Ophelia had seen Cassian with some frequency over the course of his illness. Mostly in the beginning when he was less able to manage on his own. When he was embarrassed for others to see him in his weakened state. Ophelia was the logical candidate to fill that void. She’d always been the caretaker, and falling back into that role was only natural. At a time when the princess was falling ot pieces in the silence and privacy of her own room, having someone to care for had given her purpose and confidence. As twisted as it might seem, Cassian’s illness had in many ways made her well. And for that she was immensely grateful.

Now, Ophelia was not needed at Cassian’s side. But the sense of purpose the princess had gained carried over into her other endeavors. She’d been meeting with nobles, speaking about Arynn Frey and the continued connection between the two kingdoms. She’d been acting, as she always had, as an ambassador of goodwill. Though many nights Ophelia collapsed into tears in the privacy of her room, she was, at least from the outside, very much back to her usual self. She had her bad days and good days, but the bad days were fewer and further between.

Today, however, was a bad day.

Ophelia had woken up anxious. She’d spent the morning in the comfort of trending to her mother before having tea with some young noblewomen from up-and-coming families. Exhausted she’d retreated to the comfort of her private chamber. Ophelia was contemplating a nap when Cassian’s presence was announced. She perked up, standing from where she sat at her vanity and greeting her brother with a dipped head in return.
Whatever anxiety still lingered from the morning, Ophelia didn’t let it show. She was ever the beautiful, gracious princess, mostly restored to her former glory. “Your majesty.” She said with a smile, “What an unexpected pleasure.”

His still moment didn’t last long. Cassian crossed the space between them and would seek to take his sister’s shoulders in his hands if she let him. His lips would then press to her forehead. Ophelia had always been the only woman he was affectionate with, even if this affection was somewhat stiff. That is, until his marriage.

Releasing her, he turned to survey the room. It seemed she remained here alone, despite Akagi’s presence in town.

“I’ve come to speak of a matter of great importance to me.” He let his attention return to her and fixed his gaze.

Since her marriage to Akagi, she’d become a woman. She was a mother, a future queen, one who had twisted herself into a shape worthy of that role. But in Cassian’s presence, the girl peeked out from her hiding place. The one that saw her brother as a lighthouse on a rocky shore. She squeezed his arm affectionately as they parted, smiling a little more brightly than before. That smile dulled into something more serious, more befitting of Cassian’s tone, after he spoke.

“You have my curiosity and attention,” She said with the same pleasant, musical lilt she used in court.

Ophelia's adoption of a courtly attitude did not put Cassian off. He was never one to bump formality. He preferred she did this than try at something overly familiar.

"The matter is on the future of Nevermere." He gave the slightest pause, the unspoken reminder that the future of which he spoke should also be a matter of great importance to her. She might have been the princess and future queen of Arynn Frey, but her roots were here. Her true loyalty should always be here.

"I think it would be a smart match to arrange for Cass to marry Lorelle."

The future of Nevermere. Ophelia had started to believe that she was no longer a part of it. But the phrase was like opening a door, one she eagerly walked through to meet whether request was on the other side. For what did the Rainecourts have if not service to their kingdom? What would it all have been for?

The request was unexpected but not altogether surprising. Cassian was thinking like a conqueror. To that end, the match made sense, and Ophelia wouldn’t fault him for that. For he was right:

“It is a smart match…” Ophelia said, agreeing with clear hesitance. Match making was a Nevermeran custom. A daughter of Arynn Frey would be able to choose freely. Perhaps it was a luxury, but one that she hoped her daughter would be afforded. But the simple truth remained.

“A smart match indeed.” Ophelia’s tone was resigned this time. Whatever Cassian’s request had been, Ophelia knew in heart of hearts she wouldn’t have been able to resist it. This seemed as sensible a one as any.

“Have you spoken to Akagi?”

Cassian heard the resignation in his sister’s voice for what it was, but he wouldn’t let whatever was going on in her mind deter him. This was the future of both Nevermere and Arynn Frey. This would ensure that the kingdom of enchanters never became an obstacle. It was as much for them as it was for Nevermere. Whether she saw that or not was irrelevant, as long as she would support this suggestion.

“I intend to shortly.” He said, nodding his head. “I had hoped you would prime the conversation.” He then appealed to the mother in her, just as he had done for Iliana. “Your betrothal to Akagi was done late in life. Our children, however, will have time to grow together. It is my hope they will be friends.”

Ophelia considered it a small victory that Cassian had come to her first. Perhaps it was selfish, but that alone softened her further to the idea. She was still part of the circle. Still a Rainecourt of Nevermere. Her opinion, and consent, meant something.

That victory enjoyed, she shifted to consider the steps on the road ahead. Ophelia had long known that Lorelle was more her father’s daughter than he mother’s. It had never particularly bothered Ophelia—truthfully, she was grateful Akagi was the one to step in when Lorelle’s temper and malcontent became too much to bear. But in this particular instance, it meant there was no real way of knowing how the prince would react.

“I’ll broach the subject,” Ophelia offered, glad to be able to offer something, but as the words left her lips she realized there was another question to consider, “So she would stay in Nevermere, then?”

For if Cass and Lorelle were to grow together, it wouldn’t make sense for them to be separated by kingdom.

Cassian nodded his head.

"For one or two seasons a year. My son's mother would also like it if she spent some time in Lorendale with Cass." Not just Cass. With Iliana, of course. Surely Ophelia would have no qualm with that. "A Nevermerean royal escort would remain with her there." Because they both knew the gifted situation in Lorendale wasn't entirely reliable. An unfortunate fact.

"There is another matter, too, I should like for you to speak to Akagi of."

Ophelia saw the opportunity for that it was—a good one. She wondered if she’d been given the benefit of a more diverse education she might have turned out differently. She couldn’t only hope that with more varied experiences Lorelle would be more resilient than her mother. Given the current state of Lorendale, however, the Nevermerean guard was a welcome addition.

The matter was settled—not that Ophelia would have resisted. From her perspective, she’d only just slipped back into the inner Rainecourt circle. She wouldn’t jeopardize that by seeming inflexible and unhelpful.

Ophelia dipped her head again, inviting her brother to continue, though now one of her brows was raised slightly in skeptical interest (a passable imitation of Kennet, she thought).

Cassian knew this second task was one that might pose harder for his sister. Of all the things that Ophelia was, cunning was not among them. Manipulative, neither. It was a credit to her character, if unhelpful regarding some of Cassian's ploys. No matter. He knew how she craved to be included and involved, and anything she could do to help drive this nail would be a benefit. Of course, she could always mess it up, too...but Cassian was putting a little faith in his sister.

"I think it time," he said slowly, thoughtfully, and she knew him well enough to know that this was something he had chewed on for quite some time before speaking aloud, "that you begin encouraging your husband to pursue his inheritance." At what inheritance could he be referring to in regards to Akagi but his throne? Convenient for them that his older sister had died...

Ophelia, though she’d hardly been moving at all, noticeably stilled. She understood the gravity of Cassian’s request. It was a risk, and her brother never took a risk without carefully weighing the reward on the other side.

So what was it?

If there’s one thing she’d learned in Arynn Frey, it was to appreciate the long arc of history. How to tend an orchard that you’d never see bear fruit. But Cassian was a conqueror, not a gardener. Arynn Frey’s pace was a crawl compared to the spinning wheels of time in Skia. Why would he not seek to push forward the clock’s hands, just a little?

But having bent to one request, Ophelia found herself pliable enough for the next. Later, she’d be ashamed of just how easily she’d accepted the idea. She’d wish that she’d pushed back—even just a little. Even if it was for show.

“Akagi is a proud man,” Ophelia started, just as slowly, with just as much care, “He would have to believe he was acting of his own volition. That this…pursuit was his idea from the start.”

Cassian could be the puppetmaster all he liked, so long as the puppet did not see its strings.

Cassian nodded, already knowing what she said but agreeing with her assessment, pleased she had seen it. He gave her more then, because she would need everything she could get to pull this off.

“Arynn Frey is hesitant to intervene with Dresmond and the Eldouir. If they choose to remain uninvolved it could be a decision that damns all of Terra Nova.”