Jale’s feet hurt.

It had been a long six weeks on the road back to Dalenia, and his shoes had worn thin. Prince Salren had kept him on a very short leash for the rest of the journey, taking the responsibility himself to lead Jale behind his horse. Six weeks of being tugged and pulled and tripping over rocks and roots of trees that had grown across the unused path. At some points, Jale wondered whether he would ever set eyes upon the city again, but after what seemed like an eternity, the land started to slope out of the mountains and the tree line broke onto the cusp of the city.

Never before had Dalenia appeared so dark and unwelcoming. Never before had Jale felt such loneliness and emptiness at the view of the sprawling coastal city. Never before had the palace walls towered over him so heavily and forebodingly. His chest ached with the knowledge he would never see the Emperor again within those palace walls.

Prince Salren kept his banner on display as they entered the main entrance of the palace. Jale could see the soldiers on the gate were wearing the colors representing Prince Vox. To Jale, it was a complete violation to the Gods to herald those flags so boldly. It was Emperor Rathner’s palace. It would always be Emperor Rathner’s palace to him. In fact, it was disrespectful to fly those flags now, even though the required mourning period had already passed.

After passing through the threshold and into the main entrance courtyard, Jale looked around. It was pleasing to see a few familiar and friendly soldier faces who looked at him with keen interest and hope. There was even an occasional nod at his return, despite his captive position. At least, it looked as if some of the Emperor’s men wanted Jale there. Life under Prince Vox must already be proving unfavorable.

Without any delay, Prince Salren left his horse and his men and dragged Jale towards the Hall of Memories. The colours of the palace were different, Jale observed as he trailed behind Prince Salren. Shadows seemed darker, the palace trees less green and the grass dry and unkept. In stark contrast, the color and grandness of the Hall of Memories had been sucked out of its walls.

Jale stopped in shock when his eyes fell on the Empress Dowager. A sharp tug from Prince Salren, brought him forward. The Empress Dowager looked as if she had aged twenty years since the Summer Festival. Her grief for her son had struck her down, destroying the power in her eyes and turning her into a withered old woman. Jale didn’t even think she had looked this distraught when her husband had passed.

She was cloaked in mourning black, but her clothes also indicated she had been on the road from the dush on her cloak and boots. Time had not been wasted, and Jale suspected she had arrived at the palace only moments before Prince Salren and himself. There was still some strength within her though, for the Empress Dowager to be in the hall. It filled Jale with hope to see her. Matters of the Empire would come first before she would refresh herself from her journey.

Jale squared his shoulders and met the glares of the Grand Council, the Emperor’s criticisers, the Empress Dowager, and Prince Vox who was sitting proudly and arrogantly on Emperor Rathner’s throne. He had not wasted any time at all, Jale raged internally. On the outside, he kept his face neutral and tried to ignore the sense that he was now an outsider. How things had changed so quickly.

Prince Salren maintained his hold on the chain that was attached to the cuffs around his wrists. The door to the hall opened again, and Jale turned. Relief flooded through him as he saw Empress Crael walk into the room. It was quickly replaced with concern.

Two months had passed since Empress Crael had given birth, but she had not returned to her strong self. Instead, she was thin, weak and pale with deep shadows under her eyes. Their gaze met and immediately tears flooded her eyes and began to fall down her cheeks, as if his arrival had only reignited her grief. The pain they each held. All Jale wanted to do was go to her and hold her.

The only good thing was that she was not cuffed. She was, however, accompanied by two of her own guards as well as two of Prince Vox’s.

The Empress Dowager frowned at Jale, her eyes falling towards his hands.

Prince Salren remained by Jale’s side still not trusting any of his men to guard Jale themselves. His face was free from expression and gazed up at Prince Vox’s in his chair. The journey on the road had put a void between Prince Salren and his brother it seemed. Or had it always been there, Jale pondered.

“It’s good to see you son,” the Empress Dowager stated from her throne in the hall. There was a slight hint of hesitation in her voice indicating that she may be unaware of Prince Salren’s situation and was only now becoming suspicious. “What took you so long?”

“It was a long journey, mother,” he narrowed his eyes in his brother’s direction. “And we were ambushed twice on the road.”

The Empress Dowager glanced at Prince Vox, following her son’s glare with distrust. She settled back in her throne, leaning on its immense back and getting comfortable. She was a woman of business, and she would not accept any fuss.

“I would like to know who ambushed me on the road,” Prince Salren said to his brother sending him an accusatory glare.

Prince Vox feigned shock and disbelief. “You can’t suspect that I was involved? How ludicrous! Why would I need to when I’m next in line to the throne?” he asked, looking at his mother for her to agree with him. The Empress Dowager’s face remained free from expression.

“Emperor Rathner’s children are next in line to the throne,” Prince Salren spat.

“Yes, but who is best suited to take on the role of looking after the Empire until they come of age,” Prince Vox disputed.

“I’ll be the one to decide that,” the Empress Dowager interrupted.

Silence followed. No one dared to argue with her statement.

Prince Vox pursed his lips before speaking again. He must have decided to play another tactic for when he spoke, his tone was much softer and calmer. “Mother, you were just about to retire from your duties. You have traveled far and fast. And brother, I was not responsible for such attacks on the road. I am so pleased at your return, and doubly pleased that you were able to bring Jale with you. For all we know, he was also responsible for your ambushes as well as the Emperor’s death.”

Unable to stop himself, Jale scoffed and rolled his eyes. He quickly caught himself. Exhaustion was preventing good judgement.

Prince Salren scowled. “Thank you for your concern brother. I’m sure we can continue to work together.” Prince Salren also turned to glance at Jale.

With the attention suddenly upon him, the Empress Dowager waved her hand in Jale’s direction and asked, “What is the meaning of this?”

Before Prince Salren could respond, Prince Vox preceded to answer.

“Forgive us mother, with everything that has happened over the past couple of weeks, we have not had time to inform you of everything that has happened,” he began. “We have suspicions that Jale here took part and is responsible for the murder of the Emperor.”

“Absurd!” Jale shouted, unable to keep quiet. The fake politeness between Prince Salren and Prince Vox was too much. “Why would I murder the man I love and who I have devoted my life too?”

“Quiet!” Prince Salren hissed.

“I will not be quiet!” Jale retorted. “You know that is not what happened. I was not with the Emperor when he was murdered.”

“You didn’t need to be with him!” Prince Vox declared.

Jale went to argue again, but the Empress Dowager started to speak. He was still in enough frame of mind to know that his future would not go well if he rebuked her.

“Why do you think that Jale would kill Emperor Rathner?” she asked Prince Vox.

“I recently discovered Jale’s true identity,” Prince Vox responded. “He’s a member of the Keglan Royal Family. He’s not even Talbecan! One of the soldiers who was positioned at Arina Pass during the plague, let it slip one night in a drunken stupor.”

The Empress Dowager snapped her head around to Jale. “Is this true?”

“He is an imposter!” Prince Salren continued with such vengeance and hate, Jale was surprised to his core.

The Empress Dowager’s eyes never left Jale. “Is this true?” she repeated.

“I loved your son,” Jale implored the Empress Dowager. “I saved his life when he was set upon by the Keglar Kingdom at the Arina Pass.”

“Is this true?!” she shouted, rising to her feet. “Are you Keglan?”

“Yes,” Jale responded.

“Did my son know?” she whispered in shock.

“Of course, he did,” Jale replied quickly. “He met me as his equal at the Arina Pass. I’m part of the Keglan Royal Family. I am fifth inline to the Keglan Throne. Prince Yernal tried to kill me off at the same time that he tried to assassinate Emperor Rathner.”

Aghast, the Empress Dowager sank down into her throne. The deception from her son and Jale aging her even further.

“I loved your son,” Jale’s voice cracked with emotion. “I left everything behind to be with him. Everything I have done over the past ten years I have done for him and the Talbecan Empire.”

“Mother,” Prince Vox said. “What better way for the Keglar Kingdom to plot our demise? To plant someone to pull us apart from the inside.”

The Empress Dowager did not look convinced. She ignored her son and turned back to Jale.

“I don’t even want to return to my kingdom,” Jale continued. “My life was devoted to the Emperor, and I am determined to dedicate my life to ensure his legacy continues. I will give my life to ensure the twins will be raised how he would deem fit. And I’m sure that Empress Crael is more than capable of raising the twins and running the Empire until they are of age to take the throne.”

Jale looked at Empress Crael who had remained quiet the entire time they had conversed. Their eyes met, and Jale saw her eyes brimming with tears again. She shook her head a fraction, and Jale frowned not knowing her meaning in the desperation he saw on her face.

The news of the babies brought a glimmer of hope onto the Empress Dowager’s face. “I will see the twins as soon as our meeting is over,” she announced. She turned to face the Empress. “Empress Crael you have stood by my son since the moment you met him, but I can not ignore that you’re not a true blood Talbecan. I will not have the heirs of the Talbecan Empire guided by a non Talbecan while they grow to adulthood.”

Prince Vox crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Empress Crael as he spoke. “There is another issue I haven’t informed you of yet, mother. The children, Prince Rathner’s twins, are not here. They are missing!”

The Empress Dowager rose to her feet again. “What do you mean? Where are they?”

“I do not know where they are,” Prince Vox said. “The palace has been searched from top to bottom. I believe Empress Crael managed to smuggle them out of the palace grounds.”

Jale tried to suppress the smile that wanted to come to his lips at this news. He was thrilled. How smart and clever of Empress Crael. He didn’t dare to look at her though. He did not want to risk any suspicions the twin’s disappearance may have been planned by him.

Outraged, the Empress Dowager shouted, “Where are my grandchildren?!”

Empress Crael curtsied deeply before the Empress Dowager. “I can’t answer that question for I do not know where they are myself.”

This time, Jale couldn’t stop himself and he turned to stare at Empress Crael. She didn’t know where the twins were?

“What do you mean you do not know where they are? What kind of mother are you?” the Empress Dowager asked.

Empress Crael kept her head held high despite the tears that coursed down her cheeks. “All I know is that they are safe. They were taken from the palace to keep them from danger.” She glared in Prince Vox’s direction.

“They were taken?” the Empress Dowager. “By who?”

Empress Crael took a deep breath before she continued, “Delba left with the twins with a Talekan Assassin.”

The room remained still as Empress Crael’s words were processed.

The Empress Dowager was furious. She pointed her finger towards Empress Crael. “I’ve heard enough! You will move into the guest quarters and Prince Vox will move into Emperor’s Rathner’s. You are not to leave until the twins are found safe and are returned. Do you hear me?”

The Empress Dowager sat back down on her throne her face red with anger. “Prince Vox, you will take on the role of leading the Empire, but you will do so in the same manner in which Emperor Rathner ruled. You will not make any changes. Any decisions that need to be made will be made through the High Council, the official criticizers and myself. Understood?”

Prince Vox’s face turned red with anger. Her tone had been as if she was reprimanding a child.

The Empress Dowager turned her attention to Prince Salren. “You will take on the task of running the western front. The Desert Mobs are still causing havoc, are they not? And this whole debacle of the Labour Camp. Get it under control!”

Prince Salren lowered his head in agreement, but his disappointment was clearly seen on his face. Jale looked towards Prince Vox. Jale didn’t like that look. Something glimmered in Prince Vox’s eyes. Something that made Jale worry that Prince Vox would settle for this at the present, but he wouldn’t settle for it for long.

“What of the other consorts?” Empress Crael asked.

“Whoever is left, will stay in the guest quarters as well,” the Empress Dowager informed her.

Whoever was left? Jale’s mind spun in worry and he hoped Lana was well. His thoughts went to Teal.

“Has there been any news on Teal?” he asked into the room to no one in particular.

Prince Vox smiled viciously. “He is still in the hands of Prince Yernal, and as far as I’m aware, he was your toy, was he not? I have informed the Keglar Kingdom that we have no need for such a creature in our lands, and they may wish to do whatever they want with him.”

“What?!” Jale cried. His resolve and self-control fell away, and he took a threatening step towards Prince Vox. The room erupted. Prince Vox’s guards came to defense jumping in front of Prince Vox, while Prince Salren yanked hard on his cuffs. He also became aware of two gentle hands on his arm and shoulder.

“Take heed, Jale,” Empress Crael whispered into his ears. “You can’t help Teal if you are dead.”

Jale’s entire body heaved on the spot, his fists clenched in front of his body, and he felt the pumping of blood fill his face and temples.

The Empress Dowager did not look happy at this news either. “How did the Lombock get into the hands of the Keglar Kingdom?” she asked.

“He was kidnapped while Prince Yernal was here,” Prince Salren cast an accusatory glare in Prince Vox’s direction. “We believe that he was drugged.”

The Empress Dowager shook her head. “This is not good,” she sighed. “The implications of this could be very serious.”

Jale eyes widened. He remembered. The Empress Dowager knew things about Teal and wanted him to be looked after. She had known he was of royal blood as well.

“I will start immediate talks with the Keglar Kingdom for his release,” she announced, and Jale’s heart filled with hope. “We can not endanger ourselves further. The consequences if something happens to him…”

Her gaze turned to the distance.

Prince Vox scoffed and Prince Salren looked confused.

“What do you mean mother?” Prince Salren asked.

“Teal is a member of royalty within the Lombock,” she informed her sons, turning her attention back to them. If the Lombock are indeed still in existence, I do not want to suffer the consequences. An army of angry Lombocks would wipe us out.”

“But the spell?” Opelan, one of the members of the high council, suddenly asked from his spot against the wall. “It should protect us, should it not?”

“Do you want to risk it?” the Empress Dowager asked. “I would feel much safer knowing that Teal was safe and sound in our Empire or much preferably on his own journey to his own lands. “Jale,” the Empress Dowager suddenly stated.

Jale met the Empress Dowager’s grief-stricken face. The woman who was about to determine his fate.

“You will leave Talbec,” she stated coolly. “I appreciate what you have done for my son, but I wish for you to go. Your presence is too much of a reminder of what I have lost. Return to the Keglar Kingdom.”

“You’re going to let the person who could be responsible for Emperor Rathner’s death walk free?” Prince Vox spluttered in surprise.

“Yes,” the Empress Dowager spat clearly not pleased she had been argued with. “Where is your proof of such events apart from the fact that the man who has shared my son’s bed for the past ten years is from another kingdom? If he had wanted Emperor Rathner dead, I’m sure he had plenty of other opportunities to do so, and yet, he never did?”

“I have written proof, scrolls of witnesses who saw Jale conversing with traders on their journey.”

“Written by whose hand?” the Empress Dowager asked.

“By men who work for Prince Vox,” Prince Salren interrupted. Jale glanced at Prince Salren in surprise at his sudden defense, but he didn’t say anything.

Prince Vox glared at his brother which Prince Salren ignored.

“I have made my decision,” the Empress Dowager stated firmly, and the whole room knew that if someone dared to argue with her decision again, it would not end well, even for Prince Vox.

Jale took a moment to process those words. There was an immediate sense of disappointment in his stomach, but what had the Empress Dowager exactly done? He was being released as a free man and had been told to leave to go to the Keglar Kingdom where Teal was still being held prisoner, if he was still alive that was. Jale shook his head. Thoughts like that would not help. Teal was alive, and this was the perfect opportunity to go find and rescue him.

“This meeting is over for now,” the Empress Dowager announced. “Tomorrow, Prince Vox, Prince Salren we will meet alone to discuss the current situation of the Empire in more depth and decide on our next course of action.”

“Brother,” Prince Salren stated loudly into the hall. “I’m sure we can work together to ensure a bright and prosperous future for the Empire until the twins are ready to rule.”

Prince Vox struggled to maintain his goodwill, but he managed a gracious smile. “As do I. May I suggest Jale stays in the visitor quarters where he can rest and eat before leaving in the morning.”

Prince Salren turned to Jale and finally took the key that held Jale bound to their lock. Their eyes met viciously, but neither said a word. Jale rubbed his wrists, relishing in the release of the weight that had been bound to him.

Still close to his side, Empress Crael whispered. “Ralen?” she asked.

Jale swallowed and met her gaze. “I don’t know?” he replied. “I’m sorry. I don’t know about Galton either.”

Empress Crael closed her eyes and squared her shoulders.

“Empress Dowager, if I can have your leave?” she asked.

The Empress Dowager nodded unhappily in the Empress’ direction. “You may retire. First thing tomorrow, I want you to make contact with the Talekan Assassins to demand the return of my grandchildren.”

“I do not have those means,” Empress Crael stated softly.

“Then you will find a way!”

Empress Crael nodded and turned to leave the Hall of Memories. Jale watched her retreating back. He wanted to talk with her, just the two of them, before he left for good. There were still so many questions that needed to be asked.

Prince Vox waved to two guards and they approached Jale. “They will accompany you to your temporary accommodations. A horse will be arranged for you tomorrow where you will be guided out of the Empire until you reach the Keglar Kingdom.”

Jale sighed and turned to leave the hall as well. Instead of the Purple Jade Palace guards escorting him, guards dressed in the colors of Prince Vox stepped forward. Oh, how life had changed for the worse.