A Sovereign's Partner is not always one with whom they have a physical relationship. It is someone they trust both implicitly and explicitly, who holds equal rights and authority within the Holding, without any need to answer for their decisions.

  ~ * ~

  As the Arbiters filed into Court Anya felt most of her tension dissolve. For a time in the Antechamber she had been imagining every possible outcome where they were held accountable. Seb's reassurance that they were fine, that they were the victims helped but she couldn't shake her concerns.

  When he finally took her hand to stop her from fidgeting she'd wanted to ask him why he was so sure, only to have him mention their date. Not that he had called it a date of course. But it was a date, they had sat around for almost an hour after they finished eating just talking.

  Hearing she was still named Heir had confused her, she was an independent Holder now. Not yet a Sovereign, she'd have to prove she could support the Holding before she could hold that title. Her mother greeting her as she had was the last bit of reassurance she needed, she didn't know what the verdict would be, but she knew they would be fine.

  Her attention was brought back to the present as one of the Arbiters stepped forward to bow to Sovereign Lys before speaking.

  "Your Highness, as representatives of the Arbiter's Council we are here to render judgement in the matter of the incident between Guardsman Rios and Lady Lysanya. In summary our investigation and review of statements find that Rios is guilty of assault upon a foreign Holding's representative."

  Anya expected the Court to erupt in reaction to the words however silence reigned. A glance at her mother made it clear why, she was nodding in approval at the words. "We suspected that would be the case Arbiter. Your Council's assistance as a neutral third party was requested with regard to establishing the correct penalties, and then required for such when Lady Lysanya took on her new title."

  I told you, you did nothing wrong.

  I know, she answered. Well I know now. I just was sure they'd find some way to hurt me again.

  Seb said nothing further, but she felt the pressure on her fingers from where they held his arm and tightened her grip momentarily in response even as the Arbiter moved on to the penalties themselves.

  "Yes Sovereign. We wish to clarify the details of the penalties to ensure there is no future confusion. My colleagues were included following the change in Lady Lysanya's status to confirm the decision was correct and we have all independently come to the same result."

  "Guardsman Rios was considered a level 6 elite at the time of the attack. Lady Lysanya on the other hand is currently a level 3 and so we are using Rios as the basis for all calculations. Therefore standard penalties are calculated as follows. As the leader of her Holding, attempted murder must be valued at twice the level used for calculation. In addition her Seneschal was threatened in the moment and although he is considered newly Awakened that threat is valued at one less than the level used for calculations."

  What? Anya asked, confused.

  I think, Seb answered after a moment, that they are saying the penalty for threatening me is calculated at level 5 and for trying to kill you as twice level 6?

  But- I'm not even level 4

  Rios was the aggressor so they base it on him. At least that's what it sounds like.

  Their exchange took barely a moment and yet the Arbiter was already continuing.

  "Thus the redress for Guardsman Rios' actions is valued as one level 7 weregild and one level 5. However our recommendation is one level 7 and one level 6, or three level 6, as an acknowledgment of how poorly his actions reflect on Holding Lys' interactions with minor Holdings who are not considered capable of fully supporting themselves," the Arbiter concluded before stepping back to join his associates.

  Three level 6, Anya sent to Seb in shock.

  What does that mean?

  Weregild is calculated as the Energy contribution that level Awakened represents. Not how much it would take to level to that point, but roughly six months worth energy for a Censer.

  So… a lot?

  Energy density roughly doubles every level, so 6 months of level 7 is a year of level 6 is-

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  A huge amount for us, Seb finished for her.

  Nodding her agreement Anya turned her attention back to her mother, seeing her frown in consideration before standing up.

  "Holding Lys acknowledges the decision as set forth by the Arbiter's Council. We shall provide a total redress of three Level 6 weregild. The actions of our former Guardsman were unacceptable and do not represent in any way our stance towards any holding. We respect the Compact of Holdings and only engage in violence or aggression when such has already been offered. We ask the Lady Lysanya how the redress should be provided to her person, her Seneschal and her holding."

  I'm going to tell them to put it all in my Vault. I will be giving you full access, and if you want to keep yours separate we can split it up afterwards, she sent to Seb as the Court awaited their answer.

  I guess I need to get a Vault and learn how this Energy economy works, he sent back with a mental smile. Your Vault makes sense.

  Straightening ever so slightly Anya answered her mother. "As we are a new Holding we shall be using my private Vault for all matters personal and official. My Seneschal's redress will go into the same as he does not yet have his own Vault."

  "Of course," Lyselle acknowledged, her voice completely devoid of any hints as to her opinion on the matter. "With that I declare the matter of Rios concluded."

  "With Princess Lysanya's transition to independent holder the matter of my heir must be addressed. It is our decision that she will remain as our named heir until her younger sister, Lysandra, comes of age." She paused and looked down at Anya.

  "I understand your Majesty. While I would prefer a clean separation to pursue my own path I will bow to your wishes," Anya answered.

  "If there is nothing more I would request that we might take our leave from Court. There are matters I wish to settle before departing the Holding."

  At her mother's nod she turned to take her leave, Seb offering her his other arm as they made their way back through the assembled courtiers.

  ~ * ~

  The Seneschal met them once more as they stepped into the Holding halls, guiding them deeper into the buildings without a word. Finally he stepped to the side and looked at Anya. "If there is nothing beyond your visit to the Seers I will leave you to make your own way out."

  Seb started shaking his head reflexively when Anya spoke up. "If you could arrange for my sister to meet us near the exit? I would like to say farewell to her since I am not certain when I will see her again."

  "Certainly," the Seneschal said as he turned to go.

  Your sister? he asked.

  I've missed her since I left court. At least as much as I've missed anyone.

  He nodded then looked at the door. I'm guessing this is where we get me registered?

  Yes.

  As they entered an Awakened looked them over from behind the desk. "Lady Lysanya, I understand you need to get your Seneschal registered?"

  "I do. I also wish to ensure he has appropriate access to my personal Vault. We will be using it for Holding purposes for the time being."

  "Of course," the Seer answered then turned to Seb as she placed a small orb on the desk. "If you will place your hand on the orb and guide your Energy into it."

  Seb glanced at Anya as he reached out. Guide my Energy?

  The same as when you reach out to form a band, just aim at the orb in this case.

  He did as asked, the orb warming slightly under his hand as his Energy flowed into it. After a few seconds the Seer nodded. "That does it, you can let go."

  As Seb pulled his hand away the Seer took the orb. Seb felt her do something, a flicker of Energy as she placed the orb against the wall behind her.

  "I've completed the registration and ensured he is recognized by the system as both your private and Holding Seneschal. Is that all?"

  Anya immediately spoke up, her voice confident yet rushed. "Leave him listed as Seneschal, but he is to have Partner access as long as remains associated with me."

  Anya? What?

  "My Lady?" the Seer asked. "As Seneschal he has full access to dispose of all but the rarest Relics you might have in your Vault in your name."

  "He has saved my life and stood by me even though others have not. We've trusted one another without questioning the why until afterwards. I am merely confirming that trust in him."

  I trust you, I know you're not going to take advantage.

  I trust you too. But-

  No Seb. No buts about it.

  "Very well my Lady." After another moment and flicker of Energy she turned back to them and nodded. "Access has been set as you requested."

  "Thank you."

  With that Anya rose, leading Seb out of the room and back through the Holding. As they got to the exit Seb could see Lysandra waiting for them. He slowed to allow Anya to speak to her privately and couldn't help but compare them. He knew Anya was seven years older than her sister and yet barely an inch separated them in height. The younger princess was also clearly her mother's daughter, her build and features a younger version of the Sovereign.

  After a few minutes of conversation and a tear-filled hug they separated, Lysandra heading back into the Holding as they stepped to the exit. They were just outside the door when a guardsman came running up.

  "Lady Lysanya!" he called out. "The Seneschal asked that I ensure you be given this."

  He held out a box, very similar to the one that had held the Attunement crystal a few days earlier, along with a letter. As Seb took them Anya thanked the guard and headed over to their car. As they got in he handed her the letter and set the box behind them.

  What is it?

  Anya opened the letter and skimmed through it, set it back with the box before turning to him. Instructions on how to use the crystal in the box to take ownership of the holding. Along with the suggestion we reach out to the local Seer's Council branch to ensure our Holding be connected to the Energy Data Network and get your Awakening Gifts identified.

  She held up the second page which only had a handful of short lines of text. And a list of my Awakening gifts, or at least names for them.

  I guess we have a few things to do then, he answered as he pulled away from the Holding.

  Yes, but first we need Everyday Husks and finish moving in.

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