I'm moving this one along, I have many years to get through before the main event, I know I gave some of it away in With my Blood, but trust me that was only an itty bitty little bit. have fun!

Chapter Five: Touch the Fire.

Ulrich awoke next to his Viera companion, he felt as though he had disappointed her, not accepting her many advances, but he knew it would have been wrong to do so. He was tempted, her exotic figure tantalised his imagination, he could only wonder what his mother would say if he brought her home.

She stirred from her sleep, "Ulrich," she cooed, stretching like a panther of the woods, "what time is it?"

"Nearly noon," he replied softly, "I should be going soon."

"No," she begged, "Don't go."

"I must, I have official business to deal with tonight," he explained to her, reassuringly touching her hand.

"A ball?" she asked dryly, "What could be official about that?"

"A state dinner," he corrected her, "I would hate to miss it, my career as a Senator would be over." He sat up, pulling his jacket over his shoulders, "I thank you for a pleasant evening, but a woman of your intelligence should not be in this line of work." He reached for a pen and scribbled a note for her, "visit this place in Landis; I believe you would be better suited there." He kissed her hand, "I must take my leave, Miss Dajr."

He left quickly, meeting with his companions and returning to the Palace.

"Until we meet again, Senator Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg."

Judge Magister Gabranth met the three delegates as they returned from their night out, "Surprisingly enough, you are the first to return," he informed them, "I hope you behaved yourselves, no drinking?"

"Unfortunately," the Marquis yawned, "So when does this Event start?"

"You have four hours," he looked at them through his imposing helm, "You may wish to catch up on some sleep."

"No time for that," the General said, stretching his back with a series of cracks, "Lunch would be nice, though."

Gabranth laughed, "The kitchen staff will cater for your every desire," he spied a love bite on the Marquis's neck, "Culinary speaking of cause."

"Good, I couldn't handle any other desire right now," Malger chuckled, "Unless it involved a massage and a sleeping pill."

"Perhaps next time you will try the theatre," Gabranth suggested, "It is far less tiring."

Fran lay on her back, reading the note Ulrich had left; he suggested for her to join the Valkyrie Guard. She traced the script with her finger; the elaborate style of his handwriting was as attractive as he was. For a man who never touched her the way she had expected in her new vocation, she could not ease the jolt of anxiety that would shoot through heart the mere thought of him. His masculine form, his polite demeanour and his shy smile captivated her.

"Fran sweetie?" Madam Luvlé called, "Your next customer is here."

She packed the note away, "Let him in."

The door opened to a gentry couple, who entered apprehensively, "If you are up for it." The married couple sat nervously on the large bed.

"Sure," she agreed, "I can do it."

Ulrich chatted politely with a few of the gentries who had been invited to the festivities, his mind slowly succumbing to the stupor of small talk. His older comrades had found some of his Archadian counter-parts to hassle with their inebriated anecdotes, which usually involved battles and conquests of the past or their new additions to their families. The Landian Senator sighed with exasperation, being the only one who kept his promise of sobriety. Yes, this evening was turning into a very boring night; but his mood began to lift, the Judge Magisters Ek and Gabranth arrived, in full dress uniform with their daughters in tow. Judge Ek looked even more beautiful than she did the other night, her hair tied up high, but the length cascading down to her waist, making her look more regal than the Empress, who was at least twenty years her junior. Ulrich could see his friends loosing interest in their new companions to join Ek's side, much to her husband's displeasure. Gabranth found Ulrich in the crowd and shot the man a rare smile; Ulrich suspected that Gabranth hated these events as much as he did.

"Senator Ronsenburg," the broad man said, reaching for Ulrich's hand.

"Judge Magister," the Landian hero reciprocated in kind.

"Please allow me to introduce my daughters to you," Gabranth continued, ushering one of his angelic girls forward. The young woman was perhaps twenty or so, with her mother's beauty, but her fathers colouring, pale, blond and striking blue eyes. "This is Elizar," he introduced.

Ulrich took the young lady's hand, giving it a gentle kiss, "Pleasure, my lady," he acknowledged. The girl, dressed like a high-class gentry, covered with crystal and velvet the colour of midnight.

"It is an honour," Elizar swooned, her cheeks blushing at the large man.

"Give the man a break, Elizar," the other daughter chided; her irritation for the evening evident. "You don't want to scare him off before you seduce him." Elizar glared at her sibling.

"Valdar," Gabranth chastised the girl, "You will not make a scene this night or I'll reprimand you in the morn, young lady!"

"I didn't want to come anyway, Dad," she crossed her arms, emphasising her annoyance; "It's a total waste of time. I have test papers to mark!"

"My apologies Senator Ronsenburg, this is my other daughter, Judge Valdar Gabranth," he now introduced, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Now this daughter caught Ulrich's attention, her dress uniform the same black military suit with gold trim as her parents', her features were identical to her sister's but more formally groomed. He found he could not take his eyes off her; something about her mesmerized him. "Judge Gabranth," he bowed, "a pleasure to meet you."

Elizar scoffed at his change in conduct, she had pestered her father to accept the invitation so she may meet Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg and to have his attentions focused on her sister, who did not want to be there was vexing to say the least. What made it worse, Valdar did not do her usual thing of brushing him off; instead, she smiled.

"Senator," Valdar grinned, yielding to his polite manners, "Your feats on the battle field are legendary, you must discuss tactics with me sometime."

"What is there to discuss," he replied, grinning back at her uncontrollably, "I just rush in with my axe held high and hope for the best."

They laughed, Valdar the louder of the two. The Judge Magister was pleased with his daughter's change of heart and moved away quietly with a disgruntled Elizar at his side.

Valdar's deportment changed, not only did she smile more, but she also relaxed, finding Ulrich's company more than enjoyable. Their conversation reached further than mindless small talk, but to more interesting things.

The night wore on, Valdar and Ulrich dancing most of the night. The Landian Delegate not able to tear away from the beautiful young Judge; at the night's end, he arranged to see her again the following day.

"I will have to ask my superiors," she informed him, "I am a Judge after all."

"Surely Archades has enough Judges patrolling the streets to keep the peace?" he asked, still holding her hand, "they wouldn't miss one member."

"I have my duties at the Akademy, Senator," she smiled, "I teach the new recruits the basics of law among other things."

"Lunch perhaps?"

Ulrich lay awake all night; nothing could entice him to sleep. Valdar Gabranth was a young woman who had a maturity beyond her age and unlike her sister, she did not over do her appearance with an excess of jewellery and make-up. By the end of the night, his mind was made up, if only he could convince her.

He rolled onto his side, his eyes falling on the Akademy through the window of his suite. Was she there now? Or had she retired to her family home? He had to see her again, but how?

The night replayed in his head, thinking how he should have done more to reach out to her, but that military façade was a hard barrier, she seemed open yet he could feel her hesitation. She was an enigma, a credit to her trade and sex. Her hands were soft when he held them, however, according to her father; she was not someone to underestimate in the training yard.

He began to fantasise about taking her home to Landis, marrying her, raising a family; it would be perfect, but his mind returned to the doubt; what if she was only being polite?

He tormented himself all night with the "what if"'s and at breakfast the following morning, he approached Zarkov.

"Judge Magister?" the Senator greeted him, "May I enquire about the Akademy?"

"The Akademy? Why would you be interested in that for?" His surprise evident. "Do you not have similar places for your law enforces and military minds of the future?"

"Ah … Exactly, Yes … I wish to compare methods, so … both our nations may benefit," Ulrich hoped not to sound too pretentious.

"So this has nothing to do with a certain Judge you met last night," Ulrich knew he was smirking under his helmet, he could hear it in his voice.

"And so what if it did?" Ulrich could not believe he just said that aloud.

"I will say she is beautiful," the cocky Judge remarked, "But she is nothing to her sister Elizar."

The senator held his tongue; Elizar came across as excessively decorated and self-centred, like all the other Archadian Gentry Women not in the service of the Empire. "Perhaps she will grant you a moment of her time?"

"I wouldn't dream of trying it on with the Boss's daughter," Zarkov declared, "My life is not worth that much."

"Please explain?"

Zarkov twitched nervously, "Do you understand the hierarchy of the Magistrate?" Ulrich shook his head, "The Emperor commands the Magisters, but so does the longest serving Magister, and that's Ek."

"She's not that old," The Senator began.

"That is because," the Judge Magister sighed, "on orders of the late Emperor Viator, Her Honour was required to Change the Guard, not a task to be taken lightly, within one night, the Magistrate was renewed and the former Judges lay to rest in the Magistrate's crypt. It is rare for a Judge to retire."

"Rather barbaric for such a civilised nation," Ulrich remarked, "efficient, though and you would save the state their pensions."

"I hope to retire to the senate …"

"Don't," Ulrich cut him off, "life in public office is enough to destroy the soul."

Zarkov laughed, "If that were the case, you would be leading troops into battle, rather than arguing with rusty, old, antiquated bureaucrats."

"I object," Ulrich chuckled, "the majority may be advanced in age, but are sharper and more lethal than a deathblade. The most dangerous battlefield I have ever graced."

Zarkov grinned through a short silence, "So," he said finally, "Judge Gabranth has caught your eye, don't hold your breath."

"Why is that?"

"She's a career girl," the Judge informed him, "You would have to be something special to lure her away from the Magistrate." He watched the Landian Senator's determination spread across his face, "But why would that stop me from what could be an entertaining day."

The Akademy was a large, functional and challenged the Palace, the Senate and the Magistrate for skyline dominance. Ulrich felt humbled by the towering structure, the green of the elaborate gardens spilled out from every surface, it looked more like a second Imperial Palace than a training ground for the protectors of Empire. Zarkov accompanied the Senator for his official tour of the Akademy, to send a lesser ranked Judge would insult the Republic, and Zarkov very much liked the wild yet beautiful country that his grandfather grew up in, so insulting one of their esteemed members of the Senate would not sit well with him.

"You will at least act the part, won't you Senator?" The Judge asked jovially.

"I intend to do what is best for my position," Ulrich smiled, his thoughts returning to the young Judge.

"Yes, that's what I'm afraid of," Zarkov chortled as they made their way into the foyer.

The office clerk greeted them with confused excitement; he clearly was not expecting a Judge Magister to visit so soon after the graduation ceremonies.

"Sir!" he cried, standing rapidly to attention, "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"Are all your young judges this enthusiastic?" Ulrich asked, the faintest of grins forming on his lips.

"Bergen here is still a cadet," Zarkov informed him, "and the most resourceful sycophant I have ever known."

"Sir, you're too kind," Bergen thanked him.

"See what I mean?" Zarkov commented, "Now Bergen, we will be touring the Akademy And we won't be needing your assistance."

The enthusiastic clerk waved them good-bye as the two men begun their tour.

Valdar sat at her desk in the front of her class, sifting through the papers she would have corrected the night before, if it were not for the state dinner and … him.

The teenage class were silent, focusing on their work assignment. They all wore the same grey uniform with the subtle gold trim and polished black boots. As it was the first class of the day, it was Valdar's responsibility to inspect their uniforms, everything had to be perfect, as an imperfect judge will not demand any respect. Girls must have their hair in a bun high on their heads and the boys with neat, short hair.

She read each test paper, marking them with her bright red marker. Her mind wandered back to the tall blond senator, she had never before been distracted by a man before; her pen slipped from her fingers, startling her out of her daydream. Valdar flushed red, "Get a grip, girl," she chided herself, "He's going home soon and you can go back to normal." She had kept her voice low, yet the students at the front of the class gave her a strange look. She held her tongue, disciplining them would only draw more unwanted attention, so a well timed glare was administered, putting the students back in their place.

Her attentions returned to the test papers, but a gentle knocking at the door once again distracted her. Upon opening the door, she was face to chest with Ulrich, "I'm not disturbing your class am I?" he asked with a pleasant smile.

She could feel her cheeks burn, "Not at all, Senator," she welcomed him, "the students are completing a task I set."

"Not too difficult I hope?" he enquired, trying to sound interested.

"That's the way we weed out those not suited to the public service, Senator," she grinned, pushing an imaginary strand of hair back behind her ear, "Archadia will not tolerate substandard judges."

"Perhaps we can discuss more of Archadia's standards over lunch?" His question was a badly camouflaged request to see her again, not that she minded.

"An excellent idea, Senator," a subconscious smile grew across her face, "Until then."

Ulrich struggled to remain formal as he motioned his good-byes and left.

Valdar sat back down at her desk, her face glowed with a rosy hue and a quiet elation growing in her abdomen.

Zarkov chuckled as Ulrich left the classroom, "Archadia's standards?"

"I'm having lunch with her," Ulrich gloated, walking down the hall with an added spring in his step.

Valdar found the Senator sitting at a table in the corner of the cafeteria; he had ordered a cool drink for her. "Ulrich, I must say I never expected to see you this morning."

He stood up to greet her, "Lady Valdar," he aided her into her seat, "I was worried that you had changed your mind."

"Not at all, lunch break starts at one," she felt a little uncomfortable with the attention he paid to pushing her chair in, "Thank you."

He took his place opposite her, settling at the small table. She sipped at her beverage, her cheek still tainted with the same subtle pink she had earlier in the classroom. Ulrich watched her try to relax; she frequently shifted in her seat until finally, she met his welcoming eyes and her unease vanished. "I hope the refreshment is to your liking."

"It's my favourite," the pink turned to a warm scarlet.

"Mine too," he confessed, "Although, I believe it is also a favourite here in Archades."

"Not really," she chuckled, "Iced tea with pineapple guava is expensive."

"Not in Landis," he grinned, "It is one of our countries biggest commodities." After nearly an hour of polite small talk, Ulrich became serious, "Can I see you tonight? Socially I mean."

Valdar leaned back in her chair, "I will on one condition," she said coyly.

"And what would that be?"

"I would like your assistance with the Self-Defence class at four," she awaited his reaction.

"Done," he agreed before he could think, he would have agreed to anything she asked, providing it meant seeing her again.

"Are you certain?" Valdar did not expect this reaction; Ulrich noted the shock in her voice.

"I will assist you with your afternoon class, what ever you require of me."

The parade ground had other classes for training, the self-defence class was a first year class and no weapons were allowed. The same students from the morning class had lined up in their usual positions and waited for their instructor.

The students remained silent as their instructor and Senator Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg marched towards them.

"Good afternoon, class," Valdar greeted them formally, "You are in for a treat today; the Landian representative for the peace pact, Senator Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg, has volunteered to help you with your self defence."

The class looked to one another, twice he had turned up now, why only him and none of the other delegates.

"You will have the chance to test your abilities against a seasoned warrior," She explained to the now nervous class, "this is only a training exercise and there are to be no intentional wounding of your opponent, lack of restraint will result in immediate expulsion." She eyed her pupils, "I will now demonstrate today's lesson with the Senator's assistance." Valdar motioned for Ulrich to attack her; he hesitated, not wanting to risk hurting her. "Come on Senator," She teased, "afraid of what I'll do to you?"

Reluctantly, Ulrich came at her with an overhead strike. Her lightening fast reflexes deflected his attack and he found himself staring up at the blue sky, the wind knocked from his lungs.

She flashed a smile at him before returning her attentions back to her class; "As you can see, the more aggressive the strike the easier the movement," she eyed the students looking apprehensively to one another, "Your turn." As they began to practice their new move, Valdar turned back to Ulrich, who remained on his back, "Need a hand?"

Ulrich accepted her gesture, and she helped him to his feet, "Thank you," he uttered, "I think."

"No, thank you!" Valdar smirked, standing with her hands held behind her back, inspecting her students' progress.

He joined her but continuously stole glances of her focused yet serene face. Ulrich's mind wandered again, Valdar's uniform as fitted perfectly to her slim figure. She was intelligent, tactically gifted and emotionally strong. The fleeting smiles she gave him filled him with hope.

"You can pick me up from here tonight," she said suddenly, "shall we say eight?"

Valdar did not want to go out to a restaurant or the theatre; she only wanted a quiet evening with the Senator in his quarters at the Palace. With a meal provided by the Imperial kitchens, they each other to keep entertained. Their conversation remained casual at first, but evolved into something more serious.

"… so I have this conflicting pressure from her to not only marry but marry someone she likes, whom I will most likely not," Ulrich finished, lounging back with a glass of orange juice, "What about you?"

"Never thought about it," Valdar confessed, kicking her feet up on the coffee table, "I always lived for the moment, and focused on my career," she downed the last of her wine, "But now I'm not to sure."

"What do you mean?"

"Hearing you sound so passionate about a wife and a family," she poured another drink, "I always thought of men as toys, play things."

"I'm not that kind of man," He commented, "And I should walk you home, it's getting late."

Valdar settled comfortably in her chair, "I was hoping to stay a little more," she shot him a devious glance.

"I …" her unspoken proposition caught him off guard, "I couldn't possibly …"

Valdar stood up and walked up to him, the two bottles of red wine not affecting her balance, "You are a handsome man, Ulrich," she told him, sitting on his lap, "in a wild and barbaric way." She hooked her arms around his neck, "So I'm going to kiss you now, Senator."

Ulrich did not protest, their lips met in a sensual kiss. Ulrich pulled her closer, his actions felt natural and right as his hands found their way around her waist.

She groaned with anticipation, "I want to feel your beard on my naked body," she breathed in his ear.

"This could get out of hand," he mumbled back, "It wouldn't be right."

"I'm twenty, not sixteen," she enforced, unbuttoning her blouse, exposing a white, silk bra, "I am perfectly legal."

"It's not that," he tried to explain, "I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't …"

"You never …" Valdar began, "with a girl?"

"Not until I'm married," He felt humiliated.

Valdar sat on his lap, feeling his stress from the situation, "we don't have to go all the way," she suggested, "we could just fool around until we're both happy." She helped him with his tunic, "What's this?" she fumbled with a ring dangling around his neck on a string.

"Family heirloom," he replied, "it will grace the finger of my wife, someday."

She grinned as she inspected the ornate ring before removing it from his neck and placing it with the rest of his clothing. She teased his lower lip with her tongue. He closed his eyes, revelling in the moment. "Ulrich," she whispered hotly in his ear, "Lay down."

The Senator awoke to find the bed next to him empty, a note left in her stead.

Dear Ulrich,

I am sorry I will not be here when you wake up. Last night was incredible and I hope we can do it again soon. You were absolutely delectable.

Take Care,

Valdar XXOOXX

He smiled at her letter, folding it neatly and placing on the bedside table. Ulrich left his bedroom, still naked, looking for his pendant/ring. It was no longer on the pile of clothing but on the coffee table, the string it hung on carefully beside it and not attached. She had tried it on before she left that morning.

Perhaps, he thought, she desires as I do.

With his ring secured around his neck once more, he dressed quickly and left the room in search of Her.

Earlier that morning, Valdar had awoken in the arms of Him. She had hoped that her urges hade been sated and she could get on with her life, but that was not the case, if anything they were worse. How could she concentrate at the Akademy with Him occupying her every thought? She sat up, looking down on his slumbering form, his well-toned chest and sculpted arms astounded her. He was nothing like other men. Archadian men were fit, but focused more on them selves rather than pleasing the woman they were with, Ulrich was not like that; his attentions centred on her.

She pulled out a pen and pad of paper from the side-table and scribbled a short note.

She wanted to kiss him again, his lips a subtle pink oasis among the blond hair of his face, it was hard to believe that such a gentle man could be regarded as a barbarian. Valdar made her way to the room it all started in and carefully dressed, not to wake him, if he awoke, she could not stop herself. She almost made it out of the door, when the light caught something in the corner of her eye; the ring he wore around his neck. His word from the previous night echoed in her head as she approached it.

She could not stop herself as she untied the cord and liberating the precious blue gem from its prison. With out hesitation, she slipped it onto her finger, "Mrs Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg," she said to her reflection in the glass table.

Ulrich stirred in the bedroom, startling Valdar, who hastily placed the ring on the table and silently left the room, making her way to her quarters back at the Akademy.

"Hello stranger," Malger greeted Ulrich as he entered the dining room, "Saw it fit to grace us with your presence?"

"What?" Ulrich responded, unaware of his absence from their company, "Sorry, I had other things on my mind."

"A six foot tall, blond beauty I imagine," The Marquis teased, "that gorgeous Judge you spent the entire state dinner with?"

A bashful smile betrayed his feelings, "I am in a hurry," he said, "If you'll excuse me." He grabbed a pastry … thing … and left the room. His feet carried him to the grand foyer of the Palace where he met the cold steely gaze of Judge Magister Gabranth, who appeared to be waiting for him

"What have you done to my daughter?" he demanded, sounding quite angry, but upon lifting the helmet from his head, his warm smile calming the Senator's worry. "she's not at the Akademy today. Her mind could not focus."

"I was on my way to find her," Ulrich announced, "She left before I woke …"

"You slept with my daughter?" Gabranth queried, trying to portray the protective father routine; "you wouldn't be the first."

"I didn't," The Landian delegate declared, "out of respect for her."

"You would be the first," The Judge informed him, "So why are you looking for her?"

"She left in such a hurry, and moved something important," his smile returned, "I must find her."

"Why?" Gabranth asked, "Why do you have to find her?"

Ulrich thought for a moment, why did he need to find her, it was more than just a need to be near her. Valdar made him feel complete, before her, he never realised how hollow his life was. "I think I'm going to ask her to marry me." Ulrich paused, "if I have your permission."

"This isn't Landis, son," the Judge chuckled, "Valdar is an enlightened Archadian woman, which means I have no say." He patted Ulrich on the back, "I believe you to be an honourable man and I must confess, I like you. Good luck, you'll find her at the Akademy's dormitories, room 287." Gabranth marched away, into the Palace.

Ulrich, with renewed determination, proceeded to the Akademy.

Judge Gabranth aimed her weapon at the target, the sleek barrel pointing directly at the bull's eye. Her breath slowed as she squeezed the trigger, releasing the lead bullet with the contained explosion propelling the projectile smoothly to the cardboard figure, blasting a large hole through the head shaped outline.

Placing the gun down and removing her goggles and earmuffs, she inspected the target as it glided towards her.

"Nice shoot'n, Valdar," a fellow instructor greeted, "Some guy's here to see you, he looks Landian or somethin'."

Valdar's heart raced, "did this guy say why he was here?"

"Nope, just wants to talk to you," her friend explained, "He said to meet him in the west gardens by the Landian Oak."

"Thanks, Amity," Valdar disarmed the firearm and placed it carefully in the box by her side. Amity smiled and left, leaving Valdar to her thoughts.

Ulrich sat under the oak, the morning sun not yet reaching the tops of the tall trees in the west garden. What was he doing? He only knew her for two days and now he was going to propose to her? He was not thinking straight, she is a beautiful young woman with a strong will, both traits he was powerless to.

He stood up, "I can't do this," he said aloud, ready to walk away.

"Can't do what?" her sweet voice asked from behind him, too late to back out now.

"Valdar," he addressed her, turning to face her angelic smile, "I'm going to sound crazy if this is not true, but did you try my ring on this morning?"

Her face became a scarlet beacon, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."

"I ask because," He hesitated, "I wish for you to wear it, all the time."

"But you said it was for your wife," she retorted, her face burning with humiliation.

"Yes, exactly," he answered, tugging the ring from his neck.

She looked at it in his hand, slowly the realisation of his words sunk in, "Me?"

"I'm sorry," he backed away; "I shouldn't be so stupid, you don't know me well enough to accept."

"Wait," Valdar walked up to him, "I must be mad for saying this … yes, I'll be your wife."

Ulrich blinked in disbelief, "Yes? … Yes! You said yes!" he swept her off her feet, spinning round and round laughing, "You said yes!"

Ulrich's diplomatic assignment was no longer a chore; Valdar spent every free moment at his side even witnessing the signing of the Peace Pact in the Palace. She handed in her resignation to the Magistrate and in a small registry office Valdar Gabranth; former Archadian Judge became Mrs Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg.

Lady Laiard knocked on the door of the First wife, "First Wife Katarina," she called, "It's me Laiard."

The older woman sat at her dressing table, her handmaidens tending to her hair and make up, "You may leave me," she ordered them. The girls bowed and obeyed, leaving quickly.

Laiard entered, closing the door behind her. "Beloved aunt, I bring bad tidings," she kissed her aunt's ring; "The chancellor is somewhat reluctant to comply."

"That is probably for the best, considering recent events," Katarina rose from her chair.

"The Peace Pact signing? We must leave him alone because of that?"

"You stupid girl," the first wife chided, "the Hero of Landis has married an Archadian Gentry, it would be wrong of me to make the young woman a widow at her age."

"How did you come by this new information?" Laiard asked curiously, "Do we have spies in Archades now?"

"I read it in the newspaper," she said flatly, "it made headlines in several countries, and I'm surprised you missed it." Katarina sat on her bed, "In any case, the recent events have caused me to postpone our plans, keep your contact with the Chancellor, he may be reluctant now, but I dare say he will bend to our wishes in good time. We can not rush these things."

"Yes my lady," Laiard agreed.

"Use your charms wisely, my girl, he is a man with ambitions, don't let him take control."

Those Rozzarians are complicated aren't they?