“Apologies, your highness you have a visitor, “one of guards yells.

“See them removed.” She says leaning her head back hoping to find sleep.

“Uh……., “the guard says nervous about the abruption, “Command was given only to be denied.”

“See them removed at once or see to it their lives stilled!” She yells growing agitated. A hard thud was heard which sounded like someone or something fell aggressively against the door. Jumping to her feet she walks towards the door grabbing the knob she swings the door open.

“I gave command no one is to——, “she yells pausing as she looked down she saw both guards kneeling on their knees with the edge of their swords pointing at the back of their necks which caused her to draw her sword in response.

“Daiya, apologies it is I Lara.” She says stepping into the light revealing herself. “I did not intend harm towards your guards but leaving was not an option.” Daiya lowering her sword continues to stare at her in disbelief.

“Lara?”

“Yes.”

“What? How….how did you gain entry!? How did you get passed the gates!?”

“We were escorted.”

“We?”

“Yes, “she responds smiling while making a gesture with her left hand.”

“Auscha!?” She says now in shock as she appeared from behind Lara.

“Daiya, “she responds longingly, “I missed——.” Before she could complete her sentence Daiya rushed passed the still kneeling guards wrapped her arms around her waist kissing her so passionately she had to break the kiss to catch her breath.

“I see I’ve been missed.”

“My heart swells with joy.” Lara couldn’t have been happier to see to such joyous occasion but she to hope to be reunited with the woman she loved.

“Daiya, apologies Dana how is she?” The worried look and concerned tone in her voice spoke volumes. Grabbing a hold of Auscha hand she walks towards the medicus room.

“Come, I will bring you to her, “upon entering the room she realized the two guards were still kneeling, “Stand, gather swords, and resume the watch.” Once they all were in she closed the door behind them. Lara seeing Dana lying motionless on the cot bought tears to her eyes. Standing beside her, her hand trembled nervously as she touch her arm. She smelled of fresh lavender and she wondered could she feel her presence.

“Hearing word her life was no more I too felt death, “she says as tears slowly fell from her eyes. It wasn’t until then Daiya was not aware word had spread through the kingdom.

“My heartache for you both, “Auscha says squeezing her hand gently.

“If all presumed her to be a part of the afterlife how did you know her heart still beat to chest?” Lara looks at Auscha smiling slightly.

“While at home we received unsuspecting visitor.”

“Yes, “Auscha says now looking up at Daiya, “Before you questioned how we gained entry into the city then the castle.”

“You responded you both were escorted.”

“Yes we were.”

“By whom?”

“Your mother the queen.”

TBC