Tony somehow got away and to the coffee shop.

He didn't really think Paige would follow him, but he needed to get out of sight. And probably change cars once he could.

He started taking photos of as many of the papers as he could and sending them to himself and his parents, so there'd be some evidence of this even if Karen caught him.

If he'd had time to pause and really absorb how weird this situation was, he'd have found it funny, but the adrenaline was pumping too much for that right now.

Unexpectedly, Paige walked in the door only about 15 minutes after he got there.

She had a purse with her now and pushed up sunglasses.

"Look," she said, "this sounds crazy...but, I got the vibe you're not much of a liar. And something just wasn't quite right about that woman, though I can't put my finger on it... I could answer some questions about the comics...but I just don't get how it's all connected."

Tony smiled in relief. He could have hugged her. Finally, somehow else who thought Karen was just not right and didn't think he was nuts until he proved it.

"Where did she go?" he asked.

"After she went after you and you weren't there, I said I thought you'd mentioned going to the post office," Paige said, pointing at the papers. "She freaked out. I guess she thought you were sending those somewhere. Left right away. The post office is at the other end of this part of town. It'll take her 30 minutes at least to figure out it was wrong."

"How did she follow me then?" Tony wondered. Then he realized that Karen could have gotten a picture of his license plate the same way he did with hers, and possibly she just guessed he'd try a library if he needed answers.... Maybe it wasn't that hard to figure out. Or may they'd followed him and just lost him long enough for him to get ahead.

It didn't matter. Magic or just skill, he didn't think she'd be gone for long.

"I want to explain everything," he said, "but not sure this is the place to do it."

Paige sat down at the table.

"What does the series about Thesaurum have to do with this?" she asked.

"Series? Okay, back up. It's a series?" Tony said.

Paige held up her phone. She'd already opened her web comics app. "You can get the first 3 volumes as hard copies, but the author has been publishing the 4th season for a month or so. Week by week. Do you read web stories?""

"I've read a few fan fics, but I never tried the comics. I hear they were mostly garbage." Tony shrugged.

"Mostly, but there's some good stuff in there," Paige shrugged. "I haven't read this one in a while."

"What's it called?" Tony squinted at it.

"The Crown's Heart," Paige said.

"Really?" Tony said. "That sounds like a dumb rom com."

"That would be about the usual way titles for these stories work," Paige said.

"Is it an isekai?" Tony asked.

"No, it's not. It's one of those fantasy/reality ones that play off European culture a little, but that's just a theme. It's more like D&D usually: mages, magic, rulers, rivals, etc." Paige gestured like she was elucidating.

"But the papers I found talk about someone going into another world," Tony said cautiously. "And they're about the same one."

"That would be quite a plot twist--wait, are you telling me you have the next season's plans?" Paige's eyes widened. "That's--I mean, I dropped the series, but still...that would be interesting to know about. I've never heard of  one of these turning into an isekai partway through.... Well, there was that one...but it wasn't even the fantasy type of story."

"That lady who's chasing me is the writer of the series," Tony said flatly.

"Oh...oh, that makes sense now," Paige said, slapping her forehead. "So that's why she was so mad that you took that--wait, this isn't some crazy fan thing, is it?"

"No. That woman has kidnapped my sister because of this story," Tony said, lowering his voice. "I know it sounds crazy. I think it's stupid too. But she's just that nuts. I wouldn't have believed it if someone told me it, but she admitted it. And my sister is gone. I found letters written by her to that woman in her binder. And from a ton of other people. I think she's done this before. For all I know, it's ongoing."

"And she's chasing you..." Paige blanched. "Did you tell the police?"

"The problem is, I have no proof," Tony said. "Except what she told me. She'll deny that. And I'm worried she'll do something to Hope (that's my sister) before the police can find her. I still have no idea where she is...unless..."

But the idea was just too crazy...wasn't it?

"That's so awful..." Paige said. "No, that doesn't even touch it. You hear about these crazy people on TV, but you always think you'll never meet one..." She shivered. "I still think you should tell the police. Maybe they can protect you."

"My gut says it wouldn't work," Tony said. "She might not like the police, but I don't think they'd make her give my sister back. I need to know where she is. I know it's connected to...The Crown's Heart, was it?"

"Yes." Paige nodded.

"What were the first 3 seasons about?" Tony asked, rubbing his head. He had a headache by now.

"They just follow the usual story," Paige said. "There's a son of an emperor who's trying to keep his father's approval of his inheritance while the empire is at war. There's a Duke who's his ally of a small country, and he has sons. Mostly it's political drama, but then there's the side story of these ladies who are mostly love interests and trying to get ahead of each other. The war ends eventually, but there's the hint that another one might break out internally. That's the real drama of the story. The war was just the prelude to it, really. Each season covered a different country or region. Actually, that's not usual for this type of story--I thought it made it feel more complete...but people got tired of waiting for the ships to sail and the plot to conclude. I guess I got bored of it, even though it sounds interesting. The characters are all pretty formulaic, so it's not that much fun.... I just don't see what it would have to do with kidnapping someone."

"I think Miss Karen Shingle is making Hope live out her story in some way," Tony said. "I thought she had some freak house somewhere, but now I don't know. It might be even more...bizarre than that."

"Like Austenland?" Paige said.

"Yeah, but worse. Involuntary," Tony said.

"That would be something some crazy fan would do," Paige said. "But this series isn't that good. I just don't see people really liking it enough to make someone like that. But I guess some people have different tastes.... If that's true, where could you hide somewhere like that?"

"I just don't know. I was hoping this would tell me something." Tony patted his bag of papers. "But the only thing it told me is even harder to believe. It just can't be true.... Maybe I need to read that series."

"I could send you the link if...you, uh, give me your number..." Paige said a bit shyly.

"Oh, right. Sure." Tony gave it to her.

She sent the link.

"I hope you find her," she said. "I should probably get back to the dorms now...but if there's anything else I can do to help, you should just give me a call."

Tony felt exhausted suddenly.

"Uh...well, there is one thing," he said. "Do you have a car?"

"Yeah." She pointed out the window.

"I need a ride," Tony said sheepishly. "And to find a bookstore...and somewhere to sleep, come to think of it."

* * *

I tried to navigate the ball after my little tiff with Penelope. No one else tried to speak to me for quite a while.

 Stella came back to me after a bit and told me who the other people in the room were.

I forgot most of what she said, except when she told me some of the lords had been in the war. One she pointed out, that I thought was kind of sad, was the Dowager Dame Eileen.... She wasn't much older than us, but her husband had been killed in the war.

Stella informed me that she and her husband had actually liked each other. Which was noteworthy apparently, because it must have been rare for aristocrats.

I'd bet that Eileen might have been a side character of some importance--that story wasn't usual for a forgettable one. But she didn't introduce herself to me.

The other important people were of course the Emperor's son and daughter, who'd arrived while I was distracted.

Of course, they were both good looking. Both blonde, not uncommon for royalty in these stories. For contrast, I supposed.

The girl, who was around my age, looked at everyone without much interest. The man, who was the same age as the Marquess, I believe, looked like he was sizing them up.

"They seem like snobs to me," I said to Stella.

"Don't say that where anyone can hear you," she said. "Vivianna is all right. She just doesn't like balls."

"You know her?" I said.

"Oh...well, not personally." Stella fanned herself. "But Dame Eileen does, and she's told me they're nice enough.... Well...Bertram can be a little...cautious. But the son of the Emperor has to watch over his shoulder. A lot of people don't like them."

"The emperor isn't considered a good one?" I said in a low voice.

"My dear Hope, no ruler is ever unanimously liked no matter how good they are," Stella said.

But I thought her tone hinted at her real thoughts being otherwise.

"Do you feel like that walk now?" I said.

"I would love to take some air." Stella winked.

We headed out. The footmen ignored us. I guess they knew Lady Stella's habit.

Once we were farther away from any listening ears, Stella spoke.

"You are not in favor of the state of things, Lady Hope?" she said.

I hoped this wasn't a trap.

"I don't have much of an opinion on it," I said carefully. "I'm just starting to learn about it.... I just think...rulers have too much power, that's all. The entire fate of a country hangs on their actions. Isn't that too much responsibility for any man or woman to have all the time?"

"You would suggest a high council like the nation of Olme?" Stella said.

"I don't know. I'd have to know more about it first." I shrugged.

Stella studied me.

"You wish to know the facets of a matter before giving your judgment. I respect that forethought," she said. "You would be an excellent diplomat."

"That's the first time anyone has ever said that," I snorted. "My mother always says I speak first and think of how it will sound later."

"Oh...yes, I'm sorry about that. My condolences." Stella lowered her head.

Right...my mother here was dead.

I couldn't feel sorry about something that hadn't actually happened, but I tried to look somber. It would be weird to shrug it off.

"Thank you kindly," I said after a moment.

Stella chuckled. "I like you," she said, as if she'd made up her mind about it. "And I think I'd like us to visit more. Here's my card. You should come have tea with me, say, next Thursday?"

She handed me a small printed card with silver embossed stars on it.

It had her address and name on it.

"Oh...thanks," I said.

"You have an interesting way of speaking, abbreviating 'my thanks' and 'kindly meant' and other things," Stella noted. "Is it the way they speak in the Northern woods?"

I think she meant that as a real question and not mockery. 

"Nope, just me," I said roundly. 

"Why?" she asked next.

"I just feel like it," I lied. But what could I say? And why was everyone so hung up on this?

"Oh...well, nevermind. Do you have a card?"

"No..." I frowned in bewilderment.

"You should get one. They save time," Stella advised. "The printer in the village is really quite good."

I took it she meant the one that set type the old fashioned way, like Benjamin Franklin.

Before we could talk about anything else, we were surprised to run nearly right into the emperor's son and daughter who were hiding in a corner of the hedges of the garden. I don't know how they'd slipped out unnoticed unless they'd claimed it was for some official business.

Before they saw us, I heard them talking.

"I know you don't care for visiting, but we're making an appearance. You could at least put in some effort," Vivianna was saying crossly.

"It doesn't matter," Bertram replied, annoyed. "I don't like these small, insignificant people."

"Small? They're some of our closest allies," Vivianna said. Then she saw us.

Stella pretended at once that she'd heard nothing. "Oh, I'm so sorry to intrude. We were heading back towards the ball."

I don't think that was true, but Stella knew how to bullcrap people.

"Did you hear that?" Bertram asked, annoyed.

"What?" Stella was very convincing with her innocence.

I shrugged, not willing to say anything that would sound unconvincing.

"Lady Stella, isn't it?" Vivianna tried to salvage the situation. "I've heard you have some unique views on women. Would you tell me about them?"

For Stella, that must have been a golden opportunity, to tell the Emperor's daughter her opinions, and it might not come again. I could see her almost bubble over.

"Of course, if it pleases you majestyy," she said, somehow with dignity.

They started to walk.

I was left with Bertram, who looked at me without interest. I think it was proper for him to walk with me as a matter of politeness. I think no gentlemen would leave a lady alone at night in the dark. But he certainly seemed unhappy about it.

I tugged at my far too long skirt.

"Why would you wear that?" Bertram said, pretty rudely I thought.

I knew it was madness to provoke him, considering who he was, so I bit my tongue.

"Well, let's go," he sighed.

I didn't take it personally. It wasn't like he knew me. I just thought he was an idiot.

But I resolved not to bother myself with him, and I started to think of what Stella had told me instead until I'd totally forgotten he was even there, he was so quiet.

"Cat got your tongue?" he said at last.

I didn't really expect a prince to use that turn of phrase and it startled me.

"What?" I blurted, accent in full form.

"You're being very quiet," he said.

I was ruffled now. "The first thing you said was insulting my clothes and you expected me to feel chatty?" I retorted.

Then I realized I shouldn't have said that.

He seemed amazed that I dared.

"Was that disrespect?" he said incredulously.

"No, of course not," I backed off. "I just don't know how to respond to it, is all. Pardon me."

I couldn't keep from being sarcastic on that last part, just a tad.

I think he could tell.

"Do you know who I am, Lady Hope?" he said.

"You know who I am." I was surprised.

"My sister told me," he said. "Some of the ladies told her."

I could just guess what they told her, too.

"Well, then you know I know who you are, Your Highness," I said, flatly.

"And aren't you afraid of offending me by speaking so boldly?" he said.

"Well--" I don't know what got into me, but I said the first thing that popped into my head. "--the way I see it, if you're that threatened by something a lowly daughter of a lord said to you in a moment of confusion, I don't know how you could handle being the ruler of a country."

"Excuse me?" he said, sounding offended.

"Well, it's a job that a lot of people will hate you for no matter how good you do." I fell back on what Stella had said. "So you must be used to that."

"So now you hate me? For one remark?" he said. "How petty."

"People will hate for less," I said. "I walked into this ball and half the room hated me because of the way I was all gussied--I mean dressed. I didn't have to say nothing--anything."

"The ladies have nothing better to do with their time," he said, with what I could swear was an eye roll. "I suppose I touched a nerve. Perhaps I should overlook your impudence."

"Perhaps I should overlook yours. Somehow I don't think that's how you're supposed to talk to a lady in this country," I said, still unwisely.

But forgive me if all the hemming and hawing about manners was getting on my nerves. I already felt like I was going to lose my mind if I had to keep it up, and he was pushing my buttons in all the ways to make me forget to control myself.

I guess I just couldn't get over the urge to speak freely.

"The impudence persists." Bertram frowned at me. "Perhaps you are just ignorant. I know that your father was only lately elevated."

That might have been generous for someone of his rank. But I clenched my fist.

Better not to say anything. My goal was not to attract attention.

I wasn't very good at it, it looked like. I wished I was getting attention for doing something right. I never got in trouble like this at home. I was considered polite there, for the most part.

But I felt like I was taking a test I hadn't studied for. And not for lack of trying--there just wasn't a textbook for this.

Thinking of this stressed me out all over again. Talking to Stella had been the most normal I'd felt in a while. I'd almost forgotten where I was and who I was with. But now that it all came back to me how easily I could land myself in serious danger by just acting the wrong way, I began to feel that panic feeling I'd had before.

Me and this garden did not have the best of a relationship. This was the second time.

 I tried to suppress it. I couldn't have another breakdown. It was too cowardly!

But yet again, I found that trying to stop it didn't have the desired effect--and the stupid dress didn't help anything. It was so tight and heavy.

I slowed till I was standing still and began to breathe hard. 

"Madame?" Bertram paused, surprised at me.

I lost control of my words, it seemed, though I was trying not to. I think I thought I would talk myself into calming down, but instead my real thoughts spilled out.

"What if I can't get out?" I began to say to myself, but it must have been louder than I thought.

"Out of what?" Bertram said.

"It's all so impossible," I went on, unable to stop. "But I have to try. I don't know what she'll do if I stop. Perhaps nothing. Then it will just go on, forever and ever."

What happened next was very strange. Looking back, I wonder if Karen actually caused it. Because I was starting to babble idiotically about what was really going on in a way that would have made me seem mad.

And then everything went black, not slowly, but as suddenly as if I'd been hit in the head. I didn't think fainting was quite that sudden, not from stress. It didn't even feel like a faint. It was like the lights just went out.

But then I was blinking and staring at the lamp light. Someone was checking my pulse.

When they tried to check my face, I slapped their hand away.

"She seems all right now," Penelope's voice said impatiently.

"She gave us quite a fright." That was Stella.

"Perhaps we should still let her rest in one of the empty rooms, and the doctor could make her some brew." That was Reg. "Or we could call a mage."

"No." I struggled to sit up. "I'm all right."

"But you fainted for several minutes." Vivianna was still there. "My brother said it happened suddenly."

"Hope just does that when she's too tired," Penelope said, untruthfully I thought, though she might have believed it. "It's happened before."

"Then we should have known that," Reg said. "She's likely pushed her endurance too far at this ball."

"She was all right before," Penelope said. "Maybe she walked too far."

"I'm fine," I said. "I suppose I just went too fast in this stup--stifling dress."

Stella giggled slightly but then cleared her throat to hide it.

"I don't know..." the person who must have been a doctor said.

"We can send you home, if you prefer," Reg offered.

I did prefer.

"Perhaps that's best," I said.

"I'll have to go home also then." Penelope sounded crestfallen.

"But you want to accompany your sister, do you not?" Vivianna said.

Penelope couldn't say no, especially not to the Emperor's daughter.

"Of course. I'll tell the maids," she said resignedly.

I knew I would get an earful from her later.

It wasn't as if I planned it though.

I felt all right now. Just shaky. I wondered how I'd passed out like that without much warning.

I didn't like the idea that everyone was getting that I was fragile. I wasn't at all. I was sure anyone would have been strained by these circumstances.

I was taken home.

I didn't see any more of Prince Bertram, except that he was in the main room when we left.

Penelope said very little to me. She was probably still mad from earlier. She was frosty when she did speak.

Lady Diane was livid that we returned early until she was told it was the Duke's sons own insistence that we rest.

Olivia expressed concern for me, but I really just wanted to be left alone to think.

I ran over what happened. I thought I was safe from Bertram for now. Likely, he'd put down whatever I said to being not in my right mind because of exhaustion or delirium. But I didn't think I'd pull that off a second time.

And I couldn't keep panicking like that. I was just...so alone in this. If anyone had known the truth, I think I could have borne it better. But they didn't, and I was forbidden to tell them. That was the worst part. You can suffer anything if you have company. Alone is the worst.

Had I known that I was less alone than I thought, at the time, maybe I would not have proceeded to have an almost sleepless night.

* * *

The next day I had a headache from being so sleepless, but I tried to read anyway and had some black tea, the closest thing I could get to coffee.

I checked the magic notebook, but Karen had not written in it at all since I last asked her for tips about the ball, and she hadn't responded to that either. This made me nerve wracked, though I dutifully wrote her an update as I was required to do.

I mentioned the Prince only because I hoped she'd tell me if I should be worried about offending him or the Marquess...but she was never very forthcoming with that information. It could be that she just didn't give that much thought to her own character's personality.

After that, I was surprised to get summoned by Lord Laurel's manservant, who acted the same as my maid did, to his study.

I had explored the study. It had knicknacks and armor and some art in it, but very few books. Lord Laurel was not schooled very much in reading or writing or other scholarly subjects. He was a warrior more than anything else, at least from what I knew.

Lord Laurel looked very stern when I came in.

"Good morning, Father," I said politely, as I had learned to do. But I admit, I didn't have the warmth of genuine affection to make it sound right.

"Have a seat," he said, not returning the greeting.

I sat in the chair across from his desk. He was by the window, but he turned to scrutinize me fully.

"Diane has told me that you have not comported yourself appropriately while mingling with the other nobility," he said.

Diane? She wasn't even there.

I sucked in a breath through my teeth. Penelope.

I wasn't sure what she'd told her mother, but I decided not to comment on it till I knew more.

"How so, Father?" I said meekly aloud.

"You spoke of our situation in terms that would humiliate not only yourself but myself and the rest of the family," Lord Laurel said.

I was puzzled. I'd only told Penelope to leave me alone.

Then I thought back. She had been gossiping about me.... Was it possible she'd told her mother it was I who'd done that?

Then I saw how genius that was--in a diabolical way. If it got back to Diane or Melvin that one of us had spoken ill of the other, to put it their way, they'd already assume it was me, and thus Penelope would have saved her own skin and had a double chance to make me look bad.

Why, that conniving little witch! She was a carbon copy of her mother, wasn't she?! Both lying--words I couldn't say aloud in this story without getting in trouble.

Whether she really thought it out that much or not, she'd no doubt love it if it turned out that way.

I wasn't sure what denying I had done it would get me, but I had to try.

"I don't recall saying anything--of that nature, Father." I tried to use fancy words.

"Perhaps you didn't realize it," he said.

I reddened--with anger.

Even he, the one who was like me, only recently admitted to this society, was saying it.

"You and I both have to learn the ways of the nobles now," he said. "But it is easier for me. People will overlook things in a man and a warrior because they have use for him, and men simply expect less...delicacy from each other. Women are different. One slight against them, they will never forget it."

I thought this was broadbrushing a bit. I knew plenty of women who were that petty, but many I knew, like my own mother, were quite gracious, and she never held onto a grudge. I'd seen someone call her a hick to her face, and she'd laughed it off.

"Which is why I have considered, now that we've moved into this house, that perhaps I should send you to the Finishing School for Young ladies that's in the Capital."

My mouth dropped open.

I knew what finishing school was. I'd heard of it in my own world...but it was very rare and old fashioned, I thought.

And a nightmare. The only thing worse than being stuck here was being stuck here in a nambly pambly school for girls who had nothing better to do than learn manners and needlework.

"Father, please," I said aloud, "I don't think that's necessary. I'm sure I can learn without that."

"In time, but we have no time." Lord Laurel sounded like he'd already made up his mind. "The kingdom is not yet stable, Hope. We can't afford any mishaps. In a time of peace, perhaps you would have the leisure time to study privately. But even if I could find a tutor or governess, there is so much to cover. I might have to hire a whole team of them.... It's more efficient to use the school. I believe I can get you enrolled late, seeing as the duke favors our family. You will do this. For all our sakes."

I bit my lip.

I had a feeling I couldn't change his mind. And that frustrated me more than a brooding hen when you steal her eggs.

But if I couldn't get out of it, I wanted to soften the blow.

"How long do I have to do this?" I said.

I think he was impressed I agreed so quickly.

"If you make good progress, no longer than a few months, I should think," he said. "Needlepoint and dancing and those frivolous things can be learned over more time. Your focus should be on etiquette and comportment around other ladies and nobles. If you master that, I have no reason to pay for any more than that."

That was at least less of an issue than all of it at once.

"Can I visit home on the weekends?" I asked.

I didn't like this house much, but Olivia was a good ally, and Tobias was less grating to me than the others...and besides, at least I was getting used to it. Better to know the issues than to be stuck around strangers 24/7.

"I suppose. I expect to hear an account of your progress then," he said. "If it's satisfactory, we can discuss you leaving the school. I think I'm being more than generous, considering how much lost time we must make up for."

I tried not to get mad at that.

I had another thought that kept me from boiling over.

That was that if I was at this darned school, I would be out of the main plot and thus far more likely to avoid getting in trouble. And researching for Karen would likely be easier if I had more diverse people around me than I did here at the mansion. All in all, I might not like the idea of being 'finished', but it was an opportunity to get on with my search and do it with less interference from Diane or Penelope, and that could only be a good thing.

Looking at it that way, I decided not to even try to clear my name and tell Lord Laurel that Penelope was lying. He'd not like it if I started trouble between her and myself, and how would he figure out which of us it was without other witnesses? I'd just stir up the hornets nest, and Diane would no doubt defend her precious, little daughter.

If I accepted this meekly and did my best, it was likely Penelope would trip herself up in time or else give up, and I could avoid more issues. All in all, it might be a good thing, and I'd do best to keep silent.

My momma always said "least said, soonest mended" about fights or petty issues.

"Of course, you're right," I said aloud, putting on my best subservient tone. "I'll do my best to learn."

I meant it, too--if only to save my own skin in this world.

"I'm glad you're being reasonable about this," Lord Laurel said. "You've always had a good head on your shoulders."

I think it was rare for him to compliment anyone, the way he looked awkward about it, so I took it as high praise.

Actually I didn't mind that praise. I prided myself on having a good head on my shoulders.

I tried to curtsy. "Thank you," I said nicely.

I was dismissed after that. I knew I'd gotten off very lightly in the scolding department because I'd been so cooperative.

I saw Penelope in the hallway, watching the door with a smirk. Then she looked at me.

She frowned like she'd thought I'd be in tears.

"What did Father want?" she asked.

I decided to mess with her.

"Oh, just to tell me about a fine opportunity I'm going to have to get ahead in society," I said. "I'm going to be sent to a special school to learn. I'm not used to it yet, but I think I'll catch on fast. The best part is I will get to study more things I'm interested in and with other girls, likely as not. Perhaps you should ask to be sent there also."

She looked like I'd spat in her porridge.

"You're happy about it?" she said.

She was so darn obvious, it made me almost want to laugh--or slap her.

"We have to use every opportunity," I said airily, as primly as she could have herself. "I suppose I better start packing. Do tell your mother that I might have to miss dinner. I don't want to be rude."

Dinner was what they called launch here. They called dinner "supper". I had had to get used to that.

She stared after me as I gathered my way too long skirt and walked away briskly.