6

Ian

I had been out handling a few things and decided to drop off some papers to Colin while I was… Or at least that was the excuse I was using to try and see Mabel. She was staying with him and I wanted to speak with her, especially after she took my advice and asked the queen for advice.

Curiosity at what was in the letter I'd personally delivered to her was eating at me. The queen hadn't told me but promised she would seriously consider it.

Consider what exactly?

I couldn't focus when I didn't know and decided to ask as I delivered the queen's message.

Instead, I walked into what seemed to be a standoff?

The butler let me into Colin's study and I froze at what I found.

Namely, Mabel sitting on the couch looking upset with Kathy standing next to her staring daggers at Colin—which I'd never seen before.

But the real shock was Commander Andre Lessa leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest looking amused… And handsome. Pain bloomed in my chest as it always did whenever I saw him. He was the one big regret in my life.

Not having a relationship with him, but how things ended and we never could be—we couldn't salvage the friendship we'd had. That was what hurt more than anything.

Plus, I would always have love in my heart for him, and all I saw in his eyes for me was hate. It was hard to hear much of what he said to me then, and I knew my walking away when he was upset only angered him more.

Especially since I'd been the one to walk away from him originally.

"Colin is being a complete dolt, Ian," Kathy blurted, either unable to take the tension or simply wanting to snitch first.

Mabel's eyes went bug wide as she started to stand and move in front of Kathy protectively. It was maybe the most endearing thing she could have done when she was in such a troubled position herself.

"You just scared years off the countess's life by using my name like that, Kathy," I told her.

"Oh, sorry, Mabel," Kathy said, only realizing her reaction then. "Ian does not like all the formal stuff privately." She frowned when Andre snorted. "They work together all of the time so—never mind. Punish Colin if he will not change his mind."

"Kathy," Colin sighed.

"No, we're right in this," she said firmly, gesturing between herself and Mabel. "You are the jerk."

"I did not deny that, but I cannot change my mind." He looked to me for help.

"Oh no, please, I want to hear more how you are the jerk for once in a situation instead of you lecturing me that I am and you had to clean up my mess," I practically purred, mentally wincing when Andre snorted again. "Though I am not sure how all of this involves the commander."

"He's helping Alec since we will need him later after the divorce," Colin explained.

I glanced at Andre and didn't hide my surprise. "Thank you. That is extremely helpful of you." I frowned when he ground his jaw and looked away… And at Mabel.

Oh, he was interested in her.

Lovely.

No, not at all, and I was going to have a talk with him later, but first the situation in front of me.

"So Colin is a jerk?" I asked, wanting to get back to my fun.

Except Mabel was frowning and looking anywhere but at me.

Kathy noticed that and sat down, pulling Mabel along with her. "He's amused. That normally means he's going to take my side and give me what I want. He's being playful."

"Oh." Mabel looked at Kathy. "Truly?" She waited until Kathy nodded. "I am used to men simply laughing at women and ignoring them. I thought that the situation and we were going to be dismissed."

Ouch. It was hard not to take that personally. Even Colin looked a bit offended at that.

She seemed not to understand that and looked towards me but not meeting my gaze. "Your Grace, the problem is that Alec did not agree to be my attorney. Count Follan ordered him to be. It's not even the type of law he practices and the risk—my husband is a monster. His family is. The risk to Alec is—"

"Whitney informed me of the situation, and two of my knights will guard him for as long as needed," I told her.

"Yes, thank you, but that does not—the man was not willing. Not only is that horrible, that does not put me in the best position." She sighed when I didn't say anything. "How can I trust the man to argue on my behalf when he does not want to be there?"

"He will do his job diligently," Colin argued.

"I am sure he will, but he was clear his main goal was to get out of this unscathed," she said firmly. "And I do not blame him. I am trying to do the same. However, I thought he signed up for this and had some knowledge. I trusted—"

"I messed up," Colin snapped, and instantly Mabel started shaking, wincing when three pairs of angry gazes landed on him.

And I didn't like one of them being Andre's. Though to be fair, he would act that way even if he wasn't interested in Mabel. He was a good man like that.

"I apologize," Colin sighed. "I am not arguing the point that I was in the wrong. I am. I should have—I was wrong. Everything had to move fast and we did not have enough time. We were traveling for months and—this is not all I have had on my plate."

"How do we fix it?" I cut in, seeing that Colin was truly upset and struggling.

"That is the problem," Andre cut in. "Alec already filed the first part of the divorce filing to the court." He nodded when I winced.

"He cannot be taken off now," Colin said gently to Mabel, clearly already having said it and that being the point of contention.

"We understand that, Brother, but saying it's simply too late is not enough of a fix," Kathy stated. "This is not a ‘what's done is done' situation like you wore the wrong color to a party. His life is at risk. I am also concerned for his safety when he did not sign up for this, but he does not even handle divorces, and you were saying this will change everything for women's rights and more."

I winced. That was a very good point we hadn't thought of. "Okay, that's fair and valid. We had to move fast, but we can still correct some of this. Alec cannot be removed without serious issues and—"

"Forgive me, Your Grace, but what issues?" Mabel whispered. "I would like to know these problems it would cause for my divorce and person before everyone else decides they aren't worth that man's peace of mind or what I need to do."

And that was what upset her so much. She'd been assured the attorney was fine and what she needed, and things hadn't gone right. Now we were all deciding it for her.

"First, you could not file another of the same petition for another six months," I told her, nodding when her head snapped up, her eyes wide. "Yes, it's severe, but it's meant to keep people from filing over any little thing or without having everything in line."

"Well, if I was speaking to the Minister of Justice, I would think a provision needs to be written in for the situation we're currently in," she said quietly. "He's worried about his safety and was ordered to be on a case not of his choosing. We were worried for my safety if I did not file quickly. All of that has to matter and be a consideration."

"You are absolutely right and something to consider for the future. Colin, add it to the ministerial notes and something to circle back to. Verbiage and how to facilitate something like this."

"Also, injury," Kathy added, shrugging when we all looked at her. "What if the man was hurt? Can she not file for six months again? That's just silly."

"No, there is a provision for that," I told her. I felt silly when both women blinked at me like allowing him to be removed from the case because of injury but worry for his safety was stupid.

"There's also the perception that removing your attorney off the original filing meant that your case is weak, My Lady," Andre said. "It's not the reason, but your husband's side will say Alec found out something about you that made him not want to work with you or that you are hiding something. That it gives validity to your husband wanting the divorce."

She sighed, nodding. "I understand. Thank you for explaining."

"Alec is fine with doing it now that he's protected and it will move fast," Andre said. "He was worried about problems against him and his family, but they're not in the capital. The filing was this morning and the Matthiases will not let grass grow under this. They'd want court tomorrow if they could so people do not have time to talk about it.

"And going after an attorney's family in the West is not worth the headache it could be for them later. The problem is truly that this is not his field. Lady Kathy knew more about recent divorce cases than Alec did. He is beside himself with worry that he will be in charge of this important case with a woman's life on the line and he's not capable enough."

"I wish he had told me that from the start," Colin sighed.

"From what Alec told Mabel, you did not give him an option," Kathy grumbled. "It would serve you right if he quits after this. You cannot be mean and force people with your title, not ever." She tapped her chin. "Now who always drills that into my head?"

I snickered when Colin winced. "So we need the best divorce attorney in the capital and fast to help Alec."

Unfortunately, Andre and Colin both winced. I was shocked when they shared a look.

Colin sighed. "Not having a normal divorce attorney was not an oversight, Ian. It was intentional, remember?"

I frowned and then groaned. "Right, right, you told me this."

"But apparently, not the one having the divorce," Kathy drawled, rubbing Mabel's arm. Wow, she'd really taken a liking to Mabel to side with her over Colin. I'd never seen it before and couldn't hide my shock. She simply shrugged. "I side with Colin because he's normally right. This time he's not. None of us are perfect."

Andre snorted again, but I ignored it knowing it was aimed at me.

I moved over to Mabel and knelt before her feet, taking her other hand in mine. "My Lady, as you said yourself, your situation is complicated. The way things are now, there aren't many who seek divorce, so there are few attorneys. And the few who specialize in it generally—"

"Protect the men," she whispered, lowering her head. "Of course. Only men can be attorneys. Men are the ones who behave badly in the marriages, and we must protect them and the damage to them." She pulled her hand away. "None would want to represent me instead of blame me that it was all my fault for not doing my duty as a wife."

"People have to protect themselves more than bodily," I said gently. "It would ruin the career of an attorney if this was his field and he took your case."

Kathy snorted. "Or his business could boom from all of the wives who only went to him to force cheating, abusive husbands to pay what they should."

"Yes, but only if she wins, which is a gamble a lot of people might not risk," I agreed. "Or we can trust that will not tank the case. We know and trust Alec. That was why. Plus, my attorneys might make more trouble than help given I am a member of the royal family."

"That's smart, but one could offer assistance to Alec so he's not alone in this," Andre muttered. "Two amazing attorneys from another field are better than one good attorney who handles divorces but not one like this."

She looked up and beamed at him, giving the most disarming smile I'd ever seen… And it was for another man. The first real smile I'd seen from her even. "That's true. That's very true and smart. Thank you, Commander."

"Anytime, My Lady. I hope for this change just as you do. My officers are rooting for you and for the next woman in your position to have hope of an easier battle. We want truth to win just as much as you do."

Bastard. He was always so good at knowing what to say and being kind. Normally, I valued that, but I wanted her.

How unfunny was it that the man I hated to let go might become my rival for the first woman who had caught my eye in a very long time?

Seriously it was so unfunny that I wanted to growl.

But apparently, he might have laid it on a bit thick because she shut down and focused on her hands again. I took the hint that she wanted her space and moved to sit in the chair next to the couch so I could still see Colin and Andre.

I sent a message to the attorney I was thinking of and we discussed several ideas. Mostly to make things better with Alec and how to proceed, but Mabel seemed to hit her limit in the middle of it, pushing to her feet clutching her skirt in her hands.

"Thank you for seeing to this issue and talking it out with me, however I feel the same courtesy should be extended to Alec instead of all of us deciding for him." She turned her head towards Colin but only looked at his desk, not meeting his gaze. "Going forward, I agreed to pay for this help by giving information I know.

"I did not agree to simply sit quietly in my life anymore and become the doll of the next man who ordered me to. I hope you take this mistake to heart and we do not have one like it again. Otherwise, given how fast you jumped on the idea of helping me because of what I could provide, I doubt you would be my only option. Good day."

And with that, she left, Kathy hurrying after her after she shot Colin one more annoyed look.

"I cannot even get upset with how fast she went to protect Kathy when she did not understand our relationship and how relaxed you are behind closed doors," Colin said first, scrubbing his hands over his head. "I am sorry she's upset and I put Alec in a shit position, but… What else was I supposed to do? This is not a divorce we're dealing with—"

"But enough dynamite to blow up several mountains that could go off in our faces in a spectacular way if we're not careful," I muttered, rubbing my forehead. "And get her killed. We all know that will be their first and loudest answer how to handle this situation the moment they learn she filed for divorce in the capital and has an attorney."

"Too bad there was not someone who could actually stand up to the corruption that leads to people acting that boldly and getting away with it," Andre purred. "A head of the justice of this kingdom or something would be a good idea." He bowed to both of us. "Have a blessed day, My Lord, Your Grace."

"He really knows how to take shots that wound you most," Colin whispered after Andre was gone.

And he didn't know we were ever in a relationship.

"Tell me whatever you need," I told Colin as I pushed to stand. "We handle this all the way, over what she could ‘pay' with whatever information she has. We cannot do this halfway. I have already ordered more knights to the capital. Cover us."

"A lot of it depends how they respond," Colin muttered. "The marquis is smart, and if he's smart on this, he will simply offer her a lot of money never to go to trial."

I snorted. "His pride will never allow a woman to get away with that and win over him."

"No, but he is smart. There's a chance."

I didn't think there was, but part of me hoped it was true for Mabel's sake. For the kingdom and my cousin, it was better if the marquis made a mess… But I didn't want her to suffer that.

I left and the moment I was outside, I realized Andre hadn't actually left, simply the townhouse.

"Leave her be, Ian," he said darkly. "Help her like you promised, but then leave her be."

I turned to face him and hated how handsome he was in that moment because it always made it hard for me to think around him. "I would think the same advice would be best for you." I raised an eyebrow at him. "Will you lie that you can protect her after this is over?"

Rage filled his eyes. "And whose fault is that?" He pushed off the wall and stood toe to toe with me. "The royal family will never accept a divorced woman into their family. Never and we both fucking know it. Do not make her your next victim of unspoken promises, and your heart making decisions life will not let you follow through with. I will not be quiet about it this time."

"That's not—I was—we were kids and—"

"Yeah, we were just kids in a war," he agreed. "And I always understood that even if it hurt. It's what's happened since, Ian, that I hate you for."

I was shocked he could speak of his feelings for me like that and took a step back, my heart aching. I hadn't done anything since but support his career and worked hard to clean up the kingdom like he had. I was almost more confused than shocked and hurt.

He moved closer, not letting me run from this like I normally did from anything that involved him. "But you are not a kid anymore. So do not be a spoiled prince this time and leave the woman alone. She's been through enough, and the last thing she needs is your idea of love."

That wasn't fair. "You want her, so you do not get—"

"I do not know that I would be any better for her either," he said firmly, nodding when I was shocked again. "I never said I was going to pursue her. This is not you versus me, Ian. This is what is right for the woman who has been trapped in hell her whole life versus what is not. I could be just friends with her. Even being friends with you could destroy her future."

And then he left. With that parting shot, he left me standing there stunned. I stared after him in more pain than I had been in a long time. There was so much to dissect in what he said and things I didn't understand that I didn't… What was I missing?

Clearly, a lot.

It made me angry. Deeply angry and not at Andre for once, but life and how unfair everything could be.

So I decided to be unfair to tip the scales for a better future.

James, the knight normally in charge of my security detail, handed me the information that I'd requested as I reached the carriage. I smiled and saw his lips twitched.

"Let's go have some fun, shall we?"

"Music to my ears, Your Grace."

I just bet. My knights wanted to fight evil and assholes as much as I always did.

So we did. We went to five attorneys in the capital that handled divorces and made it clear that I didn't blame them if they didn't want to help Mabel in her case, but if they took the side opposite her, they would regret it. Exceedingly regret it, and that meant a lot coming from a member of the royal family when someone was a commoner.

Which was why I rarely ever did anything like that, but… This was the one time I felt it okay to break my own rules and go over the line.

I headed home to do too much work until an urgent message arrived. I thanked my butler and accepted it, preparing myself when I saw the seal was from the courthouse.

I read it twice to make sure I didn't miss anything. Unfortunately, I was right and the marquis wasn't going to let Mabel go quietly in the night.

And he was more disgusting of a monster than even I knew. He wasn't simply going into battle for the divorce, but he was countersuing the Sunde family, and the way the whole filing was worded, it was… Abhorrent.

No, that wasn't even strong enough.

Evil. It was evil.

He was using this moment to make a political stance about the rights of women and smacking not only Mabel back into what he thought was the right place, but any woman after her that might want to file for divorce. That was crystal clear.

Especially in the careful wording chosen that made it clear Mabel was an object, not a citizen.

It was truly worded that way. If I didn't know her or the situation, I would have read this filing and wondered what thing had been faulty in the business dealing between the families.

The whole document was an insult and demeaning her to lower than a mare that didn't perform after it was purchased.

I set it down and went to my sideboard, pouring myself a large whiskey as I stared out at the setting sun over the capital.

Let the games begin and the pain of war be felt on all sides.