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The lack of title towards Valda settled unlawfully in Maris’s stomach. She squeezed Valda’s thick forearm until those gorgeous eyes dropped back on her. “Valda…”

“I must go see him,” Valda said. Her anxiousness melted and was replaced by the bitter cold facade Maris had seen her wear at the beginning of her reign.

Maris nodded, yet now it was her turn to be afraid. Uncertainty seeped into her. Valda needed to go, but why couldn’t she let her leave? “Be careful,” she whispered, her hands cold and clammy. “Please.”

“I will come back, all right?” Valda sealed her promise with a heavy kiss. “Here.” She untied her scarab and placed it in Maris’s hands.

She hugged the blade to her chest, her attention back on Valda. “What do you want me to do with this?”

“I want you to lock the door behind me. If anyone tries to enter, I want you to use it.”

“Valda, I can barely hold this—”

“Please…”

Valda was begging… The queen was begging her to protect herself.

Taking a deep breath, Maris nodded reluctantly.

“Valda Aither, if you do not open this door, we will break it and take you by force.”

“I am coming!” Valda barked and turned back to Maris. “Stay here. Don’t open the door.” She kissed Maris one last time. “I love you. Stay safe.”

“I love you too. Now go.” Maris gently pushed her to the door.

Valda removed the chair, opened the door, and walked outside before slamming it shut. Maris quickly repositioned the chair. Turning to the room, she saw the mess Valda had created in her fit of rage. She placed the Heaven Sword on the ground and decided it would be wise to keep her mind busy by cleaning up, a habit she had picked from her mother years ago.

She circled the room, picking up the objects that had fallen to put them back in their place. Gathering broken vases and cups, she put a brush on top of a bureau, which was open and messy as well.

On the floor, near the furniture, Maris there was a clutter of folders and papers. She opened the folder and put the sheets inside one by one. She wasn’t paying attention to the paper’s content until she saw Dristan’s signature. Maris’s throat constricted as new emotions dared to come out. Dristan had a lot of ideas to help, and just like that, he was put to death…

Swallowing a sob, Maris watched Cerberus sit on one piece of paper and licked her paw, nonchalantly. Maris waved her hand at Cerberus until she moved away. She picked up the paper and frowned when she found her name written on it.

Name: Maris Era

School History: Unknown/ Homeschooled

Work History: Dune’s Tavern.

Position: Tavern hand

This was the report Valda didn’t want her to see. The one she asked to be submitted. Maris sighed and continued reading the rest of it.

Birth mother: Unknown/ Deceased

Birth father: Unknown/ Deceased

Adoptive mother: Saha Era- deceased

Cause: Suicide

Adoptive father: Raan Era - deceased

Cause: Capital Punishment

Reason: Treason to the Skylian Crown.

Maris’s heart stopped beating… Treason to the Skylian Crown? Her father was a good father, and a husband who loved his family and kingdom more than anything. He was a faithful soldier, willing to give his life for the crown… Why was he killed for treason?