After the funeral ended I went to find the Master.
It was easy considering the dress difference between him and his people. I found him on the outskirts of the small town, he was staring off into the sky.
"I want to speak with you," I said with all the confidence I could muster.
He turned and I saw his face in full. His blonde hair was shaggy I noticed for the first time.
"What do I owe the pleasure," He asked.
"I need something," I replied, "For my mother."
He didn't seem to hear me fully, "You really are beautiful and spirited."
I huffed.
"It is a shame in a sense, that I have to give you up now," He continued.
"I'm not your plaything," I snapped without thinking.
He only smiled slightly and I saw his green eyes glitter.
"I want you to take care of my mother, don't send her back out there alone. Qui-An was murdered," I turned my voice as stony as possible, "If I really am the future queen then you better hope you have my favour. Getting my mother killed will earn you my wrath."
"Big words for such a tiny, pretty girl," He replied coolly.
"I would suggest you reconsider your words in my presence," I let myself smile slightly, "I don't think my future husband would like them."
The Master only smiled back, it was a twisted, wicked sight to behold.
"I will send your mother home with one of her brothers," He said, "That way I can ensure I have a guard at that location. It's win-win wouldn't you agree."
"Fine," I said, I held out my hand to shake his.
He looked from my face to my hand and back.
"Shake it," I said, "And I will know I have your word."
He took my hand in his and slowly we shook.
Afterwards, I found my Mother lying under the trees looking up at the sky.
I lay down beside her and nuzzled my head into the crook of her arm.
"Oh Lit-An," She said in a tiny voice, "I've lost everything."
"Ti-An will go home with you," I soothed.
"No, I've lost everyone I care about, you and my mother and father," She coughed a sob.
"You're not going to lose me," I propped myself up on an elbow and looked into her face, "I'm just going away for a while."
"All I ever wanted was a daughter," She sighed, "And I got one so special I have to say goodbye too soon."
"You knew you'd have to say goodbye eventually," I said smoothing her hair, "And I will make sure we visit each other."
We both looked back up at the sky.
"A shooting star," I pointed to the blaze of light, "Make a wish, Mother."
"I already know what I wish for," She replied.
I lay back and felt myself drift off to sleep.
I woke up sometime later to Ny-An poking me.
"We have to go now," She said, "They have a carriage for us."
I started to get up and noticed Mother was gone. I cast my gaze one more time at the tree.
"I love you, Grandmother," I whispered. "May the skies bless you."
Ny-An tugged on my hand.
I reluctantly left the trees behind and made my way to where people had gathered.
Mother stood at the mouth of the carriage with a stoney look on her face.
"She's coming with us," Ny-An whispered.
"She's- what?" I blinked several times.
"Something about honour," Ny-An shrugged, "I'm not sure."
I rushed past the crowd and into my Mother's arms.
"Are you sure about this?" I whispered, "You just lost Grandmother."
"And I won't lose you," She replied quietly.
She climbed into the carriage and offered me her hand. I took it and with surprising strength, she lifted me inside. I put out my hand for Ny-An but she sprung in with ease.
"My people," A voice resounded, "We have lived many years here and had many victories. Let it be celebrated that now we have produced the future queen of this world. May the skies' favour be upon us for such a feat."
I winced listening to the words. I grabbed at the carriage door and shut it.
We sat in a tense silence.
"Mother," I said slowly, "Are you sure you want to leave?"
"You are all I have left in this world," She replied, "They cannot take everything from me."
"You can teach me how to be a handmaiden," Chimed in Ny-An.
I saw a tiny spark in Mother's eyes as she looked at Ny-An.
"I was never a handmaiden myself, but I can show you how to tie a bow for starters," Mother smiled slightly.
That's when I saw Ny-An strings had become all tangled at her collar.
I had a good feeling Mother and Ny-An would get along well.
That's when the carriage jerked forward. We all let out a tiny shriek of surprise as we picked up speed on the bumpy road. When we'd last ridden it was for the funeral and that had been slow. I looked around for a seat belt but found nothing.
Figures.
"When we get to the palace we'll be in the city," Ny-An exclaimed.
"There is a city too?" I asked.
"Yes, it was built on the foundations of our capital," Mother said, "We once had a beautiful capital where merchants lived year-round and families could stay together, we called it Green Peace Valley."
"Green Peace Valley," I echoed, "What happened to the people?"
"Slavery or they fled I suppose," Mother shook her head, "It's now where the important Others live."
"We called it Red Sun Valley in my family," Ny-An quipped.
I shook my head slowly, "You mustn't call it that now." I turned to Mother, "Please try to hide your anger. I don't want them to hurt you or Ny-An."
I tried to imagine a world where my Mother could be at peace with marrying off her only child. Suddenly I realized how terrible of an idea it was to let her come.