Following the chalk markings, Gandr returned quickly. "Everything went smoothly," he told the Empress.

Aurora thanked him and turned to Zan. "This is where we part ways, Chief. Sow doubt among my people towards Cafer if you can, but most of all, keep them safe." Zan was proud of the Empress he served. She always put the well-being of others first.

"Be careful, Your Majesty. Cafer will not play fair." The Guardian placed his hand on Devrim's shoulder. "I know His Majesty will have your back. Together you will succeed." The couple was young but resilient. If anyone could succeed against magical creatures making a coup, it was them.

While they spoke, Gandr left and returned with Birger. The red-headed Councilman wore a smug expression. "Your Majesty," he said as he bowed, "I waded my bedding like I am still there. They likely won't discover I'm gone until it's too late."

"Are you ready?" Gandr asked the Guardian.

"I am." Zan released his grip on the Emperor Consort. He realized that he would have to be more formal with the boy going forward. He bowed humbly. "Glory to the Empress." The gnome and Guardian disappeared from sight.

The five left behind, Aurora, Devrim, Brinn, Alvar and Birger, were caught for a moment in the calm before the storm. They hesitated to move a muscle, knowing that things would never be the same once they did. It felt like an eternity, but it was just a few seconds before the Empress broke the spell. "It is time," she said. She picked up her bow and arrows, which she had retrieved from Zan, and draped them across one shoulder.

Devrim put his hand on the pommel of his sword. "We are ready, Your Majesty." They quickly went up many levels to the Emperor's and Empress's quarters. Alvar, disguised as a servant, exited the tunnels into Devrim's room and returned with clothing for the Emperor Consort. He changed quickly into the Royal garments.

Seeing him look so regal, the Empress kissed him on the cheek. He blushed, but raised his eyebrows questioningly. The dark-haired woman shrugged. "Sorry, you just look so handsome. I could not resist."

They moved onward to the Empress's suite of rooms. Brinn changed to look like a servant and slipped quietly through the hidden door. Leaving the passage open a crack, Aurora and the others listened for trouble. It did not take long.

"What are you doing in the Empress's bedchamber?!" a sharp voice rang out.

"I was sent to clean," Brinn said quickly.

"Only Bella and Candela are allowed in here. Did the no good Chief send you here?"

"I..uh…"

"I am calling the guard. You should not be in here."

Aurora emerged from her hiding place. "Please don't, Nanny. She is just trying to help me."

Nanny dropped the scarf in her hand, which Mairwen had requested to wear in honor of her mother, and ran from the wardrobe to the Empress. Her arms wrapped firmly around Aurora, afraid she might vanish if not held to the floor. The dark-haired girl hugged her back. "As you can see, rumors of my death are false. Take heart, Nanny! I am well." She could feel the old woman sobbing silently on her shoulder.

Nanny pulled away from her former charge, wiping her eyes. "It is a miracle," she said. "We have to tell Chief Cafer. He is about to make a grave mistake!"

"He is the one who tried to have her murdered. Cafer hopes to take over the Empire, but we will stop him." Emerging from the passage, Devrim was full of righteous anger as he spoke.

"What can I do?" Nanny, like everyone else, was quick to follow the Empress's lead.

"I have an idea, Nanny, but first, can you help me change?" Aurora motioned to her white robe. "Not many will recognize me as the Empress wearing this."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

--------------------------

Zan and Gandr quickly meshed with the gathering crowd after coming out of the stone wall. Gandr changed his appearance to that of a nondescript commoner, and Zan hid his face under the inscrutable black hood of the Guardian's cloak. The outer courtyard was filling quickly with many expectant faces. While the palace had been informed of the Empress's death, the outside world was blissfully unaware.

"What do you think the announcement is today?"

"Maybe the Empress is expecting! We would all love another Royal baby."

"Perhaps we will hear more about the rumors of the pirates off the coast."

"Don't be daft! We will simply be getting a summary of the Empress's world tour."

And so the chatter went as the pair wondered through the crowd. 'They are in for a big surprise,' Zan thought.

Gandr was feeling similarly. "They really have no clue," he whispered.

"This is going to come as quite a shock to be sure." The Guardian agreed. Scanning the area, Zan tried to find the best place to position himself to eventually clear the crowd. "I think we should… what's wrong?" When he looked at the gnome, Gandr's face was scrunched in confusion.

"I am not sure. It sounds crazy, but I saw someone who looked remarkably like the Empress, only older. Is this common among humans?"

From beneath his hood, Zan's eyes flashed silver. "Where did you see her?" Gandr pointed to a figure in a brown hood that was no longer facing them. Next to her another was hidden under a dark blue cloak. Zan nodded appreciatively. "Come on," he said to the gnome.

With the Guardian's keen hearing, he could eavesdrop on the man and woman's conversation long before he could reach them.

"This is a bad idea," the man said softly. "We need to get out of here before we are discovered." He pulled on the woman's arm and tried to lead her towards the gate.

"I am not leaving without my sisters. They could be in danger. We have to find a way inside." The woman refused his leading and started to walk directly toward Zan. She was so full of emotion that she did not see the Guardian until it was too late. She ran squarely into his chest.

"Excuse me," she said quickly, trying to get around him.

"No, Anna, excuse me. I need your help, and Ezer's help too, if you would invite him over here." Zan motioned to the man in the dark blue cloak.

Anna froze and regarded the darkness where a face should be below the black hood. She knew that voice. Seeing the danger, Ezer was at her side in a moment. "Unhand her," he said gallantly, which made Zan chuckle.

"I have not touched her. Indeed she ran into me. Do not be such a hothead, Ezer."

Ezer's eyes went wide, "Zan?"

"You are not the only outlaw who decided to crash this party." The Guardian joked. He pushed back his hood slightly to reveal his face and then replaced it. Gandr watched the exchange silently and the other pair finally noticed. "Gandr, meet Anna and Ezer. This is Gandr. We are all friends on the same team. Now I have idea that will help the Empress and your sisters, Anna."

Anna's eyes grew wet. She was unsure whether it was because the Empress was alive or because there was something she could do to help. "I will do anything. What did you have in mind?"

"The announcement is in about an hour. Before that, we need to create a little mischief 'Your Majesty'." Zan tapped his fingers together playfully as he bowed his head.

Anna's mouth curved into a half smile. "I'm listening."