Ann rubbed her temples. Reviewing the treaty made her head hurt. Andy set down a cup of tea and started rubbing her shoulders. It helped a little. She sipped her tea. “Thank you.” “It has green bough in it for your head,” he told her. “I can taste it. Who were you fighting in class today?” “Just one of the soldiers. They’re getting good.” “It felt like they were.” “Sorry.” He kissed the top of her head. “You need a break.” “I don’t have time for that.” She could feel his intentions. “Not even a quickie?” “What’s a quickie?” “Let me show you.” He took her by the hand and led her to the couch. Then he showed her, and as he did, she felt the tension leave her body, and the pain leave her head. “Thank you.” She whispered. “Anytime.” He smiled. “I’m going to need a new bottle of ink. Would you get me one?” She requested as she went back to her desk. “I have some in my lab. The green bottle, not the black.” She pointed to a large door. “Sure. No problem.” He went into the lab. “Uh, which green bottles?” “The ones labeled ink. The labels might be turned in, sorry.” There was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Ann called. “It’s locked,” Emeton said. “Sorry.” Ann hurried to unlock the door. “Why is the door locked?” He asked. “Because the servants aren’t knocking again.” “Why do you need to keep the servants out while you’re reviewing treaties? “Ann, is this it? Oh, hello, Sir.” Andy came out of the lab. Emeton looked between the two. “We were taking a break,” Ann said. She knew she was blushing. “I figured. Never mind. How is the treaty coming?” “I’m working on it.” “That doesn’t answer my question.” “You won’t like the answer.” “Annlonna.” “Did you even read the last treaty? Half of what you asked for we already have. Some of the others violate treaties we have with the dwarves. And a portion, they wouldn’t give us if we gave them all of Torthoc. I’m having to extrapolate what you’re truly after and rewrite the whole thing.” The king scowled. “I warned you that you wouldn’t like it. Of course, I also ask you to wait until I could help you with it.” Emeton nodded. “I’ll set aside some time tomorrow, and we’ll rewrite it together. Remtani can hold court for me.” “Thank you.” “What do you think the council’s response to the breaking of the treaty will be?” “Andy, what proof do you have?” “Is this room safe to talk in?” Andy asked. Ann had warned him there were likely eavesdroppers everywhere. “My lab is.” She led them in and closed the door. “I have no proof. Remtani and Rejenn gave me the names. I’m sure, upon investigation, we can get proof, but that would likely mean destroying both networks,” Andy said. “Nim knows this, and he will tell the Council. They won’t act on hearsay, nor will they expect you to. Most likely they will ask you to keep a better eye on the workings of your court,” Ann added. “Is there anything else you need? Is everything going well?” Emeton asked. “I believe we’re good,” Ann said. “How’s your magic coming?” “Very nicely. I should be up to full strength in a week or two I believe.” “And your lessons with Nim?” He turned to Andy. “Very well. I’ve learned to use other people’s magic to a cast spell shield although that’s the only one I can do. I can also hold magic from multiple people for an extended time to use it to bring people out of a trance.” “And your own magic?” “Still of no use.” “Ann, since you aren’t working on the treaty for the elves, I would like you to draft one for the trolls.” Ann raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. “What would you like?” “Whatever. Ask for the use of the pass and extradition and a few things they’ll want to debate.” Sir?” Ann asked hesitantly. “I’m not as interested in the treaty itself as in getting you into Lerjao. Nim says the best place to use to transport to Andy’s world is where you did it before. If we’re there to debate, then that will give you more time to locate that spot and transport us to Andy’s world. If we get a treaty in the process, all the better.” “May I suggest Drepal go? Having her under your control will impress the trolls. She can be a translator. Thilgat speaks Menthan, but he’ll insist all business be done in Troll.” “Can you control her well enough for this?” Emeton asked. “You couldn’t tell us apart. What makes you think they can? All I need is my cloak, and people think I’m her.” “If you think that’s best. Prepare the treaty.” “What shall we offer?” “The usual. Trade, tariffs on what goes through the pass, military help assuming they’re not fighting another of our allies. I’m sure they’ll ask for other things too.” “Yes, sir.” “See you at dinner.” “Perhaps, depends on when we eat.” Emeton gave her one of those ‘don’t be difficult’ looks and left. Ann worked on the treaty that afternoon. Andy came in as his schedule permitted to make sure she took breaks. Most of those breaks ended up with them back on the couch. Ann wondered if the birth control potion she was taking was strong enough for this much activity. It wasn’t that she didn’t want kids. She did. But, they needed to wait. They had no idea what they would face when they went to find Mishtali so she couldn’t have the restrictions a pregnancy would put on her and her magic use.