Settled Storms.

The Camille estate felt more like a museum than a home. 

Marble floors, tall windows, and portraits that stared down at Charlotte with the same disdain as Lady Yvonne. 

Donna made no effort to conceal her aloofness. "Ughhh." She grumbled.

At every corner, there was a bowing butler or trembling servant. 

The smell of imported incense was faint yet ever present—a subtle contrast to the heavy tension in the atmosphere.

The atrium lay ahead. 

A domed haven hidden from the outside world with vibrant greenery and polished tile floors. 

Sitting at the center of the fountain was a young girl.

The young girl was wearing a simple silk dress, with her long hair flowing down her back. She wept quietly, gripping the edge of the fountain as she stared into the water.

Yvonne sighed as she entered the atrium. "Chloe darling, her majesty is here to beg for forgiveness." She said, her tone that of a satisfied spectator.

Charlotte shot Yvonne a glare, before turning her attention to Chloe. "I've come to speak with you, about your father."

Chloe didn't look up. 

"Go away." 

"Chloe," Charlotte muttered under her breath softly. Her expression became conflicted as she tightened her fist. "I know this is–"

"You don't know anything but how to kill." Chole hissed, gripping the fountain. 

"That's all you are, a killer."

Chole's voice cracked as she spoke the word. Her small frame trembled as tears pooled in her silvery eyes. 

Charlotte stood silently, letting the young girl vent her frustrations. This wasn't a time for arguing, but healing.

Even if it was painful.

"You think you can go around killing others, then make a speech to fix it? No, I don't want your words, your soldiers, or your money."

"I want my father." 

Chloe then turned to face Charlotte, narrowing her bloodshot eyes as she squared her shoulders. 

"And until you can provide me with that, I want nothing to do with you." Chloe then gritted her teeth, before storming out of the atrium. 

Her naked feet slapped against the smooth tile.

Charlotte didn't call after her. 

She didn't move, even after the door slammed. 

The thud echoed throughout the open space.

Yvonne smirked. "Well, we could always have a spot of tea, your majesty." 

She then grinned. "Or perhaps you'd prefer another dog to gun down, you always were good at that." 

Charlotte looked as if she wanted to respond, but thought better of it. Instead turning around to leave. 

Donna followed wordlessly. 

"You know, I may be able to assist you Charlotte." 

Yvonne called after them.

"For a price…"

Both Charlotte and Donna paused.

Yvonne took this opportunity to continue. "I'm sure you've investigated my husband before his… unfortunate demise." Her voice dripped with veiled venom masked as honey.

"However, there's more than meets the eye. 

My husband met with many shadowy agents and desperate contractors. 

People who walk this very city." 

She leaned against a marble pillar, her dress catching the sunlight. "Of course, you'd never know their names or faces, seeing as you gunned down your only lead."

She then chuckled. "But there's hope yet, Charlotte. 

Agree to a deal, and I'll tell you all I know. 

Or you can leave here empty-handed."

Donna was the first to look back, her frown deep. "What's stopping us from beating it out of you?" She growled, her patience worn thin. 

Yvonne's smile didn't waver. "Even a fool like you wouldn't make the same mistake twice. As you've found out, killing nobility is quite the hassle."

Charlotte scoffed, glancing over her shoulder. "Name your price." She ordered.

Yvonne beamed as she stepped forward. "Oh it's quite simple darling, I need you to grant Baylen Arthur's former seat in parliament."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't it go to Brielle? He's next in line for the—"Suddenly Charlotte's eyes widened as she remembered Donna's earlier comment. 

She then frowned. "Baylen, your lap dog. You want to skip over Brielle because he's not swooning for your… charms."

"And because he's already married." Donna chimed in. 

Yvonne rolled her eyes. "Can you blame a woman for protecting her status? Besides, Baylen is just as capable." 

She then grinned. 

"And just because we happen to enjoy each other's presence, doesn't mean it's not a fair trade."

Charlotte's jaw tightened. In truth, whether it was either brother, Camille's influence wouldn't change much externally. 

Internally, however, the head family would favor Baylon over Brielle. And since Brielle was involved with Yvonne she gets to keep her power without lifting a finger.

Charlotte glanced at Donna, who looked annoyed. "I despise women like you, truly."

Yvonne chuckled. "Oh don't be jealous, your charm could only get a mule to bed."

Charlotte ignored the quip. "Look, if that information is even half of what you're promising I'll take the deal."

"Excellent–"

"But," Charlotte continued, pointing a finger at her. "I don't want any trouble out of Brielle, so the seat stays empty until he publicly steps down."

There was immediate silence, and for the first time, Yvonne's smirk faltered. "…heh, wait a minute you can't be serious. That's a tall order, even for someone such as myself."

Charlotte grinned for the first time. "Don't tell me the great Yvonne is stumped." She teased mockingly, before turning to leave. "You want power, it requires sacrifice. Something I'm sure you know all too well." 

Donna snorted. "Oh, how the tables have turned."

"You have a week, Yvonne otherwise you'll be where your husband should've been, prison."

Yvonne watched Charlotte and Donna exit with a twitching smile. "Oh Charlotte, I'll be sure to make you swallow that pride." She muttered with a glare.

— — —

Back at the academy, Alexander lay flat in his bed. 

His head spun rapidly as his heart pounded. 

Because sleeping peacefully right beside him, was Elizabeth. She lay curled up at his side, wrapped in his blanket and breathing softly.

Shit… shit… shit…

Alexander wasn't sure how it happened, one moment she was whispering in his ear, the next she was sleeping.

As laid in panic, the door to his dorm slowly opened, revealing that Hinata had returned. She stepped in quietly as she closed the door. 

"Ah, it seems her highness was exhausted after all. She hasn't slept since last night." 

Alexander blinked. "You mean since lord Arthur…"

Hinata nodded. "Indeed, she was more concerned with your safety than her own."

Her voice was soft and her gaze was gentle, "She may not show it as you do, but her highness cares for you deeply, Alexander."

Alexander's gaze softened as he glanced down at Elizabeth. She looked peaceful, perfectly still as she huddled beside him.

As he looked over at her, part of him felt guilty for always running. It's not that he didn't understand her deep affection, it's that he didn't know how to respond.

"Why does she like me so much?" Alexander asked softly, turning his attention back towards Hinata. 

"I've asked Jules and Karl, but they told me it's because I'm familiar."

"Familiarity plays a part," Hinata answered, stepping closer. "But it has more to do with reciprocation, see… her highness noticed that you kept everything she gifted you." 

Hinata stopped with a gentle smile. 

Placing a pale hand on Alexander's forehead.

"You wrote back to her for years, you were understanding of her mistakes, and your kindness… so very kind."

Hinata gently massaged his temple, her touch cold and soothing. Alexander felt his eyes growing heavy as he reached for her hand. 

"I thought I was just being nice, seeing as she took time to welcome me to her kingdom." He answered, grabbing Hinata's wrist. "Is that not normal?"

Hinata chuckled softly as she lowered her hand to his cheeks, sending a shiver down his spine. 

"Normal in action, rare in sincerity. Like it or not, you've shown Elizabeth something she can't get anywhere else." She said with a soft and teasing smile.

Alexander returned the gesture as he held on tightly. "Thank you… Hinata." He whispered between yawns. "I needed to understand… that."

Hinata bent down to kiss his cheek. "Rest now, I'll be here when you awake."

Alexander nodded faintly, before finally falling asleep. Hinata then gently wrapped his arm around Elizabeth, before tucking them both in, and turning to leave.