"Princess," the ambassador bowed deeply. Her vision reduced to a pinprick, focusing on this one, wily man. All she could hear was the rattle of Finn's breath.

A wise woman keeps her burning on the inside.

Tigris straightened, a lifetime of court posturing allowing her to school her expression into something cool and distant.

"Rise." she said, fighting to keep her voice sounding bored. Tigris waited for the man to draw himself upright. Then she began to circle him. Her heels clicked against the floor. With one sharp look, the remaining servants in the room fled.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, my lady?" the ambassador asked, his voice smooth. Tigris nearly laughed. Looks like she'd underestimated the man. He seemed to have some skill at hiding his thoughts.

But not nearly as much skill as Tigris.

"I just wanted to wish you farewell before you departed." she said airily. She stopped across the room. She didn't need to turn around to know that he was trying to keep his face blank.

"I appreciate that, my lady. Hopefully when I return next, our kingdoms will have a chance at peace anew."

Liar.

"I'm sure." Tigris replied. She stared out the guest room window. With every blink, she saw Finn's chest struggling to rise. Her voice sounded distant to her own ears. "I also wished to apologize for the improper send off. As I'm sure you know, the prince's poisoning has put a damper on us all."

The ambassador bowed his head, hiding his expression. "It's no problem at all, my lady. My elders and I understand this must be a trying time for your nation."

"And yours as well." Tigris offered, ducking her head shyly, "I am ashamed of how we have treated you. Please, have a seat, I've brought you some of our best pastries."

The ambassador hesitated. "My lady, I appreciate the gesture, but I must be going soon."

"Oh, please, I insist. We've been inhospitable enough. I won't have you leave on an empty stomach." Tigris pressed, even pulling out one of the ornate wooden chairs. She perched atop the edge of the guest bed as the Irulian man lowered himself to the chair gingerly, like he expected it to snap at him. Tigris held out the small basket she'd brought from the kitchens. The ambassador hesitantly reached for one of the flaky desserts, nibbling at the edge delicately. Tigris grabbed one for herself, but didn't bite it.

"I've heard Irulia is renowned for their dishes," she said conversationally, picking at her pastry, "Many herbs, spices, and garnishes to choose from."

"Indeed." the man seemed confused. Tigris dropped some of the pleasantry from her voice.

"Though I've heard Irulia's crop yield has decreased significantly and that it was only the Faultless Kingdom's aid that helped." she noted. The man wavered for an instant, his eyes narrowing. Tigris plowed forward.

"This whole war business is quite terrible. With no food, sick fighters, and a toppling economy." she flicked away a flake of her pastry, flashing the ambassador a sickeningly sweet smile, "Irulia holds no hope."

The ambassador pursed his lips. Tigris knew he was a patient man, but days of slander had him at his wits end. Triumph filled her as she noticed the irritated twitch of his eye.

"Irulia will be just fine, my lady." he said, his voice halting. Tigris reclined back.

"Oh I know," she waved her hand dismissively, "But not for long, hm? It's sad, truly. I did enjoy the quality of your nation's products, despite what my father says. Irulian silks are truly unmatched. I fear they will not survive the war."

The ambassador's nostrils flared as Tigris tossed her hair over her shoulder. His slate grey eyes pinned her with a cool look. "Irulia will be fine, my lady." he repeated, his voice low. Tigris leaned closer, keeping her eyes playful.

"But how?" Tigris whispered coyly, "When your army is ill? When your crops are failing? When you economy crashes? Your elders surely couldn't stand by and let that happen."

The ambassador said nothing. She had to give it to him, he knew how to wield his silence. Tigris softened her voice.

"My father is a wise man, but we both know that a plague of inkblood is notoriously difficult to control. And despite what you may believe, there are many people in this castle who only want peace between our nations."

The ambassador didn't seem moved. Tigris shifted, locking eyes with the man.

"One of those people was my brother before he was poisoned." Her voice cracked with emotion, not all of it faked.

There it was. A small flash of guilt. Tigris nearly lost it then. Her hand drifted towards her sword before she reminded herself of her goal. She sucked in a calming breath, praying that she could play if off as grief. 

A wise woman keeps her burning on the inside.

The ambassador's eyes had softened. He handed her a small handkerchief.

"I am truly sorry about the poisoning, my lady. I know it must be a terrible burden to your kingdom." he said, sounding almost genuine. Tigris seethed silently, but dabbed at her dry eyes. She shook her head, laughing thickly.

"Oh, Finn was never a burden. Father is so busy with war plans that he never has time for him, not even in death."

Tigris sniffled as the Irulian ambassador's eyes turned panicked.

"I'm certain he cares for you and your brother," the Irulian ambassador said, his voice strangled, "I heard he was distraught."

Tigris laughed, waving a hand breezily. "Oh, that's what everyone says but you know my father. The kingdom takes priority over everything for him. All this war talk has him planning day and night. I doubt he'd notice if Finn were to perish in the hour."

Lies, lies, and more lies. The king had been inconsolable. He'd been at Finn's side or in his chambers, mired in grief. But the Irulian ambassador didn't have to know that.

The man's eyes had widened a fraction. Tigris seized the opportunity gleefully.

"But enough about my father," she folded the handkerchief neatly, the silk smooth against her skin, "Even if he doesn't care for Finn, I do. And I know he wanted peace between our kingdoms more than anything."

The ambassador seemed stunned. "A-as do I."

Tigris nodded kindly, even though every muscle was tensed in an effort not to choke the man.

"I just don't see how Irulia can withstand the Faultless Kingdom." Tigris continued, watching the ambassador grow ashen and enraged all at once, "Irulia will fall."

Again, the ambassador was silent. His half eaten pastry lay forgotten in his lap. Utterly defenseless. Tigris studied him, her playful expression dropping.

"Unless," she drew out the word, dangerously soft, "There's something Irulia has done to try and succeed."

The ambassador stilled. Tigris rose from the edge of the bed.

"You see, ambassador," Tigris murmured, all niceties fading from her voice, "I find it odd that you've left these negotiations without so much as a single demand for peace. At the feast, you didn't even try to negotiate for your elders as I'd hoped."

"I apologize." the ambassador said stiffly, "I was under the impression that your king had laid out the terms."

"I don't think so," Tigris said softly, "I think you're under the impression that Irulia will somehow be able to thwart the Faultless Kingdom. And I think you were certain that something would shake us so terribly that you had a shot. You, with no army, no crops, and a plague."

Tigris' heels clicked as she moved closer. Her sword's pommel was at eye level with the man, forcing him to tilt his gaze up to meet hers. He stood then, pastry dropping to the floor.

"You are mistaken." he breathed. Tigris cocked her head, letting him see the predatory glint in her eyes.

"I don't think I am." she breathed, the words rustling the man's hair. She could see the moonlight shades of his eyes flashing. "And I also think that your plan is destined to fail."

"You make some serious allegations, my lady." the ambassador's voice was even. He didn't break her stare. Tigris flashed him a grin that was more teeth than smile.

"Perhaps," she purred, "Perhaps not."

They stared at each other, the tension so thick that even Tigris' sword wouldn't cut it. After several moments, her lips curled with a genuine smile.

"Despite what you may believe, I do only wish for peace between our kingdoms." Tigris whispered truthfully, "Peace is what my brother wanted. And from these proceedings, I know that you are a genuine man who cares for his kingdom." As much as Tigris despised the man for what he'd done, the words were true. The ambassador had weathered days of ridicule in their courts for the sake of peace. If he'd come to simply poison Finn, he would have done so on the first day and left.

He'd tried for peace. Tigris could only hope he'd do so again.

The ambassador's breath trembled for an instant. Tigris smiled at the hitch. She leaned closer, seeing her own eyes reflected in his irises.

"You know that this isn't right," Tigris said quietly, "For either of our kingdoms. So, tell me what's been done."

The ambassador frowned.

"Princess..." his voice was still doubtful. Tigris clenched her jaw. What she'd said was true, the man genuinely wanted peace. But what could be more tempting for him?

The answer came to her mind instantly.

Protection. For either him or his elders. And it struck her then that perhaps this wiry man may have not had full control over the poisoning. Perhaps he was a pawn in someone else's game. Tigris glanced at the empty room. A realisation struck her then.

"My father ordered guards to be with you at all times." she muttered. She felt him go still, saw the quick flash of surprise and fear in his eyes. Tigris' eyes darted back to the ambassador, grabbing his wrist. "Where are they?"

"I-I'm not sure."

This time, Tigris could not stop her temper. Her knights' lives were at stake. She pulled the ambassador forward by the collar of his shirt.

"I have trained each and every guard in this palace," she hissed, her other hand drifting to her weapons belt, "They would not abandon their posts. So tell me, what have you done with my men?"

"Nothing!" the ambassador insisted fearfully. Tigris pinned him with a fearsome look.

"Then tell me who did. Because I know there is a reason you didn't report this to the king." she growled. The ambassador trembled in her grip. His hand darted into his pocket and Tigris unsheathed her sword in an instant, expecting a dagger to come hurtling towards her.

But the ambassador merely held out a slip of paper, head hanging with guilt.

"Here," he murmured sadly, "This is all he gave me."

Tigris snatched the note, keeping her sword extended. She read it carefully.

I noticed you've been surrounded by many recently. I've done you the pleasure of dispatching your security.

I'll be in a blue cloak. Follow me before the feast, and your elders and kingdom will survive.

Ignore me, and let Irulia pay the price.

She lifted her gaze. "Who gave you this?"

"A lord of yours." the ambassador sighed, lowering himself into the chair shakily. "The one whose sister was recently burned for having inkblood."

Tigris felt stunned. "Lord Luctus." she murmured. The ambassador nodded tiredly.

"He told me he had a way to ensure that the plague could be removed from Irulia, that we'd have a chance to survive the war."

"You bargained with him?" Tigris asked, fury rising. She pressed her sword against his chest, "I have half a mind to run you through for your treason."

The ambassador didn't fight back. His head hung limply.

"I know," he muttered mournfully, "My elders didn't want me to listen to him either when I asked. But he said he could rid the plague from our nation."

Confusion made some of Tigris' ire fade. She lowered her sword.

"You're a fool," the words were slightly less venomous than she expected, "The Wailer's Curse cannot be stopped so simply. It's an inkblood curse. From all our research, only the inkblood who laid the curse can stop it. Otherwise you'd need to kill them."

The ambassador's brow furrowed. "But then why..." his eyes widened, "Oh. Oh. Oh no. I must contact my elders."

"Wait, what?" Tigris grabbed his shoulder before he scrambled away hastily, "Why?"

The ambassador blinked at her in a panic. "Luctus was sincere in his claim that the plague could be stopped. If he was serious, that means he must know who started the curse."

Tigris felt like she'd been slapped. "He's consorted with inkbloods to curse Irulia?" she gasped. The ambassador nodded. Tigris' blood went cold. This was a diplomatic nightmare. Someone from the Faultless Kingdom had started an inkblood plague, and then the Faultless Kingdom had turned Irulia away when they asked for aid.

Her father had been terribly wrong.

"They cannot be trusted. I was a fool." the ambassador sighed. Tigris tightened her grip on his shoulder, shoving the doubts from her mind.

"What did he ask you to do? Did he ask you to poison my brother?" she asked hurriedly before he could leave. The ambassador froze, and she added, "I can see that you were manipulated. Do not fear. Tell me the truth."

The ambassador nodded hesitantly. "It's true. I'm sorry, my lady. He told me it was the only way to cause enough disarray to ensure the king was distracted from the war effort."

It took every cell of restraint not to throttle the man. Even if he'd been manipulated, this was infuriating.

"What did you give him?" she asked. To her utter dismay, the ambassador hesitated.

"It was a flower of some kind. He gave me a note that told me to slip one petal into the prince's wine. I don't know what it was, but it glowed golden. I'm positive it was enchanted."

"Where's the rest of the flower?" Tigris asked desperately. The ambassador grimaced.

"I gave it back to him." he yanked himself out of Tigris' grip, "I must warn my elders."

He seemed just as impatient as Tigris. She nodded, dismissing him. "Go. I'll ensure my father hears about your bravery."

The ambassador's lip curled like he disagreed, but he darted off into the hallway, shouting at his servants. Footsteps sounded behind her, and Tigris whipped around, her sword extended. To her infinite irritation, Roche stood there, arms up. Before Tigris could ask what she was doing, Roche blurted,

"I know what the flower is. I know how to help Finn."

Tigris nearly dropped her sword. She quickly sheathed it, grabbing Roche by the elbow. Roche recoiled from her touch, but Tigris didn't have time for pleasantries.

"What is it?"

"Moonflower. It's a type of flower called datura. It's a white flower that glows golden when enchanted. I saw it in a book in the library." Roche's voice came out in a rush, so quick that Tigris barely caught the words, "I found instructions on how to create the antidote."

Tigris' eyes widened, her heart pounding with hope. Her brother might live. She dragged Roche out the door by the elbow.

"You must get the brewing instructions to Leinos!"

"No!" Roche shouted. Tigris whirled on her.

"No?" she repeated incredulously. Roche's eyes were wide. Her chest heaved.

"It'll take me too long to find it again. I memorized it, and I can make it. But we need to get some of the moonflower that Lord Luctus used, no other, for it to work. And it can only be done at night."

Tigris groaned. "Are you telling me to put my brother's life in your idiotic hands?"

Roche's cheeks flushed a brilliant red. "Yes," Roche said hotly, "I'm not sure what else you were expecting. Did you think you could just run up to Leinos and tell him that you found the poison? Did you even think of what questions would arise from that? You'll have to tell everyone you nearly skewered the ambassador!"

"I don't care. Leinos has much more experience than you." Tigris growled, yanking herself away from Roche. The girl watched her with an unimpressed expression. "I will not risk endangering my brother because of your lack of expertise."

Roche continued to watch Tigris with that distant look of hers. Tigris forced herself to stay still under her scrutiny. Like it or not, this was the one person who had the means to save Finn.

"Fine," the word was so soft that Tigris was certain she'd imagined it. She drew her gaze up, and Roche's eyes gleamed with intent.

"We'll get the flower and go to Leinos. But Verita should be there too. She might remember the text too"

Tigris conceded with a nod. "So, what will Leinos need?"

"Not much. Leinos has most of it. All we need is that moonflower Lord Luctus has." Roche explained, her eyes flitting around in thought. She bit her lip pensively. Tigris rolled her eyes. She didn't have time for the moony girl's thoughts. She tugged her down the hall.

"Well come on, then! Let's get that flower."

"Whoa, hold on. What are you going to do? Barge in there, arrest Luctus, and demand that he hand over the flower?"

Tigris blinked at Roche. "Yes."

Roche rolled her eyes. "Because arresting someone always makes them willing to hand over what you need."

"Well what do you suggest then?" Tigris huffed.

Roche merely smirked.

-------

What a stupid plan. Tigris frowned, smoothing down her best gown. It was so restrictive, with a corset style top piece and lacey sleeves in deep forest green shade that matched her eyes. The skirts tangled around her legs as she watched. It certainly would grab the traitorous lord's attention. Roche fluttered her hands nervously, her wagon squealing.

"Are you sure you'll be able to find it? Maybe you should be the distraction instead." Tigris muttered as they stood outside Lord Luctus' door. Roche shot her an amused glance.

"Scared, princess?"

"Shut up! I don't trust you to find your own face, let alone a very important ingredient for an antidote."

Roche's lips twitched with a smirk. "Sorry, princess, but we both know that you'll hold Luctus' attention better than I will."

Tigris scowled. "Fine," she grumbled, pointing a finger at Roche, "But if you mess this up-"

"Yes, yes, you'll chop my head off."

Tigris chuckled incredulously. The nerve of this girl! "Do you know who I am?"

"Damn straight. Do you want me to curtsy again, princess, or can we finish this?"

Tigris' mirth faded. "Go. Quickly." she muttered, hooking the wagon's handle on her fingertips. She steeled herself as Roche darted down the hall, hiding herself behind the bend. When she was out of sight, Tigris lifted her hand and knocked on the wooden door hard enough to make the walls shake. A curse echoed from inside, followed by a series of shuffling.

"What is the meaning of this? It is the evening hour and I will not have some imbe-" Lord Luctus' rant broke off abruptly as the door swung open. Tigris felt a wave of satisfaction as the man blanched and bowed deeply. "Princess! Forgive me, I didn't know it was you."

"Rise," Tigris replied, keeping her voice bored. She watched Luctus' eyes flicker cunningly as he observed her. It was an effort for her hand not to drift toward her sword. "May I come in?"

"Of course, my lady."

Tigris swaggered into the room. It was a large space, with a thick white rug sprawled out towards a majestic bed. The bed was covered in an assortment of patterned pillows and sheets in varying shades of blue and violet, gleaming with thread that gleamed like moonlight. It somehow matched the brass toned bed posts and the numerous potted plants beside the bedside window. Tigris cursed silently, dragging her gaze towards the large chestnut armoire pressed against one of the walls. Beside it was a metal coat hook holding a blue cloak and other clothes. There were way too many places for Roche to check in time!

"My lady?"

Tigris swore internally. She couldn't get distracted. She had to trust Roche could do this. There was no other option. She flashed the traitor a smile and tugged the wagon inside with her instead. The lord shut the door behind her.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Lord Luctus drawled, sweeping his icy blue eyes over her. Tigris inclined her head with acknowledgement.

"I was passing by and Verita asked me to see if you were done with that book you received recently." she said idly. Lord Luctus nodded, smoothing back his midnight hair.

"I have it here." he moved to the other side of the bed and bent over as Roche cracked the door open. Tigris subtly gestured for her to hurry in. The girl was surprisingly quiet as she slipped in. Then, for whatever horrible, unlucky reason, Roche chose that moment to freeze.

"I apologize for not bringing it sooner," Lord Luctus said from behind the bed, rummaging through a trunk. Tigris elbowed Roche, who looked like she was going to vomit. Seriously, could the girl pick a better time to panic? She stood, her eyes locked somewhere across the room. Lord Luctus was beginning to rise, so Tigris did the only thing she thought would draw Roche out of her stupor.

She stepped on the girl's foot. Hard. With her stilettos.

The pain seemed to do the trick. Roche yelped, the colour returning to her cheeks. Lord Luctus' head whipped up at the sound, but Tigris hooked her leg behind Roche's knees, kicking her to the ground and out of sight as the lord glanced up in bewilderment. Tigris' cheeks burned as he looked at her with concern.

"Is everything alright, my lady?" he asked, rounding the corner of the bed. Roche had taken the hint and was crawling towards the bed, waiting for Lord Luctus to pass before slinking around to the other side of the room, out of Luctus' sight.

"Fine," Tigris said, in a somewhat high pitched voice. She cleared her throat, giving the lord a sheepish smile. "I-I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"You look pale, my lady. Why don't you sit down?" he offered, placing his hands on her shoulder delicately to guide her to a chair. Unfortunately, that would make Tigris turn her back on Roche and put the girl directly in Lord Luctus' line of view.

Tigris' mind raced for an excuse. Roche's face was set in concentration as she pawed through the trunk Luctus had opened. There was a small noise as Roche shifted something, and Tigris covered it with the sound of her voice.

"No!" she protested, "I'm alright. Just a bit faint."

"Faint?" the lord repeated with concern, "Then we must lay you down and call for Leinos." He tried to move her again, and Tigris really had to dig her heels into the ground.

"Please, that isn't necessary." Tigris pleaded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear bashfully, "I wouldn't want to disturb Leinos."

"If your health is ailing-"

"He's watching my brother!" Tigris yelped. The words were like a blow to Lord Luctus. He turned his face away from Tigris sadly, and Roche was forced to duck under the bed to stay out of his line of sight.

"I'm so sorry, my lady. I know what it is like to lose your kin."

"Erm... yes." she said, trying to draw his gaze back towards her, "I heard about your sister. Lady Lorelai, right?"

Luctus' gaze snapped back towards her. Roche peeked over the bed and began to crawl away from the trunk, creeping towards them. Tigris wanted to throttle her. Was she trying to get caught? Wasn't the damn flower in the trunk?

"You know her name?" Luctus' voice was soft, and Tigris barely heard him as she tracked Roche's movements. Why was she coming towards them?

"Of course I did. I was very surprised by the discovery of her inkblood." Tigris replied. Luctus nearly looked away again, as Roche leaned up on her knees, tugging at the armoire gently. Roche's lips crimped with focus as she tugged again and again. The doors wouldn't budge. Tigris saw the girl's muscles bunch, and realised she was going to pull hard enough to make a sound.

"Oh!" Tigris gasped faintly, grabbing Luctus' arm, maneuvering them both so that his back was to Roche. The sound surprised the man enough that he seemed to disregard the sound of the armoire door unlocking with a loud click.

"I'm sorry," Tigris said, pitching her voice so that it was breathless. She clutched Luctus harder in case he was tempted to turn around. Roche was headfirst in the armoire, her hands running over every surface. "The thought of inkblood is quite appalling to me." Tigris quickly said. Luctus' expression shuttered.

"I'm sure it is, my lady." he said evenly. He extricated himself from her grasp robotically. He held out the book. "Will that be all?"

"Um..." Tigris hesitated. She held up the book, distracting Luctus as Roche leaned back from the armoire, waving excitedly. Something gold glowed between her fingers. Tigris nearly collapsed with relief.

She had the flower.

Finn would be okay.

"That will be all. Interesting book." Tigris stumbled forward, stepping on Luctus' foot. He shouted in pain, hopping up and down. Tigris gasped dramatically, forcing back a smile as she heard the patter of Roche's footsteps trailing out the door. "Oh my! I'm so sorry, my lord! Are you alright?"

The man looked like he was about to burst a vessel. "Just fine, my lady!" he gritted out. Tigris didn't have to fake the mortified expression that rose to her face.

"I'll leave you be, then. I'm so sorry!" she stammered, hurrying outside, running over his foot again with the wagon for good measure. She looked down to hide her smile as she heard him yelp again. She closed the door behind her, walking down the hall before she sagged in relief. Roche was there, hidden behind a wall.

"You got it?" Tigris asked breathlessly. Roche grinned, holding out her hand. The flower was definitely enchanted. It had an unnatural glow to it, something innately uncomfortable. Tigris nodded, swallowing her unease.

"Come on! We need to get to Leinos." she insisted. Roche tucked the flower into the wagon before Tigris could snatch it and grabbed the handle.

"Wait! We need Verita!" she barked. Tigris blinked at her.

"Are you mad? Finn's dying! Verita can wait!" she shouted, making a grab for the wagon. To her surprise, Roche didn't flinch.

"The antidote can only be made in the moonlight!" Roche insisted, "Besides, I need to see how much of the text Verita remembers. She can help. Maybe she'll know where the text is and can bring it to Leinos for reference!"

Tigris gritted her teeth. "Finn might not last that long."

"I know," Roche's eyes were sad, draining away some of Tigris' ire, "But if any step of the process is done wrong, you risk the entire cure."

Any lingering anger left Tigris in that moment, replaced by icy, gripping fear. She sighed, glancing out a nearby window. The sun was beginning to set.

"Fine. Get Verita and bring her to the infirmary in an hour. There should be plenty of moonlight by then."

"Got it!" Roche nodded enthusiastically. Tigris grabbed the flower back before she could run off. Roche stiffened, but didn't protest.

"Princess?" Tigris turned, and Roche had an uncharacteristically nervous expression on her face, "Be careful. You don't know how many followers Lord Luctus has."

Tigris scowled. "I can take care of myself!"

"I know," Roche said simply, "Just... be careful."

Tigris narrowed her eyes. Before she could get a word in, Roche had turned and was racing down the hall, wagon in tow. Tigris stared after her for a moment before she walked down the adjoining hall.

What a strange girl.

A/N TLDR: Roche being terrible at stealth and Tigris trying to cover for her.

Sorry for being a couple of hours late! How did you like the chapter today? As always, I love criticism so drop it in the comments! Have a good one!