Chapter 12

Valda was so tired of people telling her what to do, when to do it and how to do it. She was tired of Arwin, telling her when she was doing something wrong, while leaving her out of all the important decisions. She was… tired of him. She had been tired of him for quite some time, but she had never been able to get rid of him. Even now, Valda knew that he would still look out for her, take care of her. She hated him for that. She hated that he wouldn't apologize, and neither would she. Arwin deserved what she'd done, but there was a sliver of truth in what he said.

She allowed her emotions to get the better of her, she allowed others to get inside her head. Maybe Maris wasn't who she said she was. Maybe she should've allowed him to investigate her. She barely knew who this woman was, and she had fallen into a routine, into a comfortable familiarity.

She enjoyed her company. Now more than ever…

As Valda walked down the hall, using her hand to the wall as a guide, she smashed her body into a wall that wasn't there. Strong hands grabbed her shoulders and steady her. She tensed, but the artificial calmness let her know right away who she had bumped into.

"Busy day being a queen?"Kayden's taunting voice pushed away her anger just for a second. The hurried steps behind her let her know that Maris was close.

"I thought you left."

"I was about to. I was just heading to your chamber to check on you. I heard you had an audience."

"Your Highness!" Maris said behind her, out of breath. "Please, you need to wait up."

"And Maris is running after you? Who is helping who?" Kayden laughed before patting Valda harshly.

"I had a skirmish with Arwin."

Maris scoffed. "Skirmish? You almost killed—"

"You will talk when addressed to," Valda ordered.

"Hmm. I also heard you killed a man."

"He wanted to fuck a child. He claimed she was his mate who died nine years ago."

"I've never heard of the mating bond forming after sleeping with someone younger than twenty-one."

"Neither have I. Yet, he claimed it was his right to take her to his home."

A short silence fell on them before Kayden laughed again. "You did him a favor. He will be reunited soon enough, hopefully." He grabbed Valda's forearm and gave it a firm squeeze. "In any case, I believe you did the right thing, not in the right way, though. I would've captured him and killed him somewhere else."

"I need to make a stance. I don't want others to think I am weak."

"They know you are not weak, but are you judicious?" Kayden asked, squeezing her forearm again and patting her shoulder.

Valda was taken aback by her friend's words. She hadn't thought about that. Like Arwin, she had gone about her life doing first and asking questions later. Maybe she should start listening instead of moping.

"Either way, my dear friend. I came to say my goodbyes. I will be heading back to Harmonia, and I will contact my cousin to see how we will come up with a blessed Asclepius Worshipper for you. I haven't forgotten about you. We will fix this."

Valda sighed, conceding. She was already getting used to the darkness, she didn't care if she was able to see again. She would have to do with what she had and get used to using her other senses rather than her sight to fight. "May Ouranos guide you, Kayden."

"He won't. Aphrodite will." Kayden chuckled and patted Valda's face a little too hard for her liking. "Write to me. If you need me here, you know I will come running."

"Thank you, Kayden."

"Maris!" Kayden chirped while Maris said goodbye to him. His footsteps receded until there was nothing but silence in the hall. Maris's soft hands touched her waist and gently guided Valda to her room.

As Maris closed the door, Valda could make out Cerberus welcoming meows and soft pads of her paws. The large cat rubbed herself against Valda's leg until she picked her up. Another bump to her head and a loud purr confirmed that the cat had missed her owner.

"Your Highness?"

Valda hugged her pet tightly, slowly walking to the large sofa and sitting there. "Yes?"

"Are you all right?"

Valda could hear Maris's worry. She was probably as nervous as Valda was. She licked her lower lip and nodded her head. "I got angry." That was an understatement.

"I see," Maris whispered.

When Maris's hands landed on her back, she flinched at the sudden touch and pulled away quickly.

"Valda." Her name was soothing when Maris said it, bringing a sense of peace, compared only to when Kayden used his power. However, this peace was not artificial. It was real and that terrified her. She wanted Maris, there was no doubt in her mind, but what if Arwin was right? What if she was making a horrible decision in wanting to make Maris her heart mate when there was a possibility that she was the enemy?

"Should I be worried?" Valda asked.

"About?"

"What Arwin said, about you…"

Silence consumed the room, except for the cat's purrs.

"Do you trust your general, Your Highness?" Maris asked, her voice closer than what Valda predicted.

"He is ruthless, but he has taught me everything I know. I should trust him," Valda said, scratching Cerberus's jaw.

"I… don't. I don't like him, and if am being honest, I think he is hiding things from you."

"How would you know that?"

"I—" Maris sighed, her steps shuffling around. "I don't. I don't know but his face—"

"He likes to do things his way. My mother has gotten into numerous fights with him because of that, that doesn't mean he is untrustworthy." Right?

"He is putting ideas in your head that I am here to hurt you and I need you to understand this," Maris said. "I would never do anything to harm you or anyone at all. If you want me to swear it, I will."

What bothered her the most was that she trusted Maris. And even if Arwin told her that there was something wrong or suspicious about her, she wouldn't listen… Something inside of her was sure that Maris was harmless, and that she truly just wanted to help.

"I know you would never hurt me," Valda whispered, absentmindedly petting Cerberus neck. "You would've done that by now. But then I think about what you said, how they rather have me in power than my mother and…"

"Valda, I would've basically given myself away. Why would I let you know my plans if I had any? I didn't even want to be in that meeting in the first place. That man—" Maris scoffed. "He hates me."

"He probably hates all Sealians," Valda said before she bit her thumbnail. It made sense. Yet, there was still something that was bothering her in the back of her mind. Arwin's words to her. Was she really that predictable and easily manipulated? No. Valda had never taken such liberties with other maids. Maris was different.

"I need to clear my head," Valda said. "I need my cane."

"Yes, of course," Maris hurried away from Valda and came back just as quick to hand her the cane. Valda kissed Cerberus's snout, placed her on the floor before unfolding the cane and standing. She tested the cane and chuckled when she felt Cerberus swatting at it. "If you want to come with me, you are more than welcome, Maris."

"Where are you going?"

"To beat something up."

Maris was in disbelief. She had heard countless stories of Valda's legendary skill as a warrior back when she worked at the tavern, and her mother's praises of the royal family and Valda's abilities had only added to the mystique. The bards at the tavern sang of Valda's conquests on the battlefield, but seeing her in action always left Maris in awe.

Valda had expressed a desire to train, and Maris could do nothing but follow her. A group of five young soldiers were already waiting, and fear gnawed at Maris's stomach. She had been a witness to Valda's last "training" session, which hadn't gone well in the beginning. But something was different this time.

Valda stood in the center of the ring, surrounded by the men, her cutlass gripped tightly in her hand. Her knees were bent, her eyes closed in concentration. Maris watched uneasily from the shadows, torn between a desire to intervene and the knowledge that it would only land her in trouble. With a fierce scream, Valda unleashed her power, and the men charged at her with swords raised.

But Valda deftly blocked every attack, using gusts of wind from her free hand to knock the soldiers off their feet. Maris held her breath, anxiously gripping her skirt. Valda effortlessly threw off a soldier who had managed to grab her in a chokehold, and with three opponents down, she turned her attention to the last two guards.

Releasing her cutlass, Valda clenched her fists, and the wind around her intensified, swirling like a tornado. The guards charged at her, but Valda stood tall, her control over the wind evident as the guards' skulls collided with a sickening thud, pulled together by the force of the gust.

Maris squinted, shielding her eyes from the sand, but she couldn't look away from Valda's graceful movements as she dusted herself off, retrieved her sword, and sheathed it. She wiped the sweat from her forehead before dismissing the soldiers.

Maris approached Valda, announcing herself with a touch of her arm. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

Valda sighed. "Content yet worried."

Maris frowned. "And why is that?"

"For now, I have to rely on my gift," Valda said, her tone tinged with frustration. "I can't fight like I used to, but I can still defend myself."

"And what's wrong with that?"

"I cannot use it all the time. The gods gave their chosen few special gifts, but our mortal bodies have limits. We are not capable of using those gifts as much as they would've." Valda sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. "I do hear the steps, their grunts. I can smell them getting close, but at the end of it all, I won't have accuracy."

"I think with a little bit of practice you can get where you want to be. You're relearning a skill that took years to master. Of course you have to take things slow."

Valda chuckled. "True. As much as I want to go back to how things were, it is impossible. Now, I do want to go back to doing something that I enjoyed when I was a princess."

"What is that?"

Valda turned away from Maris and called out to one of the guards by the back entrance of the castle. "Get Argo and the other mare. I wish to go out."

Maris watched as the guard nodded and left in a hurry. "Argo?"

"My horse. I want you to accompany me to Ophelia Plaza. Stretch those legs, mingle with my people."

"You used to do that when you were a princess?"

"Of course. How else would I know what my people need."

Maris frowned. "According to the economics report, you weren't that in tune with what your people needed."

Valda tensed, and Maris quickly recovered.

"I mean no disrespect."

"Things will be changing. I will make sure of that."

Maris turned to the sound of soft gallops headed their way. A gorgeous golden horse with a white mane moved closer to them, followed by a shiny black mare. Maris was amazed at the two beasts.

"Your horses, my Queen," a guard announced while handing the reins to Maris.

"Thanks, that is all for now." Valda moved her hand until she felt Argo's fur under her fingertips. She smiled and patted the horse's thick neck. "Please, tell me you do know how to ride a horse."

Maris's frown was annoyed. "Of course I can ride a horse," she said, grabbing the saddle's horn and pulling herself to sit up. If Valda were able to see, she would probably be impressed by the fluidity of her movement. "I had a horse once. I sold it before coming to work here."

"Interesting." Valda chuckled, patting her way around the saddle until she found the horn, and just as Maris had, she pulled herself up with elegant ease. "I need you to go up front. Argo will follow you until we are at the plaza. Then she will navigate the plaza on her own," Valda said, patting Argo's neck again. "She knows the stops that I take."

"I would rather be next to you, if that's all right with you."

Valda shrugged and clicked her tongue to get Argo going.

"Do you usually just go out and that's it? No guards?"

"I am the queen."

"Yes, but you are the queen now. I mean before?"

"My people have no desire to see me hurt, just as I have no desire in taking advantage of them. As the princess, I came and went as I pleased. Everyone was used to it."

Maris couldn't help but chuckle.

"Is there something that amuses you?" Valda asked while Argo came to stride next to Maris's mare.

Maris shook her head as she looked forward to the plaza's arched entrance. She could already smell the food, and hear the buzzing laughter and conversation. People made her nervous. A side effect of her secluded upbringing she had never quite shaken. She would rather be at the castle, alone and just interacting with Valda.

"Well?"

Valda's question snapped her back. Sometimes she would forget that Valda wasn't able to see her. She had managed to get around just fine without her help. "It is nothing."

"You laugh at nothing?"

"I just. Find this to be quite ironic," Maris began, noticing the sudden beaming smiles and salutations headed their way as Valda walked down dirt roads.

"What is?"

"When I was a young girl, my parents kept me away from everyone. They were always petrified that something bad might happen to me and yet, you," Maris smiled and looked at Valda. "The Queen of the Sky Kingdom, is not scared to walk among her people and was allowed to do as she pleased as a child."

"I wouldn't say I could do as I pleased." Valda smirked coyly.

"You could walk around. I was locked up."

"Strange. You had no friends?"

"Only Melvian."

"What about your education?"

"I was homeschooled."

"You had a private tutor?"

"My mother and father were my tutors."

Valda frowned. "That's it? Two tutors? Your father was a soldier, what of your mother?"

"She was a homemaker."

Valda pursed her lips then dipped her head in acknowledgment. "And yet you do not sound inarticulate."

"I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult to my parents." Maris raised her eyebrow and turned to Valda, who seemed to be panicking.

"Forgive me. I did not mean—"

Maris chuckled. "It's fine. I read a lot too."

Maris leaned to the side and grabbed hold of Argo's reins. Once again, Maris thought that the smartest thing was to change subjects. Even as she is getting comfortable with Valda, she still didn't feel comfortable enough to tell her everything. She pulled Argo closer to her black mare and decided to go back to the conversation at the meeting.

"What I still do not get is, you claim to be loved, yet General Arwin talks about a possible coup."

Valda got tense; her upper lip twitched in annoyance. "And?"

"Are you not scared?"

"There is always going to be a threat of a coup. No one is going to be fully content with how things are going. I do not expect that, yet I am sure that if I go to the south, settle the rebels, purge them, these rumors of a coup would disappear along with them."

"Or you could also rethink your taxing system," Maris said, shrugging. "Maybe this coup idea has some roots there? Maybe if you start taking care of the most vulnerable in this society things can somehow settle down."

"You were raided by Skylians, yet you speak as if you have been hurt by the taxing system," Valda said. When Maris took too long to respond to her annoyed tone, she insisted, "Well? Have you?"

"I think everyone is angry at the taxing system."

"But there is something more…"

"My father was a soldier in your army. After his death, me and my mother were pretty much abandoned by the crown. My mother was unable to work, I had to step in and help. I— I was too young," Maris stuttered, her emotions amassing as a knot in her throat.

"Abandoned? We never abandon our soldier's family."

"I thought that too…" Maris wished the conversation was over. However, Maris knew that Valda could get all the answers she wanted, she was the queen after all.

Before Valda could ask her another question, the mouth-watering smell of food filled Maris's nose. The queen pulled on Argo's reins and subsequently on Maris's mare.

"Do you smell that?" Valda asked, breathing out contentedly.

Maris raised an amused eyebrow before inhaling and sighing in pleasure. "Oh, yes I do."

"Please, tell me we are near Lasmeer's."

Maris had heard about Lasmeer's. Lasmeer's was a small kiosk near the center of Ophelia Plaza. Melvian had talked about it more than once, and had told Maris that she wanted to take her there to indulge in their grilled meats with bread.

Maris turned enough to see the entrance and the smoke coming out of the kiosk. "We are. Do you want to stop here?" she asked, but the queen was already down from her horse. Maris didn't waste a second. She jumped down and quickly grabbed hold of Valda's forearm. "You should wait for me."

"I am starving, and the aroma is making me insane."

Maris tied the reins outside the kiosk before following Valda closely. The queen had taken out the white cane and used it effortlessly as she made her way inside. A wide, bright smile was plastered on her face.

"I cannot believe my eyes! Valda! Oh wait, no, no…" A man who appeared to be the owner walked out, arms open, grease stains adorned his cotton shirt and pants. The large man bowed down mockingly before moving his hand in an exaggerated courtesy. "Queen Valda!"

Valda's smile almost reached her ears as the man grabbed hold of her and pulled her into a tight and welcoming hug.

Anxious for a second, Maris was scared that he was getting too close to Valda, but with the way she hugged him back, she guessed that he was all right.

"It has been too long, my friend!"

"Lasmeer. I am glad to know you are fine," Valda said before pulling away and grabbing his forearm in a firm salute.

"I've heard what happened. My deepest condolences. Your mother's passing is a sad event, yet I must say, I am proud and honored to call you my queen."

"I appreciate it, Lasmeer, but just for today, I wish not to be your queen but your friend. Just like old times."

"Ah! But of course!" Lasmeer turned to Maris and moved his hand, signaling them to sit near a small bar area.

Maris nodded and helped Valda settle down before sitting next to her. The kiosk was far from a royal socializing place. It was dirty, open to the public, yet cozy and inviting at the same time. Lasmeer was like any other Skylian, except he didn't have any dark hair on his head save for his thick beard. His bald head shined with sweat as he walked behind the bar. His yellow eyes darted out to look at Maris, trailing over her before going back to Valda.

Maris guessed the man was no older than fifty, and by the scars on his arms and his limp, she also guessed he used to be a soldier.

Without asking, Lasmeer pulled two large crystal cups from underneath the bar and placed them in front of Valda and Maris. Then, he poured two beers into the cups.

"I also heard about your blindness," Lasmeer said, throwing the now empty bottles away. "How are you holding up?"

Valda shrugged, patted her hand on the wooden bar until she felt the glass. "I can still beat your ass." She smirked, bringing the glass to her lips and taking two large gulps.

Maris stared as the beer disappeared down Valda's throat before slamming the empty cup. She closed her eyes in disapproval before taking a short sip of her own. She was not a fan of alcohol, yet she didn't want to be rude towards Lasmeer. As she tasted the cold liquid, she was surprised to find herself liking the taste.

"Oh, Valda. I would say look at me, but alas," Lasmeer chuckled. "I am fat and old. Anyone could kick my ass."

Valda laughed and patted her fingers on wood, asking for another bottle. "No glass, please."

Lasmeer nodded, opened another bottle, and placed it near Valda. "So, do you want the usual?"

Valda pursed her lips and turned her face towards Maris. "Are you hungry?"

Lasmeer raised a dark eyebrow and leaned on the bar as he looked at both women. A playful smirk painted his rugged features. "I could get your lady friend a menu."

"Ah. My apologies. Lasmeer, this is Maris. After I lost my sight, she became my personal assistant," Valda said, "Maris, this is my good friend, Lasmeer. He was a soldier in my father's army, but he decided to follow his dream and… open up a food place."

"Ah, but you see this is not just any food place. Who doesn't love a good grilled meat placed between two sweet bread buns? And I can assure you! I've traveled to every single kingdom and found nothing like it! I pick distinctive ingredients from each place and use it accordingly! I am sure you will love it."

Maris smiled at Lasmeer's excitement."You've traveled to every kingdom?"

"Yes! Every single one! I've touched snow, burned my skin on the volcanic rocks on Vulcan. Drank water from the rivers of Rhea and washed my body on the beaches of the Sea Kingdom."

Maris was jealous. She had read about the different ecosystems in the kingdoms. She could only imagine what it would be like to touch snow, walk into a rainforest, and see a beach… She sighed, daydreaming. A beach. She had seen the pictures and read the descriptions, but of course, that wasn't enough for her. She understood it was her Sealian blood that called for her to see those beaches, feel that sand under her toes, the warm waters around her. The sway of the waves. To swim…

Swim…

Did she even know how to swim?

"Are you hungry, Maris?" Valda asked again, this time, her hand slipped to touch her thigh, pulling Maris back to reality.

Stuttering and grabbing Valda's hand, Maris stopped her from any type of public display of affection or even closeness. The queen's eyes remained closed, yet she leaned over in the stool, invading Maris's personal space. As much as she wanted to keep Valda at arm's length, somehow the closeness made her feel protected; a feeling she needed right now as she was out in public.

Maris hummed and pursed her lips before accepting a menu from Lasmeer. She looked over the names of the plates and let out an anxious sigh. "Yes, but to be honest I am not sure what to get."

Valda nodded and pulled away, and turned to where she thought Lasmeer was. "Two doubles with cheese and some fried potato strips."

"Got it." Lasmeer flashed an all-knowing smile before leaving to the kitchen.

The awkward silence passed between them. Valda pulled the bottle to her lips and drank quietly.

"That sounds like a big meal," Maris said, taking another sip from her beer.

"It is hearty."

"Did you come across this place with Sir Kayden?"

Valda nodded. "Yes. When he came to visit, he and I would come here, eat, and have a beer and wreak havoc." Valda smiled, and Maris rested her cheek on her palm. "I mean, I know I wasn't supposed to drink—"

"Your secret is safe with me, my Queen."

"Wait until you have a taste of the food. They really are a mixture of all the different flavors from all the kingdoms."

"You've been to all of them?"

"I've been to most kingdoms," Valda answered, leaning back on the high stool, spreading her legs comfortably.

"Which ones are in your to-be-explored list?"

Valda pursed her lips and tilted her head, thinking. "I haven't been to the Vulcan Kingdom."

"Why not?"

"I just haven't got the chance to go there. Vulcan is filled with active volcanoes ready to erupt at any given moment. They say their god has mercy on them, keeping them at bay and the people safe."

"What...about the Sea Kingdom?" Maris tried to push down her nervousness with another large gulp of her beer. "Have you ever been there?"

Valda nodded. "Yes. I went there two years ago."

"How was it?"

Maris knew Valda could read her innocent curiosity. "It's beautiful. Islands upon islands interlocked by floating bridges. On the largest island, Triton Castle used to stand proud. Around the castle, the soft sounds of the waves soothed even the saddest soul into a warmth of familiarity only the sea could bring. The same sea that protected Triton over millennia. It is a gorgeous place. I can still remember how it looked before… its destruction." Valda sighed, drinking from her bottle until it was empty.

"There are still people there, last time I checked. I've tried to bring them here, to feed them and house them. They claim that they are waiting for their queen." Valda chuckled and shook her head. "The bridges are down, swallowed by the raging sea. The islands are bare, the ruins of Triton are eroded by waves crashing into it for almost twenty years. What makes them want to stay there, I—"

"Would you have left?" Maris asked, interrupting her.

"I don't know," Valda answered truthfully. "I love my people, I love my kingdom, but if it were to be destroyed the way the Sea Kingdom was, with no hope to go back to its splendor, why stay there?"

"Maybe there is still some splendor there. I do believe there will always be hope as long as there are people willing to work. The Sea Kingdom wasn't built in one day, why should its rebirth?"

Valda frowned and nodded. "I know that you weren't happy with what you heard in my meeting with Arwin. About the Skylians coming in to rebuild for their gain."

"They are stealing land…"

"I know, and I will fix it. It is not fair, as you said. Us coming there to take over and then taxing you further for using our resources. It's not right. I will fix it."

She believed Valda. She knew deep down she wanted to overturn many of her mother's decrees and decisions. She had only been a queen for a day and needed time to adjust and think things through.

"I would love to go to the Sea Kingdom," Maris said, changing the subject but with a distinctive longing in her voice.

"Maybe someday, I will take you there. You deserve to see it."

Maris's lips formed a soft, satisfied curve. Her hand slipped from her cup to grip Valda's thick forearm, squeezing it. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For painting an image in my head of my people and my land. No one has ever done that. The books I've read do it no justice."

"I do it no justice."

"And yet you tried," Maris said, unconsciously leaning closer and pressing her lips to Valda's cheek. Valda tensed, and Maris pulled away just as Lasmeer walked in with their meal.

"Goodness! This is way too much food!" Maris shrieked as Lasmeer placed both plates in front of her and Valda.

"Eat what you can, I'll take care of the rest," Valda commented.

Maris watched as Valda gathered the food in her hands. She was sloppy, with chunks of meat falling from between the two pieces of bread. The queen took a large bite, more meat falling as well as vegetables. Maris grimaced, not used to making a mess when eating. She gathered the meal, looking down and studying which side was the best one to take a bite off. Valda had already taken three big chomps off and she was still deciding how to start. Groaning, she tried to open her mouth as wide as she could before closing it. The explosion of flavors took her by surprise.

"Gods!"

"I know, right?" Valda chuckled before taking her fourth bite.

"Slow down!" Maris said, eying the mess Valda had made.

"I can't! I haven't been here in a couple of years! I missed this!"

Maris scrunched her nose before putting her food down. "I am making a mess."

"You need to open your mouth wider," Valda teased, a sly smile painted on her lips.

"You are making a mess too."

"I have an excuse," Valda said, waving a cheese-covered hand over her eyes.

"Can't argue there," Lasmeer said, wiping his hand with his apron.

"Of course." Maris sighed as she grabbed a napkin and tried to clean up her hands a bit. "Lasmeer, is there a washroom nearby?"

"Out in the back," Lasmeer answered, leaning over the bar near Valda.

"Do you want me to accompany you?" Valda asked.

"Oh, please. Eat, don't wait for me. Talk with Lasmeer. I am sure there are things you'd like to discuss with me out of earshot."

"Not about what you think," Valda muttered in her defense.

"Sure. I will be right back." Maris hopped from her stool and exited the shop.

Lasmeer cleared his throat, capturing Valda's attention. "Explain."

Valda knitted her brows together as she wiped her bottom lip with a napkin. "What?"

"Don't play dumb. I've always thought you would end up with that boy from Harmonia, and you are here with this girl who I've never heard of before."

"She is my assistant."

"I didn't know assistants kissed their bosses on the cheek."

Valda scoffed. "Get me another beer."

"As my queen wishes." Lasmeer cackled before retrieving another bottle. "I am surprised, though. I thought that after what has been going on you would've stayed locked up in your castle."

Valda leaned back on her chair, her hand up, waiting for Lasmeer to place the cold drink in her hand. "What happened to me is no reason to be locked up. I was confined to my chambers for way too long the first weeks."

"I am not talking about that," Lasmeer said. "I am talking about the rebellion."

Valda was about to take another gulp when she heard Lasmeer's word. She stopped dead in her tracks as she registered what he was saying. "Rebellion?"

"I thought General Arwin told you?"

"What rebellion?"

"I mean, I shouldn't be the one telling you."

"You start, you finish."

"There has been a lot of movement down south. Last I heard from a group of soldiers that came by the other day, there has been an exponential increase of rogues. I am talking about hundreds of soldiers renouncing their pledge and joining up with this group of bandits. There is a rumor that they might be planning to overthrow you any time soon."

"The General did mention some movements. I didn't know they were that big."

"Nobody thought that either. They do have a leader, though no one knows who they are or they rather not say."

"A leader, huh?"

"Yes. I am letting you know what I've heard. I am sorry you weren't aware, and I don't have much to say."

"No, that is quite fine." Valda took a deep breath as she analyzed the information. Suddenly she lost her appetite, and anger brewed inside her stomach. How come she was getting more information from the cook at a slovenly canteen than from her own General. Her upper lip twitched before she turned to where Maris had been sitting. She touched the empty seat and wondered what was taking so long… "The washroom is not so far from here, is it?"

"Not really. It's right out back."

Letting out a deep rumble from within her chest, Valda stood up, grabbed the white cane, and left heading to the washroom. It didn't take her long she had been to Lasmeer's countless times. She navigated effortlessly to the back where a sizable shack made from wood and rocks was.

Valda's cane touched the entryway's partially opened door.

"Maris?" Valda walked into the washroom. All she heard in the silence was the murmuring of the people outside walking through the plaza.

Closing the door behind her, the muffling chatter was silenced enough for Valda to feel out the place. She got an image of the washroom by moving the cane from side to side across the floor. Her hand met a basin made from rugged rocks and filled with water. Gripping the white cane tightly, she called out once again. Her cane bumped against the wall of a stall. Inside the stall there was a slight formation of a rock for people to use.

Amidst the smell of shit she could make out Maris's faint scent. Either she was still here, or she had been here. Suddenly, Valda heard shuffling clothing, angered whispers, and a warning.

Don't move. Be quiet.

Valda opened the stall, stepped in, and inhaled.

Maris was not there.

"Maris?" Valda swiftly moved to the second stall. The scent was getting stronger. She pushed the cane inside.

Maris was not there.

Playing dumb, Valda moved to the third and final stall, pushing the door open. Someone was struggling to breathe.

Valda took a deep breath, the tension building inside her. Gathering her composure, she then slowly exhaled, releasing the air in a controlled manner. She could sense a burning gaze fixated on her back, and the faint sound of shuffling in front of her.

Valda took a step back, her grip on the cane tightening until her knuckles turned white. Without a word, she swung the cane with all her might, connecting it with a resounding crack against someone's face. She heard Maris let out a relieved sigh as whoever was holding her released their grip. Dropping the cane, Valda reached out and grabbed the person, swiftly turning and slamming their face against the rock sink. The sickening sound of breaking bone and rock filled the room, and Valda growled as the scent of blood mixed with the putrid odors.

Before Valda could react, a second assailant struck her with a vicious elbow to the brow, causing her to lose her footing and slam her face against the hard floor. She fought through the sudden surge of pain, her senses heightened as she heard Maris's faint gasps. Footsteps approached, and then she heard hacking and coughing coming from the attacker. They struggled for breath as they stood back up, their horrible sounds giving away their position. Valda reached out, her hand finding their face, and with a swift jerk of her hands, she twisted, breaking their neck. The attacker's body fell to the ground with a heavy thud.

Maris let out a petrified yell.

Valda's brow furrowed as she reached up to touch the warmth of her own blood trickling down her face, cursing as the headache settled in. "Maris?" she asked urgently, her voice laced with concern. She felt a surge of energy coursing through her, fueled by the fear that something might have happened to Maris.

"I am here," Maris whispered, her voice trembling.

"Come to me," Valda commanded, her hands urgently searching for Maris. She couldn't afford to wait. Falling to her knees, Valda crawled towards where she thought Maris was, ignoring the splashing mess of water as she moved. "Are you all right?" Valda asked anxiously, her hands finally finding Maris's waist. "Did they hurt you?"

"No, I am fine," Maris reassured her.

Valda opened her eyes, as if she could see beyond the darkness itself to confirm Maris's well-being. "They beat me up a bit, but I am fi—" Maris started to say, before Valda growled and turned as if wanting to make sure the attackers were dead.

"Valda, please," Maris pleaded.

"Who were they?" Valda demanded, her voice dripping with anger.

"I don't know... they were wearing the same uniform as the guards back in the castle," Maris replied, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Valda's eyes widened in disbelief. She hurried away from Maris, her hands searching until she found one of the corpses. With a sense of anger and betrayal, she patted the guard's chest until she felt the cold badge resembling Oberon Castle stitched to the right side of the man's clothing.

"Worthless traitors," Valda muttered through clenched teeth, as she tore the badge from the guard's clothing. "Can you help me find the other plaque?" Valda asked, her voice softening as she addressed Maris.

Maris took a moment to compose herself, shuffling to her feet and walking away from Valda. She groaned as she moved the other attacker's dead body, and after a quiet moment, she sighed with relief and moved back to Valda. "Here," Maris said.

Valda swiftly grabbed Maris's wrist, pulling her to kneel next to her. A pained hiss issued from the younger woman, and her angry visage broke down into a concerned frown. "They hurt you," Valda whispered, her voice filled with remorse. "They hurt you because I couldn't help."

"You helped. You were there. They are...literally dead at our feet," Maris said, her voice filled with gratitude.

When Maris's trembling hand touched her brow, she flinched at the surge of pain but still held her place, accepting the sweet, comforting caress.

"I am fine..." Maris reassured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Valda sighed, leaning her face into Maris's hand. "Forgive me," she said softly.

"No. There is nothing to forgive," Maris tenderly replied.

Before Valda could object, a pair of soft lips pressed to hers, calming her instantly. She wrapped her arms around Maris, wanting to squeeze her tightly, but unwilling to hurt her. Valda stood, helping Maris up with her. Her hands trailed over her arms, feeling her, checking for wounds.

"We are going back to the castle. I can have Melvian take a look at you. After that, you will rest," Valda said with determination.

"I am fi—" Maris started to protest.

"That's an order," Valda barked, flinching and tensing as the sound of running footsteps neared.

"What happened?" Lasmeer asked, out of breath.

"We were attacked, but we're fine," Valda replied, holding Maris close. "Could you please fetch our horses, Lasmeer?" she asked kindly, while putting the badges away in her pocket.

"I would like to have my meal to go," Maris added, clearly trying to lighten the mood.