Kayal’s grip on Deneve hadn’t loosened, and his gaze turned hard, “The more important question is why you didn’t leave?”

“I don’t know,” Deneve admitted. “It just didn’t seem right. I wasn’t trying to deceive you, but….”

“You’re in a strange situation,” Kayal said, “And you want what is best for Mediah.”

“Yes. My primary concern is for Bareeds.”

“You’re a good Princess. It is rare to have a person appointed to the role,” He said curiously, “And ever rarer to have that person care for the family more than themselves. Where are you from?”

“I’m not from this world,” Deneve sighed as she sagged against Kayal. She was tired of it all, and that was the reason she stayed. Deneve needed a reprieve, and that was what she was using him for. “I have no clue how long I will be here or even if I can get back. I’m sorry I should have left as soon as I was well enough to it was selfish of me to remain.”

Kayal’s face softened. He held her firmly as she rested against him, “You stayed because you needed a break. I can understand that. Outside pressures and expectations of a political climate you aren’t accustomed to, not to mention being cursed with the black energy and learning how to function in an unfamiliar environment. “

Deneve looked up to see Kayal regarding her with a gentle gaze. “Deneve, I have a feeling that part of you will never be able to leave this place. But, you can stay as long as you need to.” Kayal understood.

“Are you a Seer?” Deneve asked teasingly.

“Maybe,” he joked, “Come on, I want to take you somewhere.”

They left the underground of Muiquun and climbed to the plateau above. Deneve couldn’t help but chuckle. “The first time I met Saya, she took me to a plateau too.” She explained when Kayal gave her a curious look.

“We’d sneak out of the palace as children and climb to the high places for views of the city and desert,” Kayal said with a faint smile.

“There is something I can do for you,” Deneve said suddenly. “Do you want to see Saya?”

Kayal blinked in disbelief. “You can do that?”

Deneve nodded. “I think so if she’s in her chambers.” With that, there was a flash of golden light, and Deneve vanished.

(scene change icon)

Deneve transported to Saya’s balcony and rapped on the window. A moment later, Saya pulled back the curtain. Upon seeing Deneve, she ripped the door open and yelled. “Deneve, where-?”

Deneve clamped her hand over Saya’s mouth. “Ssh, I’ll answer all your questions. Just don’t make a fuss and don’t let anyone know I’m here, okay?”

Saya nodded, and Deneve pulled her hand off of Saya’s mouth. “We thought you were dead.”

“That’s fine. They can think that for now.” Deneve said, “I have to be quick. Do you want to see Kayal?” Saya’s eyes opened wide as she went speechless, but she nodded. Deneve took Saya’s hand. “Hang on to me. I’ve never teleported two.”
Saya’s arms slipped around Deneve’s waist and as Deneve concentrated on Kayal’s location.

(scene change icon)

Kayal saw a flash of light, and Deneve stood before him with Saya hugging her.
“You did it,” Kayal said with disbelief.

Saya opened her eyes and ran toward Kayal, who hugged her tightly. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too, Sissy,” Kayal answered Deneve smiled, realizing that some terms of endearment are forever universal no matter what world you’re in.

Deneve stepped away and gave the twins time. After all, they had done for her. She could give them that much. Sometime later, Deneve heard the two walk over to where she sat, looking out the desert.

“Are you still upset with me?” Saya asked worriedly.

“I wasn’t going to bring it up because I wanted you and Kayal to have a nice visit. But since you brought it up before I answer that, I have one question for you,” Deneve said. “Did you know the chamber could kill me?” Saya shook her head.
“What chamber?” Kayal asked.

Saya sighed, “Deneve was tasked with going to Corkro chamber to find the key.”
“So the old man doesn’t have it,” Kayal snorted. “Grandpa didn’t give it to him.”

“No one knows even if Grandpa had it,” Saya answered, turning to Deneve. “I’m sorry, Deneve. I had no clue going there would cause you harm.”

“Saya,” Kayal said suddenly, “do you remember when we were eight. We sneaked out to check the ruins. Father was so angry at us and made us promise never to go there again.”

“I remember now,” Saya said, looking at her brother and back at Deneve. “Do you think that Father and Uncle knew?”

“I can almost guarantee it,” Kayal said bitterly.

“Thank you for telling me. I’ll deal with them when I get back,” Deneve said, “But there was also another reason I brought the two of you together. You are Valencia’s future. Regardless of what your father and uncle do. I was hoping you could decide what you want for the people and yourselves. I will do what I can to help the two of you.”

“Deneve, We can figure this out on our own, and we will. You’ve done enough by bringing us together.” Kayal said firmly.

Saya nodded in agreement. “Deneve, you need to take care of your problem. You worry about others and forget to take care of yourself.”

Kayal chuckled, “Saya, that’s why she hid out here with me. She was teleported here in horrible shape. Something in that chamber made Deneve sick.”

“You two take all the time you need,” Deneve said, “when Saya is ready to leave, I’ll be going as well. I need to make sure a few people know I am alive.”