Vilandra sat by the window leading out to the courtyard, seeing nothing as she twisted the hankerchief she held in her lap. Where was he, what had happened to him? It wasn't like her to wait patiently for anything, and yet here she sat waiting for Zan to bring her word.
'Rath, I guess I played it a little too cool, I fooled you. It wasn't my intention, only to keep the others away. You don't realize how much I wanted to be with you. How proud I was of you, when you became the youngest General we have ever had. Never told you how sexy you are in your uniform either. But I should have. Oh please Rath come back to me...safe. I wont, I can't lose you.'
Vilandra turned to the sound of masculine footsteps coming towards her. She turned and let out a sigh when she saw her brother. He came to a stop beside her, and sat down next to her. He put out a hand and placed it on her shoulder.
"Vilandra, he is gone." He saw her expression and hurried to reassure her. "No I don't mean like that. He's alive, he's just on a mission ordered by father."
The young blonde woman stood up, her skirts twirling around her ankles. "What! A mission, why wasn't I allowed to go? Where is he?"
"Easy. It's a secret even from us. Father didn't want it to leak out...letting out enemies know our plans. But father thinks it has anyway, after Rath was attacked he sent them out early. As to you dear sister...you belong here, where it's safe."
"Safe? I am a warrior, I can protect our people, even you. Rath needs me, Zan."
"Father would never agree to you going with Rath. He didn't tell you for that reason. We don't want to lose you, Vilandra. When Rath returns I plan to talk to him." He got up and walked away leaving Vilandra sitting there thinking.
She got up and began to walk down the hall, and ran into her mother. The regal queen glided towards her, a thoughtful expression on her beautiful face. Her mother led her towards her sitting room, and to the comfortable chairs that both had spent many pleasant hours together.
Vilandra served the cold drinks, and tried to smile. "Vilandra my dear, I have faith in Rath. That he will return home."
Vilandra looked at her mother surprised. "What?"
"Your father told me what he had ordered, and I knew of the letter you have. Rath had entrusted it to a friend, and I got possession of it. You needed to know what I knew all along. I want to help you, and I will. I have half a dozen men, special trained to take the journey."
"What journey mother?"
"Vilandra, I know you are one of the best fighters we have. Rath has trained you well. After what happened to Rath, he needs you. As I believe you need him. If you love him, stand beside him, fight with him."
"Mother, you would send me out to him? Father will be angry."
"I can handle your father...I have all these years. After all he arranged your training didn't he, he must believe in you too. Go change and get ready to leave within the hour."
Vilandra smiled as her mother stood up, and Vilandra joined her hugging her. "Thank you Mother, you are the best."
"I only want you happy." Vilandra ran out of the room, headed towards her own. The queen stood there, hoping she hadn't made a mistake.