Claire tugged her cap conscious about how a country girl like her must have looked like disguising herself as a man. It seemed that her gray jacket and worn trousers failed to fool the friendly fellow at the docks. Maybe the absurdity of her overall appearance was what went on inside the inspector’s head earlier which was why he looked her over the way he did. At least, this man, Bane Clawson, was helpful enough to show her the way. 

But what was it that they say about the city? Claire hesitated on her next step. They said, there’s no real friend in the city. 

Taking advantage of the few seconds he took his eyes off her, Claire tightened her hold around her bag and dashed away into the busy streets ahead. Never mind that she was the first to approach him. Forget proper etiquette. She should learn not to trust anybody, especially those with friendly smiles. Along the way, she’d probably come across a Peace Officer. She could trust Peace Officers, couldn’t she?

A low clacking sound followed her as she dashed through the narrow metal corridors. Thin slits carved out of the rusty walls allowed light to enter the pathway which led to a wider space where more of the passengers from different airships convened to conduct business of sorts. She pushed her way to the nearest elevator, offering half-meant apologies to the people she bumped, stepped on, or whatever. She had to lose the silver-haired charmer who she thought sought to rob her measly money. 

The operator pulled a lever. The elevator whined, but slowly descended the metal tube down into the city.

[hr]

Alistair Maitland was at Levi’s heels even before the latter could inhale the infamous rusty scent of the Capital. “Lord Wolferstan,” Alistair called to Levi’s dismay. The lord’s towering height and broad shoulders would catch the attention of any lady, but it was the metal fingers peeking through the sleeves of his left hand was a conversation starter. He was about five years Levi’s senior and was recently named Baron Maitland.

“Lord Wolferstan, the conference is not quite over. The lords are about to vote on our next action. Unless you refuse to participate, I suggest we return to the hall at once.”

 Levi pursed his lips together. So much for a few minutes of peace. He turned back to the meeting hall, walking briskly side by side an old comrade. “Has Victor calmed down?” he asked.

“About the north’s neutral position?” Alistair grinned. “He’s hardly finished ranting about how you and your father should grow a pair of balls.” And how they deserved what happened to Levi’s twin sister, because they failed to rein their subjects in. But Alistair was wise enough not to repeat the old lord’s words, else the palace guards would be dragging a dead body very soon. 

A lord who appeared to be in his early fifties was on his feet when the two gentlemen re-joined the meeting hall. He cast the pair a quick glance before continuing to read the agreements of the day. Quietly, Levi and Alistair found their seats among the council of lords. There was one last thing to do that afternoon, which was to vote whether to endorse two laws. First, a proclamation imposing taxes on magic artifacts. Second, that all Naturals shall be issued a ring that will identify them as such, while also suppressing their magic. The Naturals and the magical weapons were the force behind the rebellion. Once the palace had a rein on these two, then the rebels would be no better than bands of bandits crying out in the woods. 

While the lord was busy reciting the provisions of the proposed new proclamation, the double doors swung open once more to welcome a new comer. Levi recognized her as the lady who nearly cracked her head. She was bold enough to intrude, confident enough to cross the room towards the lord who was presiding the meeting. Lord Gables paused to regard the lady. When she did not stop to properly greet the lord and others in attendance, Lord Gables had no choice but to hear her out. 

Levi’s curiosity got the best of him, as usual. His eyes widened at the words exchanged between the pair. Somebody was abducted and there were other victims like that somebody. The rest of the commotion didn’t matter. His eyes followed the lady as she strode out of the room, leaving the rest in question. He leaned on his elbow at the table. “Who is that?”

There was a mischievous light in Alistair’s eyes. “Hmm? You don't know her? Well, that's understandable since you've been living outside the Capital for so long. Her name is Lady Serena Midnight. Want to know more?”