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Valda moved her horse to stand next to her; she straightened her tired back and lifted her chin.

Maris glanced quickly at Valda. Commanding strength and confidence radiated from her as they both waited for the now small group. The boy moved back as the woman stood before the two horses, crossing her thick arms over her small chest. She stiffened her back and raised her chin high to Valda. She wasn’t carrying any weapon, unlike the “guard’s” sad excuse of a trident.

“Good evening,” the woman spoke, her voice thick and rich, almost melodic despite being laced with venom. “I believe it is quite late to have a visit from royalty.” She theatrically bowed her head. “Welcome to New Agenor, Your Highness. I am Eyphah Hurley. The one that keeps asking for help and the leader of this settlement. I would be happy to assist you in whatever it is my precious queen needs.”

Maris’s eyes widened as she quickly recognized the name.

This woman was Isen’s sister.

“Good evening,” Valda began before getting off her horse and running her hands through her hair. “You did not mention you were the leader.” Eyphah snorted and turned her gaze toward Maris and softened the moment it fell on her. Her eyes were dark blue, so dark it could be mistaken for ebony if it wasn’t for the torchlight.

“You don’t know a lot of things,” Eyphah said, her eyes never leaving Maris. “Forgive me if we were not ready for your arrival. We had no clue you were coming.”

Maris turned to Valda, yet she could still feel Eyphah’s burning gaze on her, so she decided to get off her horse and move closer to the queen.

“And you are?” Eyphah asked, her hands still at her waist.

“Maris Era, I am the queen’s assistant. I’ve come as a helping hand. To be the connection between the crown and New Agenor,” Maris said, tone lit by a spark of hope.

Eyphah’s gaze traveled from the very top of her head down to her boots. Maris had changed her clothing to look more like the settlers. She wore a white tunic, resembling Isen’s style the day they met, and a tight, legging-like bottom that went down to her ankle. Her shoes were new, and she hadn’t worn them down to make them comfortable. She had her hair down for most of the ride, but she then tied her long bangs back and away from her face, the rest of her hair fell in waves around her shoulders.

The woman’s stare burned her, and she looked for refuge with Valda’s skin. She bumped her arm with Valda’s and cleared her throat before speaking. “I do not want to impose but—”

“You two coming in the middle of the night feels non-imposing at all,” Eyphah interrupted.

Maris felt Valda’s angry rumble rolling off her chest. As a way of calming her, she placed her hand on her shoulder blade and took a deep breath.

“I am sorry. Where are my manners?” Eyphah laughed and turned to the boy next to her. “Go to House of Proteus, tell them we have royalty coming over and to prepare a meal. Then tell them to fix up the bed at House Arago,” Eyphah turned to Valda and Maris, her smile condescending. “I hope you do not mind that House of Arago has only one bed. Your guards can stay in the house next door. It needs some repairs but it will make do. I hope there is no problem with that.” She raised her blue eyebrow.

“Is there a sofa?” Maris asked.

Valda shifted her weight from one foot to the other as a grumble rolled through her chest and throat.

“There is,” Eyphah said, scoffing and tilting her head and signaling the boy to leave. The boy nodded, gave Eyphah a clumsy salute, and went off. He ran as fast as he could, crossing the plaza and entering the house Eyphah had come out from. “I hope you will find our homes as pleasurable as your mighty castle, Your Highness.”

“I am sure I will.”

“Of course. You must be tired. Freshen up and join us for dinner. Then maybe we will discuss the reasons for your visit.” Waving her hand, Eyphah commanded the small group to head back.

As Eyphah bowed dramatically and left.

Squeezing Valda’s hand, Maris her neck to look up at the queen. “I didn’t know she was Captain Hurley’s sister,” Maris commented.

A dark eyebrow arched, and Valda tilted her head in Maris’ direction. “If they weren’t twins, I’d ask if they were raised by the same parents,” she whispered, only for Maris’s ear to hear.

Maris scrunched her nose and nudged Valda’s side as she chuckled. “They are different.”

“One is a charmer, the other is completely the opposite,” Valda said, hands moving to sweep away the hair from her forehead. “I think freshening up is in order. I feel I have sand in unmentionable places.”Turning to the guards, she waved her hand at them to follow her.

Snickering, Maris placed her hand over her shoulder and followed Eyphah, hoping that the water was warm. She was tired of the cold.

Their horses were tied up outside the House of Argo. The large house was mostly used for important visitors. There was a living space on the first floor, with a small rustic kitchen and a dining area. On the second floor, there was one large master bedroom and a bathing room.

As the helpers settled their belongings on the floor, they announced that dinner would be ready in approximately an hour then left. Valda stood at the door unmoving, unsure of where to step. She never thought it would take such an emotional and mental toll on her to be far away from the familiarity of the castle, of the strings... She moved her hand and touched the wall next to her and took a couple of uneasy steps forward.

“I am here,” Maris said and hurried to grab her hand firmly. “What do you need?”

“Are we alone?”