Simon was allowed in, of course, and Felicity called for. Her cheeks were hot, her heart racing as she left her children with their nanny and raced down the stairs so that she would be at the front doors when he reached them.

“Duke Mikaels.” She breathed his name, chest heaving as she caught her breath. “What…what are you doing here?” Instead of inviting him in she exited the door, closing it behind her, lest a servant see his face and report it to her husband or whoever else. She liked to think they were loyal to her, but she wasn’t so naive.

Kelton would narrate Felicity’s approach as Simon’s milky eyes gazed into nothingness as they exited the carriage. He asked Kelton if they were alone as she came closer, and the loyal assistant responded in the affirmative.

“Lady Zane…” Simon dipped his head toward her, “I am awaiting a response to a letter, and recent circumstances have made it necessary for me to find safe harbor until I receive it. I had hoped I might impose upon your hospitality for a few hours. A half day at most.”

Felicity was ashamed of the fear she felt, of the desire she had to shoo Simon away like a filthy commoner child getting dirt on her carriage. She had agreed to what he had done and supported it, but she wasn’t necessarily ready to go down with the ship.

“Duke Mikaels,” she said, a little breathily, looking towards the grand entrance driveway of Birkhall, wondering if there was any reason her estate might be watched.

“Have I ever shown you the tree beneath which my mother sleeps?” Trinidad was a Lorendale hero. He would know she was in fact dead.

Moving forward, Felicity would offer her arm so they might stroll without his assistant.

Simon was blind, but not a fool. He understood Felicity’s offer and smiled pleasantly, slipping his arm into hers. “No, but it would be an honor. Kelton, if you would stay with the carriage. Make sure it is out of the way…” Kelton murmured a few words of consent and then shuffled off, allowing Felicity to lead him where she would.

Felicity would wait until they had rounded the front of the giant estate and we’re walking along its side before speaking again.

“Forgive my caution, Duke Mikaels. I am sure you have heard by now that there was an information leak, and your name is known in association with the flyers.”

“I understand,” Simon said apologetically, “And if there was anywhere else to turn, I would. But as it is…I needed someone I could trust. And those people are few."

Felicity nodded and said nothing initially. After a short delay she asked,

“What now? You have tried, she has retaliated…do you remain and stand by your words? Surely the message reached some and there are those in agreement. Have you sought to meet with them?”

Simon shook his head.

“I stand by what I’ve done and am willing to suffer what consequences may come. I had hoped to force the queen’s hand, to turn public opinion in favor of the proposal but…” Simon grimaced, “So far those people have yet to make themselves known. People are willing to be discontent but afraid to act.”

Felicity huffed gently at his words, lashes flashing over her eyes as the emotions from her thoughts flooded her face.

“I can hardly blame them.” She admitted, a sliver of shame in her voice. “The queen is young and unpredictable. Her mother removed heads for arguably little. We do not know what her daughter might do, and not many of us have necks strong enough to take the risk.” She looked over him, trying to deduce the truth of his level of concern. There was something pleasant about being able to look at a man without reserve, knowing he wasn’t about to start looking back.

“I do not know what to do next.”

Simon was hesitant at first. He was quiet, and thoughtful, before responding. In that silence, Simon decided that a man without anything to lose gains very little by holding his tongue.

“I have cast my lot in with the king. He is who I am bound to serve now, now that my kingdom has no use for me. But you,” Simon couldn’t look at her, but he did slow his steps. He turned her to him, laying a hand on her arm to emphasize his point. As if he could actually see her. “You are bound only to Lorendale. You have suffered great losses, Lady Zane, but your name carries weight. You and those around you have influence that the crown cannot ignore. Your words in the throne room were heard—not by the queen, but around Lorendale. Do not underestimate the power that you hold, so long as you are willing to wield it.”

Simon’s intentionality and guidance with her through these hard times had been impactful. She had come to trust him. When he stopped her to speak these words she found tears pricking in her eyes, a gentle huff coming from her lips.

“You say that,” she said, voice shaking, holding none of the decorum, “but it seems no one heard me. Not even—“ he took a shaking breath, “not even my own husband.”

Simon took her hand suddenly when her voice shook. It was a move of a desperate man, one who had lost everything but this: the hope for a better future. For Lorendale.

“I heard you,” Simon said, “I did. And others too. And if they didn’t at first…” Simon grasped her hand, “Then perhaps that only means you need to speak louder.”