Reina was still issuing instructions, consulting her new Captain of the Glaive on how best to utilize their strength against the imperial threat, when Cor's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen. "Whatever you did, His Majesty didn't like it."
"I expected as much. You don't have to deal with him if he's angry with me—I'll take it."
"My skills may be limited, Your Highness, but I am well versed in tolerating Clarus' many criticisms."
Reina was staring at him. The expression on her face said she couldn't decide whether to be confused or amused.
He swiped the screen and answered his phone. "Clarus."
"His Majesty would like your assurance that Her Highness is safe."
What sort of bodyguard did they take him for? Not that she had needed his help to neutralize the Glaive threat. With the way she wielded her magic, Cor wouldn't have been surprised to discover she could level Insomnia.
"Of course she is," Cor said.
"Are the imperials gone?" Reina asked.
Cor relayed.
"Very nearly."
At Cor's nod, Reina said, "Tell him we can meet as soon as Father is able. Somewhere quiet."
They lingered a few minutes more, Reina giving last-minute instructions and ensuring Nyx was up to date with her wider plans—not that she had told anyone her specific plans. For the moment, everyone was on high alert and close at hand in the eventuality of trouble.
When she was satisfied that Nyx had a firm grasp on the situation, they left to meet with Regis in his study.
"How quickly can you recall the Crownsguard from the city?" She asked as they walked.
"How subtle do you want them to be?" Cor asked.
"I would prefer that no one associated with Niflheim was aware that any change had taken place."
"That will take longer."
"Then begin now."
Cor sent orders to begin withdrawing the Crownsguard, squad by squad. It would take the rest of the day, at least, to get everyone rearranged and reassigned so that no imperials were any the wiser, but it would be done.
They reached the king's study and found both him and Clarus waiting inside.
"Reina—" Regis was on his feet as soon as the door opened for them—though Cor noticed the wince as he straightened his bad leg.
"I'm sorry, Father—I would have warned you, but we are short on time." Reina stopped short just inside.
Regis brushed her apology away and held out his hand. "Are you alright?"
After a moment she stepped forward and took it, letting him pull her into a hug. In twenty years, Cor had never seen her hesitate to hug her father. That Dream had changed her more than anyone wanted to admit but Regis was still trying to treat her like his little girl. After what she had done to Drautos in the basement an hour before, it was difficult to see anything of the child left in her. Better that Regis never learn what had happened to Captain Drautos. Or what she had planned for him.
"I am fine, Father. And Insomnia is one step safer for the jailing of traitors."
The concern on his face shifted to something more grim. "The Kingsglaive?"
"Most of them—though I have no doubt the troubles spawned from Drautos. Would that I had learned to listen to my instincts before now… but at least it is not too late, anymore."
"Drautos?" Regis' eyebrows came together in the middle.
"Yes—you will have to wait for the story. How long before we are due to arrive at the resort for dinner?"
"About three hours, Your Highness," Clarus supplied.
"I promised Noct he could see Luna—" She turned toward the door, but Regis called her back.
"Reina. There is something else," he said. "The imperial chancellor knows you are here—though I know not how—and he knows of your Dreams."
She stared at him for a stunned second, not even breathing. Then she gasped—sudden, as if she had forgotten she needed to breathe at all.
"Ardyn." It wasn't how most people spoke of the imperial chancellor. Familiar, like an old friend. "Well, he was bound to find out, tonight, regardless, but I had hoped for a few more hours head start."
Her eyes flicked around the room, landing on Cor. "Change of plans—have some Crownsguards convene—quietly—at the resort. Clarus, will you see to it that someone escorts Lunafreya up to see Noct? And make sure he knows I expect all of them to attend dinner."
Cor reached for his phone automatically. Clarus bowed and showed himself out.
"And you, my dear?" Regis asked.
"I need to look ahead and see if he has changed his plans, yet." She crossed to the chaise lounge by the empty fireplace.
"Look ahead?" Regis asked. "You mean to… Dream intentionally?"
"Yes. Admittedly, I've only Dreamed within a Dream, before. I don't know if I can truly wake myself back into the present." She sat, tucking her legs up underneath her and wedging herself into the corner of the lounge.
"So you may become trapped again?" Regis asked.
For the first time that Cor had thus far witnessed during this increasingly strange day, she smiled up at Regis. It was a real smile.
"No. Because I have you this time. If I'm not back within thirty minutes, wake me."
Regis' limp was more pronounced than usual as he took his place beside her. "You have my word."
AN: Good news, everyone! I finished drafting Of Decision, so I can start working on Shattered Dreams part 4: Reckoning and once I have a head start on that I can post multiple Restored chapters per week!