Chapter 19

They left at first light.

The carriage was surrounded by castle guards, two in the front and two in the back, all on their horses. Maris had insisted on taking guards with them, not only because she had no idea where the New Agenor was, but also because she truly believed that they needed extra protection. The incident back in Lasmeer's place made her wary of her surroundings. Growling with exasperation, Valda agreed to take the guards. She had refused at first, mentioning that if guards tried to hurt her before, why should they take them to New Agenor?

Inside the carriage, Valda had her arms crossed and was trying to catch some minutes of sleep while Maris wrote in her notebook aggressively. She knew her writing was bothering the queen, who released a couple of annoyed sighs now and then.

Maris's fears were real, and she was glad that Valda could understand her completely. Of course she did. She had watched Valda stand on the balcony of the late queen's chamber, making promises to thousands of Skylians that she might not be able to keep. To carry such a burden on her shoulders was something Maris could never bear, and yet Valda did.

Before they left for New Agenor, Maris had run into Melvian and told her all about it, and before Valda could object, both women were in her chamber, discussing all the things Maris should take. The trip to New Agenor would've taken them a day and a half; one if they weren't using the carriage. Therefore, Melvian had brought her bag and kept showing Maris various plants and ointments she could use in case of an emergency. She gave top priority to a plant that was supposed to help with heartburn. Stammering and suppressing a blush, Melvian explained that Sealian food was high on spices, and it usually caused heartburn. Maris couldn't help but snicker at Valda's confused frown, probably wondering where Melvian had tasted Sealian food.

After Melvian left the queen's chamber, a milliard of butterflies invaded Maris's stomach. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she was nervous. Valda picked up on it even in her silence. With a sweet rub to her arm, Valda silently asked how she was. Maris could've spent hours telling her that she was petrified, that she thought her presence in New Agenor would only bring more turmoil to the survivors. She was an outsider looking in, but she wanted nothing more than to help them. She never considered moving close to New Agenor, nor bothering Melvian with her problems. She seemed to be doing well, Maris didn't want to bring her down with her problems. Living in the shack she had shared with her mother seemed to be the logical thing to do, but now, as she was heading to New Agenor, it didn't seem like it was the best idea. But, if her connection to the queen could benefit them, then, damn it, she was going to take advantage of that any way she could.

The carriage shook violently, and Valda touched the wall behind her as she called out to Maris, who had just closed her notebook, irritated by how bumpy the road was.

"I am here." She tried to hide her displeasure, but Valda picked on it right away.

"We really need to work on these roads," Valda mumbled, grunting as she settled on her chair and another bump shook them both. "What are you doing?"

"Making a list of things I want to talk about and see." Maris sighed and scratched her head before turning to Valda. "Do Sealians have ships for them to travel to the Sea Kingdom and back?"

Valda frowned and shook her head. "They use our ships, and only if they are available."

"And if they want to take them. I guess not a lot of people want to go to the Sea Kingdom. There isn't much there to look for."

"There are no complaints that I know of."

"That you know of…" Maris nodded and wrote something else in her notebook. "I know we can't trade with other kingdoms if it isn't through your ships, but maybe you could start by changing that? Wouldn't it be nice to have their own ships, to do as they please? I mean, there could be things in the Sea Kingdom that they need."

Valda slumped on the chair for a minute before pursing her lips. Maris took a deep breath and closed the notebook. "Is this the road they use every day to get provisions?" She didn't hide the annoyance in her voice.

"Yes, it is."

Maris huffed and moved uncomfortably. "And do you think this is acceptable?"

Valda raised her chin. "It is not."

There was a long, deafening pause between them until Maris ended it with an annoyed sigh. "Valda," Maris touched Valda's knee. "Why didn't you let me read the reports? I could've seen what Dristan wanted to do with the roads, I could've made annotations to further the work, but you didn't even let me touch them. Why?"

Valda stiffened under Maris's soft touch. She tightened her jaw before gripping Maris's hand. "There were some things I didn't want you to see."

Maris frowned. "Why?"

"It was an investigation."

"On what?"

Valda swallowed hard as a deep rumble rolled from her chest.

Maris narrowed her eyes and realization washed over her. "On me?"

The queen dipped her chin to her chest.

Maris slowly pulled away from the queen's strong grasp. Silence consumed the carriage; the only sounds were the clopping of hooves and the groaning of the wooden structure around them.

"You still don't trust me, do you?" Her voice quivered, unable to look at Valda.

"I do."

"It doesn't seem like it," she muttered.

"Maris," Valda whispered. "We will read that report, together if you wish." Her hands moved to her slacks, wiping her palms against her knees.Maris noted this was something Valda did when nervous. She would rub her palms against her pants, as if wiping something off them.

The carriage groaned as it took another bump on the road. Maris looked outside the small window, taking in the vast plains of the desert.

"What was the investigation for?" Maris asked, not wanting to face Valda.

"I want to know more about you. Your father was a soldier in my army, you said so, but you claim you were not taken care of after his death. I want to know the reason."

"So, it's not me? You are investigating my father?"

Valda nodded. "Who was he?"

Maris turned back to Valda, her upper lip twitching. "He was the kindest, most loving man I've ever met. He was a Skylian soldier, and his name was Raan Era. There. Now you don't have to have anyone read the report. You got it from the source."

As Valda opened her mouth to talk, the carriage came to an abrupt stop.

"What's happening?" Valda asked, searching for the door latch. She opened it with a sharp shove and stepped outside with Maris following close behind.

Maris's demeanor changed to fit one of the Queen's assistants. She craned her neck to look at the carriage driver before she placed her arms on akimbo. "What happened? Why are we stopping?"

"It is impossible to go forward in the carriage, ma'am." The driver shrugged and jerked his face towards the road.

"Stay here, Your Highness," Maris placed her hand on Valda's back for a second before moving to look at the road ahead.

The shrubbery of thorns and cacti by the side of the road would hurt the horses, and the road itself was uneven and cracked, making it impossible for them to continue on wheels. Maris scratched the back of her head and turned to Valda.

The queen's eyebrows were knitted together in both worry and apprehension as she waited for confirmation. "What is it?" she asked as Maris walked back to her.

"He is right. There is no way the wheels can take that. We either go on foot or turn back."

"Absolutely not. We are hours away, and we are not packed to go walking." Valda rubbed her face angrily before turning to the guards by the back of the carriage. "I need two horses, pack the necessary things to get us through, and go back to the castle along with the carriage.

One of the guards nodded and jumped off his horse to do as commanded.

"That's it? We are taking only two guards?" Maris asked so only Valda heard.

Valda nodded before unsheathing the Heaven Sword from the scabbard. "I have all the protection we need right here." She waved the sword, and Maris took a step back to avoid getting hurt.

"My Queen, I know you are more than capable of killing anyone who dares to come close to us, but really. We should keep them all here with us."

"I don't trust any of the guards in my castle. Be content we have at least two."

"My Queen, we have set the horses with provisions," a guard said before turning to Maris. "We will take our leave as soon as we get the order."

Maris opened her mouth to protest, but Valda was faster.

"Off you go," Valda instructed, searching for Maris with her hand.

Valda bumped her hand with her shoulder and Maris quickly leaned to grab it. "Are you certain this is what you want?"

"Trust me," Valda muttered.

Maris closed her eyes and nodded, squeezing the older woman's hands, and settling her eyes on the horses. "Up we go then," she said, pulling Valda to touch the saddle's horn. Valda pulled herself up with delicate ease and settled on the horse's back—bags of provisions secured to their saddlebags.

Maris settled on her horse before grabbing the reins and turning towards the uneven road. The two guards in front exchanged positions with the ones leaving.

"Even this way it might be a hard ride. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"More than anything," Valda said before clicking her tongue and nudging her heels into the horse's sides. "If we get started now, we might make it before it gets dark. We do not want to stay out during the night. It will get too cold, and we do not have the cover of the carriage to keep us warm."

Maris moved closer to Valda's horse, grabbed one of the reins, and tied it to the cantle of her saddle. "We should hurry up then." Maris turned to the guards inside the carriage and nodded her head before saying, "The queen will send word of our safe arrival. You must not worry."

"We will wait for word from both of you. Safe journey," the carriage driver said with a slight bow of his head.

Valda saluted them before the soft echo of hooves receded behind them. "We must make haste."

Maris nodded, and clicked her tongue, pressing her heels to the sides of her horse. They departed, following the damaged road to New Agenor.

***

The road to New Agenor was insufferable, and Maris couldn't hide her annoyance. Each time Valda spoke to her, she would answer tersely, not in the mood for conversation or to be playful with anyone, especially not Valda.

When they arrived during the evening, the idea Maris had in her mind was banished. The whole place looked more like an abandoned settlement than an actual village.

Maris was beyond disgusted.

The entrance to the settlement was badly adorned with a wooden board with the words "New Agenor" drawn with blue paint. This was just pathetic. Her upper lip twitched with unfathomable rage.

A boy, no older than fifteen stood at the settlement's entrance, holding a wooden spear with three spikes at the end. His tired eyes turned to Valda and Maris as they approached.

Anxiety crept onto his face when he realized that the woman behind her was none other than the queen. "Greetings!" Maris said, trying her hardest to sound as calm and collected as possible.

The young boy swallowed hard and ran back into the settlement, where Maris lost sight of him. The settlement had many houses spread around a large plaza. On the east side, a small tuft of trees encircled what appeared to be the artificial bodies of water that Valda had mentioned. From astride her horse, Maris could only see the trees that contrasted so dramatically with the dry and sandy surroundings.

The houses, all made of different woods, were of various sizes. On the north and south side of the plaza, there were two large two-story houses. The young boy had found refuge in the one on the south, whose windows were illuminated. Unlike the one in the north.

Maris sighed, her breath clouding before her as the temperature dropped dramatically. Thankfully they had made it. As Maris turned to tell Valda the news, she saw the door of the south house open. The boy came out with a woman behind him. Her hair was the same shade of aqua, and her face suggested that she didn't have many friends.Maris recognized her right away. It was the woman from the audience.

Maris swallowed as she took her in once more. At closer inspection, she didn't look tall, her body was plump and strong. Her hair was short, buzz cut on the sides. Her deep frown made her look menacing.

She wore a black sleeveless tunic and dark skin-tight slacks that clung to her strong thighs. She was barefoot, and her arms were covered with faint traces of ink.

"Maris?" Valda's voice pulled her away from the scrutiny.

"They are coming our way," Maris replied.

Valda moved her horse to stand next to her; she straightened her tired back and lifted her chin.

Maris glanced quickly at Valda. Commanding strength and confidence radiated from her as they both waited for the now small group. The boy moved back as the woman stood before the two horses, crossing her thick arms over her small chest. She stiffened her back and raised her chin high to Valda. She wasn't carrying any weapon, unlike the "guard's" sad excuse of a trident.

"Good evening," the woman spoke, her voice thick and rich, almost melodic despite being laced with venom. "I believe it is quite late to have a visit from royalty." She theatrically bowed her head. "Welcome to New Agenor, Your Highness. I am Eyphah Hurley. The one that keeps asking for help and the leader of this settlement. I would be happy to assist you in whatever it is my precious queen needs."

Maris's eyes widened as she quickly recognized the name.

This woman was Isen's sister.

"Good evening," Valda began before getting off her horse and running her hands through her hair. "You did not mention you were the leader." Eyphah snorted and turned her gaze toward Maris and softened the moment it fell on her. Her eyes were dark blue, so dark it could be mistaken for ebony if it wasn't for the torchlight.

"You don't know a lot of things," Eyphah said, her eyes never leaving Maris. "Forgive me if we were not ready for your arrival. We had no clue you were coming."

Maris turned to Valda, yet she could still feel Eyphah's burning gaze on her, so she decided to get off her horse and move closer to the queen.

"And you are?" Eyphah asked, her hands still at her waist.

"Maris Era, I am the queen's assistant. I've come as a helping hand. To be the connection between the crown and New Agenor," Maris said, tone lit by a spark of hope.

Eyphah's gaze traveled from the very top of her head down to her boots. Maris had changed her clothing to look more like the settlers. She wore a white tunic, resembling Isen's style the day they met, and a tight, legging-like bottom that went down to her ankle. Her shoes were new, and she hadn't worn them down to make them comfortable. She had her hair down for most of the ride, but she then tied her long bangs back and away from her face, the rest of her hair fell in waves around her shoulders.

The woman's stare burned her, and she looked for refuge with Valda's skin. She bumped her arm with Valda's and cleared her throat before speaking. "I do not want to impose but—"

"You two coming in the middle of the night feels non-imposing at all," Eyphah interrupted.

Maris felt Valda's angry rumble rolling off her chest. As a way of calming her, she placed her hand on her shoulder blade and took a deep breath.

"I am sorry. Where are my manners?" Eyphah laughed and turned to the boy next to her. "Go to House of Proteus, tell them we have royalty coming over and to prepare a meal. Then tell them to fix up the bed at House Arago," Eyphah turned to Valda and Maris, her smile condescending. "I hope you do not mind that House of Arago has only one bed. Your guards can stay in the house next door. It needs some repairs but it will make do. I hope there is no problem with that." She raised her blue eyebrow.

"Is there a sofa?" Maris asked.

Valda shifted her weight from one foot to the other as a grumble rolled through her chest and throat.

"There is," Eyphah said, scoffing and tilting her head and signaling the boy to leave. The boy nodded, gave Eyphah a clumsy salute, and went off. He ran as fast as he could, crossing the plaza and entering the house Eyphah had come out from. "I hope you will find our homes as pleasurable as your mighty castle, Your Highness."

"I am sure I will."

"Of course. You must be tired. Freshen up and join us for dinner. Then maybe we will discuss the reasons for your visit." Waving her hand, Eyphah commanded the small group to head back.

As Eyphah bowed dramatically and left.

Squeezing Valda's hand, Maris her neck to look up at the queen. "I didn't know she was Captain Hurley's sister," Maris commented.

A dark eyebrow arched, and Valda tilted her head in Maris' direction. "If they weren't twins, I'd ask if they were raised by the same parents," she whispered, only for Maris's ear to hear.

Maris scrunched her nose and nudged Valda's side as she chuckled. "They are different."

"One is a charmer, the other is completely the opposite," Valda said, hands moving to sweep away the hair from her forehead. "I think freshening up is in order. I feel I have sand in unmentionable places."Turning to the guards, she waved her hand at them to follow her.

Snickering, Maris placed her hand over her shoulder and followed Eyphah, hoping that the water was warm. She was tired of the cold.

Their horses were tied up outside the House of Argo. The large house was mostly used for important visitors. There was a living space on the first floor, with a small rustic kitchen and a dining area. On the second floor, there was one large master bedroom and a bathing room.

As the helpers settled their belongings on the floor, they announced that dinner would be ready in approximately an hour then left. Valda stood at the door unmoving, unsure of where to step. She never thought it would take such an emotional and mental toll on her to be far away from the familiarity of the castle, of the strings... She moved her hand and touched the wall next to her and took a couple of uneasy steps forward.

"I am here," Maris said and hurried to grab her hand firmly. "What do you need?"

"Are we alone?"

"Yes, we are."

Valda let out a content sigh as her shoulders dropped. "Good."

"Do you want to freshen up now?" Maris asked, her tone soft compared to their earlier conversation.

"I would love to," Valda declared, letting Maris drag her up the stairs. With unsure steps, Valda climbed up to the second floor before Maris stopped her. Soft and delicate hands undid the buttons of the silk shirt before pushing the expensive fabric off her shoulders. Maris turned to her pants, where she unbuckled the belt, took the Heaven Sword, and settled it somewhere in the room.

"A bath has already been drawn. And the tub looks big enough for us."

Valda smiled. "Do you want to bathe with me?"

Maris chuckled and finally pushed the white slacks off Valda's waist. "Do you want to bathe with me?" she returned, teasing.

Valda didn't answer right away. Instead, her arms snaked around Maris's waist until she was flushed to her body. "I will take your lack of clothing as a yes," Valda said before receiving a peck to her lips. After feeling Maris peel away from her, the soft pads of Maris's feet resounded on the wooden floor before she once again felt gentle hands on her thick forearm. "Where do you want me?"

Maris's breath hitched, yet she hid it with a chuckle. She pulled Valda towards the bathtub, and ever so slowly, guided her until the tall woman was inside the tub. The warm water was welcome against Valda's skin. She felt uncomfortable with all the dirt sticking to her damp skin and hair, but now, as she lowered herself to sit, a satisfied moan escaped her lips.

"Enjoying yourself?" Maris asked.

"Yes, I am."

The water moved as Maris got in the tub. She too made a satisfying sound. After seconds of comfortable silence, Maris's breathy laugh shivered down the queen's spine.

"This is Sealian water."

"Is it?" Valda asked, leaning her head against the back of the tub. "How can you tell?"

"The soreness of riding the horse is disappearing. I feel energetic."

Valda absentmindedly arched her eyebrow and nodded. "Good to know."

"Do you have something in mind?"

"My mind is constantly racing with ideas and problems, Seashell. I am over analyzing every single thing about this place."

Maris groaned. "Well, this place is falling apart. Houses are made of wood. From what I could see the man-made lakes are too small. Eyphah was telling the truth when she was in the audience."

Valda didn't say anything because she knew Maris was right. She guessed it was bad, she guessed the Sealians needed the things they asked for, but her mother was in charge and it was she who needed to take care of it.

Right?

She had visited New Agenor before, she had seen how things, maybe they weren't as bad as they were now but, she could've done something, she could've spoken out more, but she didn't.

"Did your mother know how bad it was?"

"I believe so."

Maris shook her head and splashed some of the fragrant and warm water around.

Valda chewed on the inside of her cheek. "I should've known. I should've acted."

"You are," Maris whispered. "Just as I am…"

"Things will change. You will see."

"I know." Maris shifted, the water sloshing until she was comfortably settled against Valda's legs, her back pressed to her chest. "You already told me. I trust that you will do something."

Valda's deep rumble rolled to Maris's back as she secured her arms around the younger woman's waist. She knew what Maris was doing, and she welcomed the shift of conversation. "I like hearing you say that." Valda sighed, her hot breath raising goosebumps along Maris's arms and shoulders. "We are both tired." She moved Maris's hair from her neck. "And you feel extra tight and tense."

Maris's breath hitched, and she rested her head upon Valda's shoulder. "They are waiting for us to have dinner with them, you know?"

Valda rubbed Maris's shoulders. Her lips pressed against the top of blue curls as she nodded. "I know, I can be quick," she groaned, her hips grounding against Maris's back. "Something tells me we both need to be as relaxed as possible before meeting Isen's sister again."

Large, calloused hands moved from her shoulders, down wet arms, over supple breast, and her soft stomach, until finally settling on Maris's inner thighs. "It's hard to make decisions when you are tense." And she wanted to feel Maris relaxed in her arms. Softly yet firmly, Valda spread Maris's thighs wider, earning a tired hiss. Dipping her head, Valda pressed her nose to engulf herself with Maris's scent, groaning the instant her fingers moved closer to Maris's heated core. "You can stop me anytime you want to."

Maris chuckled and shuddered as Valda's lips brushed against the curve of her ear. "Have you forgotten that I wanted you before we even left the castle?"

Valda groaned, her fingers dipping and curling to find Maris's aching clit. "Yes, I have noticed that you are quite insatiable." And she had not one single bad thing to say about it. She loved how Maris responded to her, how with just one touch she was willing to crumble.

"Can you blame me?" Maris shuddered, her hand snatching Valda's dark hair. "I always want you. If I could have you all the time, I would."

Valda chuckled, her strong arm encircled securely over Maris's chest, holding her in place as her other hand began slow and dexterous torture. "You can have me. You can have all of me any way and any time you want."

Maris's other hand came to grab Valda's forearm. Her blunt fingernails gripped tightly, sending soft flashes of pain through Valda's arm, but she didn't stop. She wanted this. She wanted to undo Maris, have her scream her pleasure, even if someone heard. Gods, she couldn't keep her hands away from her. She couldn't keep her mouth away.

Valda released her steel hold on Maris, grabbed her waist, and pulled her body from the water with a desperate snarl. "Grab on to the fucking tub." Kneeling behind Maris, Valda latched onto the back of her thighs and bare ass, spreading her. Clumsily and cursing herself, Valda kissed Maris's thighs, leaving soft wet presses over every inch of her supple skin. "I want to taste you again. I want to eat your cunt and I want you to scream to your heart's content."

"Fuck, Valda."

Valda repositioned herself again, her lips trailing over Maris's wet skin, her thumbs spreading her wider before she buried her face in Maris. Valda's heart fluttered as Maris squealed with surprise, tremors moving through her entire body when her tongue dragged over her wet folds.

Maris's fingers curled through Valda's hairs, her nails scratching the queen's scalp. Their loud groans wove into the dense air. Concentrating on Maris's clit, Valda flicked her swirled her tongue as her large hands gripped her ass hard. She spread her tongue enough to thoroughly lick every inch of her.

As Maris's cries bounced off the walls, Valda couldn't help but drop one hand to touch her own clit in time with the stroke of her tongue.

Valda moaned, the vibration coursing through her lover, who shuddered in complete delight. Maris's knees buckled, water splashing as she almost lost her footing and a raging fire of pride raced through her. She was the one that was making Maris weak in the knees, she was the one making this sweet girl cry out, she was the one that was about to make Maris come.

As her fingers curled inside herself, Valda let out a surprised gasp as Maris clutched the back of her head, pushing her deeper into her pussy. Valda's tongue darted inside her opening, as Maris's taste overpowered all her senses. She moaned into the younger woman again at the thought of Maris using her for her own pleasure. All that mattered was that Valda was undoing her. All that mattered was Maris.

Valda came quickly, her body tensing, muscles tightening, and the grip on Maris's ass became almost painful. Valda did not yield. She used her other hand to steady the young woman. Maris's orgasms hit her seconds later. Her grip on Valda's hair loosened as she grabbed hold of the tub for dear life. Her pleasurable cry was loud, unapologetic, and Valda smiled against the wet skin as she lapped Maris's release, not wanting to waste one single drop, heightening the Sealian's orgasm until she couldn't take it anymore.

Maris pulled back away from Valda's mouth, water splashing as she turned. Valda grinned at the sound of Maris's heavy breathing. "I take it you are somehow more at ease," Valda asked playfully.

Before Maris could answer, Valda brushed her thumb over her lower lip, gathering Maris's release before slowly sticking it in her mouth and sucking it clean. "I will take your lack of answer as ‘I have been thoroughly relaxed, Your Highness. Thank you'."

Maris chuckled breathily. Grinning, Valda clutched the tub's edges and lifted herself up. She was damn sure Maris was watching the water sluice down her broad shoulders, breast and lean stomach. She made sure Maris had a great view, before lifting her leg and climbing out.

"We must leave soon. They are waiting for us," Valda said, still breathless from her own orgasm.

"How am I supposed to carry on with my day after that?" Maris groaned, a soft thud sounding in the washroom, probably from her leaning her head against the tub.

"You should start by getting dressed."

Maris had an iron grip on Valda's hand under the wooden table. A wide variety of complexions had come to greet them at House of Proteus. One thing didn't change, everyone had blue, curly hair. Some women wore it short, others long and luscious. Some men displayed their blue beards proudly while others kept their faces clean shaven. Tattoos were common, and Maris wondered what she would look like with a tattoo like Isen's.

Valda squeezed her hand sweetly, snapping her attention back to her. "Do you want something to drink?" Maris asked, always attentive, always worrying about her.

Valda nodded while Maris reached for a tall glass with a light-yellow liquid. She grabbed Valda's hand and placed the glass in her palm. "What is this?" Valda asked.

"They call it meidiala," Maris said, struggling to pronounce the name correctly. "It is an alcoholic beverage. They say it is very refreshing."

Valda nodded and brought the glass to her lips and took a short sip.

"Good?"

"Yes. Unlike Skylian liquor, this one is not bitter. It is rather mild-tasting," Valda said before gracelessly tilting her head back and drinking until the glass was empty.

"More?" Maris asked but did not let Valda answer as she grabbed the empty glass and replaced it with another full one.

Leaning close for Maris to hear, Valda asked, "How many people are in here?"

Maris scanned the room's loud bustle. People kept walking in, some sat at the long table, waiting for their food. The only thing being served were drinks.

"There are a lot of people here. I would say around twenty. Maybe more. The boy at the entrance is now guarding the door."

"Boy?" Valda asked, stopping herself from taking another gulp of her drink. "How old?"

"I wouldn't say a day over sixteen." Maris moved her hand underneath the table again and squeezed Valda's thigh. "There are people from different ages. They all have different toned blue hair."

Valda chuckled and nodded. "All Sealians."

"Yes," Maris said, her voice quivering.

She was surrounded by her people, and unlike her parents led her to believe, Maris didn't feel threatened or scared.

When she was younger, she never understood her parents' paranoia and their need to keep her hidden. Growing up, seeing the hidden compartment in the office room, it all seemed so normal to her. Until she saw General Arwin in Ophelia Plaza until she saw her parents' fear. She could still feel her mother's iron grip on her arm, the desperation in her eyes when she asked her to get inside the secret compartment. After that, she hated being around a multitude of people.

She was nervous, there was no doubt about it, but there was a feeling of community and family. Everyone talked and laughed loudly amongst themselves, greeting each other with kisses on their cheeks and tight hugs and slaps on their backs.

"Are you all right?" Valda asked.

"I am fine. Just overwhelmed."

"If you wish to go, just say the word. We will leave at first light."

"No. I do not wish to leave. I want to get to know each and every single one of these people. They must all carry stories of the Sea Kingdom deep within them. Even the younger ones. They carry the stories of their fathers and their fathers before them. Endless stories of everyday life." Maris trembled, as she thought about all the things she could learn from them.

"I know it is a lot. But whatever it is you need just tell me and I will make it happen."

"I will," Maris said, moving away to put space between them. It would be better and less complicated if they kept their relationship hidden from the public eye, for now. As Valda pulled the drink to her lips again, Maris stiffened and said, "Eyphah has entered the cabin now."

A rumble of annoyance rolled through Valda as everyone in the cabin settled and quietened down.

"Enjoying yourself, Your Highness?" Eyphah's voice was as rugged and commanding as Valda's, making it clear that this woman wielded power among her people.

Valda finished her drink and placed the empty glass on the table. "The meidaila is pretty good."

"If you were in a carriage, I would let you take barrels of it but…" Eyphah leaned against the table, the wood cringing at the weight. "I don't think a carriage could make its way here. Was the road...bumpy?"

Valda raised her chin high, her elbows coming to rest on the table. "It was."

"A shame, isn't it? Imagine you are making this trip here maybe once every ten years. My people must use it every single day to get provisions from the neighboring villages." Eyphah paused. "Imagine how it is for them."

Valda opened her mouth to reply, but paused when Maris squeezed her thigh hard. "I think it would be better if we talked about the road infrastructure when we are both rested. I understand that we have a lot of work ahead of us, and that there are things that I would rather discuss in private with you, Eyphah. I hope you understand that," Maris continued.

Valda's growl was subtle. Talking in private with Eyphah was not part of the plan, but if these two women were on the verge of grabbing each other by the neck, it would be better if Maris spoke with her alone.

"Of course," Eyphah said before she snapped her fingers.

Maris leaned back as servers brought them their dinner. Her plate clattered before her as those same servers filled her plate.

"It is a true shame you are not able to see the feast served just for you, Your Highness. Us Sealians love good, seasoned meat. You have guava-bathed pork meat with fried plantain and sweet rice. You can also taste stewed spicy chicken. As we speak, your glass is being filled with more meidaila, and for dessert we have rice with milk and cinnamon straight from our farms. I hope you are hungry."

Maris's eyes widened as the food settled before them. It took her a while to register the different smells. Her mouth watered like never before. It was as if her very soul knew that this was what she had been missing for her entire life.

"This looks delicious," Maris said, more to herself than to Valda, but the queen nodded at her statement.

"It looks and tastes delicious. Please, help yourself. We have more where that came from," Eyphah said as she grabbed a circular, bread-like food. Maris watched intently as Eyphah filled it with pork then salad before folding it and taking a bite. Raising her cobalt eyes, Eyphah gave Maris a teasing wink before offering her a plate full of the bread-like food. "Eat, eat."

"What is this?" Maris asked, accepting the proffered plate.

"Casabe," Eyphah answered, grabbing one more casabe from the stack and placing it on her plate. "You have never eaten casabe before?"

Maris shook her head, almost ashamed. She grabbed a casabe for her and Valda and prepared it as Eyphah had just done. She grabbed Valda's wrist and placed her callused hand over the food. Maris didn't usually do that. Back in the castle, Valda could manage to eat the Skylian dishes with such elegance and skill, but this was new. It was different for both of them.

Valda grabbed the folded casaba and steadily brought it to her mouth before Maris followed suit.

Maris's eyes widened yet again as she quickly covered her lips. The food was absolutely delicious, and she couldn't wait to take another bite, this time with the spicy chicken.

"Tasty, am I right?"

Valda nodded, but Maris was the one that answered with an excited, "Yes."

"Good. I am glad," Eyphah said as she took another bite of her food, her eyes never leaving Maris.

Maris tried to keep her gaze focused on her plate, but she could feel Eyphah's burning stare upon her. Eyphah Hurley seemed to be strong, capable of anything, but sarcasm oozed from her lips every time she opened her mouth and that bothered Maris to no end. She could understand why Eyphah would be mad at the sudden intrusion, but the woman needed to understand that Maris was there to help. To be that connection between them and the crown would greatly benefit them. Why would anyone be opposed to that?

"You remind me of someone," Eyphah suddenly spoke, pulling Maris out of her thoughts.

Maris gave her the friendliest smile she could muster. "Oh? Who may I ask?"

"Queen Amphitrite."

Maris's upper lip twitched. She hid her expression by pursing her lip and grabbed a glass of meidaila. "I will take that as a compliment. I've been told that she was a very beautiful woman."

"Gorgeous," Eyphah added as she grabbed also her glass. "Breathtaking, strong too. Didn't take shit from anyone."

Maris turned to Valda, who ate quietly, vigilant of the conversation. "So, I've heard. You're not the only one that has compared me to the late Queen."

Eyphah raised her eyebrow and tilted her head. "Oh? Who has also commented this?"

Maris gulped down her drink and wiped her lips before she answered. "Captain Isen Hurley." Both Valda and Eyphah tensed at her words, each for different reasons.

"Captain Isen Hurley," Eyphah laughed and shook her head in disbelief. "How many cocks did that asshole suck to get to be a captain?"

Every single soul around them heard Valda's threatening growl. Maris was angered too. How dare this woman speak of Isen in such a way? His sister!

"Captain Hurley worked his way to his position. He is a valiant and strong soldier that would give anything for the crown and for the Sky Kingdom," Valda said, her hands now fists.

"A boot licking Sealian, if you ask me," Eyphah dipped her stare from Valda to Maris. "I wonder how you got your job as the queen's helper."

"Be wary of your words," Valda snarled.

"You wouldn't dare attack me, Your Highness. This is my territory."

"Your territory is in my kingdom," Valda spat back.

Eyphah ignored Valda's warning and turned her cobalt eyes back to Maris. Her gaze trailed over her, long enough for her to skim right down to her breasts. Maris's anger flared. Who was this woman, and what in the world was she even thinking?

"Why did you come here?" Eyphah asked, her eyes rising to Maris's face.

"I want to help you, help them, our people. They deserve better, in that we can agree on! Right?"

Eyphah snorted and pushed herself off the table. "That's bullshit. The crown doesn't want to see us better." She then turned to Valda and pointed an accusatory finger. "She doesn't give a shit about us." Eyphah grabbed a glass of meidaila and left.

Maris let out a frustrated groan before she turned to Valda. "Wait for me in House of Argo."

"What? No! Where are you going?" Valda asked, moving to grab Maris but touching the now empty seat. "Maris! Do not go after her!"

"Valda, I need to talk to her."

"Not alone!"

"If you are there, she will be discouraged from talking."

Valda scoffed. "I don't think my presence has stopped her from speaking her mind at all!" Valda knitted her brows with worry. "Please, Maris. I cannot protect you if you go alone."

Maris smiled and touched Valda's shoulder. "I won't need your protection. She wouldn't dare hurt me."

"How do you know?"

"Because. I know you wouldn't."

Valda frowned deeply. "What does that mean?"

"I will be fine," Maris answered, completely ignoring Valda's question.

"If she dares to put a single finger on you, I—"

"You will do nothing. I can take care of myself," Maris interjected, squeezing Valda's shoulder. "After you are done eating, tell the guards to take you back and wait for me. I won't be long."

Before Valda could utter another word, Maris left House of Proteus.