Birthright: The Contested Seat

Wayin

Wayin sat in his tower, preparing his luggage for the journey to Galenport. They were set to leave in just a few short days, and he couldn't help but worry. He was responsible for keeping Lord Galia informed on the queen's movements and intentions, and he had done so, but it would be harder to keep her in the dark when she's under the same roof as the potential leader of the rebellion. 

His stomach churned at the thought. The chances of him getting caught would rise exponentially in Galenport. It only took one conversation with the wrong person to set the queen's suspicions ablaze and that is something he didn't need. He was used to eyes being on him all the time, but it was easier to keep his intentions hidden so far away from the queen's enemies. He would need to be careful. 

Pushing those thoughts from his mind, he decided to focus on the events of the day. He would be escorting Lady Alice on a tour of the mines, where the children of the city's nobility were being forced to work. He had become good friends with Lady Alice over the last few weeks. She was smart, interesting, and a bit mysterious. He still suspected that she knew more than she was letting on about who assassinated Lord Sommel, and he hoped their trip to the mines would convince her to come forward. 

Their friendship had blossomed nicely, and it was beginning to offend Wayin that she was being so tight lipped. He had informed the queen of his intent to recommend someone for Lord Sommel's post but had insisted on keeping her identity hidden until he had a chance to speak with her. Today was the day.

A knock came to his door and a servant entered. 

"My lord, Lady Alice has arrived."

"Send her in," said Wayin, closing his trunk after packing the last of his clothing.

Lady Alice walked into the room moments after, graceful and elegant as ever. She smiled upon seeing him, as she did every time. Wayin often wished that Lady Alice had not been married. Though a woman nearly fourteen years his senior, he found her enchanting in ways that no man of any age could resist. It was not her beauty that attracted him the most, though it certainly helped, it was her intellect and her political viewpoints. He left every conversation with Lady Alice even smarter than he had been upon entering it.

"Wayin, it's been some time," she said sweetly. 

She was not wrong. The last week had been so busy preparing for their journey to Galenport that Wayin had scarcely the time to breathe. Busy though it was, that wasn't to say he hadn't been thinking about her. He had spent a lot of time thinking about how he could convince her to join the queen's council and he really hoped he wouldn't have to beg. 

"I apologize Alice, we'll be setting off to Galenport in just a few days. The queen wishes to scold Elliot Galia about the boy's escape."

"He escaped? To where?" asked Alice, unable to comprehend what she was hearing.

"Rentos, it would appear."

He didn't like lying to her, but until he knew her true intentions, he could not let her know his true role in the capital. She held no love for the queen, but he wasn't completely sure she would be willing to keep his secrets. Once installing her on the council, perhaps she would be more forthcoming, and he could trust her just a bit more. 

Her brow furrowed and her eyes wandered as she thought on what she had just heard. She had taken a bit of interest in Kyran and his plight. Wayin had been careful about what to share with her, but he always made sure to study her reactions closely. She seemed genuinely concerned about his disappearance, which would not be hard to believe considering her dislike of the queen, but even so Wayin felt he needed to be careful.

"She wishes to scold one of the most powerful lords in the realm? That ought to soothe tensions," said Alice, her voice laced with sarcasm. 

"Hopefully I can talk some sense into her. Diplomacy is not her greatest strength. She'd rather intimidate and fill dungeons," replied Wayin.