She had been sitting meditating for about an hour when she felt fresh air down her back. She turned around. In the doorway was Elias.

“How did it went?”

“She did well, I want your help dropping her off at her boyfriend.”

Sasha rose, looking into the room. Amber laid spread out at the bed, dressed again, her black trousers and the jumper with a small flower on feeling inappropriate. In Sasha’s mind, the flower and the childish appearance suited ill with what kept repeating itself in her head.

“She is passed out?”

“No, she is just having some minutes collecting herself. The horses are waiting outside. I would like you to take her on your horse. Think you could do that?”

“Don’t want to, but sure”, Sasha said.

“She had a couple of rough days, be kind Sasha”, Elias said.

Sasha looked at him. He seemed as he had a couple of rough days he too.

They didn't go out front. Instead, Elias showed them the backdoor, where the old guard already waited, two horses ready for departure.

“The king is at the training center, making the adepts' life a hell. The queen is in her tower, brewing some new stuff. You better take the north entrance”, the guard said.

“Thank you”, Elias said. “Please bring a message to my mother that Sasha will join us for dinner tomorrow.”

Sasha pouted. She wanted to meet neither of them. This was one hell of a day. She almost died, and then she had to witness this. Of course, he would top it off with a promise of dinner. Still, she had promised Elias she would help him with the tower, and she would.

The girl's eyes were deadpan, and she almost didn’t react at all when Sasha jumped up behind her on the horse. Maybe the aftermaths of the golden drug still rippled through her body? Probably, because when the horse started to move a moan escaped from her lips. Then she sharply inhaled and went stiff in the saddle.

Luckily the girl was from town, and the ride was short. Elias sat down beside a small old cottage, stuck between two more modern houses. He knocked on the door.

A man with hair as black as raven opened. He shortly bowed in front of the prince before his worried eyes darted towards the women in front of Sasha.

“Amber?”

He rushed forward, extending a hand to help her down from the horse. Sasha bit down the bile, she laid an arm at Amber and bent closer.

“Anytime you need someone punished. Go and fetch me”, she whispered. She released Amber and smiled towards Sigvard. “Take care.”

He helped her down from the horse. Amber immediately disappeared into his welcoming hug. She turned her head towards Sasha, giving a short nod.

“Take the day off, and let her set the pace”, Elias said. “No questions until she tells the story herself.” He looked Sigvard stern in the eyes. “She needs you now. Don’t deny her.”

“I will take care of her”, Sigvard said. “Do not worry.”

Elias nodded and sat up on his horse. He waited until the couple had closed the door before he turned to Sasha.

“We will wait at the cafe the next block”, he said. “I have to ensure she is well tended to. I don’t want the healing to backfire.”

“I thought you already tended to her”, Sasha said.

“No”, Elias said. “Not this time.”