To say that Inquisitor Pina was shocked would be a terrible understatement.

  I had cleared away the hair dyes and disguises, and presented myself in soft off-white cotton and silk, with splendid sweeps of lacework and embroidery, silver pins and combs in my hair, styled up. I stepped out of the white-glaring portal, and closed it behind me.

  I curtseyed to her. "Inquisitor Pina. I am here to surrender myself back into your custody. Upon the honor of my family I will not struggle, flee or resist any legal and procedural arrest, only in self-defense if I find lethal force against me. The honor of my family, Inquisitor."

  Obviously, five minutes later I was surrounded by an entire room full of guards, weapons, sorcerers and inquisitors, all of them packed in, standing room only. But the room was very quiet, barely a breath to be heard.

  The robed magister of the High Court of the Council was moving carefully in front of me, and handed me a loop of gold with small precious stones embedded. It was a sculpted shape to fit around my neck and over my shoulders and collarbones, just a smidgen too small for me to take off over my head. There was no lock on this one, but the second layer of scrivener's work on its metal would lock it shut seamlessly until the Magister's College ordered it loosed. The instructions on it were far more complex than the collar of iron I had been fitted for. Pina was in the process of explaining the rest of them.

  "Lady Natalie Harigold," she said, with her most pleasant voice forced through gritted teeth, "the restraints I am presenting to you are tailored. You will not be permitted to use your sorceries outside of areas that are already designated and keyed to the restraints. The chambers set aside for you are keyed in such a way. While within them, you will have access to your abilities as long as they do not affect the runes, walls, or the chambers themselves, or extend past its boundaries. Outside those designated areas, you will have no access to mana or magic. This is for our security, and the surety and confidence of those who may not believe in your oath to surrender to custody, as well as to avoid creating a more dangerous precedent that may be exploited by other, less honorable sorcerers."

  "I understand," I said, looking up at her. I brought my hands from behind me and reached forward, and took the jointed necklace. It was elegant and delicate-looking, but I had no doubt it was considerably harder than steel. It looked like a tiara or crown jewels, resting in my satin-gloved hands. I brought it up to my neck, and folded the ends together. They met with a click, and the whole room relaxed so hard that I think my ears popped.

  She smiled at me like there was a gun held to her. "My lady. Since we have had adequate time to prepare for you this time, we will be bringing you to quarters more suitable than the temporary holding measures that you saw before. Also, our policies for visitors and access have been clarified for the benefit of our staff and personnel."

  Hey do you notice something different from the first time I was incarcerated here? I sure do! I was a bit shell-shocked, but I rolled with it. So far things are going my way, and you don't rock the boat that's going your way.

  Honestly I'd half-expected to be attacked on sight and have to run again, and spend the rest of my life as a fugitive. Or, failing that, to be shackled with every piece of spell-suppressing script they could find, buy or build and then left underneath the castle for a hundred years with gruel and water. Instead, I'm getting the VIP treatment. Respectful titles, polite words, expanded privileges, a literally gilded manacle. I'm not getting the white-collar treatment, I'm getting the white-tie treatment.

  "Allow me to introduce Gedes. he will be your liason to the staff," Pina told me, gesturing to one side. The guards parted for a man in a tailored suit with coattails and his clothing cut for maximum dignity and decorum. He had the look of a man utterly unflappable and unsurprised by all things. He gave a mathematically-precise bow towards me. I curtseyed back.

  "My lady," he said, and I cottoned on to his role. Liaison to the the staff is how officials say the word "butler." I had a butler here now. Inside I was freaking the fuck out. Somehow this is a trick right? Or a misunderstanding? Any minute now the curtain will drop and I'll be locked away with gruel and beatings, right?

  Pina looked at me. There was pain in her eyes. "My office will be coordinating with Gedes regarding a schedule for debriefings that may suit all parties." Oh, something was up. Something about the interrogation?

  "Thank you Inquisitor," I said. "I look forward to providing what assistance I may." I can lie when it's really really polite and everyone knows I'm just observing the expected forms.

  Guards started to pull back and give space, a trickle leaving the room as the tension de-escalated. A half-dozen robed sorcerers were still very much on high alert, looking at me like I was a tiger and not a tyke. We all stood while the armor and swords walked out, leaving behind myself, and the inquisitor, and the sorcerers, and Gedes.

  "Is that your first or last name?" I asked him.

  "My surname, m'lady," he said. He did not sound snooty. Well, not to me. I'm highborn and shit, I probably sound snooty to everyone else. I don't think so, but I probably do.

  And that settled it. In household staff, only butlers are addressed by their last name only. A chauffeur will be James or Molly, a maid will be Sally or Tanya. Guards are either Jake or Todd or something. A chef is Mrs Doubtfire, your head of security is Mr Ainsworth, unless there's a knighthood in there. But a butler is always a Last Name.

  Now, most Americans that watch movies think that a butler is just a personal servant. It's actually kind of the opposite. A butler, you see, is the head of your service staff. Depending on how your house is organized, they might answer to a steward, or not. So, you don't have a butler unless you also have a maid, a cook, a valet, and so on. Presumably all of these are either granted by the Hearstcliff penal system, or paid by my father and given access by the High Court of the Council. I don't know which, yet.

  I probably don't have a chauffeur though. And if I do, they've got the cushiest job in the world. Where am I going to go?

  Three sorcerers preceded us to the door, leapfrogging to keep me in their line of fire, while three behind all held the equivalent of hair-trigger readiness. I made a point of looking unconcerned, and walked along the hallways as indicated by the inquisitor. We were not headed to the same wing as last time.

  I was gestured towards a nice-looking door. Mahogany. This hall felt like it was closer to the hub of the building. I stepped in, and there was a pleasant foyer with some comfortable seats and a desk, some tasteful artwork on the walls, some sconces for glowing crystals. One door to the right that had "staff only" on a plaque, and the other door had a plaque for "Lady Natalie Harigold". Fancy. I was led through this second door, and into a fairly well-appointed sitting room that was divided unequally into two parts. Near us now was a narrow way, ten feet by thirty, and the rest of the room was fifty by thirty, roughly. The divide between was not iron bars, but wooden pillars and a waist-high wall with arches overhead between them and layers of glass. It looked like a row of extremely classy bank tellers would line up here. But instead of banking, this just separated the visitor's access area from my personal apartments. The far left archway held instead of a window, a door. It was broad-grained wood, lacquered, with a brass knob and a ordinary-looking lock.

  Gedes stepped forward and produced a key, opening the door and waving me inside. Pina stood back, looking like she was holding half a lemon in her mouth, while my butler helped make me at home.

  "While you are within and the door is shut and locked, your prohibition will be suspended," he said, referring to the magical golden shackle around my neck. "You may practice freely in those conditions. This door to the side leads to your bedchambers, which also adjoin your bathing and wardrobe. The products and utensils should be to your comfort, we have consulted your family as to your preferences. If our information is in error I can make corrections," he said easily. The words were stiff and formal but he spoke them like his native language. "Likewise the decor, furnishings and provisions. I am afraid that a stored library of your preferences is not available to us, but I may procure books at your request if you wish to replace some of the books in this collection. I can be contacted by this pull-rope to the side here. During certain hours my response may be delayed by some minutes, but not unduly. Either I or a staff member will deliver three meals daily, and no less than once a day I may escort a cleaning staff to see to matters. If there are materials you wish undisturbed, please do say so. If you have special requests, do not hesitate. In addition to treating with staff on your behalf and managing the doors, I am also to act in the position as your secretary, and I am permitted to act in your confidence to a degree. I will inform you if a matter may be kept in confidence or not. If you like, this would be an appropriate time to settle in, take stock, and let me know which matters need to be taken away or replaced."

  Casually he was walking around, adjusting a lighting fixture, straightening a book. He opened the bedroom door and looked in, nodding to see it in good state. He walked to the curtain at the far end of the room, and opened it. There was a window. Big, wide, and bright. I gasped.

  He allowed himself one small smile. "Shall I remain in the quarters while you tour, or shall I withdraw for your privacy?"

  "No, stand by for now," I said, walking around. My fingers trailed over the bookshelves, but in a less purposeful way than his touch. I looked around. Oh, this was a very nice, very posh apartment. The bedroom and bathroom were entirely enclosed, no windows or access. I could make out a row of runes scribed onto the window itself, but other than that, all the scrivener's work was kept unobtrusive. Deep pile carpet, wainscotting, plush chairs, a stocked writing desk, and empty space to just walk about. "This is very acceptable and I have no notes at this time, Gedes. I assure you I will let you know if I require anything. Please speak to the inquisitor about which hour of the day tomorrow would be convenient for our appointment. Please see to your own comfort or duties for a spell, I would have more to say when breakfast is served."

  "Yes, my Lady," he said, bowing. "Tomorrow I shall also bring an accounting of individuals whom you may choose to grant audience."

  "Thank you, Gedes," I said, and inclined my head to his small bow, and he left, locking me in.

  What the fuck.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  In the morning I was washed, dried, rested, and dressed. I had a fistful of written notes, and I sat on a divan couch waiting for breakfast. My butler arrived, pushing a wheeled cart with a silver bell-shaped cloche. He unlocked the door, and stepped inside, and closed it to lock again behind him. Then he wheeled the cart towards me, and with his shoe he hit two catches to lock the wheels. The cart had a folding leaf on the side to present as a table, and he presented breakfast.

  Frickin' quail eggs, buttered toast, shaved salmon and steamed asparagus.

  "Ah," I said, taking the napkin he offered me. "I'm afraid you will have to take the asparagus back, but the rest looks delightful."

  "My apologies, m'lady. Your brother assured us that asparagus was a favorite of yours, especially for breakfast."

  I sighed. "Of course he did. I'll have to kill him for this."

  "M'lady, I regret now to inform you that any matter of intent to commit crimes against persons or property are not within my confidence, and I must report them to the inquisitor. I recognize your tone as facetious and not in earnest. but I ask that you refrain from such material for humor, for both of our sake."

  "Noted," I said, spreading the napkin. "Speaking of privacy, confidentiality and candid speech: what the fuck is going on?"

  "M'lady?"

  "When I was first appreh- brought into custody, it was with iron, spears, threat of death and constant restraint. Two weeks in a cage no bigger than the shower in that restroom." I gestured in that direction with my fork.

  "Is the shower not to your liking, m'lady?"

  "Not the point. So my first cell in Hearstcliff was a hole in the rock with iron bars, minimal furniture, and the dourest guards watching my every move. Now, I recognize that most people who stand accused of crimes of the magnitude of these are treated far less hospitably than that. At the time I thought I was in good stead just that I wasn't getting beaten or chained by the wrists. But then I ... attended to a family matter... for a few days, and when I've come back to serve the rest of my required duration... I find I'm being maintained in style as well as comfort. I am certainly grateful for the difference but I'm quite baffled!"

  He used his day's allowance of one (1) small smile, and inclined his head. "M'lady. When you departed abruptly, it set many matters into motion here. For one thing, it caused quite an upset among those who are most highly tasked with the impervious security of these facilities. Quite an embarrassment for them. It also prompted a review of all matters regarding your stay up to that point. It was noted that you had been expressing an ever-greater discomfort with the actions and behavior of the inquisitor herself. A woman in her position is quite secure, and would require much to dislodge her from this post- but if it were to happen, she would fall quite a long way. And this almost came to pass during those four days."

  "So she's on thin ice?" I arched an eyebrow, and took a bite of the toast. Damn, that's good toast.

  "Very slender. A great number of officials and dignitaries came to inspect the premises for their own reasons and careers. The repeated refrain was "An heir to a Central House was kept here?" in tones of shock and disbelief, with much wringing of hands and broad gestures. It was considered that if you had been kept with dignity and comfort befitting your station, you may not have been pressed to extreme measures. And when it was announced that you had returned, of your own volition, to attend your family's honor, it was believed that perhaps your deference to custody could be reinforced with more appropriate accommodations."

  "It almost sounds like I'm being bribed not to break out again." I quirked a smile and dabbed my lips with a serviette.

  "It could be construed that way, but I believe it is far more pertinent that the allies of the Central Houses and High Houses would like to be known as such and not leave their sponsors wondering how fickle are those loyalties."

  "Ah. If I'm not treated well, there's no guarantee that they'll be treated well if their dealings were ever ... misconstrued by the law."

  "Just so. Please do let me know if there are matters that would make the conditions more tolerable. I am the first point of contact should your discontent lead to another event that embarrasses the High Court and its officers."

  "I have no intention of breaking out, really. I .. had a matter to attend to, and it is resolved, and I do not believe it will require further pursuit. And if I am wrong, for your sake I will explore other options first. I do not mind giving the inquisitor a black eye on her record, but I would not want you to be left explaining anything that difficult to these people." I broke open the quail eggs one at a time, and sopped at the yolks with my toast.

  "I appreciate that candor and consideration, m'lady. Have I explained these conditions to your liking?"

  "For now," I said. "I think there's a lot going on behind the scenes, and I would hope that I am only one well-worded question away from important revelations. So, am I being qu- debriefed today?"

  "M'lady, Inquisitor Pina has stated that her office will not be available for that matter today, but has requested a teatime appointment tomorrow."

  "Let's take that appointment then. And, what other matters have been forwarded to you?"

  "Your family has sent a representative to speak with you, at earliest convenience. She has a rapid method to contact your father and mother, and may carry messages between you and them if you wish. She will likely handle most of your official correspondence and represent you in your business throughout the city. After information came to light, she also requested to act as the point of contact between you and your attorney, going forward."

  "That's probably a good idea. He's a jackass and I'm liable to do something impulsive. Better just to route our communications through a third party."

  "Noted. There is only a small list of people who identified as personal acquaintances who have requested access to your time. It would seem that few of your peers reside anywhere in the Hearster region."

  I sighed. "It's true. I never got out much, really. Hardly ever left Meadowtam ex- um, in an official capacity."

  "I understand and I did not hear any different," he said tactfully.

  I paused. "Is it Yheta?"

  "M'lady."

  I sighed. "Please send him a note that I am in a tense and difficult state right now, but that I appreciate him reaching out. I will be happy to receive his company once I am better adapted."

  Gedes took a notepad from his jacket and scrawled some shorthand. "I will see it done."

  "Thank you," I said, and took the last forkful of egg white.

  "Aside from those, at this time the only requests are from the usual assortment of spectators and thrill-seekers," Gedes said, and poured me another glass of grapefruit juice. I'm normally not a fan, but it goes wonderfully with quail egg and a rich melty bread.

  I considered. "What sort of looky-loos are asking for me?"

  "At this time, seven broadsheet journalists with inferior credentials. You can expect that number to climb over the next few days and then taper off until something progresses with your trial. A small handful of noble personages who have stated they are distant relations, but candidly I would state they are only gossips and rumormongers looking for a juicy and salacious story to share. The head of the minstrel's guild, a local charity organizer, a ghostwriting biographer, two known hoaxers, and-" he checked his notepad but I am positive he did it just for dramatic effect and he already knew what it said, "a funeral home director. Rather poor taste, if you ask me."

  "Ah. Well, let's find a good time for the charity organizer to say their piece. Let me consider what to say to the hoaxers, that feels like a fun opportunity. We can regretfully decline the mortician's request, stating that such a meeting would be ... ugh what's a good word for it. Bad for both our reputations."

  "I favor 'deleterious' in such occasions."

  "Brilliant, yes. Someone told you about my love of vocabulary?"

  "Would that I could introduce you to a former employer. Three times your age and four times as well-read."

  "I'm envious. Why could you not introduce us?"

  "He was being held in this tower, two floors below this spot. He died following an accident in the shower."

  "Did that accident leave a note?"

  "I am not at liberty to discuss those matters," Gedes said stiffly. I think I actually offended him by asking. "In any matter, his association is how my services came to be known to the High Courts and its officers, which brought me to this post as your liaison."

  "Understood, and thank you. So, the mortician, deleterious. The hoaxers, needs more consideration. The ghostwriter can be let down gently, I am capable of writing my own story, if I ever felt like it." Fat chance, I thought to myself. I was not likely to ever try to write out my story. "Um... say, the highborn gossips that were asking after me... any of them from House Tarratan?"

  And now he looked wary. "Yes, m'lady. Fully half of the eager applicants are of that House."

  I smiled broadly and folded my fork and knife over my plate. "Brilliant. Whichever of them is considered most ascendant at this time, earliest convenience. Who else?"

  "Tabloid journalists and the minstrel."

  "I will prepare a written statement to deliver to the journalists. The minstrel should be given access at their convenience, following the needs of the Tarratan representative, the inquisitor, and yourself."

  "M'lady." He stood, and set the cart back to its moving configuration. "Do you require anything else at this time?"

  "Um, if I ask you for a broadsheet from a city other than Hearstcliff or Meadowtam, would that be a matter for our confidence or reporting to the inquisitor?"

  "Your servant, m'lady."

  "Fantastic. Any broadsheets from today and yesterday that cover Port Noit, and Byeview, and Broghton."

  He made notes on his notepad, and left me to my business.