The Viscount's residence is protected by high walls and many guards. It's almost like entering a royal palace. Does he need protection from his peasants so much?

It would be enough to stop killing and abducting people to have a peaceful land. Unarmed folks-men do not rise against their lords without motive.

«Good evening, your grace,» Viscount Prothus says when he can look at us. «It's an honour to have you here.»

Now, we just need to explain what we are doing so far from Kyre.

«Likewise,» Alexander replies, cold like I haven't heard him in a while.

Well, this is his usual behaviour with strangers and outsiders. But it's been so long since the last time he used this tone.

«What brings you here in my humble home?»

Humble? Ah, whatever.

«I was going to the capital with my wife, and I decided to pass here and greet. After the end of the rebellion, years ago, I left without giving you any advice about how to handle your fief, Viscount. But you seem to be faring pretty well...»

«Oh, yes... Ah, you went to the capital soon before the Emperor's death, it's understandable that you were in a hurry. Too bad that someone else took your place on the throne, your highness.»

«Not highness,» Alexander sighs. «I'm a Duke, now.»

«Oh,» the Viscount mutters. «I'm sorry for the misspell... your grace. Is this beautiful lady your wife perhaps?»

«Yes, she is.»

I smile politely at the man, hoping it is enough to hide my true thoughts about him. Seems that Alexander will bait him out somehow instead of snooping around in search of clues.

«I would have prepared the chambers in time if I knew you were passing by. But let me order the servants... They'll clean a couple of rooms in a moment!»

«One is enough,» Alexander stops him. «My wife and I will sleep in the same room, regardless. There's no need to prepare two.»

«Uhm, yes, your grace...»

He bows his head, observing us from the corner of his eyes. I do not utter a word, more focused on listening and observing. I do not need to make a good impression, that's for sure.

There aren't many servants in the residence, which means he didn't collect the peasants for his own benefit. Where can they be?

Maybe in the cellar or in the stables. I don't think they're far from here. According to the bandits, their families disappeared two days ago. It's too little time for them to be sold off.

Where is the buyer? Will we meet him if we stay long enough?

«My wife is tired; we'll meet at dinner,» Alexander says, once finished the first formalities. He surrounds my shoulders, and we walk behind a maid to the door of the suite we'll be occupying.

After the door is closed, Alexander holds my hands and kisses my fingers.

«I'm worried, Thea. I don't like this place. You should leave for the capital...» He looks at me in the eyes, blinking seductively. He's trying to convince me through wily techniques.

«We've already discussed it,» I whisper, reminding him that I was once Queen. A couple of pretty eyes and a handsome face shouldn't be enough to tame me.

If he insists, I might accept his request and obey. But I hope he lets go before me, at least this once.

In the end, Alexander sighs and pecks my cheek.

«During the dinner, I might say something I do not think,» he explains before starting to remove the outer layers of his clothes. «Do not take anything I say seriously, please. Just wait for the end, and we'll clear everything once alone.»

«I'm not stupid, Alexander. I know what we're doing here...»

«You've grown up as the one in power. I'm afraid you'll get offended if I ask you to stay silent at my side.»

«There's no problem. I will do that.»

«Will you be convincing, though?»

«I've behaved till now,» I sulk. «Why are you doubting me so much?»

«Sorry,» he whispers and pulls me in his embrace. «This was pointless from my side.»

«There aren't many servants in here,» I point out while he's still rubbing my back and breathing in my hair, pretending to be calming me and not himself.

«I've also noticed.»

«Also, I don't think he'll risk selling the prisoners while we're here. Unless we make him think we're either stupid or uninterested.»

«At least, I believe I found a way to explain our presence here...»

«Which is?»

«I'm the one that gave the title to the Viscount. He wouldn't have succeeded his father since the latter was sentenced to prison. Hence, I do have some prior link to this person. I will use that to make him think we're on the same side, and he'll lower his guard.»

«I suspect he will visit the place where the prisoners are kept, or he'll send a guard there. Luckily, the bandits are in place and will follow anyone that gets out of here.»

«Yes, that's correct. Our only task is to distract him.»

«No,» I mutter. «Our task is a bit more complicated. We need to find proof that will hold in court.»

«His majesty won't let slavery pass unpunished.»

«What about his majesty's counsellors?»

«Oh,» he sighs. «They do not care about slavery.»

«I'll write a letter to a journalist once this is over. If the news reaches every corner of the Empire, his majesty won't be able to allow a further scandal.»

«You're wicked, wife. Is this why you started a newspaper?»

«Contacts are what matters, Alexander. In any kind of business. I have no money of my own, no power. I might as well trade with information.»

«I shall pay attention in the future, for I might be spotted fooling around by one of your reporters,» he chuckles.

«I won't send them to check on you,» I point out. I split from Alexander and cross my arms. What is he thinking?

«What a pity... I so much liked a possessive wife...»