The news of Dakran's and Haren's banishment return has spread like wildfire throughout Ironstone, reaching everyone's ears, and sparking all kinds of speculative talk under the table.
A few of those people included Edýia and Rom who'd been relentlessly pacing in their chamber making Edýia a little light head as she followed him around the room with her eyes.
Edýia pushed herself off the bed and placed herself in his path, the same path he'd gone back and forth some many times she'd lost count.
When Rom was faced with a frown, somewhat displeased with his restlessness, heavily sighed " I'm sorry" he grumbled, even though he'd done nothing wrong. Their attempts to get Maya to unlock the door had been met with nothing but utter silence from the other side of the door. Maya had isolated herself and nobody knew why she'd gone to such lengths.
Edýia placed her hands on his shoulder " You know, we could sneak in. I heard Dakran run down the stairs moments ago" Edýia mischievously grinned, most likely attempting to brighten his sour mood.
Rom took a deep breath and nodded " Let's try but I'm not sure if we will get past your brother if he's there" Rom sullenly said and took Edýia's hand in his and walked out of the room with a new purpose and a questionable plan.
With hurried steps very much like thieves Edýia and Rom ran in the corridor leading to the private quarters, scouring the premises with their eyes in search of Dakran who by now would be a burning fury.
They both slowed their steps when they reached the private quarters at the sight of the large double doors on the floor and the light coming from the room straight ahead.
Both, Edýia and Rom took a deep breath and glanced at each other before stepping through the threshold fearing the worst but hoping for the best.
When they walked in, greeted by Maya perched on the bed, hugging a pillow as if it was her lifeline and her last defence. Rom took a step forward as Maya's shocked and ashamed expression stayed the same, while Edýia just gasped, letting go of Rom's hand to cover her mouth, mortified at how Maya's swollen bruised face.
" Maya" Rom rushed to the bed and pulled Maya into a tight hug while Edýia remained frozen, shaken.
As Edýia reeled herself in from the shock she moved her feet and approached the bed, sitting on the edge as Maya sniffled on Rom's shoulder, hugging him tight.
" Why? When? How?" Rom ceased his barrage of questions when Maya pulled from his embrace and wiped her tears with the back of her hand.
" I " Maya hiccuped and her eyes fell on Dakran who lent against the door, observing but remaining quiet, hands tucked in his pockets looking as guilty as if he'd done the deed.
" He made no sense," Maya said in a quiet voice and reprised hugging the pillow while Edýia pushed her hair off her face, brushing her finger on Maya's face.
" I don't want to think about it" Maya added and Rom nodded understanding that Maya wasn't ready to share or he was the one that he wanted to share it with as her gaze remained fixed on Dakran.
" Sweetheart" Edýia squeezed her hand and Maya finally tore her eyes off Dakran to look at Edýia, attempting to smile.
" We are here if you need us. You know that right?" Edýia added in a compassionate tone brushing her thumb over Maya's hand and Maya teared up again but nodded.
" Thank you" Maya shakily sobbed and buried her face in the pillow.
All the while Dakran remained silent at the sight of a broken, shattered Maya. His blood had done that, his brother to the love of his life. Despise and loathing towards his kin quickly took life inside of him while death seemed an easy punishment in his eyes. No, he wanted to see him suffer, his only brother. They were the last of their bloody line, his father wouldn't approve if he would commit such an atrocious act.
" How about trying to have some food?" Edýia let go of her hand, went to the table and returned with a plate of what looked like oat porridge.
" It's soft. All you have to do is swallow" Edýia scooped up some food and offered it to Maya with an expectant expression but Maya just shook her head.
" Maybe later" Edýia surrendered, placing the spoon back on the plate and sitting back on the bed.
" What do you want to do?" Rom tried a different approach in an attempt to bring back the fight in her. This would be the second time she'd gone through a horrific experience and again he wasn't there to protect her or come to her aide.
Maya shakily sighed " I could use some rest. I haven't had a proper kip in days" Maya answered as she glanced up at Dakran who finally pushed himself off the door and walked to the bed.
" Thank you for the visit but now it is time for you two to go. If Maya is feeling well enough and rested you can come later, again" Dakran politely asked them to leave and Edýia was the only one who stood up.
Rom pulled Maya in for another hug " I'm here if you ever need anything. I wish you would've come to us" Rom grumbled as he tightened the grip around Maya.
" I love you little sister " Rom kissed her forehead and jumped off the bed, taking Edýia's hand in his.
" Try and have some proper rest" Edýia squeezed her shoulder as Rom tugged on her hand and they both reluctantly sauntered out of the room.