On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Seventy-One

We quickly reached the dais. A number of the Beefeaters stationed there looked at Princess Eleanor curiously, and from my experience I could tell that several of them were Chosen like us. There aren’t many Beefeaters, so I expect that they are just Chosen dressed as them. It’s not a bad plan to have extra hidden protection.

“I’m taking these guests to see grandmother.” Eleanor said, her tone still a touch bitter, though she was making an effort to present a cordial outlook.

“Yeah, my grandmother will want to have a talk with them.” Prince Henry agreed, holding the hand of Melissa, who was still looking at me as though I was something filthy, giving the girls looks of sympathy. Behind us, we had drawn a lot of attention from the gathered Chosen and political figures, though honestly, I expected that was mostly due to the girls, as I had to admit they looked outstanding in the beautiful white gowns.

“They can come forward.” The Queen said regally from the dais, and I could see she was observing us, her eyes still bright with curiosity, despite her advanced age. As we stepped onto the dais there was a buzz of conversation from the guests, and as I widened my vision with aether, I could see Mary Stuart eyeing us coldly. Yes, she doesn’t seem to like us much, does she?

Eleanor pulled the curtain behind us, obscuring us from the public view. “Grandmother…” she said when that was done. “I… we have some guests from Japan.”

“We know.” The Queen said, adopting the royal ‘we’ as she was now talking to us officially. “We and Shige are old acquaintances. His granddaughters have certainly grown up wonderfully. So, dear Eleanor, we are waiting for introductions.”

“Oh, yes.” She said. “This is Akio Moonstone Oshiro. He’s… well, supposedly he’s the lead Gods’ Chosen in Japan, if he can be believed.” Her tone was even, but I could hear the doubt. “These here…” she paused, shaking her head. “… are his fiancées, Motoko Tsumura, Natsumi Hori… and… well, I believe she goes by just Hyacinth.”

“Why, aren’t you all adorable? We are most impressed.” The Queen said, looking like the kindly grandmother she was. “We know your grandfather well, Motoko.” The Queen continued. “Since the aftermath of the war, Japan and Great Britain have laid aside their differences and worked together. We hope it will long continue.”

As Motoko bowed politely, the Queen continued. “We did believe it was just your engagement debut today though. To think we would have these others on display as well…”

“I am honoured to meet you.” Natsumi also bowed.

“Well, aren’t you very polite? We expect no less from the well-raised daughters of nobility though. As for you…” she looked at Hyacinth, whose face was an expressionless mask. “We think you are not human. Are you a Japanese spirit, what we believe you would call a Yokai?”

“Nooo.” Hyacinth shook her head. “I am a Fae. I am.” She insisted. “I serve Akio and all the mistresses. And I am mooost angry at the disrespect they have been shooown.” Her violet-eyed glare took in Princess Eleanor and Melissa.

“I say, steady on. No need for that.” Prince Henry said, shielding his girlfriend from her gaze. “She’s just worried for you all.”

“We do not need your worry.” Motoko declared proudly, and then her expression softened a little. “Again, I do thank you for your concern, but we could not be happier. Despite how it started, we chose this, and I am no child. I know my own mind and wishes.”

“That’s right.” Natsumi agreed. “Your brother should agree…” she looked at Prince Henry and smiled. “When you take up arms, you become a warrior, right? So at least give us the dignity of accepting that choice.”

Henry looked a little defeated, but he agreed weakly.

“We see. Perhaps there have been failures of diplomacy?” the Queen said softly, and I couldn’t hold back a laugh.

“I should say so.” I managed. “We came here, not only as Japanese envoys, but as Chosen with information that directly concerns the safety of Princess Eleanor and your whole country, only to be met with scorn.” Really, I don’t like confrontation when it doesn’t benefit either side, but… just as when I made the resolve to not let Hinata be looked down on by nobility, I’ll be damned if I let Motoko, Natsumi and Hyacinth be mocked and ridiculed. Besides, while taking some insults in stride makes it look like I don’t even consider their opinions meaningful enough to upset me, which can be considered a power play, conversely too much leniency makes me look weak. And here… I’m in a position of strength.

“Yes, we have not heard all the details, but Shige was insistent that we hear you out. He places a great deal of trust in you, Akio. We may call you that, right?”

“Of course, your Majesty. In fact, I’m actually half-British myself, on my mother’s side, and I was born here. I lived here until I was a young boy, so I have great respect for the Crown. That’s what makes it all the sadder when the Princess here tried to upset Motoko on her engagement debut. So I felt I had to make a statement.”

“We see. Well, we were rather curious about your new laws.” The Queen nodded sagely, thinking, and I could see that she hadn’t lost any of her wisdom with age as her mind worked quickly. “Some of those we would do well to imitate, though the press here is far more… inquisitive, we might say… than those of Japan. So we fear it is impossible for now. A few, however…” she looked at the girls, a slight smile on her face.

“It’s not right, grandmother.” The Princess declared stubbornly, unwilling to let it go. “They’re so young and impressionable. As for the bigamy…”

“That’s right!” Melissa agreed. “Back in the USA, he’d be locked up!”

“Really? Well, we think perhaps the Americans should be wary of casting their first stones.” The Queen snorted. “We are not sure what Henry told you, my dear… too much, if we were a betting woman.” She snorted, and the Prince looked suitably chagrined, face flushed. “…but our good American allies have been illegally abducting our citizens and putting them through cruel acts that are much more inhumane than can be countenanced.” She looked at me then. “Shige said they tried to take you, and failed. Hence the reason why we were able to uncover their schemes. We are grateful, and proud that someone born on these shores is so resolute.” She praised me, and it felt good. This is the Queen of Great Britain! She’s one of the most famous people in the world…

“Hold on a second.” I let out a surge of wind element. Eleanor panicked, reaching for a weapon that wasn’t at her side, but the Queen merely looked on, curious. As the Princess saw nothing dangerous happening, she paused, glaring at me, her sapphire eyes hard.

“What did you do?” she demanded.

“Akio merely sealed ooour noise with wind element.” Hyacinth snorted. “If yooou panic at every little thing, I dooo not see why we need yooou. Mistress Shaeula and mistress Shirooo are true Princesses. Not like this ooone.” Her tone was withering, and Eleanor flinched, her face as red as Henry’s now, but with anger, not embarrassment.

“Hyacinth, even though we have been treated with great disrespect, we should not return unkindness with unkindness. That is not our way.” Motoko said, and Hyacinth apologised, calming down. “I am sorry. But Hyacinth lives for Akio after he gave her a name and saved her from a cruel fate. To see him insulted, to see us insulted, it is more than she can bear. Please do understand.”

“I should have asked first.” I apologised. “But precautions are important. It was a simple elemental working, nothing you should be surprised by, Princess.”

“I understand those.” She said softly, calming down. “Raidre and his selkie use water element.”

“Good. Well, now we can’t be overheard… yes, your Majesty, the Americans did try and take me. I’d been careless and indiscreet. I was fortunate that the mercenaries they hired to help them had principles, or it could have been much worse.” I explained the details of the attack on the Shrine.

“We find that most impressive.” The Queen said in the end. Melissa looked stunned by the revelations, and though she wanted to say that her fellow countrymen wouldn’t do such a thing, in the end she shut her mouth, troubled.

“No wonder the Japanese have secured concessions from America recently.” The Queen chortled, pleased by the story. “We did consider why you were receiving boons beyond what was customary. But we are off the topic we were on. Granddaughter, we should not force others to conform to our ways. There are many countries that practice multiple marriage before these events. Including America. Yes, it is illegal, but some religious sects do still permit it, and as long as they keep out of trouble, the State does not interfere. There are more than fifty countries worldwide that legally allow such marriages. We do not like to interfere with such matters. We are not Gods, nor tyrants.”

“But, it’s demeaning to women!” Melissa insisted, only for Henry to surprise me by speaking up.

“We settled this earlier, didn’t we, Mel, Ellie?” he said. “America’s one of the strictest countries worldwide on the subject, but here and in Japan, it’s perfectly legal, and marriages with a six or seven year age gap or with brides of their ages happen every day, and they’re no more likely to be abusive or end in divorce than any other marriage, right? Besides…” he looked at the girls with respect. “They’re right. We let people choose to fight and die and worse, kill on the battlefields younger than them. They themselves chose that path. Credit them with some free will. You’re always saying that girls are not dolls, Mel, but have free will and are every bit as intelligent and driven as men. So let them decide for themselves. They’re not fools. Just because some girls are exploited…” he paused, and realised what he was saying.

The Queen looked downcast for a moment, before shrugging. “Well, we know, not everyone is as wise as they should be. But…” she addressed the three girls. “… you do all seem very ambitious and motivated.”

“We have to fight for our dreams.” Motoko acknowledged, perfectly at ease in this august company. “As we have said, Princess Eleanor, you must be a kind person, to worry about us so. Natsumi and I, we are grateful” Natsumi nodded as well. “However, were you to visit Japan as an envoy, we would never show you such disrespect as we have suffered. An insult to Akio is not just spitting in our faces, but also Japan as a whole.”

Before anyone could respond, she continued, speaking for my women. “As agreed, we will take your phone number, and should we ever feel we are misled and ill-treated, we will surely reach out to you. I will even pass it to the others. But… such a time will never come.” She avowed firmly.

“How can you be sure?” Melissa pressed. “From what I can tell, you are sheltered and lack experience. The sort of girl whose family would arrange a marriage for her due to politics isn’t going to be able to see through the lies of a cunning older man.”

“That might be true.” Motoko agreed. “We are raised specifically to be caged birds, beautiful, compliant and loyal. But Natsumi and I were never good at that.” She smiled. “We wanted to carry our swords, our spears and our bows, and live our best lives. Now we can. As for being fooled…”

“It’s impossible.” Natsumi said. “Even if you ignore the fact that Akio is very easy to read, well, no, it’s totally impossible.”’

“How can you be sure?” Melissa pressed, and Natsumi looked at me for confirmation. We had the wind barrier up, so I nodded.

“We can be sure because we are linked, bonded.” Natsumi said boldly. “Those who Akio loves and who love him, they are bound by the Lovers’ Link.”

“Yes.” Hyacinth agreed. “It is the skill ooof mistress Shaeula, though it has changed greatly, sooo she says. It is truly wonderful.” Hyacinth giggled, clutching herself with her arms, which was a dangerously cute and alluring sight in the dress she wore now. “Hyacinth ooonly knew cold darkness and suffering. But nooow… I can feel his looove. It is nooo lie, and those who say it is, I will destroooy!” I calmed her down by patting her head, and her smile turned from a malicious one to a bright one.

“She speaks no lies. We are tied together by our hearts. Hearts do not lie. So we know.” Motoko paused. “In a way, it is a little sad, as it removes the need to trust. But even so, we do trust Akio. He changed the law for us. We were his anyway, but he wanted us to fulfil all our dreams, for our families to be proud of us. So, we appreciate your worry, but hate your condescension.” Motoko finished.

“Just how many abilities do you have? Healing, a strengthening skill, now this…” princess Eleanor complained. “Wait, David, that idiot, he fought you…”

“Water under the bridge.” I said, shrugging. “Yes, he was stunningly rude, but he gave a genuine apology to me and the girls afterwards. Your apology lacks heart, Princess. You still don’t believe in us.” I observed shrewdly.

“Eleanor, we know you have strong moral character. That is good. You care for all around you, even those who are not our subjects. But you are also the face of Britain when it comes to matters of the Gods’ Chosen. You speak with our voice, and we are represented by your words. Do you believe you have represented us well with this guest?”

“No, but at least I didn’t go so far as to come to blows, grandmother…” she managed at last.

“Excuses don’t become you, Eleanor. Our God’s Chosen are often reckless and hot-headed, and we trust you will have words with him later regarding this matter. But you have the responsibility to act with dignity at all times. We are a little disappointed in you, Granddaughter.” The Queen then stood, and actually bowed to us in Japanese fashion.

Uh, uncomfortable. This is going further than she needs to. She’s already told Eleanor she was wrong. “Please don’t, your Majesty. It makes me feel guilty.” I tried to laugh it off.

“Well then, since our Eleanor has been so disrespectful to an ally coming from far away to bring us news, what should be a suitable apology? Be warned though, we can’t give you her hand in marriage.” The Queen’s lips quirked into a smile, and Eleanor let out a loud gasp.

“Grandmother, that isn’t funny!”

“We think it is.” She snorted. “When you get to our age, amusing ourselves with humour is all we have left. No, please do tell us what we can do to make it up to you, else we will feel like we have unfinished business.”

I exchanged glances with the girls, who were leaving it up to me. Seeing them in their beautiful dresses, I smiled. That could work. “I was worried that this could ruin Motoko’s engagement debut. Well, I suppose it’s spiralled into Natsumi’s as well. Hyacinth… well, she’s not Japanese nobility, but I didn’t want her left out. So, if we could have a photograph, all together, showing they found favour, it’d mean a lot to them, their families and friends.”

“We think that is rather sweet.” The Queen said, smiling. “See, Granddaughter, Melissa. He does think of them, rather than his own rewards. We would be happy to.” Moments later we were all in the frame, and using a little wind I managed to take a perfect shot of us all, which left Melissa and Henry rather speechless.

“I will send this to the others. Father, mother and grandfather too.”

“Yes, I’ll send it to my parents.” Natsumi agreed. I retrieved my phone and pinged off the photo to the girls, and with that done, I shrugged.

”Thanks for that, your Majesty. Now at least their debuts can be considered a big success. There was one more thing, though…”

“Oh, we are waiting.” The queen said, while Eleanor looked a bit suspicious. Cut me a break, haven’t we already agreed to let things go? Maybe all of the Princesses were going to be hardheaded. I remembered the first battle with Shaeula, and when Tan took over Shiro to oppose me. I suppose a bit of scorn is less trouble than they were…

“I didn’t just come here for fun. I have an urgent warning for you, Princess Eleanor.” I said, flexing all of my League, Majesty and Charm. It drew their eyes and attention, and Eleanor nodded, despite herself.

“Do go on. Shige has vouched for you, and we trust he would not be so foolish as to back a liar or a simpleton. Especially since we hear one of his precious granddaughters is under your care and receiving your guidance.” she said shrewdly.

“Not much gets past you, does it?” I praised the Queen. I looked over at Melissa, and Henry spoke up.

“It’s fine. Mel and I won’t ever talk about it carelessly. Right Mel?”

Melissa shook her head, face troubled. “No, I won’t let Henry down. After all… we’re going to be married.”

“Oh, so that playboy grandson of ours has finally popped the question. Congratulations, Melissa. Welcome to our family!”

We offered our own congratulations, Motoko and Natsumi rather sincerely, which left Melissa feeling a bit guilty. When that was done, we all sat down and I strengthened the wind barrier to make sure nobody overhead us.

“You may be aware of Kyoto. I’m not going into details, but the focus of the battle was a woman known as the Diviner. She was skilled even before she became a Chosen.”

“Yes, we knew of her, if only by reputation.” The Queen agreed. “A sad loss. We hate those who serve their country loyally suffering unjust ends.”

“Yes, the funeral was grim.” I said, remembering. Though even now, her spirit light is with me. “But her gifts were prophecy. She identified six important people, which her prophecy termed the Princesses of the Six Paths. These women would all face a terrible threat, and would also face a danger that would slay them.”

“I see.” Eleanor shifted uncomfortably. “But telling the future isn’t something even the Gods can do, surely? The future doesn’t exist yet.”

“True. It’s a case of knowing enough about the now to get the best version of then. It’s a bit like Laplace’s Demon. But her visions are highly accurate. She was able to predict her own death, and despite our efforts, it happened. She also identified several others. But you, Princess of the Humans…” I gave her the title Tsukiko-san did. “… we know you are one as well.”

“If that’s true, you’re in danger, Ellie!” Prince Henry said, alarmed, only to quail as she glared at him.

“Of course I’m in danger. I fight endless battles. You think I want to? Of course I don’t. But… I have no other choice.”

“You have grown braver, since the first time we talked with you about this, Eleanor. We remember you trembling like a newborn foal as you recounted tales of your exploits.”

“Grandmother! Not in front of them!” she complained, only to be surprised as I looked sympathetic.

“I get it. When I first had to fight I was terrible at it. I nearly died a number of times, and I was always afraid.” Only Ortlinde saying I could have a trial version was enough to get me started. I wonder why more don’t do similar, or spend some time giving a tutorial? Well, it doesn’t matter… “But as I continued, I realised what it’d mean to me to get stronger. And more importantly, I had family and friends to protect. If the world is in danger, I couldn’t just sit back, despite the risks.”

Motoko, Natsumi and Hyacinth looked proud at that, and even Eleanor looked a little impressed.

“Yes, we know much of what is to come. We have known since we took the throne.” The Queen whispered. “We protect a legacy, which will be needed if Britain, this verdant isle, is to endure, and the people survive. Many relics of the past, including some from the Fae when they dwelt here.” She looked at Hyacinth then, who cocked her head to the side, puzzled.

“Grandmother! Such a secret shouldn’t be shared!” Eleanor protested.

“Hush now, granddaughter. We both know that the time to show a little good faith is now.” The Queen silenced her. “From the days of King Arthur, who was perhaps not as the myths would have us believe, through to modern times, we have protected the relics. But that is but part of our responsibility. We must protect something else as well. And only he or she who is declared as the champion of the Royal Family, of Royal blood of the reigning monarch, can undertake this role. To lose Eleanor would be to risk losing access to what we must protect.” Her expression was grave. “So tell us, Akio Moonstone Oshiro. What dangers face our beloved granddaughter, the Green Knight of Britain?”

I took a deep breath, gathering all my persuasiveness. “We’ve narrowed it down. Eleanor is walking through rooms and corridors, almost like a maze, but there are lots of people there. You seem to recognise them, happy to see them, but then they reveal white masks, sending you running down other, darker corridors. In another vision, the Diviner said these figures were ‘false friends’ and hid  venomous daggers behind their backs. I’m not an expert in decoding visions, but it seems to me a betrayal is coming.”

For a moment the Princess paused, before she shook her head vehemently. “Nonsense. Everyone who my grandmother has gathered is loyal to me and the Crown. They want to give their all, for protecting the people, or if not that, then the generous rewards. Why would they have cause to betray me?” She shook her head again, angered.

“I don’t know.” I admitted. “How could I? But as an example, the Diviner saw herself being swarmed by red ants coming from a red dragon. Doesn’t that bring China to mind?”

“It rather does, we think.” The Queen admitted, troubled.

“False friends doesn’t have to be literal. I mean, there’s some dangerous people here at this gala, right? That Cardinal woman, for one.”

“Mary Stuart.” Eleanor sighed. “Yes, I admit you might be right about that, but we don’t trust her, and grandmother is having her watched. But even though she is part of a minor Catholic denomination, we still can’t afford to offend her if all she does is make veiled complaints. She and her allies have also contributed a lot, as I’ve already said.”

“I don’t doubt it. But… look, the Diviner’s prophecies and visions guided Japan even before all this happened. I’d ask that you don’t dismiss this. Ideally, I’d like permission to set up another Faerie Ring Gate so I could move between Japan and London.”

“I don’t think so.” Eleanor said, frowning. “Having foreign Gods’ Chosen with access to our Avalon sounds too much of a risk. I’m grateful you came here to pass on a message to me, but forgive me if we haven’t established a relationship where we can trust each other yet.”

I guess she still isn’t fond of me. Well, we have only just met and got off on the wrong foot a bit… “I understand it’s a big ask, diplomatically speaking. But I want you to take our concerns seriously.”

“Ellie, nobody wants to think a friend or comrade could turn traitor. Especially not in the military, which you are effectively in. But it does happen. Rarely, but that just makes it hurt all the more. After all, would we ever have expected America to betray us the way they did? I’ve fought alongside their troops in Afghanistan, and it hurts to think some of the guys I fought with could have been involved in stealing our citizens…” Prince Henry said thoughtfully.

“That’s true, but we still have no guarantee we can trust him and his word, do we?”

“I think we shooould go, Akio. I hate this woooman. She is a fool. We will manage without her somehow. Hyacinth thinks there are still five ooother Princesses. Maybe ooone of the other mistresses can replace her as Princess ooof Humans?” The anger Hyacinth was radiating was palpable, and once more I had to calm her down, Natsumi and Motoko helping. Yeah, I don’t think we can just sub her out for another person. Through… even if Princess Eleanor does die, we won’t give up trying to fight until the bitter end.

“Really? I think the fact I’m not asking for anything in return should be a good indicator.” I was annoyed myself, but arguing would only hurt any future cooperation. “Look, all I’m saying is, make some preparations, be more wary. If you have some contingencies, the chance of surviving any betrayal will be much higher.” I sighed. “And if you do want help, there’s support we can provide. Even if you’re unwilling to allow us to set up a Ring Gate, which I can understand, Raidre is a Fae, right? From the Seelie Court?”

“We find it most exciting that some of the Fae have returned. They too in a way are our citizens.” The Queen said softly.

“Well, Raidre is somewhat estranged from the Court.” Eleanor admitted. “He does get news from there at times, though.”

“In that case, maybe we could arrange for reinforcements from the Seelie Court? Shaeula’s stretched thin, keeping the Spring of Clear Reflections, my Territory and now Kyoto guarded, but every little helps, right?”

“You’re talking about betrayal, and you want me to guard my Territory and my person with unknown Fae, with hidden motives?” she sniffed, and I realised I wasn’t going to win this one. If all this is because I turned up with Motoko, that’s a stupid thing to get herself killed over.

“All right then.” I said, exerting my Majesty and Charm to maximum once again. “If that’s what you want, so be it. At least be alert though. You can do that, right? And to prove my good intentions…” I looked at the Queen. “You’ll be meeting this Christina Bakker woman later?”

“Yes, this evening as the gala begins to wind down. America needs to answer for its sins, but we have little hope, considering their envoy.” Her smile was wry.

“Yeah, I get that. But in a weird way, sending one of the people responsible could be a sign of sincerity. Maybe?” I wasn’t even convinced myself so I didn’t sound confident. “The thing is, if Fujiwara-san and I could sit in on your negotiations, it should give you the edge. After all…” I said modestly. “…since I managed to escape being targeted by their snatch squads, I have the high ground when it comes to their guilt.”

“We see that. What do you think, Henry, Eleanor?”

“We’ve been allies with Japan for a long time. Besides, Katsuro-san has always been straight with me.” He smiled at Motoko, who nodded, pleased that her grandfather was being praised by foreign royalty. “I don’t think it can hurt. Besides, I’m worried about Ellie. She can be too stubborn for her own good.”

“I’m against it.” Princess Eleanor said. “This is a matter for Britain to resolve. But…” she considered it, putting aside her annoyance, which made me respect her at least a little. “I suppose we are trying to firm up our alliances. And I have perhaps not been as diplomatic as I should have been, as a Princess and a Gods’ Chosen. I still think that your Diviner’s visions are wrong though. But… just maybe there are those that would do me ill.”

“Henry would be devastated if you were to get hurt.” Melissa said to her, and she nodded.

“Grandmother, I will bow to your judgement.” Eleanor said, and the matter was settled.

“Excellent. We approve.” The Queen smiled at me. “Once more we apologise for Eleanor’s lack of manners. As an envoy from Japan, the rudeness was quite inexcusable. But we trust that as a Gods’ Chosen who carries much weight on your shoulders, you can understand that she is rather stressed and ill-tempered. Really, she used to be such a soft-spoken, shy little thing. We miss that, sometimes…”

“Grandmother!” The Princess gasped, face flaring red, even down her neck.

“She’s right Ellie. You’re like a veteran soldier now.” Henry joined in, and there was laughter. When that was done, the Queen asked us what we were going to do for now.

“Mingle, make connections, I guess.” I said, looking at the girls. “Might as well make their debuts go with a bang.”

“In that case, Eleanor, go with them.” The Queen ordered. “At least for a while. We would show there is no discord between us. As for the news you brought… the troubling prophecy… well, we would hear more about it later at length. After all, we have our own wisdom passed down over the centuries, and that has proved sadly true… we discount nothing anymore.”

With that I dismissed my wind barrier, and the curtain was pulled back. That drew curious gazes, and as the guests watched us, we descended the steps, Motoko, Natsumi and Hyacinth in my arms again, looking regal and composed. Beside me, Princess Eleanor snorted sourly.

“I still don’t think anyone could betray me. You’ve met David and the others. You think they’re the sort to repay loyalty with treachery?”

No, not really. But then who knows what darkness lies within people’s hearts, or what methods could be used to turn someone? If those I love were held hostage, for example… I just don’t know. “I hope your faith isn’t misplaced, I really do…”

It was then that Mary Stuart appeared once more, her green eyes intense. “Princess, I see you have been in counsel with this foreigner. Be careful, listening to those who serve false Gods puts your soul in grave peril.”

“As always I appreciate your concern. But I can’t give up the power of the Green Knight, even for your aid. I have a duty to protect Britain and all its people. Surely God would praise that, I think.” She replied, a conversation she must have had a number of times, so exasperated she looked.

“You are a kind girl, Princess.” Mary Stuart said, surprising me, as she did indeed look impressed. “Saving others is a worthy goal, and one we share. But the means…  the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, is it not? And time is running out…” Mary gazed at me, her emerald eyes serious, before looking back at Eleanor. “… you have what does not belong to you, and it must be returned. Before all the grace is used.” She shuddered, eyes moist. “If you see reason, please contact Maxwell Power immediately. Before it is too late. God will forgive a sinner, but a wilful one who sins despite knowing they do wrong… even if God forgives, I fear I cannot, Princess. But I do dearly hope we can be friends. After all, was not the prodigal son welcomed back, even after wasting all the wealth and grace of his father? We would welcome you with open arms, Princess. But… wealth and grace we can ill afford to waste, for unlike the father, we have no fattened calf to kill, no fine robes to share.” Her gaze was glittering with emotions I couldn’t decipher, a mixture of anger, sadness and piety. “The world stands on the brink of Hell, and we squabble. Uniting together under the banner of the Lord is the only way we will join the Ninth Heaven and be saved. Your family has taken what it should not have, but… ignorance is not a sin. Only remaining ignorant when the hand of enlightenment is offered is worthy of damnation.” She offered a hand. “I too was impious, I did not believe. Now I know. Princess, take my hand.”

“I’m sorry.” Eleanor said. “But I cannot. Not over this.” Shaking her head, she sighed wearily. “Anything but that and we can be friends, allies. After all, we are all on the same side.”

“Yes, but a foolish ally can often be more treacherous than a heretic enemy.” She was rubbing an ornate golden knotwork ring on her finger, and for a moment I was tempted to use my Eye to take a look, feeling a prickle of Foresight telling me it was dangerous. But I was dissuaded as Hyacinth squeezed my arm tightly. As Mary Stuart walked away again, I looked at the Princess, who seemed troubled.

“What was that about?” I asked.

“I can’t say.” She bit her lip, stressed. “But it’s nothing unusual. She’s eager for me to accept her aid, but the price she wants, I can’t pay.”

“I see. Well, if you’ll excuse me for speaking out of turn, I get the feeling she’s bad news.”

“It takes little wisdom to see that.” Motoko said, and Princess Eleanor laughed bitterly.

“That’s true. But I think she genuinely means well. The good works the Silver Hands Foundation has done, their support has pushed us forwards. It’s nothing she hasn’t said before. Just words. I think that’s just how she talks, all religious metaphors. It’s not like she can attack me. The whole country would rally against her.” She sighed, shaking off her gloom. “I’ll ask that you put it all out of your mind.”

“Fine, I can do that.” I replied. “But never underestimate what people can do. Just look at America or China.” I warned. “You might not be convinced, but trust me, I am. The Diviner wanted you to survive. So at least take some precautions. And be careful who you tell. Ideally, just those of us there should know what we talked about.”

Eleanor thought for a minute, before nodding once. “I can at least do that. Though it does make me feel bad, being distrusting…”

“Better distrustful and wrong, than trusting and dead.” Motoko said, and Eleanor laughed weakly.

“Yes, I suppose that’s true…” she said softly, and for a moment she looked small and weak, and so very alone…