Thunder clapped in the distance and dark clouds rolled across the sky canvas. Nazam said the Storm Mother will pass overhead without flooding us in her tears for her long lost 'Sun'. The last time we had a day like this, Tallis Gray and the strange airship came. There was an anticipation in the air that day, a stillness that pricked my skin. But not today.

Today, the coming storm was not an exciting thing. It was a melancholic goodbye, but also anger over being abandoned left a bitter aftertaste in the winds. I could not think of a more perfect accompaniment to my feelings. I wanted to scream.

No wonder the Storm Mother roams the world, her stomping creating thunder and her tears of summer rain. Her son had abandoned her! Instead, he follows the damsel who is too free to be caged, who transforms herself into a Lark every morning to fly away from him.

Just like Rose.

Wait, is Rose the lark or the Sun?

Does not matter.

The courtyard was quiet and my thoughts were loud when Rose approached. I refused to turn my head, continuing to pick apart a pink carnation.

"Everyone is wondering where you are at, Enna."

"Everyone except you now," I mumbled.

"Enna... look at me."

"Why should I?" I did anyway. She had her hair up covered by a black hooded cloak. Riding gloves hid her hands and the rest of her figure was concealed by a dark green traveling dress.

"Because I am leaving, and we don't know when we will see each other again."

"We would if you kept your promise."

"I made no promise. I told you I would ask. I did. It's out of my hands. Come say goodbye to Lavender, Violet and Saffron at least."

"Oh, thanks for that reminder! That you're taking them with you to Eldair but not me!"

"You're almost fifteen years old, Sienna! Stop acting like such a child!"

"It's not fair!" I yelled back, immediately ashamed. I did sound childish even to myself. But I couldn't stop feeling what I was feeling.

"You have no one to blame but yourself. You should've kept up your studies--"

"I was chasing you! I was just wanting to ride and have fun and travel with y---"

"And now when it truly matters, you can't," she snapped back. I bit my lip contrite. She continued with a sigh. "Now will you please show Father and everyone you're mature enough to give a proper farewell?"

I was tempted to say no. I wanted to stay right where I was and sulk. They could send guards to haul me to the gates. That will keep gossipers busy for weeks. What an embarrassment to the royal family, they would say. But more than likely, I will just earn a lecture from the queen or Ruby later. Or from Father, if His Royal Highness can be bothered.

Not seeing a real choice in the matter, I gave a nod and followed her out of the courtyard and to the inner gate where nearly everyone was assembled. The Eldairian caravan was set to leave including a good size company of guards and knights. Even the Maruvian Ambassador stood in line to wish them farewell.

I first, as custom, went before my father and bowed. I muttered an apology for my delay and avoided eye contact. He placed a hand lightly on my head, a signal that I may rise. I then turned and hugged Saffron then Violet then Lavender. I bowed to Prince Demetrius who graciously took my hand and kissed it.

He looked in my eyes and said, "I swear she will be safe and well cared for."

"And happy," I added.

He smiled. "And happy."

"I wish you all a safe journey and future happiness." I bowed once more before taking my new place between Olive and Indigo.

My father and the prince grabbed onto one another's forearms in a familiar gesture. He wished his soon-to-be son-in-law safe travels. Then he hugged Rose and said something to her so quiet that no one else could hear. But I saw her eyes sparkle with unshed tears as she pulled away. Ignoring a servant's help, she hoisted herself with ease onto Octavius.

My other three sisters were put into a carriage. And they were off. I stood watching as the outer gate opened then closed behind them.

I ran into the castle and up the many stairs into Nazam's tower. I got the window open in time to see the Eldairian's company disappear behind the tree line and out of sight. I thought perhaps there was one lasting memory left to be had. But I was wrong.

I looked around the tower at Nazam's books and potions and oversized spyglass. But I didn't even feel like messing with anything. I grabbed a few labeled vials though. No regrets.

Back in my room, I hid the vials under my mattress to look at later and laid on my bed. Rose's empty bed seemed to mock me. As always. I turned around only to find Lavender's empty bed staring at me. With a hefty sigh, I stared up at the vaulted ceiling.

Hearing the door creak open, I called out to the person who decided to intrude on my wallowing, "Whoever it is, I don't care! Get what you need but leave me in peace."

A clearing of the throat made me spring up. My father's shoulders nearly took up the whole doorway with his fur trimmed cape on.

"I won't take long, I promise," he stated in a serious tone, but his eyes held mirth.

I began to get up to bow but he gestured with his hand for me to stay. He crossed the large room in great, purposeful strides. Everything he did was full of purpose. Every word, every movement, every breathe.... he was a king every second. And kings like their castles cast big shadows.

"May I sit?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," I answered meekly.

"What is on your mind, Enna?"

"At this moment? Everything I did wrong up to this point in my life."

He gave a hearty laugh. "No worries. I don't have that much leisure time on my hands."

I couldn't help but smile, too, despite my blue disposition. "I am sorry I was late to the--"

He held up a hand. "That's not what I came here about. You're not in trouble. Well, no more than usual. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Well, I would be better if I were on the road with Rose and the others right now.

I didn't answer but as if he read my thoughts, he continued, "It isn't a punishment as much as it is necessity. Your education is extremely important to me."

"But why? Why does it matter so much? You're marrying us all off anyway."

"Exactly. You are going to be in strange lands. There are some things I cannot prepare you for and I won't always be here."

"I am just... not that smart. I am not like the others. None of it comes easy for me."

"You are an incredibly clever girl, Enna. It is not a problem of whether you have the intelligence. It's how and when you apply it that counts."

Me? Clever? Doubtful. I left my thoughts unspoken. No point arguing with a king. Besides, it was rare to have Father's undivided attention like this. I should make it count.

"Father, there is something I have been needing to discuss with you, if you have a moment."

"What is it, Sienna?"

"The boy in the dungeon. What are you planning on doing with him?"

He leaned back letting out a breath, "Ruby said you had an insatiable curiosity about the boy."

"Well? Please tell me."

"I will tell you. I have not decided his fate. It's all complicated."

"What is exactly? Maru and the accords violation?"

"Now, Enna, we don't know if there was a violation. You can't accuse someone without proof."

"You have proof, Father. You have bits of the airship and Tallis Grey. He was flying on it. He may know where it came from and its purpose."

"I do believe the boy knows more than he lets on." He stroked his beard giving me hope before shaking his head. "But Nazam has cautioned we should be wary of him. Said there is darkness lurking in his soul."

"Was that before or after he tortured him with truth spells?"

"Sienna--"

"He is good, Father!" I placed both my hands on his arm as if I could make him see my argument by mere contact. "He is. You should've seen the terror in his eyes when he thought he might have hurt someone. I am not a master of the Magic Arts or a Military Commander with years of experience. But please, for once, just this once, trust my insight and give him a chance!"

He took my hand in his and squeezed. "Very well, Sienna. I will send Sir Arthur to Maru to gather evidence to help in his case. I don't trust the Maruvian am--"

"Not Sir Arthur, please."

"What do you mean?"

I explained what happened in the dungeons and how Sir Arthur used me.

"I see. I was not made aware of that." Father sat thoughtfully for a moment. "I will have a word with him on this matter. In the meantime, I will do everything in my power to find the truth in all this and give the boy a fair hearing. I promise."

Father does not make promises lightly. Smiling from ear to ear, I flung myself towards my father and hugged him tight. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

~~♡~~

A cursory glance around the room told me that everything was in perfect order. A welcoming breeze danced with the curtains by the open windows. Even though the North was already reaching beyond the border of Eldair, its cold embrace and deathly beauty was still a mere dream in the face of a sun-filled day like this one.

The room in which I set up to receive Tallis Grey faced away from the mid-morning sun in the western skies so the room would not become uncomfortably hot by noon. I also set out some little lemon cakes and cinnamon rolls and tea.

"Are you sure there is nothing else I can get you?" Ruby asked after readjusting the kettle for the third time.

"Yes, Ruby! I am sure. I got this. You may leave," I said impatiently.

"I would feel more at ease if you allowed just one guard to sit in with you."

"The whole point is for Tallis Grey to feel free to speak."

"Yes, I know. But you said so yourself, your credibility with him was shot. He may not be willing to talk. I do not want you to get your hopes up."

"I know that! Why do you think I went through all this trouble? I am being diplomatic and mending the bridge. "

A knock on the door signaled the arrival of the prisoner and I shooed my eldest sister away.

"Good luck," Ruby stated before taking her leave.

"Tallis Grey, I'm glad you made it." I inclined my head as the leading guard stepped aside and the prisoner walked in with two guards to his back.

The ragged boy held up his shackled wrists. "The decision was not mine and the pleasure is probably not mine either..."

One of the guards puffed out his chest and swung the maruvian around to face him. "You watch your tone. This is a princess, and you will address her in a way worthy of her station."

"T-That is not necessary. We are all friends here. Lieutenant, please take the shackles off him," I intervened.

"With all due respect, Princess, we have orders to keep the prisoner shackled by the King."

"Fine! All of you, leave us. I was promised privacy at least!"

"We will wait in the corridor." They bowed and took their leave reluctantly.

An awkward silence ensued. And I was regretting my choice of dress. I thought the yellow sundress with puffy sleeves would give a jolly tone and perhaps brighten his spirits. Now the clean, happy color seemed to exaggerate how drab his appearance was. He was looking better though... health wise. His color improved. There was also an absence of grime on his face and what I initially thought was a skinny frame was actually just rather trim. And now that he was standing, I could see he was a few inches taller than me.

Stop ogling the prisoner, Sienna, my inner voice reprimanded.

"Please take a seat and have some cake. I can have some chocolate cake brought up from the kitchen if you prefer."

"I don't like sweets.... Princess."

He crossed the room anyway slightly favoring one leg.

The leg that was pierced by the dragon piece must still be troubling him.

He sat down and examined the porcelain teacup, having to hold it in both hands because of his bondage. His adam's apple bobbed. He put down the cup without taking a single sip and looked around the room.

"What am I doing here?" He asked bluntly.

"You don't remember? You flew on that dragon airship and you crashed, and I found you--- and you're not talking about that." I tugged at my sleeves. "My father has allowed me to talk to you so that I may help you secure your freedom."

"Like last time?" He nearly snarled.

"No. Last time no one knew I was down there. Well, except Sir Arthur. But I did not know he was listening in! Honest! And he was reprimanded by Father and apologized to me."

The knight did so in front of Ruby and Father. He said he did not mean to use me with ill intent. And he is beside himself that I felt that way for so long. He was just anxious to get some clarity on the situation and suspected the silent boy would provide some answers to his rescuer. I forgave the knight who was always truly kind to me, and then used the old knight's own words to reason I should be allowed to speak with Tallis Grey again. Ruby endorsed this, even throwing in the idea to do it outside the dungeon.

"It doesn't matter whether I believe you or not."

"What do you mean?"

He paused and I was sure he was debating on saying anything else.

"I pulled this table close to this window, far from the door, so we could not be overheard," I added, "I know you have no reason to trust me. But I still believe you didn't mean any harm. I just want to help."

For a moment, he just looked at me. Again, like he was putting together a puzzle. I stared back biting my lip, hoping I was conveying what was in my heart. Finally, he leaned back in the chair and combed his hair back out of his face with his bonded hands. His unkempt hair kept falling into his eyes though.

"Did you know all eight kingdoms punish treason with death?" Then he amended, "Except maybe Saoragas."

"What? What does that have to do with anything?"

He let out a breath and threw his head back and closed his eyes.
I kept myself from reaching over and shaking him.

Just tell me what you mean!

Treason? His crime is against our kingdom. You can only commit treason against your own country... wait, the ambassador did say he had charges against him in Maru! What was it? Stealing?

"Is stealing considered treason in Maru?"

He lifted his head. "No... not in most cases. But stealing and selling secrets could be considered treasonous."

"And that is what you did?"

"It is what I don't want to do. Call me crazy but I just don't want to die." He gave a laugh that held no joy, just a hopeless hollow sound.

If he stays quiet, he will be executed for attacking Alderias. If he talks, he risks treason and he will be executed when they take him back to Maru.

"My father will protect you! If you tell the truth and you are in danger because of it, you can stay here. Maru can't touch you."

"You're naive if you really think that."

"Huh?"

"I am a citizen of Maru. Even more than that, I am a Ward of the Guild of Innovation and Design."

"So?"

"I am government property myself. That's how things work there."

"That is not true! You are your own person! You have your own thoughts and dreams and ambitions and-and..." I faltered at the look of defeat in his eyes.

"Not there. My thoughts and ideas are the product of the upbringing and education that was given to me." he stated this in a way that made me think it was said to him. "To the Prosperity of Maru. May our Legacy Remain."

"But my Father--"

"Is the king of your country. But his power is limited when it comes to the customs of foreign lands."

I was beginning to see the bleakness of the situation. That hopeless feeling that seemed to haunt Tallis Grey's eyes was threatening to consume me too. I deliberately shook my head envisioning the negative emotions and expelling them.

"There has to be something I can do." I frowned.

Cool gray eyes analyzed me for a good minute. "Maybe there is..."

Thank you for reading ^-^