Ariadne’s head hurt. It hadn’t stopped hurting for several days. Ever since she had apparently been hit and fallen to the ground during the riots. She couldn’t remember anything. Except, well…seeing her mother’s face. The young woman remembered that vividly, even though she knew that it couldn’t have been real. Her mother was dead. But perhaps for a moment Ariadne was too. All she knew was that she kept hoping to see her mother again in the days since, but hadn’t been able. She hadn’t been able to do much of anything. Everything hurt too badly. And every time she tried to move, she wound up with a spinning head or worse, vomiting. That part wasn’t particularly fun on her aching ribs. So, Ariadne tried not to move too much.

It was completely against her nature to spend time in bed like this, especially after such big events. She was worried for her twin and even more so for Persephone. Ari was glad that the queen hadn’t come with them to the capital, knowing now that death had probably been certain for her. Still, she didn’t like the idea of her friend alone in her home with only Olena by her side. She needed to be kept safe.

Ariadne’s mind wandered…she found she was unable to keep her focus on anything for too long. It was like she couldn’t concentrate, but she didn’t know why. Ari wished that her twin was here. Ismene would know what to do, she always had. Not only was she a fantastic healer, but she knew Ariadne. Not that everyone here didn’t know her, but they didn’t know her like her twin did. They couldn’t care for her like Ismene could.

It wasn’t as though everyone wasn’t being incredibly kind. Ari was grateful that they had been able to take shelter with the Antonis family. She didn’t really remember how they had gotten there—it was all a bit of a blur. She had been carried by someone…Adrestus…? No, he was gone…out to sea. He had been gone for awhile. But wait…hadn’t he returned? Hadn’t she yelled at him the last time she had seen him? Was that recently or some time ago? Ari had a hard time remembering. Maybe if she saw him again she would know for certain.

However, she wasn’t sure she wanted anyone to see her like this. She was sure that she looked terrible. She certainly felt terrible. Her blonde hair limp, some parts plastered to her face. Ari could manage to sweep those away without any pain, but any further movement was beyond her. Hearing a knock at her door, she managed to make that one movement, though she was unsure why. It wasn’t as if she had to appear attractive to anyone. Ari was glad when the door opened of it’s own accord, not feeling like she could raise her voice to a level loud enough to shout. Everything that used to be commonplace to her came with extra difficulty now. Loud noises hurt her head. Bright lights did as well. As much as Ariadne loved the sun, it now gave her an instant headache, one worse than the one that had been constantly pounding in her head for the past few days.

A young woman who looked to be about Ariadne’s age entered the dark room, offering breakfast. She introduced herself as Marietta and Hebe’s sister. Ariadne managed something of a smile in thanks, though she was secretly pleased that it wasn’t her father or Chrysanthe who came bearing food. They always made her eat something even though the very thought of food made her nauseous. Even eating had become an unpleasant experience. She hoped that Evi wouldn’t try to make her eat as well.

“Thank you,” she said softly, hoping Evi would take the hint to leave the tray rather than force feed her. “I’m not sure we’ve met before,” Ari added, not sure if she had ever interacted with Evi at court. She supposed she must have seen her before, but couldn’t remember.

Marietta…hadn’t she been hurt? Her father had gone after her. And Hebe? “How are your sisters?” she asked, unsure if anyone had told her before. Even if so, perhaps there was an update. Ari decided she would just have to keep asking for updates, rather than trying to remember if she already held such information. That was what she would do until she got better.

Ariadne was relieved when Evi set the tray down and moved to the other side of her bed. Although she was sure the plate was appetizing, the thought of anything going into her stomach was enough to make her nauseous. She didn’t want to actually eat anything and risk vomiting all over her guest. That would be rude. “This is fine, thank you,” she said softly, not wanting Evi to leave and return with another plate. It was better to only leave one untouched. Especially as there were people here who didn’t have anything to eat at all. The thought made her guilty instantly, though she wasn’t even sure if the guilt could make her eat something she was likely to throw up. Perhaps someone else would eat the food from her tray when they came to take it away.

At another time, Ariadne might have felt self-conscious about her appearance and general state of lying in bed in front of a stranger, but it took her enough effort just to focus on this conversation that she found she no longer truly cared. There were too many things to focus on and she was sure that Evi would forgive her for her appearance. These were extenuating circumstances after all. Perhaps that was why the two didn’t recognize each other. Ari was usually the picture of decorum, always properly kempt and dressed. Even though she was hardly in the spotlight, she had stood next to Persephone at court and could count on at least being somewhat noticed. Or noticed enough if she were to look out of place.

Evi’s question brought a sad sort of smile to her face. Court had been her home for so long. Now, she was not sure what the future held in store for her. What would come of all this violence in the streets? And what of her best friend, the queen? If Ariadne knew Persephone at all, she would know how guilty the other woman would be feeling at the moment, knowing what had happened. If she even knew. Ariadne was not sure how long she had been here or whether her father had been back to their home in Arcana. Surely he had, but what were the conditions beyond their door? She had no idea.

“I used to,” she replied finally, words always seeming to come slower to her these days. “I was…am…a retainer to Queen Persephone.” Was that still true? She had been lost without the royal these past months, but had also began to question her place in this world. What was the point of holding a role that did nothing to help the people? These thoughts and questions circled in and out of her mind, Ariadne barely getting a grip on one before it disappeared. It might have made her distraught if she could focus, but focusing was so hard.

“We must have seen each other,” Ari added, “But forgive me…I can’t remember right now.” It scared her just how much she could not remember. How much she was not sure of. Was this going to be forever? She was afraid of admitting this to her father, knowing that he was worried enough, but perhaps a stranger she could tell?

However, seeing the flash of fear on Evi’s face at the mention of her sisters, Ariadne knew that it was not a good idea. The other girl was as worried as any about everything that was happening. Ari couldn’t add to that burden. She struggled to remember what exactly had happened on the streets. There was a flash of Hebe’s face—Ari had been close to her. But Marietta she could not remember at all. Her father had gone for her, that much she knew, but she couldn’t ever recall seeing the two of them again. She was here, though, so not lost. However, Ari could see just how much Evi feared for her sister. The girl slowly reached a hand out to Evi, offering it as a comfort. She wanted her to know she cared.

“I pray to the gods that she will be healed,” Ari told Evi, meaning it. “Your sister is strong. Marietta will wake again.” She didn’t know if that would come to be true or not, but Ari hoped so. She could only imagine if it was Ismene in that position. Ari didn’t know what she would do. To lose a sister…it was unimaginable.

“I…” she was speechless at Evi’s thanks. She had done nothing…she couldn’t recall. Ari didn’t even know how she had been brought here. There was a flash of a face…Adre? No, why would he have been there? But someone must have carried her here because she had no recollection of walking. Ariadne felt lost, so lost at her lack of memories. She wished she could hide her fear from Evi, but was sure the confusion was plain of her face, though she was doing her best to hide her growing panic. What had happened?

“Thank my papa,” she finally responded, “He went to save Marietta…I…” What had she done? Tears threated her eyes as she fought to calm herself down. And even though she promised she wouldn’t admit this to Evi, it still came tumbling out. “I can’t remember what happened. I don’t even know how I came here. Or how long it’s been. I can’t remember.”

It was nice of Evi, Ari thought, to be sitting there right now. She had so much to worry about with her sister and yet she had made time to come and visit a guest in their home. Ari could only imagine how she would feel if it was her twin who had been injured and asleep in a bed. She would be worried out of her mind that was Ismene. Though she would also keep herself busy, rather than just sit around. And that was probably exactly what Evi was doing. So Ari would try to help however she could.

Not that she could do particularly much from her bed with a pounding headache that just couldn’t seem to go away. The girl’s attention was diverted to the food tray when Evi asked for a melon. “Of course,” she replied. “Help yourself.” She had to look away from the tray for the very thought of food was making her stomach turn. Though she could sense what Evi might be getting at. It was the same thing her father and Chrysanthe always tried to do when they visited. They wanted her to eat. They didn’t understand how she was feeling—food made her feel sick, the light made her feel sick, moving made her feel sick. She just wanted the feeling to end.

Of course, she wasn’t about to complain about this feeling. There were others facing much worse. Marietta, for example. Ariadne was at least awake. And she still had her life, unlike many people she saw on the streets. She was lucky enough to have been taken from the ground, saved from further trampling. Many others were not so lucky. Things had been worse for so many people. How could she complain about a headache or feeling nauseous?

Still, she could see the look on Evi’s face. Maybe if there was anyone she could confide in, it was this woman. Someone who wasn’t so close to her, who wasn’t blinded by worry for her. But she held off. She was so used to keeping any complaints to herself. It was her duty to stay in the background, to be helpful. Adding to the worries of others wasn’t being helpful.

Ari ate up the information that Evi told her. She had a vague recollection that she had been told some of these things before. Hadn’t her father explained something to her? Hadn’t Chrysanthe? She thought she had heard this, but nothing specific could come to her brain. She felt another wave of panic rising in her, though pushed it back down, as Evi spoke again. She had to focus on her words or else she might miss them. Miss them and never remember them again.

“I…” Why was she being so kind? “Thank you. That would be nice. Maybe another day?” She was so tired. And besides, she knew she couldn’t go out looking like this. She looked terrible—she’d had nothing but a sponge bath these last few days. Maybe once she felt like she could move without throwing up.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, looking away from Evi. She wasn’t sure she could look the other woman in the eye and admit all of her problems. But maybe it would make her feel just a little bit better to tell someone else. “I’m not usually like this,” Ari said, still quiet. “I’d like to go with you…and maybe to eat, but.” Her pause was lengthy. She wasn’t sure if it was because she didn’t want to say the words or she couldn’t find them to begin with.

“I think there’s something wrong with me,” Ari finally admitted, eyes glued to her hands, which were clasped in front of her on her bed. “I’m trying to pretend so Papa won’t worry so much.” Or Chrysanthe. Or Persephone. Or her sister and uncle. Anyone who might be getting word of them here. “When I fell I…I hit my head, I think. And now I can’t remember some things. I feel sick. When I try to eat—when I think about eating—I just throw up. I don’t mean to complain. I just feel scared. I wish my sister was here.”

Ariadne felt herself growing smaller and smaller as she spoke. She wasn’t sure it was so good that she admitted these things. “I’m sorry,” she said again. “I didn’t mean to tell anyone.”