-Josie-

Kaden has to leave immediately after having breakfast in the headquarters' mess which is the university's cafeteria. We went to Luca's office yesterday and he assigned me to laundry duty while he was extremely impressed with Kaden's strong hold of both the English and French language. So, Kaden is to take notes in all meetings that happen at the administrative building.

This arrangement works perfectly for us, I get to keep a low profile while Kaden can scout out the right people to impart the information to.

The day passes very slowly, one because I've never had to do manual work in my life so ironing clothes is an alien concept to me. One of the other laundry ladies tries to show me how to do it but finally gives up on me and instead asks me to fold the ironed clothes.

Lunch time isn't any better, I eat alone because I don't know anyone and Kaden won't be back until the evening.

I've just flopped down on my bed in the dorm room's door opens and Kaden enters the room.

"Hey." I smile at him.

"Long day?" He asks, coming to sit down on the bed with me.

I nod, "Yeah. How was yours?"

"Very interesting." He smiles at me and I can tell that he has something that works in favor of our plan.

"Spill." I say, sitting up and crossing my legs.

"One of the meetings that I took down notes for was a new year's party planning committee." He tilts his head as he looks at me.

"A new year's party? The country is in upheaval and these people have time for a party?" I raise an eyebrow at him.

Kaden laughs at this, "I was so worked up about the information that I didn't even think of the circumstances." I roll my eyes at this.

"Anyways, they're having the party here at the headquarters and guess whose attending?" He asks.

"Who?" I raise an eyebrow.

"All the insurgent leaders from all over the country." He smiles.

"Seriously?" I exclaim, grabbing hold of his arm.

"Yes." He laughs as I whoop and pull him into a hug, "But there is one hitch."

"What?" I ask, pulling away.

"I need to think of a way to get the leaders in a secluded setting. From what I've seen, most of these people are over-sensitive just like Norbert and Hermes at the barricade were." Kaden sighs.

"Too trigger happy you mean?" I mumble.

Kaden nods sadly, "It's pointless to even try to explain things in front of them. I'll be labelled a liar before I can even finish my first sentence. Hopefully, these older men will be more considerate and open to listening."

"I'm sure something will pop up that will work for us." I kiss his cheek.

"I hope so too." Kaden says, kissing my forehead. Then he stands up and holds out a hand to me, "Come on, let's go have dinner."

I happily slip my hand into his as we leave the room together. But when we get to the cafeteria, a person cuts my path and makes my breath hitch.

"Come with me, Helen?" Vivienne smiles.

I may have taken a stand against Vivienne while I was Kaden the ambassador's wife but right now if that title leaks then our plan is doomed and so is France.

"Helen?" She says again, still using my fake name.

I gulp and look at Kaden who reluctantly lets go of my hand and walks through the cafeteria doors alone, leaving me behind.

"Well." Vivienne smiles her same old vicious smile at me, making my heart sink.

I'm so sorry about the VERY late update. More frequent updates from now on.