After the fifth prince's timely intervention saved Sewa and Ifafunto from their dire situation, Ifafunto and the prince worked together to help Sewa, their combined efforts easing her out of the room and into the corridor. However, Sewa's concern extended beyond their own safety. She turned her attention to the innocent lady and her baby, an unexpected presence in the midst of their dangerous mission.
"We should take her and the baby with us," Sewa insisted, her gaze determined despite her wounds.
"She's here by the first prince's order," came Ifafunto's cautious response.
Confusion flickered across the fifth prince's face. "My brother ordered her here?"
Sewa's urgency remained unabated. "She might not be safe here. We need to protect her."
A revelation followed, as Ifafunto explained, "I cast a guidance spell on the cave. You broke it when you entered because of the spell breaker you're wearing, Sewa."
Sewa's eyes widened as she recognized the significance. "But what if the assassins have spell breaker too?"
"If we guide her, she can navigate the cave herself," Sewa proposed firmly.
After a tense moment, the fifth prince nodded his agreement, and the group set out together, leading the lady and her child through the treacherous mountain paths. Suspicion and tension hung heavy in the air as they ventured onward, uncertainty gnawing at their minds.
In Arẹwa's chamber, the family celebrated her awakening from her slumber.
"What did you see during your slumber?" her mother inquired with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"It was a difficult journey, Mom," Arẹwa responded, her voice weary.
"Rest now. No need for explanations," her father interjected gently, ushering the others out of the room.
As the room emptied, Arẹwa's mother spoke in hushed tones. "The first prince spent the night here."
Arẹwa's eyes widened in surprise. "He used one of his healing pearls on you. I sensed it, and your sister did too. Those pearls are exclusive to the royal family. Only the heir to the throne and the king possess them, passed down through the generations. Other princes might have them, depending on their bloodline."
Arẹwa nodded, her mind swirling with thoughts. "I'll cherish it."
Her mother's expression turned serious. "Arẹwa, you're deeply in love and desperate for your responsibility. But remember our tradition. You've also heard the rumors, right? The prince might have forsaken his birthright for you. This could be an opportunity to weaken Ida's clan."
Arẹwa's voice trembled as she pleaded, "Our clan won't fall, Mom. He loves me, and I believe in our love."
"Alright, my dear, but beware. Did you let him touch you yesterday night," her mother asked, suspicion coloring her tone.
Arẹwa's heart raced at the implication. "No, Mom, he hasn't."
Her mother's gaze bore into her. "If he does, your power will pass and turns into a baby, leaving you powerless until you give birth. It's been a tradition for centuries, another way to bring down Ida's clan if you don't have a proper wedding."
Her mother's words hung in the air, the weight of responsibility and tradition pressing heavily upon Arẹwa's shoulders. As her mother reminded her of the strict rules and regulations of Fadaka Kingdom, Arẹwa realized that her love for the prince had plunged her into a world far more intricate and perilous than she had ever imagined.