Sadelle hurried back to her room, thoughts in a complicated tangle. Why was Yaslana here? And who was this Reyan? There were many shadows and secrets in Dorothea's court, least of all hers. She would have to be very careful from now on. Her life continually hung in the balance... every time she looked the wrong way, had the wrong expression, said the wrong thing.... was a danger. In this game, she was her own worst enemy.

Dorothea disgusted her. But everyone had their part to play and she had hers. She sighed and gathered the things she would need for her trip into Hayll. The footman at the door bowed respectfully to her and she let him see the respect she had for him. Surprise flickered at the back of his eyes, but as with every seasoned servant in Dorothea's court, he constantly had a mask of a face. The servants who survived had masked faces like Sadi's – although she'd only seen him from a distance his cold detatchment had made her shiver. While she found him attractive, she had no desire whatsoever to approach him. Like everyone, she'd heard the tales.

As she left she was approached by Mirina.

"Sadelle.... I was wondering.... were you going to the city alone?" she said timidly. Sadelle sighed inside. Mirina was a diminutive, soft brown eyed, brown haired girl, kind and in danger at Dorothea's court. A Tiger Eye jewelled healer who had had neither her virgin night nor made the offering, she was intimidated by everyone....even Sadelle. Except she was reaching out....

What will you do Sadelle? You could be her only friend in this vicious court...Part of her whispered. But you have things, pressing matters to attend to in the city... are you going to just let her tag along? Sadelle quickly assessed the situation. She would have to decide quickly- Mirina was waiting for an answer. Remember- you could be a danger to her- if you were found out...you understand what would happen to her...She turned to face Mirina, steeling herself to watch the girl's face crumple at the rejection.

"Well I was....but if you weren't doing anything you could come too?" Sadelle replied with a smile. Where did that come from?! Sadelle shocked herself with her answer. Mirina smiled shyly. "I'd love to!... I'll just get my things and be back in a few minutes!" She said and walked away quickly. You know why you said yes...how long have you wished for a friend, an ally? You of all people know she could be that ally... that friend...Sadelle saw Mirina hurry out to the coach. The driver never looked up into Mirina or Sadelle's faces but asked in a monotone voice where they would be going. Sadelle replied politely, sending them to a café she knew was good quality. She had an action plan.

In the dark, musty coach she faced Mirina. The girl looked slightly nervous and flustered. She had no court experience. Sadelle decided to start an easy conversation.

"So how long have you been in Hayll?" she asked. Sadelle was unprepared for the shuttered, completely blank look that appeared on Mirina's face. She must have been questioned by the coven- they had that soul destroying effect. Sadelle decided to put her at ease by talking about herself. What if she's a spy? Sadelle ignored that voice uneasily. She forced a smile and looked at Mirina, whose face was pinched tight.

"Well... I have been in Hayll for years, staying at Dorothea's court ever since my village was attacked and my parents and sister were killed." Sadelle didn't add that it had been the bitch Dorothea that had killed them. Oh, she hadn't dealt the killing blow, but she had surely enough been the cause of their deaths. Mirina started to lose the blank look. "I am a third circle witch, but I've always wanted to be a Healer. My older sister Jandra was one." Sadelle saw Mirina sit up and listen. "I kind of miss my home village, but I probably won't ever go back there- that is in the past now. Im not sure what I will do... but today I want to go shopping." Sadelle smiled and received a smile from Mirina for her efforts.

Have I just won an ally?