Chapter Seventeen: Planning

"The best laid plans can be turned to dust by the smallest grain of sand. Cities can fall, people can be destroyed, by minute unpredictable details unforeseeable to them. A wonder people make plans at all given how swiftly they can be rendered mute. No surprise that a plan that survives to fruition is so celebrated, it deserves every toast and cheer."

Emily –

"This is the largest of our factories, it builds many of the pipes and connections for buildings all over the empire." Anton was explaining and I followed along. I was doing my best to focus on what he was explaining to me, as it was important…but it was difficult. I doubted I'd gotten even an hour of sleep when the attendants came to make sure I was prepared for breakfast and the tour I'd requested of the cities facilities. I had a different guard at my side since the Outsider was unconscious back at the estate. I explained that he'd caught someone trying to sneak into the manner and that I was taking them back to the capital for questioning and imprisonment. The Duke and his son hadn't argued the fact and provided another set of guards but I hated not knowing the people that were supposed to be watching my back. More so when I was fighting to put forward a strong front and felt anything but being half-exhausted and full of anxiety about what had happened…

I was starting to understand what a love-hate relationship was for the first time.

Staying conscious enough to listen was difficult enough but focusing on the words while trying not to worry about my personal difficulties in my relationship with the outsider made the day nearly impossible. I knew that I was coming off as distracted at times but I was truly trying not to daydream or ignore the troubles here. Driscol honestly had done better than Serkonos or Dunwall but it deserved my attention no less than those places. I certainly couldn't let them know my trip here had always been just a cover for something else.

"So, you need more ore from the southern isles." I remarked, having been paying enough attention to have some idea as to how I could help. "Hopefully we can start working out more trade where everyone gets things they need fairly for all involved."

"That is always the hope." Anton gave the political answer, the one that he was expected to…but he also had seemed distracted today. Had Daud done something then? I hadn't heard anything that morning about a disturbance at all, the household seemed none the wiser as to the actions inside of it the night before. I doubted Anton would be so calm if his lover had been killed. Was he quiet and thoughtful because he knew his father was planning to ask for my hand?

"Empress, may I ask, are you well? You look quite tired, we can take a break for an early lunch if you like." He suggested as we finished the tour of the factory, it had all sort of blended together this morning. I remembered bits and pieces but it was difficult. I nodded to the suggestion. What good was all of this if I was too tired to remember it? "My father mentioned meeting us at one of the restaurants along the way to our next destination if he had the time. Do you mind?"

I didn't like that they were plotting all this around me and pretending it to be convenient but I could hardly refuse. Besides, perhaps I could find something to help me wake up. I didn't like the lack of my Royal Protector, even if it was just a farce he wasn't exactly holding to his side of the bargain. I had to admit I was concerned for a multitude of reasons…and while I knew I could protect myself I was in a city not my own in the care of nobles that had little reason to safeguard me beyond the promises I was only now making. My Royal Protector not being present made me look weak…but they had thus far been kind enough not to point that out.

"I don't mind." I answered, realizing I'd let a slightly longer pause settle than I should have. "I apologize Anton, it's been quite the trip and I'm not quite accustomed to some of my attendants."

"Yes, I heard your Royal Protector was sick along the way as well. Then about the issue last night that he had. I am glad you are all right." Anton expressed, not for the first time, his sentiments as to my wellbeing. He came off as genuine enough but enough time in the shadows had me hesitant to believe the best of anyone. "Are you planning to keep him after this trip? It seems not the best show of his abilities."

"I am not sure honestly." I lied smoothly enough when I wanted to. "He is quite skilled but as you say it is difficult if this is the sort of constitution I should expect."

"A sore situation, we can speak of something else of course." Anton stated, changing the subject forcibly but for my supposed benefit. "The restaurant is one of the best in the city. A lot of people enjoy it, I know we aren't exactly known for our food in Driscol but there are some soups that the chefs work with involving whales that are quite delectable. I think you'll be surprised."

"I hope to enjoy it." I answered. If it tasted half as good as he was trying to build it up I probably would be, after the food I'd tried at the palace. As much as I wished to help Driscol, they had earned their reputation for bland flavor. "I haven't actually had many whale dishes so it will be good to try it."

For all the isles used whale, foods made from them were generally considered lower class in the capital and many of the other cities in my Empire. I couldn't state that my lack of having tried them was that the palace chefs wouldn't be caught dead making them. Then when I was out about Serkonos I wasn't exactly concerned about spreading out my culinary experience. I had too much going on to be concerned about it. Even now I really wasn't overly interested when without all the stress I probably would have been, I enjoyed trying new things genuinely but it was hard to find much enjoyment this way.

"Do you like to try different foods?" He asked, keeping with our new neutral but polite topic of conversation.

"I do, do you?" I repeated it back, playing the game.

"When I can…though, as you are aware, food isn't much of a focus in Driscol. It's only been in the last few years that new places with different foods started to become more popular. I hope that the trend continues however, it's been good for morale." Anton explained. He may not have much of a personal investment but he wanted it for his people. I could understand that much.

"Artemus…we weren't expecting you." My eyes shot up toward where I heard the fake name. One of the guards walking with us had spoken up and sure enough it was the Outsider in his disguise walking up toward me.

"Wigmund, is everything all right?" I managed to make it sound smoother.

"Of course, I apologize for my lateness." He answered, playing the part. I didn't know what to say or to think. I couldn't discuss the things I'd like to. Not with Anton there. I turned back to the noble.

"It seems we've been caught up to." I remarked. "Reminds me of when I tried to sneak off as a child."

Anton laughed at my comment. "I expect you did that often then. I only wandered off from father once or twice but guards were never far behind. I rarely tried to escape them. But I think you must have many interesting stories."

"More than I can say." I replied, smiling a bit despite myself at the mischievous attitude he adopted so easily. Perhaps he wasn't as dour as I first believed.

"I look forward to hearing a few of them sometime." He answered, nodding toward one of the buildings we were walking toward. "This is it. With the other guards I can assume father's already arrived."

"This was planned…" The voice was light, still a whisper in my ear even though the Outsider still followed several steps behind. He had lots of tricks, didn't he? "The Duke will ask you during or after the dinner to take his sons hand."

"It looks nice." I complimented after we entered. It wasn't amazing but it was clean and high end but with an area for those with less money to sit at a long bar along the outside…it could separate the rich and poor clientele while still providing to both that way. Was that the sort of segregation people were just accustomed to now? I glanced around, then paused when Anton began to head upstairs. "Excuse me a moment to speak with my protector and use the facilities."

"Of course, your highness, I'll see you upstairs." He left with his gaurds, motioning the extras that had been spared for me after him. At least he respected my right to as much privacy as I could have in a busy restaurant.

"Is the Duke going to be pissed if I refuse?" I asked lowly to the Outsider once people were out of earshot. "How delicate do I need to be?"

"He won't be happy." The Outsider dropped his voice just as I had, glancing around and back to me. "He'll accept it either way but don't expect much support from him in coming weeks if you say no. The marriage appears happy enough on Anton's end…assuming you let him have his lover come along and allow him the subtle relationship."

"You can see him in the case I say yes?" I frowned a bit at the idea. Though as much as it set me on edge slightly I wasn't sure I could afford to refuse. "What if I say no?"

"Eventually the Duke will have Anton's lover killed. Then Anton will drop into depression and cease to pay attention to his duties in Driscol…he'll die alone." The Outsider spoke the depressing remark as though it was no more strange than commenting on the weather. It could rain or this guys life could be destroyed by a question I needed to make.

"How am I supposed to say no if I know it could destroy him?" I hissed at the Outsider. Sometimes there were things I could have gone without knowing. "Are you really okay with me agreeing to marry someone?"

"It seems a fair enough match, neither of you are truly in love with the other. You both mean well, you both would accept other relationships as long as they were subtle, you both care about your people. An engagement would benefit Dunwall and you, why would I not accept it?" He answered with the same calm he usually did. "Did we not discuss that?"

"Yes…but you didn't tell me that his father was trying to kill Anton's lover." I replied. "This would have been good to know more than two minutes before he might press me for the engagement."

"I didn't know until last night." The Outsider replied. "Besides, did you not wish to know more details."

"Yes…" I sighed, this wasn't quite what I meant but I appreciated it all the same. Damn, I couldn't just pretend I was sick and escape the question forever. I split from the Outsider to use the restroom, washing my face and hands and staring at myself in the mirror. I couldn't keep putting this off…was I really thinking about accepting an engagement right now? The Outsider seemed to think it would wrap up many problems in a neat little bow but that still meant I had to have a lot of conversations…but how could I refuse knowing that it would destroy the boy? Was this the sort of information the Outsider dealt with all the time? Was that why he was so jaded to it all?

I headed back out and up to the private room the Duke had reserved for us all, taking a seat next to Anton with the Outsider not far off, he was next to the young girl that thought him a witch…that would go well. Who planned this seating?

"Sorry I'm a bit late, I didn't realize you'd be bringing the whole family." I stated. "I'm happy to see you all though."

Kiya looked as though she didn't want to be here, and was barely looking at anyone, more or less me. Natalia was staring already at the Outsider and I was doing my best to ignore the tenseness of the environment. Clearly they expected something was coming, other than the youngest. I smiled all the same, I had to put on a strong face.

"We're happy to have you." The Duke repeated. "I hope you'll enjoy the food here, I took the liberty of ordering a series of small tastings for you to try. I know you have a busy schedule so I thought it would make things faster and easier."

"It sounds good." I answered, picking up the pear soda they had set in front of me. After all the walking, it was a nice refreshment. "I am glad we have the chance to speak more. I was hoping we could discuss your hopes for trade agreements involving the ore you are shore of that the south has."

"Of course," The Duke replied.

I managed to alter the course of the conversation toward trade as we snacked on different samples of various soups they made here. I was surprised at how good things were, it was though we weren't in Driscol at all given the quality. I smiled at the ease of which we spoke of possible trades to be made and information I could take when this tour took me through the south and how I could help set up an agreement that could help multiple cities in my nation. We were so engaged in the conversation that I was hoping with the time that had passed Christian would wait to offer his son. But that was expecting too much.

"I appreciate all the talk of trade, but there was something more serious I was hoping to ask you your majesty." The Duke's statement made me feel like a noose was being drawn around my neck.

"Of course," I took another drink of the soda, lamenting that it was almost empty.

"I wished to enquire where you stood on the matters of marriage. I have heard word of the unfortunate fate of your last engagement and while I wouldn't wish to push you overly much I believe Anton would make a good choice. Obviously, I am a bit bias, but he is well thought of among our people and it could bring some security to the country during this difficult time." The Duke remarked. I hated to admit that much was true. If I were to marry, to really set not just myself but a second person in charge of the country it would offer a greater security to my people.

Kaya was glaring at me, perhaps she expected I would accept…that I was taking another member of her family away from her. Natalia squealed at the question and put her hand over her mouth as though she hadn't known at all. Anton meanwhile was quiet a moment but spoke before I could come up with what I wanted to say.

"Father, you are putting the Empress on the spot. "Anton stated. "She just lost a fiancé, I doubt she wants to immediately shop for another."

"I would at least like some time to consider the offer." I remarked. I didn't know how to say yes but I wasn't willing to say no yet either. Not with the prediction of death made by the Outsider hanging over me. "I will certainly consider it…Anton is of a good age and he seems nice and well liked. I will give you an answer before I leave on my ship back up to Dunwall before continuing my tour."

"Good, good." It wasn't a refusal so apparently, it was enough to keep Christian sated for the time being. "I am glad you wish to take it so seriously your highness. You are certainly stepping up and we look forward to supporting you from Driscol no matter your answer."

The Outsider –

"It was a lie." I stated to Emily later. She'd expressed hope that just her consideration would be enough to save Anton and his lover from his father's displeasure should Emily refuse Anton but that wasn't the future I could see.

"I thought Christian wasn't that horrible at first…seems they all take me in." Emily complained. She was rubbing her feet, and looked as ready to pass out as I had the night before. She'd finished her day's tours but Anton had avoided the topic of marriage throughout. "Will his son end up being just as horrible?"

"Anything is possible but doubtful." I replied, moving over to take her foot and massage it for her. "If you let him have his lover he'll be quite content just to help the state and keep up appearances, he's wanted to do little else all his life than have those two things."

"And then he should naturally accept any side affairs I'd wish to have." Emily's voice was a bit sour as she leaned back, she didn't protest my touch but she did hesitate a moment. She eyed her wine glass instead of me. "Did you plan that too? This whole trip works out so well for you."

"Do you think so?" I asked curiously. "I am not enjoying myself."

Emily laughed at my comment, looking at me again. "So here we are, aren't we quite the pair."

"Yes." I replied.

"You take things too seriously." Emily remarked. She was on her third glass and exhausted, she wasn't quite as composed as she would be otherwise.

"Less than you might think but as much as is needed." I smiled at her playful attitude all the same, I had seen little of it lately with all we'd argued and for as simple as this scene was I still appreciated it…I would lack this soon enough…I would have to call her to me instead of being with her in this world.

"I am still mad, about mom…but I get it. I know it wasn't you." She said, suddenly soberer at the remark. "I…don't want to change us…whatever this strange thing we have is…because of that. I guess maybe it's selfish…to want to be with you after all that has happened…with what you are…but I do."

"Thank you, Emily, I care about you as well." I said, glad for the sentiment. I knew it was probably hard for her to say. I wouldn't ask for or expect an apology. I expect to some degree she was justified in her frustrations and anger…I was instead more grateful for the short time we had. It was tempting to leave Delilah to her torment, to let her suffer for her actions…but then she might change her mind and who knew what keeping this separation up would do to the void. I'd felt it starting to leak past the seal that had been created but it was slow. I had to fix things after we returned to Dunwall. I had less than a week before I'd give up this mortal guise.

"I think you should marry the boy." I stated. "You know all the reasons."

"Yes. I expected you did." Emily answered, but not bitterly. "I think I'll probably have to, I don't have a lot of choice really. I can't just let him suffer. Doesn't it bother you to see things you could fix and to do nothing."

"I chose a long time ago not to push myself on the world often. I only give a handful of people in any given generation abilities but I don't control them." I answered.

"But you could." She guessed.

"Yes, if I desired I could control people the same way the powers I offer others can give that control…but I don't and nor will I in the future." I switched to her other foot, smiling at the way she let out a small moan at the attention. "When I was forged into being one with the void I decided that I would not use my powers to inflict my will on others. I will not alter that."

"It is honorable I suppose." Emily stated, begrudgingly. "I couldn't have that sort of willpower, but then I guess that's why I'm not the godlike one."

I smiled this time, almost laughing at her comment. "I am not a god, though I won't argue that I'm something more than human."

"Fair enough…how is our prisoner?" She seemed to remember that we'd gotten the target we'd come here for already. She'd had a busy day.

"She is unconscious, as I expect you should be. You are going to wear yourself out if you don't let yourself sleep." I said, setting her foot down and lifting her to carry her to the bed despite her squeak of protest. "You've done much to take care of me this trip. Let me return the favor."

"I have things I want to do." Emily protested, though her eyes were already starting to close. I smiled at her attitude. I understood that sentiment of being mortal at least. I knew well after the past week being mortal how uncomfortable the need for sleep was. I kissed her forehead, setting her in her bed and pulling up her covers the way she'd done for me. We had two more days before we would leave again for the capital…and my time as a human would be done.

I wasn't looking as forward to it as I had once been…

End Chapter

So, I'm pretty sure for a strange god of darkness, the Outsider would be super sweet in a relationship…like he's sweeter than pretty much any character I write for. Amusing considering he's a symbol of like all dark horrible things in Dishonored hahaha.

-Aura

To my reviewers:

The Whispering Sage – LOL yeah, well, relationships. Emily also sort of has been under a lot of pressure.