"Momma? Why are we here?" Lysandra panted, leaning against something that had once upon a time been a wall, but was now little more than a pile of rubble. She flipped a lock of green streaked hair off of her face, dabbing at some sweat with her sleave.

Merla's lips tightened a moment in annoyance before she let out a sigh. "We're going to visit your father." the queen explained. "I've been meaning to take you to see him for some time... but I think you're finally ready now."

The young princess let out an unladylike snort. "Why should I go? He means nothing to me."

Merla looked at her daughter, feeling a surge of sadness. If she only knew how much like her father she was... "He is your father, Lysandra. And as much as you may deny it... he is, and always will be, a very important part of your life. The Union will never let you forget who he was... nor will the Empire. Do you understand?" She stroked Lysandra's head, tousling the dye streaked hair. "You should get to know some of the good along with the bad." she whispered.

"Ugh. Fine. Whatever." Lysandra threw her hands up in the air and stalked off in the direction they had been walking, her short hair tossed about by a faint breeze that smelt of burned lazon and old death.