Chapter One: Two Months Later

Iolenes' eyes close as she dreamed of the meteor again. The gold asteroid collided with the planet's surface. Why do I see this memory the most? Her hand clenched on the pillow as the memory mimicked that point in time. Erastus... She tried to reach out to her distant cousin, for the past few months. He does not answer as she tried to communicate multiple times. Nothing... Frustration plagued her as she watches and live through the memories of her ancestors. Recently trying to only choose the happier memories... Birthdays, anniversaries, dinners, and political meetings during peacetime. Many people would call it boring, but for her it is inciteful. A life she wished she lived... Peaceful.

Waking up drenched in sweat, Eleya helps to bathe her. Relaxing in the tub for at least an hour. Looking at her wrinkled hands as she chose Frangipani as her scent.

"You have gotten so quiet..." Eleya remarked. Ever since that night they arrived, she tried her best to comfort the girl.

Iolene not replying as she is lost in her own thoughts. Thinking of her allies, having, Brown, Blue, and Light-Blue on her side. It is not merely enough to go against the Black Empire. Brown and Blue have fought wars recently. She hoped that the Turquoise Empire will give her aid. Instead, King Gauthier borrowed so much money from the Black Empire, it was basically their state. It frustrated her to no end as she squeezes her wash rag tightly. Fearing that she will never get her home back. I am a failure...

Eleya brushes Iolenes hair as she snips the dead ends. Iolene chooses to sit next to the window as she stares outside. The brown dye has seeped out almost entirely. Her gold hair was still not as bright as it used to be. Iolene decided to leave it loose.

"Beautiful as always my lady!" Eleya says happily. Noticing Iolenes' melancholy, she grabs the sad girl's face to look at her. "Like back in the old days, I know... But it is for your safety and you're in the palace now. Not in the temple." Eleya says sadly. Iolene sighed. Eleya never forgot the night when they arrived. The news already spread of her existence, and the family was welcoming to her. Giving everyone a lavish dinner as Iolene enjoyed family reunion time. But after dinner... The King and Queen showed Iolene to her room. A beautiful and large room, befitting royalty such as herself. But then they broke the news that Iolene shall remain there... The face of Iolenes pure fear... Her erratic breathing as she yelled at the King and Queen. Eleya doing her best to calm the panicked girl. "Do they love me?" Iolene asked the small lady, Eleya believes they do... Just terrible at handling the situation. Iolene lying on Eleyas' lap as the small lady rubbed her head. Iolene did not even see her friends for the first few weeks. Not even Camille (Avery) has visited her... Iolenes' grandparents did visit her multiple times, to her happiness. Seeing them as they played card games and speak of politics.

To her luck, she is allowed to leave her room today. She desperately wants to see Aaron, Lexi, and Fred. To find out Aaron has gone for a walk...

Aquarius City is a jewel of seashell-shaped buildings and canals that weave through the city. An ancient city home to the Rivers royal family. Iolene's relatives are from her mother's side. Empress Laelia is the daughter of Prince Mortimer and Lady Viviane. Niece to King Marlowe.

Iolene taught the history to Aaron, of how the city was founded by pirates. Once being an outpost of illegal goods, including slaves. In time it forged into a massive city and decided to leave behind the illegal trades. Focusing on becoming a legitimate city. Eventually, it evolved into a country.

Aaron wearing a thick hooded cape strolls around the city alone. It has been just over three months since the attack on Mille Voix. Looking up as rain softly falls on him. There will be a storm soon... He thought as the dark clouds slowly reach the city. There have been many storms since the group arrived. One even feared that could cause destruction to the city. To everyone's luck, the storm didn't cause as much damage as the cyclone of 6,749. Aaron learned from a book on water disasters. Killed thousands and almost destroyed the city and many towns, ports, and cities down the coast. Aaron strolls next to the empty canal as on a good day gondolas are popular in use. But for the past few months, it is too dangerous. The canal is even at great risk of overflowing its original barrier. Emergency fences are built to make sure the canals overflow and flood the houses.

Thunder is heard as the wind starts to get stronger. He decides to return to the palace. The Seashell palace is a beauty of marble and massive scale. Shaped like conjoining seashells the building lives up to its name. It is not as large as the Palace of Voices. But still a marvel of art and skill.

Iolene rests on the couch with Lexi, Fred, and Lei as the rain started to pour heavily outside. The three just watch the rain from the window. As Fred naps on the other couch across from the three. Thunder roared and lightning lit up the city. There is not much they can do today.

"Did you enjoy your walk?" Iolene asks facing him, as she spoke with a twinge of jealousy in her tone. Yet she still gives off a smile. She has been banned from leaving the palace. Her escapist heart just wants to leave the palace and enjoy the markets, see a play, or go to the hospital to help as a healer. It is the place where she learned the trade. She enjoyed it there and the skills she learned have been useful since she left. Wanting to be helpful while healing people and dragons from their ailments.

Iolenes' sweet smile always cheers him up. But he knew she is furious at her situation. Everyone including himself has been keeping a strict eye on her. She has not left the palace since arriving and unpacking. The world now knows she exists... She cannot risk being reckless for no reason. Although locking her in her bedroom for three whole weeks, he thought went too far. He knew that can drive anyone insane, especially a person like Iolene. The gold girl shouted and screamed to at least have some entertainment. With Aaron permitted to do book errands so she could read. Stein also gave her writing materials. Eleya sleeps in bed with her to make sure Iolene doesn't even try to escape, like Lan-Se. King Marlowe eventually allowed her to walk around the castle. But she cannot speak to anybody whom she does not know. No one is trusted except for a select few. Iolene repeats many times that she understood, but she is reckless.

"It was nice enough..." Aaron said plainly. "The city is preparing for the coming storm. No reason to go outside." He jokes as Iolene faces away annoyed. Returning to stare out the window, drawing with her finger on the glass.

Lei sighs as he is getting sick and tired of the storms. He saw glimpses of the beautiful city, but whenever he explored the storms came. Even sending his crowdrag Butters is too dangerous due to the fast winds. So his family will have to wait on the news.

Lexi also has no communication with Kenneth or her family. Has to wait for the storms out. She wanted to go swimming on the beautiful beaches, but the sea and winds have been too rough. Reminded her of home, as Vulkania is not too far from the ocean. Many people travel to swim on the beaches.

Mali enters the silent room as he calls for a special meeting.