A/N: I don't know what the final chapter count will be, but I do know what's going to happen from this point. Thanks to everyone who's been following thus far, and I hope you continue to enjoy this little fic of mine!

Content warning: mention only of a graphic injury.

The dream is different this time.

(but this isn't a dream.)

It's a jumble of images, each flashing too quickly and yet seeming to drag on forever. Any time she tries to hold them, to process what she's seeing, they slip through her fingers like water.

(and yet you try all the same because they're important.)

She's in the maze again, staring at a boy shrouded in shadows. He has her hand in his, and it tightened at the sight of the adults waiting for them. One is her mother, the other must be his father. The man storms forward and grabs the boy's arm, yanking him away from her. He's yelling, but she can't hear the words. The boy's face is still so blurred and out of focus, though she doesn't need to see it to know the man's grip is too tight—she can feel the pained wince. She doesn't get to defend him, this first friend she's made, and she's left behind to watch him be pulled away. She's worried about him.

(but why is this important?)

She's older now, and she's outside. She can feel the spring breeze teasing her hair, the scent of wildflowers and fresh grass rising to greet her. She's beneath a large oak tree, watching a young girl playing in the field. She's more delicate in appearance, her auburn hair blowing in the wind. Again, that boy is here—once again a dark blot in an otherwise peaceful scene. The little girl waves to him and comes over, but she begins to cough. His smile wavers and he hovers over her anxiously. She feels a pull of concern and comes to them, and his smile is strained as he holds out a hand to her. The trio spends the rest of the afternoon in the shade of the tree, the earlier strain easing as laughter fills the air around them.

(but why is this important?)

There's other snatches of memory. A warm summer's day, spent playing and dancing in a local festival. A quiet starry night, where they're stretched across the grass and looking up. Sitting inside on a rainy day, where she's braiding the little girl's hair or talking gaily with the boy. He's a constant and warm presence as she grows older, and he's getting older as well…yet she still can't see him, can't see him or hear what he's saying when he speaks. All she has is impressions and emotions.

(but why is this important?)

She's upset, because of course her parents don't listen. They're forcing a suitor on her since she won't decide. She's rejected too many suitors over the years, and now her marriage is to be decided by some stupid tournament! How is this fair? They don't care what she wants, they just want her married and settled as a trophy wife, and she can't stand it, she can't—but he's there again, blurred and in shadow. He holds out a hand to her again, and she takes it as he sits down. His presence is a comforting one, but she thinks there's something sad in the smile she can't see.

(but why is this important?)

She's back in the meadow she used to play in, but it's different now. Grass melds into tamped down earth. Armor clashes against steel blades, with horses neighing and galloping hooves in the background. The crowds roar with excitement. Spiced food, perfumes, and incense mingle around them, drowning out the wildflowers. Poles rise to replace the trees, wooden stands from the rocks. She's in a seat above it all, watching the combat below. The event now is jousting, she's watching and she's worried because there's a knight in black armor facing down another (black armor that looks like a dragon's scales in sunlight)…there's a moment where her father is on her feet, furious and yelling at one of the knights, and she realizes with a start that he looks eerily close to Jean Claude.

(but why is this important?)

She's in her room, with moonlight and shadows mingling together. She's pinned to a wall, cold lavender eyes peering into hers. Gold flickers in the cool light, and with it comes a searing flame that almost blinds her. Her head is pounding, something in her mind tearing painfully away as she loses…

(…loses what?)

(memories. that's what you've lost. that's what these are. that's why this is important, they're memories, you have to remem—)

But the eyes shift from lavender to ruby. It's Jou, and the ruby eyes are wide with fear—he's scared, so scared, and she has to help him—

"Mai…please…!"

He needs help, he's afraid and in pain, and he's reached out for you, just like the figure you can't remember, and it's so familiar it hurts—he's reached out so many times to help you, but now it's because he needs you to remember—

(…remember what?)

Remember what he's done to you.

It's so sudden, so jarring, and the new voice brings with it another memory.

Claws ripping into unprotected skin, stained and dripping with blood—and it's her blood, my blood, on his claws—the ruby eyes are dark with malice, his teeth bared in a snarl as he advances on her once again—he's coming to finish the job, he's come to murder you—Jou, Jou, why? I don't—I thought—

Too strong hands wrap around her throat, claws digging into flesh, and all the while there's no light in those eyes that bore into hers—he's going to kill her, he's going to kill her, he's going to kill me—

(NO)

You're goi n g t o d I e –

"NO!"

Mai woke up shrieking, her eyes snapping open as she shot upright. There was weight on her, pain firing through her shoulder, but none of that registered—all she could see was red eyes and bloody talons, and she flailed wildly. Her hands brushed against thick fabric as she fought to untangle herself. Her eyes were open, but all she could see was burning red eyes boring into hers. She scooted backwards with a violent motion, until her back slammed painfully against thick wood.

"Mai!"

She heard a gasp, followed by hurried steps. Weight beside her made the mattress sink. Hands came to rest on her, one on her uninjured shoulder and the other on her hand. Violet eyes met brown, and Mai stared into a familiar and worried face. "V-Vivian…?"

The other woman relaxed, some of the tension leaving her shoulders as she offered a watery smile. "You're awake," she breathed, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh honey, I didn't think you'd wake up at all…I'm so sorry this happened, I'm sorry I let this happen…"

Mai allowed herself to be pulled into an embrace. She tried to speak, wanting to say she was fine, but what ended up coming out of her mouth instead was a choked sob. She burrowed into Vivian's arms, unashamedly starting to cry. She couldn't care less about appearances in this moment—it was not the first time Vivian had seen her cry, and it wouldn't be the last.

Neither woman moved away from each other as they let out their emotions. It had been a difficult time apart, and each of them had their own sorrows and anger and fear to let out. There were tears of relief in there as well—they'd both survived, and they'd be all right. They were both safe, and for now that was good enough.

The tears tapered off, and finally it was Vivian who moved away. She wiped her eyes shakily. "I-I have tea," she offered, gesturing to a tray. Mai spotted a familiar china set, one Vivian's family had passed down. The blue porcelain and the familiar scent of jasmine and lavender rose from one of the small cups. Vivian held one of the cups out. "Here."

Mai took it, cradling it in her hands. "Thanks."

"I should've done more," Vivian murmured, her gaze downcast. "I should have done more to protect you, but I couldn't even do that."

She took a sip, feeling a wave of comfort wash through her. She readjusted her grip on the teacup, then used her uninjured arm to reach for her lady-in-waiting. "Vivian, honey, what were you supposed to do about a dragon?" she asked gently. "You did the best you could. And if I'm not much mistaken, that was you I ran into back in the forest. You came and got me, and that's what counts in my book."

"But—!"

"If you blame yourself any further, I'll cut off all your hair while you sleep," she threatened, raising an eyebrow.

Vivian let out a shaky laugh, wiping her eyes. "Perish the thought," she said. "I can't be bald. I'm too pretty for that—although that is a look, certainly."

Mai took another sip, smiling briefly into the tea. She looked back up, taking in the sight of the guest room. It must have been repaired in her absence, and she felt she would certainly have to get the names of the architects. She couldn't even tell that the walls had been destroyed. "Vivian?"

"Hm?"

"How long have I been back?"

Vivian sobered. "Almost two days. You were delirious with fear and pain when you ran into us. With your condition as fragile as it is right now, I've seen to it that Jean Claude lets you alone until you're ready to see him."

Mai felt a wave of relief hit her. She was a complete mess of raw nerves and emotions right now. Jou's attack on her, combined with the fear and uncertainty of the time spent with thieves, had been far too much stress. She'd handled it in the moment, but now she was left feeling overwrought. Having to deal with Jean Claude on top of that was too much—she did not need his histrionics and his posturing.

Jean Claude's mention, however, did bring a question to mind. She frowned. "Vivian, how did you find me?"

Vivian took another sip of tea, looking troubled. "We were at the place that the Thief King had told us to meet for the ransom," she began. "Just before the sun started going down, however, Jean Claude came out of his tent and ordered everyone onto the horses. He led us into the forest, along a little used path. We rode for about twenty, maybe thirty minutes. It wasn't until twilight was beginning when he suddenly stopped and told us to stay where we were. Not even five minutes later, you came running through the trees as if there was a demon after you. You…you looked a mess," she finished, her voice holding a tremor.

Mai winced. I bet I did, what with the dirt, torn clothing, and the blood.

"You looked as if you got attacked by a bear," Vivian continued. "I'd never seen such terrible and deep wounds before. Even the royal healer had trouble dressing them. I'm supposed to warn you not to do anything strenuous with your shoulder until it heals."

Mai only glanced at her shoulder briefly before looking away. She knew if she tried to look at the bandages too long, she'd only be reminded of Jou—and she didn't want to remember those cold red eyes boring into hers.

She took another sip of tea, her mind inadvertently going back to that night. She shoved the memory of the dance, and of Jou attacking her, aside. She remembered Marik shouting for her to run, of footsteps chasing behind her, and…

She looked back up to Vivian. "When I came to you, someone shouted. Who was it?"

Vivian looked startled. "What?"

"I remember it…right before I passed out, someone was shouting," she said, turning the cup in her hands. "What happened?"

Vivian's face darkened. "That was Captain Gruesome. One of the thieves was pursuing you when you ran into us. The prince ordered the archers to shoot him—the captain and that red-haired archer refused. They fought off some of the other men to allow the thief to escape."

Mai stared down into the tea. "Nice to know where their loyalties lie," she said wryly.

"Yes, well…it doesn't surprise me." Vivian set her mug down, frowning. "They've acted out whenever Jean Claude gets involved, even before what happened that night. It gets worse when you factor in what they've been saying about their prince."

Mai paused. "You don't say," she said, this time with interest. "What did they tell you?"

"That if it came down to it, they'd let the prince be killed," Vivian said, her expression now troubled. "Highness, what could a prince do to inspire such disloyalty from his men? These men…some of them seem to hate their prince."

I've encountered an Enterran who loathes royalty even more than Raphael and Alister, she thought wryly. Aloud, she said, "What's troubling is that Jean Claude has not acted to punish such insubordination before now. He seemed to know of it, yet let it go on—why?"

"I don't profess to know the answer to that question. Maybe it's to keep a better eye on those perceived threats from the attempted uprising? Jean Claude seems to think that they were in cahoots with the Thief King, since they defended a thief…maybe even that dragon was, too."

"He wasn't!"

Vivian stared at her, startled by the outburst. "What?"

Mai cleared her throat, looking away. "The dragon. He was an independent creature that had nothing to do with him. The Thief King found me when I was in the dragon's lair."

Vivian was watching Mai intently now. It was clear she wanted to ask Mai more about what had happened, and the only reason she hadn't was because of Mai's condition. Otherwise, Mai knew her lady-in-waiting would be a never-ending fount of questions.

But that was something Mai wasn't sure she was ready for. She wasn't ready to talk about what had happened to her. That would mean revisiting that night, and with the memories and terror still so raw in her thoughts…

"I'll tell you all about it tonight," Mai lied, offering a smile she knew didn't reach her eyes. She finished her own tea and leaned back into the pillows. "For now, I will rest. I assume Jean Claude is otherwise busy?"

"I believe so. I think he's fixing to mete out the punishments for the rebellion the other night," came the distracted reply. "There's quite a few guards involved in that, including our dear Captain Gruesome and his archer friend."

Vivian had hardly finished speaking when Valon's face popped into the forefront of Mai's mind. She felt a stab of guilt. He'd helped her too in the forest, hadn't he? And he had spoken so highly of his friends to her…and yet here they were, facing potentially capital punishment because of something he couldn't control.

The image of Valon's cheerful face crumpling at the news of his friend's deaths bothered her, more than she cared to admit.

"You said that Raphael and Alister only intervened once Jean Claude had ordered them to shoot at the thief chasing me?"

Vivian nodded. "They were adamant on not pursuing or shooting at him. There was a clear divide amongst the men about the matter, and some sided with the captain. They would not let anyone shoot at him, and the captain kept insisting that the pursuer was no threat."

Mai bit back a groan. The animosity between them aside, there was only one reason she could think of as to why Raphael would directly disobey an order from Jean Claude.

She glanced down at her current attire. She was wearing a plain, sleeveless white silk dress to accommodate the bandages that were wrapped around her chest and shoulder. While that was fine up here, it was hardly appropriate to wear to the throne room. She began shoving the covers off her body, though her shoulder throbbed in protest at the movement. She wouldn't be able to wear a dress, but perhaps she could get a robe to cover her gown instead. It was not the first time she'd gone into a throne room wearing nothing but a nightgown.

"Mai, what are you doing?" Vivian's voice held worry and a stern warning. "You need your rest."

"I need to go to the throne room. I need to talk to Jean Claude about the guards who disobeyed him," Mai replied, folding her arms. "I can't ignore this, Vivian."

Vivian let out a long and exasperated sigh. "This would be the part where I drag you back to bed and tie you down, except you've got that look in your eye. I know you'd just give me grief until you got to the throne room. Do you have time to put on a dress, at the very least?" she asked with resignation.

"I don't think I can manage getting the sleeve on this shoulder," Mai said, gesturing to the thick bandages. "I'm going as is."

Vivian crossed the room, rummaging through Mai's trunk before pulling out a bundle of cloth. She returned to Mai, holding out a thick purple robe with long, wide sleeves. "No reason for the guards to ogle you while you're down there—you're a princess, after all."

Mai grinned. "What would I do without you, Vivian?"

The black-haired woman smiled in return and winked. "Let's get this on you and get down there before it's too late. I don't know why you want to go, but you never do anything without a reason."

Once Mai had gotten the robe on, she immediately began heading for the throne room. She did not bother with slippers, deciding there wasn't enough time to find them in the trunk. Vivian followed along behind her, ready to steady her. It was slow at first, as Mai was still healing from the blood loss and the wound; they had to make frequent stops. However, they soon reached the throne room.

There was a group outside the double doors. Several armed guards were guarding five other men, unarmed ones who looked a combination of worried and angry.

"Those were the men who aided the captain," Vivian murmured in an undertone. Mai gave a thumbs up to acknowledge the comment, then strode forward until she was in front of them. All men immediately straightened at the sight of the princess, and Mai pointedly ignored the ogling stares from some of the crowd. Mai singled out a young, black-haired man to address. "You, young man. Have they addressed your punishment yet?"

The young guard started at being spoken to. He had a black eye and split lip, likely from the scuffle from the night of her rescue. One of the older men gave him a short nod when he shot his elder a questioning look, then turned back to Mai. "Y-Yes. We're to be whipped. Twenty lashes."

"And the captain?"

"He's still inside, as is Alister," he replied, looking worried.

"Any word on their punishment?" she asked, glancing at the doors.

"None yet," replied an older man with a beard. Mai recognized another man looking at her as the one who had brought Valon to the Turtle Shop.

She nodded in satisfaction. "Good, then they won't mind if I weigh in," she said brightly, and then she marched briskly down the hall before anyone could stop her.

She tried to push open the door, but her injured shoulder would not allow her to push too heavily against the thick doors. Luckily, a couple of the guards saw her plight and assisted in opening the door. She thanked them and stepped inside the room, Vivian close behind her.

Jean Claude was sitting on his throne, looking down at the four men in front of him. Raphael and Alister, like their companions outside, had been stripped of their armor and were flanked by two armored guards. At the sound of the door opening, all of them turned to face her; Mai caught sight of several minor wounds scattered across Raphael's and Alister's faces, and the iron manacles on their wrists glinted.

"So, what did I miss?" she asked with a cheerful voice.

Jean Claude's surprised expression disappeared to be replaced by a delighted one. "Mai, dearest, you're awake!" he said, rising to his feet. "I'm so glad to see you on your feet!"

"What can I say? I'm a tough girl, it doesn't take much for me to recover," she replied. Her eyes went to Raphael and Alister. She held back the scowl that tried to come onto her face when she saw their features darken. "Have you sentenced them yet?"

"I was going to," Jean Claude said, looking startled by her question. "I was thinking execution for them, given the severity of their treason."

Mai shook her head. "Sorry, hon, but I disagree."

She felt Vivian's confused expression on her, while Raphael and Alister both exchanged subtle glances.

"Don't mistake me, Jean Claude," she continued. "They've been rude to me from the beginning of my stay, especially Alister. I don't like either of them. But I don't believe they should be executed—not in this instance."

Multiple expressions of shock and confusion were given her. Jean Claude leaned back in his seat, stroking his chin. "May I ask you why you want them spared, dearest?" he asked her at last.

"The one you ordered them to shoot was their friend, and it's understandable that they would balk if given such an order," she explained. "They're forest folk, they won't hurt one of their own."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, you have no idea who was chasing you," said the guard flanking Raphael, adjusting his monocle. "Are you sure that you know of what you're speaking of? You are from a different kingdom, are you not? And you were quite hysterical when we found you. You could be mistaken."

Mai bristled at the condescending tone he used. "Was he the one who encountered your camp earlier that same day? An Aurosian?" she countered coolly.

Even Alister looked stunned now, and he exchanged an alarmed look with Raphael.

"How do you know that?" asked Jean Claude, looking curious.

"While I was Bakura's prisoner, the boy in question was brought to the inn we had been temporarily staying at. He had encountered a group of soldiers on his travels and had been beaten by them. But he's also an Aurosian who lives in the forest. He's their friend," she said, gesturing to them. "I got the impression that they're about the only family he has.

"I'm not saying that you need to omit their punishment entirely. They did disobey you, certainly, and that can't be ignored. What I am saying that they had a legitimate reason for disobeying you, especially since he's someone important to them. I do understand that much."

Jean Claude looked interested. "Why are you so willing to defend the ones who tried to make sure you were captured once more by the thieves?"

"The boy was not with Bakura, that's what I'm trying to tell you," she replied impatiently. "He was brought to the inn by a guard, and he isn't associated with Bakura's band. He was only chasing me because he was worried about me, but he was not trying to recapture me. Of that, I can assure you."

She was not necessarily lying—Bakura had said multiple times that the boy wasn't someone he considered one of his band. Still, it would help all involved if she left out the fact that Valon had helped kidnap her to begin with.

Jean Claude studied her for a long moment and Mai kept her eyes on him; she knew that Raphael and Alister were both watching her as well, though it was with marked tension.

At length Jean Claude relaxed. "Dearest, of course I believe you. I find it absolutely noble you're willing to go to these lengths for such dim-witted oafs."

Both Raphael and Alister bristled, but wisely they remained silent.

"In light of your own testimony, I shall in fact spare the death penalty. However, I cannot overlook the blatant disobedience shown to me and the disrespect to you."

He turned his attention to the two men. "Raphael, you will no longer hold captaincy. That honor goes to Gurimo. In addition, you will also receive fifty lashes, and a few punishments I will discuss in private. Alister, I do not think you will learn obedience by merely being whipped. I want you…yes, you shall be unstrung."

"No!" Raphael's voice carried a real note of distress, and Mai could see that Alister had gone too still. "You can't do that to—"

"I don't believe this was open for debate. Gurimo, get them out of here," said Jean Claude dismissively. "I want all their punishments carried out by the time I return."

"Of course, my liege."

The prince rose to his feet, waiting until Gurimo and the other guard led Raphael and Alister away before stepping down and coming to Mai's side.

"Come, my dear. If you can manage, I would like to show you the rest of my kingdom—it will not be a pleasant afternoon here, I'm afraid," said Jean Claude, gently taking Mai's hand. "I would not dream of forcing you to walk, so we would be taking the carriage."

Mai exchanged looks with Vivian. "I don't know how long I will be able to travel, as I'm still quite exhausted. Still, I would love to see your city. I never got the chance."

"But of course! I shall bring along a blanket for you to stay under, and we will remain in the carriage for the day. At some point during your stay, we shall take a longer visit and perhaps shop in the bazaars. I am aware you enjoy perusing the markets," he added, noticing the way both Mai's and Vivian's faces lit up. "I shall show you the sights as soon as you are ready."

By the time they had left the throne room all the guards had gone. Jean Claude kissed Mai's hand and said, "I shall ready the carriage for our departure."

"Thank you," she replied, starting for the stairways.

Vivian waited until they were out of earshot before she spoke. "I take it there was a reason you wanted to spare Raphael and Alister from execution?" she asked.

Mai paused, leaning against a nearby wall to regain some energy. She really was not ready to be wandering around just yet; she already regretted agreeing to the tour of the city, as she was already worn out. Her eyes went to her lady-in-waiting.

"It's as I said, Vivian. I didn't spare them because I like them," she said. "The Aurosian saved my life in the forest. I saw it a poor means of repaying him if I did nothing to stay Jean Claude's hand."

She frowned as she remembered Alister's visibly horrified reaction. It had been the very first time she'd seen something other than derision or annoyance from him, and it bothered her more than she cared to admit. "Vivian, what does it mean to unstring an archer?"

Vivian shrugged, looking troubled. "I don't know. Punishments vary from kingdom to kingdom, as do their names," she said at last. "I wouldn't know."

Mai thought it over for one last minute and then shrugged. Alister and Raphael would recover from whatever punishment had been bestowed on him—she'd at least made sure that Valon's friends had been spared.

Her debt to Valon for saving her life had been repaid. Now, it was time she moved forward and focused on healing.

Half an hour later, Mai was seated comfortably in a large gold and white carriage. It had taken time to get dressed. Vivian had refused to allow Mai to continue wearing her robe and nightgown beyond the room, despite it being comfortable. It had taken scavenging two dresses, and thanks to Vivian's quick sewing they had modified Mai's favorite white dress. Vivian had ripped out the tighter white sleeves to make the gown sleeveless and turned the former sleeves into elbow-high arm warmers. Then, using material from a scavenged dress, they had crafted a wrap that was styled similarly to her robe. It was not much different from her outfit that morning, but it was an actual dress and Mai was happier in it.

Mai was also pleased at how comfortable the carriage was. The cushions were made of red velvet and rather soft, but the royal healer had insisted that Mai keep her shoulder pillowed and Vivian had brought several large pillows from her room. These pillows had been seated behind Mai and under her arm, so as to protect her arm and to let it rest comfortably without jarring her injuries.

After Mai had been comfortably placed in the carriage, they set out to tour the city. The healer cautioned that Mai should not do anything to jolt her shoulder, and to return if she felt dizzy or tired, but otherwise cleared them to leave. Once they left the castle, however, Mai received a pleasant surprise.

What Mai and Vivian had not seen on their first day was that the castle was situated on a hill that overlooked a valley, in which the city—Hermos—had been situated. On the other side of the valley was a large river, and they could see boats that were coming and going. Several roads led into the valley, but the one from the palace was certainly the smoothest. According to Jean Claude, it was constantly paved and smoothed down to allow the least resistance to the carriage; this particular road they were on zigzagged at a gradual slope down the side of the valley wall.

"Your city seems to be very well-kept," said Mai, looking out at the buildings. They finally leveled out onto the main road. Mai could see the white stone buildings all around her, as well as people moving about on their daily business.

"Of course!" Jean Claude replied, beaming at her. "I insist on having my city looking orderly and proper at all times. This area we're in now are where all the upper-class shopping is, as well as there being two or three inns. The shopping bazaars are in the center of the city and are usually quite crowded, so we'll forego the tour in that area, but even the lower-class sections of my city are kept in order. You'd hardly know it if you entered that area, though I advise against any night travels."

"Why is the bazaar crowded?" she asked, leaning back on the pillows. Her shoulder still ached despite all the precautions being taken, and the carriage road was still rather bumpy thanks to the cobblestone.

"That's where things like temporary shops, animal trading, and traveling merchants go. That's only a small sampling…there are always crowds in the bazaar, and anyone of them could jar your shoulder."

Jean Claude gazed at her, sobering. "That reminds me, I would love to hear the story of how you escaped the thieves. I was so worried when you were taken by the dragon, but to hear that you had been then kidnapped by the thieves…I quite felt as if my heart had stopped."

"I'm a tough girl," replied Mai, smiling. "I've always been able to handle myself."

"But even so, Highness, if you don't mind…"

Mai managed not to flinch. She did not want to talk about Jou at that moment, nor of anything else that had happened. In addition to the fact that she had befriended the very person who had kidnapped her initially, she also knew that she would eventually have to tell of Yugi. She did not want to get the poor magic caster exiled when he'd done no wrong.

A spike of guilt abruptly stung at her. She had been so wrapped up in her own injury that she had forgotten about Yugi's collapse…she'd never even found out what had happened to him. She hoped that he was okay, as she did not want to think Yugi had been killed that night.

Luckily for Mai, Vivian had noticed the way Mai's face had clouded. She rested a hand on Mai's and said, "Perhaps over dinner tonight, Your Majesty. My lady is still recovering from her ordeal and I don't wish to push her."

"Oh goodness, you're right! I can't believe how rude I was in asking," said Jean Claude, looking genuinely apologetic. "I was so happy to see that you've recovered that I completely forgot about your present condition. Forgive me for my thoughtlessness."

"It's all right. I've told you before that I can handle myself. I'll be fine once I've rested a few days," she replied shortly, suddenly tired.

Mai knew she had to tell them all something, as she knew that it was an inevitable topic that she could not continue to avoid. But she needed time to plan out what she needed to say, and what information to reveal. For now, she'd be content to tour the city. She just wanted to relax and settle back down into a familiar routine—one that did not involve thieves and cursed dragons.

Their trip lasted quite a while, carrying on into the afternoon. Mai normally would have been driven mad at sitting still for so long; she longed to get out and explore, but given how her shoulder throbbed and pulsed whenever she moved, she decided that a couple days of downtime would be more beneficial. Besides, her stay was to be for at least three months, according to her parents. She would have plenty of time to explore the city; she had caught a glimpse of the bazaar Jean Claude had been talking about, a huge and open square that was filled with bustling people, and she was already excited.

They finally returned to the castle late in the afternoon. Mai had enjoyed her time touring, but she was vastly looking forward to the solitude of her room. Jean Claude had assured her that dinner would be a minor affair and not some grandiose banquet, even going so far as to ask if she wished to dine in her quarters.

While she was flattered by the attention and concern, Mai simply wanted a few minutes alone to talk to Vivian—the woman always knew exactly what to say and Mai had a lot on her mind to sort through. It was why she agreed to having her meal in her room that night.

Jean Claude hovered around Mai as Vivian helped her exit the carriage, fretting every second she was in motion. "Vivian my dear, do be careful! You'll hurt her!" he said, looking particularly anxious when Mai's shoulder came dangerously close to the doorframe of the carriage.

Mai was not fond of the reprimand, but Vivian took this comment with a smile and a bow of her head. "Do not trouble yourself, Majesty," she said brightly, lifting Mai's skirt high enough to allow her free movement down the steps. "I'll take care of her."

Jean Claude nodded absently. "Forgive me for doubting you, my dear, but she is already so terribly wounded and—"

"It will be fine, Jean Claude," said Mai kindly. "I am going to take a walk through the gardens before I retire. The fresh air will do me good. I'll be careful, and if I'm not I'll have Vivian seek you out."

"Very well," replied Jean Claude, kissing her hand. "I shall hopefully see you tonight. If you cannot dine with me do send your lovely lady in waiting to let me know."

With that he offered one last bow and then strode to the steps, smiling at them both before disappearing inside the castle.

"He called me lovely," said Vivian, giggling as her hands shot to her cheeks. "Be still my beating heart!"

Mai grinned, arching an eyebrow. "Oho, what's this? A young blossoming romance between a prince and a lady in waiting?"

"A forbidden romance that was never meant to be," Vivian replied, pretending to look wistful. She clasped her hands as if in prayer and looked in the direction Jean Claude had gone. "And yet it is a perfect match. My love, Heaven hath denied us."

Mai struggled to keep a straight face, as did Vivian, but they both failed and burst into laughter seconds later. Unlike Yugi and Téa, who both got flustered if pressed on their romantic interest, Vivian did not waver under such pressure and instead teased along with her. That was yet another reason that Vivian was one of her closest friends—they had a similar taste in humor.

"Oh how I missed you while I was gone," Mai managed at last, wiping her eyes.

Vivian sobered at the comment. She met Mai's gaze and said, "I don't suppose you're going to tell me the real reason why we're strolling through the gardens, instead of returning to your room? Don't say there isn't an ulterior motive, I know you," she added sternly.

"What are you, a mind reader?" asked Mai, half joking. She fell silent, however, and her gaze shifted to her feet. "I actually wanted to let you hear about what happened to me first. I know Jean Claude rescued me, and he probably should be the one to hear it first, but you've always offered great advice. Frankly, I could use it."

"Fire away," said Vivian promptly, gesturing to the garden path. "We'll find us a quiet corner of the gardens to sequester ourselves in, and then you can give me all the sordid details."

Her voice was light-hearted, but Mai did not miss the serious tone that was beneath her words and she nodded. "Let's find this quiet corner of yours."

The two of them started along the path, not saying anything until they ended up in the shadow of the northern tower of the castle. There they found a willow tree whose leaves touched the water and offered the perfect amount of shade and privacy. The two women slipped into the shadow of the tree and settled themselves on the grass.

The moment they were comfortable, Mai launched into the story: being taken to the dragon's lair, Bakura capturing her and meeting those with him, being chased by the White Dragons, meeting Yugi and Yami, helping the dragon kit, and then Jou's attack on her. The only major details she left out was the supposed memory spell that was on her, the weird dreams, Jou being cursed, and her suspicions of who had attacked Mizu—she wanted to speak to Jean Claude about that in private.

When she finished, Vivian remained silent, not immediately asking questions and toying with the grass near her hand. "I'm getting the feeling you aren't telling me something," she said at last. "I don't know exactly why you're holding back, but chances are it's because you're still trying to make sense of it."

Mai repressed a wince. Vivian was sometimes too perceptive.

Maybe she should tell Vivian all her thoughts of Jou. Vivian always had good advice, maybe she might be able to make sense of Jou's attack on her and of Mai's dreams.

As she opened her mouth to start speaking, however, they heard footsteps on the path behind them. Mai's mouth snapped shut. Though she now had an acceptable story she could tell Jean Claude, she still wasn't ready to tell him yet.

She realized it was more than one person, however, and she turned, noticing through the curtain of leaves and branches that it was the same group of guards that had been punished that morning. They had not seen the two women in their hiding place yet.

They were in simple cotton shirts, and even from here she could see thin red lines seeping through the backs of their torn clothing. They were conversing quietly among themselves, halting a few feet away to make sure they were alone; although Mai had no idea of what they were talking of they looked distinctly troubled. As they came closer, however, Mai recognized the voice of black-haired guard she had spoken to that morning and she held up a hand to make sure Vivian kept quiet.

"Is it safe to talk?" his voice asked, carrying worry.

"…I believe so," said an older man with a beard, relaxing. "I don't see Gurimo or any of the others. Now then, Corda lad, go ahead and speak."

"Will the captain be all right?" asked the black-haired guard promptly.

Another guard, one with curling ginger hair, shook his head. "Former captain, Corda—Gurimo is our captain now."

"I won't recognize him as such. Gurimo is a bully—"

"Corda. Remember what Raphael told you—bully or not, he is now your captain. We cannot afford to lose anyone else."

Mai immediately frowned. Lose anyone else?

"To answer that question, though, Raphael will be fine. Fifty lashes is not exactly a walk in the garden, but it's recoverable. That man's been trapped under trees before and even traveled three days before on a broken leg, he'll be all right."

"But he was beaten too, I'm sure he has broken bones on top of it!"

"Corda, the man is tougher than he looks," replied the first man patiently. "He will weather this storm, just as he always had. I'm more concerned about Alister, to be honest," he added, and the other men in the group who had not yet spoken nodded in agreement.

"Jethro, he's had it long in coming," retorted the ginger-haired guard, and Mai realized that she recognized him as the one she'd seen that morning—Adias, if she was not much mistaken. "We've all warned him about mouthing off to the prince, and even Raphael cautioned him. It's his own fault," he continued, though he sounded as if he thought the complete opposite.

"Unstringing him, though…that was far too severe of a punishment. You heard that scream when they started on him, you saw the state Alister was in when they finished with him. Raphael had to practically carry him back into the guardhouse," replied another man with long tawny hair, looking grim.

"I know it, Faust, but what else can we do? We all foresaw this coming the moment Alister started mouthing off to the prince. It was only a matter of time before it came back to bite him."

"What exactly is unstringing an archer?" asked Corda slowly. "I've only just gotten done being a squire, you know, but I never had a chance to ask about all the different punishments. I haven't even seen Alister yet."

Mai frowned. She had tried asking Jean Claude that question several times that day, but he'd always steered the conversation in a different direction. She noticed Vivian was paying special attention to the conversation now, her eyes narrowed and her face clouded.

Jethro and the other men exchanged troubled glances.

"To unstring a bow, you remove the bowstring—the means by which it is able to fire an arrow," Jethro said at last. "To unstring an archer, you make it impossible for him to use a bow and arrow ever again. They take both hands of the archer and break them. All the bones in the fingers, hand, wrist, and even the forearm are broken…sometimes several times in the same place. You may as well cut off the archer's hands for all the good they'll be able to do after this punishment."

Corda paled.

"I did not say it was pleasant," said Jethro tiredly.

Mai looked away, staring down at her hands. No wonder Alister had looked so scared by that punishment. To suffer such a cruel punishment…Mai's own hands twitched, and she subconsciously brought them closer to her chest. The image of Valon's horrified face flashed through her mind, and she felt guilty that she had done nothing to prevent this. If she'd known…

She watched as the guards moved off, apparently having heard someone else coming along the path, and then she turned to Vivian. "Talk to me, Vivian," she said grimly. "I saw that look on your face. What is it you're thinking about?"

"…I mentioned it to you this morning. Remember how I said Alister and Raphael basically told me that they'd betray him if offered a chance?"

Mai frowned deeply. "You're thinking they were involved in the coup-d'état?" she asked. She remembered Valon's outraged voice adamantly denying that they would ever do such a thing, and while she had no reason to trust Raphael or Alister she did believe Valon.

"Not entirely," admitted the black-haired woman. "True, all evidence points to that conclusion, but…I don't know, it's like I've got the feeling there's more to it. Like there's some piece of the puzzle we're missing…it's as if Jean Claude had done something to them all that made them angry. I expressed this concern to you as well."

"I'm wondering that myself," said Mai grimly, rising to her feet. The world swayed and she had to lean against the tree trunk. "But without knowing what part of this picture we're missing we will have to just wait and see. Hopefully all the guards involved have learned a lesson and they'll start cooperating with their prince."

"I know they likely have, but I'm still bothered," said Vivian. "Why keep guards that plainly don't like you and plotted to overthrow you?"

"Maybe it's because the castle is short-handed," Mai said, starting back down the path. She was feeling oddly exhausted and wondered idly how such a wound could wear her out. "Remember, Jean Claude had to banish a good portion of his guards and servants, as well as magic users."

"Yes, I know that—but Highness, how could Jean Claude have subdued these men into working for him?" she replied. "They don't seem like they fear death, so what did he do to keep these men from deserting or acting out? I mean, yes, a group finally rebelled, but why haven't they done so earlier?"

Mai saw the entrance to the castle and quickened her pace. "I don't know, Vivian, but I'm too tired to think any further about this," she said. "We'll ask Jean Claude about it later, but all I want to do now is sleep."

Vivian shot her a concerned look. "It's not even nightfall."

"I know," she replied, another wave of exhaustion rolling through her. "I know I've lost some blood and this wound isn't exactly a paper cut, but I shouldn't be this tired."

"I can answer that. You're stressed out," said Vivian reassuringly. "I'll take you back to your room now and you can get some sleep. You'll be better soon enough, but you did a lot today and you were in a high stress environment for the better part of a week. For now, let's focus on getting you better—then we'll worry about what's going on around here."

A week and a half passed, the time almost dragging on with sluggish pace. Mai for the most part slept through it, her shoulder healing slowly but surely. She limited her journey from outside the room unless it was to the garden or to visit with Jean Claude.

Her dreams, however, were peppered with shadows and voices she'd never heard; they were images that were difficult to tell between vision and memory. The nightmares often had Vivian rouse from a sound sleep to check on her, but when Mai tried to recount what these dreams were, she found she could not remember entirely what they were about.

Jean Claude tended to hover about her room during this time. After being so sure that Mai was recovering, he fretted that she was sleeping so much, likely it was because Mai had gone touring the kingdom after regaining consciousness. Vivian had politely but firmly chased him away from Mai's room and forbade anyone from bringing up her ordeal until Mai had recovered; she sensed that it would only stress Mai out more if she thought on the matter, so her orders were to rest and not to think of what happened. True to his word, the prince did not host any parties as she healed.

Mai was grateful for that, as she was still uncertain about the whole mess with Jou. Whenever she thought of him, her heart would clench, and she felt as if she was close to tears. She was torn over whether she was angry with him or if she was willing to give him a second chance, should he return to the castle to find her.

She often debated on whether she should talk to Vivian on the subject—and in fact was dying to, as she had so much on her mind and Vivian offered sound advice on this sort of thing—but whenever she thought of him she only remembered glowing red eyes and a snarl that chilled her. As this was a common sight in her nightmares as well, Mai chose to say nothing that would remind her of it.

She did not ask any further about Raphael or Alister, as she felt she had done what she could to spare them from death and had repaid her debt to Valon for saving her. She also sensed neither would be entirely receptive to her, even if she was at full health and chose to seek them out, so that was the end of that matter. As for the coup d'état, she also let that matter rest. It was high time she stop worrying over things that were not her business anyways.

At the end of that week, though, Mai was starting to heal and was able to stay awake longer. The nightmares finally began to fade, though Jou and the shadows still lurked in them, but eventually there came a night that she slept through without screaming. Her shoulder was no longer so tender, and her strength was returning. Within another week, Mai would be able to wear normal dresses again and she would be able to start exploring the kingdom.

Things were slowly returning to normal.

It was the sound of her window opening that first dragged her out of the deep sleep she'd fallen into. She shifted uncomfortably in the bed but did not open her eyes. Vivian was likely opening a window, but why would she be doing that? It was neither hot nor stuffy in here…but Vivian must have decided to open a window, and she wouldn't ask. She focused on returning to sleep.

A warm hand gently rested itself on Mai's injured shoulder. The weight was oddly familiar, but it did not rest long on her. Whoever had touched her had felt the bandages and withdrew their hand. A sharp and horrified gasp broke the silence of the room. "Oh Mai," a man's familiar voice breathed. It was full of distress. "Did I do this?"

Mai's eyes snapped open and she sat up, scrambling away and nearly falling off the bed. She clutched the blankets to her and stared, her eyes rounding in horror when she saw who was standing by her bed. It was not possible, and yet she was looking at him.

Jou had been caught off guard by her abrupt movement and jumped, his red eyes widening comically as he stepped back. He raised his hands in a placating gesture, looking relieved. "Hey, Mai…Mai, you're okay," he soothed, his voice shaky. "I was so worried. After that night, I couldn't stop thinking about—"

"Jou, what are you doing here?" she hissed, suddenly angry and afraid. She had just gotten over this, why did he have to come back now? It was not even the new moon yet, how had he regained his semi-human form? He was outside Yugi's barrier, he should be a dragon!

Jou flinched at her tone, the starts of his smile faltering. "I…."

"Get out," she said angrily. "Just—just go away, Jou!"

Jou straightened up. "I know you're mad at me, Mai, but I need to give you something," he began, rummaging at his side for something she could not see.

"No," she said, her voice flat and cold. She lifted her chin with haughty poise as Jou looked at with surprise. "No, Jou. I don't want anything more from you. Get out," she repeated, pointing to the window.

A hurt expression crossed his face. "Mai, please," he said softly, his voice holding the slightest trace of a whine to it. Guilt was in every line of his features. "Please, you gotta believe me. I never mean to hurt you, I didn't even know what—!"

"I don't care," she hissed venomously. "I want nothing to do with you. Get out before I scream."

"Mai, please," he begged, stepping closer.

Mai moved backwards on her bed. "Jou, I don't want to hear it," she said, her voice starting to rise. She gripped a part of her nightgown and moved it away from the bandages on her shoulder, allowing the man to see the extent of her injuries. "I know you can smell the blood under these. Is this the price I have to pay to be around you? Because if it is, I don't want to pay it."

Jou visibly flinched at the sight of the bandages. His ruby eyes were glowing in the dark, a deep and profound pain in their depths. He looked as if he was ready to cry, though his eyes remained dry. He swallowed thickly. "Mai…"

"The only reason I haven't called the guards is because of you saving my life," she said, her own voice barely level. "If you don't leave now, I'll scream."

A moment of tense silence fell between them. Jou moved first, his hand slowly reaching for the sleeve of her injured arm. "You can put that up, Mai," he said, his voice gentle and subdued. "I—"

The image of glowing, bloodthirsty red eyes, and the echo of a snarl flashed through her mind. "Get away from me!"

She slapped him hard, her hand catching the scales on his face. She ignored the burn-sting of the scrapes that ignited along the palm, her breathing harsh and ragged.

Jou stumbled backward at the blow, tripping over his tail and hitting the floor in a crumpled heap. He sat up with slow care, one of his taloned hands reached for the growing red mark on his cheek. The expression on his face was unreadable yet full of heartbreak. "Mai…"

She ignored the waver in his voice. "I won't say it again, Jou. Remove yourself from this room before I scream for the guards," she said, her voice cracking. She pointed to the open window viciously. "I don't care what you wanted to give me—take it and yourself out of here. NOW."

Jou's eyes lit with white-hot pain. Mai found it difficult to keep looking at him, and it took everything she had to keep her glare on him. He stared at her with that broken expression before his gaze shifted. He rose slowly to his feet, his tail curling between his legs and his shoulders slumping. "Okay," he said so quietly that she barely heard it. "Okay, Mai. I'm going."

He started for the window, perching on her windowsill. He hesitated for the longest moment before he turned to look back at her, ruby eyes grief-stricken. "Mai, I wish you all the best. I hope your wound heals quickly. Just…just forget about me, Mai. I should have never gotten you involved."

Mai started, staring at him. What?

Jou swallowed again as he looked back at her. "For what it's worth…I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he said, his voice cracking. Mai felt the sudden and near irresistible urge to run to his side, wanting to shove him and comfort him at the same time. "I can't even articulate how sorry I am that I attacked you. Please…I…just know that I…"

He trailed off, shaking his head in resignation. He offered her one last wan smile—

—a smile she had seen once before in her dreams—

—and then he was turning away, springing out and into the night sky.

It was that motion that startled Mai into motion. "Jou! Jou, wait!" she cried, fighting to disentangle herself from the sheets. She did not fully know why she was trying to get him back into the room, especially when she had wanted him to do nothing more than leave, but…!

But she was too late. By the time she reached the window and had leaned out the sill, he was gone.

Mai stared at the clear night sky, searching for any sign of Jou. She was still at the window when her bedroom door opened and Vivian's sleepy but concerned voice called out to her. "Are you all right, princess? I heard shouting…"

"I'm fine, Vivian," she said shortly, not turning around. "I just had another nightmare, that's all. I'm getting some fresh air and then going back to sleep—go on back to your quarters. I'll be fine."

There was a pause and then she heard the door gently close.

Mai stayed at her window for a few more moments, hoping that maybe he'd heard her call. But there was no sign of him—Jou was gone, and likely he was gone for good.

Mai closed the window slowly, turning around and returning to her bed. She sat on the edge for a long minute before she abruptly turned and buried her head in the pillows, using them to muffle the starts of her broken sobs.