Having never been here before, the first thing I notice is that the Outer City is not so remarkably different from our City.

We spiral through a confusing network of run-down stone buildings, pocked and marked, crumbling into various states of disrepair. Clearly, the Outer City boasted an impressive Common population prior to the Rebellion. People wander in and out of the buildings, giving us curious glances as we ride by. A group of children chases us for a time, squealing and shouting "Runner!" after me until I spin in my seat and stick my tongue out at them playfully, causing them to erupt into peals of laughter.

The streets are so uncannily familiar that I half-expect the road to end in the massive gates of a glass Palace. Instead, a low, sprawling building advances towards us. Cobalt-blue shutters are thrown open to allow in the afternoon light; the royal colour startlingly dramatic against bleached white walls. Several impeccably dressed men and women mill about the grounds, noticeably idle compared to the busy tradespeople who greeted us when we first arrived.

There is definitely a strange energy to this lavish estate. The overly-fine clothing. The rude mannerisms. These people are former Courtiers, no doubt, but they are still perpetuating the haughty attitudes of the pre-Rebellion. I sweep my gaze casually across the grounds as Will and I draw to a stop near the door of Grayson's home, swinging down off the saddle to land on shaky legs.

I catch more than one sneer as the former Courtiers rake their eyes over us. No one bothers to come over to offer us welcome. I have no qualms about the fact that we are intruders here.

If Will feels the steely greeting as acutely as I do he doesn't show it.

"You, there." He raises his voice to a surly-looking teenage boy a few paces away from us.

The lad shuffles forward reluctantly, keeping his gaze averted from the sight of Will towering over him. "Yessir?"

"Do me a favour and take these horses, will you? They'll need some water and a rubdown. I trust you know how to take care of that." Will hands over the reigns, quirking a friendly grin. I copy his example and pull my face straight, trying to appear at-ease.

The boy seems bewildered but accepts the reigns, staring up at the massive horses with an expression of utter confusion. I allow Will to place a hand on the small of the back and steer me towards the doors, my eyes flicking back and forth over the stone facade of the walls ahead of me, reflexively analyzing the bricks and windows.

Our boots click against the tiled floor, the sound echoing off the pristine stone walls surrounding us. The interior is a series of tiled hallways separated by white-washed pillars. My trained eyes skim over the surfaces of various benches and the artful ceramic vases. Everything appears immaculate; even the plush cushions thrown onto the furniture are freshly plumped. I can already see evidence of where Grayson is spending the allowance given to him by the Madam.

Finally, rushed footsteps hurry down the hall and a short, squat woman appears in front of us, her grey curls springing up around her face and a high colour marring her round cheeks.

"Hello!" She puffs out a couple quick breaths in an attempt to recover from her dash from whatever corner of the estate she materialized from. "Welcome. I'm Suze, I'm the head housekeeper here."

"Suze, a pleasure to meet you." Will extends his hand to shake and I do the same. "I'm Will and this is Kay."

"Oh, I know who you are." Her grip is firm and she smiles warmly, though she still appears flustered. "Forgive me, but is Lord Grayson expecting you?"

I nearly scoff at her use of the word 'Lord'. Grayson's title was stripped after the Rebellion but clearly he hasn't bothered to inform his staff of that detail.

"No, he isn't but we were in the neighbourhood and were hoping that he could spare a few moments for us." Will keeps the easy grin plastered on his face, his every air relaxed and full of charm. The blush in Suze's cheeks rises and she sputters a few times, clearly flustered before inviting us to follow her towards one of the sitting rooms.

The roof opens up intermittently throughout the palatial estate, the warm afternoon sun alighting the richly-furnished rooms and the expensively-draped fabrics. Suze leads us to a spacious parlor, indicating that we should take a seat and offering us a drink while we wait.

We watch her leave, waiting until her rotund figure disappears around the corner before speaking.

"What do you think?" Will asks, careful to keep his voice low.

"His staff still refers to him as 'Lord', the people living here are clearly still enjoying a courtly lifestyle and this estate is kept more immaculate than the Palace." I drum my fingers thoughtfully against my chin, scanning the room, noting the plush, embroidered carpet laid out below our feet and the priceless artwork set against the whitewashed walls.

Will nods. "We should have checked on what was happening over here a long time ago." He runs a hand over the back of his neck, as if trying to relieve the tension there. "Clearly, Grayson is receiving funds from an outside source and has been for awhile."

"It's no wonder that he's kept everything quiet on the home front." I lean forward, checking that there is no one hovering near the doorway. "Obviously, he isn't going to admit that he had anything to do with what happened to Meg so we're going to need to find some proof of our own."

"This is certainly an impressive estate." Will remarks offhandedly, glancing around at the open ceiling and ornate pillars. "Perhaps we can request a tour."

"Perhaps we can."

Several minutes pass before Grayson finally deigns to grace us with his presence. He sweeps into the room, as finely dressed and carefully coiffed as ever, wearing an embroidered yellow vest that was clearly deliberately chosen as it straddles the fine line between modesty and luxury.

I feel the hair on my arms rise unconsciously at seeing him. The faux-smile, the curled caramel hair, the ever-present disdain behind cold eyes. I should have given his ridiculous head a harder smack that day in the library.

"Commander, it's good to see you." Grayson's voice is smooth as silk as Will stands to greet him and the two men exchange a handshake. He turns to me. "Kay." He says my name as though it were something unpleasant he had for breakfast.

"Grayson, always a pleasure." I say coolly, gripping his limp hand with mine, squeezing with more force than necessary and revelling in the way he flinches and draws back.

"So, to what do I owe this visit?" Grayson settles onto the overstuffed couch opposite, crossing his leg over the opposite knee and sitting back with his arms outstretched, appearing perfectly at home if it weren't for the way his foot jiggles up and down.

"I wish we were here under more pleasant tidings." Will sighs heavily and I marvel at his acting ability, not for the first time.

"Oh?"

"It seems that the Wastelanders we invited into the City with the intention of negotiating peace have chosen to fling our good will back in our faces." Will leans forward, locking his gaze with Grayson's. "One of them attacked and nearly killed Queen Megra."

Grayon's long fingers fly to his mouth in an impression of horror. I watch him carefully, studying his reaction, keeping my own face measured and impassive. For his part, Grayson appears genuinely shocked but I don't miss the way he shifts uncomfortably on the settee.

"How dreadful." His voice drips with sentiment and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. "Praise the gods that they saw fit to spare her life."

"Indeed." Will nods, sitting back again. "I am sure you can understand that we must take our revenge at once."

"Of course." Grayson says gravely, his eyes darting from Will to me and back again. "An act as dishonourable as this cannot go unpunished. Although..." He shakes his head sadly. "I can't say I am surprised that this happened. I have always maintained that the Wasters are not to be trusted."

"I wish wholeheartedly that you weren't right about that." Will looks to me for a moment, raising his dark eyebrows slightly. "We had high hopes for an alliance."

"There will never be peace between us and those savages." Grayson fairly spits and I bristle at his derisive tone. "Their morals are as muddled as the dirt they were raised in."

Will places a hand on my knee, sensing the rage boiling over inside of me. I clench my jaw and roll my shoulders back, annoyed that I was once able to assimilate flawlessly as a lady but am now barely capable of biting my tongue around the insipid Lynal Grayson.

"Tell me then, my friends." Grayson folds his hands together, sitting back pertly. "How can I assist?"

"We were hoping that you would be willing to recruit some citizens from the Outer City to aid us in our upcoming war against the Wastelanders." Will draws smoothly from the backstory we rehearsed.

"Of course. Consider it done." Clearly considering our business complete, Grayson makes to stand. "You didn't need to trouble yourselves, coming all the way down here."

"Nonsense. The Outer City is a part of the Queen's kingdom; it's only fair that we extend a face-to-face courtesy when asking for favours." Will waves his hand dismissively and I don't miss his pointed jab, subtly putting Grayson in his place. Clearly, the former Lord still considers the Outer City to be his domain.

"How kind of you." Grayson responds tightly.

"We don't have to rush off, do we?" I cut in, pasting a syrupy-sweet smile on my face. "I've never been to the Outer City before; I would love a chance to look around."

"By all means." Grayson signals over his shoulder and Suze materializes, seemingly from out of nowhere. "Unfortunately, I have other commitments I must attend to, but Suze will be more than happy to give you a tour of the grounds."

"How kind." I smile at Suze before looking back to Grayson. "I am sure that you have extremely important work to take care of."

Will trods on my foot while Grayson flares his nostrils. "Right." He takes a step back, eager to end the conversation. "Perhaps we can speak more later."

"Here's hoping." I offer a cursory wave as he sweeps from the room, ducking my head to hide a smirk when he stumbles on the edge of the rug.

Suze gestures us from the room and shuffles ahead down the hall, pointing out the various rooms and gardens. Will and I take turns asking questions, keeping our eyes peeled for anything that could prove useful for implicating Grayson in the plot to kill Meg. The former Courtiers keep their distance, shooting us sideways glances when we pass by.

We exit the estate and head across the grounds. In front of us looms a tall, narrow tower. It is complementary to the estate in that it shares the same royal blue shutters and whitewashed walls.

"What's that?" I ask, drawing to a stop and indicating the tower.

Suze glances upwards, wrinkling her brow. "That? Offices, mainly. Nothing that would be of interest to you, I'm sure."

"I wouldn't mind taking a look." Will flashes Suze his trademark grin again. "If you would be so kind?"

She softens, the colour rising to her plump cheeks, "Well...I suppose there's no harm. Follow me."

We trail after her up the stairs of the narrow building, spiralling upwards and poking our heads into the various rooms. They stand mostly empty, boasting nothing more substantial than a few desks and bookcases. I feel my heart begin to sink as we ascend to the top floor. It is becoming less and less likely that we are going to find anything here to blackmail Grayson with.

Will stops abruptly as we reach the final floor, causing me to slam into his back. I rub my nose, ready to spout a rude comment when I notice that he is standing stock-still, every muscle tensed as he watches a man exit the room at the top of the stairs, locking the door behind him.

The man is familiar, with thinning grey hair and a close-cropped beard. He is tall, nearly as tall as Will. It is when I draw this comparison that realization suddenly sets in and I all at once remember how I know this man.

"William?" The older man's voice is deep and he speaks with tight, clipped tones. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello, father." Will's fists clench unconsciously and I place a hand lightly on his back, remembering the scars hidden beneath the fabric there. He unfurls his fingers at my touch, forcing himself to relax.

"Dr. Cain, this is your son?" Oblivious, Suze seems delighted by the chance meeting. "What a small world this is!"

"Getting smaller every day." Will remarks dryly, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "So, you're working here now?"

"Lynal has been exceptionally welcoming. He was kind enough to employ me as the Outer City's record-keeper in addition to my duties as a physician." Dr. Cain's eyes dart to me, their grey colour cold in sharp contrast to Will's warmth.

Record keeping. I stiffen, waiting until Will's father looks away before glancing at the ring of keys attached to his belt and the locked door behind him. I need to get into that room.

"I think that's enough touring for one day." Will runs a hand over his head. "Thank you for everything, Suze. Father, perhaps we can talk together in one of the offices? Catch up?"

Dr. Cain narrows his eyes suspiciously but agrees, shouldering his way past me down the stairs with a little more force than necessary. I don't mind, taking the opportunity to grip the keys and unhook them from his belt, being careful to keep them from rattling as I hide the flash of silver in my palm.

We trudge one after the other down the stairs, stopping on the third floor where Dr. Cain selects an empty office, standing to the side so that Will can enter. I hang back, offering up an apologetic smile.

"I think I'll take a turn on the grounds." I say, taking a step backwards. "Give you two a chance for some quality time."

Will and I exchange a look and he nods, ever-so-imperceptibly. "I'll meet up with you later."

"Sounds good." I incline my head towards his father. "Dr. Cain. Always a pleasure."

He sneers, turning abruptly away. Clearly, he hasn't forgotten our first and only interaction. I don't know why he should be so mad; After all, I was kind enough to leave his manhood intact after pulling him off that hapless servant girl.

Will shuts the door and I trail Suze down the remainder of the stairs and out the front door, waving goodbye and turning to stroll casually around the back of the tower.

Once the housekeeper is out of sight I move towards the back wall, glancing around and ensuring that there is no one in view before leaping upwards, grabbing hold of the loosened bricks and pulling myself bit by bit up the building's facade. I am careful to steer clear of the windows and climb quickly on the off-chance that someone were to look my way.

When I reach the top floor I shimmy sideways until I reach the window closest to the record-keeping room, noting rightly that there doesn't seem to be a window that leads to the room itself.

I peer cautiously into the room, scanning the interior before heaving myself inside, landing soundlessly inside the empty office. It's no surprise that these rooms stand mostly empty since no one in this estate seems interested in working. How fortunate for me; their laziness just makes my job easier.

I creep out into the hallway and make my way to the next door, pulling out the key ring I lifted from Will's father and inserting a slender silver key in the lock, turning it once and grinning when the mechanism gives a satisfying click, slipping inside and pulling the door closed behind me.

The room is organized meticulously. At least Dr. Cain, for one, seems to have some work ethic. I begin by investigating the bookshelf, my fingers scanning the various titles as I mutter under my breath.

Finding nothing I move to the desk, pulling open drawers and shuffling through papers. I balk at the notes I find. I find records of the allowances given to citizens who have no occupation given other than 'consultant' or 'volunteer'. Clearly, Grayson is not only maintaining his lifestyle but also that of his friends.

The final drawer is locked, catching stubbornly when I try to yank it open. I curse and crouch down, withdrawing my dagger and fiddling with the lock until it finally spring loose and the drawer slides forward.

I grasp the parchments folded neatly inside, settling comfortably into the soft leather chair as I scan the documents. The final paper is tucked into an envelope and I withdraw it, nearly choking when I see what is written.

An agreement, signed in Grayson's sweeping cursive.

"My gods." I breathe, my eyes darting over the words. A mixture of relief and rage courses through me. This is it. This is what we needed.

We've got you now, Lord Lynal.

I tuck the parchment into my pocket, slamming the drawer shut and locking it again, careful to leave everything exactly as I found it. I even tuck the chair back in so that it stands the same distance from the desk as it did when I came in.

I move swiftly to the door, checking that the hallway is clear before locking the room tightly and heading back to the window in the empty office.

Now for the tricky part; getting the keys back to Will's father before he realizes that they're gone. I pick my way down brick by brick until I reach the third floor, sidling around the side of the building so that I am situated outside the window of the office Will and his father are currently occupying. Thankfully, this side of the tower faces a garden wall, effectively shielding me from any curious eyes.

The men's voices float through the open window. I remain perfectly still, listening, trying to get a sense of the situation.

Unsurprisingly, father and son are arguing. I clutch the outcropping of bricks tightly, shifting so that my feet are comfortably gripping the wall next to the window.

"It matters precious little to me how you squander the opportunities being a Courtier has afforded you, William." His father's tone implies that this does, in fact matter a great deal. "But I will say that the path you have chosen could not be more of a disappointment."

"Why? Just because I helped to do away with that elitist propaganda you spent your life imposing on everyone?" I smirk at Will's words, momentarily imagining a well-aimed throw of heavy keys to the back of his father's head.

Dr. Cain huffs audibly. "That 'propaganda', as you put it, has done more for you than you could ever realize, you ungrateful fool."

"Trust me, I do appreciate it. I appreciate the fact that your hateful lessons pushed me to think for myself."

"Those lessons were wasted on the likes of you. I gave you everything, William. Do you realize that? Status, riches, your own medical practice in the Palace."

"Don't forget the scars, father. You were generous with those also."

"I was trying to teach you the importance of obedience. Clearly, my efforts were in vain."

"Clearly."

"Do you really think that this new system of yours is going to work?"

"It has worked. It is working."

Dr. Cain scoffs. "Perhaps for now, but it is only a matter of time before the better people find their way back to the top of the heap."

"You were never better, father. You were scum then and you are scum now."

"How dare you." I flinch as a fist slams heavily onto the surface of a table. "You have ruined this family, William. You and that red-headed criminal."

"Leave her out of this."

"Ah, I've stumbled upon a soft spot, have I?" The older man's tone is mocking. "I should have known that she would drag you down to her level."

"She is ten times the person you could ever hope to be."

"She is a homeless beggar. She may have tricked you and the rest of those soft-hearted Commoner sympathizers but at the end of the day she is nothing more than she was when she started. Gutter filth."

"You could not be more wrong. She is generous and kind. She is courageous. She is clever and the single most selfless person I have ever known. Her heart is worth more than any measure of your precious gold." There is the sound of wood scraping against the floor as Will's chair shifts back. "You will never be able to see past these shallow limitations you have imposed upon people. I feel sorry for you, father. Truly, I do. You are missing out on so much."

Dr. Cain releases a single, barking laugh without a trace of mirth. "Anything that I have missed out on can be attributed solely to you, son."

There is a moment of silence and I lean closer to the window, grimacing as I adjust my awkward position against the wall.

"Riches and status are nothing to be missed." Will says eventually. "If you ever felt an ounce of love for another person then perhaps you would realize what truly matters."

"You have always been a self-important wretch. Just you wait, son. When the new order is reinstated and that red-headed traitor is wiped from the face of this planet, then you will have to learn reason."

"I wouldn't count on that, Father. Aren't you tired of this fight? It's over. You have lost. Accept your new lot in life and try to make something of yourself before it's too late." Will's tone is measured but I recognize the trace of rage quivering just below his surface.

"This is far from over, WIlliam. Your little Rebellion was merely a grain of sand in a vast desert."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"In time, you will see." I wrinkle my brow at the doctor's words, the slip of parchment in my pocket suddenly feeling heavy. I shift against the wall, cursing internally when a loosened pebble skips down the side of the building.

"Charming. Well, I'd say that's enough father-son bonding for one day, wouldn't you?" Will raises his voice a decibel, implying that he noticed my slip. I hold my breath, gradually easing myself closer to the window, peering inside cautiously.

Will is standing near the doorway and his father is seated on a couch, his back to me. Will keeps his eyes trained resolutely forward, not giving the barest hint that he has spotted me. I reach my hand into my pocket, drawing out the keys with an agonizing slowness, clutching them tightly so that they don't rattle in my hands.

"As you say, William." The older man makes to stand, his knees creaking. In that instant I toss the keys forward, aiming for his recently vacated seat and praying that the soft cushions and rustling clothing will muffle the sound of impact. I duck back to the side, keeping my back pressed to the warm brick as I release my breath.

"Did you forget something, father?" There is the sound of jangling keys as someone lifts them from the couch. "You are undoubtedly a fine record-keeper."

"I should have beat more respect into you when I had the chance." I hear Dr. Cain snatch the keys back.

"I doubt it would have made any difference, but go ahead and believe so if that eases your conscience somewhat." The door to the office creaks on its hinges and bootsteps tap across the floor, gradually receding into the distance.

I descend the wall quickly, jumping down the final floor and wiping my dusty hands on my pants before strolling back to the front entrance of the tower.

Will and his father part ways just as I come around, keeping my shoulders drawn back casually, swallowing a multitude of creative insults as I watch the good doctor scowl at me before he turns back to the main house.

I draw up next to Will, standing silently as we watch his father's hunched figure recede into the distance. Will's breaths are slightly ragged and I feel my heart tug at him, resisting the urge to reach forward and grab his hand.

"Did you find what you were looking for?" He asks, after a time.

"Yes." I crane my neck up towards him. "How someone as strong as you managed to come from a monster like that, I'll never know."

A dimple flashes on his cheek. "Sorry you had to hear all that."

"I'm sorry you had to live through it." I bite down on my lip, skimming his face as he stares into the distance. "Are you all right?"

He releases a breath of air. "Yes." He says definitively. "I'm fine." He brings his eyes to mine. "What did you come across?"

I pull the parchment out of my pocket, handing it to him wordlessly. I watch him as he reads, his brow furrowed. The delicate paper crinkles audibly when he gets to the end and his large hands clench into fists.

"Shall we pay our friend Grayson another visit?" I ask.

"We damn well better." He lowers the document, the expression on his face positively murderous.

We hurry back to the estate, encountering a frazzled Suze who takes one look at Will before turning on her heel and leading us directly to Grayson, no questions asked.

He is in one of the inner rooms, surrounded by a heavy veil of smoke. I wave my hand in front of my face, choking back a cough when Suze opens to door to admit us. Grayson sits up abruptly from his lounging position, his face purpling in surprise.

"Oh, gods. Look, this really isn't the time." He protests impatiently as he puts down an ornately-carved pipe. "You can't just come barging in here."

"Apologies, Lynal, but we've come into some information that I think might be of interest to you." I hold the folded piece of parchment in front of my chest, showing it to Grayson but hiding it from Suze.

I take no small amount of pleasure in watching his glazed eyes nearly pop out of his head.

"You can leave us, Suze." His voice is choked and he coughs to cover it.

After the door is shut tight Will and I walk forward, settling comfortably onto the couch opposite Grayson. He sits rigidly, fairly trembling in his seat as his focus darts back and forth between us.

"How did you get that?" He finally manages.

"I don't wish to bore you with such trivial details." I place the paper back in my pocket, keeping it safely out of his reach. "Instead, I think we should talk about what it says."

He opens his mouth and closes it several times, the combination of opium and shock rendering him speechless for once in his miserable life.

"Have you nothing to say? Very well, I'll start us off." I lean forward in my seat, keeping my voice low and my tone measured. "I have, here in my pocket, legal documentation signed by you, Lynal Grayson, stating that when you are made King of the City, that you promise an annual shipment of one thousand Outer City and City citizens to someone named 'The Madam'. Why don't you tell us about that?"

He quakes from head to toe. "You don't understand."

"What could be more clear than a contract?" I shake my head slightly, my eyes never leaving his. "You are pathetic."

"It was the only way!" He sputters, froth flying from his overly-plump lips. "The Madam is doing great things. Giving her a thousand people is a small sacrifice to make."

"A sacrifice?" I nearly launch myself at him, restrained at the last moment by Will's firm grip on my arm. I draw a shuddering breath, willing myself back under control. "We know it was you, Grayson. We know you blackmailed Rowan into attacking Meg so that you could take the throne. This paper tells me that you brokered some kind of deal with this 'Madam' person, wherein you give her a thousand people a year once you rule the City. She gets a yearly supply of people to add to her collection, and you get the throne and the separate sectors back. Everyone wins."

He drops his head into his hands, running his fingers through the carefully-arranged curls. "I would have been a good king." His voice comes out as a whimper and I curl my lip in disgust.

"King? You are not even passable as a human being." My part in this done, I sit back in my seat, crossing my arms over my chest.

"This could be very bad news for you, Lynal." Will's inflection is kinder than mine, but I don't miss the barely-concealed anger apparent in his posture. "I don't think your formerly Common citizens will be very pleased to learn of this contract you signed."

"Please don't tell them." Fear laces Grayson's features as he looks up. His normally perfectly-coiffed hair is mussed and standing on end, making him appear almost childish.

"You seem to enjoy making deals, how about you and I strike one right now?" Will sits up straighter so that he is towering over the shaking Grayson. "You come with Kay and I back to the City, now, without any fuss and we won't breathe a word of this to anyone."

"Go? With you?" His red-rimmed eyes widen as he clutches at his vest. "What will I tell my friends?"

"Tell them that you've gone to help the City prepare for our war against the Wastelanders." Will makes to stand. "I'd give you time to pack a few things, but it's already growing late and we really have to get going."

"But... my clothes..." Grayson grips his yellow vest tighter.

"Don't worry about it, where you're going you won't want for much." I rise to my feet, quirking an eyebrow at the sniveling mass sitting across from us.

He stays rooted in place, sniffing repeatedly and running his wrist against flushed cheeks. "I'm just going to need a moment."

I turn away so I won't have to look at his tears, catching Will's eye. We exchange small grins, something passing wordlessly between us.

I feel a sudden pang at missing him but push the feeling forcefully aside. Instead, I revel in the success of our plan and the spark of our connection. For now, that is enough.