“Prince Andril! And Lord and Lady Maverick! What a pleasure to see you. I suppose you came to see Saphry? Can I offer some daran first?”

Marcolo’s voice echoed suspiciously loudly up the stairs, as if he were trying to warn me of some impending doom. Though I had no idea what ‘dwaran’ was, I hoped it would take more than a few minutes.

“You invited the prince here?” I jumped up in alarm, immediately becoming aware of the bedclothes I was still wearing.

I simply let him know that you had recovered. Though I don’t know why the Maverick’s are here…

“Why didn’t you warn me?” I hissed, scrambling over to the dresser to pull out the first thing I saw. And then the second when I found I disliked the first. “Why is everything so damn pink…”

What are you doing? Gideon took to the air and hovered beside me. All you have to do is lay in bed and ask him to teach you transmutation. Isn’t that what you wanted?

I shook my head at his ignorance as I hurriedly undressed.

Come on Gideon, think! What kind of person wanted relative strangers to see them like this? Especially a girl like Saphry! The more boring memories I’d gotten last night seemed to imply that she’d be horrified if one of the goddamn royal princes were to see her like this. If only there was time for a bath…

I paused for a moment in my preparation, suddenly wondering if being in this body hadn’t affected my personality more than I’d originally thought. Should I, Ryder, really care this much?

Ah, whatever. There was no time for psychological musings now. I had to somehow do better getting ready than I had the first day, and in less time to boot. A truly herculean task for someone like me, that was sure.

I pointed a hairbrush at my gregarious drake.

“Help Marcolo stall them!” I commanded, mentally preparing myself what must be done. “I need at least ten minutes.”

To do what? Gideon’s thoughts dripped with confusion as I shooed him towards the door.

“To pray for a miracle.” I said grimly, shutting the door behind him.

…

Nine minutes and forty nine seconds later, I smiled brightly at the four that entered my room, trying my best to look as noble as possible while sitting under the covers. Gideon sat upon Fredrick’s head, who looked slightly uncomfortable with the arrangement. Andril and who I was assuming was Breale came right in front.

“Good morning Prince Andril, Lord Fredrick.” I nodded politely at the girl. “Lady Breale.”

In most ways, she looked exactly the same as her brother Fredrick. She had the same short blonde hair, the same red eyes, and the same… sword? It even looked to be of the same make, with a fancy blue tinted guard that looked as though it were poured water instead of metal.

All three of them wore serious expressions as they entered, but Andril most of all. He practically jogged across the room as he approached the bed, and I would’ve jumped away if my fear at my outfit choice hadn’t binded me under the covers. Flinching as he laid a hand on my neck, I felt a small twinge when a spark of magic flowed into me.

“What the hell?”

I pushed him away, one of my hands feeling the warmed skin around where he touched in case of wound, and my other flew to my right waist, the place I normally kept my wand on me. Finding no wound nor wand however, I prepared to scream instead.

“Wait, wait! Stay your voice!” Andril put his hands in front placatingly, a look of relief washing over his face. “I had to be sure you were alright before I said anything!”

“So it’s really her then?” Fredrick’s hand left his hilt.

“Really me?” My eyes flicked between the three, unsure what kind of attack this was. “What?”

Fredrick glanced towards Andril, who grinned sheepishly.

“I must profess.” He professed. ”I hadn’t thought it possible to survive such injuries as you sustained. Especially once I had seen you beaming all hale and hearty. I dare say I see not the scars, in fact!”

“It would’ve been foolish to expect so rapid a recovery.” Fredrick added. “Or with such little scarring afterwards.”

Hmm? Healing magic had always looked perfect afterwards on Earth. But what did that have to do with that magic? And why were they so worried?

“What did you cast?” I asked. The place where he had touched me still tingled with a pleasant warmth.

“The lesser of the two identification spells meant to detect magic.” Andril replied. “It would’ve seen through visual enchantment and found eavesdropping if you had been so imbued.”

“It matters little now.” Fredrick said, casting the same stoic gaze towards the prince. “What does is that you live, Saphry! A happy day it is, as not everyone receives such a second chance. I’d fancy there a hundred lepers who’d jump at the opportunity.”

Uh-huh. So they were scared I was just sort of… replaced? By who? They couldn’t have known that I wasn’t actually Saphry, could they? I mean, I could’ve been acting pretty suspicious to Marcolo since he’d known her before, but these two? Unless they were pulling some elaborate prank, Saphry hadn’t physically met them before I had. There was no way they could’ve known.

“There’s no reason to spoil the mood like that Red.” Breale suddenly piped up, apparently mistaking my pondering for mourning. She leaned closer as she took an exaggerated step towards me. “But pitching abyss he’s right! Who healed you?”

“Cursing, Sister…”

“Brother Hans, I think.” I said, taken aback by how close she was.

“Hans did this?” She touched my arm gingerly as if it were made of crystal. “I thought that old man knew nothing beyond smiting!”

“Baliman actually performed the largest miracles.” Fredrick said softly. “Though Hans helped.”

Huh? That name immediately tugged at my memory. Where had I heard that before? Oh yes! He was the other priest that had led us down, the chapter master I believe.

I frowned.

“Baliman?” I asked. “Wasn’t he killed?”

Andril and Fredrick looked between each other, surprised.

“I wasn’t aware you’d heard the news yet.” Andril said. “But yes, our zealous chapter master now rests among the stars. One of his last acts was stabilising you.”

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Last acts… Poor guy, the last thing he did was saving the life of someone not even from his world, let alone of his community. It even managed to make me feel a little guilty he’d chosen me. Did I really deserve a third chance like that?

“And there you guys go, bringing up the wounded and dead again.” Breale shook her head. “Sorry Saps, they’d bring up the Gryphon in an apothecary if the thought passed their minds.”

“Ah, it’s alright.” I said, unsure of what to make of ‘Saps’ or the reference to ‘the Gryphon’. “I had heard of his passing anyway, just not of his involvement.”

“I’d of a mind to question how, if you’d care to explain.” Fredrick asked, his eyes flicking towards the closed door. “Your butler seems not the type to gossip unwarrantly.”

“Yes.” The second prince said. ”Does that mean that you’ve heard of…?”

“Feanin?” Obvious relief played across Andril’s face when he realised he wouldn’t have to break the news. “I did.”

I peered between them pointedly. “There are two I haven’t heard about however…”

“Auro and Justeo?” Andril said. “They are…fine. Their bodies held few scratches, though I fear they were not made for the battlefield. Their eyes did not bear the weight of Feanin’s death lightly.”

“And so needless…” Fredrick added. “It’s a pity to lose such a fine man of Verol.”

Needless? I was reminded of my own thoughts on the matter, my theories that the whole thing had been an assassination instead. I had to wonder if they had the same thought.

Well, no better time to ask, right?

“That business under the church was an assassination attempt, wasn’t it?” I asked bluntly.

All three of them stared at me in amazement, and I knew immediately that I’d hit the mark. Or rather, that it was a stupid question to even ask.

Ryder, the magic, not the politics! Gideon flapped up to the bed to shake his head with abandon. I ignored him.

“How brazen…” Fredrick said.

“And you were worried it was her!” Breale grinned.

Whoops. I must’ve mischaracterized this nation somehow. Was this kind of plot just normal then? Or was this one just particularly obvious…

“Err, yes.” Andril said, suppressing a laugh. “It was an attempt on my life, or that’s what my personal guard and half the papers say. A rather good one too, if our party hadn’t had Fredrick and Feanin in it as well. And you, I would think. I never did get to thank you for saving my life…”

“No problem.” I waved away his attempt at a redirect. “But who did it? And why?”

I had been expecting some dumb looks at this question too, but they didn’t come. Instead, Andril shrugged while Fredrick pondered.

“That, I don’t actually know. I have theories of course, but I wouldn’t dare think of troubling a lady with such politics.”

Breale laughed upon seeing the massive eye roll I produced, probably used to the exact same feeling.

“My lord, you have let this ‘lady’ be privy to such musings, why not Saphry?” She shrugged. “It’s obvious she doesn’t have a political bone in her body after all, and a curious streak to boot.”

Andril crossed his arms. “I’ve only told you because you insisted. You’ve shown yourself to be…”

“Annoying?” Fredrick interrupted. “Irreverent? Pushy?”

“...Assertive.” Andril finished.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to thank me for saving your life?” I scoffed. “The least you can do is tell me who made it necessary.”

You're supposed to use that hook for magic lessons! Gideon hissed. Didn’t we just talk about getting involved?

“Well I did.” Andril admitted. ”But that’s kind of…”

“Kind of what?” Breale pushed. “Kind of smart? Don’t you think we need a few more people you can trust? Who can you trust more than the person who saved you?”

Well shit, I was kind of liking Fredrick’s sister. What kind of person would just jump into the ring with someone they’d never met before? I had to wonder if she was engaged…

“He has dozens of retainers for that.” Fredrick noted. “He consorts with officers and chapter masters as well. There is no lack of competent people around Andril.”

“Contacts and contracts, nay the same as a friend.” Breale sat down on the bed beside me and threw an arm over my shoulder. “Pray tell me how we don’t have need of the latter.”

Not knowing what else to add, I furiously nodded.

Andril looked between me and Breale and closed his eyes.

“For the star’s sake…” He murmured. “Fine! You speak truth, unfortunately. I know not who I can trust, but for some reason I find some of it placed in you, Saphry.”

And now you’ve done it. Gideon sighed. Every time.

“Thanks!” I gave him my brightest smile. “You won’t regret it.”

What Gideon didn’t know was that it wasn’t just idle curiosity which led me to this decision, it was a calculated judgement. Magic wasn’t something quick to learn most of the time, unless of course you knew all the underlying concepts and theories. That made just out and asking him ‘Would you teach me magic?’ pretty unlikely to succeed. Even using my cuteness and pulling out the ‘uwu’s and ‘~’s didn’t make it a guaranteed thing. I knew I wouldn’t do it for someone who just asked like that. I might’ve been able to guilt trip him with the whole ‘saviour’ thing but that came with problems as well, like the possibility of making him hate me or causing him to give me subpar explanations.

No, what I planned to do was far more cunning. If I were to become his friend, and just so happened to need some thaumaturgy a little later down the line? Well then he probably wouldn’t bat an eye at teaching me what I wanted. And I was able to satisfy my curiosity in one fell swoop!

You know, sometimes I scare myself with my genius.

“I hope not.” Andril sighed. “Is Marcolo dependable?”

“I’m… not sure.” I said truthfully. “Might want to enchant the door if you need more privacy.”

I hadn’t thought about it until now, but I suddenly hoped Marcolo hadn’t heard all the conversations I’d had with Gideon in here. That’d be a little embarrassing.

“It’s fine, I’ll stand outside.” Fredrick said.

He exited the room, and I was immediately thankful that I didn’t hear anything like ‘Oh hi, Mr. Marcolo!’. I honestly hadn’t been sure he wouldn’t be eavesdropping. He almost seemed like the type of parental figure.

“Alright. So I’m assuming your familiar with the Temoif faction in the royal senate, right?”

“You’re starting there?” Breale said. “Come on, even children in Fangpeak know about them. Tresti just fell half a decade ago!”

“I suppose you’re right.” Andril said. “Sorry about that.”

Wait, no, start with that! That wasn’t even a Veroline word damn it!

“My brothers support it sadly. The youngest most of all.” Andril said wistfully. “I understand of course, but…well I won’t get into specific politics right now, just know that they are not my greatest fans.”

I’m going to have to look this up later, aren’t I?

“A lot of people also don’t like how I’ve associated myself with the church.” Andril continued. “Some see it as an attempt to control the clergy, or vice versa. It’s not true of course, but people are naturally conspiratorial.”

“Only idiots and Burgunds think that, Andril.” Breale assured him.

The prince chuckled.

“If only.”

“So you think it is one of these faction members then?” I asked. “Anyone stand out?”

“Not really, if I’m honest.” He admitted. “We are bereft of any additional clues beyond motivation.”

“Oh come on Andril.” Breale rolled her eyes. “We have one clue.”

Andril gave her a hard look as if to tell her ‘shut up’, but she just laughed and continued.

“You weren’t planning on telling her about the raid?” She said innocently. “Sorry I just thought we were searching for a lookout.”

“I wasn’t planning on telling my own guards about that.” He growled. “If you weren’t Fredrick’s sister…”

“The raid?” I asked, now interested. This was some familiar language finally.

Ryder!

“It’s nothing to worry about.” Andril said quickly, eying Breale. “But one of the Temoifi is an up and coming merchant lord from Ostip. He has a warehouse on the edge of town we were planning on breaking into.”

“Breaking…into?” I stared at him. Wasn’t this an heir of the country? “Doesn’t that seem a little personal for someone from your station? Or rather for all of our stations?”

Both of the two looked away.

“I mean, my older brother inherits...” Andril said.

“Mine too…” Breale said.

“Then Fredrick isn’t coming?” I raised an eyebrow at the two.

“We didn’t say that.” Andril said. “But my guard captain answers to my father before me, and King Esiland has forbidden any official investigation into the matter.”

“What!” I cried. “Why the hell not?”

Why would the king forbid an investigation into the attempted murder of his own son? Did he really hate Andril that much? I really couldn’t see how, he didn’t seem anywhere near that horrible.

“His dad hates him.” Breale confirmed simply, nodding sagely.

Andril sighed. “Again, he doesn’t. He’s overlooking it as a boon to the Temoif. He’s needed every scrap of senate support he can muster since he took power. He’s granted me secret permission to go after them myself though, which is why I’ve entertained such an idea.”

“Maybe,” Breale said. ”he wouldn’t need this support if he didn’t kidnap everyone’s children…”

“Breale, enough.” Andril finally glared her down, and she looked away.

“I was just saying…”

…What? I wasn’t sure how, but somehow this whole thing was bringing forth way more questions than it answered. They churned inside of me like so many moths, but I didn’t dare ask them. Half of them seemed testy and the other half common knowledge. I’d have to read a history book at some point, or perhaps ask Marcolo.

“Are you three just going by yourself then?” Honestly, I could understand that party perfectly fine. Raid warehouse, undercover evil plans. It was pretty standard stuff for me.

“Thus far.” Andril frowned. “Though I suppose we were searching for a lookout…”

I grinned. And there’s the ticket.

I swear to God, Ryder. Gideon threatened. This isn’t a game.

“It just so happens.” I said. “That I’m free all month.”