You forgot something

[Irene Lee Frye]

There was rare occurrences, at least in the last five years or so, where Irene was in a mood. This one was particularly more out of disappointment and annoyance than anything else. There had been a family dinner the night before at Lasairdubh, and her husband had written to her informing her he’d be staying at his childhood home for a few days. It appeared his visit and the dinner fell on the same day, and Irene was a firm believer in a no such thing as mere coincidences. Not something like this. Her invite to the dinner had come late, and by the time she realized it was too late to make it that night with the boys, she’d decided to just come in the morning. Thus the disappointment. The annoyance came in at her husband for not mentioning it sooner. What would mother think of her now?!

Irene wasn’t afraid of many things, but staying in Catriona Lee Fryes good graces was something she intended to stay in. She never admitted it to anyone, but the woman frightened her on some occasions and now she was worried about offending her for not being at dinner. She could only hope to amend things.

Before the sun was even up, Irene had the boys dressed and up. Having packed the night before, fheir trunks were strapped to the back of the carriage, and the boys were Tucked on in with their blankets so they could go back to sleep. Both of them used her as a pillow as they made their way to Lasairdubh. By the time they arrived the morning sun was touching the lawns and melting the frost. Her intent was to arrive just before breakfast so they wouldn’t interrupt any important meetings taking place and could join everyone else.

As the carriage came to a halt, Irene gently nudged the boys awake. Little Robert and Eoghann both rubbed their eyes and yawned. Robert was far more energetic in realizing they were at Grandmama’s and Grandpapa’s and was eager to get out. Little Eoghann was far less enthusiastic and whined. “Come on little love, daddy’s not expecting us.” She murmured with a smile, taking the three year old up under his armpits to lift him up and put him on her hip as they exited the carriage. He instantly put his head in the crook of her neck as Irene carried him into the front foyer. With one hand on top of Roberts head, she steered him to the dining room where they made their hellos, and greetings. It was still early, but there were a few Lee Fryes already at breakfast.

Irenes dark eyes scanned the room, not seeing the Lee Frye she wanted in particular. She passed Eoghann off onto one of his uncles, and asked a servant for a tray. When they returned she took it from them, filling two plates up for her and Niall, before she made left her children in the hands of their uncles and nanny, before she headed for the stairs. No one argued or stopped her as she made her way towards Nialls room.

She had dressed simply that morning in a pale blue dress with long sleeves. It flared at her waist and her hair was up in its usual twisted updo. Her tall, thin form effortlessly down the hall with confided strides and a slight sway to her hips. When she reached his door, she placed the tray in the crook of her arm before knocking. Waiting patiently outside her husbands door without announcing herself, she plastered on a smile to greet him that would let him know just what sort of trouble he was in.

Niall Lee Frye

[Niall Lee Frye]

Niall had risen with the dawn that morning. Just because he was back in the family home and away from his office in the capital: that didn’t mean he was free from work and responsibilities. Breakfast could wait, if he remembered to go down for it before the plates had all been cleared away. The man had bolted the door, knowing full well that if any of his siblings had felt the need to see him- they probably wouldn’t bother knocking but would simply just walk into the chamber as though it was theirs. He didn’t wish to be disturbed, and more importantly- he didn’t wish to be mocked for wearing spectacles. Niall knew he was getting older, that didn’t mean he wanted to be reminded by his younger siblings. No, the glasses were a secret, one of the few he kept from his family.

So when the gentle rapping came, and it wasn’t preceded by a rattling door handle or belligerent shout- the magistrate was surprised. Standing, Niall tucked away the spectacles in a desk drawer and shifted a paperweight onto the stack of letters he had been perusing. With the Unseelie attack, existing laws were being tightened, and new ones were being drafted, and it was easy to forget which ones were still in effect and which had been overwritten. He was trying to keep up, to stay ahead. But that morning he had been unable to focus on anything more than last night’s dinner, so he hadn’t gotten very far.

Irene Lee Frye was the last person he expected. He had written home to explain his absence, but he hadn’t expected her to turn up, here at Lasairdubh with a smile on her lips. So much for dodging that particular bullet. He wondered if she had run into Sinead Lee Frye… if she had known that Lee’s wife had been present at dinner last night. Either way, the look on her face told Niall enough to know he was not in his wife’s best books. ”Where are the boys?” The man asked, leaning out of the doorframe to peer past her and down the corridor.

Niall probably should have had warmer words considering he hadn’t seen his wife in nearly a month now- or was it longer? It was easy to lose track these days. ”I know, I know-” Stepping back to let her in, Niall massaged the bridge of his nose, ”I should have come home- I was going to, but you know how mother can be.” There it was, there was always an excuse, always a reason. It wasn’t even as though he didn’t want to be home, with them, building the life they had promised each other all those years ago. But, something always came up- something always kept him away. He gave her a moment to speak, to interject before moving to take the tray from her- should Irene allow it. Setting it down, he left it untouched before turning back to his wife.

”Is ‘I’m sorry’ going to cut it this time?” He asked, hands finding her shoulders and his words heavy with a tiredness Niall had long accepted was just part of him now.

[Irene Lee Frye]

Oh yes, she had turned up with their children in tow. Irene’s light brown eyes narrowed slightly as her smile turned more sharp. Watching her husband lean out the doorway in search of their children. “With their uncles.” She explained easily to his question. No, “Irene! What are you doing here! I’m so happy to see you! Or, I’m so sorry, I had no idea what mother was planning.” He was lucky she wasn’t in such a mood to try and make him grovel. Especially considering this was the first time in a month they’d seen each other. “Hi Honey, nice to see you too, after being away for so long!.” She quipped, as he stepped back to let her in. If he knew then why had he done it anyway?

She pursed her lips as she lightly glared at him. “You should have told me about the dinner, then let me get an invite from your mother. Or did you forget to tell me that too?” She asked with a raised brow. If it was one thing Irene hated most, it was feeling left out and in the dark. And if everyone had been at dinner and she and the boys missed it? She was going to be in a mood for a week. As it was, the hurt crossed her eyes for a brief moment before she froze herself over. Irene had always been on to keep her emotions under wraps. Ever the pillar of strength, it was a rarity, at least nowadays to let herself show any emotion that wasn’t confidence.

But in Niall’s presence, he was able to melt a bit of that frost. He always had that ability whether he realized it or not. “I don’t like the idea of the boys missing out with their cousins, or seeing their uncles.” She said, using the boys as an excuse rather than herself. They only had each other at their home, and any opportunity to play with children around their age was something Irene wanted them to experience.

She passed the tray off to him, her eyes flickering to his desk to see that even when he was supposed to be spending time with his family, he was working. Work, work, and more work. Did the man not know the meaning of a day off? She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at him as he took her shoulders, and her hands came up to rest on his chest. Smoothing over the fabric of his shirt. She let her eyes flicker up to his where she pursed her lips. “I haven’t decided yet.” She said as she focused on straightening his shirt. Making sure he looked his best, as she appeared to be contemplating whether or not to forgive him. Her pursed lips turned more into a pout as she picked off invisible lint on his shirt, and then glanced up at him through her eyelashes. “Was it a nice dinner at least?” She asked quietly. Her disappointment showing through the cracks of her frosted facade.

[Niall Lee Frye]

What was it with women and their smiles? Catriona could do it, Aoife was learning, and Irene seemed to be able to say more with a lift of her lips than Niall could in several whole sentences… and it was terrifying. Evidently asking after the boys was not the question he should have been asking. ”I-” Niall began, knowing full well that there was nothing he could say to instantaneously jump back into the good graces. ”It is good to see you, I’m just surprised. And it’s so early, when did you leave?” The man hadn’t been expecting her, he had said he would be home for a few days- a week perhaps tops and that he would try to visit on the way back to Ethion. It was always that he would try never that he would. The whole point of retiring had been to spend more time together, more time at home…

… things never seemed to go to plan these days…

… The war, the mystics, the king. There was always something dragging him back to his work, keeping him in Ethion longer than he expected. Everytime Niall visited home it seemed as though Robert and Eoghann Jr had grown several inches, learned more words… he was missing so much, all to keep them all safe in the long run. At least that was what Niall Lee Frye told himself, what he told Irene.

”Ah-” The shadow of a smile tracing his lips then, he had always loved the way she looked when she was annoyed. The way her lips would purse as though she was carefully considering each word that was about to drop from her lips. ”I did tell you about the dinner as soon as I knew- and I didn’t know mother was inviting you.” Both were true, there hadn’t been a great deal of notice from his mother, and nothing had been mentioned about bringing along Irene and the boys… usually Catriona was very specific about seeing her grandchildren. Niall guessed that those instructions had been included along with Irene’s invitation. He shouldn’t have been surprised, it had been a family dinner- and Irene Lee Frye was family. She had just as much a right to be at that table as Catriona Lee Frye - a Lee Frye by marriage if not by blood.

His hand ran over his face as Niall contemplated the mess they were in, the mess a small understanding had caused- Irene seemed to think she had missed a family event, when it had been more of a meeting. ”It wasn’t really a dinner for children.” Niall said, his words spoken slowly and his tone low. Realising he had left the door open, the man crossed the few feet to close and bolt it- this was not a topic to be discussed openly. Even in a place as safe as Lasairdubh. He wouldn’t have left her at home if this had been a social visit, Irene was right- the boys deserved to spend time with their family too, and his family with them. The idea that Irene had thought he would do that, leave them all at home whilst the rest of the family joined together in celebration, stung a little- but then again, she wouldn’t think that without her reasons.

The shirt was clean, but it had still gotten creased and crumpled in the travelling chest- Irene would have a job if she hoped to smooth it out completely. But he still appreciated her trying. Appreciated the casual touches, the way she fussed over the smallest details even when it was clear she was upset. ”It was more of a meeting- Aoife and Rosemary were caught up in the Unseelie attack a little while ago, mother is concerned that this means war is coming… and she wanted to know what we all thought on the matter, where allegiances lie.” His voice was low, barely above his breath as Niall looked at his wife. Irene should have been there, that was on him- he had been too busy trying to make sure the Lee Fryes and McIntyres in Ethion made it to worry about his own wife. But there was no denying Irene’s history and experience made her thoughts on the matter more than a little valuable. ”It was… stressful.” The man concluded with a low chuckle. What wasn’t these days.

[Irene Lee Frye]

Irene let a small sigh out, forcing her eyes from a particularly annoying wrinkle in his shirt that she was trying to work out. “Before sunrise. I wanted to make here by breakfast, the boys slept in the carriage.” She voiced. Meaning she was going to be in quite the mood come that afternoon, and be ready for bed right after supper considering how early she’d gotten herself up that morning.

If her lips could purse more they would. Hating that he might have a point there, if he hadn’t purposely intended to withhold information from her. “The invitation got delayed until it was too late to come.” She murmured softly, explaining why she hadn’t arrived last night like she would have if she had gotten it on time.

Light brown eyes watched Niall carefully. Reading him like she would any worthy opponent. He certainly seemed stressed, and she wondered if she should be gentle with him. She supposed it could have escaped his mind, and that he hadn’t done it on purpose. At his mention that the children wouldn’t have actually joined the adults at the table, Irene grew more serious.

She turned her body to face Niall as he moved to close the door, glancing over at the breakfast tray she’d brought him, she took a piece of fruit and bit into the strawberry. Letting the sweetness of the fruit sweep over her tongue while she chewed thoughtfully. Waiting for Niall to go on about the dinner conversation.

She froze as she heard that Aoife and Rosemary had been caught up in the unseelie attack and a look of concern crossed her features. Having not expected it. “Are they alright?” She asked. She wasn’t so much worried about Aoife, as she was Rosemary. Such a delicate little flower… They really needed to work on getting her to grow some thorns like the rest of the Lee Frye women. The talk of war was concerning. Had you asked her five years ago she might have been on board with the idea. If the King wanted a war, why not bring it to him? They had every right to fight for their freedom, their lives as the next person. Having a gramayre didn’t make them any different, they were gifts after all. But Irene had more important things to think about now. Two little boys in fact that she wanted to watch grow old and start their own families. Two little boys that deserved both parents alive, if they could prevent war, Irene would be happy. “Allegiance to the family of course.” She said simply. Everything was for the family.

They would have to strategize the best course of action. She finished off the strawberry with the next bite, and tossed the end of it in the trash before approaching Niall again. Despite his little chuckle, it did nothing to ease her mood as her face was stoic for the moment before it softened. Despite what had happened she found she couldn’t stay mad at him for too long. It was always the case, no matter what he’d done, though none of it had ever been something for her to lose her temper completely with him, she could never stay angry. She reached up and rested her hands on his shoulders while her eyes searched his. “You’ve been stressed, I don’t imagine this helped.” She pointed out. He needn't tell her in his letters that he was stressed, she could see it clearly on his face, and that tired look that seemed to be a perpetual state for him. She moved to his side, and then started to gently tug him towards his chair. He should be sitting and resting. Enjoying his time at Lasairdubh. With her there now, she was going to see it that got some much needed TLC, so she could stop worrying about him.

“Was there a decision made or is there still time?” She asked him, Glancing up at him. “I don’t believe we’ve reached a time for war yet, there might be another way.” She said thoughtfully.

[Niall Lee Frye]

”Which means you didn’t.” Niall said, a statement rather than a question. And if Irene had been up before the cock had crowed, she would be even more irritable later. Which, in turn, meant that it was important he took steps to keep her happy and himself in her good books before that mood settled in. He also had work to do, a lot of it. And it wouldn’t take a soothsayer to predict which he would probably devote more attention to. ”You should rest, while it’s quiet- you know what it can be like here.” He said, his voice low and gentle, as though he was trying to convince Eoghann II that a nap was a good idea… though that rarely went well.

The man was almost relieved Irene hadn’t been there last night, more so that the boys hadn’t been there. Wars and alliances weren’t exactly bedtime stories, and it was bad enough that R.J. was beginning to ask questions about Niall and Irene’s time in the military. He was adamant the boys would receive a proper education before he allowed them to even think about taking up arms, they would be safer that way. Irene had suffered because of their former profession, she had been lucky- many suffered much worse, both mentally and physically. If Niall could protect them from that, he would.

”They’re both fine, a little shaken perhaps- oddly Aoife actually seems better than she has been.” He assured her, noting the depth of his wife’s concern. Irene may have only been Lee Frye in name… but she was every bit as protective and fierce as the rest of them, and he loved her dearly for it. ”Rosemary is still carrying out her duties at court, as far as I’m aware… she seems fine.” He probably should have checked in more with her- even though they had ridden to Lasairdubh together, their conversation had been light.

“Allegiance to the family of course.”

The shadow of a smirk crossed Niall’s lips then. ”Sinead said much the same- and before any of my brothers had even opened their mouths.” He said with a low chuckle, that had been his mother’s first response too- family first. Then the Seelie or the Unseelie or even the Crown… but always family. ”The question is, what’s best for the family- whether we openly ally ourselves or stick to… well… what we’re doing…” The magistrate knew there wasn’t a simple answer here, not with a family so large and with so many pieces at play. ”I’m fine, you’re worrying over nothing,” Niall assured her, forcing a smile now as he settled back down into his seat at her assistance. ”I’m just busy, not stressed- promise.” Taking his index finger, Niall drew a cross over his chest- above his heart- before gently cupping her cheek. She was too good to him, weeks left alone with two small children- the burden of raising their family resting solely on her- and Irene was worrying about him.

”Father was absent, as were you and the twins… it wouldn’t have been right to make a decision.” Shrugging, Niall leaned back into the chair with a somewhat conflicted expression. ”It’ll be a coup or all out war- the Unseelie have marked themselves as a real threat, diplomacy can only go so far… less so when one party is blinded by their own hatred. Allarick won’t listen to reason.”

Standing, Niall crossed the room to seat himself on the edge of the bed. It seemed as though he wouldn’t be returning to his papers for a little while- and if they were to talk, it was better they both be comfortable. ”What would you suggest?” He asked, voice low as though he was worried they would be overheard. Purposefully, Niall had left the question vague- letting Irene comment on the family’s position, the situation with the King, looming war: whatever she was pondering.

[Irene Lee Frye]

Irene cared little if she didn’t sleep in the carriage that morning. She was awake now, and would keep herself awake until after the boys were in bed, and then maybe she’d think about retiring for the night and going to bed early. There were far more important things taking place in Lasairdubh then her needing a nap. “I could say the same for you, dear.” She responded coolly to his advice on her resting. Wasn’t the point of visiting Lasairdubh that work be left at home? It was a place to rest, and forget about work for the moment? “I’ll rest when you do.” She said with an easy smile. That’ll teach you… She thought.

Irene nodded her head at hearing how the girls were. She wasn’t surprised to hear that Aoife was better than she had been in the last few months. Being a soldier would do that to you. You could leave the service, but the service never left you, Irene liked to think. There were things you could never shake, and once a warrior, always a warrior. She thought about sending Rosemary some herbal tea or something that might cheer her up, but she didn’t think about it for long. “Good, good. That’s good to hear.” She said, nodding her head along. Glad that Rosemary was carrying on as per usual. It was all you could really do after those sort of events or they would slowly eat away at you if you let them. There was no point in worrying about the past.

A coy smile appeared on her face at hearing that Sinead had been the first to voice her opinions on the discussion at dinner. She wasn’t surprised, the woman was nearly as fiery as Catriona and Emilia. She fit in well with the Lee Frye women, and she was a dear, close friend. Almost a sister in fact to Irene. She was listening carefully to him, taking in the information and letting her mind draw its own conclusions and allowing it to form it’s own plans.

A small scoff came from her at hearing she was worrying over nothing. “You’re my husband, Niall. I’m always going to worry.” She said with a small laugh. “Though I suppose I won’t have to worry as much as whatever woman marries one of the twins or Ciaran.” She mused. Of the Lee Frye brothers, Niall was at least responsible, but he was also incredibly hard working and it was clear to see. Especially when he spent most of his time at work then with his family, which hadn’t been the deal…

“The stress lines tell me otherwise, dear.” She said softly. Reaching up to lightly poke a finger on his forehead. A small sigh escaped her, and her shoulders relaxed for a brief moment while Niall cupped her cheek. She placed a hand over it and turned her head slightly to plant a quick kiss to the palm of his hand. The ache she usually felt at him being gone came back now that he was actually here with her, and she realized how much she’d missed him in the weeks he’d been away.

Irene leaned her hip against his desk while she crossed her arms over her chest and listened. Hearing that not everyone was at dinner was certainly a relief. It meant they had time before they would make a decision, and she was keen on not forcing the Lee Frye’s to declare open war if she could help it. She nodded in agreement to everything he said. “We’ll have to be careful. It’s going to be dangerous no matter what we decide.” She sighed. She turned her body to follow him as he got out of the chair and walked to the end of the bed. She didn’t follow after him right away, and instead was leaning over for one of the breakfast plates.

A cunning smile appeared on her face as he asked her what she would suggest. She knew instantly what she would do, and which game pieces would need to be used. She didn’t answer him right away, instead she walked over, taking one of his hands and put the breakfast place in it before handing him a fork. She hadn’t forgotten what she’d come up here to do in the first place, which was to not only bring him breakfast, but make sure he eat it as well. She arched an eyebrow as she gave him a stern look, daring him to argue with her about eating before she wandered back over to his desk.

She placed both hands on the edge after she turned to face and lifted herself up so she was perched on the edge of it. She crossed her legs then before she clasped her hands together and then rested them on her knee. “A coup.” She began. “Allarick won’t listen to reason, but there’s someone else who might.” She said as she started to voice her thinking. “Princess Cera is young, and Rosemary works close with her no? We have a prime opportunity there, to make Cera more open minded then her father.” She wiggled a bit in place, meaning she was excited about the next bit. “We all want Allarick gone, Unseelie, Seelie, our goals are all the same, it’s merely the motive we do to achieve the goal that is different. With Allarick gone, and Cera on the throne, everyone stands a chance for peace.” She reasoned. “How we remove him from the throne will have to be very crucial. We can’t risk even the slightest mistake, or it could be a death sentence for those involved.”

Irene sighed, grimacing slightly. As much as she liked the idea, it was incredibly dangerous. Those chess pieces she had in mind would have to be very careful, and she was afraid for the lack of experience her little knight had. “It’s a coup, but doesn’t actually look like a coup.” She went on to explain further. Canting her head to the side as she bounced one of her feet. Her eyes studied Niall for a moment before a coy smile appeared on her face. “Many say Allaricks mad already...So...why not really make him mad?” She asked. Her grin telling him there was more to this grand scheme of hers.

[Niall Lee Frye]

Niall opened his mouth to speak, only to promptly close it when he realised he didn’t quite have anything to say to that. Something told him she had risen before him that morning, if Irene had managed to be at Lasairdubh with their two young boys in time for breakfast- it must have meant the woman had risen sometime before the sun. After a long pause, Niall sighed in defeat- brows furrowing into a somewhat pained expression. ”This isn’t a competition Irene.” The man said flatly, ”I’ll worry about you less if you sleep.” Pointing out the obvious, Niall would probably never stop worrying about her- ever since her injury he had worried even more- but he would worry less if he knew she was taking care of herself.

Both Aoife and Rosemary had been lucky, by all accounts the party had been through into complete and utter chaos by the Unseelie attack- and it seemed as though the whole kingdom was teetering on the edge of a precipice if his mother’s words last night carried any truth in them. But for now they were safe, Rosemary, Aoife, their family… but for how long? Niall couldn’t help but worry over that too. So many worries. Here, at Lasairdubh, surrounded by so many memories of a childhood free from worry- it was difficult not to dwell on how much simpler things had been back then. The war. Responsibilities. All of it had existed on the periphery of his world, and now his entire life seemed to revolve around them- and Niall couldn’t protect them from it, couldn’t shield Irene and his own boys from the monsters in the dark.

”Well stop worrying, it’s a lot safer behind a desk than it is at the barracks or in the field- you know this.” Niall spoke gently, the corner of his lips lifting in wry amusement. The smirk widening into an outright grin as Irene spoke of Ciaran and the twins- as far as he was aware there were no marriage prospects on the horizon, but the Lee Fryes had a habit of marrying resilient women. Sinead had shown that last night, just as Irene was showing the same mettle now. ”They’re not stress lines.” Running his hand over his face again, Niall turned to catch a glimpse of his reflection in one of the goblets Irene had brought up as part of breakfast and noticed that he did look a little stained- stretched thin and maybe even haggard. When was the last time he had slept properly? ”I’m just getting older- this happens you know.” Making light of the situation, Niall felt himself relaxing more- felt the realisation of how much he had missed her, it was easy to be absorbed by his work sometimes and to simply not notice the passing of time. Hours would become days, days became weeks, and before Niall realised it- the moon would have grown full, waned, and waxed again without him going home. It was a habit he needed to break, only, he couldn’t quite figure out how to.

Her hand against his, soft and warm and strong, brought a slight ache to his chest.

He needed to make more of an effort, he knew that.

The fork was held forgotten in his hand as Irene spoke of her idea. Niall listened without comment, suggestion, or interruption. Unsure of what to say in response. When she had finished, her face bearing a grin that left him almost unsettled- Niall pondered for a few moments on what Irene had said.

Coup… opportunity... make him mad…

”It’s too dangerous.” It was treason, underhanded, and not to mention difficult. ”Its playing with fire, poking a sleeping bear, analogies aside- Irene I’m not sure it’s a good idea, and you mentioned Rosemary, she’s been through enough already dear.” He was speaking in a hushed tone, concerned by the excitement she had shown. ”Have you told anyone else of this idea of yours?”

[Irene Lee Frye]

“Look at the pot, calling the kettle black.” Irene said cooly, giving Niall a look. If he wanted her to sleep, then he should sleep as well. Then she’d worry less about him. It wasn’t a competition, so much as Irene trying to point out that he didn’t get enough rest like he should. But that was an argument for another time.

He was making excuses or making an attempt to brush off his appearance. He did look older, older then he should look, and she had a right to be concerned. He might no longer be a soldier, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t work himself to his grave still. Just because he was behind a desk didn’t mean it was any less dangerous. In fact, Irene thought was even more dangerous.

As a soldier, you could see your opponent coming. From a political standpoint? You didn’t know if those that called you friend were really a wolf in sheep’s clothing, aimed and ready to strike you down when you didn’t expect it. He needed to keep his wits about him, and that meant a good night’s rest. If she had to strong-arm him or tie him to a bed while they were at Lasairdubh she would.

Don’t you test her, Niall Lee-Frye.

“And an outright war isn’t?” She challenged, though her tone was light. She settled in on top of his desk more, tapping her nails lightly against the hard surface while she let Niall counter her idea. She hadn’t even gotten to the good part. The part that would make this all possible. “I haven’t, and you haven’t even heard all of it yet.” She said with a smile.

“Dangerous as it might be, we need to look at what risks we’re willing to take. Are we going to stand by and let him weed us out? Or are we going to put the family’s gifts to use and let our little wallflowers finally have time to shine.” She mused. Tilting her head to the side. The traces of light humor gone as she turned more serious.

“Rosemary is friends with Cera, and her handmaid. She’s already in a dangerous position. We need only to put another in with her.” She chimed. Put another near Allarick. “The Lady’s maid that tends to Rosemary and Cera, is pregnant.” She told him. Rumors flew all over the castle, and even tucked away in her home, away from the capital, Irene heard things from her little birds and inquiries. “She’s going to need a replacement, or at the very least, Cera is going to need an extra set of hands.” She went on to explain.

“Nilsana.” She said simply. It wouldn’t be out of the way for Rosemary to suggest her cousin while the servant was out now, was it? Adding an extra Lady to tend to Cera, and thus getting closer to the king. Besides that, Nilsana was a timid little thing. Something someone would just glance over, and yet not realize how much of a danger the little lamb could be. “And then of course there is Risa.” You couldn’t speak of the littlest Devany without her sister of course.

They had valuable resources at their disposal. Everyone was always quick to think of those with offensive or defensive gifts and fail to see the gifts of those that were far quieter. The ones that could help make a coup possible, and if they were successful...No-one would even realize it was them, or that they’d been the ones to do it.

"And before you tell me it's more dangerous, of course we wouldn't be feeding her straight to the lion. She'll be looked after carefully by those we can slip in at court. She won't be alone." You'll be there. She almost said, but held her tongue. Of course he would be, it was where his work was, but she also didn't want to add more worries or stresses to his plate. But if they wanted the least amount of Mystic death? Of Lee-Frye blood being spilt? Then this could be a chance. Their chance, to finally drive out the mad king. 

[Niall Lee Frye]

Niall looked at his wife, the cool tone in her voice didn't escape him- but it did pass by unremarked upon, for now at least. There was far too much on both of their plates right now to descend into a petty marital squabble about neither of them getting nearly enough rest. One day, perhaps they'd both be able to catch up- sleep for a week with no interruptions. No pressing work matters or young children unable to entertain themselves for ten minutes. Niall couldn't see it happening though, perhaps somewhere between retirement and grandchildren- if they both lived long enough to be so lucky. But there his thoughts went once again, unchecked for even a moment and they dashed down the darkest path. He reigned them back, bringing his gaze to rest intently on the woman in front of him: "Let me worry for the both of us then, I've already got the wrinkles." he said lightly, breaking the intense gaze to furrow his brow as though to prove his point before breaking into a low chuckle- small creases appearing around his eyes only proving his point further.

Diffusing a tense situation with humour was a skill many Lee Fryes had, though Niall wasn't lucky enough to count himself amongst those. But still, behind closed doors- when it was just he and Irene, he was willing to at least try. He knew she worried, of course he did. Irene Lee Frye was not solely a beautiful wife and doting mother- her mind was as sharp as his, sharper even. She knew the game they were all playing at court. She knew the risks Robert, Lee, and Niall were dealing with whilst entangling themselves with the kingdom's politics.

Whilst his brow had furrowed in jest a moment ago, now it furrowed in concern- ”Of course an outright war is.” He said, his voice cautious, the trepidation more than clear in his tone. ”You know this…” But still she sat there, her voice clear whilst his was tinged with worry, those long nails clicking against the wood, she looked to be the cat that had the cream- whilst Niall waited, caught between awe and caution. ”All of what?” He added, brows raised and that caution clear once again.

And then her plan unfolded, spilling into the air. And with each syllable Niall felt himself winding up- the tension building and building until he felt as though he was coiling each and every muscle. By the time she had finished, every inch of him seemed to ache.

”No.” Nial spoke at last, after several moment’s silence and more than one deep, steadying breath. The man had paused, weighed up every element of Irene’s plan… but it put far too many of them at risk. Rosemary, Nilsana, Risa… Too much was at stake. ”No. He said, firmer this time. ”There’s putting our gifts to use and there’s putting our family at risk Irene.” He hissed the words, cautious that there may be enemy ears even in Lasairdubh. ”More dangerous?” Niall hissed the words again. ”No, this isn’t some crash course- I won’t allow it, I won’t hear of it.”

[Irene Lee Frye]

Irene wasn’t sure what she was expecting when she told Niall of her plan. It seemed like the obvious choice to her, as the King was getting worse. If the rogue mystics were any indication, they were getting worse as a result. If they didn’t at least try to do something then there would be unnecessary deaths all around. If lives could be saved, and the Lee-Frye’s had the means to do something about it, then why shouldn’t they? Irene’s inner solider was crying in outrage at the injustice of it all. She was a protector at heart, and always had been. She might not wield a sword anymore, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t wield other weapons.

She watched Niall’s face as the rest of her plan registered. Waiting patiently for the inevitable “no” she knew that was likely to come from him. She did her best in keeping calm. Always calm and collected, while her true emotions were hidden under those layers of frost.

She knew he wouldn’t agree with her, but she didn’t realize how vehement he would be. She arched a brow at him. “We’re already at risk, Niall.” She kept her voice low since that’s what he was doing, and it wouldn’t be proper to raise their voices. They’d always had their little tiffs, but it had never been anything truly serious that they hadn’t at least comprised on. Irene couldn’t remember the last time they’d actually yelled at one another. “We need to ask ourselves what risks we’re willing to take to try and put an end to all of this.” She countered. The greater the risk, the greater the reward… It wasn’t something she voiced, however.

“If we don’t want to spill needless blood, we need to think of ways to do so. If he thinks he’s won right now, he’s at his weakest. Giving us an opportunity.” She argued. She clenched her jaw and forced herself to take a deep breath. Realizing she was getting more cranky than she realized. There was something heavy in the air, almost weighing down on her. “You may not want to hear it, Darling, but we need to at least think about it.” He was the only one that knew of the plan so far, but more than that, if they decided to take it to the family, it was ultimately Nilsana and Risa’s decision. Irene would never force them to do something they weren’t comfortable with.

She stood up from where she was sitting atop his desk, and slowly made her way towards him. For a moment, she wished there had been much pleasanter things to talk about than this whole mess. It’d been a month since they saw the other, and they’d jumped right into “business.” They did that a lot these days, didn’t they? Or at least it sure felt like it. Irene positioned herself on the bed next to him and then turned her body so she was looking at Niall more face on. Her brow furrowed slightly in concern as her face softened slightly. “What other choices do we have, other than bloodshed?” She asked quietly. “The unseelie are getting more brazen, our own could have been harmed at that party. We cannot sit idle for much longer.”