The next day Saya and Barhan visited. They were aware that Deneve had returned with the uproar Purajin caused the previous evening.

“Word travels fast,” Deneve said wryly as she ushered the two inside.

“Deneve, you are looking so much better.” Saya hugged her, ” I can’t wait to hear what’s happened, but I am curious about how the search for the key is going.”

Deneve nodded as Barhan greeted her, “Thank you. The search for the key continues, and you’re right, I am feeling much better because the contract with the black spirit has been fulfilled.”

“You mean you got your memories back!” Saya grinned happily. “That’s great!”

Barhan was less forthcoming. “I’m glad you’re well, but you’ve sent your funding back to me.”

“I have my own funds as Princess,” Deneve stated firmly.

Barhan nodded as he looked critically at Lord Red, “Weren’t you the one working with Neruda Shen?”

“Shen was a liar. He made promises that he could not fulfill or keep.” Lord Red explained simply as he slipped an arm around Deneve’s waist. “Besides, my loyalty to Princess Deneve is more vital than any alliance I could make.”

Deneve blushed lightly at his words. “Thank you, Lord Red.”

“I understand. I do expect a report once you finish the key investigation.” Barhan said stiffly as he walked toward the door.

After Barhan left, Saya grinned at Deneve, “Are you happy?”

Deneve gave her a serene smile. “I am.”

“Good, I had hoped you and Barhan… but I understand.” She wrinkled her brow for a moment. “But what I don’t understand is why you aren’t as angry with me.”

Deneve reached over to touch the other girl’s shoulder. “Because you want the key to destroy it. Your intentions are good. You want your family to stop fighting over it. For everyone else, it’s just a means to get more power. That said, I don’t know if your idea is the best scenario.”

“What do you mean?” Saya asked curiously.

“Well, did you consider what could happen if the people found out that no one in the royal family has the key?” Deneve queried. “I mean, it could cause complete chaos that anyone who could build an army could possibly topple the royal line.”

“I know,” She sighed, “There does seem to be no right answer. The Ominous Sign, I keep seeing tells me it has something to do with this blasted key.”

Deneve nodded, “I believe you, Saya, and although your father would twist this to his advantage.”

Saya rolled her eyes, “Yes, Father, Manmehan, Uncle Barhan, and that traitorous Purajin, Would all have you running around to do their bidding. I am truly sorry to have you in the middle of this. If things were different, I…I would have like to call you sister.”

“No better time than the present,” Deneve said, walking to the cupboard and pulling out a bottle of wine.

“I really don’t deserve your kindness,” She resisted half-heartedly.
“From my perspective, you too have been thrust in an odd position. You have shown more care for Deneve than the rest of your family.” Lord Red stated.

“Thank you,” Saya replied, giving him a grateful look. “I hadn’t thought of it that way. I was the only girl born to a royal family surrounded by men. I craved the friendship of other women who aren’t paid to be in my presence, and Deneve seems to enjoy my company as well.”

Lord Red nodded in agreement as Deneve ushered everyone to the terrace handing out wine as they settled on the pillows. “A toast then,” She grinned wickedly, “to Sisters!”

Saya smirked with Deneve and lifted her glass.