A Diplomatic Assignment.

You and Donald slip out of the repurposed shop, trudging a short distance through the snow-covered streets.

“What do you make a' what she said? About the temple?” your former lover asks, catching you by the wrist.

You hesitate for a second or two. Surely, despite the... closeness you and Donald had enjoyed, he didn't truly know you well enough to know when you were lying? You decide to hedge your bets, remaining non-committal.

“False flag operations.” you slur. “They've been known to happen. But I'd be skeptical of anything that one told me. She's not exactly the most honourable person on the continent.

“Aye, that's a point.” the Beathan king agrees. “Nearly had you fer a ****, fer one.”

“Not to mention the **** and misery she's wroght.” you agree.

“But she knows things. If we could get her to talk... Ach, but it's pointless. You'd never get Madeleine in the same room as her, not while she's drawin' breath. And while I may not approve of it, a giant's skulls a prize Regent Seki'd not be soon to part with.”

“Perhaps I could help with that?” you offer.

“Ha! If anyone could convince them, it'd be you, Edward.” Donald admits. “You do have a bit of guile about you, I'll give you that.”

“Anything for the war effort.” you say, attempting to put your fellow king at ease. You doubt he'd be as warm towards you, should he know you had a hand in slaughtering his men, in plundering the treasures of his people.

Donald clasps your shoulders.

“We all have a part to play, Edward. I owe you more than I can say for what you've done so far.” the Beathan says.

“It's my pleasure.” you respond haltingly.

“Speakin' a' pleasure, it's such a shame we had to cut what we had so short.” Donald says quietly. “Much as I'm glad for Kara, would that we lived in a better world, one where a king such as yourself didn't have to settle for the less impressive sibling.”

“I wouldn't let your sister hear you say that.” you respond, smiling at the redheaded king.

“I guess we're even now.” Donald laughs. “She ever tell you how I stole her man from her?”

“Yes, I seem to recall hearing of that.”

“I suppose in a way, you're fortunate Edward, not having much in the way of family.” Donald grins. “Anyway, I should be off. We move out on the morrow. There is much to do.”

It would also seem as though you had a task of your own to go about. You pondered what to do first, convincing Seki to give up her prize, or convincing Madeleine to let Hjordis anywhere near her. You imagined neither would be particularly easy.