Maya sat up as Mira made his way to her tent. With an effort, she slid off his back and stumbled into the safety of her tent. She pulled off the rest of her armor and managed to wedge the shrapnel from her side. Maya wrapped a rag around the wound and secured it tightly. She managed to scrounge out her 'peasant' dress and hastily put it on. She clicked her tongue and Mira entered into the tent. She pulled off his armor and threw it into a heap with hers. She replaced his bridle with a simple roped one and a tattered saddle.
As she stepped out from her tent, hurried to get to her sister, she came close to colliding with a horse crossing her path. She fell to her knees with a gasp.
"You there!"
Maya caught her breath as she looked up. It was a member of the Royal Guard.
"You are the girl in the joust!"
Before Maya could protest she was pulled to her feet by merciless hands.
"You are under arrest…" The guard started to preach to her. Maya found her gaze striving for the man on the horse. He turned his head and met it. The Black Prince of Whales frowned.
"…you shall be sentenced…" The guard continued to jabber.
"Wait." The Prince, Edward, raised his hand. The guard fell silent. "What is your name girl?"
With a sigh she found the strength to respond.
"Maya Cornell."
Edward studied her with intelligent brown eyes. His expression still held a frown and a look of confusion.
"You are the daughter of Angelina Cornell?" Edward inquired.
"Yes." Maya was stunned.
"What was your father's name?"
"Alden Roselle." Maya mumbled.
Edward laughed heartily, climbing down from his white steed.
"My dear girl," He chuckled, "you are my sister."
"What?" Maya gasped as Edward hurried the guards away from her and embraced her. Her hands reached around his back anyway, taking in the comfort.
"Your father was Alden Roselle?" Maya asked.
"He is my father."
"So he left my mother for yours?" Maya pulled away from him.
"I never liked that man." Edward replied. "Come home with me, let me get you off these streets."
"But, my sister." Maya froze as he climbed back onto his horse.
"You have a sister? Well, then I extend my invitation to her too." Edward bowed his head, the smile never leaving his face.