Chapter 41

Scheming Manipulation

"Lady Lothar!"

Fox looked up from her place on the throne of Stormwind with a radiant smile. "Lord Bascomb, how nice to see you. Lord Winchester and I were just discussing you."

Bascomb looked over at the younger Lord at her side and scowled, with great irritation "I have already explain to Lord Winchester that you were not to be disturbed, and yet here I find him at your side. I am not pleased."

Winchester smirked happily, and placed his fist over his mouth and looked away.

Fox watched the reaction with amusement. She was actually starting to become endeared to Winchester. When the man was not in the middle of political corruption, she was learning he was rather pleasant and vastly entertaining. Moving her eyes back to the elder Lord. "As I was told. I really should thank you for your thoughtful gesture on my behalf, as unwanted as it was."

"Think nothing of it, my Lady." Bascomb forced himself to bow low. "Still you should not be out an about just yet. The scare you gave us has not faded from my mind. I can not imagine having to tell King Wyrnn anything had happened to you under my watch."

"You can see that I have Damiana with me. She is assuredly all I need to prove to you that we are taking the approved precautions with my health." Fox waved toward the Priestess who was not far off.

"That is very good to know. You should keep her close." Bascomb looked back to see the Priestess and nodded at her. "I was just coming to inform you that we have received word that King Wyrnn will be arriving shortly. Arrangements have been made so that we can greet him with all the fanfare he deserves."

Fox brightened, with no guile, at the information. "I thank you for bringing me such wonderful news." Turning she offered her arm to Winchester. "Would you escort me?"

"It would be my honor, Lady-Regent." Winchester took Fox's arm, and with a wink at Bascomb headed off to the open air court that over looked the Royal Stables.

Damiana nodded to Bascomb as she came to his side. The sharp brown eyes pinned on Fox's retreating back. "It's not to late, you know. You can back out now."

"No. Astarii is already in position. Stay close to the Lady Lothar, and do what we instructed." Bascomb whispered low. "I need you to pay close attention to the Sister of Elune. I am sure between the two of you we can break the Lady in short order. King Wyrnn will be forced to rethink her presence here in Stormwind."

"As you wish." Damiana picked up her pace and headed after Fox.

It was not long before the horns herald the arrival of the King of Stormwind. The two large Gryphons cresting the mountains of the Burning Steppes, and bringing them into view of the Main Keep.

Fox looked to her side and saw Bascomb coming to stand close. "You seem as eager as I am to have his Majesty return." She studied him with curiosity.

"More so. King Varian has always been a strong ruler when he is in residence. I see they brought back the Zephyr's Blade. Looks like Braelyn Hawke has taken your spot as bodyguard to the King." Bascomb smiled with a twinkle in his eyes. Then cast a side long glance at Fox. "Perhaps we should keep as close an eye on her."

"Of course it would have to be Miss Hawke. No one else could control Seb." Fox dismissed the subtle jab that had been directed her way. A small moment to wonder what Bascomb was playing at.

The Gryphons landed, and the stable hands moved to take the creature's reins. Varian jumped easily from his mount and looked up to see Fox staring down at him. A bright smile and a nod before he turned to see Braelyn coming over to his side. The girl having trouble getting her ground legs under her from such a long flight. The King reached a hand out to steady her.

Fox was hit by an overwhelming sense of jealousy. It rose from the fringes of her mind unbidden. Closing her eyes she shook her head hard to dispel it.

Bascomb nodded and looked back down at the landing area. "You know the Hawke family has always been in King Wyrnn's highest approval. Perhaps we should go down and greet them?"

Fox opened her eyes and watch the two moving toward the Keep. "Yes, we can meet them on the stairs."

"After you, Lady Lothar." Bascomb turned her away from Winchester. Tossing a satisfied glance at Astarii from across the room.

Winchester watch the two moving away and followed the look to the Night Elf Priestess. The woman turning into the Royal Library almost completely unnoticed by all who were near. That was something he was going to need to investigate more closely. He narrowed his eyes.

Fox stood at the top of the stairs wringing her hands. She was nervous for Varian to come into sight. When he did, she could see him in deep conversation with Braelyn. The warm smile on her face pushed away by the most unfamiliar feeling of anxiety. As if she was trapped in a bubble, Fox lifted her skirt and moved to Varian's side. Without a word she wrapped her arms around Varian and pulled him down into a deep kiss. The action cutting into the conversation he had been having with the other woman.

A small group of Nobles, who had gathered, let out a cheer at the display.

Varian pulled back and smiled down. "I see you missed me more then I supposed?"

"Immensely, my King." Fox blushed as she pulled back. How unlike her was that? She settled her attention on Braelyn. "Miss Hawke, I hope the trip was uneventful?"

"Quite." The other woman lowered her head to look away. She was uncomfortable to find herself caught between the two lovers reunion.

"Braelyn was very good company." Varian nodded over at her with swift approval.. "I see why you enjoy her conversation, Lady Lothar."

Fox was rocked by his words. A hand clamping down on Varian's plate covered arm. "Yes, but we have kept her long enough. She has been gone from Stormwind no short amount of time. I am sure her family dearly wishes to see her."

"I will assign some men to escort her to their home." Varian looked around to see how many guards were available.

Bascomb stepped forward with a wave of his hand. "Do not bother yourself. I am sure you want to spend time with the Lady Lothar. I will accompany they young Miss Hawke home personally."

Fox could not stop the shock from flaring her eyes wide.

Braelyn for her part put her hands up. "No. It's fine. I am just a commoner. There is no need for a fancy escort like yourself Lord Bascomb."

"Oh but I insist, Miss Hawke." Bascomb snapped his fingers bringing his personal guard to his side. "Once I have her settled, I will return and go over the affairs of the Kingdom."

"I can not thank you enough." Varian put his arm around Fox. "Please take your time. It will give me time to discuss what has been going on with my intended. After that letter, I am sure there is much she has to tell me."

Bascomb wasted no time taking Braelyn by the arm and moving her toward the awaiting horses.

Braelyn stood next to the horse she had been supplied with and looked at the Royal couple retreating into the Main Keep. "Thank you for this generous offer, but I really do not need any assistance making my way home."

"This is not a simple escort, girl. Get on the damn horse." Bascomb snapped over. He looked down at Miss Hawke with critical eyes. Yes, she would do nicely for his plans. The brown hair with golden tones and pretty blue eyes were enough to give her a less then drab look. A little flourish and she could be transformed into a fitting doll.

Braelyn froze at the sudden change in his demeanor. "Excuse me?"

"let me be clear, Braelyn. I have learned much about you in the last few days." Bascomb climbed on his mount and indicated to the other horse with his head. "And if you want your parent's to live you will get on that horse without further complaint. I have little time to play with you."

Braelyn wanted to refuse, but mounted in silence. "I have no idea what you think you know, but I do have not only the Lady Lothar's friendship, but also the King. I think you just saw that, Lord Bascomb. Do you really want to push me like this?"

"True, but I am sure one word can change where you stand. Well, it's more like a name, Archmage Rommath." Bascomb watched the Hunter pale. Delighting in her reaction to the name. "I can follow that up with Affair, Public Knowledge, and treason."

The blue eyes almost instantly filled with tears. She knew what he was insinuating and it was terrifying. This knowledge could ruin her entire world if mishandled. "That was me! My parents have nothing to do with it. So please leave them alone."

"They know. That will be enough to implicate them." Bascomb knew from the look on the girl's face she was powerless to do anything about his open attack. "From now on you will be one of my people, Miss Hawke. You will do as you are ordered, or your parents will go down with you in the most painful of ways. Which means, I will strip them of their former glory and twist their actions to that of disloyal traitors before your very eyes. All they worked and sacrificed for will be ruined, and I will personally sign their execution decrees before having you physically branded a traitor and exiled."

Braelyn swallowed hard. "What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing of consequence. You will help me in removing Lady Lothar from Stormwind and dismantling the SI-7 as we know it." Bascomb moved his horse toward the gates of Stormwind. "Now let's go talk to your father. I have been using him to help deliver my humanitarian aid to my private army for years. Although he has no idea the full details. He will be instrumental in making you my puppet Queen of Stormwind."

O0O0O0O0O0O

Fox stood in the main War Room with Varian looking over the plans he had brought back from Stromgarde.

"Are you approving of my defenses?" He crossed his arms and waited for her reaction.

For her part Fox was in awe. There was so much that had been put in place to keep the stronghold secure. "Once all of this is established, I doubt the Titan's themselves could break into Stromgarde." She looked up at him with tears of appreciation in her eyes.. "It's beyond what I had been expecting. How did you get this done in so short a time?"

Varian chuckled and put his arms around her and pulled her back against his chest. "It is amazing what a man can do when he wishes to return home to his pregnant wife." A kiss planted to her cheek. Then looking down to study her softly curving body. "So tell me, how is my son?"

"Anduin is well from what I have heard. Velen is very concerned about the upcoming war with the Iron Horde and the Dark Portal. He wishes to impart Anduin with all the information he can. Perhaps it will aid the forces we are sending to Draenor."

"I was speaking of the unborn son you are carrying." Varian turned her to face him. Taking her by the arms he forced her to look up at him so he could see her eyes. "I heard you were not well and worried much over it. Now stop being coy and alleviate my fears"

"This child is growing rapidly and is quite well. I would know since she insists on kicking me all the time now." Seeing the delight in Varian's eyes, Fox shook her head. "Don't get to excited. I am sure you can not feel it as I do just yet."

"It will not be long before I can though." Varian smiled down at her. "I will enjoy watching you over these next few months. It's going to get more entertaining my the day"

Fox scowled and punched his chest. "That's just mean. I know you are referring to my expanding stomach. It is not something I am looking forward too."

"It will not be so bad. When you are struggling to come out of your chair, I will be there to aid you." Varian could not keep his laughter from echoing through the stone halls.

O0O0O0O0O0O

Jasper Hawke was the first to see his daughter coming down the road. "Ellysan! Braelyn is finally home." He called from his place in the front yard of their little home in Elwynn.

Ellysan rushed out of the house, and stood with her husband until her daughter dismounted. Throwing her arms around her and pulled her close to her breast. "My sweet girl! I have missed you so much. Why have you stayed away so long."

Jasper wrapped his arms around the both of them and looked over to see the familiar man. "Lord Bascomb, long time since I have seen you. Thank you so much for taking the time to bring my wayward daughter home. How have you been?"

"Well, I have brought Braelyn back personally, because there is something very important I need to discuss with all of you." Lord Bascomb dismounted and held his hand up to his men. The highly armored guard going on high alert. Signaling that he wanted them to surround the house. "Make sure no one interrupts us"

Jasper blinked and swallowed hard. He had known the Lord Bascomb for years. They had been strong allies for longer then he could remember, and every so often the Lord would call on his aid, but never had the man been so utterly serious in his behavior. "Is there something wrong?"

"Unfortunately, old friend, there is much wrong in Stormwind at this time. I fear that you and your family maybe our only hope. It is not something I wish to discuss outside." Bascomb dismounted and tossed the long cloak over his shoulders.

"Come in and I will get us something to drink." Ellysan put her arm around her daughter and led her into the house.

"Does it involve Braelyn?" Jasper moved out of the way of his family so they could enter.

Bascomb nodded somberly. He followed the women with his eyes that took on a deeply troubled look. "I am sorry to inform you, but the secret your daughter carries has been discovered by the SI-7."

"What secret?" Jasper looked from his daughter and then back to Bascomb. Praying deep in his heart that it was not the one he was thinking of.

Sadly it was, as Bascomb clamped a hand down on the other man's shoulder. "The Blood Elf Rommath." Was all he could say.

Jasper looked around in horror. Trying not to meet the Lord's face. "Please come inside." He put out his arm to invite Bascomb into his little home. "Tell me how you came to know of this?"

"The SI-7 has been determined to out all those that can stand opposed to them, and their false lady Lothar." Bascomb moved to sit in the chair they offered to him. He was doing his best to look distressed. The Hawke family would be easy targets. The couple had always been willing to help and were honest to a fault. There for they never looked to lies from others.

"False Lady?" Ellysan walked in to the room with a tray. "How is that possible? I heard that even Archmage Khadgar has vouched for her. I have met with the Lady Lothar while she spent time with Braelyn, and although she is head strong, I found her to be quite valiant."

"All a show for the masses, I can assure you." Bascomb looked over at Braelyn. The young woman was fidgeting on her feet, and looking as if she was about to bust out with the truth. She would ruin all his finely laid plans. In a counter strike against her moral integrity, he looked to her parents to make his appeal. "Please send Braelyn to her rooms. I do not wish to distress her with my plan in case you are opposed to it."

"Braelyn. Dear?" Her father leaned back in his chair. "Do as the Lord Bascomb asks."

But I do not want to..." Bascomb scowled openly at her defiance. The clear warning in his eyes that he was more then willing to make good on his threat to destroy her family. "Very well. It has been a long journey and I am exhausted. Excuse me." She dropped a quick curtsy and ran to her room. Her mind reeling as she tried to think of some way out of this mess.

The moment Braelyn was out of the room Lord Bascomb let out a heavy sigh. The eyes trailing to the stairway. "Your daughter is the only hope we have. The SI-7 knows this and that is why they dug into her life, and found out about the mishap with the Blood Elf Archmage." Bascomb turned his attention to Jasper. Careful to avoid the eyes of the observant Ellysan. "I am doing everything in my power to keep this as low key as possible."

"Excuse me, but I just do not understand." Jasper refused the drink his wife offered him. "Sorry, Ellysan, but if it's not half hard liquor I have a feeling I do not want it a the moment."

"Almost two years ago in Lion's Landing, Mathias Shaw introduced an agent known as the Crimson Fox to King Varian. She was meant to be an amusement only. A whorish diversion, but King Wyrnn in his infinite good faith took a liking to her. Seeing his weakness, Shaw pulled Fox out of duty. She was missing for almost a year before arriving in Stormwind to take up her place at King Wyrnn's side again. Shortly after it was revealed that she was Lady Lothar. Do you see what I am saying? That Shaw and Fox had the complete unfettered power of the SI-7 for an entire year to find out about the secret of Anduin Lothar's daughter. Then they set up this elaborate trap to put Fox on the throne as Queen."

Jasper's mouth dropped open at the idea. He was almost shaking with rage. "This can't be true. It's to heinous for words! Mathias Shaw has been entrusted with great power for a number of years. His agency is involved in every facet of the Alliance as well as Stormwind. Do you have any idea how hard it would be to prove?!"

"But if this is true, what can we do? King Wyrnn is obviously in love with her." Ellysan knelt next to her husband and put a hand on his leg to calm him.

"Not as in love as we are lead to believe by the SI-7. If they were she would have not had to resort to entrapment in the way of a pregnancy." Bascomb shook his head and looked the the ceiling. "It saddens my heart, but the legitimacy of that child has even come under suspicion as of late. The King will be crushed once this all comes out. And it will come out soon. We can not take the chance of Fox sending Varian out of the city again. I was barely able to restrain them this time. Next time the King may never return."

"As horrible as this all is, what has it to do with our Braelyn?" Ellysan asked as she watched the elder Lord closely. The man looked old and weary from his position.

"She is the only bright spot in this mess. You see the people have come to adore the idea of having a Queen on the throne again. Even if we manage to get out the Rogue Fox in time, we need to have a woman in place to take the helm. King Varian has been seen engaging with your daughter. He has been profoundly protective and affectionate toward her. My associates believe that Braelyn is the best candidate for that position."

"You want to make our Braelyn Queen of Stormwind?" Ellysan gasped and looked at her husband. "But we are not of Royal blood. We are not even Noble. How can you think anything of the sort"

"Neither was our late Queen Tiffin, until her nuptials with King Varian. Braelyn reminds us of her in many ways. Which is just another reason."

"I don't think this is such a good idea, Lord Bascomb." jJsper shook his head. "My daughter deserves more then to be in some loveless marriage, even if it's to the King of Stormwind. We are common and find more value in love then in power. With out affection there is no way I will allow such a union for my precious little girl."

Lord Bascomb leaned forward. "I hate to be the one to inform you of this, but while in Stromgarede, King Wyrnn had Braelyn moved into the Main Keep with him. After that they assigned a powerful Paladin to become her body guard. I do not want to push this decision on assumptions, but it's rather clear that the King and your daughter will not have a loveless marriage. If the SI-7 realizes this truth Brealyn will be killed before the King can act on her behalf. The only thing standing between them is a pregnancy of manipulation, a dirty rogue, and the SI-7."

"You are saying the King Wyrnn compromised my daughter in Stromgarde?" Jasper growled a low curse and looked away trying to compose himself. Then looking back he said in a low voice, "Find out of the child is really the King's issue. If you can prove to me that it's not, then I will personally force King Wyrnn to do the right thing and marry my daughter!"

Bascomb did his best to hide his smile. Stupid commoners.

Author Note. Oh the evil! The power of evil!