This story is set before Princess Kalasin had become empress.
There was a patter on the window. Rain drizzled everywhere. The Eastern Lands were all suffering these rains. Luckily, they had not turned into floods, but everyone was expecting them to. All of Tortall was in a gloomy mood.
Because the news had already gone around. There were a lot of gossipers in Tortall. It was almost as if the rain added even more gloom to the mood.
Princess Kalasin had been kidnapped by royal kidnappers from Galla. All of Tortall felt the pressure.
Daine looked out over Corus. She had gotten a room in the palace to stay in, with all of the "legendary" people, like Alanna, Numair, George, Kel, and some other knights. They would all arrive within a period of two days. Today was the second day. They were only expecting Cleon of Kennan and Nealan of Queenscove to come.
Daine felt a hand on her shoulder. She snapped out of her reverie. It was Numair.
"I know you feel guilty," he said. "You shouldn't. It's not like it's your fault."
Without saying anything, Daine turned back to the window. There was a stillness, which seemed to last forever. Daine watched the trickling of the raindrops on the window.
Finally, she said, "Everyone will think it's my fault.
"And those who do are brainless peasants who haven't ever seen you in action," replied Numair with an angry tone. Daine looked over at him. Another silence reigned.
"Don't say that to Kel," she whispered. With that, Numair swept her into his arms and kissed her. Just then, Daine croaked.