Augustus had made conversation with Tybalt Zane at first, but after a while had let it dwindle. The man had much on his mind, and so the prince would give him the necessary space to work through it. When they arrived at Brikhall, Augustus would look to Tybalt Zane to give them entry and follow his lead as to where to start.

This was Tybalt’s home. Not a hand would be raised to stop him. He was not the enemy, even if he thought Felicity was. The servants showed him the honor he was due, and when he asked for his wife he was led to her personal study where she sat alone, a book in her lap, eyes fixed out the window.

Simon was…perhaps in the housing above the stables? She had encouraged him to take refuge and rest before his long journey to Nevermere.

When Tybalt entered, Felicity thought of her last exchange with him, in her carriage as he rode beside. It hadn’t gone exactly as she wanted, but he, too, had expressed a need for change in their kingdom.

Felicity rose and curtsied, immediately registering the grave look on his face and the stiffness in their bond. She crossed quickly towards him, concern on her features,

“What has happened?” She asked in a hushed whisper.

Augustus followed Tybalt’s lead. He did not want to reveal the mirror, so he kept it as hidden as possible as they moved. He first asked for Simon. It seemed the man was in a dank-looking room he did not recognize with a man that he recognized as Simon’s assistant (they’d been working from the palace for years, after all). When they approached where Fecliity was, Augusts pocketed the mirror and stood at Tybalt’s side. The prince's expression was open, a soft smile on his features to balance out Tybalt's obvious anxiety.

"I hope you will forgive the intrusion, Lady Zane," the prince said warmly, "As your husband said, we have much to discuss. But perhaps...we should relax for a moment. The journey has been long." That was meant for Tybalt, clearly, as indicated by the prince's gaze. He turned back to Felicity and indicated to the sitting area. "May I?"

Felicity collected herself at the sight of Augustus. She didn’t trust him, only because she didn’t know where he stood. As far as she knew, he whispered into the queen’s ear and she did as he said. So then, was he to blame for the crown’s inactivity?

“Your grace.” She curtsied deeply for royalty. Another time she would have been deeply pleased that she was hosting such a high profile individual. For the moment, Tybalt’s expression haunted her. His words had been stiff and strange, but any hope she had of answering him directly was overshadowed by the prince speaking.

“Yes, of course. Please, both of you sit and take rest.” Her heart began to race. Was this the action she had been waiting for her husband to take? Was Augustus here to do something about the troops that had been taken to Dresmond? Or was it something else? Had Simon been seen headed towards Birkhall? Would she be considered a criminal for politely taking in a guest?

Felicity dared not speak, lest she transgress. She moved to the door and called for the servant to bring tea. She would then move to sit, taking a seat where she was perched alone. Her eyes slid warily over Tybalt before fixating on the prince.

He’d let Felicity answer the question about the children and sit as he was invited. He’d glance at Tybalt who continued to stand, wary of the man in his current state. Betrayal made one speak out of turn, and this was a situation that would need to be handled carefully. Augustus would let a silence settle over the room as he considered Felicity before speaking.

“My lady,” Augustus said in a friendly tone, almost gentle, “It known to us that Duke Mikaels has found refuge in Brikhall. Before involving other parties, I thought it best to come to you directly to have a full understanding of the situation.”

Simon had been informed of their arrival. As they sat for tea, Kelton would begin to make preparations for his mentor's escape from where they hid in the stables. They'd make swiftly as they could to leave Birkhall and make for the Red Citadel, his home far from Loren where his wife Romilly and children were.

Felicity didn’t know what to make of Tybalt at the moment, so she focused instead of the obvious person in the room. At his words she felt her heart slow, the sickly thunking sounding loudly in her ears. Her face showed her surprise openly.

“How could you know that?” She asked, eyes then moving to Tybalt, assuming he had a servant watching her who had reported. But in such little time? Perhaps with a bird…

“He is an old friend.” She also said, attention returning to Augustus by way of explanation. She knew this could lead to a very bad place for her, but it all depended on Augustus’ perspective of their motives. “Is there a reason he should not be here?”