Chapter 30

"It is truly a wonder, to stand in the Northern Palace again, after all that has happened-"

Where is he?

"-One could not ask for a greater joy than to see the Gale name restored-"

I wonder if Azkadellia would be opposed to leaving tonight instead of in the morning...

"-and the fair princess Dorthea safe and as beautiful as ever and her sister sitting whole on the throne."

"Uh-huh," murmured DG through her clenched teeth, trying to look around the Earl that had her hand in a vice, holding it near his lips as he stooped to kiss it. Her attention was momentarily drawn to a new arrival in her circle, an older gentleman, a Lord of the Upper Lands if she recalled correctly.

"Yes, we can all agree we are happy for the return of the princesses but I am far more curious as to what happened at the Unmoving Mountain. The reports from my soldiers have been... interesting... to say the least," the Lord interjected, a respectful admiration in his countenance.

DG gave a small laugh and pulled her hand free. "It was a great effort on everyone's part that lead to the success of the mission."

"But still," the man continued, "the amount of power required to do what my men say you did-"

"Have you tried the tiger pheasant?" came Glitch's voice as he dove into the conversation. He pulled out the Lord's hand and dropped a small cooked bird into it before steering DG away.

"Hanging in there, Doll?"

"I just can't focus with Cain missing. It's taking everything I have not to leave right now."

"Azka-dee seemed a little distracted during the ceremony as well, but I think we're the only ones who would notice. "

"Glitch, I just don't think I can sit around and wait anymore. What if something's happened? What if he's hurt? That's it, I'm-"

Her words stopped abruptly and she turned her head towards the great doors of the ballroom.

"DG? Everything ok?"

"Cain..." she murmured before hiking up her dress and taking off. All eyes were drawn to the slipper princess as she sprinted across the ballroom and threw the doors open. In the grand foyer, still in his travel clothes stood Wyatt Cain.

"Hey there Prin-"

His words were cut off as she jumped on him, arms twisting tight around his neck. Curious faces craned around the doorway as he crushed her to him, her feet lifting off the ground.

"What took you so long?" she asked, not relinquishing her hold.

"Got side tracked. Came across Zero."

DG pulled back, her eyes flicking over his face as he set her back down.

"He's dead. Killed himself over Glacier Pass," he replied, answering her unspoken question. His gaze passed over her shoulder, realizing they had an audience. DG grimaced and stepped back, brushing the dirt from her dress and glanced back into the ball room. Cain leaned in over her shoulder shielding his face with his hat before murmuring.

"Finish your party. The Commander and I aren't fit for such company as we are. I'll see you soon."

She knew he didn't intend to sound suggestive but she couldn't stop the blush that crept from her chest to her cheeks, made especially obvious by the cream color of her gown. He turned, moving abruptly out of the line of sight of prying eyes, stopping only to direct Bowen to the footman. Bowen bent in a bow towards the princess before following to the guest chambers. DG stepped back into the ball room, moving quickly to disappear into the now overly interested crowd. She approached her sister on her throne who looked a little paler than she could recall.

"Was that them?" she whispered to DG when she was close enough.

She nodded.

"Thank Ozma," she sighed, briefly relaxing her posture to rest against the back of her chair, "How did they look?"

"A little rough, but fine."

"And Zero?"

"Dead. Cain said he committed suicide at Glacier's Pass"

Azkadellia let out a huff of air.

"Hasn't there been enough death already? Sixteen years of it. I do not mourn him but it all just seems like such a waste."

DG took her hand in agreement.

"We'll make it a better place."

"Together."

DG sat at her vanity, nerves rioting against her as she twisted up her hair. She threw on her robe and slippers and forced herself to leave her room before she lost her resolve. Using a glamour, she slipped past the guards at the entrance to apartments, down into the guest wing, silently making her way to Cain's room.

She stared at the door, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, moving to knock but drawing her hand back. She was about to turn away when the door flew open. There stood Cain, gun poised and ready.

"DG," he said sounding surprised and set his gun down on a table behind the door. He pulled her in the room, checking the halls. After reassuring himself it was all clear, he closed the door, before rounding on her. He had showered recently, his hair still slightly damp.

"Everything ok?" He asked, eyes scanning over her, looking for any signs of distress or injury.

DG fiddled with the knot of her robe

"Yea, I just wanted to see you."

He looked relieved for a moment, running his hand through his hair, freezing mid pass as he looked her over a second time, this time noticing her attire. His mouth opened in a silent "oh" as realization hit him.

His eyes locked with hers and she gave what she thought was an encouraging smile, a gentle confirmation of his suspicions.

He straightened, his eyes passing over her once more before turning to his door and sliding the deadbolt shut.