A/N: I know this is way over due. My mom actually just had surgery not too long ago so needless to say I've been a bit distracted. Luckily she's doing okay now and I hope you all are still interested. Please review and I hope you enjoy. Btw... there's one point where the time of day matters and I tried to work out a whole time system for their galaxy but it was too complicated for just one scene so let's just assume there's 24 hours in their day as well. :)
Promises
Ava stood still as the two chamber maids fitted her in a pale yellow day gown. One straightened the skirt while the other tied the corset-like lace in the back. Her hair had already been pulled into a loose bun at the nape of her neck and as soon as she slipped into the gold shoes near the door she would be on her way.
"Ava," the door cracked open to reveal her younger sister in an olive dress. "Do you have a minute before we leave?"
"Come in," she could tell by the seriousness in her tone that it was important. "Would you ladies please excuse us?"
"Yes Your Majesty," the two women bowed before taking their leave.
Ema stepped inside and stood awkwardly for a moment before speaking. "If I'm not really sure what I heard, would you still want to hear it?"
"Honey, sit down." Ava led her to the trunk at the end of the bed. "What happened?"
The brunette took a seat next to her older sister. "After Larek left I heard a voice around the side of The Palace near the west entrance," she paused briefly. "I'm not even sure why but I went to check it out and I found Princess Vilandra standing there in the dark."
"Was someone out there with her," Ava suddenly sat up straight. "Who was she talking to Em?"
"I don't know," the younger girl shrugged. "She was on a mini-communication device but I couldn't hear who was on the other end." She shook her head. "I could barely make out what she was saying."
"But you heard something; something that concerned you enough to talk to me," The Queen exhaled slowly as a dread fell over her. "What did you hear Emilia?"
"All I could make out was an unfair law, respecting her opinions, and a secret." Ema quickly added, "And she said something about being there today."
"Where?" Ava questioned.
"She didn't say where," the young woman shrugged once again. "I probably would've written it off but she was acting really strange."
Ava squinted her eyes at her younger sibling. "How so?"
Ema took a breath before answering. "She insisted walking in together; she even went so far to link arms with me when she's barely even acknowledged me before but it was mostly just a feeling." Her shoulder rose up and down. "I can't explain it Ava; she just felt off."
"Off," Ava repeated thoughtfully as she nodded slowly and remembered her own conversation with The Princess last night. She did seem upset and even seemed to have a lot on her mind but she didn't seem off to me. "What time did all this happen?"
"A little after twenty hours I guess," Ema replied. "It was shortly after Larek left; we spent a few minutes in the gardens before that."
"That's impossible," Ava shook her head.
"What do you mean?" the brunette pulled back to look at her.
"You're sure of the time?" Although it was clear she was speaking to Ema, she looked a million miles away.
"Yes," Ema peered at her. "Why?"
"Because I was speaking to her about the same time," Ava stood up as a thought flashed in her mind. "She couldn't have possibly been in two places at once."
"Who?" Zan was suddenly standing in the doorway.
Ava turned around. "You're sister."
"Hello Ema," The King closed the door behind him, then looked between the two women in front of him. "What is this about Loni?"
"I saw her last night in the gardens," Ema stood up as well. "I know I don't know her that well but something didn't feel right with her."
"Tell him what time this happened Ema," the blonde looked between her husband and sister.
"A little after twenty," she said once again.
"A little after twenty?" Zan repeated questionably. "But weren't you…" he turned to see Ava nod.
Ema watched the silent conversation between the couple. "I don't understand; what are you both thinking? Ava?"
"Shapeshifter," Zan answered for her.
"But are we sure of which one?" the blonde questioned.
"It had to be Ema's," Zan said confidently. "The person in the room with us last night was my sister."
"But what if the Shapeshifter traded places with Vilandra before I went after her," Ava looked up at him with wide eyes. "I did stay and talk to you for a few minutes."
"Do you think the Shapeshifter is still here?" Ema asked.
"I hope not," The Queen placed a hand over her stomach.
"Hey," Zan walked over to his wife and lifted her chin so he could look in her eyes. "I won't let anyone hurt you or our baby." He turned to his sister-in-law. "Ava's pregnant."
"That's wonderful," Ema hugged her sister.
"We're keeping it quiet for safety reasons but I was planning on telling you this morning," Ava pulled back to look at her sister. "I promise."
"I understand," her smile soon faded to a more serious look. "Maybe we should put off the province tours."
"No," the blonde shook her head fiercely. "I think this is our best bet to gain support."
"I agree," Zan nodded. "But both of you are to stay away from Vilandra until further notice."
"What are you going to do?" Ava asked.
"I'm going to pay my sister a little visit," he answered. "Make sure it really is her in this house."
Vilandra scanned the walls and floor nervously as she waited. It was a decent size room, she thought to herself. The walls were a deep umber colored brick and although the floor was a bit scuffed and the room looked like it needed to be dusted, it was reasonably organized. Judging by the files stacked up on the table, they had been planning this for quite sometime and she wondered if sometime had begun during her father's reign.
"You made it," Kivar stood in the entranceway to the smaller room with a smile. "I'm glad we have your support Princess."
"Don't be," she replied, still looking around. "I'm not so sure you do." Her eyes drifted to the stack of files once again. "Exactly how long has this place been here?"
"The building or the contents inside?" Kivar questioned.
"You know very well what I'm asking you," she replied.
"I had nothing to do with your father's death," he walked towards her. "That is the truth my love but I can't make you believe me if you don't want to."
"I want to believe you but," She shook her head. "Sometimes I'm just not so sure."
"You can trust me Vilandra, I promise," he stared at her deeply as he stroked her cheek. "Always."
"Well this is interesting," a familiar woman's voice said behind them.
They both looked to see Courtney standing in the doorway.
"If it isn't Her Royal Highness Princess Vilandra in a compromising situation with my brother," she smirked. "Where is General Rath this afternoon?"
"You mean you're not stalking him today?" The Princess looked at her through dark slits.
"It's my day off," Courtney shrugged smugly. "But I may be persuaded to put in some extra time finding him now; tell him where you've been."
"I am not the one you want to threaten little girl," Vilandra seemed to stand taller than normal. "I promise you that."
"Then I guess I better just keep my mouth shut," came her sarcastic reply before she turned to face Kivar. "What are you doing here with her? This is a bad idea."
"What are you doing her period Courtney?" he questioned.
"Your lackey summoned me," she glanced back at the still open door. "He insisted with about four other people that I join you."
"He what?" a perplexed look washed over his face.
"I brought her," Nikolas now stood in the doorway. "I thought it would be a good idea considering." He shifted his eyes to a nonexistent object and then looked back at the people in front of him.
Kivar seemed to understand and nodded slowly. "So it's taken care of?'
"Do I ever fail?" the young man gave a slight laugh.
"What am I missing?" The Princess looked between the two men.
"Apparently not your betrothed or your brother," Courtney placed he left hand on her hip. "Does The King know that you're betraying him?"
"I'm not…" Vilandra started to protest but Kivar spoke over her.
"She does not owe you any explanations Courtney," he continued. "She's here for the same reasons you are."
"I highly doubt that," she said fliply.
"Leave us," he continued to stare at his sister but Nikolas knew he meant for he and Vilandra to go.
"He means you," Courtney darted her eyes at the other woman.
Vilandra looked to the man next to her. "Kivar."
"Will you give me a moment with my sister," he turned to Nikolas before she could answer. "Please take Princess Vilandra to the site; we'll be along in a moment."
"Your Highness," Nikolas gestured towards the door before a reluctant Vilandra followed him outside.
After the door shut behind Nikolas and Vilandra, Courtney spoke. "You're in way over your head and I'm afraid of what will happen to you after this."
"Nothing's going to happen to me little sister," he gave a smirk. "You should be happy for me."
"Happy," a look of disbelief crossed over her face.
"Yes, happy; being the sister of a king can have its perks," he boasted. "And when this is all over, I will be king."
"Or you'll be dead," the ash-blonde woman countered. "She will go to Zan and Rath eventually…"
"Rath," he interrupted. "That's who you're really concerned about, isn't it?"
"I'm concerned about both of you," she answered truthfully.
"Then help me," he gave her a small smile before taking her hand. "I won't die; I promise you that."
"You can't promise me that," she shook her head fiercely. "Not when you're rebelling against The House of Antar. I thought you were just involved before but you're actually leading this, aren't you?" She exhaled in frustration. "You can't promise me anything now."
"When Camile kicked me into the street and swore that I'd be nothing; that I was nothing, I made a promise to prove her wrong and I did," Kivar replied. "I promise you now that when this ends, we'll both be alive and I'll be king."
Courtney said nothing as she looked into her brother's determined eyes.
"Zan will be dethroned one way or another and then I will rule with Vilandra as my queen," a grin crept across his face. "And with Rath free, you can have what you really want." He raised his brows at her before releasing her hand. "Think about it." Kivar started towards the door, and then turned back for a moment. "I'll have one of the guards escort you there safely in a few minutes."
Zan strolled down the corridor to his office. He'd looked for Vilandra everywhere he could think of and even had a few guards scour the grounds for her but she was no where to be found. He couldn't stop the sinking feeling that she was in trouble and he wondered if it was because she was working with his enemies or against them.
He shuttered at the last thought and resolved to put it out of his mind as he walked towards his office. It was no secret, especially to him, that his sister would occasionally disappear for shopping trips or brunches on a whim without telling anyone and although his gut didn't believe it, he hoped that was the case this time. He quickly entered the office, set on contacting the guard who she might have left with when he saw his mother shifting through files of papers on his desk.
"Mother," he lifted his arm in a protective stance.
"Zan," she looked up at him and took in his demeanor. "Do you plan on attacking me?"
"What are you doing here?" Zan asked gruffly.
Her eyes grew wide. "Have you completely lost it son?"
"Answer the question," he demanded. "What are you doing here? What exactly are you looking for?"
"I left some papers here for a project I was working on," she spoke slowly as she squinted at her son. "Zan, it's me."
"Tell me something that other people don't know," his voice calmed slightly.
"You think I'm a shapeshifter," it was more to her than him. "You used to haul yourself up in a hidden garden that you rediscovered when you were young."
"Something no one knows but you and me," Zan continued. "Something not even Loni would know."
Maya nodded. "There was this one day when Katrina and I took you, your sister, Larek, and Sanaa to Grenith Park in Charis. A little ways down there was a girl a couple years younger than you and while all the other girls were sitting in the grass under the trees and worrying about soiling their dresses, she played carefree in the clay." She smiled at the memory. "You stood for a while watching her and when I approached you, you whispered something to me."
Zan began to lower his arm, trying to recall that particular day. "What did I say?"
"You said I'm going to marry her one day." She was still smiling. "And then you asked me not to tell anyone and I never did."
"I remember," he said thoughtfully. "She was blonde and had these brilliant blue eyes."
"Yes she was and you were right," Maya replied. "You kept your promise."
"It was Ava," he shook his head. "I am so sorry Mother."
"Its okay son," she walked over to embrace him, and then pulled back. "There was a shapeshifter in The Palace?"
"I think so," Zan continued. "Ema and Ava both saw Vilandra in two different places at the same time."
"Where is Loni?" Maya questioned. "Have you told her yet?"
"I haven't been able to find her," he ran a hand through his hair and took a breath.
"I'm sure she's fine Zan," Maya replied. "Do you have people looking for her?"
"As many as I could spare with guards accompanying Ava and in Charis for the rally," he walked over to his desk and pulled open a drawer. "Is this what you were looking for?" He tossed a copper colored folder on his desk, and then opened it.
"Yes," she nodded before walking over to stand beside him.
"Can you really do this?" Zan flipped through the papers and then turned to his mother. "I mean, is this possible?"
"I'm still researching it but I believe so," she replied. "It's something I wanted to keep quietly pursuing even though I stepped down."
"How many people are involved in this?" he was truly interested.
"Zander, Vipan, Nacedo, Kal, Yasmine, and Alona," Maya paused briefly. "And recently Ema has helped me with some research. I planned on filling you in once I had something more substantial."
"You're talking about recreation," Zan said and then watched his mother nod. "I want to be involved."
Maya smiled. "Okay, what would you like to know?"
His reply was simple. "Everything."
Ava stood at the podium looking over the crowd below her as the suns beated upon her, causing small sweat beads to from on her brow. She had just finished answering another question when the throbbing in her belly began again. Ava steadied her hands against the podium, silencing her own discomfort as she once again felt the stretching from the ever increasing growth spurts the baby was experiencing.
"Your Majesty," a man from the crowd called up to her. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm..." she breathed out deeply and then turned a relieved face to her sister, who'd already begun speaking.
"Her Majesty has been out quite a bit these last couple of days and is just suffering from a bit of sun exhaustion." Ema stood still for a moment as she sent a mental question to her sister. "Are you able to continue?"
Ava nodded, then directed her attention back to the crowd. "It is true that I am feeling somewhat faint but I can continue; next question please." She gestured to a woman in the middle row.
"Your Highness, there have been rumors amongst The Skin Community about an alliance between us and Harpo; is there any truth in that?" the sienna woman asked.
"Nothing is definite yet but we are currently in negotiations with them for a trade alliance," Ava replied. "It would benefit our already growing jewel industry."
"But given the way certain groups of people feel about Harpo and it's reputation, do you think this is the best way to go right now?" the woman questioned.
"This is not about us being unsympathetic to anyone's grievances but we can not continue to hold the leaders of Harpo now responsible for the actions of their past leaders," Ava continued. "It would be like me blaming any one of you for your parents, aunts, or uncles actions. I wouldn't base my opinion of any of you on someone else, just like I'd hope you wouldn't base your opinion of me on someone else's past. All we're asking is that the people of Antar show the same courtesy to those on Harpo."
"Well said Your Majesty," someone shouted from the crowd before they all erupted in a sea of applause.
Kivar stood confidently on the raised tilan as he scanned all the faces before him that looked up as if he were some kind of saviour. He'd started the speeches and then he was followed by Nikolas, Lord Gavei, Vanessa; and now he was standing before them again, more confident than ever that The Skin Community would embrace him as their leader.
"King Zan was not yet ready to lead and is nothing more than the puppet of a secretive council whose only desires are the benefit of certain Antarians and themselves." He walked to the edge of the stage and motioned to where a cloaked Vilandra stood. "Even his own sister, Princess Vilandra of Antar is here to hear what we have to say," he walked to the other side of the stage. "Doesn't that prove how serious Antar's problems really are?"
Vilandra opened her mouth to say something but then felt Mameha nudge her from behind. "I don't think that would be wise and after all, isn't that why you're here?" she whispered.
"The king is young and naive and we are being faced with serious problems that need to be solved by serious adults," Kivar continued. "Our crops and homes have been destroyed, jobs for Skinarians like mine have been lost, criminals like Nadia have been taken care of instead of punished, and innocent Skins like Zsar are thrown in prison but that is just the start." He took a moment to shake his head, genuinely looking upset. "The worst of it all is at this very moment King Zan is allying with Harpo against us."
That's not true. Vilandra wanted to say something but feared she would be attacked the way she had been during The Charis Fires.
"Promises have been broken and trust has been broken. This is not a trade treaty; this is a treaty to extinguish us the way Harpo tried to once before," he was now in the center of the tilan. "We have been passive for too long; now is the time for us to stand up and say we won't tolerate this. We can not expect a naïve boy to fight against a corrupt council for us when he isn't one of us; we need someone who knows who we are, someone who can unite us all."
The crowd cheered but then fell silent as another voice carried over them.
"My brother is right," Courtney began walking up the stairs to where Kivar stood. "If it's alright with you all, I'd like to say something."
She moved to the center of the stage before anyone could contest or approve. "Thank you," she nodded as Kivar stepped back. "My brother makes some good points. There are very serious problems and I agree with him when he says the current king is not the one who can lead us."
Kivar peered at her. What are you up to little sister?
"We are on the cusp of a golden age," Courtney elaborated. "Our jewel industry is constantly increasing, exports have improved, and before all the fires our crop production was up. We can continue this planet's growth underneath the right leader; someone, who like my brother said, can unite us." She looked over at her brother and gave him a slight smile before looking back at the crowd. "This person should be able to understand all Arians, whether they are Antarians, Skinarians, or Navitarians and I know just the right man to do it," she paused briefly as she took a breath. "General Rath of Antar."
Ema yawned and then looked out the window as the ship whizzed through the air. So far the tour had been fairly successful but she knew that Charis would be the most resistant, especially since Ava would not be there. She and Yawsik had managed to convince The Queen to rest since the growth spurts were very active today and it was important that her pregnancy was hidden as long as possible for her own safety. Ema hoped that Ava would actually rest but if she knew her, she wouldn't.
"Are you going to be comfortable speaking in front of everyone?" Yawsik, who'd just woken up as well, leaned across the aisle towards her.
"I'm a little nervous but I think I'll be fine," she smiled. "It's actually really exciting. I can't wait to tell Larek."
"It is exciting but Charis has become a very dangerous place lately," he replied. "We have to be on our guard."
"I know," she nodded thoughtfully, then whipped her head back as the ride suddenly became turbulent. "What was that?"
"Probably just thick air pockets," he stood up and walked towards the intercom.
"Yawsik!" Ema called as the ship shook again and he fell into the wall.
"I'm okay," he steadied himself and then pressed the button on the intercom. "Is everything alright up there?"
Ema gripped the seat as they continued to bounce up and down in the air.
"Stay calm," the guard stood up and moved towards Yawsik who still hadn't gotten a response.
"Can anyone hear me?" Yawsik wobbled between the aisle way and then put his arm out to catch himself as the ship felt like it hit a huge pocket of air. The force sprung the ship upwards and Yawsik landed hard on the floor.
"Are you okay?" Ema turned back in her seat.
"My powers," he pushed himself up from the floor. "I couldn't catch myself."
The guard stuck his arm out in an attempt to move a nearby object but nothing happened. "He's right; I can't use mine either."
Ema closed her eyes and took a calming breath as she tried to reach out to her sister. "I can't use mine either." She began to panic. "Why aren't they answering?" She stood up and leaned against the wall, slowly edging her way towards the pilot area.
"Be careful," the guard said as he began moving towards her.
She turned back. "If you can steady yourself, see if you can spot the trithium amplification generator; it has to be here somewhere."
Yawsik stood up and began trying to search the cabin while the ship continued to tremor.
"Oh no," Ema's face paled as she finally reached the pilot's pit and saw the chaos in front of her. She quickly placed her hand on the pilot, who was lying on the floor next to the smashed controls. "Daveen," she shook him but there was no response. "He's dead."
The guard checked on the two other men and the woman lying on the floor but got the same result as Ema. "All the controls are destroyed; who could have done this?"
"I don't know," she shook her worriedly. "We're losing altitude."
"I can't tell anything from these readings," he watched the electricity dance over the panels. "We have to find that generator."
Ema stood up. "There isn't any time," she shrieked. "Look, we're almost to the mountains."
"We need to get as far back as possible," he quickly ushered her out of the pilot area. "Yawsik; get to the back."
"What?" he spun around.
Ema screamed. "We're going to hit…"
Rath slammed the communicator on the table, frustrated that he still hadn't gotten in contact with his mother. He'd been trying her all morning to no avail and with the rally happening, The General worried his mother may be in danger.
"No luck yet," Viala entered the room. "They're refueling the shuttle to take us to the ship right now." She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Jareta will be fine; Zan's already sent a team to her house, they'll make sure she's okay."
"I should've never let her stay in Charis," he crossed his arms over his chest. "If anything happens to her, I'll never forgive myself."
"Look," she stepped towards the glowing communicator. "It could be her."
Rath picked up the shiny orb and allowed his energy to connect to it, causing a transparent light to stream up from it."
"Maya," The general squinted at the hologram as a dreadful feeling passed through him. "What is it?"
"Zan needs you both here immediately," Maya looked like she could fall apart at any moment. "How soon can you leave?"
"Aunt," Viala stood next to Rath. "Please tell us what's happened."
"Is it my mother?" he questioned.
"No," she shook her head.
"It's Ava and Ema isn't it?" Rath couldn't explain how he knew but he did and the feeling made him ache.
"Yes," Maya swallowed the lump that had taken residence in her throat. "The ship that was carrying them on the province tours has crashed into the Cafaran Mountains."
"Are they alright?" his chest grew heavy as an unbearable fear crept over him at the thought that either of them could be hurt. He glanced over to Viala who'd already begun sobbing before Maya even answered.
"There are healers there but it doesn't look good," the image stifled her own sobs. "It seems they were attacked, just like Zaid."
"How's Zan?" Rath stood rigidly.
"I've never seen him like this but we can't waste anymore time," she shook her head. "Zan is shutting down the whole planet so if you are coming here, you need to leave right away."
Rath nodded. "Is there any news on my mother yet?" He couldn't bear the thought that she could be hurt as well.
"I haven't heard back from Felino yet," Maya replied. "I'm sorry but I need to go."
"We'll see you soon," Rath said before the light from the orb disappeared.
Zan paced back and forth in a straight line in front of his desk with a surly look pasted on his face. He tried to stop the anger that was welling up inside him but he couldn't, not since he'd received a call from Jakub saying that he'd broken up the rally and found Vilandra there with Kivar. And now Cravin, who was still at the crash site, had informed him that Ava's body was missing and everyone else on the ship, including Yawsik and Ema were dead. He shuttered to think what he'd do to his sister if his wife was not found alive.
"Son," Maya opened the door slowly. "Rath and Viala should be here any moment and Jakub is on his way up."
"Is Loni with him?" there was no denying the anger in his eyes and voice as he said her name.
"We don't know why she was there yet," Maya replied. "You have to stay calm until you hear what she has to say."
"And I will," he stopped pacing and turned towards her. "But if I conclude what I already think is true, I will not be pushed on the subject," he exhaled deeply as his tone calmed. "Not even from you."
"Your Majesty," Jakub entered the room. "We disseminated the rally and everyone who was in attendance is being held in three separate buildings for questioning."
"Including my sister?" he questioned.
"No," Vilandra stepped passed the Lt. General so her brother could see her. "Zan, I am so sorry about Ava."
"You never liked her," his face was cold and hard. "But I never thought you hated her," he shook his head. "I never thought your hatred could run so deep that you'd betray me."
"I haven't," she retorted. "I felt I had to hear what they had to say for Antar's sake and for yours."
"Really?" he narrowed his eyes at the blonde. "Then why didn't you tell me you were going then?"
"I tried but…" she was at a loss for words. "The last time we spoke I was upset and you wouldn't listen to me but I swear I have not betrayed you."
"Are you telling me you haven't being seeing Kivar this whole time even though you told me it was over between the two of you?" he questioned.
"What is he talking about Loni?" Maya asked.
"Mother I…" Vilandra started but was cut off by Zan.
"Answer me first," he demanded. "Weren't you in the gardens last night speaking to him on a communicator?"
"I was in the gardens but I wasn't on any communicator," she replied.
"You were telling Kivar Ava was pregnant," he shouted. "Ema saw you!"
"Then she was mistaken Zan because I did not tell him!" she countered.
"Well conviently she's not alive to rebuke you Loni," Zan looked at her with distrustful eyes. "She isn't the only one who's seen you doing suspicious things lately either."
"What do you mean?" her eyes grew wide. Did someone see me and Kivar in that pub in Palayan?
Zan noticed the uneasiness that flashed through her eyes and thought bluffing would be the best way to get the truth out of her. "Where were you yesterday?" He remembered how strange she acted after returning from the Granilith Hall. But had she even gone? "How long had you been planning to meet him?"
"I didn't plan it; I didn't even know he was going to be there," she tried to explain. "Zander just walked in at the wrong moment, he misunderstood what was going on." I should've known he'd tell Zan, after all he's named after him and they've been close our whole lives.
"How could he have misunderstood what was going on between the two of you," he hoped he was playing this right. "You were parading it around where anyone could see you."
"It was only a kiss," she defended. "It meant nothing."
"How can you say that when you've been sneaking around with him behind my back; behind Rath's back," Zan replied. "Did you think I wouldn't find out?"
"We only met a few times to talk when none of you would listen to me," her voice rose. "We are just friends, I swear." She turned around as she felt someone staring at her from behind. "Rath…"
The General said nothing as his eyes stared into hers stonily.
"It's not what it seems," she reached out to touch him but he stepped back. "Rath, please."
He stepped passed her. "Zan, is there any news yet?'
"I haven't heard from Felino yet about Jareta but I'm sure they'll be some news soon, I'm sorry." He placed his hand on his Sic's shoulder, who in turn returned the gesture.
"And Ava and Ema," Rath pressed.
"Ava's body is missing and everyone else," he took a shaky breath before continuing. "Everyone else is gone; dead." He released Rath and turned to his sister. "Is Ava dead too Vilandra?"
"How would I know Zan?" she threw her arms up in the air. "I'm so tired of you blaming me for this. I did not have anything to do with this, I promise you."
He stepped closer to her. "Just like you promised there was nothing going on before," he shook his head in bewilderment. "You're my sister; how could you turn on me like this?"
"I didn't Zan," her eyes were a mix of sadness and fury. "I didn't sell you out; that's not why I was with Kivar!"
"If she isn't found alive and well I will kill you and your lover myself," his anger had become uncontrollable. "If Ava…" he stopped mid-sentence and took a sharp breath. "Ava."
"Zan," The Queen stood in the doorway, accompanied by Lili. "Why do you all look so upset; what's going on here?"