Medea's original grin disappeared as she was pressed against Merric's chest with his arms locked around her waist. A deep blush crept up her cheeks as she realized how ragged and dirty she must have looked, with her dirt-streaked tunic and frizzy hair from the damp.

"Um...you can put me down now." She said shakily. He nodded slowly but made no move to let her go. His eyes were huge as they watched her face with what could have been fear, fear for what she couldn't figure out.

"Merric. Put me down."

He set her down slowly and stepped away from her. Medea brushed her hands quickly down her sides to smooth down the fabric and wipe the sweat that had suddenly appeared on her palms.

"I'm worried that Redfern is planning something, it's probably nothing, but there was a woman in his rooms, north-eastern origin, about five and half feet tall. Her physical description matches with four women at court, me included. The others are Gwenethia of Silverfalls, Brigit of Goatrun, and Annamaya of Queensbay. My guess is Gwenethia, Brigit is engaged to Cethere of Sparrowpeek, and if you've ever seen him you'll know she wouldn't be anywhere but his bed. Annamaya spends most of her time in worship, praying for hours a day."

Merric nodded slowly as he processed the information. Medea had begun to notice a pattern with him, he did things rather slowly when he was thinking, which was often.

"I'm sure Gallespy will be willing to keep an eye on Redfern, there's bad blood between their families and there has been for generations. But Gwenethia can't possibly be the one in Redfern's rooms, she's been away from court ever since the cloth over her stomach started getting tight." He cracked a smile.

Medea smiled back. While he may take time to process it all, Merric always knew exactly what to do and when to do it.

They continued with their conversation for hours until she caught sight of the sky outside his window.

"I'm sorry, Merric. I kept you up all night again." She laughed.

"I'm used to it, and you shouldn't be worrying about me. You're the one who has to face a depressed royal."

She glowered at him.

"Sorry. But tell me this, who was he?"

Medea sighed and ran her fingers through her hair, a sure sign of her stress that she tried so hard to hide. "I'm sworn to secrecy. I'm sorry."

She stood to go, but as she passed him she bent so her lips were only a few inches from his ear. "But I can tell you this; he is someone no Alagaesian will accept, conservative or liberal."

Then she opened the hidden door and slipped back into her labyrinth.