#fenixtj

Well, a hostage-taking at least. They didn't take the Duke anywhere, just... held him in place.

"Countess, you didn't..share what you knew of my personal guard and defenses did you?" the Duke says "they seemed to find the holes in access to me quite deftly"

She looks shocked. "No, Your Grace! I would never do that, not knowingly or willingly."

"It was the unknowingly part I considered" he says "Has anyone been prying you for information now that you and I have the gift of hindsight?"

Jessica THINKS.

"I... Your Grace, I might have spoke with Regent Mitra about your situation here, in general terms. But I trust her with my life. Um." She slowly purples. "Now that I'm thinking about it, it's possible we might have been overheard."

"Interesting. Shall I leave this to you while I reschedule my guards shifts and patrols?"

"I would be grateful for the chance to correct my mistakes, Your Grace."

"I'm not sure they were your mistakes, Countess. Or if they are... well, then they are the same mistake any of us might make but I leave it in your hands regardless"

"Thank you." SHe bows.

He inclines his head "It did actually work out for the best. And I would take that into account"

"You will, or I should, Your Grace?"

"You should do as you see best, but you have my own thoughts on the matter. You owe me fealty, but I won't ask you to abandon your own judgement. That defeats the purpose of a good Countess"

"I agree, Your Grace. I will look into it."

"Now, before you go, can I get you some hotdogs to take home? Franky made too much"

"That is very kind, Your Grace. I think the childilings might enjoy them, yes."

"I hope they do. Don't be a stranger, Countess. "

"Thank you, Your Grace; I'll return at least to tell you what I have learned." She bows, and withdraws to look for the rest of her party.

And off they go

To return home?

So it seems..

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