Will slumped in his chair and let out a deep sigh, a hand going to his head. Papers were strewn across the desk in front of him, ink and pen left abandoned as his mind gave up on him once more.

"Beverly, it has come to my attention that I know absolutely nothing about how to be king." He let out a stifled laugh from behind his hand and glanced over at his friend who was sitting across from him on the other side of the desk.

"You've done nothing but train to be king since you were a child," Beverly said hopefully with a wave of her hand to dismiss Will's comment. "We have effectively put your staffing in place and rearranged the guard. We have letters about sympathizers being handled swiftly. If any such people are found, we will conduct the necessary trials needed, but until then, now you need to run the country."

"Run the country," Will repeated dully, his mind running endless through all that those three words entailed.

"Run the country. People still need to work; they still need to go to church. The country still needs to work like clockwork just as it always has. We need to make sure that the people understand that there is nothing that is going to upset their day-to-day life." Beverly rose to her feet and stepped around the desk, pulling papers out from under others for Will to look at. "You wanted to work on cleaning the water supply, helping the farmers with their crops, and building a university that anyone can access. What do we need to do to get those underway?"

"You need to have an expansive look into the treasury and make sure that you have the financial resources to accommodate your desires. If not, then you possibly need to look for ways to raise taxes for the benefit of the people," a voice instructed from behind Will. A hand took his shoulder, and he looked up to find dirty blond hair fallen into bloody eyes and a crooked toothy smile. "That's what I would do. That's what my father would suggest."

Hannibal's words caused Will to sit up in his chair and he smiled, finally feeling like he had a sense of direction to move while he was waiting for news from Margot and the Mary Rose to reach him.

"Who oversees the treasury and where are the accounting ledgers? I want to go through all of them personally."

Beverly's mouth tipped into a smile, and she nodded. "I will find out."

"Can you also call for Chilton as well?" Will asked as Beverly passed him on her new quest. "I want him to take a look at my stitching. It is becoming increasingly stiff."

"Of course." Beverly strode from the room, her shoes clicking on the stone floor as she left.

Will tapped his fingers on the desktop and looked up to a circling vulture who was still wearing that crooked and toothy grin. Will tipped his head to the side as he watched the man circle his desk and disappear behind him.

"Any other suggestions?" Will asked when Hannibal reappeared on the other side of him. "You were always far more cut out for this than I ever could be."

"I would never dream of running this country for you," Hannibal shot back with the slightest shrug of his shoulders.

"Only influenced me since we were children," Will countered with a chuckle. Hannibal's smile grew.

"I can feed the caterpillar and I can whisper through the chrysalis, but... what hatches, follows its own nature and is beyond me." Hannibal's voice held reassurance as it dipped behind Will once more.

"So, you do admit that you-"

"I only suggested you pay more attention to your studies. Nothing more, nothing less."

Will nodded, a hand going to his mouth as he rubbed at the stubble that was forming across his chin. "I should have listened a bit more enthusiastically."

"You did. The effort you put forth after my absence was truly inspiring."

"It is not doing me much good now if I cannot even come up with answers to an issue of my own making. An issue that was going to be mine eventually anyways."

"You are brimming with answers," Hannibal assured, stopping in front of Will and meeting his gaze head on. "You just prefer to use me as the mouthpiece. It is still your head, after all."

"There are so many things my father kept me in the dark about. So many meetings and gatherings I was not allowed to attend. I don't even know if everything was settled with Spain. You haven't come home yet."

"Then I suggest you find out what happened with Spain, and you find out what was said behind closed doors."

"I need to get Jack," Will muttered, lowering his hand as the door behind Hannibal opened and Chilton stepped into the room.

"You need to speak to Jack," Hannibal agreed before his presence made way for the doctor.

"I heard you are in some discomfort, Your Majesty," he said with a bow. "How can I be of service?"


The hours trudged by slowly and filled with so much information that Will was struggling to maintain it all. His head ached and pounded away, and he lowered his head down onto the desk.

"We'll build an aqueduct system," Will threw out, calling the several voices of his advisors around him to silence. The only thing that continued to sound was the scratching of pen on paper as his words were written down. "The Romans have used them for centuries to bring in fresh water. We'll build an aqueduct system."

Will sat up, though he kept his face buried in his hands, tiredness seeping into his bones again.

"We will find an architect who specializes in that," Beverly assured with a nod.

"The people also need a way to access the water," Brian reminded with a deep breath and Will rolled his eyes. Was this how his father always felt? Like everything depended on him and that no one else could use even a single particle of their own brains.

"Then we will find the best places in the city to place public wells and fountains," Will offered. "That should help with accessibility. Perhaps bring a bit more life into the city as well."

"And purification?" James pointed out.

"We will have educational campaigns. There are ways of heating the water and ways to use gravel and sand. I don't know much on the science behind it, but there has to be an expert somewhere." Will sat up fully and stretched. "Bev-"

"I will also find someone within that field," she assured, her hand still busily writing down his notes.

"I think it would also be intuitive to build a reservoir of some sort to collect rainwater in case we have another drought like the one a few years ago. I don't want another famine on our hands if we can afford it. I also want that added to the educational campaigns. It will do well for our craftsman to understand how to construct and repair and sustain such items."

"It will also help provide jobs for the less fortunate," Bella pointed out, enthusiasm in her tone that brought Will's attention over to her. She was beaming brightly, and Will could only hope that he was the cause for her happiness. That he was showing her that all her years of threatening him to listen and pay attention were finally going to pay off.

"There will also need to be laws put in place for pollution. I want this to be a lasting change for the people. Not a waste of resources and money." Will rubbed at his tired eyes. "I think that will be all for tonight. We will get in touch with the needed people and calculate the payment needed and see what we can afford to accomplish. The books were a bit more disheveled than I believed they would be." Will rose to his feet and everyone was swift to follow the example. "You're excused. Thank you for your help today."

He received a bow from everyone, and they all left one by one until it was just Beverly and him who left. The door was closed, and Will collapsed back into his chair.

"You're doing wonderful, Will," Beverly assured as her hand resumed its tireless scrawling. "I will see to first thing in the morning that letters are sent out to-"

"Has there been any news at all from Margot or about the Mary Rose?" Will interrupted. He didn't care anymore about the construction of water rights. He had thought that solving some of his kingdom's glaring issues would have given his mind something to preoccupy it, but the further he dug, the more issues he uncovered that only sent him deeper and deeper into a spiral. "Anything at all?"

"Will." Beverly let out an exasperated sigh. "It has only been two days. We don't even know what happened between us and Spain yet. Please, I am asking that you give it more time."

"Does it not bother you that Margot is alone with that pig?" Will demanded, doing his best to keep his frustration out of his tone. "If I had the ability, I would have her brought here on the next available ship."

"Of course it does," Beverly agreed. "She was the first person who..." Beverly trailed off with a sad sigh and her hand stopped scribbling. She set the pen down and cocked her head to the side, eyes flickering over her friend who looked as if he hadn't slept in a hundred years. "I would bring her back here as swiftly as possible as well, but that is not how this world works. That is not how we are permitted to conduct ourselves."

"I will fix this for you. Whatever it takes. I promise."

"Will-"

"You will not lose her like I lost him." Will's breath caught in his throat and strangled him as tears pulled at his eyes. He wasn't sure if he had fully had a chance to process everything. He had been moving far too quickly, doing anything and everything to distract himself. He coughed and cleared his throat, turning his eyes to the ceiling in an attempt to stop crying. "I will not see you suffer the same pain as me."

"You don't really think he's gone," Beverly said in a voice that held a fact in it more than an opinion. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be having me asking for-"

"He hasn't come back, Bev." Will closed his eyes tightly, resting against the back of his chair. "He wouldn't stay away. Not like last time. He has no need to keep his distance."

"None that you know of."

"Do not get my hopes up. I do not want them shattering again when the truth rears its ugly head at me once more when your inquiries turn up nothing new."

"Maybe we should get you to bed," Beverly suggested softly. She rose to her feet and stepped over to Will, taking his arm in her grip. She tugged on it gently attempting to not hurt the healing king. "I can have dinner brought to you once you're in bed."

"I don't want to go to bed." Will wiped his eyes, brushing the tears away. He winced as his fingers trailed over the stitches. "I want..." Will trailed off, chewing on his tongue once more trying to stop the tears from falling. "I just want Hannibal. It wasn't supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be the four of us. I know it was vague and undetermined, but I was going to be happy. We were going to be happy."

"We'll find a new happy."

Will's insides twisted into knots, and he shook his head. "I don't want a new happy." A crumbling chuckle fell from his lips and his eyes slid shut. He waved his hand to dismiss the words he had allowed to escape from him. "I just need to be sure that it was the truth before I give up."

"And I have promised to inform you the moment I have any information." Beverly's hand took his shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I have also sent correspondence to King Mason to see if we can salvage the marriage."

"Why in the hell would-"

"You cannot afford another war right now." Beverly's eyes met Will's when he opened them. They held a silent plea to let her work her magic over the situation. He had ignored her intelligence for far too long and it was time to put a touch more trust in her. "Your people do not need the added stress of a war. Especially with winter coming in a month's time. They need all the help they can get to store food and prepare for the storms. Not to go to battle."

"I am not under the impression that Mason will allow-"

"I am not delusional," Beverly countered swiftly. "I know that there is no chance at the marriage, but if we can repair any sort of rapport between the two kingdoms, then maybe we can move past this idea of fighting."

"Mason will not give it up." Will gave Beverly a soft smile that barely crossed his lips. He took her hand and patted it gently. "He knows far too much. Knows what and who I am. I am surprised he is not yet at my gates with his full battalion, ready to take my head just as I have my father's."

"Your cousin has a claim over this throne. Not Mason Verger."

"My cousin is a sad excuse for a ruler and does not harbor the needed backbone to face a creature with such stature as one King Mason Verger." Will rolled his eyes dramatically and Beverly allowed herself room to laugh softly. "But you are right. We should repair what we can, not cause more ripples between us." Will inhaled deeply and rose to his feet. He pressed a kiss to his friend's forehead and brushed a lock of dark hair behind her ear. "Let us go to dinner."


"The treaty with Spain was signed," Jack announced several days later over breakfast and Will sat up fully in his chair at the announcement. Jack held out the letter to Will, who snatched it up to look over it. Scrolling lettering in Spanish covered the page and Will's eyes darted over it as he skimmed the information within the words.

"The treaty was on the ship, coming back with Commander Shikibu, was it not?" Will questioned, a strange mixture of frustration and relief running through his body. How had he gotten word from Spain so quickly about the treaty, but he hadn't been able to receive a single word from anyone about the crew. "Was anything from the wreck salvageable?"

"I will need to reach out to the Duke of Wessex," Jack answered. "He is the one who has been-"

"Incredibly unreasonable to deal with in any sort of capacity." Will tossed the letter aside and rose to his feet. "That treaty is of the utmost importance and if it survived the storm, we need it back in this castle and in our records. I do not want to continue my father's conflict with Spain. If the treaty is gone, then we will compose another, and I will go myself to have it signed."

"I don't know if it would be wise to-"

"How long will it take to ready the carriage to meet with the Duke of Wessex?" Will asked, ignoring Jack's warning. "I am going to handle this in person. Things move far too slowly when you leave them to chance."

"I will send for the carriage to be readied and for Brian and James to attend to you." Jack bowed his head and turned away from the table, heading for the doors he had arrived through.

"Alana, can you please pack my belongings for me. I shan't be gone more than several days." Will waved Alana away and the women nodded, heading after Jack. "Beverly, I have an important task for you, if you will help me with it."

"Anything." She stepped closer to the table, hands folded in front of her. Will took in her expression and bit his bottom lip.

"I'm being rash, aren't I?"

"Incredibly, yes," Beverly agreed. "I would suggest that you wait."

"I am tired of waiting." Will looked around the room at his staff, all of whom were standing still and waiting for his commands. Their whole lives were there for him to bend and control and make whatever he so wished. "Nothing good has come from my waiting. Just a lot of things being kept in the dark from me when I should have known them my whole life."

"What is it that I can do for you while you are away?" Beverly reached out, a hand taking Will's and Will returned his attention to her.

"I am leaving you in charge of everything while I am away. I will leave Jack behind to lend you aid and protection. I want you to keep pushing forward with the changes we are wanting to see. Help those who need help and be fair with any issues that arise."

"You trust me that much?" Shock laced Beverly's words and she took a small step back as if she were afraid of what he was asking her to accomplish.

"I trust you more than anyone else here." Will pulled her closer again, voice lowering. "I trust you with my life, Beverly. I know you will not betray this kingdom or me."

"I will do my best." Beverly nodded with determination and glanced around the room at everyone who was listening curiously. "But I need you to do something for me while you're away."

"And what is that?"

"Do not lose yourself in searching for the Commander." Will opened his mouth to argue, but Beverly cut him off. "I know that the treaty is the excuse you are using to get your answers. Do not let him distract you from something good happening for your country. The war between us and Spain is over. That is where our focus should be."

"As always, you are a shining beacon of wisdom," Will teased and he received a roll of his eyes. "I promise not to let myself get carried away. This is for diplomatic purposes. Not for my own attachments."

"I think that is a smart decision."


"Your Highness," a voice greeted, and Will watched as the man before him dipped himself into a low bow.

"His correct title is His Royal Majesty, and you will address the king as such," Brian corrected swiftly. Will didn't miss the way that the duke's eyes jumped up to him with a sharpness in their depths.

"Your Majesty. Please forgive me."

Will had never met the duke before in person, though his name echoed through the aristocratic circles. Due to being a man of noble lineage, he possessed a countenance that masked a soul consumed by the insatiable thirst for wealth and power.

As he straightened himself upright from his reverence, he stood tall and imposing. His eyes were sharp and calculating beneath a furrowed brow. A mane of graying hair cascaded down his shoulders, framing a face that bore the years of ruthless ambition. Clad in opulent garments that bespoke his status, the duke's every move exuded an air of authority that demanded submission.

His fingers, adorned with rings that glittered like ill-gotten treasures, were known to dance effortlessly across ledgers and contracts, sealing fates with the stroke of a quill. Behind the facade of aristocratic charm lay a man who reveled in the art of manipulation, a master puppeteer who orchestrated the dance of others to the tune of his own desires.

Will despised the man. The two words from his mouth had been more than enough for Will to judge him wholly and completely, rumors aside. Though he found each of said rumors to be of complete accuracy.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" His smile gleamed with shining teeth beneath a bushy mustache. "I was not informed of your arrival."

"I am here to personally inquire about the wreckage of the Mary Rose," Will explained, motioning for James and Brian to keep up and by his side. His trust was nothing for this man and even if no harm were to befall him, Will did not want to take the chance.

"Oh?" There was a pique of interest in the duke's voice and his brows rose in curiosity. "I had not thought that something of that nature would be of interest to His Majesty. Your father-"

"Is not me," Will interrupted, ignoring the way that the duke's jaw clenched up at the rudeness. The man dared not speak back, though. The words sat trapped behind the man's teeth and Will huffed a laugh through his nose at the sight. "There was an important document on that ship that I need to retrieve and as I have not received any form of correspondence back on any of my letters, I thought that I would come and see what the issue is."

"I see." The duke gave a solitary nod before turning his back to Will. "Would you like to discuss what you are looking for in particular over some tea?"

Will wished he could push past the arduousness of politeness and courtesy. He wanted nothing more than to skip directly to the point, but he knew the games he had to abide by, as tiresome as they were.

"I would appreciate that," Will agreed, dislike sitting bitter across his tongue. "The trip was exhausting."

"I'm certain."

The grandeur of the duke's home enveloped Will in an opulent embrace as they trekked through hallowed halls. The echoes of footsteps on polished stone floors resonated through corridors adorned with suits of armor and intricate wood paneling. The flickering light of ornate candelabras cast dancing shadows on the richly patterned carpets that adorned the pathway. Passing through chambers where velvet drapes framed towering windows, the sunlight filtered through, casting a warm glow upon the furnishings.

Upon reaching the tearoom, the atmosphere transformed. Soft hues of pastel adorned the walls, and delicate porcelain decorated the tables. The tapestries of the grand entrance hall gave way to intricately woven silk hangings, depicting scenes of pastoral beauty. The room itself seemed to breathe.

Will took his seat and the duke beside him. The light clinking of delicate teacups filled the room as they were placed before the men and a porcelain teapot poured forth a fragrant blend, filling the air with the comforting aroma of steeped leaves.

Will stirred his tea but didn't bring the cup to his lips. Tea was not why he was here.

"Edward," Will said firmly, ready to get down to business. "That ship was returning from Spain with the signed war treaty on it. That is what I am in search of. I have been informed that your men were the ones who scoured the wreck for any survivors and any belongings on the ship. Did they happen to procure any such items during their search?"

The duke lowered the teacup back to its saucer, genuine attentiveness across his features. He blinked several times.

"That is quite the conundrum," he muttered. A hand rose to his face and fingers pet his mustache as if it were a treasured animal. Will chewed his tongue, holding back his expression of dislike at the motion. "I have not been made aware of any such document being found. But I will immediately send for the one who was in charge of handling the search." Edward waved his hand and a well dressed servant stepped closer to the table. "Will you please locate Mr. Baldwin for us? And in the meantime, will you please have lunch prepared for us? I am sure His Majesty is famished after his journey here."

"Yes, Sir," the servant said flatly, bowing before obeying the orders.

Edward smiled pleasantly and returned his attention to Will, who was looking over the man carefully. He doubted he would be able to find the treaty if Edward had been surprised over the news of such an important document. But he was certain he could obtain other information if the treaty was unretrievable.

"Your Majesty, if you do not mind my prying, I have not been informed as to what has happened to your father," Edward said as he pressed his cup to his lips and took a sip, his adams apple bobbing. "The last impression I was under was that your father was in good health. Is he unwell? Has he passed?"

"He seems to have lost his head," Will answered, a smile playing at his lips as he tipped his head to the side. "My coronation was several days ago. I am surprised that the news has not reached this far yet. I would believe that it would have reached France by now. They do love a good gossip, don't they?"

There was an unamused sort of chuckle from Edward, and he nodded in agreement. "That they do." The cup was placed back in its home and Edward's eyes trailed over Will carefully. Will didn't miss the way they drank him in, sizing him up. How can I play with this new king? Will was certain Edward was asking himself. How do I use this to my benefit? "I offer my deepest condolences. Your father will be missed."

"I doubt that," Will mumbled under his breath, finally bringing the cup to his lips to drink. "I do have something else I was hoping you could clarify for me. There was a particular man on board the ship that I was hoping you could locate for me. One of my father's commanders."

"There were no-"

"I would like to see the list of the accounted for crew myself and make that judgment call." Will cocked his head back the other way at the flash of annoyance that was swiftly wiped away from Edward's expression as soon as it had appeared. "If that is of no inconvenience to you, of course."

"None, whatsoever. We will inquire after Baldwin when he arrives."