It’s quiet as they return to the parked motor carriage, the streets themselves mostly deserted this humid and hot afternoon.
From the whine of the engine, the rubber tires on cobblestone streets, and the crashing of waves upon a cliffside this group of five just sit in the cabin and just live in the silent drive back into town proper.
This is so awkward… Sophia Elise the Eighth, the Fourth Princess, tries not to puke all over herself as she swallows this next wave of embarrassment. Goddess why am I like this?! Why must I keep saying these awful things…
One of her thought processes clicks its tongue, pushing its glasses up the bridge of its nose. Psychologically speaking, our behavioral tendencies are rooted in a fundamental social defense mechanism. In moments of extreme social panic, we instinctively retreat to the concept of "family.” This is because we understand ‘family’ as a safe place.
Our sense of self-worth and security were established in our earliest familial bonds. Therefore, when under duress, we reach for "family."
And another one cuts it down with the facts. Yeah, and whenever we wanna threaten someone, guess where we go? No line uncrossed for us!
Perhaps her reliance on asking about family members in a hostile setting was… questionable.
Zai Tianci wants to say something, his mouth opening slightly, breath drawn into his lungs with words on the tip of his tongue.
He’s going to yell at me. Sophia concludes. He tried SO hard to find a door into that Mayor-Prefect’s walls down only for us to come in with a bomb. We RUINED IT.
The Crown Prince of the Dominion speaks, aimed towards the guardian sitting in the backseats with both royals. “Agent Elodie, can I ask a favor of you?”
That Silver Hand agent is at attention in an instant. “Well, as long as you don’t ask me to threaten anyone’s kids I’ll do it.”
Sophia wants to die at that awful joke, but that woman continues with a loud chuckle. “Nah, just kiddin’. What do you want, Sire?”
Zai reaches into his robes, pulling a small group of seven envelopes. “Could you deliver these out to the addresses? They’re for specific members of… the community.”
“Oh, looking to start something fun tonight?” Elodie winks, grabbing them and reading the addresses. Ear-marked to specific centers of social power, from the Fishing Guild, the Farmer’s Union… and even…
“Goddess damned, you even got the damned Bishop involved in this? My other boss? When’d you get the chance to do that?”
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“I spoke with her while shopping a few weeks ago.” Zai tells her. “She’s quite nice and… receptive to this plan at least.”
The Silver Hand Agent pockets the letters, tapping the Dominion Guardsman on her shoulder. “Hey Mori, drop me off near the town square won’t ya? I’ll need to deliver these letters and I’d rather not have to walk too much.”
She scoffs, turning the steering wheel slightly towards the curb. “Alright, whatever you say.”
“And…” Elodie pauses as the motor carriage comes to a stop. “I hate to ask a favor but could I perhaps stay the night at your place Zai and Sophia? I don’t think staying at the church tonight will be very… safe. I’d much rather be in present company.”
They all turn towards the Impericutta legionary, who sits in the passenger seat like a statue.
It’s not even a question to this young man, who despite being right next to her answers with immense grace and genuine care. “Of course. We can provide you safety for as long as you need.”
“Thank you, Sire.” She winks, hand already tearing open the door.
But she stops as she steps out, turning and leaning into the cabin towards the Fourth Princess of the Ensolian Imperium. “You know when I got the propaganda call that you of all heirs was the one to marry this stupid Crown Prince I thought you were dead meat. But all due respect ma’am, you do have a very particular set of skills and you use it quite well. Maybe the big-boobed-lady in the Palace does have a good idea once in a while.” Elodie scoffs, the next words perhaps slightly tinted with insubordination as she leans really in towards Zai. “Maybe give her an Apparatus Division. She certainly could play the game much better than any of your spymasters.” And right before she leaves she snaps a pair of finger guns towards them. “See you this evening for a lil’ sleepover~”
They watch as she steps away, walking with such casualness in that religious garb that flows to her ankles. A hand held to her waist though, a handgun still hidden within her personal inventory.
And they lose her in the painting of Port Azuru, brushed together into the oil and texture of this township now turned tourist destination.
“Alright time to go home.” Mori revs the engine, bringing the carriage back into the street.
Sophia Elise really now wants to puke, especially as she feels Zai shuffle in his seat next to her.
Apologize now, Her brain tells her like a dagger through the ribs. You still have a chance to make sure he doesn’t hate you forever, so don’t let it go.
“Zai…” Sophia begins, hiding shame beneath a foot-thick mask of distant, emotionless words. “I apologize for my behavior.”
That apology catches him off guard, and even Sophia can see that confusion draw on his face with a half-smile, half worried look. “Apologize?”
This princess folds under no pressure at all. “I may have overstepped my boundaries in terms of applying political pressure to the Mayor-Prefect. I understand that my…” She bumbles this implication of guilt out of sheer embarrassment. “... method of threatening his entire family was uncalled for and as a result, our lunch meeting was cut short.”
Didn’t even have a chance to eat lunch too before he kicked us out… not that we were going to eat it anyway.
Zai just keeps that longing look on his face. Lips drawn into that barely readable smile, his words gentle and with some level of understanding. “Don’t apologize. If anything, your words applied the pressure we needed on him. He’s going to make a move, all we have to do is wait for it now.”
Some tactical part of Sophia makes its analysis, giving the question spoken to her politically married husband hidden fear. “Even if he retaliates?”
