Man cursed under his breath mildly annoyed by his servants, or more like by their funeral tempo.

Their, for the lack of better word, speed was no better than this of old, nagging noblewoman suffering severely from haemorrhoids, who can't imagine travelling without three carriages, several trunks of clothes and her personal healer.

If that only… They could be goddamn snail as well!

Man planted fists angrily on his waist glaring at aides, while tapping his right foot in irritation.

And this wretched weather… only yesterday, this blasted tempest finally ended.

To his utter frustration all the country highroads looked more like marshlands than anything else right now.

And today… today when the sun finally deigned to show up for the first time in several days, it didn't change a thing!

Seeing how once again overbalanced servants accidentally dropped one end of the carriage causing it to sink even deeper into overflowing mud, man muttered angrily another string of inventive invectives under his nose.

Who cares that the wheel broke? Just leave the bloody carriage, he already wasted too much time! He didn't want to take it in the first place anyway... he only complied after nagging of his trusted advisers… When he'll come back they'll hear what exactly he thinks now about their so-called 'competencies'…

How much more useless could they be? The man glared at now dirty representatives of his own clumsy entourage.

It was two bloody hours already and we didn't even move out of our last encampment yet!

Suddenly the man paused in his internal fuming.

Well… he could just leave them here to finish their job and go by horse the rest of the way…

The slight scowl showed on his face. They won't allow it, probably saying that the etiquette has its rules… Rules even he has to follow.

But if nothing will change, he'll be late! And THAT is just unacceptable!

Abruptly a thoughtful expression crossed his features quickly followed by slight lopsided grin.

If he interfere and make sure they'll be V-E-R-Y preoccupied with their duties, he'll have enough time to sneak away on his own… Sure they'll probably chase after him, but at least he'll have a decent head start…

The more he thought about, the more he liked this idea.

He was sick tired of their constant nagging and never-ending objections to his almost every move and decision. Really, no respect for the wisdom and age these days!

But how to do this without alarming them? Man tugged at his moustache deeply lost in thoughts, looking through possible scenarios.

He eyed the group of men covered from head to toe in splattered mud. They seemed almost as frustrated as he was. At the moment it looked like they were arguing over something, probably new strategy: how to 'rescue' the coach. Foolish younglings! As if the world would end if he didn't show up riding in his carriage...

That's enough!

With new resolve the man decided to take an action.

Nonchalantly, he slowly strolled toward them with his hands casually clasped behind his back. They didn't even notice his approach, too busy with their quarrel.

Good… Man smirked little amused by their constant bantering over such a trivial matter.

Discreetly the man glanced in their direction with the corner of his eye. After another moment, he steeped closer toward unlucky mode of transport. In mere moments he was able to examine it well enough to carry out his little diversion.

Seconds later he localized his target and casually kicked the supporting wooden log, which was wedged under dirty axle. He didn't even have to use much strength, immediately the fragile construction swayed threateningly.

As if nothing happened, unnoticed man coolly strolled toward his tent. He didn't go too far when he heard loud satisfying crash followed by several vile curses. With his back still to the place of this 'unexpected' catastrophe he couldn't stop himself anymore.

The slow eager smile spread on his lips…

Lena wondered how long Sharris will skulk behind the bookshelf, pacing silently back and forth before she'll muster enough courage to step forward and actually ask.

Finally, little tired by this mute pantomime, which probably had to be amusing to any bystander, she broke the silence without rising her eyes from the book she held.

"How long are you going to fight with your own thoughts? Even I can hear them…"

Blond head peeked hesitantly from behind safety of near bookstand.

Still, without averting her eyes from page she futilely tried to read in these past few minutes, Ley inquired in slightly amused tone "Do you really think I'll eat you alive?"

After another long pause Sharris loosened her death grip on shelf and warily sat in chair opposite to the exotic woman, who seemed to completely ignore her presence thus far.

Black eyes looked over old leather wrapper, one brow arched sardonically "Will you finally ask the question which is probably eating you since yesterday?"

Girl fidgeted, feeling little uncomfortable. Suddenly as if she decided to face her fate head-on, she looked at Ley bravely.

"Why…?"

Lena smirked under cover of her book and asked innocently "'Why' what?"

After chewing her bottom lip nervously Sharris asked "Why didn't you tell anything to Brenna as you threatened you would?" girls tried to brace herself for any possible rebuttal.

"You used good word here…" Ley lowered the tome revealing crooked smile "All I did was 'THREATENING'" seeing bewildered expression of her conversationalist she snorted "Really… I'm not some kind of monster who would lash out her fear and frustration on little kid like you for such trivial matter…"

Didn't she just do that back then? Confused thought flashed briefly in Sharris mind, but wisely this time she kept her mouth shut.

Woman shrugged her shoulder "You didn't know what you were actually proposing, while you offered your help…" Lena casually clasped her hands over now closed book "It's not like you slept on purpose either…"

"I bet you had enough time to reflect on your actions yesterday, am I right?" she asked, last words accented in meaningful undertone.

Sharris nodded vigorously. The whole night she regretted what she allowed to happen, the mere thought of being saddled with Bran for even one more day gave her chills.

"Besides… How can I threaten your still fragile relationship with your new-found family?"

Smile gradually faded from woman's face quickly replaced by fierce unyielding expression "But make no mistake… If you'll try to go back on your word… if you will not be responsible for your actions…" Lena bowed her head slowly looming over the girl "In short… If you'll ever leave ANY kid in my care only to run away as if the hellhounds themselves were chasing after you…" she lowered her voice even further "I'll do EVERY single thing I promised before and even MORE and just mentioned hellhounds will be the last of your worries, are we clear?"

At mute nod, woman visibly relaxed a fraction.

Truth be told, never in her entire life was she so terrified as when Sharris shoved this unpredictable, squealing, breakable little thing at her. She would've rather faced crazy Eleanor once again than to deal with infant. With the Bloody Queen she would've known what to do at least…

At mere thought of 'Bran' she shuddered slightly. Lena soo wasn't going to take 'this' kind of responsibility anytime soon...

"What – beside your conscience – brings you here?" Ley tilted her head.

Thankful for the change of topic girl answered readily "Sir Shine had to leave the Palace, he said he was going to meet his father halfway on the turnpike of Sevia."

Black eyes widened slightly "So soon? I thought we'll see him tomorrow?"

It was Sharris turn to shrug "Well… yeah, even Sir Shine was surprised, he had to move out in haste. That's why he asked me to pass his message to you."

Lena drummed her fingers on the bookrest nervously, she thought she had at least one more day to figure things out.

It's not like I have to guide him there the moment he comes through the Palace Gates…

Suddenly one idea occurred to her, maybe the Patriarch will know a way to heal some of the women? Even she knew that several of them were beyond any help and judging by their scars and age, they had to be to oldest in Eleanor's collection.

She wandered aimlessly with her gaze around the library until she noticed her chaotic desk. Ley grimaced faintly, she spent here barely several days and it was already this messy… She sighed with resignation, perhaps it's the time to go out and face the reality instead of dodging her bodyguards and playing with sketches?

After reading some books about history of this country, Lena started to wonder if there really is any rational reason she should panic. Maybe she was overreacting? Sure if she wanted to change mentality of these people position of the queen would make it much easier.

She'd never admit it aloud even under tortures, but she couldn't deny the fact that the easiest way to ensure safety of Jegger or the women from the caves was through gaining some political cutting edge… 'edge' which was obvious if not natural with royal position.

But why the crown? Couldn't she be some temporary advisor or whatever? Why give the throne to a virtual stranger? Where does this conviction bordering with certainty comes from? SHE wasn't sure if she was able to deal with all this and THEY seemed only irritated by her reluctance. Instead of wondering if she was a good candidate, everyone were more interested in WHEN will she finally give in and just take it.

And time was almost up…

Lena sighed heavily, soon she'll have to decide.

Swiftly, to distract herself from her gloomy thoughts she decisively stood up "I suppose you didn't mention this to Sir Wulf yet?" she addressed her companion.

"Oh.. no, you were first person I contacted after Sir Shine left the Palace, I didn't have the time–"

Lena cut her off with raised palm "You don't have to make any excuses to me" after one last glance at her 'sanctuary' she turned toward door.

"Where are you going?" little girls asked, quickly trotting behind her.

"I'm going to yank the tail of the sleeping dragon…"

"W-wha?"

Seeing puzzled expression on Sharris face Ley elaborated with knitted brows "We're going to pay a visit to Sir Wulf…"

Shine still couldn't believe that his own stubborn father would eventually change his mind. Not that he could deny what his own eyes were witnessing at the moment…

The column of personal guards finally reached the West Gates of Sevia and among them in the second line the Patriarch of Leone sat stiffly on his steed. What possibly could coax him to leave homeland and visit Kabul of all places was mystery to Shine, though he had his own suspicions or more like 'suspect'…

Even as he passed the message from Prince of Aran he didn't expect much of it and now he had to admit that clearly he was wrong.

"Father" he bowed his head respectfully "I'm surprised by your swift decision, we expected you tomorrow evening at the earliest." Shine turned sideways and stretched his right hand in welcoming gesture "Allow me to guide you toward the Palace, where you'll be staying."

Older man surveyed the city in which his precious little girl had to live for many years, far away from her own family and people.

He never forgave himself that in the time of true need, he wasn't able to protect Ariana, that he sacrificed her…

His own weakness shamed him greatly.

And here he was, standing in the entrance of this nest of vicious snakes. WHY? That was the nagging question to which even he didn't know full answer.

The memory of certain young lady and her harsh words flooded his mind… Indeed… Perhaps she was right? Didn't he turn his back away from the rest of the world, filled with too much pain and self-loathing?

The moment he got the missive from Aran Prince, he felt sudden urge to see the place his daughter had to live and where she had died. Was this some kind pilgrimage to atone his sins as a father who failed his child in the time of trial?

Seeing his son's brow arched in mute question, Patriarch noticed that he was silent probably for too long "Lead me toward the Palace then." He ordered succinctly, while readjusting his silky veil.

Maybe I'll find my own redemption here…?

Young man stared at piece of vellum and couldn't believe his own eyes, he had to read it several times before he had to finally admit that these facts were undeniable.

I'm soo dead….He will bloody kill me….

With furrowed brows, nervously biting his lower lip, man thought frantically about ANY excuse in his favour – to his utter despair he found none.

When he read this unheard-of message for the last time, he quickly surveyed the inside of the tent. Just as he expected, at first glance it looked normal, in fact, the only thing missing was its resident.

Nothing was out of place.

That may be true until one would notice slight, well concealed cut in the tent wall skilfully hidden behind wooden cot. It was big enough that one person could swiftly escape through it without making any needless ruckus.

Really you….

The man glanced at the 'letter' for the last time…

Gilbert,

I hope You will look after my carriage properly, unfortunately I can't wait any longer for the repair, thus, to save You and other aides from needless hassle I decided to move out on my own.

Take care, I'm sure we will meet soon...

E.

P.S. Don't worry, I'll make sure Bisal won't be angry wit You because of this.

….too much...

The last words were clearly added in haste considering how messily they were scribed compared to the rest. Not so convinced about it yourself huh, Your Majesty? Aide thought bitterly.

"Einar! Amund! Gunvor!" Gilbert bellowed "Leave that bloody coach to the servants, we're leaving!"

Shy rays of sun shined through green young leaves, casting intriguing shadowy kaleidoscopes on the still slightly muddy highroad. The rays were reflecting from the time to time in pools of rainy water scattered along the route.

The man for the first time in long years felt truly free, the idea to sneak away through tent's wall was indeed brilliant. Thanks to that he bought probably another hour.

Finally! Finally he might have found her! He was so overjoyed he didn't know if he wanted more to cry or to laugh, probably both. He only has to confirm Sigfrid's suspicion…

Normally he would be doubtful, it was after all twenty years and his son was still young back then when he met Zara, but even Bisal said that the probability is extremely high this time.

The man tried really hard to not to get his hopes high, but with each mile with each curve of the road as he neared toward the capital of Kabul he knew that his efforts to stay calm and reasonable were futile. It was as if his chest was going to burst with happiness and hope.

And those foolish guards thought that they could stop him…

His little prank reminded him of his own youth, the feeling was indeed refreshing…

Unable to hold in his happy mood anymore, man started humming only to stop and switch to whistling some nonsense melody still hastening his horse, pushing it to its limits.

His steed pricked up its ears nervously hearing the sounds its master was emitting – even the stallion could tell the man was horribly singing out of tune.

The staring contest sure can be tiring… Lena thought without averting her gaze from sharp grey eyes.

Finally the old knight broke the silence "You came to me… on your own volition…" funny, it sounded as if he himself wasn't too sure what to think about it. His cautious voice, as if he was speaking to skittish steed amused Ley to no end, she really had to work hard to not to show it outside.

"Indeed." She couldn't help herself anymore and smirked seeing his calculative frown.

After another long pause Sir Wulf asked warily "W-H-Y?"

"I think we have some important matters to discuss."

"We do?" the man eyed her suspiciously "Are you finally ready to talk about them, My Lady?"

Woman shrugged her shoulder and tried to hide her hands to pockets of her trousers, only to be reminded that she didn't have them. Really, maybe I should talk a little with Head Dressmaker after all? For the lack of better place she wedged her thumbs behind her belt.

"I may be ready to speak of some of them, for the rest you will have to wait a little bit more" she appraised his wrinkled face "After all, you're asking me to give up my old life… That kind of decision can't be made in mere days, no matter how persistently you'll track me down."

Kabul knight folded his arms defiantly "It wouldn't come to that, if you weren't avoiding me purposely, Lady Ley…"

Girl only arched her brow in mock disbelief at him "Can you really blame me for that, after the 'throne stunt' you orchestrated not so long ago?"

The man flinched slightly "I… I might have done it differently…" he reluctantly admitted.

"You indeed could have…" Ley nodded "and look Sire what it caused now, we don't trust each other at all" she smirked "not so good beginning of the relationship between possible ruler and her advisor, don't you think?"

Wulf winced "I hope, we'll be able to overcome this small inconvenience, My Lady…"

"You're not the only one, I assure you." Lena sighed in resignation "I came to inform you that the Patriarch of Leone Tribe has just arrived to Sevia – his son is currently guiding him toward the Palace."

Lord froze, his eyes widening slightly with surprise "So soon…?"

Lena flashed him brief wolfish grin "My words exactly…"

Man rubbed his chin thoughtfully "In the last thirty years I never heard of such incident... as far as I know the Leone Leader after some border accident refused to leave his territory…" he mused aloud "even though Sir Gideon confirmed plans of his visit it was still too hard for me to believe in it…"

"God moves in a mysterious way" Lena joked in order to distract old rebel, she didn't want him to over-think it too much.

Sir Wulf blinked several times and once again focused on his unexpected visitor "I'm grateful My Lady decided to share this important news with me personally, but I wonder… that's not the only reason you're here, am I right?"

Woman gazed at him in silence and finally nodded reluctantly "We need a truce."

"A… truce?" man stared at her without comprehension.

"We need to stop playing this hide-and-seek game while the Patriarch is here. Whatever his motivations are, I don't want to make my decision yet, forget about announcing it publicly like this. He doesn't need to know about our internal problems, even Shine promised not to tell him too much about our little disaccord for now."

Lord nodded in sudden understanding "Indeed, that won't look too good, not in this unsure political situation…"

"Therefore" Lena continued "I'll cease avoid you IF you'll stop pursuing this succession matter while the Head of Leone is here" she paused and sincerely looked straight in knight's eyes "It may not look like that, but I'm truly considering your offer…" she turned her gaze toward window and stared at sunny sky "I'm amazed by your faith that I may be a good ruler, but that doesn't change the fact who I am, what I believe in…" she once again looked at Sir Wulf "…how I was raised…"

The man fell in silence wondering if in fervour of their little game as she called it, he didn't overdo it. King Lucien mentioned something about how she dealt with him on some ship, warning old knight to not to follow his steps. Sir Wulf snorted, perhaps it was already too late for that?

"I agree with your terms, My Lady."

"Good…" she came closer to him and reached her right hand at him.

"Lady?" the man asked her staring blankly at her outstretched limb.

"Just shake it with your right hand, it's the gesture of my people while finding satisfying for both sides agreement" she cocked her head "It's like your holding one's wrist while slapping on the back after making a deal."

Hesitantly knight mimicked her gesture and clasped her hand delicately, glancing at her face seeking confirmation that he didn't mess something up.

Sharris mutely followed with her glance from one face to another wondering if that was some kind of ritual of sorts.

Involuntary smile tugged at corner of Lena's mouth before she squeezed his hand strongly, surprising Sir Wulf. Quickly she let go of his palm and crossed arms over her chest "Now that we understand each other perfectly let's begin our 'small talk.'"

The Patriarch of Leone stared at the group of shivering women, noticing their common colouring and more importantly their mental state.

Indeed, the curse of Leone Tribe caused them a lot of pain and grief… his own blood…

He glanced discreetly at his companion, seeing her internal struggle with her own conscience. The reports of his son and several spies claimed, that even though this woman seemed strong outwardly, surprisingly she showed her soft side from time to time. Usually when someone, who she considered her responsibility was threatened. Now with his own eyes he could confirm that indeed, behind this unmoved mask was hidden a sensitive soul.

The fact she tried mask her emotions with such determination intrigued him.

Black eyes – so similar in shade to those of the 'patients' returned his inquiring stare without batting an eyelash. It was hard for him to get used to this kind of frankness, nobody in many years dared to look straight into his eyes anymore, not even his son…

What had caused this change in him, this coldness toward even his beloved ones, was Ariana and her fate. Gods know that he tried to do everything in his power to prevent it from happening, and yet he failed…

He failed…

He betrayed his own child…

He sacrificed her to save his own tribe…

Man blinked several times as if he was waking up from a long dream, only to find unwavering obsidian gaze once again.

The Child of the Prophecy… the true mystery…

Even now that woman refused to tell him how exactly she learnt his old lullaby. The only answer he was able to extract from her was that it was personal message from his deceased daughter. Nothing less nothing more.

Once again he turned his attention toward little crowd of abused human beings "You're saying they don't tolerate male presence and yet here I am standing."

Ley followed his gaze "They didn't panic only because I'm here with You, Sire."

Man arched a brow at her questioningly.

Female shrugged "I look like them, more or less, besides I'm a woman."

The Patriarch surveyed the faces of former prisoners. Some of them were far beyond his abilities, but some with a little help might be salvageable.

"And why should I interfere and try to cure them with abilities of my tribe?" he asked only curious of her answer.

Surprisingly calmly Lena answered without turning her eyes from the women "Oh… If you don't feel even slightest pang of guilt while seeing handiwork of your grandchild, I seriously don't know what possibly could move you anymore…"

Sharp intake of breath behind them confirmed that two Leone personal guards could hear their conversation just fine.

Not that Ley cared.

Instead of getting angry at such insult Leader found it surprisingly refreshing even funny "You really aren't scared of me even a little bit?"

Lena looked at him "And why should I be?"

Hearing this so typical for this woman answer Patriarch couldn't help himself and chuckled involuntarily shocking not only himself but also present bodyguards.

Gods! He wasn't able to smile in a long time…

He started to understand why his son may be so besotted with her as the maids gossiped. A pity that was impossible… No one wanted to risk birth of another 'Eleanor'…

"Indeed good question…" he muttered under his nose and appraised her face once again "Though I have to remind you that's not the best way to convince anyone to help you…"

Lena raised her brow at him "If you weren't going to help them anyway, you wouldn't be bothering to come here at all, Sire."

Man stared at her little stunned and slowly relaxed a little. What an interesting young woman…

"Is there any way to save some of them?" Ley inquired.

The Patriarch decided to be honest with her "Some of my people may be able to help, but I'm afraid that few of these women went too far inside themselves to escape their pain and misery…"

Exotic woman only nodded, not so surprised by his words "Even so, will you try, Sire?"

Sad smile answered her "We will try… That's the least we can do…"

The next day Lena spent mostly with Leone. From time to time Shine had to explain her thing or two when it came to technical problems with their powers and possible complications while treating the patients.

Overall, her friends and royals didn't know what to make of this strange almost natural symbiosis between Ley and that tribe, especially that it was hard to not to notice it.

Naturally once the Patriarch noticed Michael, he too tried to sound him out asking about his origins. Really, nothing irked silver-haired man more than persistent superficial copies of himself asking over and over the same questions, questions to which he himself didn't know how to answer.

It seemed as if the sole reason the Head of the Leone Tribe visit was to cure the women from the caves, except he didn't know they even existed when he moved out from his homeland…

Nobody dared to question his presence. Sir Wulf couldn't deny the fact that attendance of the Patriarch during (hopefully soon) coronation of next Queen of Kabul would increase the prestige and more importantly, together with three other royals it will validate Ley's candidature.

Only in the evening The Patriarch tentatively asked Lena if she could show him where were his daughter's rooms. The most surprising was that the woman without any hesitation took him right to Ariana's quarters, even though, as far as others knew, she couldn't possibly know where they were located. The man spent there a night and nobody dared to disturb him even though not everyone suspected his connection with Eleanor's mother.

Not even once did the Head of the Leone commented the presence of Jegger Tribe, in fact he treated them as if they were an air.

The last rays of sun disappeared behind the horizon and the inhabitants of the Palace went to their desired rest, completely unaware of things what were to come.

The following morning begun with frantic running of the servants. It looked like some of 'unexpected' guests decided to pay a visit to Sevia.

To Lena's utter despair Sir Wulf pestered her with constant questions about how does she want to deal with this unusual situation, how does she view their current situation and more importantly where exactly she wants to accommodate the 'horde' as she called them.

Not even once did he ask about the crown or succession, just as he promised and yet the outcome was exactly the same – he was annoyingly clingy.

Lena couldn't help and kept counting his constant questions to distract herself a little from this utter chaos – she snapped at fifty-sixth….

"…and another matter we should discuss…"

"ENOUGH, Sir Wulf!" woman massaged her temples without slowing down as the man was swiftly striding beside her, constantly giving reports about the situation, waiting for her replies and all that without a single pause since early morning hours. God, how I hate mornings…!

Finally hearing definite note in her voice, wisely he fell silent.

"You follow my every step and I get impression, that you're using out little 'truce' to your full advantage since I promised not to avoid you…" woman mocked.

Old knight opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it and once again didn't utter a word.

"I did agree to help you, BUT that doesn't mean you can 'abuse' me like this…" Ley grumbled fighting back her headache "Honestly…" she stopped and glared at suddenly mute lord "among many things, you keep asking me about some trivial matters" she started counting on her fingers angrily "Food, accommodation, the number of appointed servants, the order in which I'd like to welcome our precious pests – oh sorry I meant – guests…" her tone was basically dripping with sarcasm.

Ley folded her arms defiantly "Tell me did you ever organized a banquet?"

"…Well…"

Woman waved her hand dismissively "Don't bother Sire, that was rhetorical question…" she raised her head cheekily "Even if it was only once, you already have done it more than me." She tilted her head "which is, if you have any more doubts left – I NEVER done that in my entire life."

Is it some reason to be proud of? Man eyed her suspiciously.

"But Lady…."

Ignoring him Ley continued "Moreover, I don't even know the basics of your etiquette. I can't possibly know who should sit beside who or whatever and even IF I tried to help you with this matter, I'm sure it would end up with some political scandal…"

This time the Lord was silent not because he sensed some kind of trap, but because he needed to think about what the woman just said. Try as he might, she DID have some valid arguments.

"So…My Lady…What do you propose?" he finally asked reluctantly.

"Find me if there are some troubles with Jeggers, if some guests are abusing our hospitality – something like that – the organization I leave to you." She announced and turned on her heel.

Lena felt as if she was going to suffocate at any given moment. She just learnt that to have claustrophobic attack she didn't need to go in some dark place deep in the underground – the horde of annoying onlookers was sufficient enough.

Thank God, all the time she was wearing the male outfit – seeing eager glances after the banquet convinced her enough that this was the safest solution – only because of that she was still able to wander freely within the Palace.

That and thanks to her knowledge about hidden passages…

With her hair in tight braid, another leather tunic on her back, dark breeches and high boots she looked like any other man. Well maybe not completely, but sure it was much better than these flimsy gowns Head Dressmaker kept tossing at her in hope she'll finally like one. It looked like after her initial shock during the feast, Lena's reluctance toward female clothes got onto granny's ambition.

And here I thought she'll give up… Ley smirked internally – she liked old lady, if not for her persistence – for her spunk definitely.

She dodged another patrol of mixed guards – right now she didn't want to meet anyone, she just wanted to take a deep breath. ALONE.

She hid in another shadow waiting for the guards to pass her hideout. She really needed to take a deep breath, and right NOW.

If I go to the Library, sooner or later someone will find me there… woman pondered while men disappeared behind the corner. Maybe I'll sneak there and take book or whatever, but where to go next? She couldn't stay in the passageways forever – not to mention that Michael will come for her, if she liked it or not.

Suddenly Lena thought about Queen's Gardens – it was secluded, surrounded with high stone wall and definitely filled with fresh air. On top of that since it was favourite place of Eleanor – well perhaps except her private 'playground' – not many had any desire to wander there nowadays.

Another advantage was Lucien's strange aversion toward this place. She never asked why he looks like he would like to raze it to the ground, but it was clear the king hated it. Even Sigfrid – who judging by his expression knew the reason behind Tamir monarch's odd behaviour – didn't comment on that or even teased him because of it…

Weird…

The strangest thing was, that the entire gardens – or more like little private woodland or park – were… lovely… Not the best word to describe its previous owner, but even so…

When Lena found old map of the palace complex in the library, she remembered that one wall of the gardens was at the same time the wall of the Palace itself – it separated royal residence from mere peasants – talk about delusion of grandeur…

Finally, seeing the way out of this ridiculous situation of being hostage in her own 'temporary' home, woman resolutely headed toward the library.

Man stared at high stone wall before him, considering his options. He already entered Sevia and to his utter shock the entrance of the Palace was blocked by soldiers, who were checking suspiciously many arriving guests.

Since he saw his own men between them, he wondered if perhaps he shouldn't do this as any normal citizen and just come forward and ask for the meeting with the Child of The Prophecy, as they called his little girl here.

But then he looked down at his clothes and there was not a single clean place on it. Not only he was alone since he ditched his own retainers, but dirty and if he would announce he's their king, he doubted those younglings would believe him. He had nothing but his word to back up his claim.

Perhaps he should have taken his blasted crown as the evidence? Pity he didn't thought of that when he was sneaking away.

That's when he noticed that the wall on the east side had different colour, intrigued he clucked at his horse and headed toward it.

Surprisingly, it looked like behind this one corner the entire long wall was built of the same stone – perhaps later than the rest of the battlements. Not only it looked little neglected, but the number of sentry was much lower, as if it wasn't worth protecting so much.

Old warrior cocked his head and rode further down the length of this strange construction until he found secluded place overgrown with some bushes and old trees – as if the nature herself was trying to reclaim this section of the wall.

Silently, glancing from time to time if some lost guards didn't decide to check this sector too, man guided his stallion by reins one hand securely over its nostrils.

When he finally reached the wall itself completely unnoticed he bound the reins to low bough and after petting the steed reassuringly once again he climbed on its back. Then, once he was sure the horse won't move, slowly to not to startle it, he stood up on his saddle and reached the lowest thick enough to bear his weight branch.

After another pause, swiftly he hoisted himself on it, his moves graceful despite his age. Really, younglings and their lack of stamina and that's why they weren't able to catch up to me…

From one branch to another, finally he reached the top of the wall and since it was broad for two feet he sat up on it to consider how the check he was supposed to get down on the other side.

Fortunately his climbing friend had a twin, so the man, this time more carefully climbed down the old tree.

When he was about six feet above the ground one last branch decided to give in and he was forced to jump into the nearest bush in order to cushion his fall.

Thankfully, besides several cuts, one nasty gush and bunch of bruises, he was all right.

Little annoyed he shook some little twigs off.

That's certainly not how he imagined first meeting with his daughter.

Finally, after checking if his all limbs were attached in correct places, with his back to the wall he started to penetrate this green thicket heading hopefully toward the Palace.

He tried to be as soundless as possible, knowing from his own experience that the sentry on the guard could be really nasty, especially toward stranger covered with mud, twigs and God knows what else, all over his clothes.

As he went deeper, the unruly brushwood slowly disappeared making place for flowers? Fruit trees? Grass?

Where the hell am I?

Suddenly, hearing some strange sound he froze, praying feverishly it wasn't another guard. He soo didn't need any political scandal, at least not in his current dishevelled state.

He didn't make another step, using the large tree of unknown origins as the cover he peeked cautiously.

Abruptly he felt so weak that he needed to lean on the trunk heavily, flooded by his long buried memories.

That straight black hair…

Man closed his eyes and took deep breath to calm himself, only then he dared to glance once again at the stranger.

Under some fruit tree with lots of little white flowers sat a boy? A girl? It was hard to tell from this distance. Certainly the person wore simple tunic and breeches, but that didn't predestine anything…

Carefully, old warrior mustering all his abilities gained through his entire life, slowly crept toward immersed in his lecture person.

The closer he sneaked the more joy he felt.

That hair, this female silhouette – not even the male disguise could misguide him anymore… Just little closer, just to see her face clearly… the man chanted, to whom, he didn't know anymore…

Suddenly, too focused on the stranger he accidentally stepped on one blasted twig. He could swear that the sound it emitted could be hard in entire Kabul.

Alarmed woman immediately jerked her head up in his direction.

The man nearly fell to his knees – HER FACE…!

For years he wondered how Zara's daughter may look like when she will grow up, but never did he expect this…

He stared at exact copy of his beloved Zara.

Faster than he could react in his slightly shocked state, the woman – no his little Lena – swiftly stood up and as if by some magical trick in one hand she held stiletto, which appeared out of nowhere.

"Who are you and how did you get inside the Queen's Gardens?"

Dear God! Even their voice was similar, this low timbre, this cadence…

Lena cocked her head "Are you only mute or also deaf?"

If he wasn't so stunned he would've be racing by now toward her to touch his child, to make sure she is real... Apparently his mouth too refused to cooperate. No matter how much he tried, no words could come out of his clenched with emotion throat. Only then, perhaps because of his frustration with himself, he noticed that he still had his hood on.

Slowly, to not to alarm her even further, he reached toward it and allowed it to freely fall on his back. He knew that she couldn't possibly know or remember him, but still his hope refused to give up…

Ley warily observed the stranger not sure how to interpret his strange silence… On top of that he looked as if something chewed him and later changed its mind only to split him out. The layers of mud, twigs and leathers resembled this of geological features. How the hell did he manage to become so dirty?

Seeing his slow non-threatening gesture, she didn't react when he reached for the hood, but the moment she saw his face the knife nearly fell from her suddenly stiff fingers.

He was older, clearly his several wrinkles proved that, he had a short moustache and beard, but the resemblance couldn't be denied…

Sigfrid's father couldn't disown his son even if he wanted to…

Seeing his face, the strong emotions which robbed him of his speech flashing one after another, the unshed tears welling in his eyes so similar to his son's… Ley was flooded with one vague memory or rather vision in which she saw Zara and her lover…

Stunned king watched as deep in the black eyes he loved so much clear recognition flashed briefly.

Woman as if in trance, lowered her weapon and relaxed her stance "It's you…" she said as if to herself and slowly raised her eyes toward his "You are King of Aran…" she frowned as if something was bothering her "You are… King Eric…" she finished as if little surprised that she knows him.

This was just too much, one lost tear slowly run down man's cheek "I finally found you…" even to him his own voice sounded rather raspy "I found you my precious princess… my Lena…."