-8-

The next day dawned drearily, the cloud cover promising rain. I had resolved to see Anya in the dungeons. I quickly dressed in one of my new dresses I had bought, a revealing white frock with little pearly beads framing the almost scandalous neckline. But I had to have the advantage of lust, because I was new at court, and didn't have much influence.

The trek to the palace wasn't horrible, except for that one man who was picking on that poor child. Well, I took care of that. The rest of the walk on the dusty road was terribly uneventful. She was tempted more than once to start some ruckus, but refrained wisely from kicking the rude man when he bent down to further vent his frustrations on a poor vendor. My foot remained far from his person, and I finally made my way through the gates.

My footsteps didn't echo as much as I feared they would, so I arrived undetected to the at the front of all the cells. He gave me a glance and scowled.

What do you want? his voice was low and grating.

I want to see a prisoner, please, I said politely, moving closer.

Sorry, my lady, but I can't let you do that.

I looked at him sharply because of his sudden politeness. His eyes were downcast and staring directly at my neckline. I smirked. This would be too easy.

But please, I said, scurrying closer, pressing my body against his.

My lady, I can't, he said a little doubtfully.

You wouldn't make me cry.. I said crossing my arms to cover my breasts, and stepping back.

No, my lady, he said, almost regretfully.

I looked at him, considering the possibility of knocking him unconscious, but doubted that would work, considering he would remember what I looked like.

Well, my lady, I never thought I'd see you here.

I turned around so quickly, I nearly lost my balance. It was the Prince.

I am afraid I didn't catch you name previously, he continued.

I whispered, knowing he had seen me throwing myself at the burly guard.

Ah, Lady Kyre, may I have the pleasure of knowing what you are doing down here? His voice, while polite, had a slightly suspicious tone to it.

I came, deciding to be honest, To see the new prisoner.

Ah, yes, the supposed witch from the border.

I think I recognize her from somewhere, and I need to know if it is indeed her. My voice shook some.

He stared into my eyes, blue eyes, seeking answers in another pair of blue eyes. He stood there for the longest time trying to read into my thoughts.

Saun, let her through, he said, and stalked off, footsteps echoing eerily through the silently hallway.

I rushed past him into the dungeons. I looked through every cell, waling further and further into the musky depths, until I hit the dead end. In the cell, was Anya, looking very cold.

I cursed myself for not bringing her anything.

Anya looked up.

Ah, what have we here, the girl from Sles Adran.How... ironic.

She looked slightly crazed.

Anya, I need to know something-

What right have you to demand information? she asked sing-song like.



You had best get out of here little one, or you will find more trouble than you can handle.

Anya, are you going to tell on me? I asked fiercely.

No, child, for I know that changing the future will lead to many things, more unpleasant than the future as it is now.



You must leave, and beware or the evil woman will close her plotting in,strangling your life from you. Leave little girl, leave.

Anya, one last question, will you be ready to leave at nightfall?

Child, I have lived my life, I can't let you risk yours.

Like hell am I going to let a woman get mistreated so severely for nothing! I stood, Be ready.

I left, quietly, only semi-understanding what Anya was saying. The evil woman was my mother, but she would kill me, would she? I clenched my fist at the thought of it. If she did, she would find me a formidable opponent. Her own deception would be no more yielding than a dream compared to my own, if she were to betray me. For who holds the cards for this plot? Me, of course. Love is not a victory march, after all.