“A letter from the Cornutese.” A messenger announces. I wave the boy over and quickly tear the seal open.

“Well?” Lyma stands next to me.

“They wish to see the Queen in person. No exceptions.” It appears my stunt worked too well. I place the paper down. I hoped it wouldn't come to it... I notice Lyma's concern.

“Don't worry. She'll manage.” I tap the man on the shoulder and go see the weeping widow. Some of the maidens stand outside the bedroom door.

“Problem?”

“Master! Ah, no? She...”

“No improvement.” Another one answers. I sigh.

“Stand by.” I enter the room.

“I said leave me.” A single “order” sounds from the blanket pile. I roll my eyes.

“No can do, Queen, you're needed. Carniran wants to speak to you in person, in Venatus.”

“What for?” Devona does not show herself from under the blankets. And it's summer...

“No clue. He didn't specify in his letter. He only emphasized on seeing you soon or else. Apparently, your letter was not enough to convince him and my attempt to enter Cornutora to investigate did not impress him either.” Rustling noises. An ear peaks out.

“I never send any letter.”

“I know. I did. I forged your handwriting.” Another ear.

“If you can do that - why do you need me?”

“Because that is what the old man wants to see.” I tell her again. “To be honest I understand why. Noxanda seems weak and vulnerable now. Seeing you stand tall would assure that we are anything, but weak. Although, something tells me that he thinks of you as nothing more than a pretty little thing that he can take advantage of, considering.” A long pause…

“No. You go. You have my blessing as the Queen.”

“I would, if that would be enough. And for the record. I don't need your blessing.” She finally glares at me from under the blankets. “Get up. You're needed.”

“I'd rather die.” The glaring continues. I exhale and put a dagger on the nightstand.

“Be my guest. Go ahead and tell Wykren in the Afterlife how Noxanda fell to ruin and you left his precious baby girl all alone to fend for herself, because you were too busy throwing a tantrum. Go ahead and explain to him in great detail how his hard work and effort of two decades went down the crapper, all because you were too busy being a brat.” I lean against the window sill with my eyes closed and arms crossed on my chest. Some more rustling noises reach me. I crack an eyelid open. Devona sits on the edge of the bed. Her hair pouring over her body in streams of white snow... I notice dark spots here and there. Sweat. Least she's wearing something... She struggles to get up. I approach her and get stopped. I back off.

“Now I understand why he hated you sometimes.” She supports herself with the bed pole.

“You'll live.” I watch her drag herself to the bathroom. She falls down half way. I help her up.

“Shall I give you a bath too, while we're at it?”

“Don't insult me. I have some dignity left, despite how I look.” She hisses at me. I smile. Good to know. I rest her down on a wooden stool.

“I'll send in the maidens. No objections there, I presume?” No answer. I walk out the room.

“The Queen has a very important meeting to attend. Make sure she looks presentable and pack a bag. You have three hours to get her back on her feet.”

“Yes, Master!" The three ladies rush in. I need to go see another stubborn fool in the meantime... I find her at the usual spot. With an empty tray. Progress.

“What?” She growls at me. Somehow I feel relieved to hear her snappy attitude again.

“Devona's being summoned to Venatus. I need you to escort us. We leave in three hours.” Emerald stretches out.

“With pleasure.” She stands up. I swallow. The sights never fails to intimidate me.

“Great. I'll come get you later.”

    The maidens handle me like an egg. Or rather a rag doll. Bathing. Scrubbing. Brushing. Dressing... I stand in front of the mirror full on potions and spells. The empty reflection stares back at me. I...

“Good work ladies, we'll take it from here.” Ira stands in the door way. With Emerald. She doesn't look so well herself... I see... I haven't been the only one suffering... I nod to her. She nods to me. Ira steps aside and lets me walk up front. I drag my feet, one in front of the other. I feel like the entire Palace echoes from my footsteps... Everything reminds me of him... We get outside. A carriage awaits for us.

“I know I'm a bit out of it, but I count six Celodians?”

“Faster we get there, the faster you can get back to your tantrum.” Ira whispers. I smile for a heartbeat and get in.

“Feel free to rest if you need to.”

I nod. Emerald runs next to the carriage. I realize, watching her, just how powerful she truly is. Clearly, she was holding back the last time. She's able to keep up with even six beats pulling the carriage, instead of the regular two. I gaze out the window, not sure what is it that I am even gazing at any more... Ira uses the opportunity to fill me in on the situation at hand. I try my damnedest to pay attention...

  "We're here." A voice wakes me up. I take out a brush from the open bag next to me and quickly fix myself up again. Ira steps out of the carriage first. I follow him. A pack of Cornutese greet us.

“Only the Queen shall proceed further.” Someone announces.

“Excuse me?” Ira moves over in front in his kill mode. I quickly grab his arm.

“So be it.”

“Hell no! I'm not letting you out of my sight.”

I walk over to the guards. “It's fine.” I can handle myself still.

“That's not the issue here!” Ira persists.

“I thought you didn't care what happens to me.”

“Wrong. I said I don’t care what you do to yourself. Never said I'd allow someone else to harm you. That would break my promise. I'll give you an hour. After that we're storming in. If they do anything to you - let me know, I'll cross over to get you. Is that clear?”

“Crystal.” I answer. “Now, about that promise you mentioned?” Ira doesn’t answer me. I see... “I should have made a deal with you instead.” I tell him. Perhaps then I would have been able to stop him... I walk along the corridor... I wanted to be a good wife... I wanted to support him... How did I decide what makes one a "good wife" exactly? All I had to do was tell him to stay with me...

“Queen. So good to see you again.” An annoying sound disrupts my thoughts. Carniran. I smile. Look at how old the fool's gotten. This was worth the trip already.

“Cut the small talk and get to the point.” I tell him with a smile.

“Ha! I see that the King wasn't the only one with some character.”

I continue to smile without answering.

“I see. Well then, as you wish.” He smiles again briefly. “My subordinates and I would prefer if your Chief of Security, was it? Would stop harassing us.” I can only imagine.

“And you call a breach of the Treaty, by refusing to cooperate, what, exactly?” I give him my bored stare.

“I see that the young royalty has much to learn still. I believe you are missing the point here.”

“Wrong. You are the ones who are missing the point.” Ira gave me an hour. I'm not sure I'll last that long. “Noxanda is currently carrying out a large-scale investigation. Our land has been cleared, as well as Primerias and so have been The Balli. You are the only ones under suspicion still. The longer you refuse to let us in, the harsher the consequences you'll face later.” I take a quick breath in and continue.

“If you try to play the blame game, I advise against it. The Balli were the ones who sustained the biggest losses from the bandit raids, there is no way the proud Balli would ever instigate a conspiracy within their own land, that would cause more conflict for them between their people, instead of taking it out onto another land. It’s simply not their style.” I keep my eyes on the King.

“The Primerian defenses are too advance for a bunch of ruffians, so the horde did not even attempt to go there. Hence why they chose a straight path from Ballista to Cornutora, across Noxanda. Now unless you were the ones behind it all from the start, for whatever the ridiculous reason, I believe it is in your best interest to allow us to proceed with our investigation. However, I do fail to see what you gain by ending the Treaty, as without it you lose our Beast Druids. Or is your business doing so well that you wish to plunder it and retire the entire land?” The man opens his mouth to speak I cut in before he gets the chance.

Stolen story; please report.

“Now, unless you were planning on taking over Noxanda by eliminating our King, thinking it would be easier this way to gain access to our assets, I assure you that he is not the only weapon in Noxanda's possession.” I grin at the memory of the strange feeling and add.

“Of course, if you prefer to be accused of harboring murderers and be judged accordingly by the Conference, be my guest. In fact, I'd prefer it that way. It would give me great pleasure to be the one to tear your throat out myself for the disrespect you have shown to the King of Noxanda.” I remember what it is. Wykren's unwavering persistence to always kick it up a notch. I'll need to thank Ira later for reminding me of it and how powerful it feels.

"Easy now, Mrs. You'd be wise to contain your wild side.” Carniran grins back at me. Imbecile.

“Considering the fact that you denied us entry into your lands to hunt down the bastards who took my King from me and have been the ones to summon me here - I'd say I have been quite docile.” I hold the stare. The fool keeps his grin in place. I use the opportunity and finish it.

“As I have mentioned in my letter - we will keep the trading routes open and will continue to cooperate in keeping the Rebellion at bay as we have been. Now then. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to return to mourning my dead husband.” I bow. “Good day.”

“For someone in mourning you sure seem quite happy, wearing white.” I stop at the comment and feel the rage burning my soul. I turn and stare at the idiot.

“In case you are not familiar with the legend of our origin allow me to indulge you.” I do not recognize my own voice... “Noxians are dwellers of the night. We thrive in the darkness. You only see a shooting star when it dies. The white trail it leaves behind - is its last breath. Noxians wear white to honor their departed loved ones, hoping they were able to return to where we once rained down from, thus carrying on their spirit and their wishes that were left unfulfilled.”

“Wasn't your King's greatest wish Peace? Seems like it has already happened?” Carniran is pushing his luck. I guess my Wykren impression didn't have the impact I was aiming for. I inhale again.

“His greatest wish was and forever shall be Peace. Whether he is here or not does not change a thing for us. We serve our King even in death. Our purpose now is to preserve the fruits of his labor. I assure you - there is not a single Noxian alive that will dare to defy his efforts.” I glare with all of the deranged menace I have inside of me.

“We will remain docile. You have my word. However. Pull on deaths whiskers and I promise you - all Hell will break loose. I highly advise against provoking our raging sorrow. As you know, we Noxians, tend to live a little longer. Sometimes it makes it hard for us to forget certain events quickly.” Finally, his expression changes. I wait a moment more. Nothing. Not a single sound or sign. I turn and walk away.

“Oh, that's right. We'll be sure to send over you some changes made to the Treaty, along with a team to clear your good name. Under the current circumstances Astri has taken the liberty of drafting a new proposal for Inside Security. I'm sure you can understand why.” I smile one last time and leave without waiting for an answer. Disgusting old fool. Ira waits for me by the carriage along with Emerald. He sees me and opens the carriage door for me. I climb in and Ira follows me. He closes the door and we take off.

“I take it went well?” He asks carefully.

“Peachy.” I answer. I wait a moment longer and add. “I won't tell you to prepare for War but.”

“Be ready just in case. No worries. We always are.” He answers. I stare out the window with my heart barely holding out...

“I'm sorry. You shouldn't have gone through that...”

“What's done is done.”

“You don't need to hide your pain from me.”

“I'm...” I break apart again. I cover my face, slide down the bench and curl up, weeping, hysterically. “I WANT MY WYKREN!!!” I scream out... The pain... It clenches my soul. It claws at my heart. It seeps out of my body...

    I watch Devona weep once more, helpless, unable to ease her pain... The sudden summer storm hammers down in heavy... Almost as if the Nature itself weeps for Wykren... Or for Devona... She falls asleep soon enough again. She's exhausted herself... I have to admit, I did not expect her to last as long as she did. Now if only she'd manage to be the Queen again back home too... A sudden tilt shakes me out of my thoughts. The Hell! The carriage almost falls over.

“Assassin!” Emerald's roar reaches me. I hear voices outside in the rain. Devona wakes up too.

“What's going on?”

“Not sure. Stay here and stay down.” I jump out. “What happened!” I call out to the drivers and the Beast Scout.

“This.” The Druid points to a man in the middle of the road.

“Please help! My wife! She's in pain!” He clutches onto one of the drivers. Could be a trap... Better not get involved.

“What do we do?”

“What kind of an idiotic question is that! We help, of course! Step aside!” Devona comes over. “Show me the way.” The man points to the woods and starts walking.

“You heard your Queen! Move!” The two fighters quickly follow us.

“What happened?” Devona asks.

“I don't know, she said she's hurting and...” We find the woman crouching down by a tree. A pregnant one at that. Our Queen crashes down on her knees next to her.

“Don't worry. We can help. We won't harm you.” Devona tells her. A feint blue light shines from the Cleansers hands. Devona finishes the casting and gets up.

“Can you stand?” I offer a hand. The woman takes it. Together with her husband, we help her up. We walk them to the carriage. Our Druid takes flight again. Devona sits down next to the woman. I guard the man. The carriage moves again, with Emerald right next to it.

“What happened?” Devona tries again.

“We... She...” I offer the couple some water and food from the compartment under the seats. They nod and take a few minutes to replenish their strength.

“Thank you.” The man nods again. “I'm Sharden. This is my wife Ella. We're hunters." How typical of Cornutese... “We live just the two of us out in the woods. She's due soon and we were on our way into town. We took our time, nice and slow. But then she suddenly began feeling pains and I didn't know what to do. I told her to stay put, but then she collapsed and I heard the mounts. I ran out into the road hoping...” The carriage sways a little rough.

“Tell them to slow down.” Devona sounds like a Queen again for a brief moment.

“No rush. Queens orders.” I reach out.

“Yes!”

“It was quite foolish of you to have been traveling anywhere in her condition.”

“There was no other way. Most of the healers have moved closer to the capital and the port.” Sharden answers.

“It was faster to go myself then wait back in the woods for Sharden to return with someone willing enough to make the trip...” Ella explains and her face expresses her distress again. Devona gets to work.

“I'm afraid you're due sooner than you thought. The strain from the travel has sped up the labor. I can't stall it, but I can ease the pain.” The Queen explains. “Is there anything close by?” She looks at me.

“We're near the border.”

“Then we'll take them with us.”

“You can't decide that for them.” I reach out and Ella screams out.

“She doesn't have an option. Go full speed straight to Astri once we cross over. Send word ahead to prepare for a delivery. With the horse-power that we have I assume we can make it happen?” Devona glares at me. I sigh.

“Then take Emerald and the woman. We'll catch up.” I tell her. “Halt!” The carriage stops.

“What's happening?” The man asks, all worried. Devona takes some of the drapes and steps outside. I help Ella out too.

“Emerald, we need a favor.” The Saber looks at the two women.

“Understood.” She lays down and lets the woman climb on her. Devona wraps the drapes around Emerald's neck and climbs on too, making sure to secure Ella safely. I look up at the sky where Jerra circles us.

“Follow them!” A shriek answers me. The two drivers stare at me confused. “I'll explain later.” They nod.

“There's a small base west from the border. I'll contact them, telling them to meet you. They should be able to have everything you'll need. You'll get there faster if you cut through the woods. Emerald should be able to handle it. Once you get back into the open, keep going a straight line. Jerra will keep an eye on you from above.”

“Perfect. Meet you there. Don't worry. You're in good hands.” Devona tells Ella. Sharden nods to his wife and the ladies ride off.

“Who is she?” The man asks.

“The Queen of Noxanda. Let's go.” I get back inside the carriage and we move again. I reach out to Lyma and quickly ask for assistance. He knows better than to question me so the arrangements get done nice and fast. Now then. On to the next issue.

“Sharden. I have a few questions to ask of you.”

“Of course.”

“Do you know anything about bandits? There was a horde of them raiding around a few months ago?”

“Oh. Yes. I heard a bit from the merchs. Why?”

“Have my reasons. What did they tell you?”

“That a handful of bandits attacked some of our people along the way to the port... They stole a small boat and went out into the sea. The merchs said that they looked like they were running from the devil himself. Or so the people reported... That's all.”

“Thank you.” If what Emerald said is true, and I have no reason to doubt her, then that handful should be the survivors... A handful of them wouldn't make much of an impression over here. No wonder Carniran fought against us. He probably thought of it as a ruse, but anyone with a half of brain wouldn't buy that. We were the ones to initiate Peace. We have no grounds to break it... Whatever. Now then. If the thugs got onto a boat, there’s a good chance that they made their way toward Rebellion. The Land of Race holds no authority there... Finding a handful of idiots amongst idiots would be nearly impossible. Damn it. I was afraid of this... Whose neck am I supposed to wring now? Best case - they sank. Now that - would be good enough for me. Hope they suffered. I grin. I notice the man again.

“Relax. Your wife is in good hands.” Sharden nods. I should have gone with them... I stare out the window. Detaching a mount would have taken too long... Still. We continue off course for a while longer. The rain stops once we reach the base. A few soldiers greet us. The drivers go and take care of the mounts. Jerra runs over to me.

“All's good, sir.”

“Thank you.” Emerald shows herself too.

“How are you holding up? “

“Still standing. Better hurry.”

“Looks like you're about to be a father.” I tell Sharden. Jerra escorts the man to his wife.

“You have a look on you.”

“The thugs probably went for the Rebellion. That or sank at sea.” A growl. Tell me about it.

“Master Ira?” A woman approaches us. “This way.” I look at Emerald.

“She's resting.”

My heart almost sank. We follow the fighter to Devona.

“You're here already.”

“How are you?” I stand at the end of the bed.

“Exhausted.” She answers with a smile. “We made it just in time. How reckless of them.”

“Really?” I mock her. Devona throws me a glare. A knock on the door. I open it. Sharden stands there with a child in his arms and tears in his eyes. Devona gets out the bed with the last of her strength too.

“It's a girl. Amana.”

“She's beautiful.” Devona smiles. Two tiny dots on the child's head show where the horns will be one day...