#elsewhere

"You have, annd will. You care greatly for horses. I've seenn the charity events"

"Yes. But...well...some people have long memories. I've done a lot of work, and hopefully nobody will look back to the old Chloe's past, but if Chelsea stirs it up...." She sighs and takes a bigger drink. "That could get complicated."

"Chelsea's a bitch" He says

"Yes. A vindictive bitch with privileged information."

"Therre are ways to stop that"

She nods. "I believe August is on it." She finishes her drink.

"I suspect so too. But being Liam I hope he does't risk his oath to the House"

"I don't think he'd do that." She nearly laughs at the notion.

"Magnus, are you at all familiar with the SilverWolf barony?"

"Silverwolf baronny, run by Aidenn, Baron of Silverwolf, Reclusive rep but opening up. Has allied LOOSELY with Rivervale, but more solidly with Darkgate fortress. Ithica I believe"

"Hmmm." She nods. "Well...I'll look into them," she murmurs almost to herself. Then a bit of a smile as she changes the subject, "How are your ladies?"

"Oh, tired, surly, thirsty. Breast mlik for River, Scotch for Claire"

A smile. "Well, whatever keeps them happy. River is lovely."

"Oh! I just realized...do you have everything you need? I suppose there are baby...things?" she says vaguely.

"Yes, the servannts actuallybrougght extra diapers"

"Oh, thank goodness. The staff here is awfully good." The unspoken for mere mortals is clear.

Magnus chuckles "Yes. I may steal one"

"Paws off," she scolds with a grin. "How about you? How are you doing?"

"oh mom, ' A low mutter "I'm terrified and delighted... and so happy I could burst"

She touches his cheek fondly. "I wish I could give you advice based on experience. I can't. Not for this, at least. But I think that happiness will carry you through a lot of the terror."

"I think it will, and thank you. We cannn't call you grandma to the kid of course. Wish we could"

"Well, not yet, anyway," she says with a bit of a laugh.

She looks towards the front door -- the way August would have left -- then sighs a bit. "I suppose he'll be gone a bit. Excuse me, Magnus," she says while getting her phone and texting.

TXT: You are my hero. ❤️ Whatever you are doing, be cautious. Don't let her get the upper hand.

"of course."

Magnus rrefills his mother's glass, and hen goes to see his wife and child.

While Coradel texts her affections

(End scene/Pause)