“Uggggggghhhhhhhhhh, “Jennicus yells throwing a plate against the wall.

Walking back into her bedroom Bette finds her wife hiding underneath a table near their bed. Kneeling down she looks at her and smiles, “Have I ever told you your beauty is unmatched?”

“Bette now is not the time for pleasantries, “she says her voice shaking with fear.

“Give me your hand.”

“Bette what is going on out there?”

“All is safe now give me your hand.”

Placing her hand inside her wife’s hand Bette helps her from underneath the table. Still grabbing a hold of her hand she leads her into the main room. There see she’s a woman sitting near their now lit fireplace. “Gaia this is my wife Tina.” Walking towards her Gaia extends her hand to Tina properly introducing herself. “It’s a pleasure to meet you my apologies for my unexpected presence I hope I did not frighten you?”

“Speaking in truth I was frightened a little.”

“Again, my apologies.”

“Gaia it’s finally nice to place a face to the name my wife speaks very highly of you.”

“And I of her.”

“Clearly, much is needed to be discussed you look like you haven’t eaten in days?”

“No, I have not.”

“Well, excuse me while I bring you drink and food to eat.” Gaia watching Tina walk away smiles at Bette.

“Why do you smile?”

“I understand now your purpose for leaving behind the army.”

“Why Gaia do you desire my wife, “Bette jokes playfully.

“No, not at all I only desire my own.”

“How is Cybele and Rhea?”

“Safe, “Gaia says the laughter and smile removed from her voice.

“Safe, I do not follow? From what?”

Removing her cloak fully Gaia exposes a deep gash on her fore arm that had been bandaged tightly. Bette seeing the fresh wound looks in worry.

“Gaia your arm———.”

“Lesbiannicus was attacked three sunrises ago.”

“No, Gaia you must be confused Lesbiannicus is———–!”

“The queen and the royal family have all been killed.”

Getting up Bette goes to a shelf grabbing a small bottle and a fresh cloth. Walking back towards Gaia she begins tending to her wound.

“How could this have happened the queen had no known enemies!?”

Gaia looking at Bette, “There was one.”

Bette meeting Gaia’s gaze expression suggested no further words were needed. Many, years ago while serving in the royal army Bette overheard words exchanged between Jennicus and Lamia. Lamias loyalty laid with no one but her own. Her reputation expanded throughout all nine kingdoms as being manipulative and conniving. With no conscience to back her she murdered, stole, and lied as she saw fit. Witnessing Jennicus speaking to Lamia rose suspicions in Bette especially since Jennicus was Queen Lenores most trusted advisor and friend. From that day forward she became more cautiously aware of Jennicus and her dealings.  As time came and went Bette begin to uncover many of Jennicus wrongful doings fearing for the well-being of the queen.  When it close to her retirement from the army she confided in four of her most trusted associates Gaia being one of them. With Bette stepping down Gaia was appointed to fill her position. When Lesbiannicus came under attack for Gaia no surprise came when she discovered who was behind the invasion.

“Jennicus.”

“Yes.”

Bette rising to her feet begins pacing back and forth, “Jennicus sitting at the head of throne every woman and child will know nothing but misfortune and grief. Something must be done at once if there is any promise of hope of restoring Lesbiannicus it must begin with the death of the new queen.”

“I agree but even so there is still hope a member of the royal family has survived.”

“Who?”

“Alice.”

“How do you know this?”

“I was with her when the attacked first occurred I saw her to safety.”

“Where is she now?”

“Headed east guarded by Urena hoping to reach———.”

“Nattlicus and Queen Maia, “Bette says sitting back down next to her.

“Yes Queen Maia, Lenore held her above all she has the third largest army there Alice would be protected and looked after.”

“Until then there is much needed work to be done, “she says slightly smirking finally having probable cause to come out of retirement.

TBC