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The rest of the day passed without any love letters from Pierre, much to Dronarks heightened suspicion, and Caeweth's relief. It wasn't like Pierre to give up so easily, especially when he had his sights set so firmly on something or someone. Dronark had learned first hand how stubborn Pierre and his compatriots could be, especially with the ladies at the Gilded Thorn. "I am just ready for all of this to be over," Caeweth said at dinner, "I just want to get away from all this madness, and disappear into a forest glade somewhere." "Can't say that I blame you," Dronark replied before taking a bite of the hearty vegetable mushroom stew, "I've wanted to leave this cursed city for a long time." "What do you plan doing after this?" Caeweth asked. It was a bit of a surprise to Dronark, how talkative she was tonight. "I plan on retiring to the Silver Coast region in Southern Silenia. I have always liked ocean views and loved the sense of isolation." "That makes two of us, I suppose.

Pierre sat in the Gilded Thorn, drowning his sorrows in orcish ale. The bar was mostly empty except for Grobarsh and his wife Kragnesh. Darryn was performing at another tavern that night, leaving the Gilded Thorn devoid of customers, save for the occasional kobold, ogre, or goblin popping in for a quick drink or two. Pierre finished his first stein of ale. "Barkeep," he barked, "Another!" "Would it kill ya to say 'please'?" Grobarsh snarked, filling up the stein from a newly tapped keg. "Would it kill you to shut up and do your job? I could have this bar closed down within a day if you don't heed my demands, you filthy mountain mutt." Grobarsh reached across the bar, grabbing Pierre by the collar of his shirt, and roughly pulling the hapless fire elf halfway over the bar. "Listen here, you inbred city rat," Grobarsh snarled, "I don't give a damn about you, your money, or your family! This is a business, not a charity, and I don't need to put up with your lousy attitude!" Pierre

The clock had struck midnight, and Caeweth had not emerged from her room. The little pendulum wall clock chimed on the first floor, alerting Dronark to the time. He closed his book, stretched, yawned, and got up from the couch to head off to bed. As he passed the table, he heard a little *poof* from the table. He looked at a folded piece of paper with disgust, it was clearly one of Pierre's 'love letters'. He huffed, burning the paper to ash. He trudged up the stairs, pausing briefly at the top, looking at Caeweth's door. His pointed ears picked up a quiet conversation between Caeweth, and some chittering creature. He carefully crept closer to the door, hoping to eavesdrop on the little chat. "I still don't know what I was thinking, agreeing to leave the forest to make a dress. A damned dress for a wedding between two people i barely even know." A chittering noise followed. "I don't know. Astrid seems genuinely concerned, but how can I tell if it isn't just a ruse?" More

After unpacking, Dronark spent the hours enjoying the effects of his herbal cigarette while reading one of the many books in the cottage. The hours passed quickly before a knocking sound came from the door. Dronark rolled his eyes, pulling on his cream colored cotton shirt and navy green pants. He loved lounging in the nude during his private time. When he opened the door, coming face to face with a giant opossum holding a basket. "Um, hi," said Aaron. "What is it?" Dronark huffed. "I am, uh, bringing dinner supplies for you and Caeweth..." Aaron stuttered, shaking nervously under Dronark's steely gaze. "Very good, carry on," Dronark replied, swiping the basket out of Aaron's grip before rapidly closing the door. "I will never get used to that," Aaron said as he shook his fur as if to rid himself of excess water before walking away. Dronark just plopped the basket down on the table, inside were items to make a venison roast, some expensive wine, and some hand made white

The carriage stopped at the front of the castle. "I suppose there is a reason Andre was angrier than normal?" Dronark remarked, stepping out of the carriage. "He's been severely disciplined and demoted," Astrid said, exiting the carriage. "What do you mean by that?" "He's a simple gate guard now." "Better make sure he doesn't try to stab you in the back as revenge, or try to kill your guest." "I took precautions, and that's why you are here." "Another glorified babysitting job... thank Aphrodite it will be the last," Dronark sighed, "lead the way." Caeweth had passed out on the sofa from exhaustion. She had barely slept a wink since the assault, and it showed. She had barricaded the door and shuttered the windows to the best of her ability. Even with the use of levitation, tables were still quite hefty to lift. She startled awake at the sound of Astrid knocking on the heavy oak door. "Astrid? Is that you?" She called cautiously. "Yes, I have someone who can help us with our

The party had ended soon after Pierre was brought to the castle dungeon to sober up and face the consequences of his actions. The once joyful mood had soured greatly, ending the party early. Once all the guests had left, Astrid found Andre sitting at his desk, scribbling hastily on a piece of parchment. "Andre," Astrid said coldly, "we need to talk about your conduct today, and your performance overall." "What are you going to do you half blood proxy Queen? I already know your uncle would be quite upset if you dare take action against me." Astrid only glared in response to Andre's goading, she had had enough of his insolence. "I honestly don't know why I had kept you around for so long," she said after a pregnant pause, "you have proven unworthy of your rank with such pitiful, childish, and insolent behavior." "The only one acting childish is you," he spat back, "I used to be an honored war hero, and a commander of your father's royal navy, now I'm a glorified baby sitter for his half

A fourth day passed, but thankfully with no letters from the mysterious madman. It was quiet, eerily so, almost too quiet. Astrid suspected the author was plotting something devious, or had caught on to the investigation. Regardless of the foreboding feeling in her gut, Astrid still had duties to fulfill, and events to plan. A royal engagement party was going to be held on the far end of the garden, far enough away from the stone cottage for Caeweth to have some peace and quiet. Unfortunately, that meant inviting her entire family to meet Aaron... Including Pierre. Astrid had to arrange a guard to monitor her dreaded cousin. He had been known to sneak about with bottles of wine, drink himself into a near blackout state somewhere in the building or the garden grounds, snoop around through private quarters, and sexually harass the castle maidens. If he wasn't being watched, who knows what kind of trouble he could get into. Before the party started, Astrid tasked Andre with watching