Linsan sat on a chair next to Brook's head, holding her friend's hand as Brook slept. Even though the healers said that Brook would survive, Linsan couldn't help but worry every time a whimper of pain escaped Brook's lips or she trembled.
Miska sat on the opposite side, her head rested on Brook's pillow as she stretched out across two chairs. Pillows and blankets spilled out underneath her from her attempts to make herself comfortable.
"Miska?" Brook's voice was broken and hoarse.
Linsan sat up sharply.
Brook looked at her. "Did you get Palisis?"
Wiping the sudden tears, Linsan nodded. "I got it back. Lord Xasnal was annoyed that I ruined Palisis, but he decided that he would look the other way since Tilbin attacked first."
She gave a rueful smile. "We don't have to even pay for the damage to his hall, but I did have to promise to play for him once everything was rebuilt."
Brook frowned.
"No, it's good. He's going to give me patronage for a year to let everything settle, the investigations to finish up, and your father's trial to proceed."
Her eyes widened. "D-Daddy?"
"They caught him. He was trying to escape on a boat, but the city guard have a number of water talents and he was unable to escape. And Gabaw..." Linsan voice broke as she struggled with the words. "Gabaw said that Dukan had started the fire that ruined our grove and was selling off Sterligs over the years. That is why Dukan had so much money, he had been trading our legacy for cash."
Tears ran down Brook's face. "Oh, Lin. I'm so sorry. I didn't know."
"Yes, but that means you have some nasty letters from your mother and sisters because everything was siezed. Cobbler's End and Moon Waters are working together now and they moved fast."
Brook's face fell. "Then I have nothing."
Miska looked up through her hair that had draped over her face. "You have us."
Brook smiled. She pushed the hair away and looked at Miska with love and affection. "I was getting there. I only need you two, right?"
"That's right, Princess." Miska leaned into Brook's hand and nuzzled it. "The healers said it would take a month or three to recover from your injurites and you still own me something."
At Brook's confused look, Miska grinned. "I get a royal servant for a week, remember?"
Brook giggled and then winced. "O-Ouch."
"Just because you got stabbed by your own father doesn't let you get out of obligations."
"I know! Just don't make me laugh!"
Miska crawled onto the bed and pressed her body to Brook's. "No laughter, but you don't get to escape me."
Brook leaned back. "I'm caught by my obligations, they are a chain around my neck." Then she lifted her head. "Yes, I know that's from a play."
Linsan shrugged and kept her mouth shut.
"And your mother was in it."
It took more effort not to smirk.
Resting her head back, Brook stroked Miska's hair. "Do you think there is a chance we could sieze Tilbin's, Gabaw's, and that other guy's assets?"
Linsan cocked her head. "Mayforn? Why?"
"I was thinking. They own the land they stole from Miska. She can't own it herself, but if there probably isn't a law that prevents her from owning stock in a company. If we got those assets, put it in one, and then she and the other _XXX_ could have their land back."
Miska sighed. "We can't legaglly run a company but I think we can have stock."
"So put some white person in charge. Someone who had your interests. I already know from daddy's... Dukan's work, that the person in charge doesn't have to be the one who makes decisions."
"Are you offering, Princess?"
"To be your puppet leader?" Brook smiled. "Yes."
"Does that mean I get to stick my hand up your---?"
"No!" Brook said, her face coloring. Then she glanced at Linsan and back to Miska. "M-Maybe. If Linsan is okay with it."
Linsan stood up. "As I told you before, you will always be my friend and I will be your lover until you find someone more worthy of the role. You've found your champion now, so I can happily go back to being merely your best friend for the rest of your life."
Brook's eyes watered for a moment. "That's a line, isnt' it?"
"I think so." Linsan grinned broadly. "I have to write it, but I'm definately going to call it _Allegro_."
