Still a bit worked up Cal made his way to the infirmary wing then stopped short seeing Maven holding a cup for one of the men. Well at least his brother was finding something productive to do. Going over to the bed he lightly touched his brother's shoulder as the man he was helping didn't do anything more than breath. Which was wise considering what he might do if the man said a single word right now. "Maven?"

"Your majesty?"

"Come with me."

Shit. Waiting until they were in the hall Maven said, "I didn't think you would mind."

"Mare said you were helping them. It might be a good thing."

"Does that mean I can still help?"

"For the moment. We have a card game tonight that you need to attend."

That didn't sound too bad. Maven made a face, "Do you think I could talk to Mare before then?"

"Why?"

"Because she's the red queen and what I'm hearing when no one thinks I'm listing… I think she would know better on how to handle it? Maybe?"

"Does what you're hearing put anyone in danger?"

"No. It's personal stuff. Between two people in that room that keep tripping over the color of blood. Unless you prefer to hear it all now."

Maven's willingness to defend his request made him smile, "No that's quite all right. Mare will be down in a minute. A parentally The queen of Ciron wants to meet with Gisa before the morning."

"Should I be worried?"

"No. Mare was going on about the dress her sister made for the wedding and the queen was impressed. I'm assuming it was completely female indulgence."

Turning back to the room, "I think I better get back in there. Mari and I figured if she takes half of the men and I take the other things go a bit more smoothly."

Cal nodded once. "Maybe I should see if A healer needs an assistants or something."

"Don't be ridiculous Cal. Blood healers don't need assistants."

"True, but red doctors do."

Pausing at the door Maven noticed the eyes of the men watching him. Waiting for some indication that the king was just prolonging this till he killed them. "You think some paper and pencils would be reasonable?"

"For you?"

"For the men. Maybe they could write their families and explain themselves to them?"

Cal came back over to the door and peered in, "You think the letters would be read?"

"If it bears the royal seal?"

Mare was taking care of the reds… settling things from last fall. His brother ? "You sure about this?"

"I don't condemn them. After all they were only following orders."

"How about I do one better… providing my queen agrees."

No longer his brother, "What do you have in mind?"

"Since you were the one who was attacked I'll let you decide what to do with these men now that the punishment is mostly over."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning… if you want them dead any of the sentries would be more than willing to complete that. Or if you have something else in mind. But they are not your private little army."

"Cal, I don't want an army. I would however like a guard or two that I know to keep an eye on Gisa when she's in her shop."

"I'll talk to Mare and see if she agrees. In the mean time if they want to write letters to their families… I don't have a problem with it."

Mare stopped in the door way watching as Maven tended to one of the men while her sister was poring juice into several cups, "Maven?"

He glanced up and sighed, "You spoke to…"

"Walk we me. Gisa I'll be back in a moment." Once in the Hall she said, "Cal said you needed to speak to me but didn't say why."

"I think Mari knows the captain."

"Possible. He worked in the office where she would request items for the sick."

"She told you that?"

"Stilts isn't very big. I couldn't tell you the names of every silver that worked there but I would know their faces." Going into an empty room she shut the door, "Tell me what you heard then I can deal with it."

"When I first came to the infirmary the captain and Mari were talking. It sounded like she was mad at him personally. Almost like something happen between them but not something either wanted to acknowledge. I figured she might tell you since you're both reds?"

"It that all?"

"When they don't think I'm paying attention he watches her. The way Cal watched you before. When he wanted you but couldn't…" He stopped before bringing up too much of the past.

"Alright. I'll talk to Mari before taking Gisa to … whatever it is that Clare has planned."

"I thought the queen of Ciron wanted to see her?"

"I'm sure she'll be there as well as her daughter."

Maven nodded clearly not wanted to discuss whatever it was Mare didn't want to say. " Is it alright … I mean about Cal letting me decide what to do with the men?"

" I don't see a problem with it. While you consider things… I need several silver with various talents to help create what is going to be in the Choke. They would probably be stationed there afterwards as well."

"Not fighting. The war's over so…"

"A memorial is going to be built near the border then a few small villages so workers who will oversee the docks and the farming can live."

"And those who are there will have the least contact with the royal family."

"Exactly. There are a few silvers Cal wants far away from him. Others he's sure will be pleased to have a easy assignment that works to rebuild Norta."

"Thank you."

"Maven you should know the families of those men either want them dead or… I'm not sure what's worse than that."

"Once they can sit up They are writing letters to their families. The royal seal as well as a let from myself saying that though what they did was wrong they were only following the orders of a commanding officer. I'll figure out the wording tomorrow." Then he touched her arm, "Did they have to be wet when…"

"What do you mean wet?"

"Their back. Mari said you asked her about it …"

"Maven I asked so I could decide what I was going to do. I never told anyone …" She closed her eyes, "Someone must have overheard. Several of Cal's personal guards were more than pissed with those men."

"You should know a few are showing signs of infection. It could be from the stitches or from the water. I'm not a doctor so I don't know."

"Mari, A moment please."

Mari turned and smiled, "Of course your grace?"

Taking Mari into the same room where she had spoke to Maven , Mare took a deep breath, "How are the men. Maven says some are showing signs of infection?"

"The water was… I think it had things… larva growing in the stale water. The whip was also dipped into it."

"Mari between us, I didn't tell anyone to do that. I was trying to make up my mind between what was enough and what would be too much."

"I thought so but… You're the queen so it's not unreasonable."

"A red doctor who worked on the front lines in residence right now. He has a decent stock of various medicines I'll have him come by after Gisa and I leave. Can I ask a favor?"

"You are the queen."

"When you greet him even if Maven isn't in the room say that he requested his help."

"Trying to calm the silvers?"

"Trying to make sure the silvers in that room think Maven is showing more kindness then they deserve."

"I can do that. The reds are happy that they were treated the same way as they were."

Another deep breath then taking off her crown Mare said, "What's going on between you and the captain?"

Shit. "I didn't think Maven heard."

"Mari, I've known you a while now. Ever since you started to be the go to person for medicines for my pa. Put the color of your blood aside and the social standings. Just tell me what you would a friend."

Mari closed her eyes, "The captain. Hector. He worked in the supply office. In the spring I went to place a my quarterly order. Not that I can anticipate an order for three months but… Any ways I found out there was a stock pile of meds I haven't had for a while. Several would help the reds enough not to die for no reason. The silver who was in charge told me flat out he was not going to order those meds. Only for the front line he said.

I'm not sure what I said but Hector grabbed my arm and hauled me home. He never spoke till he slammed the door behind us. Then he had the nerve to tell me he was within his rights to kill me. I was pissed. I was in charge to keep the reads in the city healthy but was being refused the medicine to help me do that. So I said something along the line of "go ahead. The reds are going to die either way."

Hector paced the room we were in then asked to see what I was requesting and the amount. He took my list. When the shipment was delivered he delivered it himself. The medicine I was asking for was there. Not the amount but enough for those who really needed it." Mari turned so she could see Mare and was thankful she didn't see anger in her face. "Later … Just before the attack in the square… He… I don't want to get him in trouble."

"Mari we are just talking. So tell me what did he do?"

"It was late and I woke to the banging on my door. I thought it was someone needing what little help I could offer. It was Hector acting drunk. Once I opened the door He pushed himself in. I knew he wasn't anywhere near drunk once the door shut. But I think he was looking for an excuses. We talked some… then…

… I'm an unattached woman it's not unreasonable to spend a night with a guy."

Mare blushed, "Oh so the two of you were together. What happen next."

"He would sneak over when he could. Not a whole lot of talking mind you.. but… I know it couldn't go anywhere. Then the attack happened in the square and things changed. I was no longer just a female but a red. And since I was a red I had to know what had happened. After he started to accuse me I joined the red guard. I didn't care.

After the attack on the Hall we were starting to get back to some kind of friendship. More talking and less coupling. He did what he could on the pier when ordered. Even went as far as bringing the once who were worse back to my house so I could help.

After you were taken to the arena he left and I haven't seen him since."

She's leaving something out. "You're leaving something out so you might as well tell we can work whatever needs worked out."

"Right after he left I … I had been careful all the other times… but…"

"Mari?"

"I'm pregnant. I haven't told him… I can't tell him. After he left I found out he was just seeing me for a bit of relief. I heard a few silvers talking one was laughing that he was so desperate for that relief he had turned to a filthy red. I don't want to think about what would be said if anyone found out about a child.

Who am I kidding the child would be killed before its first breath."

"Do you love him?"

"Yes… no… Mare he's a silver. I'm not. So it doesn't matter." Mari stopped and paled she had let herself just talk… after month of keeping this secret she had told someone… and that someone was the queen.

Fool. Idiot.

"Alright I have an idea. You may not like it but I'm going to do it anyways."

Of course she would. She was the queen.

"Now… as for the child. What you tell Hector is on you. What happens after is between the two of you. If I have to explain both sides to the king I will."

"Both sides?"

"As a red having a silver child normally it would be shunned. Which is why your child is going to be a playmate for ours. It will give me the excuse to come to Stilts whenever I want."

"You're?"

"Not sure yet. But that's not important."

"And the other side?"

Mare just smiled.

Coming back to the room Mare didn't stop till she was standing in the back corner gazing down at the captain. "Captain?"

Hector opened his eyes at the sound of the voice. What was the queen doing here? Not that he could ask that. "You're grace?" He couldn't look behind him but he was sure anyone who was awake was watching what was going to take place.

"I've decided that once you're are well enough to leave this place you will be assigned to guard my parents."

What? "You're majesty?"

"I had time to discuss it with the king. He agrees given your time in Stilts it's reasonable. And since Mari's home is close enough to my parents home you will be residing there."

His mouth dropped open. He would be on assignment sure but…

"Mari, I believe you have a palace he can sleep?"

"Yes, you're grace. Once I can leave here with confidence the men are well I will go clean the room."

"Good." Then back to the captain, "Whenever my mother goes to market you will go with her. Neither leave the house often so I doubt you will sufficiently board. If for any reason you can't tolerate this assignment you are free to leave… not just your post but Norta."

Leave Norta… he would be… ok fine he could make some rules with Mari… Maybe.

Mare turned making sure she caught Maven's eye. "The rest of these men you find something for them to do, Prince Maven. Just tell the king what it is you decide. "

Maven nodded once in understanding. Almost smiled because she was using a tone that every queen before her would use when saying anything was unwise. He almost thought she had learned that from living with here in Norta… no… No, Mare looked up to another queen and her ability was far greater then Elara could ever dream.

"Gisa. Are you ready?"

"I… of course." Once back in the hall Gisa asked, "What was that about?"

"Giving two people who want to be together a reason."

"How are the silvers going to react?"

"The first person to complain with silver blood is going to die… the King commands it."

"Mare?"

"I don't who but one of the family members of the men in that room offended Cal enough to want to see them dead."

"Will he?"

"If the offending ass is ever seen by the king… I know they will."

After watching Mare leave the room Maven turned slowly back around feeling eyes watching him. He was the prince… might as well act like it. Continuing to the Door he stopped seeing Lucas still outside however now sitting. "I thought you would go with the queen?"

"The king gave me a choice. I choose to do something else."

Shit. How could he forget he was still watched and guarded. " Can you take the shackles off the men?"

Slowly getting to his feet Lucas come over to the door. "They're watching you."

"Good for them." He took a deep breath, "Did you hear the queen?"

"I did."

Swallowing any pride he had Maven said very quietly, "look, I know you don't want to be around me. I understand , I do. And I wouldn't even ask but you are the closest person who can release the manacles."

"I'll do it for them…" A moment later the chain were hanging from the cots to the floor.

Cal stepped in the corridor just as Lucas had stepped out of the infirmary. He paused making sure neither his brother nor Lucas did anything rash. Then hid a smile as Lucas came over to him. "Lucas?"

"He wanted them released from the manacles. I don't expect any trouble from them."

"I thought your shift ended hours ago."

"Was just waiting for the lighting princess to collect her sister." Lucas paused, "I know what Maven did and why. I'm not easy with him but you don't have to worry if I would defend him if need be."

"I've never worried about that." Looking past Lucas' shoulder he said, "Go on go see your wife."

Lucas nodded, "Make sure your brother tells you what your queen was up to today."

"Was it interesting?"

"Being in the palace with her… interesting is not the word I would use. But I'm sure to be entertained."

"Go on. It looks like I need a word with my brother before the card game." He waited until Lucas had disappeared down a corridor before heading the few feet to the infirmary where his brother was waiting. "Do I even ask what Mare did?"

"Probably not but you're going to anyways." Maven paused, "And it was not my fault."

Giving his brother an amused look he asked, "What did she do?"

"There's a room down that way we can talk in."

Following his brother he asked as soon as the door was closed, "Well?"

"The captain is now responsible for her parents who I'm assuming will be returning to their home."

"Her father built their house. He intends to live out his days there."

"Well the captain will be living with Mari who is living across the street."

Wonderful. "Do I want to ask why."

"Would have to ask Mare. Her tone was not one that invited questions."

"She's been spending a lot of time with the queen of Mountfort."

Maven nodded, "That would do it." He paused then looked at his brother, "She agreed with you in that I find something to do with the guards. She suggested some of them go to the Choke?"

"Mare's project. She's a little vague on the details since she hasn't been there but she'll figure it out when we go there next week."

Another nod, "In that case let me get cleaned up then we can go play cards and maybe learn something."

"The only thing we are learning tonight is how well the other's bluff in cards."