A few days later, Deneve was called for an audience with the only living member of the Mediahn royal family. Bareeds III had asked for her. She wondered what she could do for the young monarch.

Having met with his Seer Sirare previously, something terrible must have happened. Deneve approached the building to be met by Sirare. “This way,” He said curtly as he led her through the door. Sirare took Deneve to the inner chamber of the building.

A boy of about twelve sat on a throne, waiting. “Thank you for coming,” He said, giving her a curious glance. Deneve nodded politely. She could tell his inquisitiveness was because of her appearance. So many people would move away at the mere sight of her eyes alone. What they failed to realize was that their eye appearance was just as foreign to her. “Would you mind coming closer?” Bareeds asked politely.

Deneve smiled and stepped closer to the child-king as he stood up to face her. He tilted his head, looking at her curiously. He seemed fascinated by her tattoo and eyes.

“You can touch my face if you like, your majesty,” She offered.

Bareeds smiled sheepishly before he laid his finger on her temple. “Oh, I thought it was makeup,” He said, breaking into a genuine smile.

“It’s the symbol of my school of study,” Deneve explained.

“Yes, Sirare had mentioned you had interesting magic.” Bareeds frowned thoughtfully.

“How can I help you, Your Majesty?” Deneve asked.

Bareeds motioned for her to sit. The floor had large cushions. Deneve gratefully lowered herself onto one as Sirare served them both tea. “Do you know of Naruda Shen?” Bareeds inquired.

“Yes, I’ve done work for him previously,” Deneve admitted. “Odd man, though, like something wasn’t right.” She stopped talking, afraid perhaps she had said something out of line.

The King and Sirare smiled at her. “Naruda acts suspiciously and speaks above his station,” Bareeds explained. “He stole the royal crest. Despite my family being dead, I am still the last bit of royalty that Mediah has. Therefore, I will be the one to carry on the Royal Lineage.”

“What is it you want me to do?” She asked.

“I’m asking you to reclaim the royal crest. Since you have previously worked for Shen, I shouldn’t trust you.” He shifted uncomfortably for a moment. “But strangely enough, I do. So I will give you a task. Once inside his house, you will need to find the crest and bring it to me.”

Deneve nodded, “I understand. I’ll be back shortly.” It was a simple job since she had been to Shen’s house previously. She was able to teleport in and out with no one being the wiser.

A few hours later, she returned to the King’s house. Sirare was waiting for her, and they exchanged pleasantries as they walked. Once in the throne room, Bareeds looked at her in anticipation. Deneve smiled and held out the royal crest for him.

His reaction surprised her. Bareeds jumped and hugged her, acting as any child would. Deneve stifled her smile and didn’t comment on it as she returned the embrace. It was just a moment before he caught himself and schooled himself into a more kingly demeanor. “I promise I will never forget this.” Bareeds declared, “I will reward you when I am crowned king.”

“Thank you,” Deneve replied. “I should go. I need to find a room in the city for the night.”

“Nonsense,” Bareeds claimed, “You will stay here. Sirare trusts you, and I do too.”

She took a moment to think about it before she accepted the offer. “Alright, I’ll do it.”