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The fun lasted until just after they left the Western Guild and started to head South, towards DG's arranged meeting with the nobles who represented the area.
They'd been riding for just over three hours, and DG had spent most of that time shushing the people around her so she could hear Jeb and Ishta's bickering banter, much to the mixed amusement and discomfort of Cain. He was amused to see his son so out of sorts but discomforted by the knowledge that his little boy was clearly no longer the child he'd once been.
It verged on flirting, but wasn't quite there yet. In time, it could be. Every other sentence was a threat to gut the other or draw a weapon on them and it amused DG to no end, which in turn amused the others around them. Raw could be caught chuckling from time to time; Glitch wore an 'I told you so' expression. The men under Jeb's command were baffled by their leader's apparent dislike of the warrior woman, torn between their admiration of her and their loyalty to him.
It didn't seem right, then, that in an instant, everything could change.
The messenger had been searching for them for hours, unable to breech the barrier into the territory of the Western Guild. He was a young boy of no more than sixteen annuals, and looked close to tears when the group stumbled on him riding in circles in the dense woodland between the Western Guild and the lakes of the South.
By the time she'd finished reading the message, hastily written by her father, DG was close to tears herself.
"We have to go back to Central City," she announced, folding the letter. She pushed it into her pocket and turned her horse to face the direction she assumed was the city. "Now. We have to go back now."
"But your schedule –" Glitch's protest fell short at the stricken look on her all too pale face and he turned his mount to face the same direction without another word.
"What is it, DG?" Cain reached out, either to take the reins of her horse or to take hold of her shaking hands with his, she wasn't entirely sure. "What's wrong?"
Her eyes were stormy and wide, her lips trembling. "It's Az," she managed to gasp, her heart constricting in her chest as her lungs struggled to take in air to breath. "There's been an assassination attempt. Someone tried to kill my sister."
It was all she needed to say.
The group was solemn, all thoughts of teasing held at bay as they began their torturously tedious journey back to Central City, to the Princess who held her sister's heart in her hands.
There was nothing in the letter about how she was, which set DG on edge. Her mind was whirling with all of the possible scenarios she might face when she returned to the palace; in the best case scenario, Az would be there waiting for her, pale and shaken but alive. In the worst, her parents would be waiting to take her in their arms and grieve with her.
Everyone was tense around her, with Jeb insisting he ride on one side and his father on the other, Ishta behind and Rafe in front. Her friends were behind her with guards of their own but she knew she had their whole attention. After all, there'd been an assassination attempt against one Princess; there was nothing to say there wouldn't be an attempt on the life of the other.
When they reached the outskirts of the city, Cain gave her a quiet order. "Glamour spell, Deege. It's best no one knows who you are."
She nodded and concentrated, casting the spell not only on herself but on her closest friends and companions. Hearing the murmurs from them as her magic brushed their skin, she shrugged. "If people see you, they're going to work out I'm the one with you."
Cain, having been one affected by the spell, considered it and gave a nod of approval. Jeb was no doubt surprised to be included in the spell but as one of the heroes of the Eclipse, and the son of another, DG was taking no chances with any of their safety.
"We should split up and ride in smaller groups," Jeb suggested. "A group this size heading to the palace is bound to attract attention. Rafe, Bran, you go with Raw. Elliot, Thompson, you're with Glitch. Bates, Myers, go ahead and tell the guards at the gates we're coming. Dad, you and Ishta are with me and DG."
No one disagreed with his plan. The group split up, taking different routes once they made it inside the city walls, leaving their horses at the Royal stable outside of it and making the last of the journey on foot.
Her heart was pounding in her chest as she made sure she stuck close to Cain's side. Not that she really had much of a choice in the matter, as he kept a firm grip on her hand, their fingers entwined as they made their way through the city streets.
News of the attempt on Azkadellia's life was obviously being kept quiet, as the streets were abuzz with their usual activities and no one seemed alarmed or on edge. People smiled and greeted each other warmly as they shopped and dined in the outdoor cafes, laughter and music could be heard on every corner.
It was a very different city to the one DG remember first returning to; a more vibrant and lively city, with its heart restored in the near annual since the Witch's fall.
Her parents had done a lot to restore the shining city to its former glory, insisting on investing heavily to encourage people to return to their homes and reinvigorate the industries that had become neglected.
It helped to see the city and its people thriving, to know that though the healing process was slow, it was in progress.
It helped to cling to that thought as she made her way closer to where Azkadellia waited.
'I'm coming, my sister,' she thought, trying to send the message to her sister through the bond they shared of both blood and magic. It wasn't something she'd tried before, wasn't something she knew would even work, but it made her feel better to try.
The guards at the gates to the palace ushered them through as soon as they arrived. As soon as she heard the gates begin to close behind her, DG took off, reluctantly breaking contact with Cain so she could race ahead into the palace. She didn't need to look over her shoulder to see he was following, albeit at a more sedate and no doubt acceptable pace.
Instinct led her to the suite belonging to her sister, across the hall from her own. The doors opened before she could get there, and it was only as an afterthought that she realised she'd done it herself with her magic.
It startled the guards outside the room as well as the guards waiting inside, all who reached for their guns. DG called out an apology as she skidded around them, making a beeline for her sister's room where her parents stood in an embrace at the window.
Azkadellia lay on her side on the bed, her back to them. She stirred at the commotion but as soon as she saw its source, she sat up fully.
Relief that her sister seemed okay warred with concern at the notable tear tracks on Azkadellia's face so DG wasted no time in joining her on the bed, wrapping her arms around her sister in a tight embrace.
"Oh, Deege." Azkadellia's voice broke on a sob. "You're really here."
"There's nowhere else I could be," DG murmured, rubbing her sister's back soothingly. "I won't leave you again, Az. I promise I won't."
As her sister broke down, weeping into her shoulder, DG looked past her to the doorway, where Cain stood. She glanced at her parents silently and within mere minutes, he was guiding them from the room, letting the reunited sisters have a moment alone.
*\*
The story came out slowly, punctuated by sobs that broke DG's heart. The would-be assassin had attacked Az while she'd been walking in the grounds of the City Central palace. Her guards had come as soon as they'd heard her scream but the man had managed to get away. He'd had a knife, DG learned, a blade Azkadellia was convinced smoked as it lashed out at her, slicing her skin but not deep enough to wound as seriously as it had been intended.
The cut still hadn't healed.
Even as she explained the events to DG, blood began to seep through the white bandage on her sister's collarbone.
"The healers can't make it stop," Az explained, pressing her hand over the wound as her face went pale. "They don't know why."
"Raw can have a look," DG assured her, taking Azkadellia's hand in hers once again. She wasn't sure which of them was most comforted by the familiar spark of light between their palms. "We'll figure out what it was, Az. Don't worry. You're going to be okay."
"I feel like I might be, now that you're here." Az smiled at her, her eyes shining with her belief in her little sister.
There was a bit of hero worship there that crept in sometimes and made DG uncomfortable; her sister saw her as the saviour little sister who'd come back from the dead to save her from the Witch. It was true, in a way, but DG in no way felt deserving of the admiration she sometimes caught a glimpse of in her sister's eyes. Yes, Azkadellia had always been indulgent of her little sister; she'd adored DG from the moment she'd been born and doted on her little sister.
But DG didn't feel her sister had much to thank her for. Guilt threatened to consume her sometimes, guilt that her much loved big sister who she'd loved more than anyone and wanted to be like when she grew up had suffered so much because of something she'd done.
How Azkadellia could forgive her for that was something DG thought she'd never comprehend. She liked to think that if their situations were reversed, she would be as gracious as Azkadellia and find it in herself not to blame her sister. When she tried to explain herself to Az, her sister had merely smiled sadly and told her if their situations were reversed, the OZ would be doomed because there was DG was the strongest sibling and there was no way Azkadellia could have saved her.
DG, privately and not so privately, disagreed.
Once Azkadellia had settled enough to let go of her for a little while, DG left the room in search of her friends, specifically in search of Raw.
She didn't have to go very far, a tired smile gracing her lips when she noticed not only was Cain waiting with her parents in the living area attached to Azkadellia's rooms, but Raw, Glitch, Ishta, Jeb and Rafe were with them.
"Raw, Az was cut by a blade she said was enchanted. The cut won't heal," she explained quietly. "Would you mind taking a look at it to see if there's something you can do to help?"
"Of course." Raw stood from where he'd been sitting on the sofa. "For DG and sister, Raw do anything."
She smiled again, affection swelling inside her for the Viewer who'd become family. "Thank you." As Raw left to tend to Az, she turned her attention to the others in the room, notably her parents. "Mom, Dad. What do you know about the person who did this?"
"We don't know much, my angel." Her mother crossed the room towards her, leaving the shelter of Ahamo's arms to embrace her youngest daughter. "There was no trace of him when the guards got to your sister. We believe magic was used to help him evade capture."
"Dark magic," DG guessed, leaning into her mother when she felt her shudder. "Don't worry," she found herself repeating. "We'll figure it out."
"Of course we will, Spitfire." Ahamo's smile was strained as he joined his wife and child, taking them both into his arms for a moment. It was a moment he clearly needed so DG allowed it. "We're sorry your tour was disrupted. I know how much you were looking forward to it."
"I'll resume it when I can," DG murmured dismissively, promising herself it was true, or that she'd make every effort to meet everyone she'd been unable to one way or another. "We'll need to let those expecting us know that I won't be visiting for the foreseeable future. I promised Az I wouldn't leave and I meant it."
"I'll take care of it, DG," Glitch volunteered, moving from where he'd been standing – no, pacing – in front of the unlit fireplace. "I'll explain there was an emergency and you had to return home."
"Thank you, Glitch." DG favoured him with another tired, albeit genuine smile as she pulled away from her parents. "I think we should relocate to Finaqua," she suggested, forging ahead before either her mother or father could protest. "I know you wanted to stay in the City so we'd be more visible, and available to Court and Council, but we're not safe here. This has proven it."
"Finaqua is more easily defendable, Your Majesties," Jeb chimed in, much to DG's relief. "The enchanted maze itself would make it difficult for an assailent to get to yourselves or the Princesses."
"Then it's decided," the Queen agreed slowly, her gaze fixed on her youngest daughter. "If that's what you think best, my darling."
"It is. Jeb, could you make the arrangements?" DG asked with a small smile at the man in question. When he gave her a small smile in return before nodding and leaving the room, she finally felt something in the pit of her stomach settle. "Rafe, I know you're assigned to my protection detail but it would mean a lot if you could head up Azkadellia's security, at least until we're settled in Finaqua."
"Of course, Your Highness." Rafe gave a low bow, catching her eye as he straightened and giving her a quick grin. "I assure you, Princess Azkadellia's safety will be my first priority."
"Thank you." DG nodded to him, and he left the room, no doubt to take up a position outside it. Turning to one of the remaining occupants of the room, she gave Ishta an apologetic look. "Mother, Father, I don't know if you've already been introduced to Ishta, daughter of Commander Wynn of the Western Guild. Ishta is an accomplished warrior and volunteered to join us as part of my guard." As her parents murmured surprised welcomes to the young woman, DG noted Ishta stood up straighter. "Ishta, I know it's not what you expected, but I would truly appreciate it if you would work with Jeb and form part of our protection detail. I'd like you to join us in Finaqua, so we can further discuss how the House of Gale and Western Guild can work together to the mutual benefit of our people."
"It would be an honour, Princess," Ishta said as she, too, bowed. "Should I join Captain Cain and assist in making arrangements?"
"If you don't mind. Ask Rafe to have someone show you where he can be found," DG agreed, and watched as the Western Guild warrior bowed again before taking her leave.
Left with only her parents, Cain and Glitch, DG let her shoulders slump and lifted a hand to her forehead, trying to rub the dull ache she could feel brewing there away. "We need to find out who was behind the attempt on Az, what they want and where they got their magic from. She said she wasn't sure if it was just the blade that was magic or if the person wielding it was, too."
"We've got our best people working on it, DG," her father assured her. His jaw clenched at the thought of his family being under attack. "We'll find out who's behind it, one way or another."
DG nodded. "You'll need to go and pack, and let the Council know we plan to move."
Seeing it for the dismissal it was, though a polite one, her parents reluctantly left.
And then there were three.
Once the Queen and Consort were gone, Cain wasted no time in closing the gap between them. DG all but melted against him, needing the embrace as much as he did.
The attempt on her sister's life brought home to both of them that no matter how settled the realm may seem in the aftermath of the Witch's fall, there were still those who bore a grudge against the House of Gale and weren't afraid to show it.
"She's terrified," DG mumbled, her voice muffled against his chest. "She thinks she should have died, that she should have let him kill her."
"Did she say that?" Cain murmured, his lips pressed against the top of her head.
"Not in so many words but I know it's what she's thinking." And it broke her heart. "I don't know what to do, Wyatt."
"Nothin' you can do but what you already are," he told her, pulling back just enough to tip her face up with a crooked finger under her chin. "You took charge pretty well there."
She was confused for a moment, before she realised what she'd done and a blush stole across her features. "I wasn't too bossy, was I? I was just thinking out loud."
He smirked, amused at her line of thinking. "You're a Princess," he reminded her. "Being bossy's part of the job."
She looked offended for a moment, until the door to Azkadellia's bedroom opened and Raw appeared, holding the hand of her sister, who he led into the living area with him. "Raw?"
"Cut healed," Raw assured her, but his eyes were troubled. "Sensed magic. Neither dark nor light."
"Did it come from the blade or the person?" DG asked, taking a step back from Cain with a flush in her cheeks when she noticed her sister's curious gaze.
"Raw not know. Could be both," Raw admitted.
"Okay." DG exhaled a slow breath. "Arrangements are being made for us to go to Finaqua," she told Azkadellia. "Is that okay with you?"
Azkadellia nodded, reaching out a trembling hand to her sister, which DG didn't hesitate to take even though the move took her further away from Cain's side than either of them would have liked. "Do you think it's likely they'll try again?"
"Maybe." DG couldn't lie to her sister. "Can you remember anything else, Az? Anything he said or did that could give us a clue as to who is behind it?"
Azkadellia thought for a few moments, frustration flitting across her face when nothing came to mind. She shook her head, lowering her gaze. "I'm sorry, Deege. I can't remember. It all happened so quickly."
"It's okay, Az. We'll figure it out." DG gave her a reassuring smile. "You should try to get some rest. Rafe's going to be taking over your security detail so when he's selected his team, we'll make sure you're comfortable with them, okay?"
"Okay." Azkadellia managed a tiny smile, exhaustion and fear making her sway. "I'll try to sleep for a while."
"Raw stay with Azkadellia and help keep bad dreams away," Raw volunteered, taking her hand and tugging her gently away from DG.
"And I'll come back once I've got cleaned up and changed," DG promised, giving her sister's hand a final squeeze before letting Raw lead Azkadellia back to her bedroom.
Not a word was said as DG led the way out of the suite, across the hall and into the rooms she called her own. She wrapped her arms around her middle and stood by the window, staring out of it blindly. Behind her, she heard Cain murmur something to Glitch and then the sound of retreating footsteps before the door to her rooms were closed, the lock engaged with a gentle click.
Seconds later, Cain was behind her, drawing her back against him. She turned to face him, pressing her face against his chest as she clung just as tightly.
Words weren't needed but the contact was; a silent seeking of reassurance that the other was okay, and a promise that whatever the threat was, they'd face it together.
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