Once I compiled the forms Ash and Griz would need, I packed up Sayer and headed out to Chambers to prepare for the Tri-Panel continuance.

I resolved to engage Sayer as my personal clerk the moment his case was settled. The man was an incredible researcher, meticulous and efficient. I had never seen anyone who could locate and pull reference materials as quickly as he did. He didn't even seem to understand how remarkable his skills were.

I was definitely hiring this man and if I had any sense, I would pay him well enough to keep him on my staff for the rest of my legal life.

Marwin escorted the Princes Fanche into the central chamber and Leyo stood over them at the defendant's table. I ignored the death glares they sent my way and quietly discussed strategy with Sayer.

Once Digory's bailiff, Kethe, called us to order, things moved quickly. This was the Magistrate at his finest and the ruling came down within an hour of proceedings.

Dyson was found in contempt and sanctioned for bringing a false claim to court. Digory pronounced a hefty fine and ordered him to pay Sayer for his services plus a grievance fee. He moved on to find Robin guilty of harassment and intimidation of a court officer. He was sentenced to serve six months of public service, supervised by Imperial Steward Marwin Kovax.

Leyo escorted the Princes to a side door where Marwin took custody of them and whisked them away.

Sayer was quietly pleased with the results and helped me put away everything. I invited him to join me when Digs closed chambers for lunch. He was stunned and then eager to accept when I offered the position as my assistant and clerk. Over steamed clams and seasoned greens, we hammered out his duties and pay. By the time we returned to Chambers to finish up the day, I had hired my first employee.

My uncle was pensive for the afternoon proceedings and kept cases moving until the final gavel. I watched him speak with his bailiffs a moment before he left the Chamber for his office. I considered going after him but changed my mind. Chances were, he would be joining us for dinner soon and I could speak with him then.

Digory didn't like blurring lines between his work and his personal life, and I had always respected that.

I dragged Jo into a carriage back to the Manor and made sure he knew where his room was before going to mine to rest a bit before meeting up with Rafal and Ramsi in the study for a quick bite to hold us until supper.

Ramsi hovered near Fala, and I noticed Ash and Griz watching him close as well. I managed to corner Ramsi at the bar -he was making his fourth trip so far- and got the reason for the hypervigilance.

It was worrisome, knowing Rafal was so vulnerable, and we had no way to know what would trigger his Sight or the effect it would have on him.

Guarding Fala was becoming more problematic by the day. I was guiltily grateful that duty didn't fall on me.

All I had to do was protect his Rite of Rule.

Much simpler work, by far.

***

I was surprised when Uncle Digs arrived for supper with Baron Johann Dyxn right behind him.

Baron Dyxn was tall and slender, with pale white-blonde hair and clear gray eyes. As a native Hykini, he had the almond tint to his skin that made him as striking as Rafal. He had a ready smile and an easy, mild manner that made him welcome at any gathering of the Peerage.

As far as I knew, he didn't socialize much, despite being sought after for his status and his lifelong friendship with Aunt Dru. He was Baron of Cheslyn Bay, the largest and most prosperous barony of Hyki. 

He greeted us all with a smile and a nod but held Rafal's eyes for a moment before he bowed deeply.

"Your Grace," he murmured in a voice like warm velvet. "It is a great honor to meet you at last."

Rafal's smile became a quiet laugh, and he pulled the Baron up to cup his elbows in affection.

"My mother adored you, Baron," he said wistfully. "I am so sorry it has taken this long for us to meet."

Johann laughed and shook his head. "Oh, I adored her as well, Your Grace, more than I can ever say. Thank you for inviting me." He turned to Digs and that smile brightened along with his eyes. "Digs, it's been too long,"

Uncle Digs blinked and frowned. "Has it? I don't recall, I'm so sorry."

"No need," Ash intervened. "Let's have a drink while we wait for supper."

I saw Johann nod slowly while Ash steered Digs away. There was something there, certainly, but it appeared that Johann was aware enough to follow Ash's lead. My estimation of the man went up several notches when he greeted Harlyn like an old friend and asked about his family.

Ash and Griz kept the topics frivolous and light throughout supper until a sweet and tangy raspberry sorbet was served for dessert.

"I hope you'll forgive me, Baron," Rafal began. "I must confess there were ulterior motives for inviting you tonight."

"Of course," Johann nodded and put his dessert spoon aside. "How may I be of service, Your Grace?"

"First," Fala sighed, "please call me Rafal. "

Johann grinned. "Of course, Rafal."

"I need help learning to control my Gift. My father tells me you helped my mother with hers."

"Dru and I  helped each other all of our lives," Johann confirmed. "When do you wish to start?"

"The sooner, the better," Rafal gave a pained smile. "I'm in a bit of a hurry. I need to have a handle on this before the Trials."

Johann sat back in his chair and drummed his fingers on the table. "Do you have Dru's journals?"

"I retrieved them today."

"We'll need a few days then, three, maybe five," he said. "The lessons in the journals are all about finesse, technique, and things I can't teach you about using Sight. Are you ready?"

Rafal blinked. "Tonight?"

"Your birthday is less than a fortnight away," Johann pointed out. "And I have other duties to attend in Karami, as you do. The sooner we get you squared away, the better, no?"

Rafal nodded slowly. "Can you tell me how it works?"

Johann leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table to fold his hands together. "I only know how it worked with Dru. You have the same Gift, but I have no idea how things will work between us until we synchronize."

"And how does that work?" Ramsi asked. He sat beside Rafal with an arm across the back of his chair protective and affectionate.

"Well," Johann sighed. "To sync with Rafal, I will require close physical contact."

"The fuck does that mean?" Ramsi's blue-gray eyes darkened, and Johann's pale brows shot up.

"My apologies," he soothed, spreading his hands wide. "I had no idea you were together. Let me clarify, please. I loved Dru, but we never slept together no matter how much we worked together. It was never carnal love with us. She was my sister, and we spent so much time together that synching was like breathing for us.

"With you, Rafal, I will need skin contact, as much as we can manage -without being sexual!" he insisted when Ramsi's fist clenched on the table. "And if it makes things easier for you, Commander, you should join us. Your Gift is not compatible but it is complimentary."

"I don't have a Gift, Baron," Ramsi frowned.

Johann's silvery eyes gleamed. "Well, it's not as overt as mine or Rafal's, but you definitely have the Thorne Gift in abundance."

Ramsi shook his head and looked at his father.

"We'll discuss it later," Digs told him, and I coughed at the shocked expression on Ramsi's face.

I had no idea there was a Thorne Gift, and I was intensely curious about what it could be.

"Rams," Fala took his hand. "I need to do this. If you need to be there, then I want you to be there, but don't make it harder than it has to be."

Ramsi nodded and lifted their joined hands for a kiss. "I don't mean to," he sighed. "I just got you. I'm kinda new to this whole being-with thing."

Rafal's eyes shimmered and he chuckled. It seemed to calm Ramsi, making his eyes brighter and the tension in his body softened.

"What accommodations do you need, Baron?" Rafal asked.

The man chuckled. "You know, Dru called me Johe. I hope by the end of this, you feel comfortable enough to do so," his lips twitched, "Your Grace."

"We shall see where we stand, by the end of this, Johann."

Johann nodded and pursed his lips. "We will both be unaware of what's happening around us, so guards will be a good idea. We will also need privacy in a place we will not be interrupted or disturbed."

"I'll get Harlyn on that," Ash offered.

"And I'll get Gari on the guarding," Ramsi pressed a kiss to Rafal's cheek and followed Ash out of the room.

"Then, all that remains is to get comfortable together and we can begin," Johann finished.

Rafal stood. "Digs, Remus, I'll need you to take care of things in my absence."

"Of course," Digs agreed, and I nodded.

"Johann, if you'll follow me, please."

I watched them leave the room with Fala's guards trailing behind.