As usual, they talked during the postcoital lull.
"So, what does a Royal Family bastard want to use you for? And what's his relationship with that Hexenbiest named Adalind Schade?"
Sure enough, after listening to Nick recount his day while nestled in his arms, Dahlia focused on the same things.
"Judging by the timeline, Renard started laying his plans several years ago. I remember he came to Portland about three years ago and was parachuted into the PPB as a police inspector, right when I first joined.
"The three Hexenbiests came to Portland about two years ago. They were probably helpers sent by the Royal Family, or people he recruited himself."
Nick first sorted through the timeline and found no logical problems.
Dahlia picked up the bottle of mineral water on the nightstand and replenished some fluids before speaking. "Renard probably sent Adalind to murder Aunt Mary on orders from the Royal Family.
"Assuming the Royal Family wants that key, why has he been trying to win you over all this time?"
"Renard is an illegitimate son. Maybe the Royal Family doesn't accept him, and he's developed other ideas?" Nick remembered the stories of Grimms serving the Royal Family in the past, helping them control the Wesen under them.
Supposedly, the branches of the Royal Family now scattered around the world had mostly lost control of the Wesen. If an illegitimate son looking to rise through the ranks appeared now with a Grimm at his command, that would be a considerable advantage, wouldn't it?
"So, how are you planning to deal with this Renard? Kill him outright?" Dahlia's tone was as calm as if she were discussing tomorrow's breakfast.
Nick shook his head. "There's no rush. If we can confirm that his interests don't align with the Royal Family's, there