In the evening Saan makes his way to the watchtowers located just outside of the palace. The Khor towers intelligence system is implemented throughout the entire kingdom. When Saan was one Red and six Blue moons old he had figured out that knowledge was power. If you wished to do anything successfully in this would you need information.

  Originally Saan did not know where to start. Nor who to employ. After Aaleyah returned to the palace, she had the idea of using those loyal to the Aljehni family line. Throughout the kingdom, loyal citizens were employed to work at watchtowers. The establishment was so successful it became known as Khor towers, the intel carefully stored.

  The watchtowers knew the richest people in a city, knew the travel routes, and could even tell you all the people unmarried in an area. They documented political secrets, affairs, and marriages. Captains, soldiers, income of all people in power. It was rare for the khor towers to be unaware of something.

  Aaleyah was the one who was able to get Khor towers stable. And now, Blue moons later, it is the biggest intelligence system, with some ties in other kingdoms. The owner is also a safely kept secret. The leaders of the watchtowers are under a different name, Sun and Sun Protector. Identities that only the most trusted can put a face to. Within every city in the kingdom is a watchtower, sometimes disguised as an inn, a tavern, or stable houses.

  All working within Khor towers work in military fashion. The army has actually been attracting the attention of the king’s guards. Some wonder if the Khor warriors will eventually attack the kingdom. But as it stands the soldiers have never made any move to cause havoc. In the past Blue moons the warriors have actually been seen aiding the people. During floods they have been ordered to send aid, and food. At the borders the Khor warriors have fought off bandits.

  Whoever is leading the Khor towers has no interest in causing harm to others. Thus the king has made no moves to get rid of them. The Sun Protector has however been invited to the palace on more than one occasion. This leader has always respectfully declined, and has never been seen.

  The watchtower next to the palace was disguised as a museum of arts and music. One must know the code name to go inside the real establishment.

  In the main hall is a picture painted by the famous artist Kalhamer titled The Angels on Earth. It depicts raindrops falling from the sky. Within the raindrops are the silhouettes of people. These people represent those who are thought to have come from the heavens. The artist painted the sunlight to shimmer through the drops of rain, shining a yellow light. The same shades that represent the Aljehni family. When one speaks the code word they are able to access the establishment behind the painting.

  Saan pauses to look at some of the paintings before nodding to a guard and walking inside. Walking down the dark hall, he makes his way up the stairs to the secret floor. The room is lit with natural sunlight, and the smell of cinnamon fills the entire room. There are seven to eight Sun warriors inside, all situated around the table, almost blocking the Sun from view.

  Aaleyah’s yellow dress is tied at her waist with a red linen belt. Her red jacket sleeves are tied down with black vambraces giving her a regal, yet military look. The way the Sun warriors stand around her give off the impression of an admiral talking to her troops.

  Aaleyah taps her reed brush on the edge of the table while scanning the letter in her hand. “It is no shock that there have been no updates. People respond more when they believe they are hearing information that they should not. Perhaps we should have people attempt to alter the letter. Or fight over putting it up and taking it down. That will grab others' attention.”

  “It seems there is still nothing then?” Saan concludes, making his presence known.

  All the Sun warriors bow. “Sun Protector.”

  Waving his hand as he makes his way to Aaleyah to peer over her shoulder and read the letter too. “No need for formalities. As you were. You have been here so long, when will the Sun return home?”

  The men, hearing their leader’s loving tone turn their heads away, suddenly studying the letters with more vigor.

  “The sky is a better place for the bird.” Aaleyah slides the letter she is holding into his hand before he can play with the strands of her hair.

  Taking the letter Saan slides into the chair at Aaleyah’s left. “This is a list of all the women eight Red moons, or older in the cities throughout the kingdom?”

  “Among all of these women the order is to narrow out those with ties to the area and cross them out. If Lakia is still around she would have shown up in a town, she will have no generations of being in the area.”.

  “Yet, the list is still so long,” Saan mutters.

  Aaleyah resumes tapping her brush off the edge of the table. “This is where we are stumped. We need to continue to narrow down the list, as well as keep track of any suspicious persons loitering around. We also have men spread thin to defend Nevalvn.”

  Thinking deeply Saan studies the letter with the list of names. Surely there must be another way to make the list smaller. “Lakia was a doctor, she will be unable to stop herself from healing and aiding others. It is in her nature.” Looking up at one of the men standing by the table with his own list in his hand. “Highlight the women who seem to have medical knowledge.”

  Aaleyah nods and adds looking up from her own paper. “If possible, organize them from most to least experience.”

  “Yes, if she is in hiding still she will not show all of her skills.”

  “She may even train another, a disciple of some sorts who does all the medical work publically.” Aaleyah says finishing his trail of thought.

  The two stay, crossing out women with no medical knowledge and organizing by city, as well as expertise. A few hours later Saan rises from his seat and offers Aaleyah his hand. “The sun is fading from the sky. Please allow us to return.”

  Still working with a nearby warrior, Aaleyah pauses to glance at Saan with a questionable expression. “This one will follow after you soon.”

  Saan gives a look towards Captain Abrahm.

  Standing at attention, Captain Abrahm then bows to Aaleyah, “The Sun must not leave without the Sun Protector.”

  Aaleyah spares both men a glance, her brow raised. “This one came here on her own, surely she can leave the same way.

  Captain Abrahm taps his foot once and the other men immediately chime in. “The Sun should leave with the Sun Protector. Allow us warriors to do the work. We are here to serve,” they all say in unison, making Saan smile at the assistance.

  “Besides, this one’s arm is tired. Will you leave it to hang in the air?” He asks, his hand still held out.

  Aaleyah picks up the yellow sheer cloth and covers her face. Once it’s properly tied she takes his hand and rises from her seat. All men in attendance kneel on the ground and she motions for them to rise.

  She stands before Captain Abrahm. “I will return for updates, if there is any vital information send a message at once.”

  One hand over his fist, Captain Abrahm bows his head. “Of course, the Sun Warriors will not let the Sun down.”

  Aaleyah motions for him to rise, following Saan’s guidance to the door she calls out, “The Sun Warriors have never disappointed the Sun.”

  Exiting Saan leads her to look at some of the new paintings. “Best to be seen,” he adds with a smile, “And this new dress should be seen.”

  Turning away to scan the paintings she fidgets with one of her vambraces.

  Saan chuckles at her shyness. “Yellow is a beautiful color on you. The skies are lucky.”

  Stepping away, Aaleyah scans the next painting. “This is lovely,” she compliments, staring at the mother elephant and its calf. Her long trunk loops around the calf's head. The baby is so comfortable that its eyes seem to drift to sleep. Trusting his mother to support him as he sleeps on his mother’s trunk.

  Saan holds his hands behind his back. “Yes, nothing can be more lovely than a mother’s love.” He stands close enough for their shoulders to touch.

  “Since we are out shall we take the long path back?” He asks and when she turns her golden eyes shine with a smile, a calm expression that takes his breath away.

  He is older now, and has seen a plethora of women, but none of them have the mesmerizing beauty his wife has. The type of beauty that makes all flowers secondary. The sky can darken and rain fire instead of rain, and as long as Aaleyah looks at him with her honey golden orbs like this he will feel no fear.

  Aaleyah’s attention is taken by Helan who dresses in plain clothing standing by the door. Passerbyers scan him, men holding their lovers hands together as they walk by. Young women giggling as they take in his appearance. Some women with bright smiles walk towards him, and Helan moves away averting his eyes as best he can.

  “Helan is uncomfortable, we shall aid him.”

  Saan watches his captain recoil from the women’s advances and laughs. “To learn one must experience.”

  Aaleyah does not turn away from Helan and Saan lifts his hand to unhook the right side of her cloth. Holding it in his hand he moves it so only he can see her face.

  “I knew you were smiling.” At his words she stiles her smile.

  “Hi-.” she cuts off her words, unable to address him in public. “What are you doing?”

  Moving until his face is also covered by the cloth in his hand, “I wished to have a closer look of the joy on your face.”

  He follows her eyes that avoid him, returning to the elephant painting. “Our life has been tainted by a dark fate. But in my dreams you make a beautiful mother. Is that something that could one day grant you joy as well?”

  Her eyes widen and she trips on the back of her dress as she steps away.

  Easily catching her, his hand falls at her waist keeping her upright. “My apologies, my words have startled you.” He pauses if he leaves things as they are now; she may linger on dark thoughts. Instead it may be better to distract her.

  “Allow this to startle you instead.” He moves swiftly, she is still held by the waist and he pulls her closer to kiss her cheek. Then returning her footing he fastens the cloth back over her face. “You are right, we should save Helan.”

  He turns away and they make their way down the stairs to Helan who is now surrounded by a group of unmarried women. Aaleyah’s hand lingers on her cheek under her cloth.

  A middle aged woman slides her hand up Helan’s arm and whispers seductively. “Very firm, I would love to learn about other places that are firm.”

  Helan shivers and sidesteps into the arms of another who loops her arm around him. Her hand slides down to trace each finger individually. Her eyes are sharp, eying prey. “At least tell us your name. I can see that you are unmarried. What type of woman are you looking for?”

  Helan is unable to fight his way out and sighs in relief when he sees Saan and Aaleyah making their way towards him. Saan arches his brow, a sign that says he has no plans on helping.

  “Very good,” Saan mocks, motioning to the women surrounding Helan. “I did not know my friend had it in him. To attract such a crowd, congratulations.”

  In fear that he will be left behind, Helan speaks up “No, I did not attract them, My Lord please.”

  “Now you call me? You seemed to be having a great time. Here I thought you were following the tasks I gave you. One is unable to find good help these days,” he complains with a twinkle in his eye.

  One of the women speaks up. “My Lord, will you let him go? If you are, I will take him.”

  “No, I will!” Another yells. Then women are clamoring over each other to buy the tall handsome man.

  Aware of the fun Saan is having, Helan turns to his only ray of light left. “My Lady please,” he calls out helplessly to her.

  Saan watches Aaleyah step forward.. “This young man is unable to marry any of you.”

  One of the older women huffs. “And why not? I see no ring.”

  The other women nod in agreement and murmur their own reasons and comments.

  Saan turns with a dark glint in his eye that has Helan dropping his head in defeat. “He is unable to marry anyone. You see, he is impotent.”

  All the hands on Helan disappear. “Oh.”

  Walking through the palace halls Saan snickers at Helan’s still red face. “It was a joke, no need to be so shy about it.”

  Twirling the face cloth around her hand Aaleyah tries to comfort Helan. “Those women were not ones you wished to marry, were they?”

  “No high princess,” Helan says with gritted teeth, his dark face staring down Saan.

  “We can tell them it is not true.”

  Saan laughs loudly, attracting the attention of other guards in the hall. Aaleyah’s desire to help Helan only makes the joke much more amusing. “Leyah, you are making it worse by speaking to him? Have you forgotten that you too are a woman?”

  Aaleyah frowns in realization. “Ah, then maybe…”

  Helan shakes his head, a soft smile on his lips as he looks at Aaleyah “This guard deserves no comfort High Princess Aaleyah, thank you for your kind heart.”

  Saan snickers. “Maybe you can find someone who has a kind heart and they will not care for other functions.”

  Aaleyah sucks her teeth. “Enough,” she orders before turning to Helan. “We have reached our chambers, please change shifts and get some rest. We will see you in the morning.”

  Helan bows and nods to his second in command down the hall. Once he makes his way to the door Helan rushes off not even a glance in Saan’s direction.

  Following Aaleyah towards her chambers Saan chuckles at her nervous side glances towards him. “What is it my Lady?” he asks, still in character.

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  “High Prince Saan,” she formally addresses, “must you tease Helan so?”

  His laughs echo in the corridor once more, “Is there a reason my high princess condemns me for another man?” he keeps his tone serious, hiding the humor from his eyes.

  Aaleyah’s mouth falls agape in shock and her steps halt. “This one meant no harm.”

  Saan paces in a circle around her so he can smile before turning serious once more. “The high princess can say whatever she wishes to me. My high princess can only harm me when she defends other men.” He stops in front of her. “You have a selfish husband, the only man I wish for you to defend is me.”

  Aaleyah fidgets with the cloth in her hand, probably wishing she was still wearing it. Saan locks eyes with her and he watches her move from shock, to embarrassment, to anger, before landing on shyness. She is the picture of a nervous leopard. Her eyes darting, her face growing warm but still refusing to back down and look away.

  “Alright, my high princess must be tired, I will send you to sleep,” he relents knowing not to push her too much

  Saan opens her door and motions for her to go inside. “Tomorrow is the final meeting to discuss and finalize the peace treaties. I hope to see you with good news in the late afternoon.”

  The next morning Hestia prepares to go to the medicinal rooms. She ties her hair up in a bun. She picks up the red ribbon and as she ties it around her hair she hears Hammun knocking on the doors of her chambers. He has been trying to see her for days but she has been waking early to go to the medicinal rooms. This time it seems he has awoken before dawn, ensuring she has no time to escape.

  “Princess Hestia, please. Open the door.”

  Nodding for the servant to go, the doors open and Hestia hides behind a pillar as the servant exits. She listens as the servant greets him.

  “Prince Hammun.”

  “Where is the princess?” Hammun asks and Hestia peeks out the small window.

  “Princess Hestia is not ready for the day, it is our fault for not dressing her soon enough after her bath.”

  Hammun’s face falls but he gives a respectful smile. “Not a problem, do not fret over small matters. When will the princess be ready?”

  The servant nervously glances towards the door and Hestia holds her breath hoping Hammun does not spot her by the window. “The princess may need quite a bit of time this morning. She vows to come see you later today.”

  Hammun’s polite eyes sharpen and for a moment Hestia fears he will demand she open the door, and force her to speak to him.

  “Thank you for your answers, I will await the princess’ meeting,” Hammun tells the servant and walks away. He has to prepare for court today, and the likelihood of him having a chance to meet her will be slim.

  Hestia watches the shadow walk away from the closed windows of her chambers.

  Untying the belt on her waist she takes off the white robe. “If anyone comes to my chambers today tell them I am unwell,” she tells the servants and returns to her bed, pulling the blanket to cover her face.

  Inside the king’s court Hammun finishes making the copy of the signed treaty and hands them to Head Advisor Shah, who gives each one to the recipient.

  King Hammaan clasps his hands once. “In two weeks time allow Aidkjeen to have a banquet to celebrate the peace we have all worked so hard to create.”

  Lord Demir, a representative of the Trivplah Kingdom, bows. “This is truly a means of celebration, I will return swiftly to give the news to my king.” He motions for his men to rise.

  They all bow their thanks and leave swiftly. “Thank you.”

  Between the Aidkjeen and Nevalvn Kingdoms there are many tribes that hold great power, some of those leaders attended the peace talk meeting as well.

  King Hammaan, Prince Hammun.” One of the tribal leaders bows twice. “The Alakkyn Tribe will always remain loyal to the House of Dlumaeni. Thank you for always striving for peace.”

  The Alakkyn Tribe was a lone wolf amongst the other tribes. They held no desire to gain more power or to take resources from the Nevalvn mines. Situated in Old Nevalvn, this ethnic group reclaimed their land after the fall of the royal family.

  The tribe of Alakkyn is one of Star worshippers. They live their own way of life striving to be unaffected by the chaos of the nations. Other than the fights to reclaim their homeland, they are a peaceful tribe.

  However many kingdoms hoping to attack Nevalvn were camping out in Alakkyn territories, and mistaking them for Nevalvn people. This caused chaos and unjust death that was brought to their ally, the Aidkjeen Kingdom.

  The Alakkyn’s believe that the one who kills is the one who must be punished. An Ideal that Hammun finds foolish.

  If a male broke into your home and killed your family, is it not logical to wish to kill his family as revenge? Not an Alakkyn. An Alakkyn will only kill the man who slayed his family, to an Alakkyn the perpetrator’s family is innocent and should not pay for others' sin.

  Alakkyn’s also strongly believed in reincarnation. The goal is to do well in their human life in hopes of reincarnating as a star. To burn brightly as a star is an honor. Which is why when one dies they are burned under a cloudless star filled sky.

  This is also why when they enact their revenge they cut up their enemy and bury the top half of the body, and drown the bottom half. To be untouched by fire in death meant that the Star Gods will be unable to find your soul and you will be unable to reincarnate.

  Dumping butchered bodies into the water goes against every part of Trivplah religion. Trivplah people worship the Goddess of the Sea and to take a life, butcher it, and then dump it carelessly into the water that their Goddess has graced the earth with is a grave sin.

  This kind of sin can enact the Goddess’s wrath. Thus the Trivplah’s had every intention to go to war with the Alakkyn Tribe as well as the Nevalvn kingdom. If the king, Aaleyah and he had not stepped in and spent numerous nights balancing the fragile peace this could have become a war for resources and religion.

  Not that his own kingdom handles religion any better. His people share numerous religions. He, as well as a large population worships the Lord of the Heavens not believing in reincarnation, or wrath from gods. They believe in one God who gifted everything that lies within the world. A very simple idea that does not leave confusion of which temple to go to.

  But there are still many who believe in the old gods and his father enforces respect for all religions making Aidkjeen a refuge for people to worship whoever they like. The clause being that they never harm others while doing so.

  Hammun watches his father rise from his seat and takes that as his cue.

  “Tribal Leader Abgal, it is the Dlumaeni family that should thank you for allowing us to intervene and strive for peace. If not for you halting your revenge, peace would have been impossible.”

  Tribal Leader Abgal smiles softly. “It was a gamble that has paid off well.”

  “Before you leave, please have tea with me.” King Hammaan asks with a tilt of his head.

  The tribal leader nods and takes his seat once more.

  Other tribal leaders say their thanks and respectfully leave with promises to return for the celebratory feast.

  Once everyone is gone Saan enters with the guards behind him. The supreme general was not needed for this meeting, leaving Hammun to sit for hours transcribing. Alas holding a sword has never piqued his interest.

  “Tribal Leader Abgal the Dlumaeni family acknowledges your efforts and truly appreciates the trust you have shown to us.”

  Hammun shakes his head, Saan has been moving quickly these past days. He and Aaleyah are always missing. Saan most likely training, but if Aaleyah is not with him, then where has she been going?

  Tribal Leader Abgal rises and bows deeply. “High Prince Saan.”

  Saan snaps his fingers and a guard walks in carrying a golden jeweled capsa.

  Hammun hides his frown, where is Helan? The captain of the palace guard has been missing too. Not as often as Saan but just where are those three hiding?

  Saan presents the capsa to Tribal Leader Abgal. “The great scholar Ailahn spent her life studying the stars. She left behind no children, and no husband. Thus her life’s work has been stored safely, but we believe this is something the Alakkyn people can appreciate in the way Scholar Ailahn intended to be.”

  Tribal Leader Abgal motions for his men and one steps forward to take it. Together they unroll Leader Abgal gasps.

  “This celestial map is beautiful, surely it must be the best in all the lands.” He takes his time studying it, his body turns to allow his men to see it clearly. All of their eyes filled with astonishment.

  Tribal Leader Abgal visibly forces himself to stop looking at the map and rolls it back up. He bows deeply. “The entire tribe of Alakkyn thanks you for such a thoughtful gift, truly there is no greater gift in the world.”

  Saan nods. “The Dlumaeni family is forever grateful to the Alakkyn tribe.”

  “This is the tea I have invited you to drink. If you wish to go I will not hold you.” King Hammaan says.

  Hammun smiles, “Yes, it is a long journey back home, we have assembled guards to escort you.”

  Tribal Leader Abgal shakes his hand, “No need, no need. I thank you for all you have done. My men and I can make our way back on our own.”

  All his men bow and they exit.

  Once everyone is out Hammun returns to his seat and clears up his papers. “That went well.” He tiredly glances at Saan. “You always seem to be the lucky one, coming to court for the shortest amount of time.”

  Saan smirks. “The beauty of working with the military. Today was just the signing of what we have already spoken of for moons. Besides, my appearance makes people nervous; Trivplah needs no further excuses to be apprehensive.”

  The king laughs. “Everyone has their duty. You can tell Aaleyah to prepare for the celebration.”

  Hammun frowns, usually the planning of celebrations goes to the queen, but with her being unwell the responsibilities fall on Aaleyah.

  “I will tell her immediately.” Saan’s hand rests on the hilt of his xaza. “Hammun, maybe Hestia can help?”

  Hammun turns to his father, if Hestia can help with the celebration she will be happy, and hopefully start talking to him once more. But, it does not fit the customs because she is not married into the family yet.

  “This celebration is of great importance, do you believe she is ready?” The king asks.

  “Hestia may not be able to do this alone, but with Aaleyah at her side she can at least learn skills that can aid her in the future,“ Hammun explains.

  “Alright, she can work under Aaleyah’s guidance, let us go, it has been a long day.” The king gives a wave of approval as he walks away to return to the queen.

  Saan, taps his shoulder. “Have fun telling her the good news.”

  Hammun grins. “Thank you for speaking up for her. Father only agreed because it was your idea.”

  “I do not think so, Hestia has found a place in our father’s heart for a while now.”

  Hammun chuckles and watches Saan leave the room as swiftly as he came.

  In the meantime Aaleyah paces back and forth at the entrance of the medicinal rooms. At first she thought it would be good to give Hestia some time. Allow Hammun to soothe her. She had thought that this was something between Hammun and Hestia, but after thinking Aaleyah realized something that she had somehow forgotten. Hestia is her friend too!

  She has to fix this, if Aaleyah just leaves Hestia to her own thoughts, who knows how long it will be until they finally speak again. So here she stands before the door to the medicinal room. All she must do is open it

  Helan, having been with Aaleyah for the past 10 minutes, decides to help. “Allow me to call for her in your name.” He knocks on the door before she can stop him.

  The door is opened by a youthful aid dressed in white with a white ribbon.

  “Captain Helan.” The aid smiles before formally greeting Aaleyah with a n-cou bow. “High princess.”

  Helan greets her, the stoic expression warming. “Young physician Dipta, lovely as always to see you.”

  Aaleyah studies the way Dipta shyly moves her face. Oh?

  “Would you mind notifying Princess Hestia that High Princess Aaleyah is here to see her?” Helan asks, oblivious to the way Aaleyah is studying him.

  Dipta’s eyes widen in confusion. “Princess Hestia? High Princess Aaleyah, this one is sorry to say that Princess Hestia has not come to the medicinal rooms today.”

  Helan steps back. “Then my apologies for disturbing you, Physician Dipta.”

  The young physician waves her hands. “Captain Helan is never a disturbance, nor am I a physician yet. I still have many more Blue moons of training ahead of me.”

  Helan bows. “Regardless I thank Physician Dipta for her assistance today.”

  Dipta bows to Helan, and then deepens the bow as she turns to Aaleyah.

  Aaleyah acknowledges her bow and Dipta rushes back inside.

  Helan turns to face her. “Shall I walk you to Princess Hestia’s chambers?”

  Agreeing, the two of them make their way to Hestia’s chambers. Entering the square Aaleyah notices a familiar shadow moving towards her and greets him. “High Prince Saan.”

  Seeing him her cheek warms, remembering the kiss from yesterday.

  Helan takes a few more steps back as Saan walks at Aaleyah’s side.

  “I did not expect to see you on this side of the palace. Did you come from the medicinal rooms? Are you sick?” He scans her for any signs she is unwell. Before he can lift his hand to inspect her forehead she replies.

  “This one is perfectly well.” She turns towards Helan.

  Reading her expression Helan speaks up. “High Princess Aaleyah hoped to visit Princess Hestia today. She stopped at the medicinal rooms to visit her.”

  Aaleyah slides her left foot and slowly moves away.

  “You will not need to search further for her.” Saan catches Aaleyah’s hand before she can slither away. “The king will have a celebration in a few weeks time. You are to make the preparations and show Hestia the way of a host. Maybe she will soon be able to plan by herself in the future.”

  Aaleyah bites back her smile, hopefully the rift between her and Hestia will be mended during the preparation.

  “Hestia is a bright woman, she will not stay angry at you for long.” Saan tells her comfortingly.

  They continue walking and reach the end of the hall. “If I may, ask for the high princess’ time?”

  “Time?” Before she realizes it her hand goes to her cheek.

  Saan’s eyes shine brightly. “Yes, there is a talented musician who will be at the museum of music and art. Today was a success, allow us to celebrate it together.”

  “A musician?” Aaleyah questions wishing to know if he means to go to the watchtowers.

  Saan brushes a flower petal off her sleeve. “Yes, this time I wish to appreciate the music with you. We always spend our time with the art, allow us to hear the talents of Cabimal instead.”

  Helan bows. “If I may, this will be an excellent opportunity for the other guards. Perhaps they can be of assistance-”

  Saan shakes his head, his face one of trepidation. “Oh no. In terms of safety there is only Captain Helan that can grant me such peace.”

  Helan checks that the other guards are out of hearing range. “Now you call me captain?” He asks with a glare. Then hope reappears in his eyes as he turns to Aaleyah.

  His hopeful face is blocked by Saan who places a hand before her eyes.

  “Of course. Captain Helan, as always, the Dlumaeni line is grateful for your loyalty.” Saan tells him and Aaleyah can hear the grin in his voice.

  Sensing something amiss she peeks around Saan, her head popping out just below his shoulder. Helan's annoyed expression clues her in, and she moves to stand to the side to see both men at the same time. “High Prince Saan.”

  Saan turns his face to give her his attention. “What is it?”

  Aaleyah pauses thinking quickly to save Helan. It has not been long, if they go into town everyone will recognize Helan and he truly was very embarrassed. Besides there is Dipta…

  “If it is music you wish to listen to, then this one will perform for you tonight,” she says without thinking.

  Saan’s eyes widen in happiness. “You will play the lyre for me?”

  Helan breathes a sigh of relief bowing in thanks to Aaleyah.

  “Allow us to celebrate.” She motions for Helan to back away.

  Saan follows Aaleyah steps down the corridor calling out to Helan. “No one is to disturb me tonight. I wish to hear the music unbothered.”