“Why do you pause at the face of command?”

“Apologies, your highness, “one of them boldly speaks, “You give command as well as your majesty we swore an oath to honor them both. Your majesty commanded we see her—–.”

“Mother, “Daiya says in an assuring tone turning around to face her. She appeared disheveled, out of place, and reminded her of a scared and frightened little girl. The uncomfortable feeling the queen was experiencing was nothing she had ever felt before, she was out of her element as the guilt for her mistreatment of her daughter began to take hold. Since confining Dana, Daiya had threatened her repeatedly in staring into her eyes she saw nothing. She knew she had to tread lightly as she did not want to give her daughter cause to act upon such threats. Without saying a word she nods her head giving acceptance to the command given. Daiya continued to stare at her mother, however her mother had adverted her gaze to the ground.

“You two will remain outside these doors allowing no one entry but myself and the medicus.”

“Your highness and what of the queen?”

“She will remain absent from my sisters company until I command otherwise go now and for your servitude I shall see you both properly rewarded.” Bowing before her both guards leave the medicus taking their position outside the door. Meanwhile, the medicus focused all her attention on examining Dana while the queen and Daiya stood watch.

“She is severely malnourished and must be forced to feed until she regains her strength pass the wooden jug.” Daiya grabbing it off the table hands it to her.

“Slightly part her lips.” Daiya hands shook as she slowly parted her lips. They were severely chapped and cracked she feared opening them forcibly would cause them to bleed further. When she finally had them opened the medicus with the jug in one hand and with the other rises her head slightly tilting her neck. Slowing pouring the water into her mouth they both looked on carefully as the water disappeared down her throat. At this time no one was aware word began to circulate around the city of the sudden passing of the princess.

Bette, Gaia, and the others were just a few days shy of arriving in Natticulus. Although, tensions between her and Gaia remained the others following their lead kept their word maintaining peace. Many had forgotten why the lines were drawn in the first place as they engaged in friendly conversation and banter with one another. Slowly, things were becoming as they once were which made completing their mission a much easier one. Gone was the eagerness Bette felt in trying to amend the rift between she and Gaia. She was far from what Gaia accused her of, but was only guilty of not telling her friend the truth, her truth sooner. Since the fallout with Gaia her heart was no longer engaged in the mission. Of course she wanted to locate the princess but her mind and heart more than ever ached for Tina. To glance at her if only for a moment she would give all. She was grateful they were a few days away as she planned to send her another letter but this time she would send it by raven. Enjoying the food and drink placed before her despite the current matter at hand she found herself enjoying herself. Throughout their journey they managed to collect a grave amount of coin, so when they came upon a small pub they treated themselves to a grand feast.