Ava could feel her head pounding. She had such a crippling headache and it wasn't made any easier with the constant swaying and bumping from the carriage. It had been a long night of packing with little sleep. She was fighting the need to get some rest and every time she blinked, it was more difficult to open her eyes back up. She was going through a physical struggle but also, an internal one. She didn't want to go to The Center. She was terrified of what her father would say to her but what made it even worse was the person in the carriage with her.

"It's not a short journey," Viv said, her eyes trained on Ava even though she was paying her no mind, "You could speak. It'll make time go by faster."

"I have nothing to say to you," Ava replied, crossing her arms over her chest and fighting a yawn.

"There is a lot you could say. Perhaps even 'thank you for saving me from a ship that smells and a life of needless selflessness.'"

"Has anyone ever told you that you're a monster?" Ava said and finally looked over, locking eyes with Viv.

She smirked, "It's one of my favorite compliments."

"How did you end up this way? Did your mother not love you enough? Did your father drink and say mean things to you?"

"What stinging words from a Lady," Viv laughed, "some people can just be bad without having tragedy befall them."

"So you know you're a bad person," Ava pressed.

"I don't think I am, people tell me I'm a bad person and it's a perception that matters," Viv shrugged, "I just do what I need to survive and if that means I'm a bad person, then I am. I'm sure you know a thing or two about compromising morals to do what's needed to survive."

"We are not the same."

"You're right," Viv chuckled, "you haven't experienced true hardship a sun in your life."

"I don't need to prove myself to you. You can stop speaking now," Ava bit.

Viv just laughed and slumped back against her seat. Her eyes were still trained on Ava, unwavering. Ava didn't indulge her, she kept her arms crossed and her gaze focused on the window of their carriage.

"So, you and Theo were a thing, huh?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Ava said and didn't whip her head over to her companion like she wanted to.

"Please," Viv laughed, "I knew the moment she was fussing about your safety in Niveal that she was a goner for you."

"Apparently not, since Theo's the reason I'm back here," Ava looked back over at Viv.

"Oh, I thought you blamed me for that?" Viv taunted, "What's your lover got to do with it?"

"Nothing," Ava shook her head. No one outside of the crew knew the truth about how she had arrived home and she wasn't going to offer up free information. Now that she was talking, she needed to seize the opportunity to get information, "how did you find out who I was?"

"I was following a lead. Figuring out who the person behind the pirate hunt was," Viv explained, "I stood to make a lot of money from that information, by the way, before your dear Captain fucked me out of my fair payment."

"That doesn't answer my question. I need details."

"You're quite demanding, princess," Viv said with a slight raise to her brow then leaned forward, "I came to Northern Elox following some information. Your father had your face printed and distributed all over his dominion. Some sort of reminder of what they had taken from everyone or whatever narrative he was trying to push. At the time I didn't think much of it. But that's a face you don't forget and when I saw you in Drokian, I knew I had hit a bigger jackpot than what I had been chasing."

"I should have known you would say something," Ava shook her head, kicking herself for being so quiet about getting discovered by Viv.

"You really should have," Viv nodded with a sly smile, "didn't Theo tell you scary stories about me?"

"No, she doesn't tend to talk shit about people."

"Look at you, Theo's little defender," Viv said with a chuckle, "why didn't you tell her?"

"Tell her what?"

"Playing dull doesn't suit you. Why didn't you tell her you were a runaway Vaith?"

"How do you know I didn't tell her?"

"She wouldn't have let me walk away the night I saw you. She would have known I would figure out who you were if I hadn't already," Viv theorized, "actually, that's how I know that no one knew. Because no one would have let me leave."

"You're wrong."

"Am I?" Viv leaned forward, "who knew?"

"Stop doing whatever it is you're doing," Ava frowned and pulled her gaze back to the window, "you're not getting information out of me."

"That's going to make this ride very boring."

"You're getting paid a thousand gold a cycle to be around my family. I'm sure you've endured worse for less money," Ava snapped back, looking over.

"You're a fiery one. None of your siblings are half as entertaining."

"Please stop talking."

"So, who knew?"

"None of your business."

"Couldn't have been Xy. She would have done her due diligence and made sure I knew nothing before letting me walk off," Viv theorized, "maybe Oceane? Tuni? Cooker, even."

Ava frowned. Why hadn't Xyra stopped Viv? Obviously, Ava hadn't told her what Viv had said but she was smart enough to stop Viv without knowing. Was she going through something? Was something on her mind and she wasn't thinking straight? Or was it on purpose? Was it malicious?

"Xyra did know," Viv laughed, her eyes quickly darting around as she searched Ava's face for confirmation, "fuck, she's off her game."

"Shut up already! Please, just shut the fuck up," Ava shouted, exasperation rising in her chest.

"As you wish, my Lady," Viv laughed.

Ava felt frustrated tears line the rim of her eyelids but she fought hard to keep them from falling. Any mention of her past crew always got her so emotional, now she had to grapple with the fact that Xyra and Cooker did nothing to make sure she was safe from Viv. Was that on purpose? Her mind kept floating back to that question. Did Xyra never come around to her and was just waiting for the moment to get her away?

She let Theo throw her off the ship. She remembered Xyra's face and the sadness on it when she couldn't do anything but follow orders, but that could have been an act.

What if she were no longer welcome? What if she wanted to run away but it wasn't even just Theo that wanted her gone. Maybe Aubermasse would be the only place for her. But even that was in contention. She had no idea what her father wanted or what he would do once she arrived.

"Did you tell my father I was a pirate?" Ava looked over to Viv after a while of silence.

"I couldn't very well tell him you were a poor prisoner. Too many witnesses. Too risky to lie."

Ava paled and she felt a lump form in her throat. She would have cried except she couldn't focus on a single thing other than the fact that she was going to be thrown in jail at the Center. She bent forward and put her head in her hands, "You've fucked me."

"Relax. I undersold it. Just made it seem like you had joined the cleaning crew. I said you were stuck with the shit jobs. I don't needlessly give information away."

Ava lifted her head up slightly, "You didn't tell him I was an officer?"

Viv shook her head.

"Because it didn't benefit you at the time to tell him not because you care about my wellbeing."

"Now you're getting it."

Ava scoffed, "You've still fucked me. It wasn't enough for you that your actions landed me back here? I told people I was a prisoner. I was trying to absolve myself of allegiance to pirates so I could at least be let out of my room during my imprisonment at the estate."

"That didn't go so well for you though, did it? Your mother thinks you were a prisoner yet you were still confined to your room," Viv pointed out.

"I hope you swallow poison and die slowly as you recount all of your experiences and realize you lived a meaningless existence plagued with destroying other people's lives."

Viv chuckled at the insult, "You'll be fine. The thing about powerful men is they tend to underestimate people like us. Your father won't bat an eye at the fact you were allegedly on floor scrubbing duties."

"Doesn't change the fact that there is still a big difference between being a pirate, at whatever rank, and being a prisoner," Ava argued, "accept responsibility for your actions."

"You're the one that ran away," Viv shrugged, "from where I'm sitting, it's you that needs to take responsibility for what you've done."

"I did nothing wrong!"

"I guess you're right. As a boatswain's bitch, you had no opportunity for wrongdoing. You just followed commands," Viv said, "Avery, he's a man in power. Underestimating people like us is what he does best. Stop complaining, my version of the story does little to harm your safety."

"Stop talking."

"Usually I don't like taking demands but it's kind of sexy coming from you. A noble giving me orders? Yes ma'am."

Ava ignored her and vowed that she would do so for the rest of the sun. A vow she kept.

—---------

"Can't you hold it?"

"I can just piss all over this carriage and then we're stuck with the scent of urine for the rest of the trip," Ava crossed her arms.

"Yestersun, your whole bratty attitude was a lot more charming, but now I'm over it," Viv rolled her eyes and slammed her hand against the side of the carriage, "stop! The princess needs to relieve herself."

"Can you stop calling me that? It's not even accurate," Ava huffed as she reached for the door once she felt the carriage slow down enough, "those titles don't exist anymore."

"There is no difference between nobles and the monarchies before the Great War," Viv said as she followed Ava outside.

"Stay in there," Ava turned around to face Viv, holding the skirt of her dress up so it wouldn't drag against the dirt road, "I would like some privacy while I attend to my business."

"No can do, darling," Viv turned Ava around and nudged her forward, "keep it moving. We're on a tight schedule."

Ava huffed as she began to walk forward and into the trees, "There's nowhere for me to run."

"You seem to be resourceful. I'm not risking my neck," Viv said and pointed at something, "this bush looks nice. Perfect for relieving yourself."

"At least turn around," Ava demanded and Viv complied.

Ava waited for a few moments before squatting down. Peeing in front of someone wasn't a normal occurrence for her. It took time, a lot of even breaths, and intense concentration to get the job done. Finally, she felt the relief of no pressure on her bladder. She took her time standing back up and fixing up her dress. As she did, she looked around trying to assess her surroundings.

She had been right before, there was nowhere to run. It would be a waste of time if she tried. She would just be rebelling for no reason, just digging herself further into a hole. Ava finished up and she could tell Viv was getting impatient with the way she turned around and began to urge Ava to move quicker.

"Let's go princess, your carriage aw-"

A loud bang reverberated through the air and suddenly a hand came over her mouth and pulled her behind a tree, right next to the bush. Ava squealed into the hand and began to struggle against it.

"Shut up," Viv whispered in her ear, "Don't freak out."

Ava looked around trying to see what was happening. Her heart began to race as she breathed in through her nose. She could hear something was going on if the shouts and commotion were any indications, but she couldn't tell what they were up against.

"I'm going to let you go. Stay here. Don't move," Viv whispered and slowly released her hand from over Ava's mouth. She stepped away slowly and by the time Ava turned around, all she was met with was bark. She heard shouting but her vision was blocked by the tree she was behind.

If something was going on, she needed to know what it was. By the sound of it and the way Viv reacted, it seemed as if they were being ambushed on the road. She had heard stories of nobles being attacked but had never experienced it. Her second thought was that she was being rescued. Theo and the crew had decided to come after her. They somehow figured out she would be leaving home or maybe they had been camping out, waiting until she did leave to be able to get to her.

Ava peaked out and took in the scene. The driver of their carriage was running away, in the direction of the forest Ava was hiding in. Two bodies were on the ground, one of them was a Baethan soldier that formed a part of their escort and the other was someone she didn't recognize. Viv was pressed up against the carriage, looking around for incoming threats. Whoever attacked them definitely weren't pirates. It was not her crew. Ava pulled back and hid behind the tree, looking around to see if she could spot anything to use as a weapon.

Below her was a rock the size of her palm, she picked it up, and damp dirt coated her hand as she gripped the solid object. She lifted up her skirt so it didn't trip her up and began to walk out from behind the tree. She wasn't just going to stand there like a helpless damsel. She was a pirate for fucks sake. She darted from one tree to another and the noise caused Viv to look over from where she was pressed up against their carriage.

Viv pushed her hand to the side repeatedly, motioning for Ava to get back but Ava didn't pay her any mind. She took another look around. There was a guard at the front of the caravan clanging swords with a member of whoever it was that had attacked them but there was no one else to be seen. Most of the fighting must have been on the other side of the line of vehicles.

It was shaping up to be the perfect moment to run. She could dash along the edge of the forest until she made it into a new town. She could hide well until the search for her was given up. She could start her life again. She spared one last glance at Viv who was gearing up for a fight, looking around for anyone coming at her. Except she couldn't see the one person that was ready to attack. Ava should have run right then but Viv would be as good as dead if she didn't warn her.

"Above you! On top of the carriage!" Ava shouted.

Viv stepped out from under its cover and drew her handcannon, pointing it up to the roof and pulling the trigger. Ava saw blood splatter everywhere and the limp corpse of a mystery mercenary folded before falling onto the road. He was missing half his skull and by the disgusted look on Viv's face, Ava could tell she found it just as unpleasant as Ava did. At the moment that Viv was staring at the man she had just killed, Ava took her chance and ran for it.

If running is what it could be called.

She was slow, her dress was snagging on branches and her shoes were not made for running. She stopped for only a moment to peel off her footwear and then she was off again. The greenery passed her by as she ran through the forest, narrowly missing branches that threatened to hit her. She ran parallel to the road, only a dozen feet into the treeline. The last thing she wanted was to get lost in the middle of the woods with no resources.

What was she thinking? She had no money, she had no idea where she was or how far it was to the nearest port. She remembered hearing Viv speak with their driver about the route and cursed herself for not paying attention. Ava spared a glance back and was relieved to find no one running after her. She was already getting tired, all the laps she had run on Theo's command were never done with a heavy gown on.

Ahead she heard voices and came to a stop before dashing behind a tree. She regulated her breathing, taking a moment to fill her lungs with air while she listened. The noises got closer, footsteps and conversation inching her way. But it was muffled and she couldn't tell whether it was the people that had attacked them or if it was the people that were keeping her hostage. She had no time to strategize, her impulse told her to run through the road and to the other side of the forest.

So, that is what she did. She darted off and after only a few seconds, she could see the pale dirt road. As soon as she made it out into the clearing, she had to skid to a stop. There was a horse in front of her and on top of it was a solider, one of the ones that had been trailing behind the caravan. She turned to run back into the forest but Arnelo was behind her.

"I'm sorry, Lady Avery," he said as he reached for her. She stumbled back and crashed into yet another person.

Her arms were gripped and pulled behind her back. She tried to get a look at who it was, but she wasn't given that freedom of movement. The hold on her was loose, however, and Ava saw an opening between two of the guards in front of her. She calmed down for just a moment, giving the guard a false sense of security before yanking her arms away and breaking free. She made a run for it but the two guards closed their ranks and trapped her.

She wasn't being held anymore so she took advantage and spun around trying to look for a new way out. She didn't know why. There were five soldiers on her, she had no food, and no understanding of where she was in relation to the nearest city. But there was a fire of desperation that had been ignited when she had begun to run and the adrenaline wasn't letting the flames abate.

Those flames, however, were easily douseo. Into her pseudo circle of guards trying to keep her contained entered Viv. Her face was stern and less relaxed than she had ever seen the mercenary. There was blood splattered across her face as she stormed Ava's way. Ava had no time to react before a hand was gripping her arm and her legs were being swept out from under her.

Ava fell to the floor, the gravel of the road pressing up against her back.

"She's not made of fucking porcelain. When she's running away next time, at least try and stop her," Viv grunted as she kept Ava pressed against the floor, climbing on top of her and securing her in place with bodyweight, "open up, Princess."

Viv pulled a vial from her pocket and yanked off the cork with her teeth. Her other hand had gotten a hold of both of Ava's wrists and had them pinned to her own chest. Ava had no idea what was in the vial but she would have been unwise to simply stay put and allow Viv to go through with whatever was planned. She turned her face and tried to buck her hips and wiggle her way out.

"Someone hold her head down," Viv commanded and everyone hesitated once again, "Now, you bloody mongrels!"

Ava couldn't tell who it was that paid attention but her head was soon righted so she was looking up at Viv and it was held in place.

"Open your mouth!" Viv yelled at her.

"No!"

"It's a sedative. Let's make this easy. Just take it."

"You just carry that around?"

"You're a flight risk."

"I'll go back without a fuss. I promise," Ava struggled to free her wrists.

"Just like you promised you wouldn't run for it if I let out of the carriage," Viv said, "my patience is running thin,Red."

"Fuck you," Ava spit in Viv's face, landing it on her cheek.

Viv handed the vial to the soldier flanking her right. With her newly freed hand, she grabbed Ava's cheeks and squeezed them together, forcing her lips to part and her jaw to slightly open.

"Pour it in," Viv commanded and the soldier followed orders.

Ava felt a bitter, viscous liquid enter her mouth. Then, her cheeks were let go and a hand came over her mouth instead. She held the liquid in without swallowing until Viv got impatient and pinched her nose shut too. Ava put it off for as long as she could but as she was losing air, she knew she had no choice but to swallow. Once she did, Viv released her, standing up and allowing the breath to enter her lungs. Ava sat up and coughed, she had practically choked on whatever had been given to her and she was struggling to breathe.

Her eyes were watering and she was finally able to push past the coughing fit. Her head was woozy, she wasn't sure if it was from the coughing, the lack of air, or the sedative.

"Your services are not needed anymore," Viv said to the guards as Ava struggled to stand up.

"She's trying to get up," one of them pointed out.

"Let her run if she still wants to," Viv walked in front of Ava and squat down in front of her, "she won't get very far."

Ava briefly saw two of the blonde before the images morphed back into one. She wanted to do something, to fight back in some way but there was a heaviness sinking into her bones.

"Try this shit again and your father will find out about what you really were, Quartermaster," Viv whispered as she wiped the side of Ava's mouth with her thumb, removing some of the liquid that had fallen in the wrong place.

That was the last thing Ava remembered.

—---

She woke up to a dry mouth and a fuzzy head. It took her a while to peel her eyes open and gather herself. She was in a bed and around her was a tent. The first thing she noticed was that it was warm and she was sweating. The second thing she noticed was that the bottoms of her feet had been cut up from her barefoot run through the forest. Still, she made herself get up and gingerly walked to the opening of her tent, peeking out. There were guards lining every inch of her tent and Viv was sitting at a small fire right outside.

Ava paused for a moment, opting to watch her keeper. There was a frown on her face, her posture expressed melancholy and maybe even distressed. It was a big difference from the confidence and unwarranted cockiness that was always projected. She watched as the woman looked up from the fire and Ava tracked her gaze to the handcannnon on the ground in front of Viv. She reached forward and picked it up, turning it around in her hands as she observed it. For just a moment, Viv pointed the barrel at herself and stared down it. She was about to intervene to avoid a gruesome accident but Viv quickly put it away. Instead, she picked up a stick and starting to chip away at with with a rock. That is when she chose to join her journey companion.

"Good evening, stealer of futures," Ava said as she sat on a log across from Viv but the other woman didn't even look up.

Instead, she rolled her eyes and ignored Ava.

"You don't seem to be doing too well," Ava pointed out.

"Long sun. I'm just tired and sore," Viv shrugged, "go back to bed, princess."

"I've never seen you this grumpy before. Granted I haven't known you long but I don't like the moping," Ava hummed, "not a good look on you."

"We have an early morning. Go back to sleep," Viv answered.

"This is boring. I expected more back and forth. I'm the one that should be sour with you, y'know. You didn't have to be such a dick before," Ava said.

"My sole job is to make sure you don't run away," Viv finally looked up from her stick, "when you come between me and my livelihood, I tend to not be nice."

"So, I suppose my genius plan of trying to convince you to look the other way while I sneak out of camp and leave while everyone is asleep is not viablee," Ava tried with a chuckle, "Or you could help me and that becomes your job instead. I'm sure I can find a way to get you money eventually."

"Are you always this annoying?"

"Incessant has also been used to describe me," Ava replied, "it's pretty much a brand."

"Then go peddle your brand and its services elsewhere," Viv replied, "and by elsewhere, I mean your tent."

Viv went back to her stick, stabbing it in the ground right next to her handcannon. Both Viv and Ava's stare stayed fixed on the weapon.

"You don't like killing people," Ava said, realization dawning on her.

Viv scoffed, turning to face Ava, "Alright, wise girl, go to sleep or I will make you go to sleep."

"How?"

"I have about seven ways to knock you out."

"Is that including or excluding sedatives as one of the methods?"

"I am not above murdering you, I'll make it seem like one of the guards did it in the name of rebellion," Viv threatened, "don't push me."

"You're averse to violence and despite my irritating charms, I am the easiest gold you'll ever make. I'm not worried," Ava stood up and walked past Viv, patting her shoulder, "goodnight, softy."

—-

"Mind if I join you? It's gotten pretty boring up there," Viv said after the door to Ava's carriage opened.

"You've left me alone for nine fucking suns to absolute boredom. No, you cannot join," Ava scoffed and reached for the door handle to try and close it.

"First you wanted me to go. Now, you wanted me with you the whole time," Viv whistled as she stopped the door from shutting, "damn princess, pick one and stick to it."

"Go. I'm sticking with go and get away from me."

"Decision overruled," Viv laughed and got into the carriage, "I've been up on the driver's bench making sure we are free of danger in an effort to protect you. I should be afforded some nice conversation."

"You're in a better mood than the last time you spoke to me."

"Nine suns without hearing your voice did wonders for my mood."

"Do you find me annoying or do you want me to talk to you? Pick one and stick to it."

"I can see why Theo liked you," Viv laughed and tapped on the ceiling and the carriage jolted forward as the horses began to move, "anyway, what's she got to do with you being here?"

"It's not beneficial for me to tell you," Ava shrugged, "there's nothing in it for me."

"Quite the politician. I respect it," Viv chuckled and made herself comfortable laying down across her seat, half curled up, "then, tell me things about yourself that aren't valuable."

"Why?"

"I am going to be spending a lot of time with you. Might as well get to know you."

"So you can get into my head? No thank you."

"Hm. Well, our time together will be quite dull then," Viv shrugged.

Ava let the silence hang for a bit. But, she really was itching for someone to talk to. She hadn't had a fulfilling conversation since she left home. Damn her social disposition.

"I get a question, you get a question," she proposed and Viv opened her eyes and looked over at Ava.

"What?"

"It's an effective way of getting answers to questions," Ava shrugged, "I played it all the time with the crew."

"The crew or Theo," Viv teased as she sat up, "this is some sappy shit she'd agree to."

"Do you want to play or not?"

"Is that your first question?"

"Aye. And that was your first," Ava smirked and shrugged a shoulder, "We'll start simple. Why don't you enjoy killing people?"

"That's a sadistic question," Viv laughed, "I feel as if the answer is pretty self-explanatory. It's not fun to kill people. That shit is disturbing."

"Hm," Ava tilted her head, "interesting."

"I don't think so."

"I do. You lie. You scam. You cheat. You steal. You ruin people's lives but you draw the line at killing?" Ava laughed, "that's too amoral for you but not the rest of what you do?"

"My opposition to killing is not a morality thing. It's just not pleasant," Viv shrugged, "I take it you have no problem with it."

"I don't."

"Bloodthirsty," Viv commented with a small nod, "You're a Vaith so it tracks."

"Fuck off," Ava frowned, "I'm not bloodthirsty. I'm just not a baby."

"Ouch, so mean," Viv laughed, "it's my turn. What to ask. What to ask."

Viv paused for a moment, she searched Ava's face. She raised an eyebrow and tapped one finger over the top of her opposite hand.

"What role did Theo play in your return to Aubermasse?"

"All that thinking just to ask the same question I already said no to."

"Yes. And now I'm owed a response."

"I'm not answering that."

"You were the one that suggested the game."

"And now the game's over."

"That's not fair. The rules were that I got a question and you got a question."

"Exactly, I got a question and you got a question. There were never any rules about answers explicitly stated. You're the one that answered out of trust that I would also reciprocate with a response," Ava shrugged with a small smirk as Viv realized that she had been somewhat played.

Viv narrowed her eyes, "That's a bullshit excuse and you know it. You cheated and broke the rules."

"Maybe so," Ava shrugged with a smile, "but there's not much you can do about it."

"I can tell your father what your relationship with Theo and the Scorned Woman really was."

Ava's smirk dropped and she shook her head, "You wouldn't."

"I am petty," Viv laughed a bit, "you seem to be quite a headache, what with the running away and the biting tongue, I would gain more out of this relationship being in your father's ear than I would by siding with you on anything."

Ava shook her head, "The energy shift in the room whenever your name was brought up was also so odd to me. The way people would talk about you is so crude, so jarring. I thought maybe they were just being dramatic pirates dealing poorly with betrayal, I thought it couldn't be that bad. But it is. You are everything they say you are."

The smile hadn't wiped off Viv's face during Ava's attack on her character, "I believe I am owed an answer, princess."

"Theo wasn't entirely thrilled when she found out who I was," Ava frowned and looked out the window, bringing a hand to her chin and resting it on her palm, covering the side of her face that was near Viv, "she made no move to help me when the soldiers took me from the crew during the fight."

Ava stretched the truth. She wasn't going to divulge everything.

"For a moment, I thought maybe you were a spy but fuck," Viv laughed a bit, "that's a bit messed up, isn't it? But, I can't say I'm surprised."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because seems like a Theo thing to do. She did it to me. Let my judgment be passed down to me and didn't even care when I was put on a rowboat 20 miles from shore."

"I will remind you, we are not the same."

"I lied to her," Viv tilted her head to one side then the other, "You lied to her."

"You brought harm to the crew. You were selling Theo out," Ava argued.

"Your father had her parents killed. Did she ever tell you that?"

"She did."

"Now I can kind of see where she was coming from."

"I can't. She's a bit of a hypocrite," Ava crossed her arms. It wasn't entirely true. She knew a major issue of Theo's was trust and Ava had outright lied to her. But she had witnessed Theo lie to her crew before.

"You defend her one minute and insult her the next," Viv chuckled, "guess you were not as close as I thought you were."

"She loved me!" Ava snapped, not knowing where the anger was coming from. There were too many emotions inside her. She hadn't exactly been suppressing them but most of what she felt was sadness and anguish over being at home. The wide range she now felt was dizzying. Anger, remorse, betrayal, guilt, hurt, love. She wished her heart could pick a side and stick to it.

"She loved me too," Viv shrugged, "doesn't mean you won't get tossed aside."

Ava shook her head. Theo didn't love Viv, not the way she had loved Ava. Viv wouldn't be able to convince her that they were the same. But weren't they? They had both lied to Theo knowing the consequences and how much it would hurt her.

"Did you love her?" Ava asked, she wanted to know just how similar they were.

"That stunt you pulled before doesn't give you a great track record with this back and forth game we're playing," Viv laid back down and closed her eyes, "sorry, princess, the trust between us is broken."

Ava turned her gaze out of the window, attempting to keep the thoughts of Theo away. How could one person cause her so much anger and yet make her heart yearn at the same time? She also didn't know why she had gotten so defensive. She didn't need to prove anything to Viv about what she had with Theo. But a part of her needed to prove it to herself. How was she discarded so easily? Theo could have kept her as a prisoner or taken her back to the Corinspian authorities but instead, she chose the thing that would hurt Ava the most. That was where the anger came from.

But then, it was easily forgotten and replaced with guilt and a bit of worry. Hoffstater was on the ship because of her. Theo had been hurt by him in the fight because of her. They had landed on the lightbringer probably because of her. Theo had been tortured and lied to because of her. Whenever she would feel the rage rise up, it would be abated by the image of Theo bloodied and nearing death. She was torn between two sides of her and she wondered if one would ever win out over the other.

—------------

Ava had pricked herself four times in the span of five minutes. She left out a frustrated huff and tossed the embroidery hoop to the side, putting her head in her hands for a second.

"Not very good at that, are you?" Viv laughed at her.

"I don't get why it's so fucking hard!" Ava crossed her hands over her chest, throwing a small tantrum. She had been trying to get the hang of it over the length of the trip but she never made it past 20 minutes of practice.

"It's not that hard," Viv shrugged and looked back down at the journal in her hand.

"You're saying you can embroider?"

"I can."

"Why is that a skill you have?"

"I learned growing up."

"Why?"

Viv raised an eyebrow, glancing up at Ava, "I thought we established I won't be answering any of your questions. The good-faith relationship we had has been broken."

"Funny that you think anything between us has been in good faith."

"We're almost at the complex," Viv changed the subject after looking out of the window, "best get yourself ready for that."

Ava also looked out the window. The white paved roads of the Center and the meticulously planted trees along the path gave the impression of a sterile, clean, and rigid place. There was no doubt they were in The Center. But she didn't want to think about the impending arrival, it made her too nervous. What did her father know about her? How would he react? What would she be expected to do when testifying? She wanted a distraction but embroidery clearly wasn't one. She turned back to Viv.

"What are you doing?" Ava asked.

"Nothing."

"I can see a piece of charcoal in your hand and it's moving across the page. You're doing something."

"See? I don't need to tell you. You already know."

Ava reached forward and ripped the book from Viv's hands, turning it towards herself and scanning the page it was open to. It was a sketch. It took a second to discern what it was, the darkness that covered the page made it difficult. But there was the image of a candle with a creature hunched over cowering from its light. Ava frowned, trying to decipher its meaning when the book was taken back.

"Entitled brat," Viv snapped, "you can't just fucking take shit from people."

"You draw?"

"You ask questions that have obvious answers. Are you dull? Every sun I spend with you, it becomes more apparent," Viv said and tucked the book inside one of the pockets of her jacket.

"You might as well just tell me," Ava challenged, "you're going to have to be around me a lot. I can just find a way to get the journal when you're not paying attention."

Viv chuckled a bit and took the book out of her pocket. Ava held her hand out for it but instead of being giiven the book, Viv unlatched the window and tossed the journal out. She laughed again at the shock that crossed Ava's face and shrugged.

"Don't threaten me, princess. It won't work out well for you."

"You are maniacal," Ava shook her head.

"More insults," Viv sighed but still had a slight smile on her lips, "if you use them all in one trip you'll run out before you know it."

Ava's response, which would have been a slur of insults to see which one affected Viv the most, was cut off by the sound of trumpets in the air. She could vaguely hear someone announcing her arrival and before long, the carriage had come to a stop and the door was opened for her. As she went to step out, her hand was taken by a guard and she was escorted out of the carriage.

She glanced around and saw a decent number of people lining the stairs leading up to the complex and spread out on the ground by the carriages. Some were workers of The Center, others were the trusted advisors and confidants of councilmembers, and there were even some classifiers amongst the ranks of people greeting her.

The complex, which is where the carriage had brought them to, was the largest compound in all of Baethos. It had dozens of wings filled with every amenity known to man. Gardens, pools, bathing rooms, fields to play sports in, a jousting ring and many other luxuries were spread throughout the property. In addition, there were ten apartments spread across five wings. It was where councilmembers and their families spent all their time. All of the preparation work for meetings, all of the backend political happenings, and all of the actual work was done in those halls. The only time council members would really leave the complex was to go to the center of The Center. The heart of Bethos, as some called it. The Vault and Council meeting spaces were held there, just a few miles away from them.

"Lady Vaith," a voice said from the staircase, "it is a pleasure to see you again."

Ava looked up to see Ivon Bence, another of her father's most senior advisors, awaiting her midway down the steps. Ava didn't hide the displeasure on her face at the sight of him. If her father was a monster, Ivon was the keeper of monsters but also a monster himself. Her father was always busy and Ivon was the one that handled Ava's punishments when she was growing up. She was convinced that he derived pleasure from watching her suffer. He had always been in her parent's ears about raising Ava. She wouldn't be surprised if the bars on her window in Aubermasse were his idea.

"Cut the shit, Ivon," Ava said once she had ascended the stairs, close enough to him that no one else could hear, "I am in no need of polite small talk."

"Your wish is my command, Lady Vaith," Ivon said and turned around as he began to climb the steps. Ava followed behind and glanced around to see everyone watching her. She looked back at the carriage and saw that Viv had stayed behind, her attention already being preoccupied with something else.

"Where are we going?" Ava asked.

"To the East Wing apartments. That is where your father is staying. The Scouts are also staying in the East Wing so remember to be on your best behavior," Ivon explained, "He is in his office and has requested to see you the moment you arrived, so that is where I will take you while your room is being set up."

Ava nodded and went silent as they walked the long halls, leaving one building and entering another. On theme with the rest of the architecture in The Center, everything was made of white stone. Everyone had always hailed it as a beauty and art but it always felt wrong to Ava. She remembered the stone houses in The Twins and Safriti, how vibrant and welcoming those had always seemed compared to this. They were made of the same material but it was different. This place didn't feel lived in. It felt cold, too big, too empty. She may have even preferred Aubermasse to it.

The only respite from the endless white was outside when they would pass a cluster of trees or bushes. But the trim of the shrubs and the measured distance between trees still carried an air of calculated stiffness. After finally entering the East Wing, she could see that the apartments still had a slightly less stuffy air about them just as she remembered. The furniture and paintings lining the walls brought a sense of humanity into the space. Ivon escorted her through one of the apartments in the wing until eventually, they came upon her father's office.

He was standing right outside, hands crossed over each other in front of him. His stark white beard was trimmed and neat as always. There were portraits of her father with a full head of red hair and a long beard in his navy uniform but those days were long past. She couldn't remember a time when he didn't have his head empty of hair and his beard had long since been red. He still looked as intimidating as always.

Ava felt a flash of heat run through her body as the nerves of finally meeting with her father after all that time fell upon her.

"Avery, sorry I did not come to greet you when you arrived," he bowed his head slightly before looking up, "I was caught up in a meeting."

"That's alright."

"Ivon, thank you for bringing her up. You may leave," he instructed and Ivon nodded, stepping away.

Her father opened the door to the office and motioned for her to enter. She tried not to feel nervous but the pit in her stomach wouldn't go away. Ava stepped into the room and her father entered behind her. He walked past her and to his desk, sitting down and motioning for her to take a seat as well.

"I hope your trip went well."

"We were attacked along the way but only one person on our side was hurt."

"I am glad that you are safe," he said with a slight smile, "do you know why you are here?"

"In The Center?" Ava asked and her father nodded, "to testify."

"Correct. This will be in front of The Council, several suns from now."

"Why do you want me to testify?"

"I do not. The Council does. They do not believe your story about being a prisoner of the pirates. They believe I made it up to justify a war against them. I do not want The Council to be able to read too much into anything you may say, lest they take it out of context to confirm their accusations. Therefore, it is important that we go over some of the points that I believe should be made during the testimony and what you should avoid."

"Mother told me I was just here to recount what was in the letter she sent to you," Ava shook her head with a frown, "that the pirates treated me right and did me no physical harm."

"That is not a narrative that works for me, Avery. It actually works directly against me. Even if it is not true that I did not stage your kidnapping, the pirates treating you right is not going to go Iook well for my defense. I am afraid I need to ask you to lie," he said calmly and without even a hint of coercion or desperation about being on the spot.

"I'm not going to put a target on their back when they kept me alive," Ava shook her head, "I'm not lying to the Council."

"You seem to have no issue with lying in other instances," her father pointed out, "The story about how you arrived back to Aubermasse is an interesting one. Just you and one other soldier managed to escape all of those pirates chasing you after you? Thirty men dead, yet you came home without a scratch."

Ava's heart felt like it was going to leap out of her chest. There was a lump in her throat and she could tell by his tone that he did not buy any of what Ava had been selling. He knew more than she had anticipated and when Viv had assured her that men in power underestimated people like them, she didn't take into account that her father wasn't like most men in power. There was a reason her family has always been a top name in Baethos. She had forgotten in her time away just how calm her father usually was. He was charming, logical, and deferential.

He never underestimated people. He knew Ava had lied and that Viv had also lied about the extent of her involvement with the pirates, she could sense it.

Ava buried her nerves and shrugged, "It's funny what people will believe when it fits their perception."

"How about you explain to me what really happened?"

"I'm sure you already know," Ava replied.

"Only a few other people in all of Baethos have access to the number of resources that I do," he chuckled just a bit, "of course I know what happened. But I would like to hear it from you."

"I ran away. Joined a pirate crew. They found out who I was, kicked me off the crew, and eventually sent me back to Aubermasse," Ava recapped.

"You were removed from the crew?" her father clarified.

"Yes. Apparently, being a Vaith and being a pirate doesn't mix," Ava tried to joke.

"I could have saved you the length away from home and told you that," her father smiled with a shake of his head, "if they removed you and damned you back home, then it should be easy for you to lie."

It would be easy to lie. It would be easy and it would probably get her father more amenable to her plight. Him knowing about the truth presented her with an opportunity. She could play along, posture as a pirate hater. She could act betrayed, make him believe that her experience with the pirates ended on such a bad note that she was willing to turn her back on them for something in return. She could negotiate her cooperation against the ability to be freer once she went back home. One step closer to leaving.

"You're right. I owe them nothing. They knew I didn't like my life as a Vaith and sent me back anyway. So, I'll lie," Ava confirmed, "but for a price."

"I am sparing you your life, Avery. Pirating is a capital offense and you just admitted it to me."

"You are threatening to kill me?" Ava raised an eyebrow, "I suppose you have a hundred daughters, and I was already presumed dead so what's the loss of my life to you?"

"Come now," her father shook his head, "I do not want to see you at the wrong end of a noose which is why you are sitting in my office and not in prison. But don't push me, Avery, I must do what I need to in order to protect the family."

"Mum won't let me out of my room. I want you to tell her to change her mind and let me out," Ava made her demands known even with the threat against her life.

"How she deals with you girls is up to her."

"I will lie on the stand if you at least suggest to her that I should be allowed some freedom," Ava tried to bargain.

"You will lie on the stand regardless and Ivon will be by within the next few suns to train you on what you are to say," her father returned the offer.

Ava frowned but nodded anyway. There was no use in fighting. She had been so used to hearing 'yes' to her requests on the ship that she forgot her reality had always been doors shutting in her face.

"I do appreciate the shakedown," her father joked as he stood up, "I cannot help with your mother but I can allow you to walk freely around The Center. With an escort of course."

Ava tried not to show her excitement too much, hoping a somber attitude would make him feel guilty enough to change his mind. But, inside she was elated.

"Thank you," she nodded but kept a frown on her face.

"I will see you for dinner later."

"Will the Scouts be joining us?"

Her father chuckled a bit and shook his head, "I do my best to avoid dinners with them."

"Good," Ava smiled a bit, "I do find them quite unbearable."

"You and me both, darling," he walked over and escorted her out of the room.

—--

"Sorry, again, Avery," her father said as he entered the dining room, making his way to the head of the table, "Lord Amyrett wanted to run something by me."

"Ava just shrugged one shoulder and tracked him with her eyes as he sat down. She was the only other one there, a long table for thirty with only two people sat at it, "I am famished. Where is the bread?"

"They never brought it out," Ava answered, looking at the waiter who was standing near the doors to the kitchen. She had been sitting there for nearly an hour and she had asked multiple times for a small snack, like bread, but she was refused.

Her father raised his hand and motioned for the waiter to fetch them their food. He then turned to face her, "Find everything up to your liking?"

"With my room and stuff?" Ava asked.

"Yes. And the grounds."

"Everything is just fine," she replied with a slight smile, "I was going to leave the complex but I got very sleepy and opted to take a nap instead."

"A nap sounds splendid," her father said as the waiter leaned over him, filling up his glass with wine, "Avery, would you like some?"

She nodded and her glass was filled. She wasn't allowed wine back at dinners in Aubermasse. Maybe her time in The Center wouldn't be as dreadful as her time at home.

"While I do think it is nice to be able to have the opportunity to dine with you, I am afraid I am also here to get some of my questions answered by you," her father said as he brought the cup to his lips and took a sip, "You were there that night? When the fight occurred between us and the pirates?"

She nodded, "I was stuck on the lower decks of a ship. I couldn't see much of what happened."

"Did you participate?"

"No. I wasn't a part of the prep either. I had been arrested at that point, thanks to Fletching exposing my last name," Ava explained with a slight frown.

"Fletching knew who you were?"

"He did."

"I had my suspicions once I found out for myself that you were alive but it's always a good feeling to confirm those doubts," he nodded.

Ava was taken aback, she had been that whole time. The person who had treated her the best, besides Mallory, had been her father. The most hated person in Baethos was sitting across from her enjoying a glass of wine and not yelling at her for what had occurred when she was gone. She was sure she would be arrested and tortured the moment her father found out about the true nature of her time away. She almost wanted to relax, but she knew that would be a mistake.

"I am assuming that you've come to realize that you were sheltered from a lot of what goes on in the world," he said.

"I did my fair share of reading."

"And? What do you think about it all?"

"You could stand to be a bit nicer to people with your policies. The Council could too," Ava gave her honest opinion then decided to follow it up with a less truthful perspective, "if not out of the goodness of your heart then because it would curb grievances which may make rebellion less likely."

"You say that giving people what they want will stop the rebellion but what happens when they start to want more. When they are no longer satisfied with the reform they were given and they demand more but then the coffers are dry? They rebel," he argued, "I can name three instances in our history in which that has happened."

"And I can name ten instances in which rebellion was quelled with violence just to rise up half a lifetime down the line."

"You are advising me to risk a rebellion to quell a rebellion."

"I am advising you to use your power to give the people small wins. It gives the illusion that you care about them while being able to maintain control. And in the inevitable case of another rebellion, you will have more people on your side than you currently have now."

"More people? Who?"

"The portion of the population that will find rebellion too big of a risk because it could jeopardize comforts they have grown to know after reforms are put in place," Ava explained with a small shrug, "from what I've seen, no one without a last name is happy with The Council, or you. I'm sure many with lesser names are not that fond either, you hold onto their loyalty by a thread."

"So you suggest progressiveness, reforms."

"Progressive councils are not unheard of and the people are begging for a change. I've seen it with my own eyes. If things aren't going well now, why not have a change?"

"I must say, you are far less radical and more tactful than I expected you would be after a length with pirates. Especially the ones you decided to hang around," her father chuckled a bit.

"I can see the appeal to radicalism, but I found myself always disagreeing with them," Ava lied, if she came across as honest but as moderate, she felt she could gain some trust, "They claim to want no government but nothing can exist without it. They aren't entirely wrong though, they shouldn't have to live in fear and squalor but they wouldn't know how to govern themselves."

Her father wasn't given time to respond because the food arrived. A plate was set down in front of each of them and Ava looked down at hers, hoping that this time she would have more on her plate but that wasn't the case. Her portion, as it was when she was at home, was small.

Her father laughed and raised an eyebrow, "I am sorry, is this serious?"

His hand reached up and pulled the waiter back by the arm.

"Sorry, sir, what is the problem?"

"That's a plate made for a small child. Take it back. Serve her more."

"Sir, we had ord-"

"I do not give a fuck if Maude put you up to this. I have been through this with the kitchen before. The only specifications and adjustments to be made to meals at The Center will be made by me," he let go of the waiter's arm, "make it known. And bring more servings."

They both watched him leave and Ava struggled with the words to respond. She didn't want to say thank you. There was nothing to be thankful for. She deserved to eat like a proper human. There was nothing wrong with not being thin. So she had nothing to be grateful for, but it didn't stop her from feeling that way.

"That is one thing I cannot stand about your mother," he shook his head with a sigh, "sometimes I miss Marta."

"It's not very nice to talk about missing your dead first wife to the daughter of your current wife," Ava joked.

"My apologies. I've just been reminiscent of late."

"How come?"

"I never see your oldest sister. Grant and Ulysses are missing and they were the last things I had to remember Marta by. It feels like a lot of loss at once," her father admitted and she was rendered speechless by the vulnerability.

"They are both dead, I think," Ava let it out, she wasn't sure if it was obvious or not. It had been more than four cycles, "Grant died in the battle and Ulysses was captured by pirates when trying to escape."

Her father didn't react. He simply looked at her and nodded his head slightly, "Thank you for telling me."

A larger portion was brought out for her and they ate without filling the space with conversation. Once Ava was full, she wiped her mouth and looked over at her father who was taking his time with his food.

"May I ask a question?" Ava finally broke the silence.

"Of course."

"Do you believe what you say?"

"I say a lot. You should be more specific."

"About renouncers. About Safritians being somehow more dangerous than others. About the value of hard work and not getting help from higher-ups."

"No. I don't," he admitted as he dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin, "But others do. And sometimes they don't but if it is in the best interest of The Council and Baethos, then it's best to make others believe in the message. Helps us stay united at times, and I think that's important."

"It also keeps people divided."

"There will always be a divide within society. This way, we unite the people that are loyal to Baethos and keep it strong."

He took one last sip of his wine and then stood up.

"Thank you for dining with me. I wish I could stay longer but I have work to attend to. I will not have time between now and the testimony to sit down with you for long but Ivon will be around to help prepare you for the stand. See you in four suns."

He walked by and squeezed her shoulder as some show of affection and then left her alone.