I do not own Thor.

A/N: Hey readers, just wanted to let you know that I changed my Author name to Ms. Allycat89. Therefore, I will no longer be using the name "alcatluvr13." It's a change I've considered for quite some time but kept deciding against it. However, I love cats. And my name is Ally. Friends have called me Allycat for years now, so while "alcatluvr13" is an old AOL name (OVER TEN YEARS AGO SINCE I HAD AN AIM) and accurately portrays my devotion to the furry feline, I think this name suits me better.

Anyway, just an fyi. Now, without further ado, I give you Chapter Seven to The Art of Love and War!


The Art of Love and War
A Thor Fanfiction

By: Ms. Allycat89

Chapter VII

Jane and her party had been traveling for several days, making camp under the shade of the trees at dark, when Thor finally decided they could afford to stay out of the river. Jane agreed, as she was sick of sleeping in wet skirts at night and Darcy even cheered. On their first night of rest, Darcy had asked Thor where he met Tony. He told them the truth and that Tony had roped him in to accompany his journey to the city. When she asked what he was doing out in the middle of the forest to begin with, Thor didn't answer. But his look told the women all they needed to know for the time being: that it was not their business and they should keep their questions to themselves.

Thor missed Tony, more so than he would admit aloud. Traveling with two women normally wouldn't bother him, however he was in an unknown land, without his friends. His brother had usurped his throne, his mother was lost to him, and his chosen companions and most trusted allies were most likely dead. He wondered if Frigga even knew where he was or what Loki had done. He doubted it. The best defense Loki had against their mother was silence and she in her grief probably wouldn't even notice.

Sometimes when he was lying awake at night, listening for animals or intruders, he would think about how he got to where he was. Obviously, banishment from Asgard was the answer, but somehow Thor suspected that it went deeper than that. Loki clearly harbored some grudge against him but, aside from the usual pranks of childhood, he could not recall what that would be. Odin had treated them both equally and often said a father could not ask for any better sons than the two of them.

So what could it be? Thor didn't think his brother was the jealous type; indeed, he had been nothing but supportive and understanding as they had grown older. But something happened. Something must have happened. But what?

They were less than a day's ride to their destination, but on this particular night Thor was more restless than usual. He had given his word to Tony Stark that he would stay with the ladies until further notice, and Thor had no intention of breaking that for the sake of a quick getaway. No, he was a prince and had been raised in the traditional ways of chivalry and courtly manners. He knew Tony suspected he was well-born. In fact, it was impossible to think otherwise. He spoke well, he carried himself like a prince, and he obviously had an education and a pretty damn expensive education to boot.

Maybe it was just that he felt a kinship with this lost, slightly spoiled and clueless princess. They were both in unknown territory but he couldn't offer his sympathy to her without revealing his origins. And besides, he doubted she would believe him. He was not a complete dolt. An Asgardian prince in Midgard, banished from his home just as she was? Unable to return; his powers practically useless and his famous hammer hidden deep in the woods? Not even he could believe that story, not when the Asgardians were basically gods to these mortals.

No, he would have to remain silent. Trust goes both ways, and though she clearly trusted Tony and Darcy, he was an unknown factor. They would both have to wait and see.

Jane, for her part, was still in shock with her current circumstances. Of course, she needed to get away. But she wondered if fleeing was the best course of action. Henry could take control of the throne and, though she prayed he was not as ruthless as she thought, he could tell the kingdom that she had been found dead. A public announcement, followed by a funeral, and then a long mourning period… his grief would be profound and the people would practically beg him to take control.

She was, however, immensely glad that Tony was going back for his wife. The longer Pepper stayed in the palace, the more dangerous it would become for her. Henry's ambition to be king wasn't so strong that he would give up the façade of ardent lover and future husband of the queen-to-be, at least not yet. He would go through the motions of an inquiry and multiple search parties, but as time passed, people would begin to wonder and some might even give up. Should that occur, she suspected he would not hesitate to drop the mask and make a grab for power. And it will, if they don't stop him.

In the eyes of the Council of Elders, they would welcome him. Surely, he was everything Jane was not, however much respect her position required. He was of noble birth, had the education and manners to succeed in court life, was a politician and skilled diplomat, but most of all, he was a man. A grown man with a "good head on his shoulders." She shuddered to think of those doddering old men with their backwards thinking agreeing to Henry's rule. They would enact all the old restrictive laws. And Henry would let them if they didn't stop him.

These thoughts were dark, but so were all her thoughts on these cool summer nights in the middle of the forest. Her forays into the country to visit the villages and to vacation at her country estates were nothing like what she was enduring now. Here she bathed in the stream, must go without her oils and lotions; she must endure long hard rides with only few breaks to rest in between; at night, she must make do with one blanket and a knapsack for a pillow on hard ground. She had once considered herself hardy and more equipped for hard life than those of her ladies and the pampered court wives, but she was now finding how untrue this was for her.

Still, whenever she looked at Kai, she saw admiration and respect for her. She tried to be uncomplaining, although she couldn't keep herself from cheering alongside Darcy when he announced they could ride on the banks of the river instead of actually in it. He, of course, was well suited for a life of hard work, though she wondered where his speech came from. He had a certain lilt to his voice but it was almost unnoticeable unless one had been trained to listen for such things.

A life of endless lessons in diplomacy, foreign relations, and politics, among many other subjects, had shown her multiples ways in which people hid. She was not yet inclined to trust him yet, but she relied on Tony's good judgement (or at least good judgement of character – he did lack impulse control, especially when he was angered or passionate about something) and Darcy had taken to him as well. Her mild flirting was amusing to Jane, as Kai was clearly not interested in her friend.

But she sensed a deeper soul in him than perhaps Darcy did. Tony had spent far more time with the man than either of them, though she knew Darcy had met Kai briefly before they "kidnapped" her. Jane was intrigued with this larger than life man who was clearly keeping something from them. "He's a good man, princess. He won't harm you and I guarantee that he will give his life to protect you and Darcy. He definitely has had some pretty shitty luck, though I don't know the whole story. He's reserved but he's not untrustworthy. Besides, I wouldn't leave you with just any plain old mercenary. I'm not that heartless," Tony said before they split.

He told her to trust his judgement. So she tried to. It wasn't like she had much of a choice, but she pondered those words as she stared up at the sky. What could have happened to the man that he had been left stranded in dead winter in the middle of nowhere?

She was restless as usual tonight. Darcy was snoring on the other side of her but when she looked at Kai's pack, he wasn't there. Alarmed, she sat up and looked around, her eyes needing no adjustment to the glow of the fire.

"I'm over here, Princess," his voice came from behind the horses. Jane looked towards their tethered mounts and saw Kai brushing the horses down. "I could not sleep, so I decided to give the horses a good brushing down. After all, they've been carrying us for four days, I imagine they could use some much needed pampering."

Jane wrapped the blanket around herself and stood up, stretching. "I can't sleep either. It's a lovely night, anyway. I just wish I could see the sky better." Kai raised an eyebrow. "I like to study the stars. Ever since I was a little girl and my father began my first lessons in science. He told me that outside of Midgard there was a whole other world unexplored to us. The ancients called it magic and said that gods were watching over us. Although magic is a thing of fantasy, I don't believe that they were wrong. There's so much that we don't know out there, so I doubt I will uncover it all during my lifetime, but I am certain that space exploration is the next step for Midgard."

Kai smiled at her. "Is that what you wish to be known as? The queen who began a space odyssey?" Jane giggled. "Yes, I suppose so. It's too bad women are so curtailed. It seems that the more we branch out, the more we're restricted," she added softly. "I believe, Princess, that you and are alike in many ways," he said after a long pause. Jane looked at him, her eyebrow quirked in question. "I do not find it easy to trust people, after what I have been through so I apologize for not being able to tell you my full tale. However, I have known the sting of betrayal and I believe you feel the same as well. For the lack of support in your Council; for the denial of your intelligence and the restrictions on not being able to use what you know; and the condescending manner of your fiancé and his cronies, who believe that a woman's place is in the kitchen and bedchamber. You're frustrated and angered, but most of all, you're hurt.

"I know that feeling," he said softly. His eyes burned and Jane knew he was reliving some distant memory. "It's a terrible feeling. I may be a man but even I know that Midgard has somehow taken a step backwards in the treatment of the fairer sex. I don't know how, and I can swear I don't know why. Where I come from, women are treated with respect: they're given choices and are allowed to make the same mistakes as men. In fact, we honor our women because they are the ones that give life." Jane smiled sadly. "I wish Midgard had that same feeling. We used to, you're right about that. I don't know what happened."

They remained in silence for a long time. Jane was soothed by the sounds of the forest. A slight breeze rustled the leaves and somewhere above an owl hooted. A distant howl was heard and Jane saw Kai smile. "I've always enjoyed the singing of the wolves. When I was alone in the woods, sometimes I would try to translate what they were saying to each other." "Oh? You speak wolf?" Kai laughed. "No, I don't. It passed the time, though. Especially when your only company is an elusive fox." "'What does the fox say?'" Jane quoted, her voice shaking with laughter. Kai laughed too, harder than the first time. "Nothing like the song says he does," he replied.

Jane smiled. Somehow, their conversation had lessoned her misgivings and she felt calmer in his presence than she had before. "You should probably try to get some sleep, Princess. We don't have far to go tomorrow but we do need to be alert as we enter the town." She nodded, not bothering to suppress a yawn. She left him by the horses, her blanket still wrapped around her.

"Princess?" Kai's voice was soft again, a reassuring rumble. "We will get your throne back for you and you will be queen." She nodded, noting that he used "we" instead of "you." She felt warm inside and safe. She gave him a small smile and nodded before curling up by the dying fire. Before she knew it, she was fast asleep.


Tony found his wife at their town house, a stately dwelling that he kept closed full time unless he was needed in the city. A skeleton staff was kept on, just a maid, a gardener, and a housekeeper to keep the place from getting dusty or overgrown with weeds, and to keep an eye out for mice or other critters that might infiltrate the deserted mansion. Tony hadn't entered the place since Jane's oath taking, which was quite a few years ago. This place reminded him more of his father than his estate in the country.

Here is where his father met his mother at one of his grandmother's famous balls. It was a family joke that his grandmother, Lady Clara Stark, was the real man of the house and that her husband, Lord Howard Stark, was more concerned with his inventions. While Clara was certainly a formidable woman, it was her son, Howard II, that really ran the estate. An aspiring politician, he soon became a close adviser to the king. He was constantly despairing that his only son took after his grandfather more than himself. He said it with cheer, however, as he was a good father and he knew better than to get in the way of his mother.

Even after his grandfather had passed away, Clara continued to host parties and balls for the cream of society. After she passed away, shortly after Tony's 9th birthday, Howard closed the house and only used it when he was in the city on official business. Tony remembered his father before his grandmother had passed away. With his wife dead for some years and his mother gone, he had thrown himself into his work, and to this day Tony was certain that it was Howard's work that got both him and the late king killed.

He sighed, returning his attention to his pacing wife, who was visibly fuming. "What's got you in a tizzy?" he asked, not bothering to acknowledge the glare she shot his way before resuming her pacing. They were in the Lavender Parlor, so called because this was his grandmother's personal solar, the place where she entertained her guests and gossiped over the latest court scandals. "My wages," Pepper replied finally. "They refused to give me my wages before I left the palace. It's ridiculous! Now I understand why the princess feels so trapped. You gave me complete control over my own fortune and business decisions. You agreed with me that a working woman should earn what she makes and that my work as a seamstress far surpassed most other woman and that I should get a fair wage for it, like any other artisan!"

Tony looked at his wife, though not surprised that she was taking an issue with this. She could be outspoken when she wanted to be, which was most of the time. "Well, should I go to court and demand that they pay you?" Pepper sighed, frustrated. They both knew that she was proud of making her own living, a damn good living if they were being honest, which they were. For Tony to go to court over this matter would frustrate Pepper. It wasn't that she couldn't handle the pompous, condescending asshole of an official, it was that more men were looking at women as property and not equal partners in all things. She seated herself in one of the plush chairs. "Honestly I think we should just go. The wages are a simple matter compared to what we've got waiting at home."

Her husband grinned. "You? Give up? I never would have thought you would entertain such a thought." Pepper rolled her eyes. "I don't want to but we should be going." She shrugged. "They don't expect me and from what I understand they plan on closing the court. The government will be run by the Regent, but we all know that he'll be a puppet figure for Henry and the Council. We'll have to act fast if we are going to save Jane's throne and keep her from marrying that prick."

Tony sobered when he thought of Jane. His last glimpse of the princess was her straight back as she rode away but he could remember the fear in her eyes when he hugged her. "I agree. But honestly, I know the court better than you do, love. I am sorry for it, I wish we could leave as well. But if I am to remain unsuspicious and neutral – yes, we know I'm not but it's for the sake of appearances – then I will have to make an issue of it. I know the Council and they know you're my wife. You keep a quiet profile as a seamstress but everyone has spies and everyone is always being watched. Especially when you're close to the throne."

Pepper looked at him, her gaze wary. "I don't understand your meaning." Tony sighed, wondering if this was the right time. "I've kept things from you, Pepper. Things that were better left unsaid. Now is not the time for me to be telling secrets, not when we're less than a ten minute drive from the palace. But just so you understand the gravity of my situation, and indeed, that of Jane's, you should know this: my father was the late king's spymaster. The position hasn't been filled officially, not since my father died. Unofficially, I remain in contact with his men and from what I've learned, there is more here afoot than you realize.

"For me to let this go unsaid would be suspicious. I am a lord, a high nobleman in a country that values status over intelligence. However… distasteful the issue may be for many of the nobility, for the sake of my 'honor'" – he bent his two fingers – "my family name, and my status as a well-known aristocrat, I must speak against the treatment of my wife."

She didn't say anything. She let the news sink in that her husband had been trained in spying, the implication that her father-in-law had been caught up in something sinister, and that Jane's current predicament had something to do with it. Angry as she was at Tony for keeping this information from her, she saw sense in his words. If they were to stay safe, they must keep up appearances.

"Very well. I hope it won't take long, though. And you at least better make it look real!" "Oh, I'll rage and shout and pretend I'm infuriated at the insult to my wife and they will believe me, promise not to make the same mistake before giving you what's due, and then we will leave in a exasperated huff. We'll make a big show about leaving the city and returning only when we know that your services will be well paid for and that everyone knows their place," Tony said cheerfully.

Yes, Pepper thought wryly as she watched her husband sit down and take out a cigar, and you will enjoy every minute of it.


Thor woke up to the sounds of splashing and giggling. His first reaction was to grab his knife and wave it about, but when his eyes finally adjusted he saw that the princess and Darcy were laughing. The princess held one of the water skins and was panting with exertion yet was clearly entertained. Darcy, on the other hand, looked thoroughly disgruntled, her hair wet and dripping. Understanding washed over Thor and he laughed.

"Lady Darcy," he said, his tone polite but amused, "you don't strike me as an early riser." Darcy tossed her head and glared at him. "I'm not. But apparently, Jane thought it was time I should change my ways." Jane giggled. "Darcy, you know you're my best friend. I wouldn't suggest such a thing unless I thought it would be good for you." "Suggest? Suggest?! Is that what you would call it?" Darcy lunged at her, trying to wrench the water skin out of her hands. Jane skipped out of her way, her smile widening as she watched Darcy trip over a tree root.

"It is good to see you two entertaining yourselves," Thor said to them as he stretched. When had he fallen asleep? "Good sir, won't you help a poor damsel in distress?" Darcy pleaded. He shook his head, grinning. "You know, Lady Darcy, you seem perfectly capable of defending yourself." She growled at him before spinning around and lunging for the princess again who dodged her yet again. Darcy sighed, before plopping herself down on the ground. "I give up. You win, Princess," she said grumpily. Jane laughed and sat down beside her. "You never give up, Darcy. I should know. Eventually you'll find a perfectly suitable revenge and I will end up regretting this occasion." She paused, then smiled. "Well, perhaps not completely regretting it. You should have seen your face." She giggled then caught herself when she remembered where and who she was.

"I am sorry we woke you, Kai," she said politely. Last night's conversation was still fresh in her mind and now that it was daylight, she looked at him with new eyes. Tony was right. He was trustworthy but he didn't bestow that trust on just anyone. No, you had to earn it with him. And she thought he was beginning to trust her now, as well. Kai smiled. "No, it's okay. It is amusing to see you ladies have a sense of humor in the midst of all... this." He waved his hand about, aware of how non-descriptive he was being.

Jane sobered then, remembering why she was in the middle of the woods with her best friend and most favored lady-in-waiting, and an unknown soldier who had somehow decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. "I suppose we will reach Kilkenney today?" she asked. "Yes, by early afternoon, I expect, if we get moving soon." Jane nodded, her eyes filled with good humor again. "I am looking forward to spending the night in a proper bed and with a roof over my head. I wonder how woodcutters and hunters can live in the forest so long."

"The sounds of the forest is like a symphony to us, Princess," he said absently. He was fully awake now and poured some water on to the dying embers of last night's fire. "We learn to enjoy the whisper of the wind, the chatter of the birds, and the tinkle of the different streams. It is beautiful to our ears." He grinned, hoping to lighten the mood. "Compared to the babble of women unaccustomed to rough living, it is indeed a delightful song." Darcy glared at him but her eyes twinkled, recognizing the jest for what it was.

They packed up their gear and saddled the horses in silence, though there was a lack of tension in the air compared to previous mornings. True, Kai was an able guardian and Darcy chattered to keep up Jane's spirits but today all of that seemed less forced than it had been. Jane liked it. Kai made a sweep to make sure everything looked as it had before they arrived and soon they were on their way. Darcy started the conversation again. Jane smiled to herself. Her friend couldn't bear silence.

"I do hope Pepper and Tony will arrive safely," she said. "I miss Tony's dry wit." Kai chuckled. "He does like to talk." She laughed. "Who doesn't like a man who talks," she replied, eyeing him flirtatiously. Jane frowned, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by Kai. "I imagine there are some people out there who struggle with that. But people grow used to such chatter and learn how to block it out." Jane giggled but stopped immediately when she caught her friend's eye.

They spoke about inconsequential topics and before the sun was high above, they came to a bridge. The sign read "Kilkenney: 10 Miles."

"I think we're far enough to take the main roads," Kai said. Jane looked relieved, though she didn't say anything. "A warm bed! A hot meal! CLEAN CLOTHES!" Darcy practically shouted. Jane hushed her, though Kai could tell she was looking forward to it as much as her friend.

"Tony said he reserved us rooms at The Broken Sword. Knowing him it will be the best suite there is," Darcy said. "Jane, can I sleep in the same bed as you?" Jane rolled her eyes. "If you're right, and I'm sure you are, there will be a spare room for you as well." "But every bed you sleep in is always more comfortable!" "Darcy, it's only more comfortable to you because I'm in it. It's not like there has ever been any difference in the palace mattresses." "That is not true! I've tested all the palace beds and yours is by far the best." Jane sighed. This was clearly an old argument.

Thor looked at them in astonishment as they continued to bicker over the sleeping arrangements. When Jane reluctantly gave in, he caught a twinkle in Darcy's eye. She slowed her horse and Thor's fell in step beside her. "As children, we rarely slept separately," she began softly. "My uncle, the regent Lord Erik, was the closest friend and adviser to her father. My parents weren't around often and by the time they died when I was 10, Erik was more of a father to me than my own." Thor could sense she needed to explain, so he listened to her, wondering what Jane was like as a young girl.

"Jane and I had been close before then but after her father died, we were practically sisters. Yet when we reached the age of 13, the Council, and my uncle, decided we should sleep according to our stations. It bugged me, I admit that much, but Jane accepted it as she accepted most things in her life. That's one of the things I admire about her. She was always so dignified growing up, even as a young girl. Anyway, I used to wheedle myself in after the maids had left. I'd tell her my bed was less comfortable and I slept better in hers."

She sighed. "But eventually we started to act our age. Court rules and tradition demanded I treat her as my future sovereign and queen. And I abide by it, most of the time. Jane secretly enjoys it when I break the rules and arguing over trivial matters, like sleeping arrangements, helps her relax because it brings back her childhood. Silly, I know, but before this whole marriage thing, she was more confidant and relaxed. It is good to see her laughing again."

Thor followed her gaze towards the woman riding ahead of them. Her back was straight, her hair, though unbound, was long and moved constantly with the breeze and the movement of the horse. She sat as if she belonged on top the horse and that was a thing to be admired. Many highborn ladies, Asgardians included, preferred riding in carriages or litters rather than atop a horse.

Darcy spoke, interrupting his thoughts. "She's a strong woman but she's not had it easy. With the death of her mother and then her father, and the demands placed on her by the Council, she's as brittle as they come. Honestly, I'm surprised she's made it this far without breaking." She paused. "And she doesn't find it easy to trust men. My uncle is one of the few. There's probably less now, after what Henry has done to her." "What has he done to her?" Darcy startled and then looked at him directly. "Nothing good, I can tell you that."

Just then, Thor heard a galloping horse behind them. He pushed his horse to go faster, riding up to Jane's left flank and spoke softly. "Someone is in a hurry, we should perhaps let him go ahead of us." Jane nodded, her face pale with fear but otherwise composed. Darcy came up and started another conversation to make it appear that they were on a leisurely ride. The rider continued past them, though he glanced at Jane and then at Thor as he rode by. Soon he was out of range and out of sight. Thor sighed, an audible sound of relief, and Jane's heart slowed. It was still too soon to let their guard down.


Pepper marveled at her husband who, for all intents and purposes, was playing the wronged husband valiantly defending his family honor and his wife's good name.

"The marriage contract specifically stated that I agreed with Pepper's decision to make her own living and that anything I give to her is to be considered her property to keep and do with as she pleases."

The men in the courtroom wore amused and condescending expressions as they regarded Tony. "You like an independent woman?" one of them asked, his long nose pointed directly at Pepper. His tone indicated disdain and suspicion. "Of course, I do! I wouldn't have married her if I didn't!" Tony practically shouted. "I demand that she be given her wages and that she be treated with the same respect and dignity her position requires: the wife of a lord, a woman of means, and a lady wealthy in her own right!"

Tony was enjoying himself. He should have been an actor instead of an inventor.

The men conferred with themselves. Pepper noticed the same official who had turned her out of the palace sitting with them and looking confused at this sudden turn of events. She met his stare, unimpressed disdain mingling with a genuine feeling of vindication.

Tony stood before them, his chest heaving with his pretend anger while Pepper stood beside him, her face composed into a mixture of anger at being denied what was hers by right and amusement that the lords were confused and frustrated in the face of a concept entirely alien to them. They finally stopped whispering and the Head Councilman, a younger man who leaned more towards the liberal side of politics, spoke to Tony. "If you can provide proof that your marriage contract has the conditions that you say they do, then we will happily cede Lady Pepper's wages to her." He smiled painfully. He obviously disliked being confronted with such a situation. "I know your lady does good work, my lord, as some of the gowns she's made are currently in my wife's wardrobe."

Tony looked at them, biting his words back. "You will see that I'm right. 'Tis a shame when a lord of the country, a noble man with an old family name and fortune, is treated like a common laborer. You will see that I am right, my lords," he repeated stiffly. "I will be back tomorrow with the requested documents." He bowed and Pepper curtseyed and then they swept from the room, angry and indignant at the treatment they were forced to endure.

While they were waiting for their carriage to arrive, a man on horseback came galloping into the courtyard. Pepper stiffened, as she recognized Jane's fiancé, Lord Henry. He jumped off his horse, tossing the reins to some page standing by before climbing the stairs towards them. He looked miserable and angry. Palace gossip said that he was bereft with grief and anger at the loss of his beloved fiancé, the princess of Midgard.

But Pepper, and Tony especially, knew better.

They oberseved the proper courtesies, hoping he would pass without so much as a backward glance at them but they were both surprised when he stopped in front of them.

"Lady Pepper?" he asked. She rose from her curstey, her chest tightening as she looked at him. "Yes, my lord." "And this is your husband?" "Yes. My lord, this is Lord Antonio Stark. Husband, I am honored to introduce Lord Henry, son of George, the Duke of Clintonsberg." Tony bowed. "My lord, it is a pleasure to meet you, though I wish it were under happier circumstances." His tone was soft and mournful, the perfect courtier.

Henry tensed but he nodded graciously. "Indeed, I was just meeting with the Captain in charge of the search parties. I miss her and the people need her." He paused. "I need her," he said more softly, his eyes far away.

Goodness, he has the wronged husband down to a tee, Pepper thought. Her own face matched his sadness, though hers was a good deal more realistic. "I am curious, Lady Pepper" he said turning towards her. "Why are you still here? Not that it isn't a pleasure to see you but I thought Princess Jane's household was broken up?" Pepper grimaced, and Tony's hand on her arm tightened just a fraction. "I am sorry to say it but it is a matter of wages, my lord. The official in charge of the princess's household told me I was owed nothing, as I was married and my husband, Lord Anthony that is, will provide me with anything I may need." Her tone indicated her extreme displeasure at being denied what was hers. "My husband does provide me with the essentials but he also allows me to make my own income. He likes an independent woman and our marriage contract even states that I will keep my own fortune and that any gifts he gives to me are my own property."

Henry raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?" He turned to Tony. "An independent woman, indeed. I trust the Council agreed to pay for you wages and that is why you are leaving?" Tony bristled, all affront and humiliation, but his tone was respectful when he spoke. "They agreed to pay her wages only if I provide a copy of the marriage contract. We plan to return tomorrow with the document." Henry looked at them thoughtfully, a look that Pepper didn't like. "I admire a man who is willing to defer to his wife's wiser judgement. Indeed, sometimes I think a woman's independence is a thing to be encouraged." Pepper knew he was lying. He preferred a weak, compliant woman, not someone confident in her opinions. "You are a man of science, are you not, Lord Antonio?"

Tony knew what was going to happen and he had no idea of how to decline. "I am, my lord, though most of my work is just dabble here and there." Henry chuckled. "Your reputation precedes you, my lord. You are a fine man, one with wealth and who enjoys inventing things." Tony nodded. "I have some ideas for our army. Would you be willing to stay for a while and discuss it? Your lady wife can even have her own position as Chief Seamstress again and I assure you, all her wages will be directly paid to her."

Tony didn't even glance at Pepper. They both knew Henry wanted to test their loyalties. They were stuck until he was reassured. "I would be glad to assist in any way I can. I won't be able to stay for long, though. I do have some matters at home to attend to. My steward's last letter told me some vassals of mine have started to eye each other's land again and are raiding." He grimaced. "I'm of a mind to find a new steward but Master Hurst has been with the estate since before I was born."

Henry chuckled. "I understand. Old servants are hard to let go. Still, I promise I won't keep you long. Just enough for Lady Pepper to get a couple gowns made for my mother and sister, and for you and I to discuss my ideas." He paused, the mournful lover taking place again. "And besides, it would be good to have someone who knew Jane since she was a child."

Pepper nodded gravely, though inwardly she was seething. Henry bowed to them and took his leave. One glance at Tony's face told her all she needed to know: they had better watch what they say and do until they were safely away from the Capital.


They were less than five miles away from Kilkenney when the bandits struck. Kai told them to run but they were caught before they could get away. Jane watched Kai fight and even though she was terrified, a small part of her admired his strength and agility. He was fast and he already had four of the eleven bandits wounded and on the ground. But she could see him slowing, as if the adrenaline in which he relied on was running out.

The outlaw who held Darcy's horse soon joined the fray, as more bandits were subsequently discharged. The one left behind leered at Jane, who tried to kick him. Staying on the horse was essential yet escape would be easier if the man himself wasn't on horseback. She tried to tug the reins from him but he just tightened his grip, his gaze locked on the battle in front of them.

There were five remaining bandits but Kai was clearly tiring. Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves came from behind her and she turned. The same man who had passed them earlier came riding through, his expression fierce, almost green, and his sword was raised high. He screamed, a terrifying battle cry that frightened the horses.

The battle stopped for a split second as the men gazed at this terrifying specimen of a warrior. The battle was over shortly. Kai's face was red and sweaty from exertion. The man holding Jane and Darcy's horses had fled as soon as the battle turned against his friends. The stranger, a man with dark hair and kind eyes looked at Kai.

"I had turned around and was on my way back when I heard the sounds. Its good I left my saddlebag at my resting spot or else I would never have heard the ladies' screams." He nodded towards Jane and Darcy, who both looked terrified, relieved, exhausted, and impressed.

Kai nodded at him. "I thank you, stranger. You fight well." He paused. "Really well." Admiration was clear in his tone and he looked appraisingly at him. Jane sensed that it took a lot to impress Kai and even more to express that admiration. "What's your name, sir?" she asked.

The man smiled and brushed a lock of hair out of his eyes.

"They call me Hulk."