Chapter Nine

How rude, but how much of that was Rose? Evolutionary mood swings or personality crisis, and that nasty new bonded item, Len's conspiracy theories around how strong the post-evolution hangover was were getting to her. Despite those nagging thoughts, Harmony was ready to drop-kick the princess out of her considerations.

Adric's Arm wrapped around her shoulders. "I wouldn't want to be in Rose's place with all those expectations and responsibilities." Maybe that was what was really going on? "Here." Her pet prince pushed a chocolate toward her face, and Harmony let him feed it to her.

"We'll see her again in a few hours when you open the Ascendant Games. Maybe she'll be in a better mood," Tyler mused.

"Evolution affects everyone, and it's only been a few days. I madly spent too much time after mine trying to figure out which evolved kingdom organized the attack. Harmony erased herself from her queen's court appearance less than a day after she evolved. I'm sure Rose is trying to get a handle on her changes." Len contributed.

Maybe those factors should have been included in the greeting plans, and not have primarily relied on sugar cravings to draw them in. "I'd hoped that she would stay. I have more than just chocolate and tarts to give to you as part of my apology for leaving so abruptly." With a nod to Ambrosia, her maid produced small booklets for each of them. "All the local news sheets have been digging up everything on us for the public and our competitors to see. Here is a rough analysis of some of the candidates I met recently. With them knowing everything about you, I only felt it was fair that you also get some friendly research. Adric, do you think you can catch up with your sister and give her one, and apologize for me?"

"I'll try," Adric answered with a look that didn't inspire confidence. Snatching up a copy, he left to go after Rose.

Loap leaned into Tyler, the tall rabbit beast-kin's head resting on his shoulder, ears flopping down his chest. "Oh, primal keeper, will you be sending me on simple, yet impossible tasks as well? Maybe that apology letter to Jessica's family or to tell gran of her misinterpretation of your fate."

"Those are complicated." Tyler started.

"Yet the royal's pet gets a challenge of piercing a veil of solitary, and apologizing to a lesser over a topic neither understands. Am I not worthy of you, my Rising Dawn?" Loap teased.

Tyler's new pet was, well, that's an interesting relationship dynamic. That put some of Harmony's worries about Tyler's "pet" to rest. It had only been days since she'd been gone, how had this beast-kin worked their way so deep into Tyler? And.. "Why do you call Heir Rosaline my lesser? And what's this veil of solitary?"

Loap bounced off of Tyler's shoulder and gave Harmony a deep bow. "Apologies, my Human speak is imperfect. Veil of Solitary is an effect sometimes used for training or punishment. I can hear it over the Heir. I meant no disrespect for your teaching culture."

Was that the circlet, the weight, or turmoil she sensed? That was normal for some groups? The thought of having that solitary over her, blood and ashes, a destructive rejection of that with a bitter taste coated Harmony's mouth. Unless there was something she missed.

The beast kin continued, "I am Shin-ee Loap of Bunny. A Shin-ee is very rare, very special, akin to one of your lords and ladies. I can hear that your authority is more than the Heirs. Heirs require training, development, and often the death of one greater. Royal simply is. Tyler can be a bit of a joker, and I'm only returning the favor." Loap finished.

"Ah. Thank you for your clarification." Harmony responded, unsure if she was now more confused or less. Only hours until the Ascendant Games, perhaps she should focus on more concrete tasks.

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"My sweet song, there you are!" The words were cried out with a measured level of caring, enthusiasm, and sweetness that made Harmony flinch like it was the wail of a banshee.

"Hello, mother." While her tone was cold, she managed to keep an actual chill out of it.

"If you're going to have me manage your relationship and perception with media, the public, and the greater world, then you have to tell me when you leave to have such momentous meetings. Too bad you couldn't make the heir stay, but one makes do with little imperfections. You've certainly made the most of yours."

[Poise and Bearing] forced on a smile as Harmony turned to face her mother.

Kelly White wasn't alone; she had five followers with her. They were all now technically employees, but ones that it was best to keep a close eye on rather than let loose.

"Part of my imperfections are impulsiveness and a tendency not to fill everyone in on my plans. You'll have to make do in your new role. Everyone, this is one of my newer employees, and my mother, the famous actress Kelly White."

The group made their hellos. "Elder White," Maxwell said with his, and it started a trend.

Kelly lost a hint of sparkle at that, though her acting skills covered any major reaction. Always sensitive about her age despite looking better than most people two decades younger.

Because of that, Harmony felt the strong desire to heap praises on her agent of chaos. Heartwarming pettiness aside, Harmony needed more than that to deal with this situation. Good old-fashioned problem dumping, and maybe this will save Bates some headache.

"Kelly, I have a gift that would benefit from your experience and skills. Do consult with Bates. Countess Maye has provided some local properties for us to manage, and I know of no one who has better business connections than you do in Hazeldown. At least among those who enjoy a good play."

Ambrosia appeared with a slight smile and the signed documents from Adric. She handed them off to Kelly.

"Daughter, that's not quite what I signed up for." Kelly started.

"I have faith in you, so I've altered your role. I pray I don't have to alter it further, but surprises do happen," Harmony said with a smile.

The employment contract Bates had worked out came with that level of flexibility. The goal was always to control or keep her on her toes enough not to cause trouble. Pride would keep her beggar mother from messing it up too much. That and Bate's oversight. Hopefully.

"Lady White, thank you for coming to me again." This man's polished voice surprised her even worse than the shock of her mom showing up. Hemlock.

Why had she chosen to stay and serve treats when she could have just dragged them all quickly to a place outside of the guild hall? With this planned arrival, Thorne had to have arranged this with the man despite her dislike of him.

"I thought you'd be busy managing all the attendees for the game. Having received your invitation, I will arrive on time. You don't need to worry."

"I do worry, Lady White. The first Ascendant Games will set a precedent for all others. Too many participants are coming in with inappropriately leveled bonds. The heir has a tier-four undead servant. That awful Thorne knew this and failed to tell me. Not to worry, in those months of negotiations, a contingency for this was worked out. All aspects that exceed a certain power threshold will be sealed to a point weaker than they would be if they had appropriately powered skills. Not a punishment for those who meant to try to rig the games, but to help guarantee an equal playing field."

"What does that have to do with me?" Harmony asked.

"You'll get to announce this aspect of the Games. As the one opening the Games, it will sting less for everyone if you do it. I was planning to spring all of your requirements as the opener of the games minutes before we gathered, as you work well with surprise and pressure. But with this, I've decided to invite you to my office so I can fill you in there, unless you want to hang out with your rumored lovers and mother?"

Not much of a threat. There were always rumors. Her pet prince. Her former employer. Her sworn knight. If something was possibly salacious and could be implied by any rag seeking readers, it was. Why was Hemlock pushing for this?

"Harmony, go with the guild master. I've got this." Her mom said with a smile.

That didn't make her feel better. "Ambrosia, assist Kelly with the guests. I'll go see what this is about."

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