The constable spoke again before she could grin back.

“You and the other ladies will enjoy Queen Farah and King True’s hospitality, although they are not here. They are fighting the righteous fight in Airen. But nonetheless, you will enjoy their hospitality until your families come to collect you,” he shared.

But Teddy was watching Moira’s face as he did so, and he saw it close off.

This was when Teddy’s sense of elation wore off that Faunus and Saturn had clearly earned a promotion along their campaign to rescue him.

“The journey is not long to the castle, but do you need refreshments before you go?” the constable asked.

This was a commendably polite hint that he had things to do and they should be on their way.

Thus, Teddy stood.

“No, we’re fine. We’ll be on our way.”

The constable nodded. “Thank you, again. There were many questions that needed answers with that sorry business out east and you provided them. Mixed tidings to those who lost, but soon, some families will rejoice.”

Teddy nodded.

And then there was a good deal of hand shaking before they left the office, he collected his women, Faunus collected his men, and they rode to Birchlire Castle.

\

“I go with you.”

“Faunus.”

“I go with you, Teddy.”

They indeed had been received by the staff of Birchlire.

In fact, Sir Alfie Henriksson, True’s captain and counsellor greeted them himself, stunning Teddy by looking in robust health and fine spirits while sitting in his chair.

There was a lovely woman at his side who had twinkling brown eyes, and both Sir Alfie and she, who went by the name of Bronagh, assured Teddy and his party all their needs would be met before asking them to join them for supper in the informal dining room.

They had accepted.

Teddy had seen to it his women were settled while Faunus had seen to it his men were.

And now, in their room, before they prepared for dinner, he needed to go speak with Moira.

“I hope it won’t offend you, as I believe it won’t surprise you, that you are not her favorite person. She has endured much. I do not know what the end of that means for her but clearly there is something troubling her and I would know it before we make our journey home.”

“No, I am not her favorite person, for you are. To her, I am simply the man who will take you away,” Faunus retorted. “But do not think she is not mine, for you are hers and this is something that gives me happiness.”

Teddy liked his words so much, he didn’t know what to say.

“And as such, I saw her reaction and I am concerned as well,” he continued. “So, I will go with you to see to it she is all right.”

Teddy considered this before he made a decision.