Within the week, word came from Princess Saya (Barhan’s niece) that she needed assistance in Shakatu. Prince Barhan and Deneve arrived in Shakatu and were immediately taken to Shakatu and Princess Saya.
Deneve had a moment of confusion before Barhan explained that Shakatu was both the name of the place and the Chief’s name.

“It was good of you to come,” Princess Saya said coldly, looking at Barhan.

“I came because you asked,” Barhan replied, ignoring the obvious cold reception he received.

“You are the only person I can ask. Manmehan is quite useless unless you wish to speak of Astronomy all day long.” She answered bitterly.

“Kayal made his own decisions, Saya.” But, Barhan said curtly, “I will not take responsibility for the decision he chose to make no matter how much you try to blame me or guilt me.”

“Father is to blame as well,” Saya replied angrily, “My twin brother was caught between you and father.”

“He chose to kill those priests,” Barhan stated. “Neither my brother nor I made that decision for him. If he chose to forgo the teachings of Aal, he could have just walked away instead of drawing a sword.”

“Perhaps I should go,” Deneve interjected, not wanting to be in the middle of what was a private family moment. Then, before they could answer, she stepped through the doorway.

A few minutes later, Deneve was joined by a short Goblin, “Family drama sucks the life out of you, doesn’t it?” He said with a smirk. “Shakatu’s the name. I thought perhaps I should at least introduce myself properly.”

Deneve smiled, “Princess Deneve of Mediah, a pleasure to meet you, Shakatu.”

He chuckled, “A proper greeting. Welcome to my little oasis in the western desert mountains.” Leaning on the railing beside her, he looked at Deneve curiously. “You look different than anyone I have ever seen.”

“I get that a lot,” Deneve said with an amused huff.

“I am fascinated by you, but that can wait. I’m more interested in your thoughts on the drama going on. I mean, you are engaged to Prince Barhan.” Shakatu said, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

Deneve looked at him thoughtfully before answering. “It’s none of my business. But, quite frankly, I had no clue of the situation until I got here. If Prince Barhan had thought it relevant to share with me, he would have.”

“She is right, you know,” Princess Saya responded from behind them. “Would you please excuse us, Shakatu? I want to meet my aunt-in-law to be properly.”

“Of course,” Shakatu replied with a disappointed look as he took his leave.

“First, I must apologize for my behavior,” Saya said. “The situation is still fresh, and I miss my brother. Let’s walk, shall we?”

Deneve nodded in agreement as Saya gestured to the path going around the mountain. “Barhan is my Uncle. My father was priming my brother Kayal for the throne.” She explained.

“You don’t need to tell me,” Deneve interjected, not wanting the woman to feel uncomfortable.

“You should know Barhan should have made you aware already.” Saya insisted before giving Deneve a wry smile. “Besides, it may seem strange, but it’s nice to speak to another female about this.”

“I just didn’t want you to feel obligated to tell me,” Deneve explained. “However, if you want an ear to listen, I can do that.”

Saya smiled, “I had a feeling you would say that. My intuition has never guided me wrong.”

“Alright then,” Deneve replied. She was curious, of course, but didn’t want Saya to feel awkward.

“Father pushed Kayal hard. Kayal was talented in military command, and everyone expected him to be the general commander of the Katan Army in the future. However, there was nothing Kayal could do on his own. He had to follow Father’s word even in the most trivial tasks.”

They reached the mountain summit, and Saya gestured to some rocks Deneve sat, and Saya joined her. The view overlooking Shakatu was pretty. Deneve could see why Saya liked this spot.

“Uncle Barhan was worried about Kayal being Father’s puppet, and due to Kayal’s influence in the military, he may have been worried about his position. Uncle Barhan devoted his life to the military. But I like to think he had Kayal’s best interest at heart. Father doted on Kayal but was priming him to be what he wanted without a thought to what Kayal wanted.” Saya continued.

“I can see where this might be of concern to both of you,” Deneve said sympathetically.

Saya nodded, giving Deneve a small smile. “Uncle Barhan took Kayal out of the palace to see real-life and introduced him to the social scene outside nobles and royalty. Kayal was trying to find himself. Finally, he realized what Father was doing and even accused Uncle Barhan of doing the same.” Saya continued.

“Uncle Barhan backed off to let Kayal figure it out on his own. But father pushed the issue no matter what idea Kayal came up with. Father denied him and enforced his will. It finally came to a head when Father sent some Aalan Priests to teach him and wake him up.” Saya’s voice dripped with sadness, and Deneve felt she should do something, so she placed an arm around Saya’s shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze.

Saya took a shaky breath leaning into Deneve for support. “Kayal drew his sword and killed those priests laughing like a madman the entire time. After this incident, Father was so angry he banished Kayal to the Pila Ku Jail for life. I pleaded with my father to forgive him, but he refused. Kayal was my closest friend. I miss him dearly.”

“I’m sorry,” Deneve said sorrowfully, turn toward Saya to the woman another hug.

Saya seemed surprised but accepted Deneve’s comfort for a few moments before pulling away. “My thanks, you have been much more empathic than most. I realize that my brother killed those priests in cold blood. However, I also know that if father hadn’t pressed so hard, bloodshed might have been avoided.”

Saya stood up as if she was ready to leave, and Deneve followed her, walking down the mountain.

“For the record, I don’t blame Uncle Barhan. I think it would have been the same eventually. I know that Kayal was growing weary of Father and his orders.” Saya admitted with a wry smile. “It’s just an open wound right now.”

“I can understand that,” Deneve assured her. “If you ever need to talk like we just did, let me know. I’m willing to listen.”

Saya smiled genuinely for the first time since Deneve met her. “I think I will enjoy having you as an aunt–in–law, Princess Deneve.”