[Diana]
My body continued convulsing from the shock of gazing upon a corpse. I'd never witnessed someone get killed before me. I heard this was common in Cragholven's lowest levels, but I never thought it'd happen here- especially in broad daylight and the palace of all places. Mara escorted Devia and me back to the suite; alongside a contingent of Imperial Guards.
Upon arriving, the guards quickly left us with Mara.
"Don't worry; both of you are safe now," She said comfortingly.
I slightly relaxed my shoulders. It's just that this place feels safe and comforting. I don't know what it was, but it felt that way.
"If I may ask, what happened?" Mara asked.
I hesitated for a moment before I recounted the events to her.
~o0o~
The Empress and her retainer had just left. It was just the four of us.
"W-was it something I said?" I asked.
"Don't worry about it," Devia said, "The Empress just needs some time to adjust."
"It is her first time getting to know you, so she might find it difficult, considering you grew up in Crusavia," Thomas added.
I slumped on my seat and pondered on the point raised by the Empress. Just then, the sound of metal echoed through the clearing. I straightened myself and saw the imposing figures of the Imperial Guard. They continued their procession and encircled the clearing. Thomas and Samina rose from their seats as two men approached the pavilion.
"So, it seems both of you have returned home!" One of the men spoke, "And you have the brat with you."
He fixed his gaze on me. Then, it hit me- this was the man who had taken my family. He was Dayos, the Empress' youngest son.
He punched Thomas out of nowhere and sent the man flying to the ground. The prince's companion threw a punch in Samina's direction, but she dodged it. Devia and I quickly hid under the table as the fight continued. Grunts and insults echoed through the clearing. At one point, they even used weapons and exchanged charged beams of light from their hands.
Devia and I held each other, and I closed my eyes. Were the Imperial Guards simply watching the fight? Weren't they going to interfere and pull them apart? I could hear Devia mumbling next to me. I tried to conjure a plan to get us both out of here, but the battle was only beginning. The only thing I could do was hope that someone would help us out of this situation. Then, the Empress' voice echoed through the clearing.
~o0o~
"That's what happened while you were gone," I told Mara, "Everything happened so fast, I couldn't remember everything."
"Don't fret," She replied, "What's important is that both of you are safe."
"What's going to happen now?" Devia asked.
"I- I don't know. The Empress has yet to decide," Mara answered, "For now, both of you must remain here. It's too dangerous to leave since Prince Dayos' men are frolicking about."
"What does that have to do with us?" I asked.
Mara hesitated before answering, "Prince Dayos is a vengeful man; his men in the Imperis Battavyesch are similar. Hence, they seek revenge and to reassert their dominance," She paused, "Like adolescents- who wish to prove themselves."
"That still doesn't answer my question," I argued.
"He wants you," Mara firmly stated, "He wants to complete his mission no matter the cost."
"He didn't have to attack Thomas and Samina just because of his failure!" I yelled.
Devia and Mara were surprised by my sudden outburst, and we fell silent. Everything was getting frustrating. There are so many things I need to learn with so little time. I dragged myself to a lounge chair nearby and slumped against its cushions.
"What happens now?" I asked.
"Depending on what actions the Empress will take, you may find yourself confined within the palace," Mara replied.
"So, I may have to stay here? Does that mean I can't roam around the gardens of the palace?" I asked.
"Yes, the same goes for Miss Devia," She answered.
"But I have work to do at the Creyatholven," Devia reasoned.
"The Empress will come up with an excuse for you," Mara replied.
Everything was not going to plan. I could only hope that something less exciting was in store for tomorrow.