PROWESS. (COMPLETED)

Chapter 51

Anastasia's POV;

(Please read author's note at the bottom <3)

Even as I enter the room I continue questioning whether this was the right choice, but did I have another? I sigh, heading to the door at the back of the room, I push it open and step into Violetty's back changing room – the same one I'd met the Queen in weeks ago. Oh, how things had changed since then....

"Prowess," Greets my guest, rising and bowing. We take our seats, "I must admit, I was incredibly surprised to hear from you -" He begins slightly nervous.

"James," I cut him off, "You want me to trust you again, yes?"

"Absolutely, I've changed."

"Then here's your chance to prove it. This is to stay between us and only us, if you so much as breath a word of what we discuss to anyone, I'll rip your heart from your chest. Do I make myself clear?" He nods solemnly, "I want your word of honour..."

"I give you my word, Prowess." He bows. In the next moment he takes out a pocket knife, flicking up the knife – I watch silently, holding my breath, muscles tensed in anticipation of his attack. To my surprise, he holds out his left hand and slices a cut through the centre of his palm, as it begins to bleed he clenches his fist, then kneels. Recognising the traditional gesture, I relax and hold out my hand which he proceeds to sacrifice a drop of blood into mine. "My honour."

I nod, offer him a handkerchief after taking mine then take a seat. Summoning a deep breath, I share with him everything I wanted him to know – Jennifer, the DNA results and the two envelopes of photos sent to Kellen and me separately. "The first thing I need from you, is to allow my medic access to southern medical record to verify that the DNA results are legitimate – secrecy in that is vital."

"I understand, but for the sake of Southern National Security, your medic shall have to be accompanied – I shall assign the southern royal doctor to aid her and will personally oversee their efforts to ensure secrecy..." Pausing, he adds, "I must admit, I heard about the events that happened at your ball. I did wonder...."

"What happened is irrelevant – what's important is what is done now. I need these results verified as a matter of urgency. I'm concerned by these photos also, both Kellen and I received an envelope – as you can see they were sent with the purpose of misinterpretation. More than that, it worries me that we are both being watched – with everything going on, everyone's safety is my priority."

"This is very serious. How were these photos delivered?" begins James, looking up from the contents of the envelopes I'd given him.

"Both sent by post – the Prince's head of security gave me the photos he'd received today with the warning to be careful, this was after I'd made him aware of the increased rogue activity on our southern boarders. I'm wondering now if they're connected?" I query, voicing my true fear.

"It could be, all possibilities warrant investigation... I might mention that our Southern Royal Family have heard of the attacks and are planning a meeting or visit of some description with your Royal Family. We plan to offer our full support and cooperation - an allies hand - against what you are facing. I have no doubt that the invitation will be extended to you also, as the Prince's Mate..."

"I appreciate the information, but I'd rather focus on the issues at hand." I press.

"I'd like to take the weight of this off your shoulders – under my supervision and with the assistance of one of my own, we agree I shall give your medic the access she requires. If you have no objections, I should also like to run a private investigation into all the names on this 'sex diary', and see who has the means and inclination for revenge. Do you agree?"