Nadir was making the best of the time he had before he would have to report to the palace. Doing anything that would not involve conversating or sitting alone in a quiet room. He had always been an early riser. selectively deciding to go riding a little after dawn. He had made morning salah and a small breakfast, and walked past his office and sitting room, where upon entering he found a rail thin man sitting in a blue armchair, his ankle resting on his sharp knee, his hand held up a book.

"Erik, how did you get into my house?" Nadir couldn't hide the irritation in his voice.

"Good morning to you." The timbre of his voice held a slight bit of amusement.

"Why are you here?" He shook his head, dark brows furrowed.

"I was bored so I decided to annoy you."

"Well at least you're honest." He sighed. "And I'm not staying home at the moment."

"And what possible thing could you be doing at this hour?" Erik questions.

"Not breaking into your ' friends' house." Nadir shot back, walking away, hardly bothering to see if Erik would follow or not. "I just want out of this house. And a moment to breathe,"

Erik snorted "Oh please, it's hardly breaking in." Following close behind.

Nothing more was said as they loaded their horses. Both mostly stayed quiet for most of the ride. Slowing their horses to a slow trot. Honestly, it had been mere luck that he spotted something stark white and red on the banks.

It was a girl. And by some miracle she was alive.

—

Erik was just on the outskirts of Tehran. He urged his horse forward, the sun had yet to rise. He was mind filled with anger and resentment as he looked on the city. All of the memories of being used as a court monster and assassin did not sit well with him. His mask sat under a dark cloth so as to not raise any suspicion. He did not want to be seen. Although if his friend was indeed gone by now it really wouldn't have mattered. So many people wanted to end his life.

He dreaded seeing Isa. Mainly for the reason after Isa was taken in. He did not exactly hate isa but it was like opening an old wound. And as much as he dreaded writing to Isa, he did alert him of what was happening. And had instructed him to stay in Tehran for further instructions. Even if he could predict Isa might have already done something. He had spent years tutoring him when isa was still deciding whether to marry or to find a job and live essentially a false life. And it brought back feelings of regret of how he treated Isa at that time.

He came upon the house, boarding his horse in the pasture beside it. And knocking hard three times. The door came open seconds later. He now stood in front of a man who was of average height, short dark brown hair, and silvery gray eyes. Isa's eyes widened, then moved and let him pass through.

"Oh, Hello Erik." Isa's gaze averted down, moving to the side to let Erik pass on in. But he did not enter.

"I'm not staying, Isa. I cant.'' Erik managed out, pausing. "I know it's your father." His tone was low.

"Yes, that's why I need to talk to you, I have Nadir here. He's asleep." Isa responded.

Erik's eyes widened at the new information on nadir, almost shoving Isa out of the way to come in. throwing his bag down on the ground. "Where?" Erik demanded. "Where is he?" His breath seemed to leave his body, and he struggled to catch it.

"He's fine. He is more rough for wear. He needs the rest Erik. Please sit" Isa gestured to the table in the kitchen. Just then the door to Nadir's room creaked open. His hand on the door jam. Nadir's eyes went wide.

"Hello Erik" a soft smile crossed his lips, a bandage covered his left eye. The sleeve left sleeve to his nightshirt hung limply; he looked so vulnerable now. Anger flared at the state he was put in.

"Hello Dargoa.'' His voice is strangely sober now. Erik did not expect to meet his friend like this. It wasn't anger he felt it was rage. Pure unending rage. Of all people who didn't deserve this, it was Nadir. Erik's hands pulled as if to make claws. His thin lips stretched into a frown.

"Where is Andrei?" His voice was dangerously low. Not asking anyone in particular but still expecting an answer.

"Erik we need to make a plan, he has others working for him that view you as a threat." Isa responded, choosing his words wisely.

"I don't give a shit. Tell me where he is. Or I'm going to find him myself." he spat

"Erik please-" Isa begged but was cut off.

"I don't want to hear a single thing from you." Erik snapped. "If you stayed in Persia this might have not fucking happened, Isa." His thin lips stretched to a snarl. Hurt crossed Isa's face.

"Erik, this is not her fault." Nadir interjected. Somehow this made Isa feel worse.

"If she stayed here, you might actually have your eye and arm right now. Instead of becoming a bloody doctor and traveling abroad." Erik gave an incensed look towards Isa. "just tell me where that damn fucker is so i can kill him." His voice was now a loud shout.

"I'm going to be the one killing him!" Isa finally interjected. "You need to accompany Nadir out of the country."

Erik let out a sudden acrid and mocking laugh. "You can't tell me what to do. And also why is that? What are you going to do? Run from the slightest noise and cower in fear? Why do you think it's better for you to dirty your hands princess?" there it was, Isa's old pet name, the mocking and the rudeness that Isa did not miss. Erik was turning for the door.

"It's better for Isa to do so because he will not expect him. He thinks Isa is dead. I need you in case of us being followed. " Nadir attempted to gently explain. " You can't take all of them," he added.

"And Isa cant either." Erik turned and paused. " Tell me, does he still live right outside of the south border of the palace?" his voice was mocking. He stood towering over Isa, intended to intimidate him. Isa stood their ground.

"Erik, they will kill you, please don't do this." Isa pleaded.

Erik's mind went to the day Isa made the decision to leave Persia, it had been a very long fight between them. Confessions gone wrong, stubbornness on both sides, denial after messy denial. Isa had let down too many defenses and Erik had too many walls. And suddenly Isa absolutely despised Erik. And of course it was for the death of Isa's brother. Of all things her brother. Isa's demeanor changed entirely towards him, becoming cold.

"It's not like anyone is going to miss my existence Isa. Get out of my way" he pushed Ia aside and strode out into the night, Erik's mind becoming a dangerous mixture of sadness and rage. Nadir had his hand up to his eyes. Isa looked to Nadir for further instruction, looking up he made one last final command.

"Go follow him."