Lord Belor was taken aback for a brief moment. That statement was so unexpected that he couldn't process it for a moment.
"This slave is a simple desert wolf caught by our hunters." He slowly regained his composure.
"We understand, yet we need to confirm something . A simple test will prove us if she is one of ours." The older of the two stated calmly.
The other Rojan turned to the scared Omega.
"Could you shift?" He immediately took off his other robe and waited for Ina's decision.
Ina looked up at those men, she shifted and the man covered her with the robe. Ina looked back at lord Belor, she could clearly see the blue vein popping on his forehead.
"Lord Balor, we would be obliged if you allowed us to run some tests. Wew need some of that woman's blood and everything becomes clear." The older man firmly stood his ground.
"How are such tests conducted?" Lord Belor seemed to be suspicious.
"Ranjo, bring the alju water, we shall clear it now." The older Rojan seemed unphased by what lord Balor said.
Ranjo, the younger Rojan, bowed slightly and went back to a carriage that was waiting outside.
"Can we go inside?" The Rojan asked.
"Yes, of course." Lord Balor moved aside and made an inviting gesture.
Ina was walking back slowly wrapped in the robe Ranjo gave her. Ina was puzzled, it was all happening so quickly. Her thoughts were a mess. And then she was back to the very room she escaped from. Jiho and Adeline were still there watching with utter surprise the whole thing. Lord Balor approached them and explained the situation quietly. Adeline looked at Ina. If looks could kill Ina surly would be dead by now.
Ranjo came back holding a jar with water.
"We often use it, it has some healing qualities however in contact with royal blood the water glows. We need a glass for the test." The older Rojan explained while taking the jar from Ranjo.
"Fetch the glass." Short order and a servant came almost running.
The older Rojan placed the glass on the table and poured some water. Next he looked at all the gathered ones and explained again.
"If any other blood is added to this water it will dissolve, however royal blood from Royan does not and it glows." He turned towards Ina and asked.
"May I?"
Ina stretched her hand, it was already covered in blood. One drop landed in the glass.
Ina held her breath. What will happen to her if it doesn't work?
As soon as the blood touched the water a bright glow appeared. The Royans smiled brightly.
"She's one of us." Ranjo said out loud.
"Just a moment ." Adeline interfered. "This might be a simple trick."
The Rojans stiffened.
"Are you my lady accusing us of fraud?" The older Royan looked at Adeline and she almost stepped back.
"No, I mean that any blood might do the same trick." She hastily explained.
"Shall we check yours?" Royan asked.
Adeline was silent but then beckoned the servant, grabbed her hand, took a knife and made a deep cut. The servant hissed but didn't dare to move. Her blood dripped into the water and soon after dissolved. The older Royan took the knife and without a single word made a cut on his finger. The water glowed again.
Silence.
"Clean this mess." Lord Balor ordered the wounded servant.
"You should treat her hand first." The Rojan remarked.
"We shall take this young woman with us, as for the settlement we will surely come to an agreement." They both bowed and Ina was led out of the Salter's estate. Ina was walking slowly, everything was so surreal that she couldn't grasp it. A moment ago she was a chased slave now she was a member of the royal family.
She was secretly throwing glimpses at the men next to her.
"Don't worry my dear, we will fix you. You will be safe with us. Those days as a slave are over." The man's voice was gentle and assuring. Ina nodded, she still was processing it all.
Sitting in the carriage a sudden thought hit her.
"My lord, there was a man with me. He was helping me to escape. They will kill him for it." Gabriel's face popped in her head.
"Where is he?" The older man asked.
"In prison, his name is Gabriel."
"Rnjo will deal with it." He promised.
The carriage stopped in front of a big white house. Ina was helped out of the carriage and entered the building. It was cool inside.
"Take her to a guest room and treat her wounds." A young woman immediately followed the order and Ina was taken to a separate room.
"My lady, I shall prepare a healing bath for you. Please sit down and wait a moment."
"Thank you." Ina managed to respond.
Sitting in a room alone Ina was thinking how her life has made another twist. From a wild desert wolf to a slave, from a slave to a royalty. She could laugh, it all seemed so unreal.
Ina was taken to a bathroom where she immersed into a warm water that was glowing around her body. Did they add that special water again? She felt some tickling but no real pain, the water felt fantastic and Ina closed her eyes. Deep inside she still feared it was nothing but a dream and as soon as she opened her eyes she would wake up to her harsh reality.
"The water is getting cold, my lady." A gentle voice brought her back. Ina opened her eyes, she was still in that elegant bathroom.
"I'll help you." The female servant was already holding a towel in her hand.
"No need, thank you and I can do it myself." Ina stood up, grabbed the tovel and noticed her body looked fresh, barely any scratches to see.
That water was truly amazing.
They had a white dress prepared for her and Ina was led to a bigger room.
"How do you feel?" The Rojan she met at the lord Belor's house asked her as soon as she entered the spacious room.
"I feel much better. Everything is healed, thank you." Ina felt insecure.
"I'm glad to hear it, please take a seat. We shall talk about your past and origin."