Lord Red watched as Deneve disappeared before his eyes. His heart dropped when she didn’t reappear by teleporting herself back. She didn’t look too good when she reached out to steady herself on the pillar.

He ignored the feeling of panic that started to race through him and studied the room, looking for any clue of what use the odd box and the pillars could have. Then he walked over to the post that Deneve had touched. Perhaps it would take him to her.

He transported to the market district. Disappointed, he looked around to find himself in the backroom of some shop. Purajin jumped when he saw Lord Red.
“Did you see the Princess of Mediah come through here?” Lord Red asked. The urgency in his voice made Purajin pause.

“No, should she have?” Purajin furrowed his brow in confusion.

Knowing the astronomer was an adviser to the royal family, Lord Red shook his head. “We were together at the Cokro Chamber. She wasn’t feeling well, and she grabbed a pillar for support and disappeared. I was with her, so I came the same way.”

“You made it through,” Purajin’s eyes open in surprise. “No one has ever survived it.”

Lord Red wanted to burn the man to ash, but he realized that the man was merely a pawn of the King. He checked the area around the market district until hunger drove him to the tavern. After that, he set up camp at the Villa to watch for her return.

Three days later, Deneve still hadn’t returned, and it was clear the Purajin had loose lips. Rumors were abounding that Princess Deneve was dead. Lord Red wondered if the Royal family had planned it until Barhan came to check the Villa.

He spoke with Lord Red briefly, who informed him of what happened. The Prince looked guilty as he told Lord Red he would pay for the Villa until they found Deneve.

Lord Red knew it was possible the ancient transporter could have sent Deneve elsewhere. She may have hit something that sent her to a different destination than where he went. He also started snooping around the palace for more information.

It had been seven days since Deneve had disappeared. Lord Red was doing his nightly poking around the Castle when he felt it. Deneve! Traces of her magic were here. She had been here. The spell he cast looking for magical traces of her wasn’t in vain. Lord Red smiled, surprised to find that his heart started to race with hope. He had to admit that he cared for Deneve.

Lord Red found a comfortable spot on the roof above what seemed to be the Valencian Princess’s room. Deneve had been on the balcony below him. A few hours later, his diligence was rewarded when Deneve teleported onto the veranda with a gushing, happy Saya. “I can’t thank you enough for what you did,” Saya said, hugging Deneve.

“I’m glad I could help,” Deneve said quietly, “And honestly, I could tell that Kayal had missed you just as much, and it was the least I could do for him after taking care of me and protecting me from his men at Muiquun while I recovered.

“How did he do that anyway?” Saya asked.

“He told them I was his concubine and that he wanted to be left alone,” Deneve explained with a chuckle. “I’m sure that would go great with the people. I’m not only Barhan’s fiancée but also Kayal’s concubine.” The women laughed for a moment at the ridiculousness of it.

“That sounds like my brother,” Saya said, sounding amused. “I know my brother, though. He likes you, Deneve. What do you think of him?”

Lord Red’s felt his stomach drop with Saya’s question. He had no claims on Deneve. It wasn’t clear she had any feelings for him other than friendship. “I care for Kayal the same way I care for you, as a sibling or friend,” Deneve said firmly. “I think King Sahazad was afraid of Kayal taking power from him. That is why he tried so hard to keep him under his thumb. The person I met was caring, charismatic, and not prone to violence first.”

Lord Red’s relief was apparent by the silly smile on his face.

Saya smiled, “I’m glad you got to know him as I know him.”

“Speaking of the King and my fiancé,” Deneve asked, “Do you know where they are?”

Saya sighed, “It’s time for their reckoning, isn’t it?” Deneve nodded. “Father will most likely be in his chambers, and Uncle Barhan is at his villa.”

“Thank you, Saya,” Deneve said, reaching over to pat her arm, “Don’t worry, I won’t kill them unless they attack me.”

Saya chuckled shakily. “Thanks for giving me a warning.”