Oftentimes during her long and enduring rule, Queen Gida of Venos would find herself stirred from her sleep.

Pervasive thoughts would rouse her, dragging Gida into the waking world and robbing the Queen of a restful night. When she first took the throne, when the weight of the crown was still unfamiliar and her title still had its edges, Gida would experience this every time she closed her eyes. She couldn't help but smile at those old problems, those niggling little doubts that the younger and more foolish version of herself was consumed by. They seemed so small now, so distant and inconsequential. The feuding of two Noble families, a border dispute with Andapa, all of it was so simple, as easy to solve as turning her hand.

When she'd first become Queen, Gida had been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of duties and responsibilities that her station demanded. As a Princess she'd cared little for duty to her country, instead choosing to wile her days away in the Commons, wearing a disguise and changing her name to blend in with her subjects. She'd had friends once, people who looked at her not as the daughter of the King, but as a young commoner making her way in the world. Of course, that had changed once her father discovered her newfound hobby.

Gida remembered it as though it was yesterday. She'd been at The Lost Mare, one of her usual haunts during her excursions from the palace. She'd been planning this particular outing for a while, after being asked to go for drinks by a young man by the name of Durnit. He was a farmer by trade, but titles and coin meant little to one as young as Gida. All she saw was the man. Durnit was kind, strong and seemed to care for the rather abrupt personality that tended to alienate those close to her. He'd been the first person to approach Gida when she began to explore the Commons, their friendship developing quickly as they got into all manner of trouble together. It was fun, invigorating, and a world away from the insufferable stuffiness of Venosian high society. Gida thought she loved him, the ignorance of youth blinding her to the truth of such things. She'd rejected all of the suitors sent to court her by her father, each more nauseating than the last and filled with to the brim with entitled self-worth. Durnit was different. He saw Gida for who she truly was, not the title she held or the family she belonged to. The Queen often wondered what would've happened if she told him the truth She'd come close innumerable times but cowardice and fear always murdered the words before they could leave her lips.

They'd been in the middle of their third ale when the Princess' Guard arrived in number, their armour gleaming and halberds polished to a mirror sheen. Gida still remembered the stillness that fell over the tavern, the fear that settled into the hearts of her subjects. She hadn't wanted trouble to be caused for her sake, so, without saying a word to Durnit or her other acquaintances, she'd gotten to her feet and made to leave.

Before she reached the door, Gida turned to look back one last time. To this day she didn't know why she did it. Hope, perhaps. Hope that Durnit would not think ill of her because of the deception. She knew, as soon as her eyes met his, that was not the case. Gida saw the understanding in his eyes, realisation filling them as all members of the shining guard bowed to her, paying their respects to their Princess. Then she saw the betrayal, the pain, in his accusing glare. He was right to feel the way he did, Gida knew, but the utter anger and disappointment in his eyes stayed with her for quite some time regardless. She'd returned to the palace, her father meeting her in the study that was now Julian's. He'd spoken quietly, calmly, as he told her that he'd always known of her little adventures. He continued to say that he had sent for a new suitor and that her life in the Commons had come to an end. That was where their conversation ended. Gida had no chance to argue her case, no chance to implore her father to reconsider. She knew that it would be futile even if the opportunity presented itself. He dismissed her soon after, sending his daughter away with the uncaring gesture of one hand, almost as though she was a flea, a minor annoyance. Gida had long since gotten used to her father's cold brutality, but even she was surprised by his aptitude for cruelty.

The Queen of Venos couldn't quite describe the level of hatred she felt for him in that moment. He completely disregarded her feelings, who she was, what those small trips from the palace meant to her. Frederick of House Brand only saw his daughter as an object, a tool to be used for the benefit of Venos. Gida had sworn to herself then that she would never do the same to her own children, would never treat them as she had been treated.

She'd failed in that promise.

The day after she'd been sequestered back inside the palace, Julian arrived in Myrin. Gida had been awful to him. The pain of losing Durnit, her friends and life in the Commons made her act out. She all but tortured the poor, young man that her father had served up to her on a silver platter. She would berate him, belittle him and curse him out at every opportunity. Yet she was always surprised in turn by his reaction. She had reduced many a man to tears over the years, her cutting wit sharper than any knife. But Julian never blinked, never reacted. He continued to speak in his measured and assuring tones as though nothing had taken place, as though she hadn't just disparaged his family, his house and his very name. He only smiled. All the while, even when faced with the fullness of Gida's rage, he had that same damned smile on his face. That smirk which had infuriated her for so very long. Julian wasn't bothered by her outbursts and he made sure she knew it. Their arguments were legendary amongst the staff of the Venosian palace, their mutual dislike of one another well known to all.

That had all changed when, one night, Gida had woken from a nightmare and wandered through the palace to ease her weary heart. She'd found Julian out by the stables, singing to the horses. Gida had grinned insidiously and waited for the opportune moment to strike. She wanted to hurt him. To make him suffer as she had suffered, but the longer she waited the less sure she became. Instead of screaming at the young man as she usually did, Gida instead listened to him in secret. She hid herself in a shadowy corner and watched him as he brushed down the steeds, feeding them apples. He was so tender with the beasts, so gentle. Gida recalled thinking he had a marvellous voice, his singing making her heart beat a little faster.

That became a habit for her in the nights that followed. She would stay awake and walk down to the stables to listen to Julian sing. It went on for weeks before he caught her, but caught her he did. She was hardly subtle, nor was she trained for such. She remembered stopping as his eyes fell on her, pinned by the sheer intensity of his stare.

“Why do you sing to them?” She'd asked quietly. It was the first thing she'd said, the only thing she could think to say. “They don't understand you.”

“They don't,” Julian nodded, so young back then as he went about his work, his blonde hair nearly down to his shoulders. “But you do.”

He'd known she'd been there since the beginning. He hadn't been singing to the horses, he'd been singing to her. Gida grinned foolishly at the memory. With those words Julian had begun to thaw the ice that encased the Princess' heart. It had taken time, and incredible patience on the part of her husband, but eventually Gida woke up one morning and realised that she was excited to see him. She'd known then what love truly was.

When Gida was sixteen, on the eve of her wedding, she'd sent one of her trusted men to the Commons in search of Durnit. She wasn't doubting her love for Julian, nor did she intend to rekindle any kind of relationship with the man, but she found herself wanting to know how he was doing. She realised now that guilt had driven her to do so. She was happy, in love. Perhaps she felt like she didn't truly deserve it.

Her man discovered that Durnit had been offered a position at a farm to the south of Myrin, one which paid significantly better than his previous position. He was a husband and soon to be father. Gida felt some of the tightness around her heart lift at the news. At the very least, his association with her hadn't caused him any pain.

Gida often found herself wondering in the years after if her father had anything to do with Durnit's sudden departure. If so, it would be one of the few things that the Queen would thank him for. She'd known that something would be done about her brief first foray into romance. After all, the idea of the Princess of the realm with a commoner would have damaged House Brand. Her father was well within his rights to kill Durnit, to end the threat that his existence posed. Yet he lived, and lived well. Frederick was not one to use diplomacy often, but Gida liked to think that perhaps he had chosen the better option for her sake.

“Did you have a heart after all, father?” Gida whispered into the wind, leaning over the balcony of the royal apartments as she gazed at the near blinding sight of the stars overhead. She knew an answer would not be forthcoming, but she didn't need one. The idea of her father doing something noble for her was enough. Even if it was a fanciful lie.

“Speaking with ghosts again, my love?” Julian's voice carried to her over the wind and caused Gida's heart to stir, as it always did in his presence. She'd thought that her love for him would fade with time, but what she felt for her husband hadn't ebbed in the slightest. Thinking of the past, their journey through life together, such made that all the clearer.

“Just my father.” Gida smiled, glancing at Julian over her shoulder as he walked out to join her on the balcony. The King of Venos wrapped a shawl around his wife's shoulders to protect her from the biting air. Gida wasn't cold in truth, but she accepted the gift regardless, leaning into the crook of Julian's neck as he held her close. “He continues to remain silent.”

“Good for all of us, I suspect.” Julian replied with a chuckle. “I can't imagine he would have anything nice to say.”

“He often didn't... but...”Gida sighed as gazed out over the stunning view of Myrin enclosed in night. “In the end, he did what was right.”

A memory pulled at Gida's consciousness, one of cold steel and silver light. She banished it before it could form. She'd thought about that day enough over the past twenty years, she didn't need another reminder. Zelato's return was enough.

“He did, yes.” Julian whispered softly, comfortingly, knowing exactly which direction his wife's thoughts were pulling her down. “In the end, he truly was a King.”

Gida said nothing in response to that statement. Instead she took the moment to enjoy the quiet with her husband. It was rare for them to find such occasions to do so during the best of times, even more so given what was happening now. The Queen of Venos raised a hand to her chest, wincing as a stabbing sensation struck her. She closed her eyes, focusing on the breathing of the man beside her until the agony subsided. When she opened them again, it was to find Julian staring at her with concerned eyes, his own hand reaching up as he placed it over her own.

“The pain still troubles you?”

Gida nodded. The wounds from her battle with Samuel had long since faded to nothing, but an echo remained regardless. This reminder, this phantom pain, still haunted her. It was accompanied by her complete inability to cause any form of harm to the strongest Knight in Ouros. Memories of the Saint naturally led Gida to be reminded of the reason she'd awakened in the first place, of the nightmare that had pulled her screaming from her bed. Elora dead, lifeless, open eyes staring at nothing at all. The panic that suffused her at the mere thought of such a thing was incredibly sharp and utterly devastating. Yet there was nothing she could do to prevent it. She was forced to wait, shackled by her duty to her country and her weakness as a Knight.

All that occupied her thoughts was Elora now. The world felt dim, less colourful. The problems that she needed to tackle as a Monarch seemed inconsequential in comparison to the fear she felt for her daughter's safety. Her own inadequacies as a mother were in sharp focus for the Queen. She looked back on every mistake, every sharp word and raised voice. She was just beginning to come to terms with her faults as a parent, beginning to see all the pain she'd caused her daughter over the years, before and after she'd met the mercenary from the Commons. Yet Elora was gone and her chance to atone for past sins went with her.

When the battle had concluded and Samuel departed to chase Elora and Orin, Gida had wished to follow, if only to slow him down for a few more seconds. Julian had argued against it, the voice of reason even in those most trying of circumstances. The harsh truth was they simply couldn't follow Samuel. He was too powerful, beyond anything that Gida had ever seen before. Even reaching the Third Circle of the One meant nothing when faced with such a being. It was a bitter reminder to the Queen of Venos that not all Masters were equal. The difference in strength between Gida and Samuel was a gorge she could not cross, her wings crippled and useless.

Now she could only pray to the Great Spirit that Elora and Orin reached Ragora before Samuel found them. She was certain that Mastan D'viritazi could keep them safe, Samuel's words all but confirming it.

That being said, they weren't completely without hope of aiding their daughter in some small way.

“Are you sure she knows nothing?” Gida looked to her husband once more, the imagined image of Elora's death thankfully replaced by the memory of Samuel's parting gift. “Sister Erin has no idea who Samuel could be speaking of?”

She'd asked her husband the question a thousand times since he returned from the orphanage that afternoon, as though she expected the answer to change. Orin's mother and his family had recently arrived in Myrin, allowed back into their home without fear of attack by Samuel. He wouldn't return for them. The Saint knew Orin's destination and would follow him across the entirety of Ouros if need be. His loyalty and oath to the Hall were paramount in his eyes. Samuel wouldn't give up until he was ordered to, his doggedness near mythical.

Julian sighed in frustration, “Once more, my love, no. Erin knows nothing of some secret protector beyond Tessaraina D'viritazi. Samuel may have been toying with us.”

Gida immediately shook her head as she pulled away. “No. Samuel does not lie. He omits the truth, twists it, but he doesn't lie, Julian.”

“Then perhaps he is doing just that.” Julian argued. “Perhaps he has told us only part of what he knows. It wouldn't be the first time.”

“That may be, but dismissing what he did tell us would be folly.” Gida snapped as she walked away, the shawl falling to the ground. “There is something we are missing, some small piece of the puzzle which we have yet to discern. He was afraid, Julian. You saw it as well as I.”

“You speak as though knowing the truth will make any difference!” Julian said, rubbing at his eyes in annoyance. “We did as we promised, Gida. We gave them a little time, even if it can only be measured in hours. We have to focus on what we can do. I have sent word to Ragora. If all has proceeded as planned, then Elora and Orin should arrive there in a few days if they are not there already. We'll know more within the month.”

“We could let them know the identity of whoever has Samuel so scared!” Gida insisted. “The Hall sent him, Julian. Do you realise what that means? They believe whoever is protecting Orin is powerful enough to be a real threat, perhaps even as strong as Samuel himself! He wasn't lying, I know it.”

“I heard his words as well as you did, Gida, and I have said as much in the missive I have sent as you well know.” Julian said, remaining calm. “We must trust Elora and Orin to deal with this now. As much as it pains me, there is nothing more we can do.”

Gida opened her mouth to reply, to push her theory forward, to try and bring her husband around to her way of thinking, but she knew it would be for naught. Julian was right, even if they managed to discover the identity of Orin's mysterious protector, it would do them little good, but Gida couldn't help but think she wasn't doing enough. Her daughter was on the run from a mad zealot with the power to destroy cities and Gida, for all her power and titles, could do nothing to help her. She'd always had a way before, be it through politics or military might. Neither was an option in this situation and it set her teeth on edge. As powerful as Venos was, they were no match for the sheer amount of influence the Hall held over Ouros. It was like a gnat trying to battle a tiger, the end result being a foregone conclusion before it had even begun.

“You're right.” Gida said miserably, leaning against the balcony heavily. She felt her years press down on her, stretching her thin. “I know you're right, love. I just... I need to feel like I'm doing something, anything. I can't sleep, I barely eat. I feel like there's so much more I could be doing.”

“And you think that I don't feel the same?” Julian exhaled explosively, running his hands through his blonde hair, clutching at the locks as though he wished to rip them from the root. Gida felt his helplessness like a beacon over the Bond. “Gida, we're in this together. Stop believing you are alone in your pain. I know you're afraid, Spirit knows I am too, but all we can do is be strong for Elora.”

Gida stared sullenly out into the city as she mulled over her husband's words. Myrin was truly an awe-inspiring sight at night. The quiet, the bliss of silence that caused the air to stop, was breath-taking. It helped Gida to focus on that absence. It cleared her mind and gave her focus, but she knew her melancholy was still beneath the surface, diminished but not banished as she so wished it to be. Nothing was the same with Elora gone. The palace felt empty, lacking life. At least when she was at the orphanage Gida knew her daughter was close at hand. It was the not knowing that was the worst part of the whole situation. If Gida could just receive some word, some semblance of evidence, that her daughter still walked amongst the living then she could put many of her fears to bed.

“How is Sgread?” Julian asked, his attempt to change the subject as smooth as it always was. She knew what he was doing but she smiled at him thankfully all the same. He'd always known what to do when she was beginning to spiral, to become lost in herself.

That being said, the topic he chose to focus her attention on was no less dire than the question of their daughter's fate.

Gida turned her attention inward, to her soul of black flames. The core seemed diminished, lacking a lustre it had shown before the fight with Samuel. It had yet to recover, that last blow he delivered having left a mark that was anything but skin deep. Within the swirling black flames that were contained by the orb of glass, Gida could see a flicker of steel. She heard a strangled scream that was deathly quiet as it ripped through her soul space, her whole being shaking in time with those horrific cries. The Queen of Venos shivered as she resurfaced, looking to her husband with concern.

“Are you sure the shackles will hold?”

Julian shook his head helplessly. “I don't know. I spent five years on our last prison, every chain was meticulous. This one I made in a hurry, so we could return home. More work will need to be done before we're completely out of danger.”

Gida paled as she imagined her Cursed Weapon unleashing herself in the heart of Myrin. All would die, none would be spared the wrath of Sgread should the blade find a way past its bonds. “We should have stayed away longer.”

“Two weeks was enough to begin again.” Julian said with a firm nod before frowning. “At least, it was last time. Sgread feels stronger now than she did five years ago. Her strength is tethered to our own and she growing in lock step with us. I have put several layers of defence in place to prevent her escape without forewarning. We'll need to act fast should you feel her slipping the net, but she is still exhausted from our fight with Samuel. It will be some time before she recovers from such a defeat. I will hopefully be able to make her sleep tomorrow, the work I've done since we came home isn't insignificant and I have several new ideas I wish to try. Don't worry, my love. Sgread will be back in her cage again soon.”

Gida trusted her husband. He had Forged Sgread and knew her better than anyone. She was also far more receptive to his touch than she had ever been for Gida. The Queen was sure her husband would have the situation in hand before long. The fact that they would have some advance notice before Sgread broke free also eased her troubled mind.

“You should return to bed, my love,” Gida said softly, reaching up to brush at Julian's tired eyes. The Queen had been unable to focus much on the running of Venos, her mind too preoccupied with Elora and Samuel. Julian had taken on the brunt of the responsibility, setting Nobles minds at ease and putting out the fires that had begun to grow since they'd returned from Dunwellen. Telling all of Orin's ascension to Nobility had done much to remove the bad feeling the House of Hymns and the Collective held against the crown, but there was still much work to do before all could be put to bed. Talk of rebellion still stirred in the farthest reaches of their Kingdom. For now that was all it was, but Gida and Julian knew better than most that it only took a single spark to set a forest ablaze. It was difficult and frustrating, but the House of Brand was not completely without allies. High Lord Chamberlain Brynyar was still very firmly on their side, helping Julian wherever he could. All of this was made harder by Vera and Annabelle's absence. Gida had forgotten just how much they relied upon the First Knight and Smith. They were their stalwart protectors, powerful and loyal to a fault. Much would be solved by the silent threat of their presence, but all now knew she had left Myrin. Gida and Julian had betrayed no details to the Nobility, only telling them that Vera and Annabelle were on a mission for the benefit of Venos. That too was used against them, many claiming that the crown was holding back valuable information that should be revealed for the sake of the common good.

“I'm fine.” Julian replied, though his body betrayed him with a yawn as he chuckled wryly. “I wouldn't be able to sleep without you anyway. I always find it more difficult to stay in bed when I wake to find you gone. Besides, I should go and visit Yale soon. He is still weak, his own bout with Samuel took a lot out of him.”

Gida nodded grimly at that. While they had not been present for the aftermath of Yale's battle at the orphanage due to Sgread, Brynyar had given them a very detailed report of what he had found at the scene. She still remembered his pale face and shaking hands as he told them of the bloodbath that awaited him, the claw marks on the walls, and the nearly destroyed courtyard. Then there was finding the man he'd known as the Spymaster of Venos cut into more than a dozen pieces.

“Was it a mistake to tell Brynyar about Yale?” Gida asked, eyes narrowing as she stared into space. “He seemed greatly troubled by what he saw.”

Julian shook his head. “He was the only one we could trust to take care of him in that state, and I believe that still. Brynyar would never betray us, nor Yale. He also put the orphanage back in order before any of the residents in the Commons could figure out what had happened. Considering the scale of destruction that he saw there, that is a miracle in and of itself. I'm unsure how the runes held up to such a violent match. Despite what he found, Brynyar still holds Yale in high regard. He may dislike the man, but he's always respected him.”

“Brynyar respected him when he thought Yale was only human.” Gida reminded her husband subtly. “Is he being fed? Yale, not Brynyar.”

Julian chuckled before nodding. “He is. Thankfully, we have no shortage in that regard. The jails in the Commons are fit to bursting with gang members from the attacks on the city during the wedding. Many of them were headed for the gallows for murdering members of the guard. Brynyar is seeing that they are delivered to the dungeon.”

Gida nodded coldly. She had no sympathy for those that targeted innocents with the intent of lining their own pockets. Even if they hadn't taken lives in the pursuit of their filthy profession, they were still scum deserving of death in the Queen's eyes. “I'm glad to hear it. Hopefully we will have our Spymaster back with us before too long. Spirit knows we could use his expertise.”

“I couldn't agree more.” Julian replied tiredly. “Rumours of rebellion have begun to take root on the coast now, with some minor Nobles stirring up a fuss and lighting the flame under a few commoners. I'm not worried, but I've sent some agents to infiltrate their movement to get a clearer picture of the situation. Then there is the House of Hymns. Brynyar has the Nobles in hand for the most part but Lord Walden is calling for a vote of no confidence against him. Another minor issue, but the man is not without teeth. He could do some real damage to Brynyar should he be allowed to continue his campaign against him.”

Gida shook her head, lip raising in disgust. Walden had coveted Brynyar's position since she was a young girl. He was a vile man, one which she was forced to interact with during the meeting of the royal council. Being a representative of the People's Collective was a joke title, meant to remove the toad from view and foist him onto House Brand. He would make no headway with his plan to remove Brynyar, despite Julian's concerns. The Lord High Chamberlain was too respected and admired to be foiled by such a small existence as Walden.

“Spirit, I wish we'd gotten rid of that man years ago.”

Julian laughed at that. “As do I. He's a fool, but he has his uses. As much as he hates Brynyar, he is loyal to Venos.”

“When it suits him to be.” Gida rolled her eyes. “I should go with you to see Yale. He put his life on the line for our sakes. I owe him much.”

Julian beamed. “I think that he would enjoy such a visit greatly. He's been asking after you since he came back to himself. Though, you'll need to forgive him the occasional lapse. He's improving every day, but he loses his train of thought more often than not.”

“Having your head cut off is a good excuse for that.” Gida said with a dark chuckle. “When I was younger I envied his abilities. Now though...”

“I understand the attraction.” Julian said grimly. “ But his power comes at a dire price.”

“As all power does.” Gida pointed out before placing her glass of wine, almost untouched, onto the small table next to her. “Let us be off then. I know he likes to sleep during the day.”

Julian's eyes widened. “You wish to go now?”

“No time like the present.” Gida hesitated when she reached the door, turning to look at her husband shyly, almost vulnerable in her openness. “Thank you for distracting me, Julian. Perhaps once we see Yale I'll finally be able to get some sleep.”

“Elora will come back to us, Gida. I have to believe that. I must.” Julian said quietly as his wife turned away. “I know you don't trust my opinion of the boy, but-”

“You're wrong in that, my love.” Gida interrupted with a firm shake of her head. “I will always trust your opinion, even if I'm too hard-headed to see it for the wisdom that it truly is.”

Julian looked genuinely bewildered as he tilted his head. “Does that mean what I think it means? Has my infamously stubborn wife had a change of heart?”

Gida laughed. “I wouldn't go that far, but I do believe he would do anything to protect her. Like you said, Julian, there is nothing more we can do. I have to leave Elora's life in Orin's hands.”

“I heard the prayer you whispered after the battle, Gida,” Julian muttered. “I think you have more faith in Orin than you dare to admit.”

“Maybe I do.” Gida frowned, the revelation as surprising to her as it was to Julian.

The Queen of Venos still believed that Elora would be better off without Orin. To think otherwise would be folly in her eyes. He was the reason for the chaos that had visited them, the reason that Samuel even now hunted her daughter across the continent, yet Gida could not deny what she had seen on the day of Elora's wedding.

Happiness. Pure, unwavering happiness. Elora's golden eyes, so much like own, filled with such warmth and joy as she looked upon the scarred mercenary from the Commons. Gida could still see her daughter's face when she closed her eyes, could still relive that moment as though it had happened only minutes ago. She hadn't cried then, too consumed by her fear for Elora's safety to live in the moment, to truly be present. But days later, when she was sitting alone in her study, she'd suddenly burst into tears. Her stifled sobs so alarming that the maids attending to her had called for the King.

Gida hadn't told her husband why she wept, and he hadn't asked for a reason. Julian just assumed it had something to do with Elora's departure. That was true in many ways, but it was the look on her daughter's face as she gazed at the man she loved that had filled Gida with so many turbulent emotions. Her little girl, her Elora, never looked more beautiful than she had that day. Gida knew in that moment nothing she said or did would make any difference to the outcome of their relationship. She could perform a hundred Severances and the result would be the same. Elora loved Orin. Real love, not the false romance she'd once had with Durnit, one born of ignorance and youth. It was bound in mutual respect, in admiration, in support. It was true.

Gida could no longer deny her daughter's choice. That fact made her both bitter and proud. Bitter that she had lost the little girl that Elora once was, and proud of the woman she had so clearly become.

And... she supposed that her daughter could've done worse.

Gida cleared her throat and struck the memory of the wedding from her mind. It wouldn't do to break down in front of her husband once more. “He is a warrior. Orin has proven himself capable of doing the impossible. I expect he will do so again in her defence. I will not say that I like him, nor will I say that I approve of Elora's choice. But it is her choice. I can accept that at least. It helps his case that he seems to love our daughter as much as I love you.”

Julian flushed to his roots then. Like their daughter, he was not the best at receiving compliments, always becoming bashful after the fact. An endearing habit that Gida loved. She slipped her arms across his shoulders and gifted him with a rather serious kiss that left him breathless. Queen Gida embraced her husband as he returned the favour. The two Monarchs held each other tightly, reminding themselves that even in their darkest moments they were never alone, not truly.

“We'll trust Elora and Orin to deal with Samuel.” Gida intoned, trying to suppress the wave of fear that threatened to overcome the Bond even as the words left her lips. “We will focus on making sure they have a home to return to. You're right, Julian. I'm finished with being morose and melancholic. Elora will come home, Orin alongside her. When they do, they will need training. I will show the boy how to be a King.”

“And I'll teach Elora how to be a Queen.” Julian smiled, arms folded as he gazed at his wife affectionately.

Gida snorted as she shook her head before fixing her husband with a loving stare.

“There is no need for that, my love. Elora is already more of Queen than I will ever be. The boy, however... He will require some work.”

* * *

I couldn't say how long I floated within the infinite void. Time meant little in the spiritual world. The vastness of my soul space and the keen edge of my Smiths emotions shrouded me in a loving fog. I was happy where I was, content, but the longer I remained the more of myself I began to regain. My consciousness slowly returned, allowing my reason and logic to once more take control. Even then I didn't want to depart, didn't want to lose the warmth that had enthralled my mind so completely. So potent was the feeling, so intense, that I felt that leaving might be the end of me, but I knew I must do it all the same. Tess and Elora were waiting. I had slept long enough.

A small light appeared on the horizon of the abyss. I attempted to blink, but realised I couldn't in my current form. Instead I brought my mind to bear, a task which was far more difficult than I expected. With all of my will, I pushed myself towards that light, free of the torrent of loving acceptance that my Smiths had constructed. A small seed of panic began to grow within my heart as I realised I was being held back, restrained, but I quickly realised the resistance wasn't what I thought it was. The amalgamated emotions of Elora and Tessa were only gifting me with a tender caress, saying a gentle goodbye in the only way they knew how. I shot towards the light like an arrow from a bow, shooting across the black expanse with a speed that defied that of even Mastan D'viritazi. The light drew closer and closer until it was all I could see, my vision filled completely. I reached out and pressed my hand against it, pushing with all my might, yet I couldn't break through. My hand slipped over the surface of the blazing white as though it was smooth glass. I resorted to banging my hand against it will all my might, shock-waves echoing out into the ether but to no avail.

Then I felt a presence form beside me.

So swift was its coming, so sudden, that I didn't have time to discover the source before the light before me exploded, encapsulating me completely and throwing me back out into the physical world.

Pain.

That was the first thing I felt when I returned to the land of the living. My head pounded in beat with my heart, the sharp agony forcing me to stay awake even as I tried to retreat back down into the dark. I heard voices to my left and right, familiar and close. I tried to raise a hand, but I found it difficult as each movement only caused the stabbing sensation in my skull to intensify. I finally tried to open my eye only to close it again, wincing at the blast of sunlight that blinded me in an instant.

It took me about a minute to recall what had happened, to remember the euphoric paradise that I had been forced to leave against my will, but even that was hazy. I tried to pierce the mist that seemed to enclose me but it was all for naught. My thoughts were slow and jumbled, almost as though I was drunk. Grumbling to myself, I opened my eye once more. I was pleased to find that the scorching light was gone and heaved a sigh of relief, but the world was still one large blur. I tried my hand again, wincing at the pain it immediately caused to flare up within my hammering head.

“Orin! Thank the Spirit!” I knew the voice, for how could I not? The first thing I felt other than the softness of blankets beneath me and feel of a cool breeze on my brow was the touch of my wife, her head pressing to my chest. I could feel her relief, her trembling guilt as it passed through her and into me. I raised my hand again, ignoring the dizzyingly amount of pain that was unleashed as a result. I placed it down upon Elora's head, the feel of her soft hair steadying my pounding heart. I would've laughed then if I could've. Given my wife's reaction, I had to assume that I had been out for quite some time.

I felt another hand press against my forehead, one which I knew well. Tess was here, close. I reached up and placed my fingers over hers. I felt the shiver in her skin just as surely as I felt it in Elora.

“You're burning up.” Tess spoke so softly, her voice barely discernible. The crack in her voice that came after just as faint. “You scared us half to death, asshole.”

“You... two...” I struggled to speak, rolling my lips to wet them only to find it was as dry as my throat. Shit, even speaking was painful. “Are... the assholes.”

A moment's pause came after that as both Elora and Tess froze in place. Then my Princess began laughing, the soft and charming sound filling me with comfort. Tess succumbed soon after, her own laugh harsher and more world-weary, but not the lesser for it. I smiled as best I could, my vision finally clearing and allowing me to look upon my Smiths in detail.

They looked worn out, exhausted. They still wore the same clothes that they had when I'd been sent into my unwilling sleep so I had to assume that not long had passed since I'd been knocked out. Tess and Elora were smiling at me, the excitement in their eyes at my waking as clear to me as the sky itself.

“Careful now.” Tess warned as she sat on the end of the bed, her fingers fidgeting nervously even as she gave me a predator's grin. “We can do it again.”

“Not if I do it first.” I threatened, my speech finally returning to me as I chuckled, wincing as the act of even talking brought me pain. “Fuck, it feels like I've been kicked in the teeth by a horse.”

“Here, drink this.” Elora said softly as she pulled away from me, grabbing a glass of water from the small table beside the bed. I realised now that they must have moved me from the training ground to room that the Princess and I shared. The curtains were pulled closed over our entrance to the balcony, which I was more than thankful for. My vision was recovering, but it was far from sharp. I nodded gratefully to my wife as she raised the glass to my lips. I gulped down the ice-cold water, the sweet nectar of life a balm that soothed my stomach and dried throat. “Better?”

“Much.” I said with a small smile, tapping the back of her hand with my own as I lay my head back down onto the many pillows behind my head. “Shit, the pain's lessened at least.”

Elora grinned. “It worked for us as well, though our reaction to being spoken to over the Bond wasn't nearly as dramatic as yours.”

“Oh?” I blinked, pushing myself up on my elbows as I looked to Tess and Elora in turn. “So what happened? Did I walk about in a daze? Was I talking?”

“No, you straight up collapsed.” Tessa snorted as she rubbed at her eyes. I thought I saw a hint of red there, but I dismissed it in the next instant. “After we spoke to you through the Bonds you stood there for nearly thirty seconds and then just hit the deck.”

“You smacked your head rather hard, love.” Elora continued, her concern for my well-being abundant. “There was quite a bit of blood. I Healed you but was unable to make you wake. Both Tess and I tried together. It was... frustrating.”

I could hear the guilt in the Princess' voice, could see it plainly on both of my Smiths faces. I laughed then, causing both Tess and Elora to bristle as they glared, their sad expressions transforming in an instant.

“It isn't fucking funny, Orin!” Tessa snapped. “We thought we'd really hurt you.”

“I-I'm fine, Tess.” I said with a exhalation of air, sending a pulse of comfort over each Bond to show that they had nothing to feel guilty for. “It was actually quite nice, all told. I could do without the hangover though.”

“It'll fade relatively soon.” Elora assured me, looking a little sheepish. “At least, it did for us. Your reaction was a bit more intense. Lilian said that you would be back to normal in no time once you woke.”

“In hindsight, maybe we shouldn't have done it at the same time.” Tess said with a shake of her head.

“It was a little rash, wasn't it?” Elora replied with a wince.

“You think?” I teased gently as I reached for them both. Tess hesitated, as she always did when I sought physical contact, before reluctantly placing her hand in my own. I did the same with Elora and gazed at my Smiths, letting them know that I was unharmed. “Don't worry. It was a surprise, but I won't hold it against you. Well, not much, anyway.”

“At least he has his sense of humour back.” Elora said to Tess wryly.

“Or what he believes passes for a sense of humour at least.” Tessa grumbled.

“So how long have I been out?” I asked my Smiths as I pushed myself up into a sitting position. The agony that I had faced upon first waking was greatly lessened but it still felt like my brain had been dipped in molten steel. I ignored it, pushing the feeling to the back of my mind and not allowing any hint of my discomfort to cross either Bond. I could still feel their guilt flow over our connections, made less potent by my words but nonetheless present. I needed to set their minds at ease.

“Three years.” Tessa said bluntly, immediately, and with a completely straight face. My mercenary was more than capable of containing her humour. My Princess, however, was all but incapable of the feat. Elora clamped both hands over her mouth to stop laughter from spilling free.

“Ha ha.” I replied dryly. “What were you saying about a sense of humour, or lack thereof?”

Tess rolled her eyes at me as the Princess chuckled at our antics. Elora chose that moment to give me an answer to my question. “You've only been out for about six hours, love. We thought you would be sleeping for far longer. Mastan stopped by to check on you, along with Vera and Annabelle. They all agreed that you should have been out for days. Apparently you were deeply entrenched in your soul.”

“Days?” I asked, shocked. I frowned at my Smiths. “But then... how did I get out?”

“You're stubborn.” Tessa said with a grin. “Annoyingly so, like an insect. Shit, I'm surprised you didn't wake up sooner. Father doesn't know you like we do.”

I grinned at my Smith, who returned the expression gladly.

“Whatever the reason, we're glad you're back, Orin.” Elora sighed as she squeezed my hand in hers, leaning down to peck me on the cheek.

“How did I get here?”

“We carried you.” Elora said sweetly. “It took us a while, but we got there in the end. Dawn and the others wanted to help us, but Tess-”

“He doesn't need to hear about all that, Elora.” Tess said sharply as she pulled her hand from mine and folded her arms primly. “I apologised. There isn't more to discuss.”

Elora looked to Tessa in apology before continuing on, causing her Sister-Smith to grumble. Clearly my Princess thought this was a story that needed to be told. “The Bond started playing up. It did for the both of us, but ours is further along that yours and Tessa's. It pushed her to act in your defence. She wouldn't let anyone but me near you.”

“By the Spirit.” Tessa moaned as she pressed her fingers to her eyes. “It wasn't that bad, Orin. No one got hurt.”

I doubted very much that it was the Bond that pushed Tess to protect me. She didn't need a reason, and hadn't since we were children. I smiled gently at my Smith, which caused her face to flush red as she looked away.

“Don't worry about it, Tess. Seems the two of us both came close to doing something stupid today. I almost attacked Cassie when I saw you fighting her.”

“You did?”

“I did.”

For some reason, that put a smile on Tessa's face as she gazed at the far wall once more. I didn't understand the why, but at least my admission had made her feel a little better.

“In any case, you're right, Princess.” I yawned, my weary body touched by exhaustion. It had been a long day after all, and that was before I had been unceremoniously dumped into what I would affectionately refer to as a 'love coma'. “It doesn't matter the reason, I'm just glad I'm awake. We couldn't afford to lose days while I blissfully sleep. I should start Compressing. I really want to get the hang of this new way of mediating.”

“You should take it easy, Orin.” Elora said, worried. “At least for today, if not longer. We'll be back to training tomorrow. Until then, you need your rest. Your soul is already in a vulnerable state, give it some time to recover. Compressing while like this could cause you harm.”

“I agree with Elora.” Tessa intoned which took me by surprise, something which she saw in my eyes as she chuckled. “What? We knocked you unconscious, Orin. Taking the rest of the day is a good idea.”

“Fine, fine.” I said with a grumble. I suppose I could put off Compression training, if my Smiths were both in agreement. “But at the very least we can go over what we learned today. I can tell you about what Mastan taught me and you two can tell me about your work with Theadora.”

Elora sighed as she and Tessa exchanged a look. “Fine, but you're staying in bed. No walking around until we're sure the worst of it has passed.”

I raised a hand to make my oath, “I, Orin of Myrin, do solemnly swear to not leave this bed. I make this promise in the presence of the Great Spirit.”

“Aye, I'm sure the Spirit appreciates it.” Tessa chortled as she and Elora moved closer still, ready to begin our mutual study session. I was happy that they agreed to my request. I might have been knocked unconscious, but I also knew that what time we had needed to be used wisely. The more training we got in now, the closer I got to beating someone like Samuel in a stand-up fight. Fuck, who was I kidding? Mastan himself said that it was a feat even the previous Heir, Count Verdun, found difficult and that was most likely with five Smiths and a whole bunch of Elements at his command. At the very least I would settle for being able to kick the King of Lightning's ass. Spirit knows he fucking deserved it.

I was looking forward to hearing about what Tess and Elora had learned from Theadora. Annabelle was a Master, true, but one who knew very little about Heirs and how they functioned. I hoped that whatever they learned would give us an edge that only someone like me could take advantage of.

“So whose going first?” Elora asked politely as she refilled my water. “I think Tessa should, considering she created a new Technique today.”

Tess immediately shook her head. “I didn't invent it, Orin did. I just gave it a name. Second Sword seemed fitting, seeing as you and Orin have the First."

Both of my Smiths looked to me then and seemed taken aback by what they saw. Elora and Tessa stared at me, exchanging a look with narrowed and concerned eyes. “Orin? What's wrong?"

I shrugged, keeping my face straight with no small amount of effort. "Just remembered I need to do something before we start."

I lunged forward and grabbed them. They both gasped in surprise, the attack coming unexpectedly. Tess could've broken free and cut me in half if she so wanted, but she chose not to, thankfully. I was really rather fond of being without injury, despite the evidence to the contrary.

I pulled both of my Smiths into my arms and held them close, burying my head in their hair as they sat, shocked, and locked in place.

“Thank you.” I whispered, my voice almost giving out. I blinked away the tears that had formed seemingly of their own volition. I hated being weepy, truth be told, but now seemed like a strangely appropriate moment for it. “What I saw in there... It was beautiful.”

They were slow to respond, as though moving would somehow break the magic of the moment. Eventually, I felt their arms wrap around my back, holding onto me as tightly as I was them. I couldn't see their faces, but I didn't need to. I knew they were smiling.

“It's alright, Orin.”

“Now you know, love.”