A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.

WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE, SUGGESTIVE SITUATIONS.

Chapter 10: Journey of Self

Heat awoke to the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. He clutched his head and cursed under his breath. He probably had too much to drink the previous night. He calmed himself down as he willed the pain away.

A few minutes later, he sat up, ignoring the slight dull throbbing within his temples. He looked to his side and saw Sera's side of the bed empty.

He raised an eyebrow; she was probably bathing.

Yawning and then stretching his muscles, he stood from the bed and walked over to the chair where his robe hung carelessly. Having draped it on himself, he made his way for the bath. The sun had yet to rise; he knew that Serph and Gale were to leave at this time. He had better get ready.

He walked within the chamber and narrowed his eyes; Sera was not there either. Anger and frustration surged from within his gut.

"Where the fuck?!" he yelled, "Sera! Sera!" he yelled, getting out of the bath.

Taking deep and heavy breaths, he willed himself to calmly face the problem. What problem?

Missing a wife.

'Where could she be?' he thought with utter displeasure.

He walked within the bath again and reached the basin of water and splashed it on his face. After minutes of making sure that he was fully awake, he left the bath and looked from left to right.

No.

The room was still empty.

He growled.

At that moment, a knock was heard at his chamber doors.

"Who is it!?" he yelled angrily.

"It is us milord…" a woman's muffled voice came through the door.

Damn servants.

He growled, "Enter!"

The servants timidly entered, moving towards the drawn curtains. Some went to the bath, preparing it for their master.

Heat looked at them impatiently; all that he wanted to do was find his wife!

Seeing that a servant was nearing his direction, he seized her arm tightly. The young woman yelped, "My Lord!"

Heat growled, "My wife, your mistress, where is she?" he asked malevolently, his blood red eyes boring angrily within her purple ones. She shivered and didn't know what to say…There was something within her lord's eyes that told her that should she provide an inadequate answer that she would face the consequences…

And the general was known for his cruelty…

Heat grew ever impatient as the second went painfully by without any sort of response from the idiot of a woman in his grasp.

"Where is she?!" he thundered, grasping her arms tighter.

She gasped, "I…I do not know milord! I have not seen her!"

Heat peered deep within her eyes and saw that she was not lying. Feeling all the more livid at the situation, he released her and shoved her away roughly, now looking at each and every servant within his chambers, "All of you! Where is the Princess Severina?!" he yelled angrily.

The servants shook their heads and cast their faces down meekly.

Heat let out a frustrated growl, "You all are useless!"

He made his way to the bath again, and yelled at the servants, "Get out!!"

The servants meekly and hurriedly left. Heat needed to hurry; he needed to conduct an immediate search of the castle and the town for his wife. He wasn't overreacting either. The sun had yet to rise…there was no way that she could have left by herself to wander the halls…No…

He narrowed his eyes.

When he found her, he would make sure that she remained shackled to the bed. With much haste, he donned on his attire. A few moments later, he slipped on his cloak and left the room when he was suddenly met by a squad of guards.

"What the hell has happened?!" he yelled.

"The rebel leader had escaped."

Heat's ruby eyes widened in shock and anger.

"He what?!"

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"Here, eat this." a warm and gentle voice said to her, handing her a piece of bread.

"Huh?" she whispered, looking up at the sound of the voice; it was her hooded and masked savior from the previous night. She smiled; he had been a gentleman to her. He had been true to his word and had taken her from the castle and out of Arkanadara altogether.

Now, they were in the woods, by a stream…Sera looked left from right but failed to recognize the terrain.

She had been surprised though. She had thought that it would just be him and her. But no; it wasn't. There were many more people. They were all simple folk. She knew there was an important person among them though.

There was a man that they flocked together to.

Who could that man be?

And as for her mysterious savior, she had a lot of questions for him.

She looked back at what he was offering her and she took it, bowing thankfully, "Thank you very much."

She heard him chuckle.

She blinked confusedly, "What's so funny?"

"You." he deadpanned.

"Me?"

"Yes. I would think that a slave would jump in and grab the morsel I just gave you. But you, you took the time to look around, take it gently then look back at me and bow. You are not Arkanadaran, are you?" he asked curiously.

Sera blushed, "No. I am not. But, milord, I have yet to see your face. Why do you hide behind your hood…and that frightening mask?" she asked just as curiously, her audacity overwhelming her sense of meekness.

"Ah…" he said, chuckling a bit, "Later perhaps. But now, it is I who must present to you questions of my own."

"What is your name?"

Sera's heart got caught up in her throat. Her name. What was her name? She couldn't really use both of her names…or either of them. She would be found out.

"Oh, my name," she began shakily, "is Serish." she finished.

The man nodded but said nothing. He spoke once more, "Aa…well, you are not Arkanadaran. You are probably from Flavius Adeodatus, eh?"

Sera's heart began to race, "How do you know that?" she asked shyly.

The man chuckled, "Come on. It's a bit blatant you know?"

She blushed but said nothing.

The man continued, "Your slanted eyes and your pale but fair skin. It's a bit yellowish, in fact. Not like them."

"Oh." she said; good, he didn't know her identity. But still, it bothered her; not like them? Did that mean that she was to assume that he was not of Arkanadaran lineage as well? Hmm…she could only speculate.

She looked around again and raised an eyebrow, "Who are you people?"

"Us? We're a band of freedom fighters against the oppression. We're the Resistance." he declared proudly.

"Freedom fighters? Oppression? Resistance?" she asked timidly.

"Yes. We call ourselves the Resistance. Arkanadara had conquered all of our lands…During the war, the Arkanadaran king had slaughtered hundreds of people; men, women and children…Then, after we surrendered, our people was brought into slavery; our once peaceful countries impoverished as we now all worked to bring into fruition the king's vision. The vision of supreme dominance for all who lived; large or small."

He shook his head, "He's nothing but a tyrant. A selfish and greedy tyrant." he finished bitterly, his sapphire eyes burning with contempt.

Sera chose to remain quiet. Serph, Heat and Gale had gone too far…

He looked at her, "Well…that's why we're fighting. To liberate our cities from the bastard."

"You have a very noble cause…" Sera said truthfully, her voice a gentle whisper.

She peered at him curiously, still wondering about his identity. The man chuckled, "You're that curious?"

She nodded, smiling a bit. The man laughed and reached for his hood and slowly brought it down. He then slowly reached for his mask and slowly removed it from his face, revealing to her his child-like face. Sera's eyes widened as she regarded his quaint albeit childishly handsome face and features. His straight hair was bright blue in color and was long; down to his arms. His skin was like hers; pale and a bit yellowish. His eyes were slanted like hers.

She would have guessed that he was from Flavius Adeodatus but his previous statements suggested otherwise.

His sparkling sapphire eyes hid nothing; his eyes danced and played, silently bidding for her to do the same…to let loose.

Sera's heart skipped a beat. From his deep voice, she had expected him to look older…But, this man was probably just her own age…

He smiled at her, "Not what you expected?"

Sera blushed, "Uh…no…"

The young man chuckled, "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

She blushed, "It's…fine."

He nodded and held out his hand, "My name is Cielo. I came from a tribe further east of Arkanadara."

Sera's blush deepened as she grasped his hand. He shook her hand firmly, still wondering as to why she felt so uncomfortable with the gesture.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Cielo…I am Serish." she smiled slowly.

Cielo nodded and grinned, "Well, come on Serish. We can't stay here. The group is about to move. Say…what are your plans…?"

Sera cast her head downwards, gazing at the dirt; that was right. She didn't know what it was she was to do…Yes, she had successfully run away from Heat but…now what?

Cielo draped a hand on her shoulder, "Don't you have any family to go back to?" he asked gently, his blue eyes sympathizing with her.

Sera shook her head slowly, her eyes not leaving the dirty ground. Cielo sighed, "I thought so…You don't have anywhere to go to, do you?"

She shook her head once more.

Cielo's heart melted at the sight of her. She looked…so lost. She didn't know what it was she was to do or where it was she was to go to…

She reminded him much like himself before he joined the Resistance. She was probably as young as himself too…He smiled, "Then, why don't you come with me?"

Sera's eyes immediately flew up to meet his and smiled, "Truly?"

Cielo grinned, "Of course! I saved you from that guard back there…but if I leave you here now, it would just be as if I just sent you back to that guard. I can't turn you away now. You have no one."

Sera bowed to him, her palms meeting the soil, "I thank you…I thank you truly…"

Cielo grabbed her arm and pulled up to her feet, "No need for that. Let's go. We can talk about that kind of thing when we're on the clear. We gotta move. Arkanadara soldiers would be hot on our trail by now!"

Sera nodded and let herself be led away…all the while suffering as she took more and more steps away from Arkanadara…away from her sisters…away from the man she loved…away from Heat.

She felt a tear roll on her cheek but quickly wiped it away as she sped through the woods with her new found friend…

'Thank you…Cielo.' she thought happily.

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Serph fastened his cloak securely. He did a mental check; all was ready. He looked back and saw his sleeping wife. Her pink hair was tousled and its pink locks were spread on the pillows.

She was lying on her side, the blanket up at her chest.

He walked over to her and touched her face; she was warm…

Bending, he kissed her temple.

Serph then proceeded to slip on his gloves, and then, of course, his mask.

With all the preparations being made, he looked to the window. The hour was early still, but within a few moments, the sun would rise. He needed to leave immediately.

He strode briskly towards the chamber doors when a loud knock was heard. He raised an eyebrow; who dared to interrupt his queen?!

He growled and opened the doors, ready to slit the throat of whoever was behind it. He had his sword at the ready but stopped as he saw that it was Heat. He narrowed his eyes within the mask; Heat looked as if he could kill a thousand men.

Something was wrong.

Something was very wrong.

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"Heat? What is the meaning of this intrusion?" Serph asked; his steely silver eyes shining in confusion and irritation.

"Serph, Princess Severina is missing and the rebel leader has escaped!" Heat hissed angrily, keeping his growling to a minimum. After all, the queen was still asleep and did not know of her sister's disappearance.

"What?!" Serph hissed back, ushering him out of the door. The guards closed the chamber doors. Serph put up his palm in front of Heat, bidding him to cease his speech when Serph turned to the guards.

"Do not let the queen out of this chamber under any circumstance. No one is to enter with the exception of myself. I will summon her guard and will have him stand here. Is that understood?" he asked them, his silver eyes deadly serious; his voice dangerously low.

"Yes Your Highness." the two guards said in unison.

Serph nodded and began walking away, with Heat closely following him.

"When did this happen?" Serph asked coldly, as he strode towards the War Room. Gale would be there.

"I was informed earlier Highness." Heat said.

Serph growled, "And the princess?"

"I awoke to find her gone." Heat said angrily, seething.

Serph raised an eyebrow and stopped, "She was gone when you woke up?" He frowned but said nothing more; not waiting for Heat's reply. He would reserve the judgment for now.

They needed to know more of what had happened.

They arrived at the War Room, and as sure as day, they found Gale within. Serph walked briskly towards him and regarded him with a simple nod, "Gale. What happened?"

Gale touched his forehead, "A small group of rebels had infiltrated the dungeons and had freed Raveeh."

"How?" Serph growled.

Gale sighed, "They had passed themselves as slaves while the others as guards. They had then neutralized the real guards within and had taken Raveeh."

Heat had had enough; he couldn't care any less about what happened to that scum of a rebel leader. They could always catch him all over again. It was Sera whom he was worried about.

"What about Severina?" Heat growled, "They took her!"

Gale shook his head, "That is a possibility. But…there is a flaw in that reasoning." he said calmly.

Heat was beginning to lose his patience too soon, too quick. Gale was calm; too calm. 'Just because it wasn't his woman who was taken! The bastard!' he mentally spat at the green-haired man.

"Heat…let me ask you. Did you have a throbbing headache today as you awoke?" Gale asked, his eyes stuck on his ruby ones.

Heat nodded.

Gale continued, "Did she give you anything last night…? Anything that you might have drunk or ingested?"

Serph caught on, on what Gale was insinuating…But he chose to remain quiet. This was Heat's issue. He respected his friend. It was a problem that affected him the most among the three of them.

Heat said nothing but just nodded, his glare on Gale taking a deeper dive.

Gale folded his arms, "I'm not going to sugarcoat this for you Heat."

"Just get the fuck on with it." Heat huffed impatiently, his hand on his hip.

"There are two scenarios that I could deduce from the situation. One. It would seem that Princess Severina had decided to leave the castle grounds for reasons that are unknown to me. But…as she left, it was most probable that she had encountered the rebels and had been taken with them when they saw her. They probably knew her rank and thus had taken her as a failsafe plan for their escape should they get caught."

He paused.

Serph nodded from within his mask. He knew it. He had been right. But then…Gale wasn't through yet. He looked at Heat from the corner of his eyes. He could see how much his friend was livid.

"Two. She had left the castle for reasons that are her own but as she left she had seen one of the rebels or had seen their group and had asked to be taken with them."

Heat's eyes widened and he lunged himself at Gale but found himself held back by Serph who grabbed him, "You son-of-a-bitch!" Heat yelled at Gale, still trying to get at him, even as Serph held him. How dare he imply that Sera had left willingly!? How dare he insinuate that Sera had left him and betrayed him?!

Serph was getting vexed; Heat had the tendency to be overly emotional. While Gale…was as calm and composed as ever.

"That's enough Heat!" Serph said sternly. At the sound of his voice, Heat ceased and calmed himself, crossing his arms and turning his head away, saying nothing.

He supposed that Gale was right…He had always been right about these sorts of things. That was why he was their chief military tactician…He was able to deduce different scenarios from otherwise microscopic details.

He just couldn't believe it. He just didn't want to believe it.

A part of him wanted Gale to be right. That way, they would know what to do and how to do it. But another part of him didn't want him to be right. For if he was, Heat just wouldn't know how to accept it. He wouldn't know how to accept the fact that Sera had willingly left him. Sera, the most important person in his life, second only to Serph, had run from him.

It just hurt him too much.

That was why he had wanted to hurt Gale. He wanted to release his frustration and feelings of hurt as he heard the painful truth pass through his lips as if they were a blatant fact; such a fluent and fluid flow of words…

Gale's face hardened, "No. Princess Severina has not sided with the rebels. For if she did, she would have let the rebel have you." he told Heat sincerely, "You wouldn't be alive as we speak if she did. She met the rebels purely by accident and coincidence. What happened after their meeting…well, that is what we continued to speculate about. It's possible that she had left willingly with them or was forcibly taken."

Serph nodded; he shared the same sentiments as Gale. He had been right. He looked at Heat. He was calm now, no longer raging, but he could still feel his dangerous aura reeking within the chamber.

He growled, "So, what happens now?"

Serph chose this time to speak, "Nothing has changed. Gale and I will still depart for Radhakrishna for the diplomatic treaty. You, Heat, on the other hand will head the investigation. I want to know how the castle was breached. I want the spies for this act of treason caught. And I want Raveeh captured. Scour the towns and the nearby villages. This occurred just the night before. They couldn't have gone too far. Is that clear?" Serph asked calmly.

Heat nodded, "It would be done Highness." he said politely and respectfully.

Here, Gale chose to interject, "The castle has not been breached Serph."

The two, Heat and Serph, looked at Gale curiously, "The person who found the princess was alone."

"And you know this, how?" came Serph's impatient question.

Gale nodded, "A guard was found with his neck snapped outside of the servants' quarters. There was no struggle. It would insinuate a preemptive strike."

"The bastard never saw it coming eh?" Heat spat.

"The guard was on patrol when he was unexpectedly killed." Gale stated firmly, "He wasn't going to the servants' quarters though. He probably found another individual there; probably another rebel. That's why the neck was snapped; from behind. The handprints on the face and neck are clear as it caused bruises."

Serph crossed his arms, "Well, the sun has almost risen." He turned to look at Gale, "We must be on our way."

Gale concurred.

Heat nodded, "Do not concern yourselves. I will handle the situation."

Serph turned to Heat, "I have no doubt about that." he told him confidently. Looking at Gale, "Come Gale."

"Yes sire."

Serph and Gale made their way towards the chamber doors when Serph suddenly stopped, "Heat. I want this done smoothly; discretely. I do not want ugly rumors being spread about our forces being complacent. Is that clear?" Serph said icily, his silver eyes narrowed into slits.

"What of the queen and Princess Junia?" asked Heat.

"I will inform them when I return. Until then, do not divulge anything. I cannot have the castle being filled with a woman's sentiments." he said coldly.

"And if they insist Sire?" Heat prodded; it wasn't that he wasn't understanding where Serph was coming from, it was just that he wanted to know what it was he was to do for all eventualities.

Without Serph's commands, sure, he would have responses and actions at the ready…But it was the queen and Gale's fiancée that they were speaking about; they weren't his property to control.

If he was to control them in Serph and Gale's absence he had better do so under their rules.

And that was what he was doing.

"Tell them that I specifically told you to not divulge anything. Oh and, this matter need not be informed throughout the whole court. No one else needs to know that Princess Severina has gone missing."

Heat understood.

And with that, Heat found himself alone.

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Argilla yawned as she opened her eyes wearily. She looked beside her and noticed that Serph had already left. She smiled a bit. He was gone.

For a week.

She would have her freedom.

'Yes…you would see Sera and Jenna more often…and Roland too.' a voice snickered within her mind.

Argilla blushed but said nothing. It was no longer a secret. Serph wasn't there. Now, she would be able to think whatever she wanted to think about.

And what she wanted to think of at that moment was Roland.

Another furious blush found itself on her face. She sighed and allowed herself a smile as she continued to lie in their bed. A moment later, finding the motivation to start the new day, she hopped out of the bed.

She arched an eyebrow; her servants had yet to arrive. But not wanting to waste any more of her "Serph-free" time, she walked over to the bath and left the satin black sheets that she had used to cover her petite body on the floor uncouthly.

She made her way to the basin of water and there, turned the small knob. The water came flowing and she smiled, taking it in her palms, splashing it on her face. She sighed in contentment.

A few minutes later, she made her way towards the tub.

She blinked and shivered as she felt the cold water on the large tub and frowned, "Now how do they do this again?" she asked herself, walking away from there and towards the wall as she followed the indentation within the wall, for the pipes in which the hot water passed.

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Serph stopped outside of the hall. Gale raised an eyebrow at him, "You wish to say goodbye to the queen?"

Serph chuckled, "You know me too well. I shall meet you at the stables. Do not worry."

Gale nodded and immediately went their separate ways.

Serph found himself outside their chamber doors with Roland standing where he commanded he stand.

Serph nodded in approval and looked at the guards, "The queen is again free to leave. The people that are intending to enter the chamber must be inspected first; is that clear? The servants, attendants, cleaners whatever."

The king turned towards Roland, "As of now, I am dismissing Priya as Her Highness' attendant. But you, Roland, will protect the queen with your life. I want her safeguarded from anyone and everyone. Is that understood?" he asked; his silver eyes icy.

Roland nodded without saying a word.

"Good."

The guards opened the chamber doors for the king as he stepped towards it. He stepped within and saw that she was not within the bed. He also saw that the blanket was missing as well. As if seeing her invisible footprints on the floor, he walked over to the bath knowing that she would be there.

He stealthily made his way within the aforesaid chamber and there he saw her nude form, her back facing him. He walked noiselessly towards her and there, he put a hand on her bare hip while the other hand went to her shoulder.

The woman gasped and immediately hugged herself as a means to conceal her nudity.

"Calm yourself Argilla. It's only me." Serph said calmly, yet there was amusement in his voice.

"S-serph…" she trailed off, "I thought you have departed milord." she said calmly, replacing her earlier feeling of surprise and now being steadily resolute.

She shivered though as he pressed himself against her.

"I wanted to say farewell Argilla…That's all."

Argilla turned around and stifled a gasp as she was met with his silver mask. Forcing herself to be unbothered by his mask, she raised an eyebrow and steadfastly, "Farewell milord. Have a safe journey." she said unfeelingly.

Serph narrowed his eyes slightly before turning them back to sparkling ones once more and removed his mask, "I thank you My Queen for such kind words."

He suddenly leaned in and softly kissed her, his arms wrapping themselves around her nude body. He could feel his desire for her be rekindled but this wasn't the time…

She stiffened and refused him entry. He nibbled on her lower lip and whispered seductively, "There's no shame in this…"

Argilla could feel her defenses lower their guard at hearing his seductive words accompanied by his ever seductive voice and there, she slowly parted her lips, giving in to her own growing desire…

She may hate this man…but the pleasure that he made her feel was supreme; that was the plain truth.

Serph was glad that this time, she had heeded his words. He kissed her passionately and then, a moment later, he pulled back, flashing his cheeky grin, "I thank you again My Queen. But now, alas, my time is over. I shall see you again in a week. Farewell."

He recovered his mask and put it back on. With a polite bow, he left her alone. Argilla blinked in surprise but nonetheless remained quiet.

'That feeling…' she spoke mentally. Yes; she felt it…the electrical jolt passing through like powerful surges through her veins as he touched her…and looked at her.

She felt a lump in her throat as she continued to look at the empty space in front of her where he used to be…

Had he succeeded?

Had he really seduced her?

Did she really now crave his touch the way he craved hers?

'No!' she shouted internally, her hands clenching into fists. Her body was his, yes, but her heart and mind would remain free…

She vowed it.

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Heat gritted his teeth at the frustration.

'Where the fuck are you woman?!' he internally shouted.

Why did she leave? Wasn't she happy?

It was something that Heat couldn't even begin to fathom. He had given her whatever it she wanted…He had given her wealth, power…even a fraction of freedom! What more can a woman want?

"Stupid woman…" he grumbled.

But still, his heart stung painfully. His mind fed him nothing but disgusting images of what may be happening to his wife…If indeed that she had been taken by force, they would most probably know of her identity…And if they did…they would use her to hurt him.

It wasn't a secret that he, Gale and most of all, Serph, had many enemies…They would do everything and anything to get at the three of them…That was why they procrastinated from having wives or having the prospect of a family…

If he could only turn back the time; perhaps he shouldn't have married her…If he didn't…then she wouldn't have been taken…and on the other hand, she wouldn't have…run away.

'Sera…' he mentally anguished, 'Hang in there…I will save you.'

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Sera huffed as she continued to trek the deep woodlands. She hand been lucky that Cielo had been there. She wouldn't have known what to do if he weren't…

"Where are we?" she asked, discomfort evident in her voice.

Cielo held her hand tighter as he continued to practically drag her through the forest, "We're far from Arkanadara now; further east from there. This is Ilvika Forest."

"Where are we going?" she asked; the sun's rays were now fully up and had penetrated her robes and now burned her smooth skin.

Not being able to keep up, she abruptly fell to her knees, panting heavily. They had been walking continuously from sunrise…They had been walking for hours…with the end not being in sight. She didn't know how long she could keep this up.

Cielo arched an eyebrow as he saw his companion fall on her knees. She was a slave…she should be used to this kind of exertion…He quickly knelt down and tilted her chin up, "Are you alright?"

She continued to pant but nonetheless, she nodded, "I'm…fine…"

Cielo frowned as he regarded her suffering form, "We're almost there…Come on…"

"Alright…" she stood up, her legs wobbly, openly protesting. Her knees buckled and gave way, but Cielo immediately grabbed her by her waist and hoisted her up. Sera blushed as she felt herself pressed against his chest.

He chuckled, "Ayyaa…you're a whole lotta trouble, you know? Okay, come on." he said as he scooped her in his arms, carrying her, and sped through the forest, catching up with their passé.

Sera continued to blush furiously but said nothing. Half an hour later, she heard the gushing of water. She looked from the arms of Cielo and saw that they were by the waterfalls. She smiled; it was beautiful indeed…

She lightly moved within his arms. He looked at her in question, "What's wrong?"

Her face burned once more as their eyes met and she stammered her words, "I…I'm f-fine now…Thank you…"

Cielo blinked and then smiled cheekily, setting her on the ground carefully, "Are you sure?"

Sera nodded vigorously, "Yes. Thank you."

Cielo nodded and grabbed her hand once more, leading her from the waterfalls and within the woods. "It's not far now…"

A moment later, Sera's eyes widened at what she saw. There was a small community within the forest. There were small houses, huts…animals…

"What is this place?" she asked, her eyes looking from left to right, in awe of what she saw.

Cielo chuckled, "This is the home base of the Resistance. The Arkanadarans have yet to know about the extent of our forces. We have just been recently formed."

"Oh…" muttered Sera as she continued to look at the tree-houses.

He chuckled again as he led her to a small platform, "Come on, get on." Sera immediately followed him and there, a moment later, the platform was hoisted up via pulley.

Cielo led her to a small house up by the tree and ushered her to come in, "Serish, you should stay here for a while and don't go alright? I'll be back as soon as I can." he told her firmly, yet truthfully.

Sera nodded frantically as he sat her on a cushion on the floor.

Smiling childishly at her for a moment, he then proceeded to leave through the slit of the curtain that was the door. Feeling that Cielo has finally gone, Sera let her face droop in sadness. This really was reality. Here she was, far away from Argilla, Jenna and most of all, Heat.

She hiccupped as she fought back her sobs. She breathed in heavily, calming herself.

'No! I have to be stronger!' she said to herself.

It was time to accept the responsibilities of her actions. She had left on her own accord. She should deal with the problems that accompanied it without resorting to being child-like. She furrowed her eyebrows together, "I will become stronger." she vowed to herself.

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Argilla walked out of her chambers, ready for the day when she was met with Roland's face. She fought back a blush and looked at him evenly, "Roland. Where is Priya?"

Roland cleared his throat, "His Highness had dismissed her."

Her eyes narrowed at him, "What?!"

Argilla wanted to scream in annoyance. Why did Serph do that? Priya was one of the few people that she was fond of…She wanted to lash out at him. She sighed; he had already left. It would mean that she would have to wait a week, until his return, for her to question what he had done.

Right now, she had no choice but to comply.

"Do you know where she is?" Argilla asked Roland calmly.

"No Your Majesty." he replied stoically.

Argilla nodded, closing her eyes before walking away demurely in her pink sari, with him in tow. She had been used to it. Before, she would always feel unnerved and awkward having a personal guard going wherever she went…But now, he became a part of her, just like Priya, that it seemed wrong for her to leave without them behind her.

'I'm sure she's fine. She might have been sent back to her family…' she thought optimistically.

A moment later, she had reached the banquet hall. It was time for breakfast. The entire court bowed on their knees as she was announced. Argilla felt uncomfortable at seeing them; she had never gone to the hall without her husband…

It was at that time that a part of her wished…

'I wish he were here…'

Still walking as demurely as possible, she sat at the right hand side of Serph's cushion. Noting the space, she immediately found herself feeling a bit saddened…She didn't feel right that Serph was missing. She had been so accustomed to him being there that she actually noticed and cared now that he was gone…

'What…what am I thinking?' she thought to herself angrily.

Was she beginning to feel something for him?

'Of course not. I suppose he's been breathing down my neck for a while now that I grew accustomed of his persistent nagging. Now that he's gone, I've yet to get used to it yet again.' she huffed defiantly.

She looked around and met Jenna's eyes. She smiled; Jenna was here. She looked further and noticed the general. She took in his hardened face and his blazing red eyes; Argilla shivered, 'How could Sera love such a man…?'

She looked beside him and noticed that her youngest sister was not present. Why was that so? Where was she? Had she been punished?

She turned her face to her soup and sipped it elegantly. She stiffened as she remembered about Roland. She turned slightly and saw a glimpse of him a few feet away from her. She began to wonder, 'Is his job always like this? Has he had his breakfast?' she thought with wild curiosity.

It was a difficult thing to do, watching over people the way he did towards her…

She wanted so much to tell him to eat with her…but that would be folly. For many reasons. One. He would only refuse her, probably telling her that it wasn't his place. Two. There were people around. If she favored him above all others, they might turn it into a scandal and use that to get Serph against her. Three. There was Serph. She needn't explain what he would do should he find out that his wife had been "frolicking" around with her guard.

So, with a regretful sigh, she returned to her meal.

As the meal was over, she slowly stood and made her way towards Jenna, who had waited for her faithfully. She embraced the woman, "Junia."

Jenna pulled away and nodded, "Queen Amadeus." she regarded her sister evenly, albeit respectively.

The two laughed and Argilla whispered to her ear, "Come. Let us find a more private place to talk."

Jenna nodded, smiling heartily, "I agree."

They reached a comfortable room that was made solely for women and went in. Of course, Roland had to come in first, inspecting the aforesaid room before letting the women enter.

And as they did, he left them to their privacy.

"So, where is Sera?" came Jenna's cool voice.

Argilla frowned, "I do not know. It was a question that I hope would you be able to shed light on…"

Her frown grew as she remembered Sera's sad face, "Jenna?"

"Hm?"

"Has Sera told you anything?" Argilla asked curiously.

"About what?"

"I know when Sera's hiding something from me…Her face yesterday…Actually, her demeanor for the last fortnight seemed…She seemed so sad." Argilla thought warily, her eyes drifting away from the scene, imagining her sister.

Jenna frowned, "I understand. I too had caught her curious expression…It is not like her at all…" She sighed, "But alas, I too had been kept in the dark about this matter."

Argilla closed her eyes and sighed, "I see…"

Well, there was nothing more to do but…

Jenna raised an eyebrow, "Have you noticed the general today? He seemed…preoccupied; as if he were in deep thought. He has got to know where she is."

Argilla nodded, "Of course he knows where she is. It's just a matter of speaking to him. But perhaps he had punished her…" she winced as she paused for but a moment and resumed her words, "If that was the case, I doubt that we could do anything…"

Jenna looked at her as if she grew two heads, "What? Why? The king isn't present. You outrank the general. You could demand to see Sera!"

Argilla shook her head, "That may be so, but it doesn't change the fact that he is married to her. He has a claim on her Jenna…It isn't that simple. The king gave Sera to him. So, by that logic, there is a binding contract between him and the king, thus outranking even my power."

Jenna crossed her arms and growled, looking away, "Why must you always stress on the finer details?"

Argilla couldn't help but laugh. That had always been Jenna's style. She was smart and intelligent; ready to find loopholes at anything and everything, may it be a policy, a contract or a law…But the funny thing was, she always did so for childish reasons and would behave childishly when refuted.

Like now.

"Alright. I would speak to Heat about Sera." Argilla said, laughing lightly. Jenna's eyes lit up with hope but were made to return to its displeased and bored expression as Argilla continued to speak, "But I won't press him about it when he tells me he can't allow us to see her. Is that clear?"

Jenna nodded, and muttered under her breath, "Bureaucrat…"

"I heard that."

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"Where could she be?!" muttered Heat as he looked at the map of their continent. They couldn't have gotten far. There were over ten towns, villages around Arkanadara. He had already dispatched their soldiers with the orders of searching for a young maiden from Flavius Adeodatus with silver eyes and black ebony hair.

He should be there, he thought; and not within the castle…He should be the one searching for her…But he couldn't leave his post. Serph had left the country to him while he was away with Gale…

He couldn't do anything…

'Sera…'

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Roland stood there in front of the doors, with his arms crossed. With his powerful sense of hearing, he could hear the two women from within, giggling and chatting. He really wasn't all that interested in what they spoke of though, after all, that was their business.

But what got him curious was why the king had suddenly dismissed the young Priya…That, and why he had suddenly tightened the security around the queen.

'Something is afoot.' he told himself steadily, his eyes narrowing as he continued to stand watch, more motivated and alert as possible.

The king probably knew of some news that the queen was endangered…Most especially now that he was away. He wouldn't be able to protect her. Worse comes to worst, that was why he dismissed Priya. In order to make sure that she wouldn't poison or harm the queen…

Of course, he didn't think that Priya would do it; she could do it, but wouldn't do it. She was too fond of the queen…But it was also said that a murderer was also someone whom one least suspected.

He laughed at his stupidity; he was getting sidetracked, allowing his mind to meander when it wasn't supposed to.

But all things being equal, he had a feeling that something awry had happened.

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A/N: Names again.

Serish: A female Pakistani name. Sera's name as she remained incognito.

Ilvika: A Hindu name for Orion.

Ilvika (story): Name of the forest to the east of Arkanadara.