Kyoko squeezed her eyes shut, holding her breath as she inwardly crept toward the light she now associated with Rosa. She was so close this time! Just one more step. She reached out a metaphorical hand and—

It disappeared.

Kyoko let out a gasp falling back on the cot and released a slew of curses at the ceiling.

Three days. Three freaking days of being alone and trying to talk to her only companion. A disembodied demi-god stuck inside her essence that refused to talk. No matter how many hours she meditated, slept, or imagined a light within her and all that metaphorical crap, she hadn't been able to speak to Rosa like she had that first night. The closest she had gotten was a feeling, a sort of confirmation that to help Rosa return, she needed to get better.

Kyoko didn't look at her shoulders, now practiced in avoiding them even in her peripherals. She was a trained physician, she knew she wasn't getting better.

After a few more minutes of staring at the ceiling, she closed her eyes again, trying to reach Rosa. It was the only thing she could do. There was no escape. She'd tried pleading with the guards, walked dozens of times around the room and nothing she did could break the magic constricting manacles around her wrist. She was stuck here, trapped until her trial.

The manacles are probably making it harder to speak to Rosa in the first place, she thought after another round of soul seeking yielded no results. Just… I can't die. What will happen to Rosa if they decide to kill me? What will happen to Ashuron? Oh light… I don't want to die.

A rattling outside her door made her sit bolt upright. A guard opened her door showing three others outside.

"Come," he said, motioning her outside. "It's time."

She was not ready for this.

Heart suddenly doing a dance inside her chest, Kyoko stood up, feeling herself shaking. The guards attached a chain to her manacles, lashing them together. As they lead her down the hall, she could see for the first time where she was. It was the prison cells, but she'd been in a special area it seemed. Probably due to her illness.

They passed other cells where people looked out of windows to see her. And the things they said… Kyoko kept her head bent, her ears burning.

Her guards kept walking through the building and outside. She blinked at the daylight, suddenly confused. Something didn't feel right.

"Where are we going?" said Kyoko. She didn't think the courthouse was this way. Usually, it was connected to the central hall.

"To your trail," said one of the guards.

"But the central hall is the other way."

"You're not getting a private trial," the guard looked over his shoulder, and she saw nothing but pure loathing in his expression. "Demons like you don't deserve anonymity. You're having a public trial."

That's when it hit her. Why she had felt weird after leaving the jailhouse. The streets were empty. She could hear the distant rumble of thousands of voices, and it was getting louder.

She stopped short, so shocked that the guard had to tug on her restraints to keep her moving.

Oh no… oh no, oh no.

The bouncing really was starting to get on Shin's nerves. He'd considered knocking into his uncle's kneecap with the hilt of his sword but had decided against it. They were in the middle of the courtroom after all.

Though a private trial, every magistrate, noble and them some had managed to stuff themselves into the small room. All the seats were taken including the extra ones pulled from the sides. People were lucky if they could find wall space to lean against. As it was, Shin was glad for his status as a royal. It guaranteed him a spot not only in a chair but near the front with the rest of his family.

The beautiful Aunt Julie reached over and laid a hand on her husband's knee to still their bouncing.

"Calm down, Love," she said soothingly. "You're bouncing like you've got a grandchild on your lap."

"Stars, I wish that were the case," said Kuu, glancing at Shin. "I don't suppose you're going to give me any soon?"

"Do I look like your son?" said Shin. "Though you do pose a good question… I wonder if Kanae will want kids? She doesn't seem the motherly type. Wait. No. I can guess what she'd be like. Constantly irritated but unable to help loving them. Kinda how she is with me."

"Hmmm," said Julie, with a mischievous grin. It hid the stress in her eyes. "You're assuming a lot." The mirth tightened as she tried to hide a wince. Her legs were doing better, but she walked slowly, and sitting was visibly painful.

The laugh on Kuu's face slid away, returning to the worried scowl he'd been wearing before Aunt Julie had told him to stop bouncing. And now the bouncing had returned as well. This time Julie didn't stop him, her own face tightening as she glanced around at the crowd.

Despite their anxiety, from afar they looked every inch the queen and king they were. Crowns present, lavish furs and gossamer fabric reminding everyone of their majesty. Julie had a feathered medallion reminiscent of phoenix's feather sprouting from one shoulder. Her makeup almost completely covered up her thinned cheeks and pale complexion.

Even Shin had dressed for the occasion with an overbearing decorative shall to match. Normally he wouldn't have bothered, but as a representative of his king and a prominent supporter well… it was best to not give other more cause to doubt their king based on the appearance of those he associated with. Lords this was going to be obnoxious to sit through.

He planted his chin in his palm, ignoring his uncle who had started talking strategy with Lory who sat in front. Like they hadn't stayed up all night doing exactly that. Kuu needed to chill.

The room at the side of the room opened, and one of the magistrates entered. As one the group stood, all save Julie stood. The magistrate spoke briefly about the great land of Ashuron and its majesty over the years. Shin fought a yawn as they finally were allowed to sit. Then the mediator stood up.

Shin stopped mid-yawn, his teeth clanking shut. Well, what did we have here? His old friend Zahir.

"They changed the mediator," said Kuu to Lory. "When did they do that?"

"I don't know," said Lory, turning in his seat to face Shin. "Do you think he'll give us trouble?"

"No idea." The last time he'd had a proper talk with his old friend was when Zahir had warned him about the no-confidence vote. "But the man is uptight when it comes to rules, so I doubt he'll do anything extreme," he begrudgingly admitted. For a disloyal friend, he could be counted on to do what he thought was right, and that included being an impartial mediator.

Zahir addressed the crowd, explaining the procedure for those that didn't know what to expect. It boiled down to sit down, shut up. If you want to say something, you should have arranged it with the representative beforehand. Lory was the head rep on their side. Sulmond was the other.

Speaking of the vile creature, Sulmod was seated at the head of his little posse looking smug. He'd dressed in robes a shade shy of regal in their embroidery, one sleeve pinned up to reveal his absent forearm.

Enjoy the smug feeling while you can, thought Shin grimly. They had a few aces up their sleeve that should help win some people over. They had a handful of faithful voters that would vote in favor of Kuu keeping the throne, but too many were unclear. This trial was mostly for them.

Shin's attention snapped back to the front as Sulmod stood up. The accusers would say their bit with as many people as they wanted with a maximum of two hours before the accused got to respond. They'd have an hour break for lunch then one final round of each party speaking before the final vote.

Sulmod stood at the front of the room. His good arm tucked behind his back and the other missing arm displayed openly for all to see.

"Nobles and members of the courts, I take no pleasure in seeing this day come to our great kingdom," started Sulmod. "but I thought it fair that as the one who brought these concerns to the forefront, I must to own them and bring them before you today."

Yeah right, thought Shin. The moron had adopted a somber attitude. Too bad his pride was too big to fit in his fat head. He couldn't quite remove the greedy smile from his lips as he continued.

"Our great kingdom is in shambles. Our military has failed us and the Accursed have devastated our beloved city. Worse, they've taken from us our heart and soul. The demi-god Rosa. She was slain here in these walls and the whole kingdom mourns her loss. This loss is inexcusable and for me, it is clear who is responsible for this. It lays at the feet of the one that should have protected her. The one that should have protected all of his people. It lays at the feet of King Kuu and his incompetence."

Shin folded his arms, listening with close attention to each word. It was mostly the same thing he'd been saying for the past few weeks. Kuu was a bad king. He didn't deserve their loyalty. All that garbage. But the second he tried to claim that Kuu was an Accursed or served the Djinn, well, he'd better have good fake proof of such a thing because Lory would tear into that accusation.

Sulmod talked for another thirty minutes in this vein, the room only partially paying attention. They'd all heard this before. They were waiting for something new. Something that would sway their opinion.

Sulmod suddenly stopped, turning his attention to Zahir.

"May I ask a witness to come forward?" said Sulmod.

"Of course," said Zahir. "Who will you call?"

Sulmod's pointed into the booth were Shin sat. Right at Uncle Kuu.

Somehow, I felt he might do this.

Kuu didn't bat an eye as Murmurs broke out immediately. Sulmod's expression twisted into a smirk. He seemed unperturbed with how tasteless his request was. Then again, he was calling for a no-confidence vote. He was disappointed more than anything else.

Lory stood up immediately, hands slamming against the desk.

"We refuse," said Lory, "The accused reserves the right to refuse to testify on the side of the opponent."

"It's alright." The king stood, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I have nothing to hide, Councilor. I choose to answer your questions." His gaze had not left Sulmod's.

"Your Highness, this is a very bad idea," hissed Lory. "I don't think he's bluffing. If you go up on that stand you'll be falling right into his trap."

"But refusing is not an option either," said Kuu, "If I do, he'll accuse me of anything he wants, and the crowd will believe him. By the time we stand for our defense, it will be that much harder to deny what he's said, no matter how untrue it is."

"but—"

Kuu stepped down to the front, the murmurs increasing to a low roar. It was hard to think from the noise. It reminded him of the battlefield, waiting as the enemy approached the walls. This overwhelming pressure threatened to topple him with each step. He stood tall against it, remembering what he represented.

Zahir called for quiet, taking several minutes to calm the crowd. When he managed to do so, he motioned to Sulmod to start.

"Thank you," nodded Sulmod, now turning to Kuu. "There have been many rumors flying around about your connection to this attack. That negligence was not the only reason for this tragity. Some say you helped facilitate the attack and sided with the Accursed. What do you think of those accusations?"

"Insulting," said Kuu immediately. "I had no such connection and actively fought against the Accursed."

"Yes, we've heard your report," said Sulmod impatiently, as if this were expected and he wanted to get to the good bits. "You fought your own brother, Masato, who had become an Accursed and then your son became one."

"That is correct," said Kuu ignoring the pain these memories brought. What was Sulmod's game? Why bring these up right now? Did he plan to try and confirm the rumors? Catch Kuu in a play of words and reasoning? It seemed like something he'd do. Kuu would have to choose his words carefully.

"You fought the Accursed," said Sulmod, now pacing across the front as if it were a stage. "Defeated your own brother." Well, Masato had defeated himself by trying to merge two opposite powers, but Kuu wasn't going to correct Sulmod. The Vessel was to remain a secret even if it was destroyed.

Sulmod suddenly stopped, eyes on Kuu. "Fought against your own son?"

"I did not personally," Kuu admitted. "My injuries had incapacitated me at that point."

"But if you had the ability, would you raise your sword toward your own son?"

Kuu fought the wave of nausea as he remembered that moment. Remembered watching as his son sprouted scales like some sort of monster. What should he have done differently to save everyone? Even now, could he raise his hand against Kuon? His healed wounds throbbed as if they had opened anew.

"Your silence speaks for itself," said Sulmod smugly, pulling Kuu out of that dreadful day. The murmuring had begun again. "Even if you are not connected with the Dark Djinn, you are too close to them to properly protect the kingdom."

Ah. So that was his plan. Not to confirm the rumors, but to turn the alternative into an option just as bad. Just another way to highlight his supposed incompetence as a leader.

"Excuse my silence," said Kuu. "But you ask a difficult question. It is hard to consider in hindsight what one would do on the battlefield." Kuu inhaled deeply. "I love my son, just as I love the kingdom. But… if it came down to it. If he threatened the welfare of the kingdom—"Everyone was hanging on his every word. He felt their stares. Heard their collected breath. But the stare he felt the heaviest was the gentle blue of his wife's gaze. Those were the eyes he didn't want to disappoint. The eyes he knew looked to him for strength. The same eyes he was about to break.

"Yes," he said. "If I had to. I would do it."

Tears welled up in Julie's eyes. He'd betrayed her with his words. Broken her heart. It didn't matter if he meant them or not. Just saying them was damning enough.

"You'd kill him if you could," said Sulmod, the glee in his voice harsh against Kuu's ears. If he had both hands, he'd be rubbing them together in glee. "Then tell me, you claim to have the guts to raise your own hand against Kuon, yet why can't even command someone else you complete the task for you?"

Kuu's face blanched. What?

"I've heard a report," said Sulmod. "That the location of your son is known, and you have yet to do anything about it. No orders. No deployment. Nothing. You told the authorities to sit and wait with an Accursed in their city."

How did Sulmod know about that? Even if he found out that Kuon was in Mosall how could he know that Kuu knew about it? Or that he hadn't done anything about it?

Either way, Kuu had fallen for the trap. Sulmod could have announced this without Kuu here but including the king in this reveal would make it more sensational. Give no time for him to pull himself together for a retort. And it had worked. Kuu was speechless as the moderator had to again call for silence.

During the clamor, Sulmod faced the results of his labors as the people murmured and called out.

"Now they see how empty your words are," he said softly, their conversation only for them. "First you failed to stop your brother, who you knew was an Accursed. Now you can't even raise a sword against your son, despite saying you would. It's obvious now to everyone that you are completely incompetent."

Zahir finally got the room back in order, turning to Kuu.

"Your Majesty, if you would please respond," said Zahir.

"I'll say this," said Kuu, desperately fighting his panic and self-loathing to pull together something. "Charging ahead without a strategy is suicide, as is making known to the public all our plans. I ask for a little faith in these matters as we deal with the situation."

That was the best he could muster. It sounded weak even to Kuu. He refused to lie and say Sulmod had made it up. He was sure the man had a strategy for that as well and being caught the lie would be worse than admitting to it. Which, he hadn't really admitted to it. Just avoided the question with another statement.

Sulmod snorted, waving at him.

"Faith? You ask for faith? That's rich considering what little our faith in you has—"

"If the Councilor has no more questions to ask," cut in Kuu. "May I return to my seat?" There was no reason to stand here and take the abuse. He needed to reconvene with Lory and... where had Lory gone to? Kuu couldn't find him in the stands.

"Yes, I'm done with him," said Sulmod, dismissing Kuu as if he were a mere fly.

Kuu returned to his seat, sliding in beside his wife. Julie still had her eyes on her lap. He slipped a hand over her folded ones, giving it them a squeeze.

"I'm sorry my dear," he whispered. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

She sniffed, shaking her head.

"I'm fine." Her lie was painful to hear. He was just glad she didn't pull away from his touch, fingers trembling beneath his own. It would take a long time before Julie forgave him for what he said on the stand. That, more than anything else tore at his conscious.

"Where did Lory go?" he asked the group.

"No idea," said Kouki who sat ahead of him. The man shook his head with a grumble. "He left me to do everything myself. What is he thinking in the middle of a trial?"

"I think he figured out who's been telling on us," said Shin. The young man suddenly stood up, scooching past them. "Be right back."

"Shin!" said Kuu, scooting in his chair to make room. "Where are you going?"

Shin stopped, already halfway down the aisle to shoot a bright smile at them loudly declaring. "To get back up!"

The boy sprinted down the lane chucking one of his decorative sashes as it tangled, prompting more mutters and curious stares. It couldn't look good, people leaving Kuu's booth right after that little stunt. Kuu sat back, ignoring his churning stomach as Sulmod continued to twist the knife in the metaphorical seam he'd created. Only Julie's hands sweaty beneath his palm kept him anchored.

A permanent darkness had settled around Hikaru's heart. With no windows inside the cell, the day felt like one long night stretched into eternity. In his head, he knew they couldn't have been here more than a week. Maybe less. But his heart felt weary.

He leaned his head against the wall, staring up at the ceiling and contemplating the terrible pattern of the rocks. Well, pattern was a kind word for the mess of motor and stone that made up their roof.

"Do you think they're even going to give us a trial?" he said to his sole companion. "I wouldn't be surprised if they conveniently forget we are in here and let us starve to death,"

Cain grunted in response. An all too common reaction recently. Hikaru pulled his head back forward to look at the Accursed beside him. He didn't look good. Nothing Hikaru did could restore the man's energy. Even stories of Kyoko were met with only mild grunts of amusement. At least Hikaru was starting to understand the differences between the grunts. It helped him understand the man Kuon had become. Understand Cain.

"You're right, they won't forget about us," said Hikaru. "I need to be more positive. Maybe Kyoko will raise hell and get them to let us go. I could see her doing that, injury or not."

This time Cain didn't respond at all.

"Hey," said Hikaru, placing a hand on Cain's shoulder. He shuddered at the touch but didn't remove his hand. "If you want me to shut up so you can sleep just say so. Cain?"

Under the mess of dark hair, Cain's eyes peaked through. Light, the fatigue rimming them was alarming. If Cain didn't reconnect with his relic soon… No. He needed to keep Cain alive. Needed to keep him sane. Needed… to do something.

Rattling came from outside.

Hikaru jumped up, then stumbled as his legs gave out. He'd been sitting for too long.

"Hey!" called Hikaru. "Someone there?"

He was surprised as the door opened to reveal several guards.

"What's going on?" said Hikaru. Days without any contact save food sliding under the door had left him more than a little skittish.

"It's time for your trial," said one the guards.

Finally. He couldn't even be properly scared since it meant something was finally happening. Anything was better than sitting in this forsaken hole.

"Come on Cain, we have to get up," he said.

After a moment's struggle, Cain rose, leaning against Hikaru for the first few steps. The guards took him from Hikaru's hands and shackled his writs together. As if four magic dampening shackles weren't enough. They were unnecessarily rough with Cain which just made Hikaru mad.

He bit his tongue, conscious that lashing out would only cause more problems. He endured the sight of their mistreatment while ignoring of the care they gave him. Why the difference? Didn't they know Hikaru had cast his lot in with the Accursed they now escorted?

They walked for a few minutes in silence, taking obscure paths and deserted hallways. No one was around, a fact that Hikaru was grateful for. But near the entrance of the facility, the guard leading Hikaru stopped while the others continued.

"Hey, where are they going?" said Hikaru. He had to stay near Cain! To make sure he was alright. He attempted to follow, but his guard stopped him.

"Please don't put up a fuss," he said. "We don't want to attract attention, sir."

Hikaru recognized that voice. It was a little muffled due to a scarf pulled all the way up past his noes but Hikaru knew the eyes under the helm.

"Norishige?" said Hikaru, completely floored. "Is that you? What's going on? Why have you separated me from Cain?"

"I'll explain in a moment," he said. "Please, come with me."

He should have been happy to see his friend again, but it was dampened by a growing dread. Only the earnest gaze of his friend stopped his protest. Norishige was asking for some faith. Hikaru would extend it to him.

"Fine, but I want answers after this," said Hikaru. "I just hope you're not doing something that will get you into trouble."

When Norishige didn't answer, Hikaru pressed. "Nor?"

"Just follow me," he insisted.

Unable to do anything else, Hikaru followed. They took one of the back exits and he blinked at the morning sun. The wave of dry heat reminded him he needed a bath, as well as water. Water would be really nice right now.

"Where is everyone?" said Hikaru, noticing the absence of people. A few littered the area, but it was sparse, even for the outside of the prisons. "Nor. What is going on?"

"I said I'd tell you in a minute," said Norishige.

"I want you to tell me now."

"I shouldn't sir. You wouldn't like it."

This was new. Hikaru couldn't help a shake of his head. "Surely you're not doing something Illegal? Not good ol' Nor who reported his own sorry arse for being five minutes late for watch."

"That was one time," muttered Norishige.

Hikaru laughed, the action lightening his mood. He tilted back his head and drank in the sun. "Gosh, it feels good to be outside again. I wish they'd hold the trial outside."

"They are."

Hikaru stopped, the mirth draining from him. They'd reached a back alley, not a single soul in sight. Norishige turned to face Hikaru, that scarf still covering his face.

"They're holding it outside?" said Hikaru. "Then that means… shit. It's not a trial. It's a public execution."

That was the only reason magistrates held 'trials' outside. To boost morale and deal with high profile cases in the sun. The people may think it was real, but it was just a big show. Not one Hikaru could usually stomach.

And Lady Kyoko was going to be their next victim.

"I have to stop them," said Hikaru. "Nor, I need to talk to the Duke. They don't understand anything that's going on."

"I can't do that," said Norishige. "We could only bargain for your life. The other two will have to accept their fate."

Furious, Hikaru grabbed at his friend's shirt, helpless to do anything else in his binding. "Get me out of the shackles!"

"I can't sir."

"Please. I can't let them do that to her."

"Sir, just- stop!"

They tussled for a moment, Norishige pushing Hikaru off him. The scarf that had covered Nor's face went with him. Hikaru's eyes widened as he saw what it had been hiding. Norishige's face was covered in black ugly marks.

He was in the final stage of the Sheuman's rot.

"Nor…" said Hikaru staring at shock at his friend. He clamped down on the wave of grief, letting it simmer below the surface. "How much time do you have left?"

Norishige retrieved the fallen scarf, once again hiding the marks with the cloth.

"Enough time to get you out of here," he said.

"I'll make sure your family is taken care of."

"You will not." Norishige's voice hardened. "You're leaving tonight."

"But I can't just leave Lady Kyoko."

"Yes, you can. We're getting you out of here."

We?

Something crunched behind him. A hooded figure came from around the corner, huffing as they caught their breath.

"S-sorry, it was hard to get away from the guards," said the figure. "I'm not sure when they'll notice I'm gone."

Hikaru knew that voice. Granted, he'd only spoken directly to the woman a few times, but the tone was unmistakable.

"Duchess Momose?" said Hikaru. "What are you doing here?"

The woman flung her hood back showing a plain face and neck. Usually she wore makeup or some form of jewelry. The plainness was stark in contrast to her usual attire.

"We're getting you out of here," she said.

"I figured that," said Hikaru. "But… I'm just confused."

"What is there to be confused about?" she said, confident as she cocked her head at him. "We have supplies if you're concerned. And he's still in his cuffs. Why haven't you removed them yet?"

Norishige mumbled an apology, pulling out a set of keys and taking the cuffs of Hikaru's wrists. The moment they unclasped, Hikaru felt a wave of energy return to him. Wow. He hadn't realized how much energy those were suppressing. He rubbed his wrists, only more confused about this situation. No one was acting as they normally did.

He was about to ask another question when Itsumi waved something in his face. He felt a wave of energy over him, blinking at the sudden arcane magic.

"What was that?' said Hikaru.

"A charm that helps breaks curses, hoodwinks and other nefarious spells," said Momose. "Should get rid of whatever mind-controlling magic that Cain had over you."

"I'm not under any control," said Hikaru, now annoyed. "I need to go save Lady Kyoko and Cain."

Momose's frown deepened. She waved the item in front of Hikaru and magic once again washed over him.

Annoyed, he held out a palm to stop the action. He didn't grab her, conscious that she was a duchess and any actions like that would be improper. The woman's eyes widened though as if he had. The item remained raised between their palms, hovering mid-air.

"Duchess Momose, please," he said. "Stop this."

Itsumi breathed in sharply, eyes fluttering to the ground. She retracted her hand along with the item.

"I'm leaving," said Hikaru, turning to his friend. "Thank you for your help, but I'm going to save Lady Kyoko."

"Lady Kyoko," said Momose, and Hikaru was surprised to hear a mocking tone from the Duchess's lips. "Why is it always about her? What's so great about her?"

"Duchess—"

Hikaru was cut off as Itsumi suddenly stepped forward, forcing Hikaru to stumble back. Meekness had fled from her. She now wore the bright fury and strength of a duchess of Ashuron as her lips tightened.

"I'm the one here, right in front of you," she said, placing a hand over her heart. "I'm the one helping you. I'm the one throwing away everything to save you. Can't you look at me?"

"Duchesses, p-please," said Hikaru, completely taken aback. "W-why would you…"

"Because I love you," said Itsumi. Her words shook as did her determination, but it flickered back in full strength as she repeated. "I love you Hikaru Ishibashi."

"They changed the location?"

Hiroaki had to stop himself from shaking the worker that had just informed him. The lad shrugged as he continued with his paperwork.

"Yeah, and they left me here to keep working, freaking jerks," he grunted. "I deserve to be there as much as anyone else. But noooo, they need to keep someone in the office. Bah! As if anyone is going to come here when everyone wants to see the trial. This is a waste of time."

"Does everyone in the city knows about this trial?" said Hiroaki. How was he just hearing this now?

"Of course, they do," said the boy, giving Hiroaki a confused look. "They announced it throughout the city about an hour ago, but the news spread quickly… didn't they tell you?"

No, they hadn't, which was not a good sign. It was a good thing he had left his study three hours earlier than he had planned or else he might have missed it completely.

"Thanks," said Hiroaki, sprinting down the streets. With each step, his stomach fell an inch more. He hoped Kanae and the other men heard about the location and time change. Something about it didn't sit right with him. Like they had purposefully kept the change from him.

Which meant they must know Hiroaki meant to defend Kyoko and Cain.

"I can go see her?"

Kanae was too suspicious to be shocked. They were going to let her see Kyoko? Now? Three hours before the trial started?

The guard who'd delivered the news held out a piece of parchment.

"I'm just here to deliver this and guide you to her cell," he said. "One last mercy before she's executed."

"Nothing's been decided yet," said Kanae harshly, yanking the paper he offered. She glanced over it, eyes narrowing. "Wait outside, I'll be with you in a moment."

She slammed the door in the guard's face then turned back to the room where her companions all waited, staring at her as she mulled over the letter. It was from Itsumi Momose.

"What does it say?" said Maru, creeping over to look at the letter.

"Not much," admitted Kanae. The handwriting was long and loopy, pretty typical for a duchess brat. "It says; 'I still don't trust her, but I can't live with myself if I didn't grant her one last mercy. Don't take too long. I don't want my dad to find out I arranged this.' "

Figures this would happen. Momose seemed to be the type to internalize problems until they festered. Doing this would wipe away any guilt she felt for the situation by being the 'bigger person' and granting someone mercy that didn't deserve it. What a load of bull.

The question was, could Kanae work this to their advantage?

"I'm going to go," said Kanae, stuffing the letter into her pocket. "You guys head to the courtroom. I'll get there after I'm done talking to Kyoko."

"But what about the plan?" said Horiuchi.

"Nothing changes," said Kanae. She grabbed her pack from the wall, strapping it to her back beneath her cloak. It was filled with the supplies she'd need to travel across the desert. A contingency plan in case today ended in escape. "Have everything set up by the time I arrive. And remember, not a word to the mage."

She didn't trust him enough to get him involved with their escape plans.

Three faces darkened in determination while the other brightened with a smile.

"You can count on us, Leader," said Maru with a thumbs up. "And if you manage to steal Lady Kyoko away early, we know where to meet you."

Not one for smiles, Kanae settled with a grunt before walking out the door. Finally, after almost a month of worrying, she was going to see Kyoko.

Thanks for reading!

I apologize for releasing a day late. That's what happens when you don't give your beta anytime to go over the chapter. My fault. I did that.

But thank you all for your patience and for reviewing and not throwing this story away in despair. I admit, I have been tempted to do so every now and then but then I read an awesome review and I realize I can't do that to you all. That would just be super mean. XD

Thanks again!

Next chapter: 2 weeks.

-Blushweaver

I Im0ut0 have read this chapter and added the things, but mostly not added the things because Blushweaver is awesome

-Im0ut0