Chapter Text
Stars twinkle in a clear cloudless sky. Well dressed men and women mingle, chatter ranging from mundane to profane. On stage sat Neuvillette straight-backed and regal, his cane positioned directly in front of him supporting his hands which grip the elegant knob at its end. Next to him is Wriothesley who is uncharacteristically quiet.
Taking in the sea of people searching for patterns, exits, and for danger. Scanning and rescanning. He would soon be giving a speech that summarily tells these “fine people” to kick rocks. Part of him was incredibly smug to do so, though he also realized that a group of humans. Especially those afraid of losing power, were incredibly dangerous.
Speech memorized, he feels prepared and confident. Neuvillette needed him to shine like a polished stone. Pulling up every ounce of charm he had he relaxes into his seat, shifting into the familiar charismatic mask that has served him well. Offering a small quirk of a smile to his Savior dragon he gives a reassuring nod.
Understanding the prompt Neuvillette slams down his cane reverberating a large thud throughout the cavernous hall. Chatter immediately dissipates as the audience hurries to their seats.
“Good Evening.” Neuvillette’s booming baritone floats easily through the Opera. This is where he shines. Wriothesley sits straighter giving due respect.
“I have brought you here to quell your misgivings and fears. Malicious rumors have been circulating which have taken route in your imaginations. Meropide is not run by a boogie man but by a human man.”
“Well qualified and competent, I wish for you to listen to his words in earnest. Stay until the end as I have a further announcement. Without further delay I introduce his Grace, The Duke of Meropide, Wriothesley. Thank you for your attention. You have my gratitude.”
Neuvillette gracefully sits conceding the podium to Wriothesley. Rising with fluid alacrity he stills in front of the podium looking everyone who has the courage to meet his eyes directly into their eyes in turn. Taking a deep breath he begins.
“Monsieur Neuvillette gave me a very fancy introduction. However I am simply a man doing a job. I started in Meropide as an exiled convict. Completed my entire sentence and paid my dues.
I can appreciate wanting someone from your family to run Meropide. They are known and comfortable to you.” Feeling more comfortable he walks away from the podium. Pacing the stage he continues addressing the crowd.
“Meropide is intentionally left under its own rule for a reason. It is not governed under the same rules. There is no oversight, not even from Monsieur Neuvillette. The exiles will test anyone new taking leadership.”
“They tested me. I was one of them and they still wanted me to prove my worth. Your business minded sons and daughters would make wonderful consultants as I begin to expand personal contracts. I value their expertise in business acumen and would love to learn from them.”
At this point a large man in a suit coat that fit him two sizes ago stands red faced. “I smell a rat! Duke!” he spits the word out as if it is a curse instead of a title. “The only way you got that job was getting on your knees!” Emboldened by this man’s audacity, more taunting and increasingly vulgar accusations are thrown as the crowd begins to swarm around the anger.
Power surges from Neuvillette. Wind of his own making swirls around him as he stands, his eyes full of deadly authority. “Sir you will stand down!” Guards come from various corners grappling the main offenders
“That’s right, defend your whore. Chief Justice!” the man hissed as he was dragged spitting on angry words out of the Opera house.
Shivers climb up Wriothesley’s spine. Watching Neuvillette command a room was a drug. He could watch it for hours and never be bored. Realizing he was still staring he takes a moment to breathe and recenter.
Neuvillette watches him to judge his readiness to continue. Wriothesley catches purple mesmerizing eyes with his own and nods assurance. Turning his attention to the crowd he continues.
Flashing his most charming smile he returns to his speech. “Now, what I say next is not due to any perceived superiority or a slight to your abilities. It is just the truth of the underworld. Outsiders are not trusted. Anyone new would have an incredibly difficult uphill battle gaining respect. Implementation of fear and scarcity will make production suffer. Dead and sick convicts can’t produce meks.”
Moving to the edge of the stage he sits casually on the edge swinging his feet. He surveys the crowd noting that they are listening and following. Good, he is not disappointing Neuvillette. “Last but not least, I’d like to address rumors circulating that I have his Honor’s ear. I assure the populace that I don’t have this kind of power. Monsieur Neuvillette is impartial, and if anything I look up to his words.”
“He is someone I strive to be better for myself and for the governing of Meropide alone. Recently, I’ve seen raids and arrests that are frightening. Many people have been targets, but know in truth that anyone not trafficking or involved in these cases should feel pacified and safe.”
“Of course I can’t speak for all of Fontaine, but I assure the whole of my duties are keeping crime low at all costs. With that said, there are plenty of lucrative ways to make money without resorting to illegal means.” Jumping back up to his feet in a simple looking motion he finishes back in front of the podium.
Holding his hands out in supplication. “I am happy to accept applications for those among you looking to expand your personal security. I have implemented a wide variety of reforms making more production possible.”
“It benefits us all for me to keep the position that has been trusted to me. I already have the residents, many of whom chose to make their home even after their sentence is concluded. They have chosen me and their choice has been notarized by Monsieur Neuvillette. I hope we can come to an understanding and work together.”
Returning to his seat Wriothesley gives a subtle smile to Neuvillette and nods just once. The crowd's murmur begins to pick back up waving through the Opera reminding Wriothesley of a swarm of angry hornets.
Crack! Neuvillette’s cane clamors for order and the crowd’s murmur dies down. From once more center stage a mellifluous voice surrounds the crowd. “Thank you all for your courteous attention.
At this point it should be understood that I do not have authority in Meropide. I respect your rights to petition the court for change. However, Meropide is independent and outside of my purview. Your petitions cannot be followed up on.” Neuvillette scans the room looking for possible unrest.
Taking a deep breath he continues. “Because of this I wished to extend an additional branch of Good Will. I have been in a conference with Lady Furina, and I feel our weary souls deserve a celebration.”
“Fontaine is a place for dreamers, inventors, artists and visionaries. I proposed a celebration with a festival. Details will follow soon. It should provide opportunities to expand your enterprises beyond Fontaine’s borders. Please enjoy the refreshments and beverages in the foyer. Stay and discuss whatever business you have. My portion of the evening is closed.”
Turning briskly on his foot Neuvillette moves with surety and purpose stilling momentarily to allow Wriothelsey time to rise and fall into step by his side. Neuvillette guides him through back hallways familiar to him as the cacophony of vaulted questions, exasperations, arguments and expletives from the crowd falls behind them.
Sliding his arm around Wriothesley’s offered elbow the two men walk back in silence until Neuvillette turns. “That awful man in the crowd. What he said about you.” Wriothesley arches an eyebrow cracking a smile.
“Sure his words weren’t for pleasant company but come on your Honor I run a prison. His words rolled right off my back. What affected me was watching you stand in your power. That was why I had to take a second. If we had been alone…” trailing off he looks down and clears his throat.
“What would you do, Your Grace?” Neuvillette attempts to pry as he opens the door to his office. Stepping in first, Wriothesley waits for the office door to close.
“I would have proven that fine articulate gentleman right. I would have gotten on my knees and sucked you right there on the stage.” He smirks looking up and finds deep pools of purple laced with lust,
“You can’t say these things to me, my dear chosen. I have a very hard time keeping my hands to myself around you.” Icy eyes widen with surprise. “Sweet Savior, you don’t have to. No one here but me. You can afford to let loose a little, yeah?”
Strong arms caged around pushing him back against the solid large desk that centerpieced the well-appointed office. With urgency Neuvillette grasped behind Wriothesley’s head pulling him to meet needy lips seeking solace in a kiss. Their mouths met at the moment their bodies crushed together. Feeling out the pace from Neuvillette’s actions, Wriothesley grabs slender hips pulling himself even closer.
Lost in dizzy sensation all that exists is their tethered connection.The intoxication of their mutual arousal throbbed between them. Deepening the kiss further Neuvillette eagerly pulled on Wriothesley’s tie.
Clumsily attempting to separate the Warden from his clothing. Smiling while locked in a deep kiss he takes pity on his needy Savior. About to unbutton his shirt a sharp knock stops them.
Pulling away Neuvillette offers a regretful smile and answers the summoning knock. Aeife, a melusine guard stationed to the Epiclese enters into the room after giving her greetings. “I have a report Monsieur Neuvillette.” She starts looking over with a bright, friendly, smile at Wriothesley.
He nods, returning the smile in his impish fashion. “Your Grace! I am so happy you are here!. Thank you for all your help! The melusines know how much you have done for Monsieur Neuvillette. You have our gratitude.”
Her sincerity hit Wriothesley in the same way Sigewinne’s sincerity always does. He smiles earnestly. “I am honored to assist. Monsieur Neuvillette is incredibly special to all of us. I will keep doing my part.”
They both look up at Neuvillette at the same time who smiles fondly. She pulls a folder from her coat and places it squarely on Neuvillette’s desk.
“I would be happy to hit the major points. Details are provided in the folder.” She stands at attention waiting for Neuvillette’s cue to continue. A gentle nod in her direction confirms she can do so.
“Firstly, coded message drops have been delayed as Monsieur Melus of Poisson has been tailing Phantom Operatives tasked with this important task. We have traded off multiple times to hide our movements and lose his trail. He has proven to be observant and difficult to outwit.”
Neuvillette releases a deep sigh. Rubbing his head he pulls the folder closer as confirming photographs and detailed notes from the melusine back up the report. “This must stop. They are becoming a larger issue than simply an annoyance.”
Strong scarred hands apply reassuring weight to his shoulders. “Dear chosen one. I have asked too much of you lately. I will handle this issue myself. No need to worry yourself. You have an entire Fortress to run.”
“You know me too well. I was going to offer a solution, you beat me to it. I will leave it to your capable hands.” Wriothesley relaxes taking over rubbing his weary dragon’s temples.
“Monsieur Neuvillette, we also have reports from our sister who works at the Hotel Debord. She overheard a concerning conversation between a journalist for The Steambird, a famous dualist, and the Captain of the Maison Gardiennage’s Special Security and Surveillance Patrol.”
“They intercepted a key message meant to reroute a delivery away from the Navia line. Their discovery has them becoming suspicious of you Monsieur. Not to mention our supplies to assist in more noteworthy arrests were interrupted when the convoy was checked at the Navia Line and our couriers were arrested.”
Meeting a practiced neutral expression the little melusine gives a curt bow. “That is all I have at the moment. I will leave you with the rest of your evening.” Offering a gentle smile reserved for the melusines Neuvillette offers a small wave. “Thank you for your hard work Aeife. Please enjoy your evening.”
Neuvillette puts a few shining gears and screws in Aeife’s hand. “I think that is enough for a Mamere original. You should treat yourself.” He closes the door behind her departure slumping back into his chair.
“I will have to find creative solutions for all these problems. I’m also feeling that our timeline is shrinking. I will have to increase indemnitium into the Oratrice.”
Wriothesley goes back to massaging aching dragon temples. “I didn’t think it was going to get easier. I’m pretty sure I know which three individuals are investigating the sinthe ring and that is a formidable trio. Thinking that they would have been oblivious would have been to underestimate their intelligence. But I do have a solution that will work for a little while.”
Wriothesley begins to lay out his idea in a low dulcet tone that soothes Neuvillette’s ragged nerves. He had chosen so well. He understood both sides of the law and he read people very well. He knew what would work as a distraction. What would actually pull attention from them. It was simple and brilliant.
Several things needed to be coordinated for Wriothesley’s plan to work. Neuvillette had the perfect individual to reach out to. This person had an extensive network of intelligence. He pens a letter hoping to move things along as quickly as possible.
The following morning Sedene sets his mail on his desk handing him his schedule for the day. “Thank you kindly, Sedene. I appreciate your continued diligence. I know you have been instrumental in maintaining order within the Palais.”
“You have been strong, firm, and fair. I noticed and I appreciate it.” Sedene smiles warmly up at Neuvillette.
“Of Course, Monsieur Neuvillette, it’s my job after all. Someone has to look after you. I’ll leave you to enjoy your morning.” Watching the spry melusine skip out of his office, he notices a thick, large, vellum envelope promising the answers he has been waiting for.
Smiling, he reads the correspondence from the helpful Harbinger. He would certainly find a way to reward her beyond simply providing information. She could write her own ticket as she had handed him something more precious than mora.
It bewildered him that through his centuries watching humanity they had not striven to improve themselves. They struggled most days to practice basic courtesy with one another.
This envelope contained another soul who squandered their life debasing other humans. He surfaced on the Hearth’s radar after a new child came into their fold. This child had spent time within the system this man facilitated.
Why? Why did they keep selling each other? Why the youngest and most vulnerable? Shaking his head he considers the task ahead as a mercy to Fontaine.
The man whose name, address, and movements were diligently notated and triple checked would soon be an obituary. He represented the worst of Fontaine. Neuvillette understood that humans were complicated beings. He knew logically they were not innately evil.
They were flawed and passionate. It made them a danger to themselves and others. The ones that had resources almost always hoarded them. He was a dragon he understood the desire to hoard.
These were humans though, it was not their nature to hoard treasure. It was their nature to seek social networks. To emote, cry, laugh, scream, yell, to feel. He has come to realize that in many of them their nature is to be cruel, to fear and separate from anything that they don’t understand including other humans.
A loud knock breaks into his thoughts. Sedene promptly opens the door, “Monsieur, your next appointment is here.” she gestures to a man an inch or two shorter than himself.
He is probably around the same age as his chosen, not as impressive in muscle strength. He has been a member of the Maison Gardiennage for a while and rose through the ranks settling into the Special Security and Patrol as vice-captain.
Gesturing to the couch, he stands moving over to the tea cart. When the man is seated he continues. “Thank you for meeting with me. I have a special job just for someone like you. But before I get into that. I think it is customary to enjoy some tea.”
“Thank you, Monsieur Neuvillette.” the man shifts nervously, fixing his uniform. Neuvillette quietly goes about preparing the tea and slips a special dose of his Ischus into the cup watching the man check and recheck how his uniform is laying.
This variant is fast acting, or should be. While he had wanted Wriothesley in his sway and comfortable in his company, he wanted this man to be in his thrall. He will need to do exactly what he is told.
Setting the steaming tea cup on the table, Neuvillette sips his water. “Please take your time, relax and drink the tea. I have a few documents that need my immediate attention.”
Working in silence Neuvillette observes the man drink the tea and gradually relax a little more. Setting an empty tea cup down. He sits waiting for the Iudex to finish.
Neuvillette works through several more documents gauging how much time has passed. At around half an hour he looks up. “That should be all that needs my signature immediately. I will run them out to Sedene. Run the length of my office five times while I do that.”
Draconic purple eyes curve with a smile that does not show on his face as the man immediately complies with his command. He walks out leaving the man doing his sprints. It's excellent that his mind is already accepting his commands so easily. Everything else should go smoothly.
Dropping the documents off with a nod and a smile he checks in to make sure nothing else needs immediate attention. Finding no such emergencies he comes back to find the vice-captain running full sprint to the center of the room. Breathing a little hard he stops to catch his breath blinking a little.
“So glad you still keep up on your calisthenic training. I am certain now that you will be able to do the task I have in mind. Please sit” Immediately the man sits as curiosity paints his face. Neuvillette takes out a folder.
“Take this and read it. Memorize it. Once you have it in your mind, bring the folder to me. Your instructions are in the folder. When you have completed the task you will have no recollection of this. Nod that you understand.” The man nods and opens the folder to begin reading.
Returning to his desk to continue the neverending paperwork task that is the majority of his day. He allows himself a small smile that only touches his eyes. Watching this man concentrating on the information within the folder, he ponders the simple elegance of the plan.
The vice-captain under his control would be a wonderful scapegoat. It won’t take Chevreuse long to see that the weapon used is one that only her own very elite, niche group uses. Yes after he killed the target in the folder all eyes would be on him.
Perfectly fitting the requirements to lure out the optimistic ice detective and the red one-eyed clever captain, this man, now his thrall, was everything he needed tenfold. They would both be led by the nose, without a trace of evidence leading back to him. Leaving his time available to pursue Navia's two personal bodyguards.
All other thoughts fell to the borders of his mind as this masterful deception unfolded. He felt the thrumming of his authority working through Fontaine itself. Humans ostracized him, kept him locked in, but that didn't stop him.
Water was connected within his palms, his own finger tips tracing up the shell of his ear. Feeling through his own ministrations, he felt his power calling out like a siren's call. Close, ever closer.... he would regain it all again.
He would judge everyone on the face of Teyvat and above. Archon, human, and Celestia none were safe from judgement. That is what he had been brought in this imperfect form to do, he intended to see it through.
Lost in thought as the gramophone played the music he had danced with Neuvillette to at the ball Wriothesley sighs deeply. His hearing had definitely improved as he lost his eyesight. The dripping pipes were a constant background noise.
A companion to his wandering thoughts. Many things had changed in a short time. Never had he pined for power, he barely believed he deserved the title of Duke. Now, he had the attention of the most powerful being in the Nation, a very ravishing all-powerful dragon.
With Neuvillette’s blessing and seeing the fruits of his labor, he began to understand his worth. As more nobles were felled by his Ischus-infused body, the thought of killing again seemed more… thrilling.
Thirsting for more conquest did not compare to the thirst he held, the maddening craving for his Savior’s bonding kiss. Thoughts of a grazing touch spilled adrenaline through him that drove him nearly to the brink of sanity.
Neuvillette had chosen him, had cleansed him and found him above all others worthy to stand by his side. His sense that this is where the thresholds of his faith belonged, in the confines of his Sovereign’s design. With unfathomable intent, he felt seen in ability, and worth, it made him ravenous for more of that special attention. Creating a peace in his decision to be his Savior’s Chosen.
Knowing full well that power tended to corrupt those who had it, he looked back at his actions with discernment. Agreeing to Neuvillette’s plan meant more would die. If he does nothing, the cycle of “elite” greedy men, men like his foster father, Mescal, Dougier, and Nouvelle preying on their fellow Fontanians continues. Their ideals would not change. They were far too comfortable to share their windfall.
Never had he sought out power, he picked up the mantle after he had no exit papers. Most of Meropide operated under its own machination, automated by the fuel of its people. Tyranny was never needed within these walls, which meant he could devote all of his attention to Neuvillette, if that is what his Sovereign desired.
In the whirlwind of events that had tumbled him into the lap of a Sovereign Dragon, his conclusion was that he chose Neuvillette. He craved the love he was showered with from Neuvillette, even with the repercussions that fuel his bloodlust.
Slowly the necessity of force was becoming prominent. With a deep breath realizing the hour he grabs several folders that require attention and heads to his Head Nurse for a much needed check up.
Wishing to minimize the tongue lashing he would get at his lateness, he jogged the familiar upper levels. Waning sight or not, he felt the fortress as an extension of himself.
Upon entering the infirmary he flashes his most apologetic smile. Reaching out with his new found inner sight he senses no one else in the room except an irritated Sigewinne. “I know I am late, but I brought these for you. Saved you the trip.”
Walking swiftly down the stairs, he crosses the room and places the folders on her desk. Hoping this offering will alleviate some of the scolding he is in for.
“That’s the very least you can do, Your Grace, being as late as you are. What in the world kept you?” He didn’t need an elemental signature to know exactly how the little melusine was standing.
“My sincerest apologies Winnie, I honestly just lost track of time. I came as soon as I realized my error. Come on, give me credit. You didn’t have to chase me down this time. That and I brought your reports because I’m a nice guy.” He offers his most charming smile.
Meeting him where he stood on the opposite side of her desk, she began tutting and prodding. “Your Grace, please you can at least sit for me if you want to properly apologize for your late arrival.” She gestures and he complies.
She guides him towards one of the beds promptly sitting down at the edge. He removes his vestage and shirt so she can analyze his vitals looking him over. “Also you know the drill now, I need to completely look at you. Please step behind the privacy screen and I will meet you there in a few.”
Sighing, Wriothesley heads behind the screen undoing his belt as he walks. “Winnie, you are the only person who can get me out of my clothes this fast.” Sigewinne giggles. “Your Grace, I don’t think that’s quite true, at least not with recent events as they are.”
Stopping mid-stride, Wriothesley turns around in time to see a self-satisfied smile spread across Sigewinne’s face. “Sigewinne Neuvilletta de Meropide! I would never think you so forward.”
Placing his hands around pretend pearls as if to clutch them he gawks at her. Relaxing he continues “But seriously, I have questions I think only you can help me with. So let’s finish this exam so I can have my dignity back.”
“Your Grace, if you are done making up full names for me, we can definitely move on with your exam.” The exam had been quick and perfunctory, all he had to go on were a few inquisitive hums and parsed out “Interesting”s Afterwards, Wriothesley insisted that they go back to his office, so he can ask these more pressing questions in privacy.
“Alright Sige, I’d like to know what's going on with me. Spill it all, please.” He taps his finger on his tea dish rapidly. Sigewinne smiles, helping alleviate his anxiety slightly. She looks over at him and pulls out her otter patterned notebook. Clicking her pen to write further observations.
“You have definitely acquired more muscle mass, Your Grace. That would account for your new found strength. Your elemental readings have altered as well. Hydro and Cryo variables now filter in and out of you.”
“The hydro element is quite strong and it elevates your cryo abilities. I think that would be worth experimenting with outside away from people. You may be able to do some real damage. You grew two centimeters. The last real change is that parts of you are adjusting to the bond you share with Monsieur Neuvillette. Your body is shifting to accommodate the needs of him as a partner.”
Pausing to let the information settle, Wriothesley presses a little more. “From what I’m gathering this shift in my body you are talking about is mostly a little height and increased elemental ability. Right?” Sigewinne smiles, putting her small hand over a much larger calloused one.
“I am sure you will find out all of the changes in due time, Your Grace. You are exceptionally healthy, other than your eyesight. We know why that is an affliction and you have a way to counteract it, even if access to it is limited.”
With a deep sigh Wriothesley runs his free hand through his disheveled hair. “Thank you for your professional assistance Winnie, we haven’t had much time to chat. I’ll make some tea and I think it's time we rectify that.”
Sigewinne smiles widely at him. “I would love that Your Grace.” She hums along to his gramophone as he warms the kettle and steeps the tea. He finds this scene familiar and domestic, the two of them like this.
Smiling fondly, Wriothesley sits next to Sigewinne placing the tea set on the table in front of them. Dropping two sugar cubes in the tea, Wriothesley leans back to sit comfortably on the couch sighing deeply.
“Winnie, I-” the gravity of what he needed to say laid heavily between them. He needs to find the right words, he owes her so much. An apology was chief among them.
He takes one of her tiny hands and envelopes it in his large scarred hands. “I have been a royal ass lately. You have always been there for me. I thought maybe you would be better off without my mistakes floating around you.”
Large round bright ruby eyes wait patiently. She knows him so well. Knows when he is going to talk, the less she talks the better. With that he finally breaks his hesitation.
“You were hurt anyway, you were targeted and hurt even after my own words. I was really struggling with some dark things that I didn’t want you tangled up in. I don’t have the words to say how sorry I am. You always deserved more than I gave you…. I - “ he sighs raking fingers through soft tufts of unruly black and gray hair. “Can I ask you something?”
Sigewinne nods, she still has not dropped eye contact. She listens actively, with intention, Wriothesley can always rely on her when conversations turn serious and he needs to unload his most guarded thoughts.
“I know you partially befriended me while scouting for Monsieur Neuvillette. He came clean to me. Your shakes were meant to make me more connected to him. Something like that anyway. But, why, Winnie? Why did you choose me?” He looks distraught waiting for her answer.
Sigewinne looks into questioning icy blue eyes. Leaning forward she places her other hand on his cheek. Her soft, maternal, kind touch nearly brings tears to his eyes.
“Your Grace, I wish you saw what an impressive larger grown up you have become. I knew how resourceful, smart, observant and brave you were from the very moment I met you.”
“Honestly Monsieur Neuvillette asked me to watch over you as soon as you were sentenced. He may have penned the letter immediately following your trial. I had it in my hands before you had finished your prisoner registration. You captured his attention on your own before I ever met you.”
She leans back, her smile widens laced with a little mischief. “Monsieur Neuvillette is an extremely good judge of character Your Grace. I have to say that what impressed him most is what motivates you.
I took notice that you set goals that benefit you, but not solely because they benefit you. You think about everything and everyone around you.” Proud prickles of tears crowd the corners of her eyes.
“Not the normal story behind a power grab. I think you compliment Monsieur Neuvillette’s vision perfectly. He saw something in you he very rarely sees.”
“Every single person sharing the Fortress with you fought to not be sentenced here. None of them pleaded guilty. You stood unafraid and resolved to take accountability. That character trait is exceedingly rare. You made no excuses.”
Smiling warmly she looks up into Wriothesley’s shocked expression. She pats his hand affectionately. “Of course he was taken with you, Your Grace. I knew he was right during our very first conversation. Do you remember, Your Grace?”
He nods. “I do.” He smiles, his face taking on a softer expression. “I didn’t say anything to you for a month. Until that big guy tried to deck you. He ended up decking me. I stayed on my feet just long enough to be a problem and he left. Good thing for me I was already in the infirmary. Came to just in time to tell you to stop the pain meds.”
Sigewinne giggles. “That’s right, You still won’t use any pain medication when you get hurt. It is remarkably stubborn. But that resolve first to put yourself in danger for my sake but secondly to demand to keep your wits about you. I knew that Monsieur Neuvillette was on the right track with you.” One more lingering thought circulates his mind.
His voice turns serious, he adjusts himself nervously in his seat. What he is questioning feels perilously close to sedition, but he needs to know. “Sige, I have one more question. It is a heavy question but I need to ask it.” she nods her red eyes self assured and her hands.
Both of them patted one large calloused hand. He continues. “Do you think Neuvillette is right? Do you think he is going about all of this the right way?
Sigewinne takes a moment collecting her thoughts. Red eyes brimming with compassion that scalds Wriothesley deeply in his core.
“Your Grace, I have known Monsieur Neuvillette a long time. He has seen so much pain. He has an enormous hole here.” Leaning forward she pats her tiny hand in the center of Wriothesley’s chest.
“Maybe it’s you who will fill it. I trust Monsieur Neuvillette completely. He is my family and I just want him to be happy. The truth is, it’s not my place to judge him or decide his course of action. Whatever choice he makes for Fontaine, I will stay by his side. I think you will too. That’s where we belong in all of this after all.”
Sipping the last dregs of the tea he had poured he sinks into thought. That was his place, to be at Neuvillette’s side. To help him carve out his vision. They would peel back the corruption together. They already were. “Thank you, Winnie. You always help keep me on the right path.”
Echoes hit off of the vaulted stage walls. Blinking lights on a clever device light up letting Neuvillette know who to expect. He stays hidden waiting hoping for clues on the Archon’s plans, or even if there were any plans. Furina’s embellished heels clack noisily as she dramatically climbs the stairs to the stage.
Uncharacteristic uncertainty clouds over her actions. She moves with hesitation towards the quiet judging structure of the Oratrice. Quiet sobs fill the empty spaces around him. “I can’t do this anymore.” her voice thick with grief, heavy with burden and heart ache. “Focalors, what is your end-game? Why must I persist in isolation and solitude? I am breaking apart!”
Engrossed in the raw emotion Furina does not see that her loyal bodyguard has stealthily entered the room. Neuvillette only knew to look for her because he saw her blip come into the room. His attention is snapped back to Furina’s fists pounding on the Oratrice.
“Why have you forsaken me? I’m not you! I’m not divine! Just a human in fancy clothes. You left me with no power. The flood is imminent. I have no plan, Focalors, everyone will die. They will all blame me. Where are you? I can’t do this anymore!”
Desperation flies from her throat. Tears blur her heterochromatic eyes. “Please, just help me!” She sounds so small, like a child placating to a parent.
“They know. Focalors, they know I am a fraud! I am so scared. Where are you? You said this was just for a little while. I have endured and endured. Everything hurts! Why won’t you answer me?”
Clorinde’s tall silhouette has made a deliberate, quiet approach to be as close to Furina as she dares. Tentatively she clears her throat. Pure terror colors Furina’s face.
“No, no, no I have made a grave mistake. Clorinde, how long were you here?” Her voice is strained with hysteria, her eyes wide. She rushes to push Clorinde away with erratic panicked movements. “You shouldn’t be here.” A frustrated scream bellows out of Furina, it encompasses suffering, frustration, and near madness.
“Lady Furina, whatever you are speaking of here is between you and the Oratrice. I heard enough, but it stays here within these walls.” Clorinde has not budged an inch. She is unmovable against the smaller woman’s erratic blows.
“You don’t understand.” Furina is beyond her limits. Her nerves were frazzled now, insanity seems to be closing fast. “I have doomed us all. Celestia’s wrath will have its vengeance and the blame will be my albatross. But it’s true Clorinde. Fontaine is doomed. Everyone will die and I will be at fault holding nothing but bones in my hands.”
Sobbing exhaustion takes a toll on Furina’s slight frame. She crumples into Clorinde’s arms. Awkwardly Clorinde draws her closer. Her rigid posture gives only enough to attempt comfort. As she tries to sooth her unconsolable Archon, Neuvillette slips unseen through the darked back passageways.
Safe within his office, his head spins with Furina’s confession. It was not enough that she lied. She has been masquerading for centuries. His position was some farce. He was a joke. Focalors truly saw him as a pawn.
He wasn’t an archon’s pet, he was an insane human girl’s pet. Anger swelled in his chest, he pushed it down, too soon. He needed his authority back. He was done with Archons and Celestia dictating his purpose and destiny. Soon he would rewrite his own stars.
Furina’s fragile sanity was easily tasted in the molecules of the air. Her grasp on reality was tenuous at best. She could become quite dangerous. He would need to keep very close tabs on her. Her eye for statecraft was lackadaisical and unfocused. She could make even more absurd laws that hamper his progress.
His chosen would understand, he would devise a clever plan. His ingenuity was exceptional. This information was too vital to send in a missive. He needed to get to his tower now. He needed to get more information. The situation had gone from tense to explosive.
