Hi loyal readers!

As a person of their word, here is the next update!

This chapter has violence at the end and is rated M so please skip if you are underage.

Enjoy :)


It had been a week since Musa started heading to the library every day to continue her "studies". After the incident with Mitzi, the young woman had been avoiding Sir Jet to avoid his wrath. She was correct that she outranked him but it was obvious that the man's anger control issues were known in the court, at least to the ladies. True to her word, Mitzi was correct about the court pact. Musa had noticed other ladies of the court acting really nice to Musa and each one suddenly appearing when she was in the library with Sir Jet. It seemed that Mitzi had spread word about Sir Jet's sudden interest in being alone with Musa so it looked like all the Valkarian women made sure that someone else happened to be in the library at the same time.

Musa was not sure how long things would last before Sir Jet caught on to their plan, if he hadn't already. Interestingly though, the courtiers not only appeared in the library but all of them at one point or another had approached Musa outside of the library as well to talk. They spoke to her like she was one of the girls. It is a shame that it took her "changing her ways" before the women started acting nice to her. Musa sometimes wondered how they would act once she won back her planet. Some would obviously take issue and back their king, but seeing their behaviour change slowly gave Musa pause. Would some actually adapt and become nicer people once this was over? Could a leopard really change its strips?

"Musa!" A voice called her breaking her train of thought.

Musa shook her head and looked at Mitzi who stood in front of her. For the first time since she was a girl, Mitzi wore a casual look. She opted for a black flare midi-skirt, emerald green velvet sweater tucked in and black ankle boots. Musa knew that modern fashion allowed the ladies of the court to dress casual when they weren't scheduled to meet for important functions or meetings, but Musa was not so lucky. She still had to earn all the "privileges", and she used the term loosely, like the other Valkarian courtiers. Musa internally smiled when she remembered Mitzi telling her that morning that, although she did not have any courtier duties, she could still attract the prince with her legs should they happen to run into him.

'Yes, Mitzi,' Musa thought to herself sarcastically. 'The prince will happen to run into us at a seamstress shop.'

As promised, Mitzi woke Musa up early that Saturday morning to take her to her personal seamstress in the heart of the city. The woman was, to Musa's surprise, a Melodian. As far as she thought, Musa believed all the Valkarians went to each other for work. Musa was pleasantly surprised. She did happen to notice how the woman was not as on edge with Mitzi as others would be to Valkarians. It was like Mitzi was actually nice to this Melodian and Musa. Others, as Musa had seen, she was not nice to, but Musa was noticing a change in her acquaintance. She was not ready to call her a friend. She was a necessity and nothing more. Musa still thought that Mitzi will drop her like a sack of potatoes the moment the truth came out.

"Have you not been listening to a word I've said?" Mitzi asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

Musa, the ever-growing actor, smiled at the woman. "Of course I have, Lady Mitzi. You were telling me all about the knights' training session when you watched them during yesterday's tea."

Mitzi smiled with satisfaction. "I would have invited you, my dear friend, but I was getting gossip from Lady Cecelia. She is convinced her husband is having an affair."

Musa giggled. "Lady Cecelia always thinks her husband is having an affair."

"I know, right?" Mitzi laughed.

Thank goodness for Stella's gossip intel. Musa knew everything that was going on in the court and then some. The courtiers can now converse with her without having to catch her up.

"Lady Mitzi," an elderly voice interrupted.

Mitzi looked down and saw the elderly seamstress putting pins to the hem of the fabric Musa stood in. If Musa was being honest, she did not like the colour but she couldn't help but admit to herself that it looked nice on her. A dark emerald velvet that made her hair shine. Valkarians seemed to like the dark jewel colours that Melodian fabric provided compared to the staple colours of black, brown and white that traditionally made up their colour palette – well, at least described in the history books. Musa thought that they compensated for their dark brown eye colour by wearing the Melodian fabric. Due to their own unique purple and gem coloured eyes, Melodians typically wore the colours to make their eyes pop. It still unnerved Musa how Prince Riven's eyes were different to those of his father and other Valkarians.

"Yes, Belinda," Mitzi replied.

"Is this an acceptable length?"

Mitzi nodded and mentioned a few additional changes before going over to the racks. When Mitzi was out of sight, the seamstress stopped her pinning and stood up to Musa so that she was at ear height.

"You're just like your mother," Belinda whispered.

Musa's eyes bugged out her skull and she subtly looked to see if Mitzi had heard. When she saw no sign she gave a warm smile to the old woman.

"Um…..thank you," Musa whispered back. "D-Did you know her?"

"Everyone knew your mother, Princess," Belinda said.

Musa again was left shocked. Apart from Tecna and her friends, no one had called her Princess since she was a little kid. The seamstress seemed to notice Musa's shock and her face showed slight pity but warmth and understanding.

"I-I…I…" Musa stuttered but couldn't form the words.

"As long as you are alive, Your Highness, that gives us hope for tomorrow," Belinda whispered and gently patted Musa's shoulder.

Was she psychic? Could she see what Musa was planning? Those words meant so much to her. She desperately wanted to tell her people that she hadn't given up on them and was doing everything she could to help them.

"I….haven't abandoned you…." Musa whispered, tears starting to build in her eyes. "P-Please k-know that."

The woman smiled and placed a hand on Musa's chick to subtly wipe a stray tear away.

"I know," Belinda said.

Before Musa could say anything, she felt a prick in against her waist.

"Ouch!" Musa exclaimed. She then heard a slight giggle and suddenly saw Mitzi stand before them again in front of the mirror.

"Oh, I am so sorry, Your Ladyship," Belinda exclaimed.

"You tear up at a small pin prick?" Mitzi giggled. "You better get used to that if you want to get tailored dresses for your dinners with the king."

Musa looked at the woman confused before she saw a subtle wink thrown in her direction. Smart woman! Musa was impressed. How the woman was able to see Mitzi come straight back and think of an excuse that quick was impressive.

"That is enough for today," Mitzi said looking at her watch. "We must get back so my lunch with daddy."

Belinda nodded her head and started carefully helping Musa out of the fabric to start creating the dress.

"Thanks for taking me here, Mitzi," Musa replied honestly.

"Of course," Mitzi said with a shrug. "Can't have you attending dinner with the royals dressed in hand-me-downs. Especially if you are going to talk me up to the prince. When can Lady Musa expect the dress, Belinda?"

"I can have it ready in two days, Your Ladyship," Belinda immediately replied.

"Oh that will not do," Mitzi said. "She needs to have a dress for the dinner with the royals. She's already worn each dress she has once and cannot be seen in the same ones again."

Belinda smiled at both girls before she turned and pulled out a large elegant rectangular box with a red ribbon tied around it.

"I do have this dress that she can take home today," Belinda said. "It is in her size but it was made using the Valkarian colour staples."

Mitzi opened the box and inside was a stunning black velvet v-cut dress with slight of the shoulder sleeves. Mitzi pulled the whole dress out of the box and held it up. Her and Musa gasped at the dress.

"It is a one of a kind piece. I made it for a customer to match a historic figure in Valkarian history. They, however, did not pick it up so it has never been touched since creation."

"Oh, madam, that is far to elegant for me," Musa said noticing Mitzi's love for the dress.

Musa fell in love with the dress too but she could tell that Mitzi was considering buying the dress for herself.

"This dress looks very familiar," Mitzi said as she looked at the dress. "Someone wore it to a gala event, I remember seeing the photos as a little girl. I just cannot put my finger on who."

"W-would you like it, Lady Mitzi?" Belinda asked, subtly looking at Musa and hoping she said no.

The room was silent as Mitzi considered the question. Musa loved the dress. It was elegant, did not show too much skin, and in no way looked like a Valkarian style dress. Sure, it was black and velvet, but that was the extent of the similarities. To Musa, it looked like a blend of Melodian design and Valkarian colours. The style was something Musa saw herself in when she pictured her free realm having balls.

"I do not think Prince Riven will notice me in this dress," Mitzi finally said and gently placed the dress back in the box. "I like showing a bit more cleavage and this dress is too nice to alter."

Belinda nodded her head while Mitzi looked back at Musa.

"I do, however, think it will be a great dress to wear to dinner while we wait for your next dress."

"Are you sure, Mitzi?" Musa asked surprised.

Mitzi smiled at her. "Yes, it would look lovely and every bit the Valkarian you are."

Something shattering on the floor caught the girls' attention. They turned and found a broken glass jar on the floor. Belinda muttered apologies as she picked up the large shards.

"A thousand apologies, Lady Mitzi," Belinda said.

Mitzi simply laughed and said it was not a big deal. Belinda placed the shards in the bin and turned back to the ladies.

"I will have this delivered straight to L-Lady M-Musa's room in time for the dinner, Lady Mitzi."

Mitzi nodded her head and satisfaction and turned to leave the store and waited for Musa. Musa walked over and before she could pay for the second dress, Belinda pushed her hand away.

"No," Belinda said. "Your Highness, I would be honoured if you wore this dress."

"Really? B-But I must. You are a business."

Belinda shook her head. "Lady Mitzi has already paid for the first dress. This one would look fantastic on you. It was made for someone special and you are the person I see wearing it."

"It's a Valkarian dress," Musa whispered.

Belinda smirked. "Is it?"

"Who, who would wear a Melodian style dress in Valkarian colours?"

Belinda was about to respond when the front door opened and Mitzi popped her head inside.

"Are you coming?" Mitzi said annoyed.

"Sorry, Your Ladyship," Musa apologised.

Mitzi rolled her eyes and went back outside again.

"I have to make one adjustment to the dress but I will be in your quarters in time," Belinda repeated. She then leaned closer to Musa's face. "Never forget who you are, Princess Musa."

Musa gave the first real smile in days and clutched the woman's hand in hers.

"Thank you," Musa whispered.

Belinda nodded and watched Musa return to her Valkarian persona and walked out of the store to an awaiting Mitzi. The pair put on her long coats and started walking back to the castle, Musa noticing Sir Hammon in the shadows as normal. Musa was grateful that Mitzi convinced him to wait outside for them the whole time. Hiding that conversation with the seamstress would have been difficult.


It had been a few hours since Musa had left to go shopping with Mitzi while Tecna read up on the history books that Musa managed to take from the library the previous day. She was grateful that Musa managed to find further books on the Valkarian royal lineage.

Since her run in with the right hand to the rebellion leader, Tecna had been meeting with him every few days to share intel. Tecna informed him of Melody's time frame while he informed her of the current realms involved in the rebellion. Much to Tecna's delight, the man, who still refused to give his name, had a rebellion member meet with Solaria and Sparx. Sparx managed to agree to help but Solaria are still anxious about getting on the bad side of the Valkarians. Their point of view is that Sparx, Solaria and other realms have the troops but they need Zenith to bring the weapons, Linphea to bring the healers, and Erakleon to bring the war ships. According to her contact, Magix managed to bring some ships but not the extent of Erakleon and Zenith's capabilities. According to the intel, the rebellion leader said not to worry about Erakleon and Zenith. How could they not? They needed everyone's help to defeat the Valkarians. They have strength on their side but not technology. Technology and the skies are their only advantage in claiming back Melody. Stella is still trying to convince her father but, Tecna hated to admit it, she couldn't blame the King's nervousness if Zenith and Erakleon are not involved yet.

Tecna was at the chapter about King Kaatar's first ball to find a wife. Tecna saw one photo of the king dancing with a tall, long magenta haired woman. The woman was gorgeous and looked stunning in a black gown. What really caught Tecna's attention was how the photographer managed to catch the look on King Kaatar's face, shining those brown eyes lovingly at the woman. Although the photo was taken from behind the woman and couldn't see her face, the way they held each other close was romantic, despite it being of King Kataar. Before Tecna could read any further she heard the main room door open and Musa walk in. Tecna got up from the sitting room couch and walked out to the door to greet her friend.

"How did it go?" Tecna asked as she took Musa's coat.

Musa sighed and rubbed her hands over her eyes. "The seamstress is Melodian."

"Really?" Tecna said surprised as she hung up Musa's coat in the large wardrobe. "That is a surprise considering how much Mitzi annoyingly points out your difference in heritage all the time."

"Tell me about it," Musa groaned.

Musa then fell silent and beckoned Tecna to follow her into the bathroom. Once the pair were inside, Musa turned on the shower before talking.

"The seamstress told me how much I look like my mother," Musa whispered.

"That is amazing!" Tecna whispered happily back.

"She also told me to not forget who I was and that…that she knew I haven't abandoned them."

Tears started rolling down Musa's and Tecna immediately pulled her into a hug. Musa cried silently on Tecna's shoulder, trying to give her some comfort.

"I….I thought they hated me," Musa cried softly. "I thought they believed I failed them and left them to suffer while I live in the palace with expensive clothes."

"Everyone knows the pain you are enduring," Tecna replied. "You are living with a man who killed your mother and took away your family and home. You endure his constant torment and are paraded in front of your own people for punishment. Believe me, Musa, they all know that you have not abandoned them, they just live in fear to say so. The Valkarians are using this against you so you don't see how powerful you really are and so they control your people through fear. You cannot let Kaatar get to you."

Musa nodded her head at her friend's words. She gently pulled herself away and washed away her running mascara in the sink. Tecna hated seeing her friend in pain and she hated keeping things from her. If her subjects were willing to speak openly about those things and risk being exposed by Mitzi then surely Tecna could risk telling Musa about her intel.

"Musa," Tecna said nervously. "There is something I have to tell you."


The sound of a door slamming open caught the king's attention. He looked up from his desk in his royal study and watched as the dark figure of Darcy storm up to him.

"What is this I hear about that brat having access to the library?" Darcy yelled.

The king stood up from his seat and slammed his hands on the table.

"Remember your place, Darcy!" the king yelled. "How dare you storm into my private office and demand answers from me."

"That brat could learn things that could destroy everything I've-we've built!"

"Do not make me repeat myself, witch," the king yelled, his face immediately darkening.

Darcy heard the threat in his voice and quickly regained her composure.

"My apologies, sire," Darcy said. "I….I am merely looking out for your interests. I am concerned that The Siren is up to something and going to the library puts us in a risky situation."

The king seemed to calm at Darcy's submission. He slowly sat back down in his seat with a chuckle, irritating Darcy.

"Darcy," the king laughed with condescension. "The Siren is having her fun. All Melodian books from the palace were destroyed in the raid. The only things she is going to find are dust and the Valkarian history. Even if she was dumb enough to plan an escape, there is nothing of use to her in dusty old books."

"Your arrogance, Sire, has me concerned," Darcy said grimly. "She is a prisoner. She has no right to privileges such as those."

The king sighed in annoyance. "You sound just like me son. I will say to you as I said to him. She is our prisoner, but she must be kept unharmed. Melodians still follow her and the only thing preventing them from rebelling is fear of her being harmed. If they see us keeping up our end of the deal, then they will too. Besides, what person would respect a leader who lived a luxurious life while they lived in squalor? We control the perception they see, and I want to keep it that way. She is a prisoner, but they see a leader who abandoned them for wealth."

"Those who do not learn from history, Sire, are doomed to repeat them," Darcy warned.

"I've re-written our own history and have destroyed Melody's," the king replied menacingly. "Do not threaten me again."

"I am warning you, Sire," Darcy said. "You worked hard to get this far and protect your people. You are in a position of great power."

"So are you if I remain here," the king fired back.

"I would like to keep it that way for both of our sakes," Darcy answered. "Reconsider the prisoner's position."

"You have said what you came here to say, Witch, now leave," the king ordered.

Without another word, Darcy stormed back out of the office, slamming the door behind her.


"How could you keep something like that from me?" Musa said angrily.

"I'm sorry, Musa," Tecna apologised. "I wasn't trying to keep it from you."

"Then why not tell me after it happened? Do you not trust me?"

"Of course I do!" Tecna immediately replied. "I trust you with my life, but I do not trust him. I had to be sure that I trusted him before I told him out our plan."

"Is that all the information you know?" Musa asked. "Everything from their discussions with Sparx and the girls, and their communications?"

"I promise, Musa, I have told you all that I know."

"And yet we still do not know who the rebellion leader is?"

"My contact is very cagey on that. I do not know where they are based, who they are, nothing."

"My concern is what they have to gain from helping us," Musa said sceptically.

"Sparx and Magpix are helping us because of Melody's previous treaties with them. Solaria wants an open trading route with us when this is over and if we can save the planet, but that is banking on them saying yes when Erakleon and Zenith join."

"Has Flora had any luck in Linphea?"

"They are pacifists and are reluctant to help but she is confident that she will get them to agree. They will not fight, we just need healers on standby."

"What about other realms?"

"We don't know their conditions," Tecna said. "I am sure it will be resources too if we heal Melody after all of this."

"They will get all resources we can spare if this is successful," Musa said. "But no land, no magic, and no marriage."

"No one has mentioned an arranged marriage," Tecna said confidently.

"Thank god," Musa sighed with relief.

"I am sorry I kept this from you, Musa," Tecna said sadly. "I truly couldn't risk exposing you until I was sure."

"Can we trust him?"

"I would not say trust him," Tecna began. "But we can trust his intentions for the most part. We have to keep an eye on him until we meet the rebellion leader."

Musa nodded her head in agreement.

"Do it," Musa replied. "Tell him our plan."

Tecna nodded her head. Musa turned and switched off the shower. The pair had been in the shower for over an hour and hoped that it did not cause her knights to become suspicious. They walked out into the main bedroom and noticed a large box sitting on Musa's bed. Musa smiled brightly and ran over to the box.

"What is that?" Tecna asked.

"It is my dress for dinner tonight."

Tecna stared at her friend in confusion. She has never been excited about a dress, let alone one for a dinner with the Valkarians. Musa untied the bow, ignoring the fact that someone else outside of herself and Tecna were in her room to deliver it and somehow managed to pass the guards. She thew open the lid and pulled out the stunning black velvet dress.

"That is beautiful," Tecna said in awe.

"The seamstress gave it to me today," Musa explained. "It was customed made using the same design as a famous person, but the buyer never picked it up."

"It looks really familiar," Tecna said out loud to herself.

"That is what Mitzi said," Musa replied. "She said she saw it in a magazine as a child from a gala or something. Some major event that happened. She found the magazine when she was super young that her parents kept."

"Hang on," Tecna said interrupting.

She rushed to grab the book she was reading and held out the page of the dancing couple to Musa. Musa gasped when she saw it.

"That is the dress!" Musa exclaimed.

Musa and Tecna looked closer at the photograph and then back at the dress. They examined every detail of the dress and the photograph in the book.

"Someone wore a dress like this to the ball of King Kaatar," Tecna explained.

"What kind of ball?" Musa gulped fearing the worst.

"His inauguration ball, when he officially became of age to be crowned heir to the throne," Tecna read out. "The book says that it was at this ball that he met Lady Miranda."

"Lady Miranda?" Musa said in shock. "As in….as in Queen Miranda of the Valkarians?"

"King Kaatar's wife," Tecna added.

Musa looked back at the dress in shock and disappointment.

"Why would she…..this dress….who would someone recreate her dress?" Musa asked.

"Why would the seamstress give you this dress to wear?" Tecna added. "There must be another meaning that we are not getting."

Musa started looking at the dress to find anything, besides the colour, about the dress that was Valkarian inspired. After a few minutes, on the underlying material underneath the dress was embroidery in small pink writing. Musa turned the dress inside out and get a closer look. The pair were shocked to see that it read 'Let the music play' sewn into Musa's dress by the seamstress.


Musa had never felt more empowered then when she put on the black dress. It fit her like a glove and knowing that the rebellion motto was embroidered on the inside, away from prying eyes, boosted her confidence. She looked every bit of a queen just like her mother. She showed a little bit of cleavage but was tasteful. The fabric kept her warm but was not heavy. Musa couldn't help but imagine a peal necklace with a navy-blue gem in the centre would look fantastic with the dress. It was a very specific thought. She remembered her mother wearing the necklace for every royal event in the palace. Unfortunately, Musa was forbidden from wearing any gems. That was an honour only to the Valkarians now.

"I know it is a black dress, but you look incredible, Musa," Tecna said softly.

Musa smiled at her friend. "This is probably the first Valkarian dress that I've liked. I can see why someone would want to recreate the Queen's dress."

"I still do not see why the seamstress wanted you to wear it. She obviously added the stitching after you left so what else is so special about it?" Tecna wondered.

"I do not know," Musa said as her hands felt the fabric again. "But I am sure to get the king's attention. He cannot doubt my intentions now that I am wearing one of his wife's dresses."

"I am concerned that this could backfire, Musa. We still do not know how the Queen died. If it was rebellion forces, one could interpret you wearing this dress as a homage to the rebellion."

Musa turned to look at her friend and gave her a small hug. "There is only one way to find out."

"Be careful."

Musa nodded her head and walked over to the main door and opened it. She gave her perfected smile and curtsey upon seeing Sir Hammon waiting outside.

"Lady Musa," he greeted with a head nod.

"Good evening, Sir Hammon," Musa greeted sweetly. "How are you this evening?"

Sir Hammon merely looked at the gown and back to Musa. "I'm well," he replied. "Sir Jet was requested by Prince Riven in the dining room. He shall meet you there and escort you back to your room. I shall escort you now."

Musa nodded her head. "Thank you, Sir Hammon."

Musa was relieved. She finally could be away from Jet for a little while longer. Musa was about to start walking when she noticed Sir Hammon remaining still in front of her.

"Is there something wrong, Sir Hammon?" Musa asked.

"I see you are taking your studies seriously," Sir Hammon noted.

"Yes I am," Musa immediately answered. "Is my attire offensive? I do not wish to offend His Highness."

Sir Hammon looked at Musa straight in the eye. "Queen Miranda wore the original the night they met. She was the greatest Valkarian queen, and no one should be offended when you are paying homage to her heritage."

Musa smiled. That was the longest she had heard Sir Hammon say in a long time. He made a valid point. The queen's heritage was Valkarian, this is part Valkarian design, so how could she offend anyone?

Sir Hammon broke Musa's train of thought when he presented his arm to her. She gently placed her hand through his arm and headed for the dining hall. Musa was grateful to be escorted by Hammon that night. She did not have to worry about wondering eyes or making sure there were witnesses around. She can exude the confidence a Valkarian noble would.

After a few minutes they arrived at the dining hall and, much like before, Musa was on time but was the last to arrive. Musa's presence was announced, and she dropped to her low curtsey upon entering. The silence in the room was deafening. Musa had never heard such silence in years, and she started to worry. No one had given her permission to stand yet and no one said anything to Sir Hammon, who had already bowed. Musa's heart started to beat erratically but she continued to remain in her position until told otherwise. She could tell by the number of shoes that both the royals and Sir Jet were already in the room. Why hadn't anyone said anything, yet? Finally, it was the king who broke it.

"Sir Hammon," the king growled.

Musa noticed he had stood up quickly from his chair, causing it to rub against the floorboards as it was pushed back.

"What is the meaning of this?" the king demanded.

This was not good, Musa thought. Sir Hammon merely stood tall with his hands behind his back, unfazed by the king's greeting.

"The meaning of what, Sire?" Sir Hammon replied.

"Of that!" The king answered, gesturing to Musa.

Sir Hammon looked down at Musa then back to the king. "Lady Musa's curtsey, Sire?"

Was that sarcasm coming from the knight? Surely not. Sir Hammon had always been indifferent towards Musa but never showed sarcasm or other forms of disobeying the king before.

"What is she wearing?" the king gritted out. "And do not dare say that it is a dress!"

Sir Hammon took a few seconds to think over his reply. Prince Riven, who stood straight as an arrow next to his father was staring at Musa. He started noticing her legs slightly waver from having to remain in a curtsey for so long. If they were to eat any time soon then the king would need an answer and The Siren was the only person who could do that.

"S-Siren," Riven said, gaining everyone's attention. "You may stand."

Musa internally sighed with relief and immediately stood upright.

"Answer the king's question," Riven ordered with a sigh.

"It is my fault, Your Highness," Musa began explaining. Sir Hammon may be Valkarian but he had never acted badly towards Musa. She couldn't let him take the blame. "I found Queen Miranda wearing this dress in the history books. When Lady Mitzi took me to the see a seamstress, this dress was available. I thought it would be nice to pay respect to her and wear it for tonight."

It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Now that she was standing, Musa couldn't help but notice the way Sir Jet's eyes were slowly examining every detail. She now regretted attending without a shawl. His eyes seemed to darken as he looked at her and she felt a chill over her spin when she noticed a slight smirk appear.

The king on the other hand was a different story. At first he looked angry, red covering his whole face and his eyes narrowing at Musa. But, her response to his question caused him to pause. His face started to return to normal and, although they were still narrowed, his eyes seemed to show something different. Is that sadness Musa saw in there? No! The king was inhuman and a monster. He did not have empathy or any emotions except greed.

Prince Riven stood next to his father, holding his hands behind his back much like Sir Hammon. It must be a knight thing. He had been quiet too at Musa's response. His face was neutral. Musa couldn't tell what he was thinking but he was staring directly into Musa's eyes and she thought she saw a glint of recognition and appreciation in there. Musa started to feel uncomfortable with the attention.

"If I have offended anyone, I sincerely apologise," Musa began to say. "If you will, I can change into something else."

That seemed to snap all three men from their thoughts. The king took another look at Musa before he slowly sat back into his chair.

"We have waited long enough, Siren," the king said. "Let us not delay tonight's meal any further."

Prince Riven snapped his attention to his father and raise an eyebrow at him.

"Father," he said slowly, clearly a bit taken aback by his father's change in attitude. "Are you sure?"

The king nodded and closed the file he had open before him. He passed it back to Sir Jet.

"I will not repeat myself," the king answered. "You are dismissed, Sir Hammon and Sir Jet."

Sir Jet's eyes narrowed on the king upon hearing the order.

"B-but Sire!" Sir Jet began to say.

"Do not question the king!" Sir Hammon yelled, silencing Sir Jet.

"My father gave you an order, Sir Jet," Prince Riven said lowly, eyes narrowing at the young knight. "That is twice you have been insubordinate, and I do not like this pattern. You are dismissed and if you disobey orders for a third time, you will be severely punished."

Sir Jet immediately changed his attitude and looked worriedly as Prince Riven leant his hands on the table and stared at the knight.

"This pattern seems to occur around The Siren," Prince Riven added.

Musa couldn't help but widen her eyes at the prince's statement. Of course she knew that Sir Jet acted jealous and couldn't control his anger when he was around the woman, but the prince noticed? He really was a good warrior. He clearly could read people very easily. Was Musa's plan even going to work now?

Sir Jet looked like he was about to deny the observation, but the prince cut him off.

"That was not a question, Sir Jet," Prince Riven said with a slight growl. "You are a Valkarian knight and you shall behave as one. I will not tolerate disobedience in my men! Sir Hammon, you are to escort The Siren to dinner from here on out and if, so help me God, I find you being disobedient again, Sir Jet, and the link is with the Siren, not only will you be removed from the assignment, but I will throw you in the dungeon myself. Is that understood?"

The room was silent again as Prince Riven stared directly into Sir Jet's eyes. Sir Jet gulped and bowed to the royals. "Yes, Your Highness," he said.

"Yes, Sire," Sir Hammon added, acknowledging the prince's order.

"You are dismissed," Prince Riven growled and watched as the two knights bowed and left the room.

The atmosphere in the room was heavy and Musa found herself confused at what to do. She had never seen the prince threaten his men before. He was usually so quiet or mocking his father so this behaviour unnerved Musa. Sometimes she forgot what he truly was capable of. Prince Riven suddenly sat down in his seat and did not look at Musa.

"Siren," the king called. "You may sit."

Musa knew better than to keep the pair waiting so she hurriedly moved to the table and gracefully sat in her seat.

"Have you been spelling my people, again?" the king smirked at her.

Musa went rigid. "Sire, I promise I have done nothing," she said. "Even if I had magic, I…..I do not possess that skill."

The king chuckled clearly trying to get a reaction from Musa and the prince rolled his eyes.

"It seems you do not have ulterior motives in your sudden interest in Valkarian culture," the king said, suddenly quieter than usual. "You are taking your studies seriously."

"Yes, Sire," Musa answered.

That was as close to an acknowledgement of his trust in her as anything. It seemed the memory of his wife, who he clearly loved, was a risk well worth taken. It was a bit rocky at the start but if the king did not throw her in the dungeon or discover her rebellion then it was a good day.

The trio ate their meal in silence for a few minutes, Prince Riven having not looked in Musa's direction since the knights left. The king seemed to be thinking, possibly remembering his late wife, then suddenly he broke it.

"Prince Riven, I need you to go to the library at some point and gather the maps we spoke about," the king said.

Riven looked at his father in confusion. Musa was shocked but kept eating her meal like nothing happened. The king never spoke about their plans in front of Musa. This was progress.

"Father?" Riven said confused.

"Did I stutter?" The king asked as he cut his steak.

"No, Father," Riven said. "I will pick them up this week."

The king nodded his head in reply. After that, the night went on without any further problems. Musa was escorted back to her room by Sir Hammon and not a word was uttered between the prince or Sir Hammon the rest of the night. It was the first time that Musa was left confused by the interactions with the royals. She was happy to inform Tecna that progress had been made.


The next day, Musa and Tecna spent the morning reading through the history books to find further reference to Queen Miranda. After a few hours, they had not found anything.

Tecna slammed the last history book shut and sighed in annoyance.

"That is the tenth book we have looked at today and found nothing," Tecna sighed.

"It is also the last book that I brought back last week," Musa said. "I need to bring back other books after my visit today."

"Have you seen Sir Jet since the incident last night?" Tecna asked.

"No but he is due to take me to the library soon."

"Will anyone be in the library with you today?" Tecna asked worriedly.

"I do not know," Musa answered. "I think Sir Jet is starting to notice the courtiers in the library. Lady Mitzi cannot find another reason for someone to be there."

"Shall I make an excuse and come with you?" Tecna offered. "I am worried for you. Sir Jet is becoming more aggressive and if the prince's observations are right, I worry what he will do if he is alone with you."

Musa did not want to admit it but she was worried too and she was grateful for Lady Mitzi's help recently. Musa knew though that her help could not last forever and soon Sir Jet will say something and risk her cover. She did not want to worry Tecna though. She knew that there was not a good enough reason to justify Tecna following her to the library.

Musa smiled warmly at her friend. "Thank you, Tecna, but I will be fine."

"Are you sure?" Tecna insisted.

"Yes," Musa lied. "After Prince Riven's threat last night, Sir Jet would not dare disobey him."

"That is only if he is discovered, Musa," Tecna reminded. "He could get away with anything if he got you on your own. You do not have any magic to defend yourself."

Musa could not argue with Tecna for she felt the same thing. Instead, she gave her friend a reassuring hug and decided that ignorance was bliss.

"I will be fine, Tecna," Musa insisted. "I promise."


An hour later, Musa was sitting in a corner of the library, sitting at a large oak wood desk with a large old book in front of her. The library used to be one of Musa's favourite places in the palace. She could not remember why but she remembered her and her mother spending a fair amount of time there. She was so young that she did not remember why. Musa assumed her mother read her bedtime stories and the acoustics in the library were great for singing.

The library was one of the few places in the palace that had its original architecture and décor. Beautiful white/grey walls with gold trimming matched the large white trimmed windows that showed a view of the southern gardens. Sadly, the view showed more knight training sessions than wildflowers now. The library was the largest in the kingdom, situated on at least two floors with floor to ceiling shelves all around.

Musa stifled a yawn as she turned another page of the Valkarian right of succession when she noticed movement at the corner of her eye. Musa turned and saw Sir Jet leaning his hip against the side of the table and looked at her. Musa was confused as normally Sir Jet would be sitting at another table, legs up, and continuously hitting a ball against the wall. They also had only been in the library for fifteen minutes.

"Yes, Sir Jet?" Musa asked.

Sir Jet simply stared at her for a few seconds before he crossed his arms over his chest.

"How can you keep your attention on those dusty old books for so long?" he simply asked.

"I take my studies very seriously, Sir Jet," Musa answered before turning back to continue reading.

Hoping that would be the end of the discussion and the knight was merely bored, she thought he would walk back to his usual spot. He did not. Musa was startled when the book suddenly and pulled away from her eyes causing her to look up and see Sir Jet pulling it into his hands. Like a curious cat, he held the book in his hands and looked at it.

"The right of succession?" he scoffed. "How boring."

"Sir Jet," Musa said trying to remain calm. "Please give that back."

"I was not done talking to you," Sir Jet said, his gaze still on the book.

"I apologise," Musa answered. "I thought the matter was closed. Normally you do not mind my silence while reading."

Sir Jet suddenly closed the book with a loud 'thud'. He then tossed the book to the table next door causing the loud noise to echo loudly in the library. If there had been other people in the library, they would have immediately been disturbed and annoyed.

"I am your superior, Siren," Sir Jet began. "The matter will be closed when I say it is."

Musa did not like where the conversation was heading. Normally, one would point out that a Lady outranked a knight, as Mitzi so eloquently pointed out the other day, but Musa knew better than to aggravate Sir Jet.

"Thank you for correcting that miscommunication, Sir Jet," Musa said trying to calm her nerves. "I understand for the future."

"You also are supposed to talk when a superior permits you," he continued.

That was totally made up. Musa did not need permission to speak to her knights, only members of the court, and especially not the knights who are on her duty. She noticed his tone getting stern and his body rigid.

"Again, thank you for correcting that," Musa answered, her heart starting to beat faster. "I-I was unaware of m-my infractions."

"Well if you know now, then why are you still talking? I did not give you permission to answer me when I am telling you the way the world works."

Musa could not help how her eyes widened at Sir Jet's response. This was definitely not a good situation at all. It was like the knight was suddenly on a power trip.

"The way this world works is that you are a prisoner, you do not give me orders. I give you orders," Sir Jet said slowly walking closer to Musa's chair. "When I allow you to speak, you speak. Wherever I go, you go. A prisoner does not wear fancy clothes and pretend to be something that she is not. I am sick of following you around and watch you play dress up and drink tea all day. I am sick of you, a Melodian, confusing us all when you look like a Valkarian."

Oh…..so that was this was about? He was ogling her but confusing him because he was attracted to her but he hates that she's Melodian? He hates having to technically serve a Melodian? Musa started to slowly rise from her seat and back away from the knight. His eyes darkened and his body tensed.

"You also do not move unless I say so!" Sir Jet yelled, throwing Musa's chair against the wall.

Musa flinched when the chair broke into pieces upon impact.

"You are a Melodian prisoner! Why do you tempt me? You are our subordinates!"

Sir Jet slowly kept walking toward Musa, who kept slowly walking backwards to keep the distance between them. A part of her should have just obeyed the knight to lessen his anger but the other part knew better than to keep close to him. The only good thing was that his yelling was starting to echo in the library so, hopefully, someone would start hearing this soon.

"Stop walking away from me!" Sir Jet yelled.

He slammed his fist against the oak desk, two of the legs collapsing underneath itself. Musa gasped and her flight instincts kicked in. She started running. Without looking back, she ran around the other side of the table and started making her way to the main doors a hundred metres away. She heard a loud growl echo behind her and she knew the knight was chasing her. Musa had not felt this scared in years. She had no witnesses, no powers, and was up against a Valkarian knight who was trained to kill. An angry one at that. Mind games would not work to get out of this situation. She should have listened to Tecna.

Musa rounded another desk before she saw Sir Jet jump over the desk and land in a crouch right in front of her. Musa yelped and started to turn back the other way but his reflexes were quicker than hers and he grabbed her left arm. Musa tried to yank it away but his grip tightened. Suddenly she was thrown in the air, over the table Jet just jumped over, and into a bookshelf on the other side of the room. The wind was immediately knocked out of Musa and she was stunned for a minute. She had to catch her breath quick.

Sir Jet shoved the table and chairs out of his way and stalked up to Musa.

"Why are you doing this?" Musa yelled in fear, hoping the noise would carry.

"I hate what you are doing to me! You are ruining me! I can't eat, I can't sleep. You, a pathetic, Melodian is distracting me. The way you looked last night….I could not control myself. Because of you, the Prince has me in his sights. I am on the edge or losing everything I have earnt, and it is all your fault."

Musa threw two books at him and started to make a break for it again. Sir Jet growled and threw another chair towards Musa. Musa turned her head back in time to see it and slid herself against the ground to avoid being struck. That unfortunately slowed her down. By the time she had risen to her feet again, Sir Jet was directly behind her and he grabbed her waist. Musa shrieked.

"Let me go! I haven't done anything to you!"

"You know you have!" Sir Jet yelled back, clinging to her tightly. "You and your Siren call have done something to me."

Without another word, Sir Jet threw Musa against the wall, pining her arms either side of her head. Musa noticed that she was close to the main door, if she could manage to free herself then she could escape. Musa started kicking her legs out, trying to push the knight away, but it was no avail. Sir Jet trapped Musa's legs with his, pining his whole body to hers.

Musa yelled out in frustration, trying to force her body to push his away. Tears began to form in Musa's eyes. Her brain started begging her magic to return.

"Let me go!" Musa yelled, praying that someone heard her. "I am not a Siren."

"Yes you are!" Sir Jet growled. "You in those dresses that left nothing to the imagination, I couldn't keep my eyes off you. I need to regain my control and the only way to do that, is to silence the siren call."

Musa started yelling for help, knowing that soon she was going to die. Sir Jet growled again and threw Musa against the floor. The wind was knocked out of her again, successfully silencing her cries. The back of Musa's head hit the ground and her vision blurred. Musa started shuffling backwards to put distance between herself and Sir Jet. She hoped that would buy her enough time until she stopped seeing stars. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

Musa yelped when she felt something grab her feet and drag her forwards. Sir Jet leant his knees on Musa's legs and pinned her arms in one of his hands above her head.

"Jet, please don't do this!" Musa cried, tears flowing freely from her eyes.

Musa tried moving her legs again but they were held firm by Jet. The man chuckled above her and Musa felt his hot breath by her ear.

"The call will be silenced one way or another," Jet hissed, his free hand skimming Musa's left leg and trailing up over the dress.

Musa couldn't stop of the flow of tears. She had never felt so powerless in her life. She still couldn't see anything but stars from hitting her head and it was making it worse to fight back. She felt Sir Jet grip the hem of her dress and Musa started to think it was the end. She cried harder and called her help again.

"No one will help a Siren," Jet growled in her ear and tore a small rip in the side of Musa's dress.

Musa was about to give up when suddenly the weight on her body lifted, causing her to gasp for air. Then a loud crash on the other side of the room followed. Musa started scrambling backwards, her left side of her vision slowly starting to come back. Suddenly a pair of hands touched either side of Musa's shoulders and she screamed again. Her hands started flaying in front of her, trying to shove whomever was in front of her when she heard a calming voice.

"My lady," a female voice called to her. "It's Tecna!"

Musa immediately cried harder and practically jumped into Tecna's arms, the other woman wrapping her arms tightly around her. Further crashes of furniture sounded in the background and yelling. Musa was too distraught to comprehend what was being said but she distinctly heard the words 'dishonourable' and 'coward' being yelled.

Musa ignored the rucus and concentrated on her friend. She cried all over her shoulder, begging her to keep Jet away. Suddenly, something warm and soft envelop her arms and she felt Tecna pull away. Musa tried to grab Tecna but another, surprisingly, comforting voice appeared next to Tecna.

"Lady Musa," a male voice said calmly.

Musa tried to look at Tecna on the left and the tall slightly blurred person on the right. She did not know what but the male voice made her feel calm.

"Lady Musa," the voice called again. "It is Sir Hammon. Can you see?"

Musa shook her head and started babbling about the right side. Sir Hammon looked at Tecna and nodded to her. He then slowly looked behind Musa's head and noticed minor blood droplets at the back of her head.

"Lady Musa," Sir Hammon said calmly again. "Wrap the blanket around you. You are safe."

"No!" Musa yelled trying to shove them away again. "No! H-he's here! He's still here. Don't let him hurt me. Please! I-I'm s-sorry! I-I'll d-do anything, just k-keep him away."

"Lady Musa," Sir Hammon tried again, gripping her hands in his.

Musa's right vision started to clear up and she managed to see Sir Hammon crouching in front of her and Tecna sitting next to him looking worried. Musa had never been so relieved to see Sir Hammon in her whole life. Musa managed to take a few deep breathes, finally seeing that she was indeed safe. The sounds of fighting finally caught her attention. Musa looked behind the two people in front of her and noticed something she thought she would never see. At the other side of the library, amongst broken pieces of furniture and trashed bookshelves, was a beaten-up Sir Jet pinned to the wall, visible cracks appearing from behind his back. The man looked like he had gone toe to toe with a minotaur. His right eye was swollen shut, blood dripped from various cuts on his arms, and it looked like he had a broken nose. Blood spilt from his nose and lip. And there, Musa saw none other than Prince Riven pinning the knight to the wall by the grip on his throat. Musa could not believe her eyes. Prince Riven had saved her.


I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Let me know your thoughts.

Till next time x

~AngelAlexandra~