Prince Paradox led the new comers through the desolate Melaina as they searched for survivors. The eerie quiet that plagued his surroundings before, when he first emerged from his darkened hiding spot under the palace courtyard gardens, still echoed through the smooth gray pathing of the vacant streets.

The marbled buildings with their gilded roofs, columned porches, and jeweled doors, felt like a ghost town. At least there wasn't much to clean up aside from the tumbled barrels in the market district where the numerous topaz, emeralds, diamonds and various other stones gleamed in the sunlight on the ground where the barrels had toppled over, a stark contrast to the snowy ground.

Some of the stands held glass cases, well crystalline glass, built by a prestigious seer, who left Melaina some time ago to meet with the bear king for mysterious reasons.

Brilliant chunks of copper, pyrite, fluorite and other minerals remained sealed within the casings that gleamed as they passed by.

"It's very beautiful." Ardent replied, her voice carrying beneath the dark cloak as she examined the various minerals in the cases. The same awe on her face from her intake of the rich look of the houses, etched on her face. He allowed himself to look at her over his shoulder, his lavender eye holding pride with his side glance.

"Melaina is well known for its ministry within the mountain. Its full of gems and minerals. It's why this kingdom thrives." He paused. "By the way, you haven't introduced me to your friend there.” He motioned towards Àskériàn. who was lagging behind as he was carefully examining the alley way.

“This is my knight, Àskériàn." She answered, earning another famous glare from the dragon shifter.

Àskériàn shifted his indifferent gaze to Para and gave a curt nod.

The trio made a right turn and the jewel prince led them down the main road, the gemstone palace coming in sight beyond the marbled walls of the surrounding courtyard.

Ardent's breath hitched, flaring more pride in Para's chest, which was quickly doused again by the indifference in Àskérian's dark eyes. Did anything make the knight smile?

"Its quite something isn't it?" He said, following her gaze to the castle before them. The gemstone spires and parapets shimmering in their rainbow glory. He let out a breath of his own, but it was more of a strained sigh.

"Something the matter?" She asked as they came to a stop, several houses away from the marbled walls.

"Just wondering where my people ran off to." He answered. "Where my parents are."

"If you are looking for your people, perhaps we can assist you." She said breaking through his troubled thoughts.

"Oh? How so?" He turned to her then.

"Lady Ardent!" Àskériàn began to scold, but Ardent lifted her hand to stop his protest, earning a dark glower.

“Sir Àskériàn.” Ardent bit back before turning to Para, “Your people should have evacuated into the mountains, right? I know my husband spent much time here and he learned of your safety nets.”

“That is correct.” Para nodded. “They will be heading to Ashgarh through the Ashgarh river by boat, and then they will gather in Ashgarh City.”

“Then we should head there and look for them. Travel along the river and meet them in Ashgarh.”

“And what if Etah comes looking for us?” Àskériàn’s cold voice dropped an anvil of doubt on her plan.

Para gave the knight another troubled look, “He has a point.”

"It's getting late." Àskérian spoke up, breaking their conversation.

"Oh right. Excuse my rudeness. The palace was untouched, so we can take refuge there for the night. In the morning I will head out, you can join me if you wish, but I don’t want to impose on you." Para apologized. He then lead them passed the walls, through the courtyard and into the palace.

Despite the colorful gleam of the outer walls, the inside walls were pale marble like the buildings in the city. Red carpet lined the hall overtop a marbled floor that was veined with the color of the gems.

Chandeliers hung from the cathedral style ceilings. Pictures of the royal family were placed on the walls and banners hung as well, falling from ceiling to floor, adorned with the emblem that represented Melaina, a large lavender amethyst surrounded by other gems in a circle, smaller in size in sapphire blue, laden on a golden backdrop. Potted plants nestled in clay pots stood along the walls, adding to the grandeur, they were mostly ferns, but there was the occasional blue orchid.

"Amazing." Ardent commented taking in every detail of Castle Jewel.

"Makes you want to re- decorate." Àskérian said in a playful tone.

"Excuse me. Just what are you implying?" She glared at him.

"Oh nothing at all." He replied, his voice cutting into a laugh at the end. She continued to glare at him as they walked.

Para lead them up a flight of stairs that was lined with a red rug. The railing made of gold, brought out the gilding of the rest of the palace.

After the stairs he took them down a long hall. "This is the guest wing." He explained, pushing open a set of ornate doors.

The guest wing contained several large rooms, adjoined in the center by a separate living quarters, and an adjacent kitchen area. The wing was decorated much like the rest of the palace, lavished in gemstones of all colors, red carpet that matched the fabric of the furniture. Potted plants dotted the room, the kitchen seemed to be fully stocked.

“This is where you will be staying. You can each pick a room and if there is anything in the kitchen that you might require for your journey tomorrow onward, take it.”

“Thank you, Para.” Ardent sighed. Para nodded and left them to explore their new environment.

The creek of wood echoed throughout the chambers as Ardent opened the door to one of the rooms, before disappearing inside.

"This is sooo big!" Her voice came out dulled from where Askerian stood, examining the kitchen area.

Ardent grabbed Àskérian by the hands, catching him offguard. "Quick lets pick our rooms." She said, her eyes beaming.

"You do realize this isn't a vacation right?" He scolded. His words were met with pouting and a glare.

"Fine! I get this one then." She decided, disappearing once again into the room.

“At least it’s not a forest floor.” He muttered dryly, marching over to knock on Ardent’s temporary bedroom door, which was now shut.

"Ah ha! You like this place to--What?" She hissed, seeing the look of aggravation on his face.

"Twice today you almost blew our cover and you even gave away your identity. We have no idea if he is the enemy."

"If he was the enemy would you have allowed us to stay here?" She shot at him.

He glowered again "I suppose not." He gritted out.

"Look, I know you are looking out for me, but if we can't make allies in this, then what good are we? We need people down here who can help me find my husband and I'd rather not be an edge lord about it."

He scoffed. "Edge lord?"

"Yes." She hissed.

"You know what, fine, but the next time you want someone to babysit you on a trip to Gaia, do make sure that it isn't me." With that he stormed off, slamming the door in Ardent’s face.

Ardent sat there on the edge of the bed in silence, not sure where she had went wrong. Maybe she was being foolish. How did an angel hide their emotions and contain their excitement anyway? That's what Àskériàn wanted, but for angels it was impossible.

She sighed, maybe her over eagerness would get them killed, though she hoped not.