Ann grimaced as she lowered herself into her chair at her desk and stared at the now closed door that Coral had disappeared behind only moments earlier.
She felt as though she had so much to do and wasn't really getting anywhere with any of it thanks to her body's unwillingness to cooperate.
She still hadn't heard from Lexi herself which in itself was a little bit concerning, but with both Allen and Greyson to keep her occupied at the Crystal pack while she was there, she didn't really feel like she should worry too much right now.
After all, how much trouble could she really get herself into under their watchful gaze?
She felt the corners of her mouth lift up into a little smirk as she reached for her phone and shot her a quick text.
At least she couldn't complain that she wasn't trying to stay in touch this time.
With a sigh she scrolled through her list of contacts, trying to decide between calling Eva or Bartholomew. Truthfully, she could do with the distraction of work right now although Adam was likely to be livid, but really, she needed to know how long she would need to be distracted before Bartholomew would be able to arrive.
So with that in mind, she called his number first and waited for him to pick up, a grin spreading on her face when she heard his puzzled voice on the end of the phone.
"Bartholomew! I hope you don't mind me calling out of the blue like this."
"Not at all, your highness! Although if I'm honest, I thought it might be a little longer than a few days before I heard from you again. Is everything okay?" his concerned tone came through, pulling a wistful smile at the fatherly feeling it instilled in her.
"Maybe I just missed having you around," Ann chuckled softly as he responded in kind.
"As I said before, I am only ever a phone call away."
"I know, and I appreciate that, although actually, I do need to pick your brains a little." she said, her tone switching to a more business like one, "We have a bit of an issue. Well, I'm not sure if it's an issue yet or not, but apparently, Greyson is the son of the Lycan King. Were you aware of this?"
The silence that extended on the other end of the line told her all that she needed to know.
"In that case, I'm assuming that as you didn't feel the need to report to me on this, that you felt it wasn't a threat to our sovereignty. I trust your judgment, however, I would have liked to have been made aware, and as you know my husband's nature…he's not best pleased with you at present."
"He can't be mad with Barty-boy! He's like a cute little grandpa..." Maeve whined as Ann did her best to ignore her.
"I can only apologize, Your Highness, but this is not a conversation we should be having over the phone. I cannot explain in full detail, just in case, you understand."
"The walls still have ears then I See," Ann said wryly as he chuckled on the other end of the phone.
"They do indeed. Rome wasn't built in a day…or so they say." He answered with a sigh, "Even with all the changes you began to enact, it will still take time for old habits to die amongst some of the Enclave. I'm assuming that Your Consort will not allow you to travel again in your...condition."
"You assumed right,"she said with a twinge of bitterness in her voice.
"It's for the best, your highness...things..."
"Are not safe, I know. I'm reminded every time I breathe," she snapped before taking a deep breath to calm herself, "I'm sorry Bartholomew. I'm just…emotionally volatile right now. You didn't deserve that."
"You are not the first pregnant woman that I have dealt with, your highness. There's no need to apologize, yet it is appreciated. Give me a moment, let me check my calendar…where did I put the damn thing…"
Ann stifled a smile at the familiar rustling and creak of the armchair accompanied by the movement of drawers and for a second, she could almost smell the books that lined his office.
"Ah! Damn thing…apprentices always moving things..." he muttered, "Hmm. I have nothing that can't be rescheduled two days from now. Is that acceptable? Or do you need to see me a little more urgently?"
"No, no. That's wonderful Bartholomew, thank you. We were trying to gather as much information about the Lycan Kingdom as we possibly could though, just to know what we're up against. There's additional issues regarding them that I would like to discuss in person with you."
"I'll bring what intelligence I have on them, but it's nothing that you shouldn't already have at the palace. If you ask your father…"
"No. I don't want his help." Ann answered stubbornly as she practically heard the purse of his lips through the phone, "Not yet, anyway. I still can't bring myself to trust him." She added softly.
"Understandable, my Queen." He hummed thoughtfully, "Very well, anything else I should gather before I leave for this visit?"
"Perhaps…is Lexi's father still there?"
"I think so. He's still poking around at some of the flesh golems that were brought back from the ruins. He's brought along a wraith with him as well...much to some of the Elders consternation…it's nice to see them in a flap again so soon though…I thought for a dreadful minute that things would go back to being dull and boring."
"Dull and boring? With me and Lexi at the helm?" Ann laughed lightly, "Not likely."
Bartholomew chuckled indulgently before speaking again, and when he did, his voice was filled with curiosity.
"Would you like me to bring him with me when I come?"
"I think that would be a good idea. I'd like to pick his brains about the portal room I plan to construct here and if anything, it would mean you can be here in a few seconds rather than that torturous journey in the car."
"Very well, your highness. I shall speak with him and let you know if he can make it or not."
"Thank you, Bartholomew."
"Not a problem at all. Your wish is my command, as ever." He said with the smile he wore on his face shining through in his voice.
As the call ended, Ann allowed herself a short laugh.
"How is it that someone of no relation can feel so much like family?" Ann murmured.
"Because he's the closest thing we've had to a father for more years than I can count," Maeve answered sadly.