HAWK & SABLE | SEVENTEEN

  GUI YAN GONG was full once more. Everyone gathered around. Rhys had taken much longer than expected, and it was already dinner time when her horse had returned. The Iron Wolf had only given the slightest nod when Irina immediately summoned everyone here. Lady Kuroki included, a necessary, supervising evil.

"It's the same," Rhys said, still slightly breathless from riding. She pulled down her bun, long, dark hair spilling over her shoulders. "Same knife model, though the engravings were completely gone. Hell, same place, right under the sternum, according to reports. The body's already buried."

"Do you have the report?" Lady Kuroki asked, frowning. Rhys flipped open the bag she was wearing and took out a blue book, placing it on the table and flipping it open. Once she was done, she pushed it towards the baroness.

Io leaned over her shoulder, trying to read. After she almost tumbled down, she growled and took a step sideways.

Lady Kuroki looked up and nodded. "You've found your trail."

Everyone in the room exchanged glances. Laurence had somehow found his way behind Ciri and muttered, "Good job. Heard you were the one who found this out."

She shot back, "The power of friendship, Dumont."

He grinned, and she smiled back before tearing her gaze away. That was what they'd fallen into, this careful little dance, with small promises that were buried away as quickly as they came to mind. Ciri didn't mind. She'd played this game before.

But she came crashing back into reality when Danna said, "Now what?"

"Now," Irina drawled, "we know where to look."

"Not a plan," Rhys murmured. "Let's try something more concrete."

"First off, we heighten security. Danna, you're on that. Make a list of anyone who matches that criteria and keep an extra eye out on all of them." Irina glanced around the room. "Asteria, could you handle that?" The girl in question nodded. "Good. I think we need to do some prodding into this case. Rhys? Dominic?"

"Consider it done," Dominic smiled, though it wasn't cheerful. This was his predatory side, when he had a mystery to solve. He was a born predator, and in moments like this, that side was on full display. Rhys looked deceptively nonchalant.

"I want someone to look into any other cases that might match up." Irina in her default state, in power, overseeing a group of operatives. "Myrina. Io."

"Ciri, I want you to befriend as many people who fit the criteria as you can. Work with Asteria on that."

"And me?" Laurence asked from behind her, leaning against the wall.

Irina fixed him with an appraising glance. "You... I'm sure you have something to do. Make friends. Do some diplomatic stuff. You're not under my orders, so stop acting like you are."

Laurence's reply was a wolfish grin.

✢

HIS FIRST COURSE of action was to write that report he'd been meaning to and send it off to Cadieux. He was only surprised a few dozen hadn't arrived from the Arecian Secret Service yet, hounding him for every tidbit of information. Perhaps Cadieux had expected this to be lengthy. Probably, that wily old dog.

Written reports had ever been his strong suit. He'd always preferred verbal ones, but he managed. Because there was no way he'd be able to handle a Saian calligraphy brush pen, he'd taken his own quill with him. He dabbed it in the bottle of ink he'd brought as well and started writing.

There was much to write. The murders. The pattern. The painting.

And then, on the second page, he dabbled in information about the court and the people within it, keeping it sparse. He didn't trust that they wouldn't go through these. It sounded like something he'd do.

I've met quite a few members of the Crown Prince and Princess Irina's inner circle, he wrote, and have been welcomed with open arms. They've been courteous and efficient in our short while of acquaintance. Members in the Circle of Herons include our friend Miss Cirinique Diao, the lady Asteria, Miss Pang and Miss Mi, along with Myrina, Countess of Li Han and the Briar of the Iron Wolves. Colonel Justine Lan was not present, though she seems to be a good friend of theirs as well.

The Circle of Cranes have so far included the Crown Prince himself, Captain Malcolm Man, the Notus of the Iron Wolves and Lord North Hui, a younger son of the Marquess of Rui. The Marquess of Rui. That meant his older brother would be the one married to the Dugu girl. He added that in. The Marquess recently married Miss Dugu Kejia, daughter of the famous general. They'd see this random bit of information and wonder what it meant. They'd then realise it was telling them that this daughter was in one of the royal's confidences. Ciri hadn't told him that, but from the way the two had interacted with her that morning, he'd be a fool not to see it.

I am residing in Zui Hua Gong, the Drunken Flower Palace, alongside Miss Diao and Lord Hua Lin, the son of the Marquess of Naining. Accommodations are wonderful, and the food is delicious.

He added that bit in for fun. When he returned, he'd explain Prince Ruge's obsession with good food. Let Cadieux, Luke, Tyler and the others puzzle over that first.

We have made good progress and are expecting results soon. Vague enough that anyone outside their little circle wouldn't have any idea what the words meant. His intent. Laurence added in a bit more information here and there before sealing the letter. He'd send this out today, and it'll arrive in the Service's hand before the end of the week, hopefully.

He squeezed his eyes shut and thought of his brother-in-arms. A small part of him was starting to miss them. It didn't matter how they treated him here. He was an outsider. He'd always be an outsider.

He didn't dare ask someone else to deliver the message. The Scarlet Palace had a post office somewhere near the northern entrance, if he remembered correctly. He'd go there himself. It wouldn't stop anyone from interfering if they wanted to, but it was still safer.

When he stepped out of his house, Lord Hua was leaving as well. The man's face turned into a beam. "Lord Archsham!"

Respectfully, Laurence stopped and offered a small bow. "Lord Hua." They'd seen each other mere hours before, but if one side was going to act like they hadn't seen each other in decades, the other would have to play along. It wasn't as if he was doing it with malicious intent anyways. From what Laurence had seen of him, Lord Hua was like an excitable puppy. He chased after danger and fun and never settled in one place— or with one person for too long.

So, exactly what the rest of the world thought of him.

"Where are you going?"

No harm in sharing. Laurence raised the letter in his hand. "Delivering a letter to the post office. Checking up on my friends in Arecia, thought I could use the walk. You?"

"Heading out to visit a friend or two. I'll walk with you, eh?"

Laurence nodded, smiling as the two men headed out of the courtyard's main doors, side by side. "I trust you're enjoying your day?"

"Of course. You?"

"Quite pleasant so far." They reached a bend and turned. A pair of matrons were walking by, and both of them stopped to bow and mutter their greetings before continuing onwards.

"That's wonderful to hear." Hua Lin had taken his time to change into a long white robe— the colour of mourning here, Laurence remembered with a jolt, that was why everyone was wearing it— his hair tied up in a bun. He held a white feather fan in his hands and fanned himself slowly. Laurence assumed it was more accessory than actually useful. "Where did you go after we came back?"

"Miss Diao brought me around the palace along with some of her friends. We were then brought to Gui Yan Gong for tea with the gege."

"Ah, I see. Have you heard about the murder yesterday?"

Laurence's eyebrows shot up. Was Hua Lin going to act like he wasn't acquainted— and a bit more than that with Miss Ai? "I have. Quite brutal. Very concerning. An official in the Treasury, wasn't it?"

Hua Lin nodded, expression grim. "The victim, Ai guniang, was a dear friend. I hope they quickly catch whoever committed such an atrocious act." That was genuine pain in his eyes. Pain and anger, and frustration.

Laurence tilted his head. "Hopefully. Murderers could not be allowed to run amok within the Palace, after all." The response that was expected. Detached and superficial, with no genuine care. He wasn't supposed to be known to Miss Ai.

The lord's expression darkened. "Ai guniang did not deserve such a tragic fate. She was kind and had a good, long path ahead of her. But fate is cruel, if it even exists."

"On that, we all agreed." Laurence tipped his head forward. "How old was she?"

Hua Lin answered without hesitation, "Twenty-two. She was intelligent and beautiful."

"The world has lost a kindred soul," he murmured, careful not to show too much of an interest in the case. He didn't need suspicion cast on him right now. It wouldn't get anywhere, but damn if it wouldn't be inconvenient.

"It has." They walked in silence after that, Hua Lin's eyes trained on the ground. Laurence kept his head respectively lowered.

"The post office is down there," he said, stopping at a crossroad. "I'll be continuing that way."

"Of course, my lord. It was pleasant speaking to you. I hope to see you again soon." They both bowed slightly before turning in the opposite direction.

The men in the post office didn't glance twice in his direction when he handed them the letter, some coins, and the delivery address. Laurence left quickly, returning to his apartment. Ciri was still out, as was Lord Hua. Neither would be returning any time soon.

He frowned and glanced around his quarters. Maybe...

He called for his servant, who came rushing in a moment later. Laurence told him his message, and the servant ran off.

Let's see if the Crown Prince was up for a bit of a challenge.

✢

"WHERE'S LORD ARCHSHAM?" Ciri asked, Asteria on her tail. The two had spent much of the evening compiling their list, and they'd already marked out all the people they could immediately target. But not today.

A servant came out to answer. "He's gone to spar with His Imperial Highness, guniang."

Asteria stared. "Spar? Laurence Dumont, Viscount Archsham is sparring with taizi Ruge?"

The servant gave a meek bob of the head. "Yes, xiaojie."

Asteria's expression was incredulous. Ciri tugged her hand. "Where are they sparring?"

"Kuan Hun Gong," she responded. "Would you like to head there?"

Ciri exchanged glances with Asteria. "We'd love to. Should we change, my friend?"

Asteria nodded. "I'll meet you there. Xiaying!" Her maid, Xiaying, who had been a few steps behind them, came out. "Go to my room and fetch my training robes." It wouldn't be shocking to anyone that they knew how to fight. As long as they didn't show their full potential, there'd be no suspicion casted.

Ciri glanced at her own maid. "Do you mind helping me get my own from my luggage? I haven't taken it out." Their training robes were respectful, with breaches underneath. The dress itself was far shorter, ending at the calf. It might scandalize a matron or two, but it was nothing compared to some of the qipao they wore these days.

Ten minutes later, both girls were ready to head out. They could hear the soft clink of wooden swords as they neared the Palace. Neither men dared risk it with sharpened, metal blades. Clever.

Asteria was a sniper by training. Her father hadn't wanted her to work in the thick of things in the field, and her training and skills had reflected that. She could still stand her own in a swordfight, but Ciri generally thought she was better.

Kuan Hun Gong was used generally for young lords and ladies' sparring. Some of the priestesses of Hongyun used the place occasionally as well. Today, Laurence and Ryan were the only two fighting, a few servants scattered to the side along with the weapons master.

The two men were fast as lightning, whirling around and around, footing sure and steady. Ciri raised a brow, and Asteria looked faintly impressed. If they'd noticed the two girls' presence, neither acknowledged them. They didn't take any offence. A second's lapse in concentration and they'd have lost easily, after all.

Laurence was a skilled bladesmen, though it was obvious he was more comfortable with other weapons. Ciri recalled him being a sureshot and excellent with a throwing knife. Ruge was a born strategist, not a fighter, but he held his own, albeit with a bit more pressure.

The two wooden swords met in the air. Once. Twice. Thrice. Until Ryan finally slipped up and Laurence's blade found itself kissing his neck.

Ryan heaved. "I yield."

Laurence smirked and straightened himself, scratching his neck before bowing to the two females. "Miss Diao, Lady Asteria."

They both dropped into curtsies. "Your Imperial Highness, Lord Archsham."

Ryan glanced at them. "What are you two doing here?"

Dryly, Asteria began, "Imagine my shock when we went to Zui Hua Gong and heard that the two of you were sparring. We could hardly stifle our curiosity. Could you blame us for coming here?"

Both men were slick with sweat. Ciri tore her eyes away from Laurence. "So here we are. We plan on sparring a round or two too, if you don't mind. You boys can stay and watch if you want."

"We're actually quite good," Asteria added with a shrug.

Laurence held up his hand. "I'm not foolish enough to doubt either of your battle prowess. Your Imperial Highness?"

The two men stepped off the courtyard, still heaving. A servant ran up with water, which they both chugged. "You're free to go first," Ruge said courteously.

The two girls made their way towards the weapons rack. Glancing up and down appraisingly, Asteria settled on a wooden rapier. Ciri thought for a moment and chose a long jian, flipping it around in her hand to get a feel of the weapon. It had been a while since she'd gotten something like this in her hand. It almost felt foreign.

She looked up and smiled at Asteria, who was already making her way onto the stone courtyard.

Ciri racked through her head. The two's fighting styles were generally similar. Ciri lacked her sister's strength, and fought defensively. Asteria was a long-ranged fighter through and through and was good at dodging and ducking. In their prior fights, both girls would dance around each other until one inevitably lost their patience (or lost Lady Kuroki's, who'd scream at them to get it done already) and started to attack.

"Ready, sweet Cirinique?"

"Always, Asteria darling."

Ciri, against her usual style, struck first, slashing down with her jian. Asteria nimbly dodged, graceful as a fawn. Ciri leaped back as Asteria lunged forward, stepsiding to avoid the wooden blade.

"Too slow," she taunted, twirling off to the side. Both girls got back into stance.

"I've been practising, while you've been... whatever." There were people here who weren't part of their circle, so Asteria held her tongue. But both girls knew what she wanted to say, and so would Ryan and Laurence.

"Just because you've gotten slightly better does not mean you could beat me." Wood met wood as Asteria's rapier met her jian. Ciri parried, twirling off to the side once more. Asteria didn't give her time to react this time, slashing out with the blade. Ciri barely blocked it, taking a step back.

"What were you saying?" Asteria smirked, continuing on with her attack. Twang! Twang! Ciri blocked blow after blow. Eventually, she ducked under Asteria's relentless blows and leapt to the other side.

Asteria twirled around, quick as lightning. She had gotten better. Training with Danna, probably, who was the best hand-to-hand combatant among all of them. Ciri raised her sword just in time, using it to push Asteria's blade astray and jabbed forward. Asteria hissed, barely jumping back in time and stumbling.

Asteria didn't know how to alternate between the two easily. When she attacked, she attacked nonstop. She didn't know when to snap back to defence. She'll exploit that.

Ciri didn't leave Asteria room to breathe, stepping forward and hacking down with her sword. Asteria barely ducked in time. In terms of stamina, Ciri beat Asteria ten times out of ten. Asteria was no field agent, after all. She had been trained by fancy swords masters with a few dirtier tricks sprinkled in here and there, but Ciri had experience against enemies who gave no shits for etiquette and manners, or to keep her alive. If Ciri could keep this fight going long enough, she'd easily win.

But Ciri wanted this to end fast.

So she kept on pushing, in a mirroring of Asteria's former attacks, jabbing and stabbing to push Asteria back. Asteria responded with her own parries, blocks and dodges. She stole a single glance behind her and realised what Ciri was doing. In a startling change, Asteria turned aggressive once more, but Ciri simply switched back to the defensive and yielded a few steps.

Ciri blocked out the rest of the world, focusing on the whirl of the blades. She narrowly avoided an angry slash, parrying the blow and dodging underneath her sword, straightening on her left. She jabbed, but Asteria managed to block it at the last minute.

The two girls pulled away, gathering their breaths, eyeing each other. Asteria was smiling.

Before Asteria could respond, Ciri leapt into the air and charged forward, sword slashing in an arc. Asteria didn't dodge in time, and the wood skimmed across her abdomen. She swore, the sound ricocheting through the air.

"Yield?"

Asteria responded to that with a slash of her own. Ciri took that as a no, and spun to the side. Asteria had overextended, and Ciri tapped on her back with the sword.

"For fuck's sake! Fine. I yield." Asteria threw down her sword, pulling a finger through her sweat-covered hair. Her bun had long loosened. Ciri smirked.

"Practise isn't helping you much."

"Watch me start training with Io and Ronan," Asteria hissed.

"I'm terrified," Ciri laughed, turning to the two men waiting below the stone stage and offering a quick bow.

"Was that meant to be a fight or a dance?" Ryan demanded, crossing his arms, studying the two with narrowed eyes.

Asteria snorted. "Both. We're ladies, after all. Can't do anything ungracefully. How dare you suggest such a thing, Your Imperial Highness?"

"You weren't fighting half the time." He snorted. "Just twirling around like butterflies."

"It's their fighting style," Laurence shrugged. "Nothing you could do about it." Dropping his voice, he added, "and it provides a bit of an explanation for their skills, if you get what I mean."

Ciri opened her mouth to respond, but footsteps suddenly neared. Myrina stuck her head into the courtyard door and let out a soft huff. "There you are."

Ciri raised a brow. "What's wrong?"

"Irina asked me to tell you all to head to Gui Yan Gong for dinner in an hour, that's all. Also, Your Imperial Highness," she dropped into a curtsy, "she asked me to give you this letter." With outstretched arms, she handed over the sealed parchment. Ryan flipped it over and nodded.

"I'll read this later," he replied. Myrina bobbed another curtsy and left.

Besides Ciri, Asteria huffed, "Irina has got to stop treating her like a goddamned servant."

Ryan's gaze had followed Myrina's trail as the countess vanished from sight. "Irina has to have her reasons."

"I know her reasons," Asteria responded, full of mystery, the way she liked it. "They're idiotic, that's what I think. Me, I believe she just likes having someone to boss around."

"She likes to boss around everyone, and she usually manages to do so," Ryan pointed out.

"But none of us are at her disposal twenty-four seven," Asteria replied. "Whatever. I need a shower. I'll see you all at dinner." They muttered their goodbyes and went their separate ways.