The first time Cally ever pulled off one of her disappearing acts, Dimone had burst out crying.

It had turned out, funnily enough, that Cally had actually just hidden in one of the endless crevices peppered throughout the castle during their game of hide and seek and had fallen asleep, only to stay sleeping while the whole castle searched for her.

It had only ended when their mother found her almost five hours after she'd first been declared missing, though even now, she never told anyone how she'd found the errant princess. Everyone just attributed it to Isera's incredible capabilities, translating even to child-speak. (Or, as Dimone termed it even in adulthood, Cally-speak.)

Dimone hadn't ever wanted to play hide and seek with Cally after that.

The second time it had happened, he hadn't cried, per se, but he'd certainly felt terrified.

The third, fourth, fifth–

Well, let's just just he mostly got annoyed now, especially since their mother always found her.

And yet…

This time, Dimone could feel the chill in his bones. It didn't help that the Queen’s mouth was set in a small, hard line, the perpetual calm dashed for one of the only times Dimone remembered seeing it – at least ever since the King had come back.

“We’re mobilizing the army, then?” He asked. “If Cally's really gone–”

“We can't,” Alfred said, mouth set in a grimace.

Dimone’s anger flared. “Father, please do not validate Cally's concerns about you. If it is the advisors who have said something…”

Alfred flinched.

“Dimone,” Isera snapped. “Have some respect.”

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Alfred raised a hand. “It's fine,” He grunted. “I understand.” His mouth twitched down. “We must find her. If we leave her out there–” His eyes flickered to Isera's, and they exchanged an understanding that Dimone didn't understand. And despite what Cally might have asked him to do, he was a little too preoccupied with worrying about her to care about this. “But the delegation from ____ might enter our lands at any second. If they find out that Calavera is gone, there will be untenable repercussions to our treaty.”

Dimone’s eyes narrowed. “You're worried about the stupid treaty?!” He demanded. “My sister disappeared! She could be in trouble, for all we know! How could you–” He broke off, taking a step back. “Fine,” He growled. “I'll find her myself.” He turned around and stormed off, slamming the doors behind him and leaving his parents alone in a throne room meant for tens of people.

Alfred buried his face in his hands. “Isera…”

Isera didn't look much better. “I know,” She said tightly.

“How did she even get out?” He asked, his voice muffled, then pulled up to stare at his Queen. “She was supposed to be unable to leave. Did the wards not–”

“They’re working,” Isera said, cutting him off. “I checked them multiple times.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose.

Alfred’s eyes flared. “Then–”

“Yes,” Isera said. “It has begun.”

Alfred fell back into his throne, the energy leaving his body. “So soon?” He whispered, but it rang through the room in the silence. “She was supposed to be safe from him for– for at least another year,” He pleaded.

Isera didn't meet his eyes. “... We miscalculated,” She admitted. “The magic must have been too strong. It started interfering with my wards too soon.”

“Are you sure it wasn't…?”

“No. You haven't spent enough time in the vicinity for it to have affected her.”

Alfred closed his eyes. “So all of it, all the pain, all the distrust– it was for nothing?”

Isera was silent for a moment. “No," She said. "It wasn't. We will not let it be. Let us just hope Dimone is able to find her..”

Alfred stood. “If Erebus finds out–”

“He won't,” Isera said. “I shall send my aide with Dimone. Kalloun holds no magic of his own, but he knows how to keep a secret, so if it does come to it, he has the information necessary to bring Dimone into the know.” She shook her head. “Calavera, though…”

Alfred nodded sharply and then pulled a rope. A bell rang, and the doors to the rool opened, a servant entered, head bowed. “Bar the doors,” He said sharply. “Princess Calavera is going into seclusion in preparation for her wedding.”