Kuru was running with Alex in tow; the other guards close behind them. The drill in this kind of situation was to get the royals to their chambers as soon as possible with full security in effect. The palace was in chaos, he could hear the shouts and cries from the attendants of the wedding reception. As soon as he was sure they were safe from any kind of harm, Kuru turned to Alex. She had been silent the entire way up. He knew she had never actually witnessed death before, and this, as it was in direct correlation to her, had jarred her up quite a bit. Loosening the tense grip he had had on Alex's wrist he let his fingers slide down so that his hand was rested gently in hers. "It wasn't your fault you know." He said, looking from their entwined hands to her eyes.

"But… I invited him, and I left my cup unattended." Said Alex as she stared blankly forward. A tear rolled down her cheek.

"That man died because an awful, bloodthirsty person slipped poison into a glass. He saved your life Alex. It is the noblest death any good citizen of Manjipoor could imagine. He will go down in history."

After closing her eyes hard and taking a deep breath, Alex nodded. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that his family and friends are well cared for…"

Just as Alex was finishing her sentence the doors burst open. Startled, Kuru pulled the Queen behind him and placed a hand on his weapon.

It was just the elders. They filed into the room one at a time. Kuru let go of Alex and took a slightly more relaxed pose.

"Your highness." Spoke the first. "The king is fine and has been placed in his room with many guards. We have come to the decision that you will both be sent away to different locations until the culprit is found. Most of the people outside of the palace still do not know you by appearance so you will each be brought to a different town where you will live in disguise. A single guard will be with you. We prepared for this kind of a situation in advance so there is a cottage under royal ownership that has been saved for you, no one but myself and Anala know of its whereabouts. We will fetch a guard and you will leave at once."

There was just silence as the elders began to file out of the room, when suddenly Alex's voice cut through to them, demanding their attention. "Stop." She asserted forcefully. "I am the Queen. Firstly, this information should have been given to me beforehand. Secondly, I wish for the family of the man who died tonight to be alerted immediately of their loved ones noble death, and told that the queen will support them financially, on any loss to their income." (The elders cringed at this) "Thirdly, I will only go to the cottage if Kuru is the guard that accompanies me, and if someone brings Anala at dusk each night with news of what exactly is happening in the palace."

"Your highness…" The elders began in protest.

"I have said it and so it will be done. I will rule this country as I see fit. You will be here to advise me, and nothing more. I have learned my lesson." Alex's tears had dried and when Kuru saw her regal expression, she seemed a new person. He had always admired her strong will and decisive attitude but this was different. It was as if she was finally looking at herself as the Queen.