Simon was in his study with Kelton when Annabeth came to call. There’d been no news from the palace, none at all, which had created a cold pit in Simon’s stomach. He wouldn’t disgrace his wife and children by running. He’d wait to be fetched, believing that the king would protect him when the time came. And if not..well, then that bridge would be crossed when the time came. Simon was a man of conviction. The Eldouir attack at the speech only proved that he’d been right. Something had to be done.

“Countess Annabeth Porter to see you, duke.” Annabeth would have been let in and led to his study. Simon raised his eyebrows in interest and nodded for her to be allowed entry. Kelton would remain in the room for now. Both would stand, Simon dipping his head and holding out a hand to offer a seat he could not see but knew was there.

“Countess Porter, this is a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?”

“Quite well, thank you.” Simon could do pleasantries. He could sink into the conversational constructs that kept their society afloat. Order. Tradition. All the things that he valued and continued to hold to even on the brink of chaos. At the mention of paperwork, Simon raised an eyebrow. The double meaning was not lost on Simon.

“Kelton is familiar with any matters of business you’d have to discuss. If you would, Kelton…” The man went to go check that the door was locked, and with a brief acknowledgement let his master know and sat.

“What is it you’ve brought me?” Simon asked, clearly thinking Annabeth was in his corner.

Simon had come to appreciate Annabeth’s openness. What read as naivety he’d come to find refreshing. There was a purity of intention about her, as if despite all the wrong that had been done she was ready to experience the world with fresh eyes. He smiled to hear that she’d been taking his words seriously. To hear his own sentiments echoed back was validating — make no mistake.

“No, no one else,” Simon answered, true or not, “Though I must admit, I have not been operating in total secrecy. My opinions are well known. I’ve advised the king and toiled over my own academic work besides. Perhaps it will reach back to me but,” He smirked a little, “It hasn’t yet.”

Simon scoffed, “The queen’s speech gave me little confidence in that. She is far too soft on the gifted—far too soft. Her silence, her lack of leadership will put us all at risk.” Kelton started to say something, sensing Simon’s words were running away with themselves but he was waved off, “I believe the king to have far more common-sense opinions on these matters. Perhaps he’s the one to lead us.”

It was an off-handed comment, but a dangerous one.

Simon nodded. “My family supported him in the heir race,” He said conversationally, “He’s made a good king in Nevermere—as in Lorendale. He may be young, but he doesn't act in accordance with his youth as the queen does."

Simon nodded and leaned back in his chair. “And what of you, Annabeth?” the Duke asked, much to Kelton’s obvious relief. He was afraid that his mentor was going a little too far and speaking too openly. “What have you decided as a course for your future since we last spoke?"

“And what is right for Lorendale?” Simon asked, the implication clear enough. What had she come to believe on the matter of the gifted?