Madris, I like you, the woman in the yellow dress said. You know I do. But these things — you know I don't hold with that, kings and empresses and the gods' will, or who the Ancients know will turn up next. That's not the sort of company I keep.

I know, Madris sighed, tapping her fingers. I'm not asking you to take sides, Lianne. Not that I wouldn't like it if you joined us. We're objectively the superior side to choose here. I just want a few honest answers.

I have been honest with you! Now Lianne clearly seemed angry. Psychic communication made it easy to transmit such things.

She looked like she should have been a kindly aunt somewhere, especially considering how she was dressed, with warm brown eyes and gray-flecked brown hair. But she also wore anger well and with familiarity.

I know, Madris said. Bad phrasing on my part. My apologies. I meant that I would appreciate answers to some questions. For instance, have you heard from Honor or Lucas?

Now the other psychic noticeably hesitated. Honor and Lucas? Why do you want to know?

Well, they are on our enemies' side and have been working with the Western Confederation to provoke a war. Specifically, they're implicated in an attempt to kill several people, including an innocent toddler. If Regina hadn't been there to heal him personally, he might have died. Honor especially is almost certainly involved, Madris added.

Probably because she sensed the note of disbelief over the psychic connection from Lianne, which retreated somewhat after a moment, turning into a disquieted feeling. Madris had opened a connection between all three of them, psychically bringing their minds to touch in order to talk, but June had mostly stayed quiet and in the background so far.

If that's true, it is horrible, Lianne said. I'm not saying you're lying, but it seems hard to credit. She sighed. Either way, no, I haven't seen Honor in quite a while. At least five years, really. I did speak to Lucas a bit more recently than that, but he made no mention of such things and I saw no indications that he would be involved in schemes like that.

Thank you, Madris said emphatically, and with sincerity, June judged.

June glanced around. They were not speaking directly to each other, but they were actually close enough that she could see the other psychic. She wasn't sure why they did it that way, but maybe it was some kind of custom. Maybe psychic communication kept people more honest and made it easier to assess each other's motives?

Currently, they were in one of the biggest cities in Prekan, which meant it was maybe a fifth the size of Cera. Most of what they called towns or cities wouldn't qualify for such a title in the Empire. The kingdom was rather small and unimportant, one of several with little to distinguish itself. At least to her. The inhabitants probably thought differently.

There were quite a few of them out and about currently, taking advantage of the sunny weather. Small or not, the city did have a nice market, she acknowledged; and an apparently new tavern and teahouse with some seating in front of it made of old barrels and the like. She wondered if it was legal or if they bribed the guards. June tugged on her hood to make sure it covered her hair properly and cast her face in shadow, grateful it was still cold enough that wearing it didn't raise any eyebrows. She was not here as a princess and hoped it would stay that way.

What about your companion? Is she also involved? Lianne asked with distant curiosity. Or are you teaching someone else?

June made eye contact with her and inclined her head slightly. June is actually Regina's apprentice, not mine, Madris replied.

It is good to meet you, June added.

The other psychic nodded, looking back at Madris. So, the Empress. Is it true, then?

Madris frowned and shook her head. I'm not sure what the others have told you, but I'm rather certain most of it is nonsense. Regina is a powerful psychic, of course. But she has solid morals. A lot more solid than most nobles, and yes, I'm including Honor and Lucas in that. And she is only one person.

The other members of her Hive don't count?

It's simply how they speak to each other, June interjected. Hivekind are made to talk psychically. It's like how insects communicate with each other with pheromones, or how many animals use scents, instead of words. They simply do it this way. But that doesn't mean they can reach anyone outside their Hive. She's the only one who can do that.

Lianne regarded her for a moment, then nodded. I'll take your word for it, she said.

Have you encountered any other psychics, Lianne? Madris asked.

None you are likely to care about. I did meet Peter and Suse a while ago, they are in Grayhave now.

It clearly took Madris a moment to place those names, before she nodded. I'll still check in with them, thank you, she said.

Of course. Feel free to seek me out any time. We don't see each other enough. Lianne smiled sharply. And it's not every day one gets to meet a princess, after all.

June stiffened a little before she could stop herself. She lowered her head, again meeting the woman's eyes. You know who I am?

I am not that naive or stupid, Princess June. You are rather well-known. Should I be insulted that you thought you could fool me?

June shrugged, projecting equanimity. I didn't intend to fool you, I just didn't want to publicize our meeting.

You're also not lacking in bravery, Madris said drily. Most people don't talk to princesses that way.

You're one to talk. Lianne stood up. I know you wouldn't have brought her if you didn't trust her. Don't be a stranger, Madris.

She smiled at them, half-bowed, then turned and left. June looked after her, frowning.

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"Well, I suppose I will take that as a compliment," she muttered to Madris.

"From her or from me?" Madris replied. She continued without waiting for an answer, "Let's go. I'm sure Edmund is already getting impatient."

June nodded and slipped into step with her mentor as they left. She suspected she had only not brought Edmund so as not to crowd Lianne, but he hadn't been happy to be left behind and to let them go seemingly without protection. Madris had little patience for that, of course. June knew she was powerful enough to defeat both of them in her sleep. Edmund was maybe still a little too stuck in his ways sometimes.

She immediately felt guilty for the thought when they returned to their current accommodations, not that they were staying in this mansion for long. June was traveling 'incognito' at this moment, although she didn't expect it to hold up for very long if anyone looked into her whereabouts. That was fine, she was mostly present and visible on a tour through the nearby countries. Edmund was a knight coming along to protect her, to anyone who didn't know better, and accordingly, he was in armor as he walked up and down the small front yard.

"Everything went fine," Madris preempted him before he could ask. "Lianne didn't want to join our side, but I expected as much. She said she had no contact with our enemies and I believe her."

"That's good to hear, Lady Madris," he replied. "Did you get any other leads?"

"The whereabouts of two other, weaker psychics. I will be visiting them for a short chat."

"Do you know them already?" June asked.

Madris shrugged. "We met briefly, but I have mostly heard about them. They're not very strong. But under the circumstances, we should be thorough. Even a psychic in the second Tier can be dangerous to your war effort under the right circumstances. And they could very well have passed into the next Tier by now."

"I understand. When do we leave?"

Madris paused, frowning. "June, the town is in the absolute opposite direction of your tour. You will have to continue on without me. I am sure you can manage that. It's likely best if we don't crowd them with the two of you, too. I will catch up to you soon, in a few days at the latest."

June frowned back at her. She didn't like this idea. Although she bit down on an immediate denial and a moment of reflection made her reconsider. She wasn't a little girl who needed to cling to Madris' skirts. If her teacher believed it was best this way, she was probably correct.

"Alright," she said, catching Edmund's gaze as well. He silently told her he would follow her lead.

"Regina wanted you to visit several of the local rulers as well," Madris added. "This seems like a good opportunity. Perhaps Tim or one of the others can join you as well. Why don't you ask the Hive?"

June gave her an unimpressed look, recognizing the task for what it was. Instead of complaining, she reached out mentally, looking for familiar minds.

It wasn't easy. They were some distance away from Cera, even if their current location should still be within Regina's range at the moment. June knew she wouldn't be able to have more than a short conversation, but she still looked for them. Luckily, Janis was already closer to her position. June got her attention and established a connection.

Hey, June, Janis greeted her. You've gotten better. I think. How are things going?

Thanks. Quickly, she recounted their trip so far and what had happened, then asked what they should do.

It only took a bit of back-and-forth until they had established a rough plan Janis would bring to Regina. The Empress had wanted to intensify their contact with the countries in the area, and having them here would only help that effort. Hopefully, June could also combine it with more time with Madris after her detour.

Since it was already late, they spent the night there, then left early the following morning. Their horses would appreciate the rest, although they didn't appreciate getting onto the boat the next day. June spent much of the money she'd brought on it, but she knew she could restock later and if all else failed, she also knew how to Conjure silver. Several soldiers of the Star Guard had been sent to accompany them, although they'd foregone their uniforms so far. Between this city and the next, they called a halt and changed. June tried her best with the slightly fancier clothes she'd packed, cursing the fact she'd left all their servants at home. The guards were adequate at making camp, normal chores or cooking on the road, but this was rather different. At least she'd learned to do simple braids on her own.

The trip took a few hours and several of her men had to watch for ice or other dangers. June was just glad the river hadn't frozen over. When they finally reached the docks of the next city, Prekan's capital, they were quiet and empty of many other vessels. June ignored the cold wind and looked at the city, her gaze drawn to a group waiting for them just beyond the pier.

She descended down the gangplank after Edmund with as much grace as she could muster and received the bows and curtsies of the gathered people.

One of them stepped forward. "Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you once again."

June inclined her head. "Well met, Baron Theraln." She had heard he had been sent here as a diplomat. There were several military officers with him, she noted, but mostly civilian Imperials. From the new foreign office and their attendants, she assumed.

"May I introduce you to our hosts?"

There were several local nobles present, who repeated their greetings, and she returned them. She also introduced Edmund, but didn't mention him being a psychic student. It probably wasn't a secret, but she didn't see the need to trumpet it around, either.

"The king is eager to meet you," the baron concluded. "We have carriages ready. If you would?"

With efficiency that almost spoke of practice, she was chivvied into a waiting wagon. Edmund joined her along with the baron. They got moving quickly, and June grimaced. They'd clearly gotten this vehicle from the locals, judging by the bumpy ride.

"What is it you need from me?" she asked Theraln, refocusing her attention.

He seemed like he would've shrugged if he didn't hold himself to higher standards. "Our planned strategy didn't take your presence into account, my Princess. Of course it can only be beneficial. Our main focus has been on gathering influence and extracting a few key concessions, mostly regarding trade and protections for the sharing of knowledge. I have not demanded more access than that yet, but the king seems resistant to the idea of obligations for supplying our army or guaranteed recruitment numbers."

Gods, I wonder why? She'd be resistant in his place, especially considering Prekan was stuck in the past compared to the Empire. Food and men were his gold, and he had little enough of either of that. But June dismissed the thought. Her duty was to work to the benefit of her country, not its neighbors, and it wasn't as if it wouldn't benefit from the relationship tremendously in the long run. "I see. We'll have to work on that."

"I have no doubt that with you here to speak on behalf of the Empress, his resistance will melt away," Theraln assured her. "My threats may be dismissed, while your words can't be, Your Highness."

June nodded, staying silent for a moment. She supposed it would be a fair enough test of her capabilities, anyway.

She turned her head slightly to look at Edmund. What do you think of all this?

She sensed his hesitation. This, Your Highness? Diplomatic strategy?

I told you, you can just call me 'June'. Especially when it's just us, she replied. Why did some of Regina's students who used to be actual peasants do better with that than a noble-born, if illegitimate, knight? And I mean this, our trip, or what Madris has told us. Anything.

I want to meet all of the people Madris is seeking out, he replied after a moment. They all appear to know each other well, and making contacts with them seems like a valuable thing. I'm glad she brought us along, even if the others are losing out for now. As for this trip, I won't pretend to be a diplomat, but I am ready to help you in whatever way I can, June.

June hummed tunelessly, looking out the window as they passed over the cobbled streets of the city. Perhaps you should change that, Edmund. Psychics will be important to the Empire's future, and we may be sent out on more of these missions.

Before they could continue, the wagon started slowing, and June smoothed down her clothes and got ready to do some of that diplomacy herself. Perhaps surprisingly, she wasn't nervous. But she had experienced many things in the past few years, and kingly title or not, she was aware that the local magnate was likely less powerful than several people she'd dealt with in the Empire.

She was still more interested in continuing to accompany Madris to talk to other psychics than in building influence here, which would probably be an easier task anyway.

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