren't the only one surprised by scene unfolding before them. Every single man, woman and child watched with rapt attention, nearly holding their breath, wondering how this will end.

Suddenly 'boar-man', as Lena named the brute in her mind found his own tongue "Why? Why do you even apologize to this little thief, My Lady?! He is JEGGER!" he cried out, as if that was reason enough for him.

"So what?" she tilted her head.

Dumbfounded man opened his mouth several times, but no words came out. Finally he managed to croak: "What?"

"I said, so what if he is a Jegger?" Ley planted fists on her waist and arched one black brow at him daringly.

"B-but th-they killed for the Bloody Queen!" he exclaimed desperately.

"Who? This little boy? Oh.. I see" she nodded her head in sudden comprehension "you are talking about his little sister… No?" she tapped her lower lip thoughtfully with her forefinger "Hm… Then you meant perhaps this old wrinkled grandpa over there…Still not him?" abruptly Ley smacked her clenched fist in palm of other hand mockingly "I see! You were talking about that pregnant lady with huge belly, who is apparently ready to explode at any given moment?"

Man reddened considerably, but some shreds of his survival instinct prevented him from making fool out of himself completely, at least in his own estimation.

"B-but…! They are devils! Demons!"

Lena's expression abruptly sobered. The swift change from open sardonic attitude to once again serious demeanour was truly frightening.

"Oh, phu-lese! They are HUMAN BEINGS, as you or me…" she snapped clearly irritated by his argument "and as for their collaboration with the Queen…"

"Let me rephrase your statement" she raised her voice so it could be heard as far as possible addressing entire crowd "Do you think I should punish maids who helped Eleanor to drug me with one dose after another?" Lena turned around looking from one soldier to another without distinguishing their nationality "Or perhaps we should execute all soldiers who stayed till the very end by the side of their rightfully chosen ruler because of their poorly placed loyalty?" she focused on servants, who prepared the Audience Hall "Maybe I should kill the herbalist, who on order of her queen brought ingredients for her foul mixture, don't you think?"

People glanced from one to another, confused by her questions not sure what would be the best answer.

Ley allowed them to whisper a little before she drew all their attention once more "No one is without a fault. Those who didn't lift a finger, simply watched for years the bloody regime of Eleanor and did nothing to save their own country are the same as those who actively aided the Bloody Queen."

She ignored indignant murmurs and continued "In illusionary safety of obedience you allowed one spoiled brat to drench your homeland in blood and gore for years."

The silence once again filled the vast room.

"Instead of protecting your country, your nation, your families, most of you were silent." Woman surveyed faces of people standing close to her noting their slight discomfort.

"Only few of you decided to put stop to this and they indeed paid high price for it. With their lives."

"There are so many of you present in this hall and I ask one question: Where were you back then?"

People muttered to each other, whispered shifting from one foot to other perplexed expression showed in all their variety.

"You condemn Geralt, only because of his heritage" Lena pointed at shocked skinny boy "I ask once again: Are YOU responsible for who gave birth to you? Who sired you?" she shook her head slightly at their silence "Can you take complete responsibility for each other? All of you?"

Nobody was able to answer her.

She turned toward representatives of Leone Tribe and Shine "One death brings another one. One vengeance causes another need for retribution. One blood calls to other blood. The viscous spiral of violence will never end this way."

Lena glanced at Geralt of Jegger Tribe "Boy, tell me what do you desire?"

Little perturbed by being once again in centre of attention skinny kid searched for perfect words to answer such a strange question.

"I… I want to be strong… strong enough to protect my little sister, strong enough so she won't be hungry anymore, strong enough that nobody will dare to insult us anymore…" he raised his eyes to bravely meet black ones "strong enough to understand why were we always so hated."

Ley's lips curved in rare slight smile, changing her entire expression. It seemed as if fierce female from moment ago disappeared without a trace, leaving behind radiating with warmth beauty.

"Good answer, Geralt." She said proudly as if he passed some test.

Suddenly Lena crouched unceremoniously before still sitting on his butt boy.

"Show me your knee."

"…W-what?!.."

"I said show me you bleeding knee." Little irritated woman reached for his leg and examined it carefully. Luckily it was only minor scratch, nothing serious, but he sure had to hit it hard for it to bleed so much.

"Hm… you'll have little scar in future, heh it's bleeding pretty bad, hold up this trouser-leg for me for a while…"

Before anyone could move from their position, as if out of nowhere Lena pulled little adorned stiletto.

"…No!" only Sharris, who read Ley's intention perfectly tried to protest "Not the…!"

…RIIIIIP…

"…dress." she finished. Girl shook her head in exasperation quickly glancing in direction of certain servant.

"Oh my God! Cid! Catch this lady!" petite blond gestured toward old woman in decent clothes right before she fainted mumbling something about 'creation'. Fortunately man managed to reach her in time before she hit the floor already unconscious.

"Who is this lady?" stunned Cid held in his arms wrinkled little granny.

"Brilliant! Just brilliant! Aren't you proud of yourself, Ley?" girl muttered briefly glancing at woman's pale face "It's Head Dressmaker" she answered little absent-minded while rubbing her temple in irritation.

Completely ignoring ruckus from behind, Ley took just ripped off piece of silk and bandaged skilfully the wound "There… you'll have to wash it properly later on, even if it's minor still you have to disinfect it right away."

Just as mysteriously she pulled out stiletto, it suddenly disappeared swiftly hidden somewhere between layers of gown. She brushed skirt of her dress critically glancing at considerable damage she just made, but after a while she just shrugged and extended her hand toward stunned to the point of being mute boy.

When he only stared at her palm she wiggled her fingers at him "Pick up your jaw from the ground level and stand up, c'mon…" she smirked at his widening eyes.

Dumbfounded boy reached out his hand slowly as if in some trance and grasped her palm. Before he knew what was happening, he was being pulled up by strong tug to vertical position.

What on earth is happening?

The hopefully future queen of Kabul knelt before a mere child …

She reprimanded old nobleman as if he still was some youngling, making complete fool of him right before their very eyes.

This woman actually destroyed her own gown only to make bandage for a Jegger…

'Dumbfounded' was too weak word to describe the state of people gathered in the Audience Hall this evening.

Royals never in their wildest dreams expected such a public statement. This girl wasn't even the queen yet and still she chastised her 'visitors' like the one already.

Sigfrid after initial shock couldn't help himself and snickered seeing astonished expression of Sir Wulf. If that was only surprise for the old fox, Prince almost pitied him. ALMOST was the key word.

Ley's last comment to the boy about the jaw could be easily addressed to most of present guests. Her frank mannerism and straightforward if not bold speech could easily render anyone speechless, her closest companions included.

When she hoisted skinny boy she frowned seeing all that dust which he 'dutifully' collected from the dirty floor. With her left hand she simply brushed his clothes impatiently to get rid of the most of it. Once she was finished, Ley turned toward stunned Shine.

"Tell me Shine, can you look in the eyes of this honest boy and still talk about extermination of his tribe in name of long forgotten treason of their ancestors?" she tilted her head curiously "I don't intend to forget about their sins, I'm far from that, but what I absolutely will not allow is some lynch upon Jegger Tribe."

With her right hand still on Geralt's shoulder she stood before morose Leone. "You can't blame ALL members of their tribe for bloody deeds committed by some of them." Ley lowered her voice slightly and arched one brow "Borrowing your logic: Should I blame all Leone for what Ariana selfishly did to me?"

Man's eyes widened slightly quickly flickering toward Aran Prince.

Truth be told, Shine somehow got used to the presence of Jegger Tribe. He might have not like it, but he was forced by this stubborn female to tolerate them now…

Ever since Ley opposed him openly about Kamiel he couldn't stop thinking about words she said back then. What did he really know about Black Devils? For many decades his tribe was taught to resent all descendants of deflected clan, their mere existence was aberrant to this world and that was reason enough for him to kill any Jegger he met.

Until he met this unique woman that is…

She questioned him and his vision of the world. Thanks to her, he had to revision ancient fundamental laws of his own people.

He watched very closely Kamiel, but not even once could he find anything 'evil' in him. More importantly, later without his help and Daniel message they would have never been able to act so quickly to save Ley.

Begrudgingly he had to admit that the possibility that not all of cursed Black Devils were evil DID exist.

At her question, phrased in this specific manner he could answer in only one way…

"… I guess I have to admit my defeat if you put it that way…" his lips twitched in involuntary smile "how do you do this?" he tilted his head slightly "You are able to see past your own emotions and draw the most unorthodox conclusions despite such a young age…"

Lena snorted hearing his 'praise' "Oh… believe me, I'm far from being calm, composed person you describe…" she glanced in direction of her four comrades briefly before answering more seriously "there are important people close to me, who if the need arises will knock me from my horse to protect me from my own stupidity… You just have to find that kind of person for yourself." She only half-joked.

Shine's eyes lightened with humour and taking advantage of her divided attention he gallantly reached for her right hand.

"… I think I already found her…" the sunny smile spread on his lips and before she could stop him he lowered his head to kiss her hand.

In the last moment, to her utter astonishment he winked to her coquettishly and swiftly turned her palm slightly so his lips touched inside of her wrist, right above suddenly fluttering pulse.

Seeing such unusual behaviour of normally reserved and distant Leone people started whispering feverishly.

The Child of the Prophecy truly brought refreshing wind of changes and the evening has just begun...

Thus sardonic expression quickly faded from Sigfrid's face immediately replaced by fierce scowl, nearly rivalling Lucien's.

Currently both monarchs knitted their brows and glared at certain brazen member of Leone Tribe.

Young King of Tamir remembered suddenly his last talk with Shine, right before assault on Keunak Castle. Maybe this man had personal reason in prying in Lucien's love life?

If possible, his frown deepened even more.

What was even more aggravating was the fact, that none of royals, duh! nobody present there could do anything to stop Shine – Ley included. Not if they wanted to cause more political problems. And this frustrating enigma of a man, took full advantage of that… The bastard!

Political scandal in this delicate situation definitely wasn't something they needed, especially not right now. Good thing Michael predicted Sean's outraged outburst and quickly covered his mouth with his palm beforehand successfully silencing words kid would say without any shred of hesitation.

Lena felt as if her wrist was burning. She was suddenly acutely aware of every single stare their little scene had attracted. The place Shine's lips touched her skin was itching furiously… She felt impulsive urge to yank her hand away and wipe it with the skirt of her dress to erase this incident completely. God! How she wanted to do so…

And he bloody knew it judging by his twinkling eyes!

Seeing internal fight briefly flashing in Ley's dark eyes man's smile widened even more and once again he winked at her conspiratorially as if the whole situation was their little private joke. Only then, well aware of two royals who were on the verge of stomping between them with determination to separate him from Ley, he reluctantly let go of her hand, grinning very satisfied with himself.

"I can't believe he did that!" Prince of Aran muttered angrily "moreover, in front of everyone…" he fumed.

"How dare he come up with this brilliant idea before me…!"

"I don't think you have the monopoly to 'bully' Lady Lena, Your Majesty" Bisal whispered to his monarch little amused.

Frustrated Sigfrid shot him annoyed glare "Are you having good fun there? At the expense of your future king at that? Aren't you little too cheeky, hm?"

His faithful aide only waved his hand dismissively "As if that ever was any problem for you, My Prince."

Irritated royal only snorted once again focusing his attention on now freed Ley, who immediately retreated several steps, creating 'safety zone' between herself and troublesome man.

"Honestly! Another one? How many competitors will I have?" Sigfrid grumbled under his nose.

"You have to admit Sire, that Lady Lena is truly outstanding person… When we sent her to Leone Tribe to ask for their aid, nobody had much expectations and yet here they are…" servant pointed out.

"God! And he said she tried to take him hostage! Is he some masochist?"

"Khm… Like you're the one to talk after being kneed in your 'crown jewels' by her…" Bisal coughed in his clenched fist, successfully masking his own observation.

"Were you saying something?" monarch asked, his tone filled with suspicion.

"Nothing, nothing at all, Your Majesty" bodyguard swiftly answered donning the most honest expression from his apparently vast repertoire.

Doubt still lingering on his face, Sigfrid turned his gaze toward still scowling Lucien.

"Really… Is there some hidden rule to have many rivals? Was it some carefully veiled clause, written in so itty-bitty letters you can't read them without help of magnifying glass?" he discreetly eyed Michael.

"'WARNING: In order to claim this woman, you have to 'defeat' half of the male population', huh?" Prince pouted mockingly.

"But think, My Prince… How much sweeter the victory will be after overcoming so many obstacles…" hooded man murmured to his royals ear.

Amused Sigfrid smirked "I knew I was keeping you by my side for a reason…"

"Only for that? You wound me, Sire…" aide sardonically placed left hand over his aching heart.

She won't underestimate him, ever again…

That's what was circling over and over again in Ley's slightly shocked mind after sudden traitorous 'attack' from Shine. From Sigfrid she could expect this, from Lucien… maybe in some secluded place… but reserved Leone?

She didn't see that coming, that was for sure and when she glanced in direction of both monarchs, Sir Wulf and her friends and bloody anyone else present here, she knew there will be some explanation needed, and quickly at that…

Real quick, like for a yesterday…

Why does he keep doing this outrageous things, she didn't know. First was among his own tribe and now this…

She observed with the corner of her eye the other Leone and just as she expected, they were the only ones not so surprised by Shine's actions.

Go figure…

What's the point of creating such a scene, anyway? That puzzled her the most – the lack of logic in this… What will he gain in this?

God knows she will never hear end of those rumours undoubtedly already circling among her 'visitors' by now.

Great, just what she needed…

"Before we talk, let's eat first. I'm sure everyone is starving because of all this waiting…" she sighed little resigned, rubbing her temple.

At her words crowd once again buzzed with various whispered discussions. One was sure, The Child of The Prophecy provided quite an entertainment.

Seeing their curious stares and lively reaction Lena muttered under her nose so the only one who could actually hear her was the little kid "Glad to be sooo amusing…" she mocked.

Grumbling to herself she turned on her heel and headed to the nearest table, purposely ignoring extravagant chair at the podium at the top of the biggest table.

It was way too early for her to be forced to sit on it…

If ever…

Seeing her defiant expression Michael chuckled to himself, finally releasing irritated Sean.

"You didn't have to do this!" boy mumbled little offended at such lack of trust.

"Oh, but I did… I bet you were going to sprout some nonsense of her being you fiancé or something…"

Young man only blushed slightly little alarmed that he was so easy to read.

"All is good for now, but what the check am I supposed to do with this granny?" Cid muttered looking down little discomforted by his 'burden', or more like reason behind this woman's current state.

Really, Ley…you…!

"Oh, for crying out loud!" exasperated Sharris sighed and snapped her fingers and after barely a moment one male servant appeared out of nowhere and set Kabul knight free from his liability.

Dumbfounded men only stared at petite blond.

"What? After what I went through with Ley and her 'preparations' all servants know, 'who' to listen to now." Girl shrugged her shoulder. It's not like she asked for it, that was maids sole conclusion after pure hell of dressing Ley up. And that kind of useful news, travels really fast among servants, that was for sure…

Smile tugged at Michael's lips despite his best efforts "You know that you're sounding more like Ley now?"

Sharris froze, turning her suddenly widened eyes toward silver-haired man "Please tell me you're joking!" she turned her pleading gaze mutely at Cid.

Amused by her expression knight grinned "I'm afraid Michael is right on spot here… sorry…" he shrugged.

"Oh my God!" Sharris exclaimed "One Ley is more than enough already!" the girl whined.

"Don't worry, I'm sure it's not permanent" Sean patted her back pityingly, which earned him a fierce scowl in return.

"…Or maybe not…?"

"Sit here, Geralt…" Ley pointed nearest chair little amused that it somehow dwarfed skinny kid.

He's going to be completely swallowed by it once he sits.

Shocked boy only stared mutely from Ley to the seat and once again at her, not sure how to react.

Little distracted Lena surveyed the room once again, finding Geralt's family and one really pregnant woman from before. It was a miracle she was able to walk considering how close she must've been to her term. Seeing that none of the Jegger Tribe moved from the spot where she first saw them, Ley cursed under her breath and stalked toward them.

"You must be Geralt's sister" she addressed a pale girl, little younger than Maria. "I bet you're hungry, go sit beside your brother he's waiting for you." Noticing slight hesitation of woman who was hugging the kid Lena nodded in direction of the food.

Finally woman also nodded in response and slowly headed toward Geralt as if she feared the blow would strike at any given moment.

Thankfully, the various scowls were the only thing she had to endure.

Only after she reached safely of the table, Lena turned toward 'soon-in-labour-lady'.

"I'm sure your feet are killing you right now, it would be the best for the baby and yourself to finally sit." She tilted her head, calculating the distance between bewildered woman and the nearest seat.

Her line of sight fell upon the 'almost-throne'.

She smirked, as if she would sit there…

Suddenly Ley froze.

Just wait a moment…!

If I will not sit on it, will it be considered as dishonour? She glanced suspiciously at Sir Wulf, who watched her with rapt attention.

He wouldn't dare…

…Would he?

She made experimentally one step toward the makeshift throne, still secretly observing expression of the old knight carefully.

There! The relief briefly flashed over his face.

Woman narrowed her black eyes threateningly.

You'll 'wait' for my decision, huh? Wait, my ass!

If she sits on, it will be like declaring to the entire world that she decided to take their proposition seriously.

The high adorned chair seemed suddenly ominous.

What the hell… will they see my reluctance to sit on it as an affront?

She glanced at Geralt, no… she couldn't insult citizens of Kabul just yet, not if she wanted to ensure safety to the Jeggers first.

What a mess…

Ley furrowed her brows thinking furiously and abruptly she smirked.

Remember that it was you who started it, you old fox…

Swiftly she took weakly protesting pregnant lady under her elbow and decisively directed her to the throne.

"I heard it's the best to keep your feet high, especially at the end of your pregnancy, this seat will suit this purpose perfectly…"

Woman opened her lips mutely several times too shocked by this outrageous proposition. She glanced over her shoulder searching for her leader with utter desperation, only to find Daniel with his mouth nearly agape.

And he wasn't the only one…

Sigfrid lowered his head toward stunned Sir Wulf "She saw right through youuu…" he happily sang into his ear.

"Oh… Shut it!" other man muttered through his teeth.

After Ley unceremoniously pushed poor woman on the seat one low nobleman, who was standing next to them, managed to overcome his initial stunned state.

"B-but, My Lady…." He stuttered "This seat is not for the likes of her… It, it was prepared especially for you…"

Lena pretended to consider his offer for a second, but quickly shook her head "I appreciate your offer, but how could I allow this poor woman to stand in her current state…" she tilted her head and flashed him rare brief smile "I'm young, not pregnant and perfectly healthy. I'm sure I'll manage somehow, besides it was the nearest to this woman" she shrugged her shoulders as if she just couldn't help it "Surely you don't have anything against that?" she arched brow at him.

"B-but! She is a Jegger!" he exclaimed, waving his hands in agitation.

Wrong answer, buddy…

Her slight smile gradually disappeared replaced by cold mask.

"I think I made myself absolutely clear that I'll not allow such discrimination based only on heritage." Her voice lowered bringing chills to the listeners "Also, I absolutely will not allow anyone to wipe out Jegger Tribe because of sins committed by some of them."

"Because that's what you'll have to do…"

Ley raised her head and surveyed entire Audience Hall from the podium "Revenge ends only when the blood lineage is completely annihilated… Only if you kill every single one member of this tribe, so no survivor will seek his own vengeance… Only then this never ending spiral of constant violence will truly end, once for all…"

She crossed arms in front of her chest slowly "IF by some misplaced sense of justice you'll want to vent your anger blindly at innocents only because of their blood ties with the true murderers" she raised her chin defiantly "you'll have to go straight through me first."

The silence was defying.

"Y-you will choose THEM over us?" some shocked woman mumbled, voicing everyone's question aloud.

Ley frowned slightly "It's not the matter of choosing one men over other…" she cocked her head to the left "I never once said I'm choosing anyone…"

"But, My Lady you just said…!"

"What I'm choosing, is to preserve the last shreds of HUMANITY still left within me…" she interrupted her.

"What I wish for you is to learn… to be able to distinguish true sinner, true murderer, true traitor from the innocent." She shook her head "Just because they were born in this tribe doesn't mean every single one Jegger is, for the lack of better word: evil…"

Ley straightened her posture "Should I assume, that because previous Queen was bloodthirsty all people of Kabul has her 'taint' deep within themselves? Didn't some of you truly enjoy her bloody tournaments? It sure sounded like that to me…"

"Do you expect us to just FORGIVE them?!" one angered voice shouted from the crowd.

"I never said that either…" Ley sighed heavily seeking patience "What I'm expecting of noble nation of Kabul is JUSTICE, nothing less, nothing more…" she bowed her head slightly, focusing on the bellower "Only that… and that much…"

"Where was the justice, when their brethren slaughtered us?!"

"They never showed us any mercy!"

"Yea! So why should we show them any?!"

Lena narrowed her eyes "So it's good to become the same monsters you were so afraid before? Only because now YOU can?" finally she snapped "What I wanted to hear isn't this childish need for blind retribution, but mature decision based not on emotions but your reason… Sure it's hard, but not impossible…"

"Not even once I suggested to simply forget sins of Jegger Tribe, God knows I'll remember every single one of them till the day that I die! The burden of responsibility that they wiped out the entire village in which I was treated is mine to bear… Because of one person the entire hamlet was annihilated…"

"You don't have to remind me of their bloody deeds…" Ley raised her voice that it could be heard as far as possible "What I don't want is to become the same murderer as some of them were…" she glanced at first row of the crowd "Are you really prepared to stain your hands with the blood of innocents?" she gestured toward Geralt and his little sister "Truly prepared?"

No one was able to answer that.

Both Shine and Cid frowned, little disturbed that apparently THEIR humanity was being questioned.

Did they really became so blind with revenge, they couldn't judge things properly anymore? Was their vengeance so overwhelming, they lost touch with the reality?

What an truly unsettling thought…

After a little pause Lena continued "I don't want to condemn ANY human being only because of my own prejudices… They may be justified, they may be right to some point, but that doesn't change the fact that they indeed ARE prelude to bigotry…"

"You say I'm choosing Jeggers over your nation…" woman lowered her voice once again forcing people to concentrate on her once again "I have heard that you want me to become your leader… but what are you actually doing right now?" she tilted her head.

"When truly difficult decision has to be made you question my reasoning out of need for bloody retribution…" she glared at nearest noble, who so feverishly tried to protect her 'throne' from dirty Jegger.

"Indeed, what a hypocrisy… You offer me the throne and yet when my decision doesn't suit you, you immediately argue it…"

"And here I thought you were different… I hoped that Kabul nation would be righteous and fair… I hoped that regime of revenge and all that bloodshed has ended together with death of Eleanor…"

Ley unfolded her arms "I guess I was wrong…"

"Oh God, she wouldn't…!" Sigfrid suddenly paled, praying feverishly he was wrong with his suspicion.

"I don't want to live in a country, where people are easily discriminated because of their blood ties, customs, features, religion or history…" she stepped from the podium "You want to become no better than 'devils' you were so afraid before? Fine, but without me…"

"…She WOULD…" he sighed, briefly glancing at stunned Sir Wulf, who swayed on his heels slightly as if he was going to collapse.

Dear Lord! She really gambled like that…

Well… Prince of Aran thought when he finally overcame his own initial shock. It's win-win situation for her… He mused. Either she'll force them to abide by her will in this matter, or they'll set her free from this succession issue…

None of conspirators predicted this.

That questioned if they ever stood a chance in setting her up as the queen in first place…

To their absolute shock, their candidate for the throne simply sashayed through parting before her crowd until she reached gaping Daniel.

"Pick up your things, we're leaving."

"W-wha…?"

"I said, tell you tribe to prepare to move out, we are leaving."

"We?" he asked weakly.

She looked at him as if he was retarded "Yes, 'WE'… I can't let you stay here, I'm not sure citizens of Sevia will honour the Leone Treaty moreover I completely lost any desire to hear them out after what I just had to listen to…"

"Just like that? You will leave with us?" the man was completely baffled by the mere idea.

"Hm… It's more like I'll go together with you to ensure nobody will try to massacre your brethren until we find some home for you… later I have some place to visit anyway…" woman shrugged "so yes, you could say for now I'm leaving with you."

The more her companions listened, the less they liked it…

How could things go so wrong? It all started from that boy… Why was Ley so overreacting?

When the Child of The Prophecy turned toward exit and it was clear she wasn't joking – quite opposite, only then the crowd erupted in loud objection.

Lena stopped halfway toward the door, looking at it longingly.

It was sooo close… Damn…

Slowly she turned around and just looked at people who were lively gesturing to each other, shouting one through another.

"….No! She can't leave us…"

"…She did choose them…."

"… but the Child of the Prophecy…"

"….If she leaves, good fortune will leave us too…"

Hearing the last comment Ley pinched base of her nose and muttered with mild annoyance "Just great… NOW they 'promoted' me to the position of their lucky charm…" suddenly she shouted "ENOUGH!"

As if some spell was cast, agitated people froze in mid-gestures and slowly turned toward fuming exotic female.

"How can this be? One second you want me to rule over you, the next you challenge my good judgement…" Lena planted fists on her hips firmly "Either you trust my judgement or not at all… you can't have it both ways!"

Sir Wulf quickly came forward, desperately jumping at the opening unaware Ley left "My Lady, forgive us! We were just too agitated by Your sudden proposition…" he bowed his head gallantly.

Confused Lena blinked several times sensing some another trap, but not sure where exactly it was.

"I never expected it to be easy" she said warily eyeing old knight "I expect it'll take many years for Jegger Tribe to redeem themselves in the eyes of the world, the only thing I wanted was for nation of Kabul to give them chance to change their own fate…"

Lord beamed at her "You show us a true wisdom, Child of the Prophecy, we may not like it, but we cannot deny it either…"

The more he smiled, the bigger urge to flee Ley felt.

"I'm sure everyone present here will agree with me that strong sense of conscience and justice is truly important feature of future leader…"

Oh no! You wouldn't…! panicked Ley tried to find some words and interrupt the old Lord.

"…I'm afraid it will take some time for us to get used to this idea, just as you said, My Lady…"

Shit! Shit! Shit!

She opened her mouth, only to be interrupted once again.

"…We may not be sure whenever we will be able to overcome our prejudices, but undoubtedly, we can work on it…"

"…I unders-"

"And there is one more thing I'm sure everyone agrees to: We do not want you to leave…" man paused, but before Lena could say anything he swiftly cut her off once again "Therefore" man continued, flashing her radiant smile "just as we'll work on our tolerance, I hope you'll reconsider once again our offer…"

Bloody hell…

"I deeply hope, that you, as the legendary Child of The Prophecy soon will become the Queen of Kabul Kingdom."

When Lord finally finished, Lena warily looked around at faces of people who stood the nearest to them. And the only thing she saw was not an objection to Sir Wulf's words, but… determination… and hope…

Oh… Fuck…