"Every man I meet wants to protect me. I can't figure out what from." ~~Mae West

A huge THANK YOU to Lucea and Dieuwtjin for looking over my chapters and offering their valuable advice!


Chapter 1: Zaphias Dungeon

I'm in the dungeons. Please come see me tonight. This is important.

With the note safely incinerated in her bedroom fireplace, Lady Estellise followed the steps down to the east wing hallway. Disquiet and curiosity took over the moment she had read Flynn's request and that gave her the courage she needed to break the rules. She used her familiarity of the imperial castle's layout as a guide as she slipped through the empty marble hallways towards the dungeons.

But why was Flynn there? Why did he ask Lady Estellise to go against the rules? Something serious must have happened because Flynn would never make such a request without a solid reason. He had always been kind and honest to Estellise ever since she met him four years ago. He vowed his sword for her and her cousin Ioder, both candidates for the Imperial throne. Her disbelief and curiosity about recent events swelled with every frustrated attempt for answers, but nothing alarmed her more than the note Flynn sent her. What was going on?

It couldn't be what she thought she heard a couple of guards say. The castle would be in an uproar. True, the castle buzzed with some hushed excitement, but it had to be something else. If the rumors were true, it would've caused so much more chaos, like when Emperor Krunos XIV passed away six months ago. It wouldn't be so hushed, would it?

Still, so much happened in the last day even the Council seemed disoriented by the events. For the first time in Estellise's life, the knights and the Council held a meeting at dinnertime, which in itself was unusual. So instead of eating in her parlor, she watched from behind the water fountain blastia as a stream of knights crossed the main atrium towards the audience hall. Kactoph, Sabin, and Nicolai among other councilmen of course had to be there. Commandant Alexei was a usual participant for meetings, so no surprise there either. Captain Schwann, Captain Tasher, Captain Cumore, and Cumore's entire brigade were all headed up the stairs where the war room branched off the far side of the audience hall. Why were Cumore's men the only whole brigade to be there? Why only Captains Schwann and Tasher and not all of their men? What could concern all of them, but no one else?

Well, Flynn had something to do with it. Had he been at the meeting, too? She stopped in the middle of the dark hallway, trying to remember if she saw him in the crowd of knights and councilmen. She thought she did, but since she received the note from Sodia, doubt nagged at her. He might not have been there. Whispers flew about Flynn's return, and she had believed Flynn was part of the meeting as well. He couldn't have been in the dungeons this whole time. When was he locked up?

Either way, he was directly involved, and if anyone had answers for Lady Estellise, it would be him.

She resumed walking, sliding her stockinged feet along the gray marble and listening carefully for any signs of guards on patrol. There was no cover to hide behind. The marble pillars embedded into the walls provided no barrier for cover. The red tapestries with the symbol of the empire embroidered into the fabric hung from the white granite walls with plenty of space to hide behind, but they were too short to reach her, let alone cover any part of her. The light from the blastia chandeliers picked up the designs from the ceiling and threw them onto the polished floor, but that did little to hide her from the blastia torches spaced evenly along the walls. If she had to, her only choice was ducking into one of the rooms and waiting for the guards to pass. It helped that she could hear the guards coming long before they could see her.

So far, though, such maneuvers were unnecessary.

Estellise paused at the top of the slate stairs. The stench of feces and old meat flowed from the dungeons, stinging her nose and tongue. "Ugh," she covered her nose with her hand as she slowly descended the stairs to the guard station lit by a single candle on the desk; that was strange. They only kept it dark when there were no prisoners.

Reginald's chair was empty. Beyond the gate, she wandered past the guard station and peered down the dark cellblock. The guard's candle supplied all the light she needed. She picked it up and carried it towards the cells.

"Hello?"

A bed creaked and someone shuffled around. "Lady Estellise?"

Estellise stopped at the second cell and flashed a weak smile at the man behind bars. His short blond hair stuck out at all angles and his normally bright blue eyes appeared dull and tired. "Flynn? Wh-what happened to you?"

"Don't worry about me," Flynn gripped the bars and peered through them to whisper. Estellise leaned closer to hear him. "I gave my trunk to Sodia. I'd like you to go through it."

"What? Why?"

"Shh. Keep your voice down."

"I'm sorry."

"My trunk has all kinds of items you can use. Please take whatever you like." As much as he tried to hide it, she could tell he neared panic. Despite the cool air, he sweated.

"Why would I…? What's going on? Why are you here? Ioder isn't really dead is he?"

"Forgive me, Princess, please just listen. I brought all kinds of items back with me. I think they can assist you on your journey."

Journey? "Huh? But I'm not—"

"You must leave Zaphias."

"What?!"

"Shhh!"

Startled, she leaned closer still to the bars and spoke barely above a whisper. "But… I'm not allowed outside the castle."

Flynn held out his hand, just as Sodia had. Estellise stared at it, momentarily stunned and remembering how Sodia slipped her the note that brought her to this moment. "Lady Estellise…." She noticed Flynn's expression, almost pleading. In his eyes, she saw his sincerity, his fear. Certainly, the truth, whatever it was, had taken its toll him. She took his hand, but unlike Sodia, Flynn didn't slip her anything. His voice changed, slowed to a new tone. "My job as a servant to the empire is to serve and protect the Imperial family." Estellise's heart skipped. Was he about to confirm Ioder's death? "Trust me, Princess, you must leave Zaphias."

She didn't realize she held her breath until she tried to speak. "But… Ioder…?"

"Promise me." His grip tightened on her hand, startling her.

"Why… where will I go?"

"Anywhere. Just leave, the sooner, the better." She'd never seen him beg all the years that she knew him. What should she say? "Princess? Believe me, I only care for your safety."

Her safety? Wasn't she safe in the castle? "What about Ioder?"

"Don't worry about His Highness for now. You need to leave Zaphias. You're in danger if you stay here." He tugged at her hand, an effortless motion to bring her closer still. "No matter what, leave Zaphias. Promise me, please."

"I… Okay, I will. I promise." The moment she spoke, she watched the relief spread over his face. She should listen. His emotions were too genuine.

"I have friends in the Lower Quarter." Flynn now spoke with fervor. "Hanks is the old man, I asked him to assist you." He'd planned this, she realized. "He'll give you everything you need to survive beyond the barrier. You feel confident using a sword, right?"

"Yes." Her voice was steady, but her stomach began queasing. She'd learned how to fight, but she'd never been in a situation where she actually needed to use her skills. The monsters beyond the barrier were supposed to be vicious. Then again, she did learn from the best…. With more confidence, she said, "Master Dropwart taught me well. I can hold my own."

"Great. Hanks will meet you at the Lower Quarter fountain with Dilfari." With Dilfari? Flynn was serious…. "You should be able to find it easily if you follow the sloping streets. Most of them lead straight to it."

"Don't worry, I'll find it. But… won't you need Dilfari? Is it really okay if I take him?"

"Here," Flynn pulled away. She watched him fade into the shadows and return with an envelope he stuffed through the bars. "Take this, but don't lose it."

"What's this for?" Estellise asked as she slipped the envelope into her bodice. "Are you going to tell me what happened with Ioder now?"

Flynn froze and didn't answer her. Distant footsteps. Estellise heard them too. She watched Flynn's eyes widen and her own breath caught. Oh, she was in so much trouble! He gestured for her to leave, frantic like she'd never seen him behave before. The thought never occurred to her that Sodia couldn't hold off Reginald all night. She hurried to the guard station, but it was too late for her to leave unnoticed.

He stopped at the top of the staircase, shining his torch on her clumsy attempts to hide in the semi-darkness with a candle. He tilted his head. She dropped the candle on his desk and stared back at him. Even though she couldn't see his face because of his helmet, she knew he was surprised to see her there. Otherwise, he would've scolded her already. The thought didn't ease her apprehensiveness though. The knights took every chance they could to scold her, even if it was delayed.

She climbed the stairs, hoping she didn't look too guilty. He stepped back to let her pass, but then—

"What were you doing down there, Princess?"

The knot in her stomach tightened. "I… —Flynn's there. I wanted to see him." Estellise said as calmly as she could.

"He's a criminal. Where's your escort?"

"I don't have one."

"Give him the slip, did you?" Reginald took her by the arm and solidified her panic. "The Commandant will want to hear about this."

"W-wait." Estellise glanced back at the dark cellblock but knew Flynn couldn't do anything to help her anyway. Was coming to see him a mistake?

She tripped up the stairs to keep up with Reginald's pace. As they passed another guard, Reginald spoke to him. "I just caught her sneaking out of the dungeon. Go back there and keep an eye on our prisoner. I don't know what they were up to."

"Okay."

Reginald led Estellise through the atrium and down the east wing hallway. She tensed as he half-dragged her. What would Alexei do to Flynn? They walked up the stairs to second floor and past the first row of sleeping quarters. In the second row, she saw Sodia leaning against Flynn's door, but Sodia straightened as soon as she saw Estellise pass. They turned down the third row and Estellise froze at the end of the hall, facing down the Commandant's bedroom door.

Reginald held up his fist to knock, but hesitated.

Estellise seized her chance. "Please, we can talk to him in the morning."

"No, I think he'd want to know about it now. I don't want to find out what he'll do if I postpone telling him." He knocked and soon came an angry grunt of a reply. Reginald removed his helmet and Estellise stared at the door, mind working fast.

Commandant Alexei wasn't exactly an easygoing man. He'd been the Commandant for as long as she could remember, and while most of the knights respected him, others feared him. There was something about looking into the Commandant's red eyes that demanded obedience. When the door opened, Reginald stepped back, and it was Estellise's avoiding Alexei's eyes that preventing her from doing the same. Instead, she choose to stare down at the Commandant's bare feet.

"What's going on?"

"I caught Lady Estellise sneaking down to the dungeons. She said she was there to see Flynn." As he spoke, Estellise raised her eyes to see Alexei's expression. He had thrown on a cloak and his short white hair had clearly been flattened from a mussed state, but Alexei's red eyes were alert and suspicious, despite how old he seemed. "She wouldn't tell me why, though."

Alexei's eyes turned to Estellise who tried to keep calm. "Is that so, Princess?" Estellise couldn't make eye contact anymore; she was busy holding her breath. "Perhaps you'd like to tell me about it. Let's discuss this in the war room, shall we? Reginald, ensure that she arrives."

"Yes, Sir."

Estellise sat at the war room table and stared at the door. Red banners bearing the Imperial emblem hung around the room and the armchair she sat in was the only one not pushed with its arm rests against the conference table. She appeared calm with her hands folded in her lap, but inside, anxiety took hold. She might as well be sitting on the hardwood seat rather than the cushion for all the comfort she felt. Her back was too stiff to touch the splat. Alexei would appear at any minute through the door at her right and she still wasn't sure what to say to him. How would she explain going to see Flynn? She couldn't mention that he had asked her to come see him. That would get him into trouble. But what reason could she give for seeking him out?

She exhaled slowly to calm herself. That was a simple answer. She really had no idea why Flynn was in the dungeons. She heard he was there and wanted to know why. That should be enough. She didn't have to mention how Sodia led her down to see him. Yes, she'd definitely avoid mentioning Sodia. That would get her into trouble, too.

Amidst her overwhelming thoughts, another thought occurred to her: maybe this was her chance to get some answers about the rumors and what's going on. She's the princess, after all, she should know. Still, asking about it made her nervous. Alexei rarely felt anything was for the princess's ear. If he didn't want her to know, he'd simply tell her not to worry about it.

The door opened, and she finally looked up at him. To her surprise, he dressed up as if he had just gotten up for the day. He had combed his white hair and put on the red overcoat with its hems brushing against his black boots, complete with the black cape bearing the commandant's insignia. All but his armor and sword had been prepared for this meeting. As if she didn't feel small enough, she sank into her seat a little more.

"Good evening, Princess." Alexei closed the door behind him and sat down at the head of the table.

"Good evening, Alexei."

"Perhaps you'd like to tell me why we're here."

Estellise prepared to speak but didn't immediately answer. Alexei prompted her, "I suggest you speak or things will become worse for Flynn."

"Why is he in the dungeons? I know Flynn, he would never do anything to end up there."

Alexei contemplated her, then said, "Allow me to explain." Estellise straightened. He really was going to tell her! She tried to hide her excitement. "The investigation of His Highness Prince Ioder's disappearance has ended in his tragic death." Estellise's breath caught. For a moment, she couldn't say anything at all. The rumors… they couldn't be true. Alexei pressed on, "he was assassinated."

Estellise felt her chest tighten but wasn't aware of it. Her mouth wanted to form words, her breath wanted to breathe words past her lips, but she was too stunned. How could…? Who could've…? She no longer saw Alexei's face but formed an image in her mind's eye. That time she last saw her dear cousin, he smiled warmly at her. An obscure figured stabbed him from behind, and she cried. Warm tears brought her back to the war room.

"Flynn is charged with Ioder's murder."

"No!" A new wave of fear overcame her and she stood. "That's not possible. I've known Flynn for years, he would rather die than kill Ioder."

"Princess, sit down."

Estellise exhaled but wouldn't sit down. She felt stung from the truth of Ioder's death, but her heart ached even more that Flynn was thought to be guilty of it. "I-I'm sorry Alexei, but… Flynn would never hurt Ioder. Even if this were true, Flynn would've been—punished by now. They wouldn't hesitate to kill an imperial assassinator, even if he just a suspect."

"Flynn wasn't an immediate suspect."

"Why now?"

"We didn't have all the details. The evidence appears to point to him."

"What evidence?"

"The details are too gruesome for a princess."

"There must be something you can tell me. I just don't think Flynn would do this."

"No one did, initially."

"What changed? How can anyone believe Flynn is guilty?"

"Everybody in the war room was convinced after hearing the details. What conclusion can you draw from that?" He paused, waiting for a response. The line of men heading for the war room during dinner time…. Was that the meeting where Flynn was interrogated? Was that the time they decided he was guilty of Ioder's murder?

And now an entire room full of people believed he did it?

That didn't necessarily mean Flynn was guilty, though…. Estellise struggled with the accusation as she recalled every memory she had with him. He had everyone else's interest at heart, and he truly believed in the same ideals Ioder fought for. How could an entire room full of people believe something without due evidence?

"I just... without hearing what they heard, how can I agree with them?"

"You don't trust their judgment?" His voice wasn't accusatory, but she felt his intent in the words. They heard all of the details and came to the same conclusion. If she was there, would she believe the same thing? Still, there had to be doubt somewhere.

"If it's true everyone believes Flynn is guilty, he should've been convicted immediately. Why throw him in the dungeons now?"

"There are procedures."

"You have to know Flynn is innocent."

"Facts suggest otherwise—"

"But—"

"—the final decision rests with me."

"Flynn wouldn't do this!"

"I demanded a full investigation before anyone is punished. Now calm yourself and sit down. I believe there is more to this story."

Estellise paused. Finally, she felt capable of calming. Her heart refused to relax, though. If any of the evidence pointed to Flynn…. "So… you think Flynn is innocent?"

"There is doubt for his guilt," I knew it! "but there is also doubt for his innocence." Estellise frowned as a flash of doubt crossed her own mind. What could they possibly have found? "I want to know the truth. I ordered an investigation and Flynn will survive at least until the results return. If there is any doubt he had a hand in Prince Ioder's death, he will not be harmed." Alexei then gestured to her chair. "Please, sit down. There is more to discuss."

She did.

"Now, I must impress upon you how serious your actions were tonight. The council believes that Flynn killed Prince Ioder. How would it look to them to find out that our dear Imperial Princess is visiting secretly Prince Ioder's suspected murderer? Think carefully about this."

Estellise didn't have to. If the council found out Flynn had lured her there, it would be cause to kill him based on the assumption he was luring her to kill her. The council would insist that they couldn't wait for Alexei's investigation to complete. She lowered her eyes, staring unseeing at the table. It was all she could do to keep her hands in her lap. She wanted to get up and release the anxiety.

"I know. I mean… I understand."

"Good. Now, while I understand Flynn's intentions are not to harm you, I must understand what was so important you had to sneak down to see him in mid night."

"Well… I…" Estellise hesitated. If Flynn truly was so close to conviction, she couldn't tell anyone the truth about the promise she made. She finally looked up at him. "No one would tell me what was going on."

"So you sought Flynn?"

"Even he wouldn't talk about it."

Alexei leaned forward and stared into her eyes. "Be honest, Princess. You do a disservice to your empire, to me, and to Flynn by refusing to disclose the whole truth." He continued to stare at her. It was the same pressure he put upon his men. No wonder…. She felt her resolve faltering. She had to say something.

"Flynn…" She paused and chose to watch her folded hands instead. Her palms felt a little clammy. She couldn't tell the truth. What should she say?

"Sometimes, what's not said can have worse consequences than the truth. If you can't tell the council about your conversation with Flynn, they'll infer it for themselves."

Of course he was right about that. The council could come up with anything to implicate Flynn, and they would make sure he looked as guilty as possible. She knew they never did like him. But what would they think if she told the truth? Wouldn't it solidify what they already believed?

"Princess…?"

"I can't…." She avoided his eyes for as long as she could. The longer he waited for her to speak further, the more her heart berated her chest.

"Take me into your confidence, Princess. Your silence may not protect him, but my voice can. Tell me what happened. Let me help you protect him." The sincerity in his voice calmed her a little and she glanced up. His face was stoic and serious.

Maybe with Alexei fighting on his behalf, Flynn might stand a chance. However, what she could say would appear just as bad to Alexei. Would Alexei still believe Flynn was innocent if he heard? It's true Alexei's face was stoic, but his eyes seemed just as concerned as she felt. He stared at her as if quietly demanding the truth.

Estellise closed her eyes. "I don't want you to think worse of Flynn." She heard him sigh.

"The truth will never be as terrible as the lie they'll use to replace it."

"It could be used against him."

"Not if it's a secret between us. Do not doubt my ability to protect an innocent man."

Flynn was innocent. She knew that. The investigation would prove it regardless what she said right now. "Do you promise that this won't be twisted to use against him?"

"I promise that, if this information is truly not related to the evidence I receive in the investigation, I will not use it to prosecute him."

She thought it over carefully, trying to guess at whatever they knew or heard that could implicate Flynn. What she knew would add to any motive, but as far as she could guess, there should be no physical evidence. Estellise inhaled deeply, hesitated, and finally decided to speak. "Okay. Just before Ioder disappeared, Flynn told me he was going on a pilgrimage." She paused and glanced up at him again. Alexei didn't say anything, his hands neatly folded on the table, and his eyes watching her with no emotion at all. Perhaps he knew his silence would keep her talking. Well, it worked, "I heard of some of the places he would go, and I wanted to go, too. So I asked him if I could. He said I shouldn't leave the castle." She then glanced down at her lap where she found her hands working at the stitching in her dress. The knights would never allow her to leave the castle, let alone go with him. Oh, Flynn could get into so much trouble. But Alexei did promise. Even so, she hesitated.

Maybe she didn't have to tell him everything. The silence stretched long enough, but he waited. Slowly, she continued, "I begged him to take me. When I heard he was in prison, I just… I wanted to know if… I was the reason he is there." It was as if a verbal floodgate opened and her words flowed in one rapid breath. "Why else would Flynn be in the dungeons? No one would tell me anything so I thought someone found out about me asking him to take me on his pilgrimage and I thought he was arrested for planning to kidnap an imperial family member. I promise you, Flynn has done nothing wrong."

Alexei's mouth twitched. "Don't worry, that's something I can easily prove to the council."

"Really?"

"Hm."

"Thank you."

Alexei continued to stare at her. Perhaps he thought there was more to hear. Still, she swallowed and stared right back. The uncomfortable silence stretched, but she was determined to say nothing more. Alexei had an answer. It should've been enough. The way he stared at her, though, puzzled her. He seemed to be waiting for a specific response. His eyes never blinked, nor did he shift. He had so much of a fixed stare that he must have worked on this skill for years before he became a commandant. He knew there was more. How? Why? What did she say that hinted it? Still, he said nothing. She felt more uncomfortable by the minute, knowing that he wasn't about to let her leave without knowing the information she was afraid would hurt Flynn the most. Was it evidence? But if Flynn truly didn't do it, how could the evidence point to him? How could Alexei tie this information to evidence that didn't exist? Was it safe to tell him?

When her green eyes met Alexei's red eyes, she pled for trust. "I can tell you?"

"I promise. It's our secret."

She sighed, caving with the release of the pressure. "He… did agree to take me."

"You're right. That would be a problem if anyone knew."

"I know." She looked away. "I was afraid someone had found out, and I suppose it makes sense to think Flynn killed Ioder if he was planning to take me away against the rules. I know Flynn, though." She hesitated again, almost on the verge of speaking more than she knew she should. But then she met Alexei's eyes again and added, "He wouldn't do anything to jeopardize my safety."

"I'm glad you can appreciate the depth of the situation. However, I think I can patch this up. That is, if there is nothing else I need to know." She shook her head hoping he wouldn't press her further. He couldn't possibly expect to hear more than that. Sure enough, he rose from his chair and gestured for the door. "Come now. You should return to bed before someone realizes something is amiss."

As she stood, though, Estellise noticed controlled exultance in his eyes. Only now did she realize how tense he was. Was he so sure he could defend Flynn's life? As far as she could tell, the council still could fight for Flynn's immediate death and all that could save him were the results from Alexei's investigation. Providing the results returned before the council found reason to insist on his death.

"Are you sure you can keep Flynn out of trouble?"

"You have nothing to worry about. Goodnight, Princess."

Estellise nodded and started for the door. "Goodnight, Alexei." Rather than settle her, his response unnerved her. She left the war room and into the throne room where the double doors would lead to the main atrium. Reginald took up flank behind her, and she suddenly became aware of the night patrol and just how many knights there were. If she really did run away, there were an awful lot of knights to slip past.

The whole castle appeared the same, but there was a new feeling as she looked around. Blastia torches chased the shadows and guards roamed the halls. Even her hunger had a new feeling to it. She was torn between sadness for her cousin's death, fear for a good friend's life, and apprehension over running away. The castle never felt so foreboding before. The atrium doors opened and she stepped onto the landing at the top of the double stairwell that created a half-moon towards the lower levels of the room. With every step, her heart felt heavier. How could anyone kill her dear cousin?

She paused at the door on her right that led to the library. She used to spend countless hours in there and sometimes Ioder sat down with her to discuss some of the readings. He didn't live at the castle, but he probably knew those books nearly as well as she did by now.

"Princess?"

Aware of Reginald at her back, she continued walking. Ioder…. She cried. The narrow hallway opposite the double doors shared paintings of her and Ioder's ancestors. Walking down this hallway wouldn't feel the same anymore, knowing that he was with them. Ioder had always been more directly aligned with the throne, but Estellise's birthright hadn't been discounted simply because her prowess with handling aer mirrored their royal ancestors' abilities. Aer, the energy source for the entire planet, could be manipulated by any human with a blastia. But Estellise didn't need a blastia to use aer, something only her and Ioder's ancestors could do. Even so, not even Ioder had her ability.

At the other end of the hallway, the fountain flowed as if pointing to the left or the right, the only directions left to go. The same place she had watched the meeting attendees march. At the time, she couldn't imagine how much things would change because of that meeting. It suddenly seemed so distant, but barely a full day had passed since then. She turned away to the left and followed the hallway to a T where one direction led to the kitchen and mess hall; the other, to the stairs leading to the sleeping quarters.

She did her best to hide being upset, but when she reached the stairs, even barely able to see through her tears, she found Reginald's hand outstretched for support. As soon as she took it, her composure nearly failed. She felt his strength as she walked up the steps. The knights weren't enemies... Why did it suddenly feel like they were?

At the end of the upstairs hallway, she stopped at the door guarding the spiral staircase that led to her room. She faced Reginald and bowed. "Thank you for escorting me safely—" and her voice broke.

He said nothing, but she could see the pity in his eyes. As soon as the door closed behind her and she ascended the staircase, she felt warm tears falling again. How did all of this even happen? Prince Ioder, murdered, and Flynn was blamed for it?! And amidst those accusations, she'd made a promise to leave Zaphias. What should she do?

What should she do indeed…. It hit her like a scolding as she remembered her conversation with Flynn. Fear took hold. What did she just agree to? Oh, she would get Flynn into so much trouble if she left Zaphias. Why did she promise to run away?! Why would Flynn ask her to leave in the first place? What would Alexei say? What would Master Dropwart think? How would the council and the knights feel about her just disappearing? She lost her breath as the whole reality of her promise hit her. Prince Ioder's disappearance was bad enough; what about her, the last candidate for the imperial throne? Was it really the best for her to run away? What would happen to the empire if she wasn't there? Wouldn't the empire worry about her being missing?

But this was absurd. She wouldn't actually be missing for long. Flynn said to leave Zaphias, not go into permanent hiding from the empire. She was actually in the safest place for her to be. How could she be safer leaving? Still, he seemed desperate for her to agree.

The night offered little sleep. Estellise lay under her covers, hiding her head beneath her pillow and hoping to smother the thoughts that ran circles in her mind. At some point, she'd have to plan to leave, but the plans were choked out of her with whys and hows, not to mention the tears accompanying her anxiety. Running away would surely make Flynn's predicament worse. She hadn't thought of consequences to his welfare when she made the promise. But if the knights or the council thought for a moment her disappearance had anything to do with Flynn, he'd be killed.

But she promised.

A/N: In case you're confused about Estellise's room, I've changed things up to be slightly more realistic. There were rooms for people living at the castle where hallways branched off main hallways and some people had their own rooms and others of lower rank shared rooms. I tried to follow that as best I could. Estellise has a parlor and her own room in a tower where she'd be harder to reach.

Interestingly enough, I remember reading somewhere that Prince Ioder didn't actually live at the castle, which makes more sense that he was kidnapped by Ragou in the game. I'm operating off the premise that he lived in the Royal Quarter somewhere since he did visit with Estellise enough to get to know her. Not that it matters much anymore.