Indeed, the black was still under her eye, and Mars could not look at it for very long, or the emotion he was burying at the sight of it would rise in him as well and that would help nobody.

Mars sighed and turned back to Chu.

“I know how it started. I also know that since you left Serena behind, you have not been yourself. You have been removed to the point you’ve been withdrawn. And I know that since you left her, Princess Serena has acted honorably. We have all worked in our ways to put an end to this uprising. But outside the agent Tedrey, she is the one amongst our inner circle who has been the most in danger.”

Mars allowed Chu a moment to experience the emotion he did not hide flashing in his eyes.

Then he went on.

“She did not have to do what she did, Chu. She did not do it for peace amongst realms or diplomatic relations. She did it because she could, and it was the right thing to do. I don’t know what passed between you when you were together. But I do know what the two of you had changed from what it was when you started. And Serena having it, it changed who she was. Therefore, I encourage you,” he glanced at Silence before he moved his attention back to Chu, “strongly to consider going after her and healing this rift so you can attend her as she loses her mother.”

“This is a critical juncture with The Rising,” Chu replied.

“They have no coin, fifty-seven key operatives in two different realms have been or will soon be put out of commission, and within weeks, they will be entirely removed from Firenz soil,” Mars returned. “You can go.”

Chu said nothing.

“Chu, what I am trying to express is that you not only have my permission, you have my blessing,” Mars encouraged. “You can go.”

“And you should go,” Silence said quietly. She then twisted more fully to his Trusted. “Her mother is dying, Chu. When that happens, she will need you.”

Chu stared at Silence for but a second.

Then he rose and strode from the room.

As the door latched behind him, Silence asked, “Does that mean he’s going?”

“That means he’s going,” Mars answered.

He looked from the door to her and grinned.

She grinned back.

“My brother,” Lorenz growled.

Mars gave his attention to Lorenz.

“Faunus has a team—” he began to remind his captain.

“I wish to catch up and ride with them.”

“Your emotion is too deeply stirred,” Mars said.

“And Faunus’s isn’t?” Nyx demanded.

“Faunus is searching for his lover, and as such, his determination will be resolute,” Mars said to Nyx. “Lorenz would be hunting the man who took his friend from his home, a home this man invaded after the guard assigned to it was assassinated, in it a servant with Lorenz’s protection was murdered, also in it the wife who is his life was struck repeatedly and her life threatened. His emotion…is too deeply…stirred.”