Chapter 14
Silver Slippers and a Lady's True Heart.
Fox felt the sea air stir her dark blue cloak. The hour was growing late. The sun was staining the sky a rainbow of colors. She could see the lanterns were in the process of being lit through the city of Stormwind, as she walked down the ramp. Behind her the two guards grew wary at the approach of a small group of people.
"Welcome to Stormwind, Lady Lothar." Lord Remington stood with his wife on the dock. They were accompanied by a small number of personal guards. He moved to take Fox's hand. Lifting the back of it to his lips. Fox could have pulled back, but instead straightened her shoulders. A slight lift of her chin as he said, "I am Lord Remington, and it is an honor to meet you."
Varian stood with Jaina, staring down at the interaction with the most prominent Noble in Stormwind. He started forward, but Jaina put a hand to stay his interference. "Let her handle it. It will look like she is vulnerable, if you rush to aid her now."
"He ambushed her." Varian growled low. His blue eyes never leaving the two. "How the hell did they find out that we were coming in with the Lady?"
"That matters little now." Jaina whispered. She leaned on her staff just as interested in these developments as Varian. "What concerns us is how she reacts to someone who threatened her family and ordered her death."
Fox rose her hands to the hood of her cloak, and pushed it back. The black hair entwined with golden mesh. The dark eyes landing on the elder Lord. "Excuse me for being caught off guard, Lord Remington. I had not expected anyone to greet me." She cast him a glowing smile. "I am afraid, I am not to familiar with protocol of the Noble set, but is it not custom to bow before the higher peerage?"
Remington looked confused for a moment. Then with a faux smile he added, "Yes, my Lady Lothar, it is." and then he dipped in a low formal bow. That obviously pained his back, because upon rising he leaned more heavily on his diamond tipped cane.
"Oh, Lord Remington! I had not intended for you to injure yourself." She reached out to touch his shoulder gently. "I was simply wondering if I had it right. You must forgive me that my thoughtlessness as cause you harm."
"There is nothing to forgive, Lady Lothar. It is nice to see someone who actually cares for decorum these days." The old man's eyes twinkled at her with a sudden approval.
"Perhaps it is because I have just come to remember my heritage, Lord Remington. It is all very new to me, and I fear that I will be making many mistakes before I am an appropriate Noble woman. There is so very much I need to learn." Fox placed a hand to her chest. A slight dip of her head. The pose giving her the look of a fragile young girl.
Remington puffed up, "We can not be having that! Madeline, dear!" The woman moving forward. "This is my wife, Maddy Remington. Please feel free to call on her for anything you require. I am sure she would be happy to aid you. If not my son, Bennet would be quick to champion your order."
Fox cast a glance behind Lord Remington, noting this son was not in attendance. "That is very kind of you, my Lord. I will be ever so grateful."
Varian came to her side just then. Obviously unable to allow the scene to play out any further, "Lord Remington. How did you come to know of Lady Lothar's existent and our arrival?"
"King Wyrnn!" The man bowed again, but not as deeply, "I am afraid the city is full of rumors of her Ladyship's appearance. Everyone is a buzz with it, and I would have been neglectful to just ignore information so fantastic. I sent my men out to discern when you would be returning, and imagine my surprise, when I was informed you had gone looking for her yourself!"
"Varian, dear?" Fox set a hand delicately on his arm. Her choice of words carefully chosen. Once again, she skillfully caught their attention. She cast a soft glance over the Lord, "Please go easy on Lord Remington. The hour is growing late, and he was merely being thoughtful to greet us."
Fox watched Lord Remington's eyes follow to where her hand so innocently touched the King's arm. He did not miss the use of the King's given name either. The familiarity of the action setting him on edge. Gotcha! Fox did her best not to allow her eyes to narrow. Lord Remington had plans for her. She was certain, Lord Bennet would be paying her many visits throughout the coming weeks, to stave off Varian's own pursuit of her.
Varian pinned his blue eyes on Lord Remington. He surmised the same as Fox. Knowing full well the Remington had to have a hand in Fox's attempted assassination. No one would have acted without his support. When she was just some lowly rogue of the SI-7. Now she was greater and so was the old Lord's interest.
The hostility between the two could be cut with a knife. Fox pulled her hood back up knowing her work here was done, "My King, Lord and Lady Remington, please excuse me. It has been a long tiring journey for me. My greatest wish is only to find a lonely bed and retire."
"Take her to the keep directly. I will have the SI-7 informed. They will send their very best agents around at once. I do not want the Lady Lothar exposed to danger for even a moment. Make sure my own Royal Guard tightens the security in the keep as well." Varian stared with ice in his eyes at Remington.
"A wise move, King Wyrnn. We cannot have anything jeopardizing the last Arathi. She is to valuable a person to be wasted." Remington's tone held more then a hint of open challenge. "The daughter of Anduin Lothar deserves only the very best Stormwind has to offer. Don't you think King Wyrnn?"
"I agree, and I have already taken steps to see she shall have it."
Fox pulled her hood lower so the men could not see the rolling of her eyes. "Then I bid you goodnight." She bowed and moved toward the Stormwind gates. A low muttering of "Fools." under her breath.
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
"You know, I can not possibly express the amount of hate I have for your right now." The familiar voice brought Fox awake.
She lifted her face from the pillow. A hand coming to rub over her face as she pushed off her stomach. Trying to focus through a loud yawn.
"Your reflexes suck. Have you even tried to stay in fighting shape, Fox?"
"Learen?" Fox sprang up, and looked around the room. Tossed on the floor was the clothing she had worn the night before. Glancing down she patted the night gown, assuring herself, she was decent.
"Who else would they have assigned to the Lady Lothar, that could not see over a bed that was obviously elevated with your status?" The Gnome growled up at her. He was hanging off the side of the extravagant bed by one impaled dagger. "Tell them you need a new mattress because I already stabbed it for annoying me."
"You?" Fox pulled her flowing nightgown out from under the sheets. "Why would Shaw send you?"
"Maybe because he isn't at the SI-7, and they have Master Wood sinking our metaphorical ship." Learen spat. "But they would not be in the middle of the nightmarish crap storm if they would just listen to me for one ion cannon pulse."
Fox put her hand up, "Wait. What is so urgent that Shaw would leave the SI-7 long enough that Wood had to take over?"
"I don't know if you call it urgent, more like criminal. King Wyrnn had him taken into custody for treason three days after your death. Great job by the way. I was completely fooled." Learen dropped down and paced for a bit. Then shoved one of his daggers into the highly polished wood floor. "You will probably be glad to know that in honor of your memory, I led a single gnome raid on the Undercity for an entire week. I spent my down time tripping random Horde members into the river of goo. Dark Lady Sylvanas is probably still wondering who was killing her abomination guards, and cutting the string on her bow nightly. She does have the softest of pillows, and I'm being literal. Don't go thinking I'm as indecent as the rest of you. She wont be wondering who stole her bra's though. I framed Graham Van Talen. That should show that undead turd not to teach gnomish engineering to the unworthy! By the way I picked up this necklace she had on her nightstand. Do you want it? Cause it's just not my color."
"Shaw is in the Stockades?" Fox felt the strength seep out of her body.
"This is the thanks I get for immortalizing your memory in green guts and pestilent slime? Just ignore it to whine about, Chill out, Learen, Don't kill them all, Learen, You need to relax, Learen, Mathias Shaw?" The Gnome's voice changed to mock the Spymaster of the SI-7.
Fox dropped to her knees before the little Gnome, "Answer my damn question! Did Varian really send Shaw to the Stockades for helping me escape Stormwind?"
"You know the lesson to be learned here is not to help you. I helped you and you aren't acknowledging it. Shaw helped you and he's in prison. You know, I am not sure I want to guard you. Doesn't have a good track record of turning out well." Learen lifted his dagger and slammed it to the floor again.
Fox didn't wait for him to say anymore. Grabbing a robe she rushed from the room.
"Where are you going? I can't protect you if you are running around in satin and lace!" Learen chased after her for a moment. As he reached the door he watched the billowing of white material floating down the hall. He made a face and turned into the room. Seeing the wardrobe, he stalked over and opened it. Learen was far to short to reach the clothing. So he did what any self respecting gnome would do. He climbed inside, and started riffling through her things in search of acceptable armor. It didn't take long before grumblings of irritation were heard. That turned to anger. Then a shout of, "I have seen better gear on the baby murlocs!"
Varian was busy talking with one of his accountants when Fox rushed into the room. The black hair a sharp contrast against the white night clothes. She scanned the room as she searched for her target. The eyes coming to rest on him like she had pinned him with an arrow.
"Oh I say, King Wyrnn." Genn inclined his head to Fox as she rushed toward them. Her hands holding up the nightgown revealing her bare feet and shapely calves. "We certainly could use more of that around here."
Varian sighed and motioned the accountant away. Mentally considering investing in a good sturdy shield. "No, Genn, you haven't the slightest clue what you are requesting. One is going to be more than enough." Bowing to Fox, when she closed in on him. "Lady Lothar, you look distressed this morning. What brings you out in your sleeping attire?"
She ignored his attempt to point out her clothing. "Distressed? I am here to express my sheer panic for the present state of affairs in Stormwind, King Wyrnn!"
"Did you have a bad dream that led you to this sudden epiphany?" Varian smiled. "You do tend to whisper the sweetest things in your sleep. I miss that, you know."
"Take me seriously, Varian!" Fox put her hands out before her, "You have no idea what kind of danger Stormwind is in without Mathias Shaw at the helm of the SI-7. I am requesting that you release him immediately, before any irreparable damage can befall our people."
"That's what this is about? Mathias Shaw? Heaven's Eloise I thought this was about something important. My decision to try him for treason stands."
"You are being blinded by selfishness, your Majesty! Please listen to reason." Fox implored him.
"You are a fine one to talk about sound judgment. I have already received several offers today from Nobleman requesting a meeting with the Lady Lothar. All expressing their devotion and respectable intent. Do you have any idea how hard it is to have all of your romantic callers directed straight to me? If this keeps up Shaw will have plenty of company in the Stockades to entertain him."
"Is that what this is going to come back to? My only true use as a royal broodmare in your eyes? Damn it, I am talking about the safety of our Kingdom!"
Varian was taken a bit aback. "Broodmare? Its a crude expression of what it means to be of Royal blood, but yes, I seems to me you have the general idea down. If not the ability to tactfully express your opinion of it."
"I hate you so much right now! Do not force my hand, King Wyrnn." Fox curled her fists, and stomped her foot at him. Varian remain stoney faced, saying nothing. Looking at Genn, she nodded with resolute resolve. "Let's be done with it then. If I must marry and produce and heir, Greymane would be my first choice."
Genn choked and sputtered for a moment. Head coming up looking almost pleased and embarrassed at the same time. "My Lady! As flattering as that may be I am quite advanced in my years. I am afraid the attempt required just might kill me."
Fox tossed him a sad frown. "Really? Because I would promise to be gentle."
"Well when you put it that way, how could I refuse?" Genn looked to Varian with a lopsided grin.
The younger King was about to blow a blood vessel. "Enough! I will not have it, Fox. Stop messing with Greymane. There is no way you would prefer him to me or the other set of nobles being offered to you."
"Of course I would! He has one foot in the grave, and the good sense to die and leave me be!"
Genn looked as if he was going to fall over any moment after that comment alone, "Now Lady! I represent that."
Fox put a hand to her forehead and turned her back to them. A loud cry of infuriated feminine rage resounded as she moved toward the entrance of the main keep.
"Lady Lothar, you have not been dismissed." Varian called after her.
If he had expected her to return he was mistaken. She waved a hand in the air to disregard him instead, and kept her pace.
Varian starting to rush after her, "Where are you going dressed like that?"
"Where do you think? I am headed to the Stockades, and then to the SI-7 headquarters to see if I can help Master Wood."
"You are not to go out of this keep as you are!" Although Varian had little idea just what he could do to stop her. Short of physical confrontation, and with her new status he would be highly criticized for it.
Fox just kept going. She said nothing. Not one guard dared to move to impede her progress.
Genn sighed and called to the younger King, "I have to say, I'm not admiring your way with the Lady, King Varian. Keep this up and you might wake up shish kabobed."
"Do you not see what she is doing?" Varian pointed after her feeling quite powerless.
"Quite clearly."
"She has embraced her would be assassins, and is now marching into our highest security detention center in her night dress. How does that make any sense?" Varian roared in complete confusion. He had thought Anduin could be taxing. Well, he had been wrong!
"She is rebelling against your over exertion of power, King Wyrnn. Didn't you hear a word she said?"
Varian turned to Genn, "She didn't say anything about me. She was just going on and on about Mathias Shaw. If you missed that part."
Genn slammed a hand over his aged face. How had Varian gone this long without some rightfully aggrieved woman severing his nethers with a rusted kitchen knife? "King Wyrnn,why don't you come with me. I think we should talk over a nice pot of tea."
"About what?" Varian turned to look at the old Gilnean in confusion.
Genn let loose a deep ragged sigh, and silently cursed King Terenas and Anduin Lothar for their obvious lack of finesse with women, or their in ability to pass any of it on to the other man. "Very well then, two pots."
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
Fox entered the Stockade. The Guards looking up and them moving to block her.
"I am here to see Mathias Shaw." She informed them with a commanding voice she never knew she possessed.
"No one is to enter the Stockades without written approval."
Fox narrowed her eyes, "I am Lady Lothar, newly returned to Stormwind. If you do not desire to find yourself taking a place next to Shaw, you will not impede my progress." Then she pushed through them.
One guard merely pointed at her retreating back. The other shaking his head refusing to become a target of her ire. They had heard the rumors. The had not expected to face the lady, herself in such a state of disquieted humor. Neither man feeling it was worth the risk to stop her silently resuming their post.
She wasted no time rushing through the halls. Scanning each iron barred room. The men starting to come to the doors seeing a vision of heaven passing before them. The moment she saw Mathias sitting with his back to the far wall, she clasped the bars.
"Shaw!"
At first he stared in confusion. Then he came to his feet, "Fox?" Rushing the bars, he gripped her hands, "By the Light, Fox! What are you doing down here?"
"It's a long story." She scanned the area looking for something she could use to break him free.
Mathias looked down at her clothing and shook his head, "Have you married?"
"What? No!" She focused her attention back on him, "Why would you say that?"
"Because you look like you arrived in your Honeymoon outfit."
Fox let go of the bars and pulled the robe closed. "Excuse me for rushing to your aid the moment I found out you had been locked in here."
"It would have been more helpful if you had figured out a way to get me out before coming." He shook his head, "I never thought to see you again. I was certain you would out maneuver King Wyrnn for a good many years. What the hell happened?"
"Horde." Fox lowered her head to rest on the bars. "But that is not important. We have to get you out of here."
Shaw settled a hand on the top of her head. He could feel her inner turmoil. Years of working so closely together made it easy for him to read her. If anyone could, and did, control the Crimson Fox it was Shaw. "First tell me if it's true. Are you Lady Lothar?"
"All evidence seems to point that way, and its substantial." Fox nodded sadly as she turned her eyes up to him, "I will not fully accept it until you have had a chance to look at it and do some digging for me."
Shaw was truly stunned. Being told what little he knew had been disorienting. Seeing that there was enough to cause Fox to waver on her identity made him certain. He looked at her hard, "All these years, I can't believe I never suspected. I never found out. The biggest secret in Stormwind was standing next to me everyday."
"I feel the same way." Fox pushed out her lower lip. "Honestly, if this is true, all I have is the SI-7. It's the only part of my life that isn't a lie."
"The daughter of the great Anduin Lothar is standing here trying to free me. Who could have seen that coming?"
"Of course I am here! You are the head of the SI-7, I have vowed my loyalty to you even if it means my death." Fox stood up right. "You know that I mean that, as much today as I did when I first made my pledge and signed the contract."
"Then all I want at the moment is to be free of this place. I can't begin to tell you how bad it is in here. For me especially."
"I realize this, and I doubt Stormwind will stay safe for long without you." She pulled back on the bars wishing they would just melt away. "What would you have me do?"
"Go to King Wyrnn and get him to free me." Shaw shrugged simply. "You have sway over him. The man loves you. You can use that."
"I just came from there. That answer was a resolute no."
Shaw looked unconvinced. "You are Lady Lothar, and his former lover, Fox. Do what ever it takes!"
"You don't know what you are asking."
"It cant be that bad." Shaw started to pace. Why was she still standing here. It wasn't like Fox to question his plans.
"The only thing he wants from me is my bloodline." She confessed. Hoping that Shaw could think of some other way to get himself free, that did not include King Varian.
"Explain and keep it short."
Fox gritted her teeth and snapped, "A child."
Shaw stopped pacing. Slowly turning to look at Fox to see if she was serious. What ever the look on her face was, it convinced him she was. He went back to pacing."Another royal noble mucking my life up? No, we don't want that. Find another way, because I have no idea."
"Are you trying to piss me off?" Fox scowled. Feeling slightly insulted.
Sound drew their attention. They looked down the hall to see Varian moving through the Stockades. A formation of guards behind him.
Shaw stepped back from the bars, "Well, Fox it was nice knowing you."
"King Wyrnn, unless you are here to free Spymaster Shaw, there is no point in..." That was as far as she got.
Varian stopped moving toward her and called, "I have just signed a decree giving you temporary control over the SI-7 for the next four weeks. During this time, you will demonstrate your ability to control and guide the organization, Lady Lothar. That includes unfettered rights to reward or punish any member as you see fit. Mathias Shaw's fate is yours now to deal with, not mine."
"Can I release him?"
"If that is your wish." Varian watched her brighten in the darkness of the Stockades. He had been right about her being his moon. She was always present, but her light was hers alone to bestow or recede as she wished.
"Guardsman! What are you waiting for open the damn cell door!" Fox rushed to throw herself in Varian's arms. "Thank you, Varian!" Tears starting to fall that she could not hold back, "You have no idea how important this is to me."
"I am beginning to see there are many things that have escaped my notice. But your lack of attire is not one of them." He moved to unclasp his cloak and settled it over her shoulders.
Fox accepted it. Then turned to see Mathias standing silently behind her.
"Thank you, your Majesty. I will not fail you again." The leader of the SI-7 knelt before Varian.
"It is Fox you can not fail at the moment. Keep her safe. That is all I am asking." Varian motioned for him to rise. Then Varian reached down to his side and produced two silvery slippers, "Fox, I brought these for you. Since I doubted you would allow me to carry you out of here."
"Thank you." Fox watched as the King of Stormwind dropped to his knees. With tenderness that caused her heart to shake, he slipped each one onto her feet. Looking up he smiled "Will you accompany me back to the keep, my Lady Lothar?
"Not just yet. I have to get Mathias back to the SI-7, and get a full report on the current events from Master Woods." She turned to Shaw, "Did you know he sent Learen to guard me! Learen! The very thought."
Shaw laughing and offering his arm to Fox. The two chattering away as they departed the Stockades.
Varian scowled and his shoulders dropped, "Curse you Genn., but your were right. Women like Fox can't be tamed."