With their business in Eel's End concluded, the group made their way out of Old Korvosa and toward Citadel Volshyenek. Alexander did his best to keep a neutral expression although it was difficult to deny the pain of his injury. He wasn't in mortal danger but didn't want to bother the rest of the group, especially since Viera already expended her divine spells trying to heal him. The warrior was content to make it through Cressida's debriefing and tending to his wounds in his own time.

With the group growing closer to the familiar keep, Alexander was surprised to see a familiar face emerge from its gates. Tiran gave the guards standing at attention a quick wave and noticed the group. Alexander knew that Griffin's brother was someone that they could trust but he was still curious as to why he was at Citadel Volshyenek. Although the noble supported the Korvosan Guard and his brother, he made no effort in actively participating in current events.

"Brother," Tiran greeted with a grin. "I trust you and your company have been well."

"We have," Griffin told his brother. "What is the meaning of your visit?"

"I have a message from home," Tiran explained. "The queen's coronation is to happen tomorrow morning."

Griffin nodded. "I did hear that it was coming up. I suppose this means that our family has some obligation."

"Not for the coronation directly," Tiran shook his head. "It's to be a private event exclusive to Queen Ileosa and those she deems trustworthy."

"Are private coronations normal?" Viera asked.

"All of the ones I remember were relatively public," Falenas answered, tapping his chin in thought. "I wonder if we'll be given the day off to celebrate."

"This does mean that the city is stabilizing," Alexander said. "That is a relief to hear."

"You didn't come all the way to Citadel Volshyenek just to tell us that though," Griffin predicted. "What else is there?"

"Even though the coronation is private, the Carowyns are celebrating the occasion with a gala," Tiran told the group. "Our parents were invited but they'll be leaving tonight as part of a trip with a merchant ship, not that I blame them for wanting to leave at this time."

Griffin raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting we take our parent's invitation?"

"They're actually insisting that we go in their stead," Tiran chuckled. "The invitation is for two plus two bodyguards. I thought it would be fitting that we take, say, Alexander and Viera with us."

"That would be fun," Viera said with a nod. "I would be happy to come with you both."

"As would I," Alexander agreed although he turned to Falenas and Takota. "Is there no way we can get our whole group?"

"I'm afraid not," Tiran answered with an understanding frown. "Not on such short notice, at least."

Falenas waved a hand dismissively. "Do not worry about us. I care little for noble gatherings and I imagine Takota is the same. We shall find our own way to unwind, perhaps by visiting a tavern."

Takota nodded, although his gaze remained on Griffin. "I'd like to talk to you in private."

"You would?" Griffin blinked in surprise. "We can work something out after we meet with Field Marshal Kroft."

"I won't keep you any longer," Tiran said and took a step away. "Please let Cressida know that I was able to find you. I'll see you at home, brother."

Alexander waved along with the rest of the group as they watched Tiran depart toward his family estate. He wasn't sure why the noble was so kind and friendly aside from the connection he had with Griffin. Even then, Tiran had gone to great lengths to get to know the group and had even volunteered his own time to look after Silana. Although Alexander considered if he had his own motive, he could only conclude that Tiran was just a generous man. The warrior wasn't sure how he would be able to repay him for his aid in these trying times.

The group continued on their way into Citadel Volshyenek, taking the path to the field marshal's office. By now, the other guards recognized the group and knew that they were trusted agents so no one made any attempt to stop them from heading to a typically restricted place. When they arrived at the office door, Griffin knocked and Cressida told the group to enter. They stepped into the office with the field marshal standing up from her desk.

"I have to admit that I'm surprised to see you back only after a few hours," Cressida said, her tone showing that she was impressed. "You have what we need then?"

Griffin reached into his pockets and pulled out the letters. "It's not much but it should be enough to stop the ambassador's ambitions for now."

Cressida took the letters, and after glancing at their content, blushed. "They'll… they'll work. I'll see that a clerk puts these somewhere safe. If the need to use them comes up, we'll be ready."

"We're glad to have been of service," Alexander said and bowed his head.

Cressida turned to Alexander and her eyes went wide. "Alexander, you're bleeding!"

"I am?" Alexander looked down to see blood staining his tunic. "You're right."

"Did you run into any trouble?" Cressida asked. "Did you fight Devargo?"

"He played a game of knivesies," Falenas informed the field marshal.

"Knivesies?" Cressida blinked in confusion.

"It was to get Devargo to open up for the deal," Alexander explained. "There's nothing fun about knivesies."

"I did my best to heal him but the wound was rather severe," Viera said with a frown. "I'm sorry that I wasn't able to do enough."

"Falenas, since you're a healer, I would like for you to tend to Alexander's wound in the barracks," Cressida ordered the alchemist. "I will see that each of you is paid for your services done today."

"It shouldn't be too much of a problem," Alexander said with a sigh. "I'm sorry that you have to take time to help me."

"There is no problem," Falenas shrugged. "It is still my duty to treat those in need, even if I am still without my shop."

"I'll do what I can to help too," Viera offered. "My magic may be spent for now but I can be an assistant for you, Falenas."

"I wish you a swift recovery, Alexander," Griffin bowed his head. "Takota and I have some business to attend to. Is there anything else we can do for you?"

Cressida shook her head. "That'll be all for now. You're dismissed."

The group exited the office, and while Griffin and Takota broke off from the group, the others made their way toward the barracks. Alexander couldn't help but feel as though Falenas and Viera were both careful of him, wanting to make sure that he didn't come to harm. Although he was grateful that his wound would be tended to, he knew that the treatment would take time. He had hoped to see Silana today, but now, he would likely have to wait until tomorrow.

"What's on your mind?"

Takota didn't answer the question immediately and looked around his surroundings, ensuring that no one was watching. After the two left Citadel Volshyenek, Griffin led the way to a back alley nearby. As far as he knew, there was no one watching, but the archer wanted to make sure that was the case. It must have meant that he wanted to keep this conversation a secret.

Griffin wasn't too sure what to make of Takota. There was a sudden yet subtle shift in his behavior as the Shoanti, who mostly kept to himself and offered few words, sought him out to talk. The noble knew that his friend was practical, and that if there was something he wanted to say, it must be important. When Takota had determined that no one was listening, he turned to Griffin with a stern expression.

"Has anyone found the seneschal yet?" Takota asked bluntly.

"No one has found him, dead or alive," Griffin answered. "You weren't interested in politics before now."

"I like having options," Takota replied and crossed his arms. "Korvosa is about to have a murderer claim the throne."

Griffin blinked in surprise at the sudden declaration. "That is quite the bold claim. I take it this has to do with your distrust of Ileosa."

"You don't trust her either," Takota reminded the noble.

"You're right but our way of thinking is different," Griffin said and pointed toward himself. "I simply believe that our soon-to-be queen doesn't have the city's best interests in mind."

"But you don't think she killed her husband for the throne," Takota grunted.

"I don't," Griffin answered without hesitation. "I believe that while Illeosa had ambitions, she lacked the political savvy to rule a nation, something which she realized. She would have been content being at the late Eodred's side, not to mention that people would think of her as the suspect if there was proof Eodred II was murdered."

"And what of the seneschal?" Takota asked again.

Griffin tapped his chin in thought. "It's possible that Ileosa could have something to do with his disappearance, but as of now, we lack any evidence to accuse her of foul play. I personally believe that she had something to do with the seneschal's disappearance out of fear that he would be a risk to her life of luxury, but for now, I intend to keep such thoughts to myself."

"Do you not think Ileosa is dangerous?" Takota questioned, stepping forward.

"I do not," Griffin answered and shook his head. "She has no talent as a warrior or sorceress. She is purely a political figure, and while she could turn into a tyrant, I imagine that Cressida wouldn't let the Korvosan Guard follow such orders."

"Do not underestimate her," Takota told Griffin. "Ileosa may very well be a snake, and even snakes can prove to have a fatal bite."

Griffin paused in thought, thinking over what Takota said. As a noble, he understood the game of political intrigue all too well. He had to be aware of what the other noble houses were up to as they navigated their way through laws and rules to increase their standing in Korvosa. It was certainly possible that Ileosa could have been responsible for her ascension to the Crimson Throne outside of meeting Eodred II and eventually marrying him.

However, even after meeting her, Griffin wasn't convinced she was capable of murder herself. Still, Takota had very little reason to be paranoid. If he had reason to believe Ileosa was some sort of villain, it was best to listen to his reason.

"And do you have any evidence that Ileosa murdered Eodred II?" Griffin asked.

"Falenas once told me that no monarch who ruled Korvosa has died from natural causes," Takota answered. "The throne may be cursed as the people think it is."

Griffin couldn't help himself but laugh. "That is but a superstition, Takota. Please, do not believe in such tales about the Crimson Throne."

"You shouldn't dismiss the idea or the possibility that Ileosa is but a pretty face on a throne," Takota argued back stoically. "But I take it that I won't be able to convince you."

"Not unless you have proof of her deeds," Griffin said with a nod. "For what it's worth, I've enjoyed this chance to talk with you. It was quite an interesting conversation, and well, your own political ideas surprise me."

Takota returned Griffin's nod with one of his own, but afterwards, turned around to walk back to Citadel Volshyenek. The Shoanti was an outsider to the political games in Korvosa. While some would say it meant that he didn't know how politics in the city worked, Griffin would be among the group that thought it gave him a new perspective. Certainly, his opinion that Ileosa did murder her way to the throne matched with what some of the other citizens of Korvosa thought, so he wasn't alone in that regard.

For now, Griffin couldn't think it was possible, and if it were, there was very little that they could do about it. With a content smile, the noble made his way back home. He never cared much for the Carowyn's extravagant parties, but after everything that's happened in the past few days, he deserved a break.

A/N: So, we have a shorter break, but really, I wanted a chance to transition from the completion at Eel's End to what's coming next. This chapter fulfills that purpose. Also sorry it took me longer than expected to write this. Stuff came up during the past few days that kept me busy.

Until next time.