There was so much pain in the room it was near suffocating. His words caused her head to drop, gaze finding the luxurious blanket that she sat on, hand falling to it as her fingers moved across the soft surface. Who didn’t know? She could not say... every fallen country and land knew what fate they fought against. They all knew to be captured meant death, slavery, or things far beyond. They had seen their sister nations fall into the claws of the red dragon, only to be torn to shreds and left in shambles, IF they were lucky. And while her father lived, Bercasitt had hope. What was the fate of her home now?

Her heart and her mind ached with every word Solomon spoke because she had no words left to comfort him with or even try. Nor could she deny many of the things he admitted to. And it all was a reminder of the wounds she suffered under the control of Concorba. The suffering she was forced to hide if she wanted to survive. How she had to suppress everything she knew, bend to any whim and will for fear of torture or pain she could not bear. She had been injured physically, emotionally, and mentally and the woman had never faced it all at once because of the depths she hid it. And yet everything the prince spoke unburied the pain she had hoped to get rid of in order to survive.

At one time, she had sought to collect the good things that happened and focus on those. That had morphed into hiding herself in the books Solomon offered, sleeping when she could, finding comfort in Ryia, and totally detaching from reality when one of the princes claimed her. But the reality of it all was back as Solomon reminded her she was an innocent civilian... reminded her she should have gone home... should have her father. And finally, reminded her, that even with his newfound understanding and struggle, there was no escape for either of them because they both feared the place that had claim to their lives.

She could not hide her shaking as her arms wrapped around her waist now, having seen the man’s shame and regret, having felt her own shame at the fate with which she found herself due to her capture. And what could she say? What could she say?? She hugged her waist tighter, head hanging as her hair spilled over to cover her face. Solomon was in the wrong for all he had done, no matter how misled he may have been. And she did suffer as much as she did because even when he admittingly knew that she was being unfairly treated and handled, he did nothing to bring it to the end, until now. And she knew it was only now because of the meeting with his father. Otherwise, he would have left her to his brothers.

It was a mix of so many things. So many and she did not know how to address it all at once. The pain, oh the pain she felt with it all bubbling to the surface. And the relief... the relief because someone saw, no matter how wrong or cruel they had been in the past, someone actually saw. And still, she was afraid to mess up even now, even with Solomon’s confession for fear he would turn on her. It was ingrained in her for her survival and yet none of this even touched on what she knew to handle. Because one woman can only take so much uncertainty, fear, hiding, and abuse.

“I suppose we all must accept our fate at some point...” she murmured out, blinking back the tears behind the protection of her hair. “No matter what got us here, this is where we are and...” She stopped, pausing in her words because she didn’t know where to go with it. Where was she going with any of this? Her body gave a shudder and the woman seemed as though she wanted to curl in on herself, as much as someone can who is sitting on the edge of a bed with their feet touching the floor. She felt exposed once more for reasons she could not understand.

Slowly she lifted her head again to look at him, her hair falling away to reveal some moistness around her eyes, though she was still holding herself relatively well. “I will always hold to being grateful for what you have done for me, because at least it meant something in the small picture. Maybe you can’t understand or you just haven’t, but I can list many times that things could have gone far worse for me. And this is ALL I have. That is all I can focus on, so I do, so yes, it means something.”

She was blinking again, trying to fend off the tears that so desperately wanted to spill as spoke of her pain. “Twice you have saved me from your brother. The first time, he would not have beat me to death but I can promise you he would have caused irreplaceable damage... the second he would have killed me, I do not doubt that. You are the only reason I am not starving, do you realize that? That they rarely thought beyond themselves and would send my food away so they could have me? Nor did they care if they wore me beyond exhaustion. You have saved me many nights from risking to seek Josef’s bed in desperation from the others.”

She was trying to comfort him in the only way she knew to find comfort when she was feeling this bad, and that was her original method of looking at the good things. In the moment, she did not consider that all she was doing was revealing just how bad things really were for her. “And I stand by the fact that you have given me a safe space in your own room. That I can come here and sleep without fear of interruption, on a couch that is soft and holds no bad connotations. I don’t have to try and sell myself to someone in order to avoid a worse fate. And in this life, that is the kindest thing you could have offered.”

The woman’s voice was weak and she had long since allowed her gaze to meet his, because like it or not, she was still ashamed of the things she had to do. She was ashamed that she was required as often as she was, and ashamed that there was nothing she could do about it. But it all came down to that she was at least grateful Solomon even had the smallest portion of heart to have protected from some of it, even if it paled in comparison to the evils he had done.

Solomon had paused when she spoke again, listening to the prostitute as she tried to comfort the villain. Oh, how ironic it all was. He would have let out a bitter laugh if he wasn’t devastated enough from watching his world crumble. It was never supposed to end like this, but it had. In the beginning, it seemed she didn’t even know what to say and he didn’t blame her. There was no trying to argue that he wasn’t a terrible person who was beyond salvation. He was an instance of where every flaw and mistake of human creation had been born into a single man. He was malicious, apathetic, aggressive, and every other terrible trait one could think of.

There was not a single redeemable quality. His life had been one full of sinful atrocities and bloodshed. Solomon acknowledged that and it was what had brought him to his knees. He had never considered himself a good person, that he had accepted long ago and considered it a worthy sacrifice. He wasn’t a saint, but he had never considered himself evil. He had always found justice in what he did, that in the end, the world would find itself better off with Concorban intervention. He had found peace in such ideals and had even been willing to give his life, but now was not the case.

Solomon closed his eyes as she spoke, squeezing them shut as she described how he had saved her from a worse fate, but he found no comfort in that. He knew he offered her solace on multiple occasions and scared off Heinrey before to free her from his deadly grasp. He flexed his bandaged fingers, which still ached here and there. But Solomon knew he shouldn’t have had to offer her a safe space because she shouldn’t have needed one. It was something they both were aware of, but to her, someone who had been broken beyond what the average person could endure, such a thing did matter.

It sickened him how casually she was able to talk about the appalling life she lived. It was because that was her normal. A normal she had never wanted and no doubt hated with every fiber of her being. It brought him back to wondering how many others were like her, thankful for just a little bit of peace, even if it was only temporary. He wondered how many others had lost all hope for living and were only trying to make it as bearable as they could until they died. There was so much suffering and pain in just one woman, he had seen it on more than one occasion, and Solomon couldn’t imagine the world that was created where there were thousands just like her.

“The people beyond here would never look at it the same way, not that they should. You will always find the good in people, whether or not it is there. It is something you have.” Solomon did not know Zephyra well, for they were still mere strangers despite spending months together, “But to the people whose homes and families my armies have stolen, they will see me as the person I am. I may not have the red eyes and curved horns of the one that lurks beneath, but I am every bit as monstrous, and not even your natural positivity could ever change that. It is merely the truth.”

Solomon was quiet again for a little while, pausing because he wasn’t sure what to say. There was nothing he really could say. There was no justification for his actions and no amount of apologizing could fix how he had wronged Zephyra, or the world, for that matter. “You don’t have to stay here,” He told her, settling on that for the moment, “You can lie and claim we slept together. That tale always seemed to work.” He was by no means trying to force her out, he just knew she wouldn’t leave until her job was done. But there was no fixing this, not by any means.

“There is no fixing this, Zephyra, or me, at least.” Solomon explained, tilting his head to press his nose into the fabric of his pants, there was another long pause, “I have been in the military for eight years, since I was sixteen. I picked up a sword when I was fourteen…” It was random information, things she probably didn’t care to know, but he didn’t even really know where he was going with it, “My vow as a soldier, this life I live, it was all I ever knew. I’ve never seen any of the kingdoms I conquered at peace. I don’t know what they looked like before I ruined them.”

All Solomon had ever known was bloodshed. It wasn’t an excuse, but merely a sad truth. “It was kept from me, all these years, and I don’t… I don’t know why, not when the other generals are involved, They have this plan, where they want certain nations, no doubt the ones that are the richest and most bountiful with resources, to become completely enslaved. They’re not even nations anymore.” There was a sharp inhale, a shuddering exhale. His voice was quiet and sad, for even though his face held its usual sternness, there was a clear remorse. “And there is no way to mend. When you have half a continent at your disposal, the other half can be taken on a whim.”

He was right. She would always find the good, even in the darkest of situations because it was her nature, and the way she knew how to survive. Zephyra’s head fell again, watching her fingers fidget with the sheer material of her skirt. The woman knew he was right... she could not change the truth of his monstrosity’s he had done, nor could she still deny they were real and had happened. But she could not help having tried to comfort him. Surely the fact that he was able to admit his wrongs meant something, right? Meant that there was still part of him that was not corrupted beyond redemption? Though she was not sure how one could truly find redemption her when the redeemed themselves were condemned by living within the walls of this palace.

The rest of the time, she simply listened, taking the time to once more collect her own thoughts while still paying attention to his words. “I know I do not have to stay,” she spoke softly, her gaze never having moved from hands. “But if it does not anger you, I wish to stay. At least I can offer you some company so you are not alone. And if I leave, I am sure one of your brothers will find... better uses for me.” It was the most straightforward she had ever been about some of the fears she held with leaving Solomon’s room. But she did not linger on that, moving to speak about the prince himself.

“Perhaps you were not told because your father saw your brother in you,” she dared quietly, lifting her head up again to look at Solomon. “You once told me that your eldest brother risked his life for some slaves. Perhaps, after that, the emperor became aware that by knowing, you too would be like your brother.” It was a shot in the dark, but she was still trying to comfort him and it was the only thing that had come to her. And it did make sense, though she could not be certain that was the case. Because it all came down to the fact that she did not know much about the emperor or the deceased son, only what she had picked up from Solomon, even the others not speaking about their fallen brother. That and what little she could pick up about his character from Ryia.

She fell quiet for a moment before continuing, “And there must be some good in you, or else you would not feel this remorse. Nor would you see where you have erred and what is wrong. That does leave hope, does it not? I admit even I cannot say you are without blame, but at least I can offer you some truth in that you clearly have some heart and some morals.” She reached out her hand to gingerly land on his knee, hazel eyes searching for his amber orbs. “Finding the bright side is all I know to do.”

Her hand fell away and back into her lap, her head dropping again as chestnut hair cascaded in front of her face again. She wasn’t sure there was much else she could contribute to the conversation or really say. If she did try, Zephyra feared she would end up just repeating what she had already said. Perhaps the best remedy was distraction? Or then again, just the awkward silence the two often shared? Her fidgeting started again as she began to play with her skirt fabric once more, refusing to think on the horrors Solomon had related and the ones that connected to her life.

“If it would please you more, I can leave...” She didn’t even look up, and she ignored the fact that she had not long ago asked to stay. But the woman also feared her presence might be making it worse, and she desperately wished to leave the palace. And the only way to do that was for Solomon to leave for war and bring her with him as he had said he would. “I will try and choose the least revealing clothes I have to be packed away for the journey.” Which wasn’t saying much.

Solomon’s gaze did snap in her direction as she mentioned that she wanted to stay with him. He knew, even before she mentioned it, that even in his current state, he was a better option than what lay outside his room. The prince had learned quickly that the twins were her most frequent visitors because he had run into them many times as they left her room and he entered. He had no doubt they would come to find her, even if they only wanted her from the details about what had happened in his room. Cyrus and Ascalo had always been that way and always had to have their nose in everything that happened around the palace.

He didn’t want her there, he never really did, but he had already decided that she could stay. There was no harm in that and after what she had done from Ryia, and now him, Solomon could not see a reason to reject her company. He could at least give her that, couldn’t he? It wasn't much and it made up for nothing, but at least she could have some time where she didn’t have to fear being taken advantage of in both mind and body. He tried to push all the conflict and hurt from his mind, but he couldn’t. Not when there was no solution in sight and he feared for the future.

But when their eyes met and she talked about his brother, it was clear she had caught his attention, though he did not know what to think of her words. Solomon wasn’t anything like his brother… Luther laughed and smiled. He had always seemed like he had something to be happy about. He had been noble… fearless enough to die for what he had believed in rather than live a lie. The younger prince wasn’t anything like that man, even though he’d followed in his footsteps. Except, when Solomon had found the fork in the road he had decided to turn tail and run.

Had Luther felt the same when he’d found out? Or had he been a part of the initial planning and decided to defect after he saw the destruction and despair he had wrought? He wanted answers. He wanted a sign, something from his brother or even the Heavens to tell him how he should proceed. Except, Luther was dead. He’d acted out of unrestrained passion and killed himself as well as the people he’d tried to save. Something had convinced him to make his move that night and he would never know what. Solomon was alone and there was no clear path in sight.

When she offered to leave, he shook his head. “No, you may stay. It’s not as if things can get worse…” He trailed and finally looked away once more. “At the moment at least.” He added, knowing that it was about to get much, much worse. He would have to return to work soon before there began to be any suspicion surrounding him. He would need to lie and say he had fallen ill again, yet was blessed with a quick recovery. It was the only way to explain his absence and avoid any strife with his father. He didn’t need the man figuring out that his son had dug deep enough to discover the carefully hidden secrets.

“Don’t worry about what clothes you chose, I’m not going to criticize you over a wardrobe that was selected to be as revealing as possible.” For the first time since their conversation had begun, Solomon shifted to lean against the headboard, visibly relaxing somewhat, though he was still incredibly stressed and nothing could fix that. “It isn’t as if it will be your job to please anyone following our departure, so I would not stress about your decoration. I suppose you just need to pick the things you prefer.” He explained, even if didn’t offer anything to the conversation they were currently having.

There was silence for a while, mostly because his mind kept thinking about what she had said, how she had suggested that maybe his father had kept it from him due to the similarities he shared with his brother. It was the closest he had to an answer, but it still wasn’t enough. Not like it mattered anyway. Solomon may have discovered the secrets of his kingdom, but how could it possibly change the fate that lay for the Eastern Isles? The war plans had been made and all that was left was preparation for the journey. He was still leaving in a week and that was that.

He would have over a month to prepare himself as they traveled there with Zephyra, his unexpected company. The journey would most likely not be an easy one, but then again, she had traveled before. It wasn’t like he could offer her freedom. She would be killed as soon as he even brought the idea up. Even if his father agreed to it or Solomon did it discreetly she would somehow end up dead. There was a sharp breath as his thoughts began to spiral again and he was about to ball up again in effort to escape them. When suddenly, his brow furrowed and he looked up, eyes narrowing at nothing in particular.

No… No don’t even- It’s suicide.

But what if it isn’t?

Eyes darted toward his war table and he nearly leapt from the bed, stalking away from it with a purpose. Brazenly, he shoved all of his books and papers from atop it. They clattered to the floor and revealed the map beneath. Palms flattened against the surface as he examined the worn parchment. There were several marking, pins, and pieces scattered about it, each sticking up and marking places. Without looking away, he grabbed a spare dagger that had been strewn on the desk and twirled it around his bandaged fingers skillfully.

There.

Without warning, he thrust it into the table, marking a certain spot on his map. It was the camp where his soldiers would wait to rendezvous with his fellow generals, which could take anywhere from a month to several since they were heading from Bercasitt. They also had to wait for the navy, so that was another factor that would delay them, all of which Solomon had accounted for of course. Although the camp was reasonably close to the borders of the Eastern Isles, it was close to one of the other nations they controlled, but usually allowed to take care of itself. It paid the Empire enough with the way it currently functioned. But besides that...

The location was perfect for desertion.

Why hadn’t he thought of that earlier? He picked up a stick of charcoal and marked out a rather faint trail across the map. It would be the most efficient and least compromising way to get to Bercasitt, using mainly nations they had not conquered. If this worked… if it worked, Zephyra could be freed. They would be too busy searching for Solomon to fret about her. Because Solomon, well, he was busy with an idea more dangerous than abandoning his kingdom. Perhaps, in a way, he was more like Luther than they had assumed. If Solomon left, he knew he would have a price on his head and be hunted viciously.

So he wanted to go down fighting, but not in the way his brother had. If he freed Zephyra, he would have to leave himself to guarantee her safety. And oddly enough, he had made peace with that. Because it may not be an apology, but he could live with himself if he knew she got home. If he left, no nation would want or accept him. He would be just as likely to die there as he was anywhere else. Besides, settling somewhere in hiding didn’t seem fulfilling. Not when his family would always be a threat looming over his head. Not when he would be hunted forever.

That camp was close to the Eastern Isles, so Solomon was going to go there. “Zephyra, come here.” He paused for a moment, “Please.” The word was rather foreign, but he wasn’t trying to demand anything of her. “I want to know how long, using this trail here,” He drew over the sketchy charcoal trail with a finger, “It would take someone to travel from this dagger to Bercasitt.” He asked, a brow raising in her direction for a moment before he returned to facing the map. Typically, Attikos did these kinds of things, since he was better. Solomon could make a general estimation, but he had a small hope that she would be better.

“A single person, not a battalion. On a horse that can travel a bit over double what your average steed in a day.” He explained. Now, Solomon would be going to the Eastern Isles because, at the very least, it could be his last-ditch effort at redemption. He could warn them. Nobody knew the plans better than he did and Zephyra would be forgotten about in a day. In the end, Solomon may end up executed, but perhaps, just perhaps, he could right a wrong or two along the way. “And no, this isn’t me trying to secretly do something to harm your country. I’ll survive if you don’t want to tell me, or don’t know, I just figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask.”

Solomon didn’t want to fight the Eastern Isles, so he wasn’t. He didn’t want to die like his brother, so he wasn’t. “You can stay here for the rest of the day, I’ll go back to work tomorrow. As far as anyone is concerned, I was ill.” All these countries and people he had hurt, he couldn’t save them, but could he save one? Could he save the prostitute his army had wronged and the tropical paradise that would soon become ruin? He didn’t know, but he suddenly understood how his brother had felt those years ago, why he’d had the sudden change. Because dying the death of a tyrant was far worse than dying as someone who’d tried to right their wrongs.

With Solomon relaxing, Zeph did some as well, grateful that she was not to be turned out. She mentally searched through the clothes she had in the silence, something to focus on as the man sat and thought and she kept her place on the edge of the bed. She could only think of two outfits that even allowed someone to border on some modesty, though even they were a longshot. She would have preferred to have brought none of them, but she did need something to wear.

Zephyra’s thoughts stalled there and she simply sat in silence with her head down, eyes closing as she rested slightly, waiting for the prince to say anything if he would. And if he didn’t, she was happy with just sitting there and letting things just drift away as she disconnected for a while, though she knew she would have to move soon. At least that was her plan in the emptiness of thought that she found rather relieving at the moment.

Until Solomon suddenly shot from the bed and the woman’s head snapped up, hazel eyes startled as she jumped, almost immediately moving to her own feet and taking a step back to watch him. The motion had taken her by surprise as it seemed the prince suddenly had a mission that he had come up with in his quietness early. Which left her watching him, flinching slightly as books fell to the ground with thumps, the noise also unexpected. She didn’t know what to make of any of it considering he had just been curled up in his bed, barely moving and now he was focused on his map.

It was the dagger being thrust into the table that really made her jump though, another step back taken as she eyed the weapon now sticking from the map. Her arms wrapped around her waist in uncertainty, something she had been feeling a lot of in the encounter. However, she made no other move away or towards him, simply watched him from where she stood, not understanding in the slightest what was happening. The prince had gone from being a distraught mess to be suddenly determined and focused, and she had no clue what to make of it or what it could possibly mean.

At his bidding Zephyra moved forward with caution, her gaze falling to the map as he directed her attention there. She blinked for a moment, confused by his question as she looked across the charcoal line, trying her best to judge the distance. “it depends...” she trailed about the same time he went to elaborate on the means of travel. She glanced at him for a moment before her gaze fell back to the map, finding the key and using what she knew about travel time to make her best guess. She wasn’t too worried about giving him that information considering she was sure he would get it anyway. Though she didn’t have the slightest clue what it meant or what he needed it for.

“I would say a month or so? It depends on riding conditions really. I suppose between four and six weeks with optimal conditions and proper rest for horse and rider.” Her attention shifted back to him, hoping it was what he was looking for or would at least suffice. “Perhaps one could do it in three if the horse was pushed to its absolute limits and sleep and rest were to the bare minimum. But that risks losing the horse and ending up adding even more time to the journey.” All things to consider and she supposed it was all worth mentioning.

Seeing that was all that was required of her, Zephyra drew back and found her way to the couch, sinking into the cushions and reaching for the blanket that now always sat there folded up for her. She pulled it over and around herself as she nodded, “Thank you. And tonight, if I am asked, I will be sure to say that I found you not feeling well and stayed to help you as you improved throughout the day.” She told him out loud to be sure they would have their stories straight. It was something they did well together, keeping one story for the brothers when it was never quite true.

The woman’s knees were pulled up and she rested her chin on them, leaning into the back of the couch as she watched the prince through partially closed lids. Her arms were wrapped around her legs, fingers moving habitually over her wrist. “When are we leaving exactly?” she finally asked after a moment, wanting to set the time in her mind. “And what do you require of me?” It seemed a silly question, but the woman wanted to know exactly what he wanted from her since he was stuck with her, whether it meant total silence or that she was meant to always be in a certain place. Just so she would know.

Solomon listened with great intrigue as she spoke, watching very expectantly as she gave her own take of it. A month would still mean a long time traveling before she reached home… but it wasn’t like he could do much about that. The route he had planned deliberated went around rather than cutting through because it was the best chance of her not getting caught. It was the only option he had and he couldn’t escort her himself. Not when he was easy to spot and he needed to get to Isles. Solomon would have to trust Zephyra. She was intelligent, crafty, and survived this long. Surely she could find it in her to make the journey home?

He hoped so. Fingers dragged across the parchment as he eyed his own destination. It would take some walking, so hopefully he could be over the border before sunrise. He wouldn’t have a horse since he was giving Ambrose to Zephyra, so time would be of the essence. Between now and then, he hoped he could solidify the plan. He had to. If it didn’t all go perfectly they would both be dead before they could blink. It wouldn’t be a nice death either. He would have to take a boat to Isles, but the islands weren’t that far out on the ocean, maybe an hour or two if one rowed? But getting across the border before sunrise would be the hardest part. He would have to make it work.

He turned his head when she spoke, but just as quickly turned back to the table, listening to her words with his back to her. It was clear Solomon’s focus was taken, the map now the source of his new plan. It was rusty, but it just needed to be polished. He had a month's worth of traveling to figure it out. He could have asked Zephyra for help, but he resisted. Only because it would be safer if only he knew. The less minds aware of the plan, the better. He would tell her when she needed to know. For now, it was best if she went about business as usual. His absence was already odd enough.

“Well, you can always stay here tonight if you would like, I could care less. I’ll just be leaving early tomorrow morning to try and save face. I’m sure my father won’t be pleased, but such is fate. Hopefully my story of sickness will be enough to satisfy his inquiries.” Solomon sighed, picking up the charcoal again and sketching across the map, gears turning in his head once more and his eyes sharp as they were supposed to be. He dove into his desk after a moment, pulling out a map of the Isles. Luckily, he knew where the central military fort was. It was the perks of being hauled there and tortured as a prisoner of war.

For a nation that seemed to lack modernity, it’s military was stellar and it’s ruler was a smart man. The Isles managed to incorporate a variety of cultures on their island without losing their roots as Concorba had. “We leave in less than a week. Five days, assuming I haven’t miscounted while being locked up in here. We’ll be traveling for a month and then perhaps waiting for several. It depends how long my fellow generals take to meet us. They’ve been busy wrapping up our other war. It’s part of the reason I’ve been here so long. If we had planned together I would have been deployed months ago.” Solomon explained, pushing back his unkempt, semi-greasy hair.

He paused as she asked what would be required of her. Not much, to say the least. Even before he suddenly decided to do a one-eighty and plan an escape, she was just going to be like a guest. Kind of. She would still be a prisoner, but she wouldn’t be very… imprisoned? Solomon wasn’t sure how to explain it. “Nothing will really be required of you. You’re a prisoner, but you’ll be one of higher standards I suppose. There won’t be any chains and you won’t really be guarded. Of course, your limits would be wherever we’re staying. So the boundaries of the camp or if we’re in an inn, the inn. We’ll be passing through a few of our forts, which are repurposed towns, so you’ll have a bed here and there.”

Solomon paused for a moment trying to think. He had mentioned the bed merely because he knew camps tended to be dirty and generally uncomfortable for sleep. They were chaotic. “You’ll be down with the soldiers while we travel during the day, but you’ll be with me when we stop for the night. So no, you won’t be given to my men and if they do harass you I’ll cut off their fingers to make a statement.” And he wasn’t kidding. Her time under his care would be much different than Brom’s, that was for sure. “You’re just required to travel and at camp you’re just required to be there, though you can just stay in whatever quarters we have for the night.”

Zephyra had decided to stay the night, simply for the safety and for the fact that it would further the belief that she had stayed to make sure Solomon was doing well and would get better. But after that, she returned to her room to please the brothers until the time she was required to leave with Solomon, something that she desperately looked forward to. To just get away from the life she was leading. Yes, she would still be a captive, be she would not be abused in the ways she had been and could at least find some sense of safety with Solomon.

The brothers were aware of her departure, meaning the twins wanted to get the best out of her before she was gone, leaving the next few days taxing and exhausting. The nights were somewhat better with Josef, simply because they kept her away from Ascalo and Cyrus. In what little free time she had, she did spend it sleeping and trying to get some of her energy back, knowing there was a lot of travel ahead. And still, somehow, she managed to squeeze in writing a few more Greek lessons for Ryia, though she had yet to give them to the young girl.

On the day of the departure, Zeph already had a few outfits packed up in a small bag that had been given her. There was nothing else except a hairbrush and a few hair bands, though she had managed to snag a few servants' clothes and would probably be what she wore the most. However, she did not say that she had done so and would wait until the first night to change into them. For now, she sufficed with wearing the least revealing of clothes from her wardrobe. Which, was honestly still pretty revealing but it would have to do for the moment.

With her bag set on the bed, the woman stepped over to the desk, quietly grabbing a small stack of papers and going to her door. Moving out, she made her way down the hall to Ryia’s room, knocking softly before slipping inside, a soft smile playing at her features for the child she had grown fond of. She would miss Ryia... The girl was a bright spot, beautiful in every way. It was hard to believe something so precious could be found here of all places. Whoever was her mother had to have had the gentlest of spirits to have a daughter like this.

“Hey there,” she greeted, moving to sit on the edge of the bed where she usually did, placing the stack on the girl’s nightstand. “I brought you some lessons before I go. I know how much you love learning it. They are in order and all I could manage to get finished, but maybe when you are done with them, you can find someone to teach you the rest.” Yes, there was no doubt Ryia would be missed, and would often find her way into Zephyra’s thoughts. “Don’t ever stop learning little one. The world has so many beautiful things to offer.”

Scooting back onto the bed some, she crossed her legs, patting the spot in front of her. It was a clear invitation for Ryia to settle in front of her so she could get her hair done. “Your brother will probably be here soon for me. He will know I’m here, I am sure. But before I go, how about I do your hair one more time? Hmmm? Or, if you would rather, you can always put a braid in my hair.” A hand reached out to playfully poke at the girl.

“I am going to miss you, you know that? You are so precious, and don’t you ever forget how special you are. Don’t ever let anyone take away who you are or make you feel like you are worth nothing.”

Like they did to me...

Ryia

Ryia’s life had mostly gone back to normal following the incident. Her tutor returned and Vivianna had been with her a lot, so it was nice. Her face was still bruised, as were parts of her arms, but she was much better. Still, a little rattled here and there, but with the help of her sister and the small visits from Zephyra, she was feeling much better. They were still a little worried about her concussion, but she paid it little heed. She spent most of her days playing alone in her room since then, as they wanted to back off the tutor until they were sure she was better, despite the girl protesting for her full-time schedule back.

And with Vivianna coming in daily, mostly at night when she was free from Josef, it was easy to be distracted from her brother. But Ryia could tell her sister was tired, as she had fallen asleep in Ryia’s room a time or two. Of course, the little one didn’t mind, since her sister gave the best snuggles. It was time that was much needed since the things her brother had said and done kept the child awake at night. She might not have believed in the monster that lurked under her bed, but she did have Heinrey and that was far worse than any make-believe beast. Because he was very, very real.

Even so, Ryia tried to look forward to the good things she was surrounded by. The rest of her brothers were kind to her and Josef had been especially attentive since the incident. Ascalo was still quiet, but he hadn’t complained for once when she’d wanted to go outside. Cyrus had showered her with toys and taken her to pet one of the stable dogs. As for Solomon, she’d heard he’d been sick for a few days, but once he was better he’d come to visit and read to her before trimming her hair so it was something her sister wouldn’t have to worry about.

She hadn’t seen Heinrey since the incident and she’d had a feeling she wouldn’t for a long time. Aveline told her she overheard an argument between him and Vivianna and that it had been big… but that was it and Ryia wasn’t particularly concerned. In fact, when Zephyra knocked on the door, she just about dropped everything for her friend, excited that she’d come by before she left. She was going to be sad that two of her favorite people were leaving, but she tried not to let herself be too blue. After all, Solomon was going off to do amazing things and Zephyra was going with him!

She was happy for them both with all the love she had in her little heart. Ryia bounded over to the papers, carefully rifling through them to get a sneak peek at what the woman had left for her. “Hiiii,” She greeted, distracted by the lessons for a few more moments before she whirled around to face her companion, grinning as she always did. “Maybe I will… maybe I won’t. I think I wanted to learn because you were the one who taught me,” She laughed and it was true. She had really been interested in Greek because Zephyra had been her teacher. It had been their thing.

“I have a tutor, remember? So I learn all the time.” Another laugh. Heavens, she never seemed to be able to stop laughing. “So don’t you worry, I’ll get big and smart just like you.” When Zephyra gestured for her to join her on the bed, the princess could not get there faster. She hopped up and wiggled into the spot. Ryia adored having her hair done. It was one of her most favorite parts of the visits they shared. There was a giggle as she was poked, squirming at the gesture that made her ticklish. She was going to miss the woman more than she even knew at that moment.

She leaned her head back so she could look her in the eyes for a moment, “I’m sooo bad at doing hair. I would make your hair messy if I tried.” Ryia huffed, screwing her face for a moment. Doing hair frustrated her, as did her own curly mass, but she did still want to learn, even if she usually got angry. “I’m sure he will be here soon, Solomon likes to be on time for everything. He’s never been late. Ever. I think he might die if he ever was. He can be such a stick in the mud sometimes, my brother.” She told her, one of the many fun facts she shared about Solomon. She tended to do it with all the brothers whenever they were brought up, as she was far more observant than most children.

“I’ll miss you too,” She admitted, her voice somewhat sad, “You’re one of the only fun things around here! I’ve played with my toys so many times… there are no new games! Ugh!” Ryia protested, obviously having missed the rest of Zephyra’s message as she thought about how bored she would be. Because she was going to be bored. Really bored. Like, she might even die of all the boredom she was going to be tortured within Zephyra’s absence. Of course, at that moment. She was conveniently forgetting that she still had a tutor and brother’s to keep her entertained.

“But I’ll be okay. You get to go traveling with Sol! He’s the best brother ever and you’ll get to see so many amazing things! I wish I could go. I want to actually see the drawings in real life. And go with Sol. Oh! Mr. Attikos is so nice too! He would tell me stories from his home, like you. I’m sure you’ll love it Zephyra, Mr. Attikos told me how beautiful the Isles were. The sea is everywhere and there are even turtles. Turtles! I’ve never even seen a real-life turtle! I haven’t ever seen the ocean either, but it’s supposed to be this huge, salty lake thing and I want to swim in it.”

Zeph’s face was soft as she reached out to the girl’s hair, which she noticed had been trimmed quite well. Deft fingers easily found the strands, beginning her work on the beautiful curls that graced the girl’s head. “yes, I do suppose you have a tutor, now don’t you?” The woman chuckled, “Perhaps if he knows Greek he can finish the lessons, and then maybe one day you’ll be able to have a full conversation, how about that? Or maybe he knows some other languages you’ll like better.”

It was clear her message was missed, but it did not surprise her and she let it be, working to do the girl’s hair perfectly because it would probably be the last time she ever got to do it. “And yes, he will certainly be here on time, I am sure of that. He can be a grumpy stick in the mud, can’t he?” Zephyra spoke as though she actually knew the man, or had seen him beyond his room when he spoke to her on occasion or let her help him with his work. There was the confession he gave the week before, but the woman did not know how long he would stand to that, or just what it would do beyond his three days hidden away.

“But you know, if there are no new games, perhaps you should try making a few of your own. Or, you could keep practicing with doing hair. Perhaps try practicing on one of your dolls?” She paused to focus for a moment on what she was doing with the child’s hair, being sure everything was even before continuing on. “Why don’t you try learning to draw? You have all those beautiful pictures that your older brother drew. Why don’t you look at them and see if you can figure out how to do the same thing? And I’m sure you can have your tutor help you get some books.”

Reaching for the nightstand, Zephyra grabbed one of the girl’s hair ties and some hairpins, using them to help secure things in place. “I am sure I will see many things. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the ocean. You are right that it is very large and salty. So large you can’t see land for days, sometimes even months when you try and cross it. And it is very fun to swim in and there are shells and beautiful rocks on the bottom in the sand. Sometimes even little animals you can’t find anywhere else, like the turtles.” Though Zeph had never seen a turtle herself.

Her hands fell from Ryia’s hair, looking over what she had done before patting the girl’s shoulder and pointing at the mirror for her to be able to inspect the work. “I’m sure one day you’ll be able to see it for yourself and swim in it. And maybe you’ll be able to draw it to show to someone else who has never seen it. Even the air smells different. I think you would very much enjoy it. Maybe I’ll be able to convince your brother to have someone draw the Isles for you.” Before it is destroyed like the rest of the lands. “I’ve never been there myself, but I have heard it is beautiful too. Maybe if I can, I’ll send you a letter describing it for you.”

The woman deviated from the conversation to gesture at the girl. “What do you think of your hair? Will it do for such a charming and beautiful princess as yourself?” Zephyra loved to throw in compliments for the child anytime she could, knowing they meant a lot to the young one. “How about today, you try and figure out how I did it? Then try on one of your dolls. I’m sure you can figure it out.” The woman stood from the bed and glanced towards the door, knowing her time here was running short. It was a good thing, a very good thing. This place had stolen more from the woman than could ever truly be replaced.

“Come here.” Zephyra’s grin widened quite a bit as she squatted down to more of Ryia’s height, arms open wide to accept the child in her embrace. “You are the most amazing little girl I have ever met. I’m so proud of you.” It felt amazing to hold the girl, something she had come to appreciate more than ever after the loss of her own child. “And I think you already are as smart as I am, and I bet you’ll get a whole lot smarter.”

The girl listened very intently as Zephyra spoke, as she always did, no short of positively obsessed with her. She had only known her for a little while, but she adored her friend and loved her like a sister. Ryia was quick to befriend and quick to love someone. As long as you were nice, you were automatically one of her best friends and that was that. You were officially adopted by her forever. She didn’t meet many people, so she held onto the ones she did. Zephyra had been one of those people and Ryia was more than sad to let her go.

But she visibly perked at the mention of drawing like Luther. Could she? Was that even possible to draw like Luther? Well… she didn’t know, but she wouldn’t ever know unless she tried! So try she would! But for now, she was spending some time with Zephyra. Possibly the last time, but she would hold some hope of seeing her again. After all, Solomon always came back, right? “Maybe I will draw… I’ve always loved what he sent me! Maybe if I go out one day, I’ll be able to put what I see on paper too. It would be nice to be able to see it even after I’ve left…”

When Zephyra was done, Ryia wasted no time hopping off the bed to inspect in the mirror and was, as always, pleased as punch. “Oooooh, maybe I’ll make Solomon bring me home some seashells next time. I’ve heard they’re so pretty. And you should send me a letter, that would be amazing!” She exclaimed, twirling around before she remembered she’d been asked about her hair, “And my hair is great! It always is.” She grinned, wide, missing a tooth or two, and completely without worry. It was incredible how fast she had bounced back.

Of course, when Zephyra opened her arms the girl was quick to bound over, never one to give up a hug. Small arms wrapped around her and squeezed lightly. Her face rubbed lightly against her shoulder, like a cat. “You’re too nice,” She giggled at the compliments, “I’m not that smart.” But then the little one was quiet. She was quiet because she understood their visit was coming to an end and that made her sad. Sad that her only friend was leaving… because her days would be lonelier. Her tutor wasn’t as kind as Zephyra. Her tutor didn’t hug her and they weren’t very affectionate. They were nice enough, but it wasn’t the same.

So she clung to the woman who was kind enough to take away some of the loneliness one last time.

Solomon

Solomon had been waiting outside the door to his sister's room, though all he could only make out the sounds of voices. He wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. In fact, he had come there to pick up Zephyra, but as soon as he heard Ryia’s laughter, he found himself leaning against the door, unable to interrupt whatever moment they were sharing. It would be the last time he would see her. Ever. How could he steal either of them away from that? Solomon knew they adored each other, so he stayed outside for those few minutes. He could spare those few minutes, couldn’t he?

It was only after it went quiet that Solomon decided to enter. Knocking quietly to announce himself before stepping in, swords strapped at his sides and dressed like a general, gold sash and all. Gently he closed the door behind him, not saying anything for a moment. His sister turned his head to look at him, eyeing him suspiciously for a moment. Solomon cocked a brow expectantly, clearly not about the look she was giving him. The staredown, which was really no more than play, lasted a few moments more before his sister delicately unwrapped herself from around Zephyra and proceeded to shoot off like a cannon. A short, adorable, curly-haired cannon.

Solomon was already bent to pick her up, the man twirling effortlessly with the little girl in his arms while she laughed. He propped her up on a hip like a toddler, arms secured under her. Ryia quickly busied herself with trying to force his mouth into a smile and huffed when it didn’t work. “Smileeee,” She demanded, “It’s not like you don’t have teeth, then I’d understand! Cause’ that would be just ugly. You always look so grumpy. Vivianna says it’ll give you wrinkles.” As if to prove her point, she started screwing with his face again. He only frowned, to which she growled in protest, which was the most non-threatening noise one could ever hear.

“I don’t like you.” She declared.

He cocked a brow again. “Now, I thought you learned lying was bad.”

She glared at him in response, hands coming up to squeeze his cheeks. “Okay fine, but I’d like you better if you smiled.”

So he did. Well, not really. It was more like he bared his teeth at her, which caused her to cry out in disgust before dissolving back into another fit of giggles. “Now you know why I don’t smile.” He stated matter-of-factly, though the man's voice was much kinder, more like a purr than anything. His sister only snorted and pulled his face closer, his eyes instinctively closing as their noses brushed a few times in a greeting that was a custom between them. Once they pulled away, they both turned their heads towards Zephyra, the two more than evidently related.

“Hmm, seems like you’ve been having fun without me again Ryia, you know how I feel about that.” But, even with the much kinder voice, he was still extremely, and hilariously, gruff. Yet he was still at ease in those moments, holding the little girl he loved more than life itself. It was a moment of quiet. The silence before the storm that was to come.“I should punish you for this betrayal, but on account of your hair looking very well-done today, I’ll let it pass. Just this once.” He told her, giving the child a very serious look. His troops would shy away, but Ryia could only flash her teeth in the brightest of smiles.

“Zephyra did it, she’s the best at these things y’know. She teaches me how to do hair and do Greek and all this other stuff…” She trailed for a moment, pursing her lips as she thought, before she smacked her hands flat against his chest, earning a grunt from her brother. “A seashell. You better bring me one. Or twelve. I like twelve much better. I think that would be the best option, so I want twenty seashells next time you return. A pet turtle would also be nice. ”

Solomon faltered for a moment because he wasn’t returning… He wasn’t ever coming back to the palace. It was the first time he’d realized he was saying goodbye to Ryia for what was most likely forever. And there was sadness. It was in his eyes and heart as he looked at the little girl who was one of the only people he had ever adored. She didn’t belong here… not in this palace. Not where Heinrey was only a few doors down and their father was a tyrant. Not when her only mother figure would be married off and one day… His thoughts were cut off there as his sister demanded his attention once more.

“Helllooo, Soooolomoooon.” She poked his nose, "I want twenty seashells.”

“I thought you said twelve?”

“Small details.”

He shook his head. “Well, it was very kind of Zephyra to do your hair and teach you all those things. Every girl needs a good teacher.” Solomon told her, finally putting her down, to which Ryia ran back to hug her friend once more, sensing things were about to come to an end. “Although I’m afraid she has to come with me Ryia, but I know you already know that.” His sister… what would she do when she found out he wasn’t coming home? That he had left forever? Solomon didn’t know, but when she came over to give him his own farewell hug, the man kneeled and held her close.

“Don’t forget my seashells alright?”

“I won’t.” He reassured her, their gazes meeting as they pulled away.

“Pinky promise?” She wiggled her little finger, half-joking.

I’m so sorry, little one.

Usually, he would have rolled his eyes, but this time he complied, larger finger wrapping around her smaller one. “Pinky promise.” He agreed, hating the words he spoke merely because they weren’t true. He sucked in a breath and got to his feet. “Don’t give Vivianna too much trouble while I’m gone. She tries her best.” He instructed, to which she nodded. He turned to Zephyra since it was time to go. He wanted to leave, but he didn’t want to leave Ryia, especially when that was it. The chances were that Solomon was going to die at war and that his sister was never going to understand why he left. “It’s time to go Zephyra, do you have your things?”