The Dikastirio Chamber had always been one of Dionysios’ favorite places. A building of magnificent architecture, fond memories, the ever-buzzing presence of hot anger, and the phantom snarls of men arguing back and forth as if docket items were kingdoms to be conquered.

Colchians were known as cold and stoic, even cruel and unpleasant to a degree, but that was only because Athenians were too reliant upon their minds to understand how one could so thoroughly control the heart, and Taengeans were all heart without having a single brain cell among them. Colchians understood other Colchians, and inside of the Dikastirio, their famed control broke as a dam under too much pressure.

Their aloof shells cracked and shattered and it was a sight to behold. Volcanic magma burned inside of every Colchian man, woman, and child—from the lowest slave to the crown prince. It just took another Colchian to be able to bring it out and, more significantly, not flinch away from it.

But tonight, the Dikastirio Chamber would hold more than Colchian men. Representatives from Taengea and Athenia would be present, royals and nobles alike congregating in this most sacred hall. It seemed Dionysios had come home just in time, for tonight he would be able to asses the true measure of international relations without every having to get up from his seat.

Perhaps he could even sully them without ever having to send a single agent into their midsts.

Dionysios had dressed in his usual black chiton, though he had gone through the extra trouble of having this one tailored with a hem of deep crimson. His silver snake fibulae winked in the torchlight as he passed across the stones leading to the chamber entrance, his movements soundless save for the heavy clap of his wooden staff striking the stone every other step.

The entrance was relatively clear of merry commoners, which is why he preferred to arrive late to most events. He despised loud and drunken merry-making more than most things and quite preferred quiet entrances to ostentatious ones. In silence, every rare motion and sound was louder and more dazzling than those felt in the loud uproars of life around it.

He moved up the steps, one at a time, the folds of his robes flowing behind him as wisps of shadow. When he moved through the doors and into the brightly lit halls, he pursed his lips when the echo of a man’s shout drifted into his ears.

Peace dinner indeed. There was nothing more unprofitable than a nation in agreement with his neighbors.

In the deepest throes of his sickness, Dionysios made a deal with Lord Hades, promising his god an influx of souls torn from their bodies by war and pestilence. And Dionysios did not so easily break oaths. Additionally, he did not enjoy his house being deprived of its war profits.

The people of Greece would not know such things were being organized until the stage was set, the players struck to move, the gore of a hundred battlefields flooded the lands like a vermillion river, and a thousand-thousand death rattles bubbled and rose to the arched ceiling of this grand theater of theirs.

That was later. Dinner was now. Dionysios drifted through the short hallway and arrived in a room that was relatively quiet. The only movement he could see was a young man making an exit through an opposing archway.

“Lord Dionysios of House Thanasi,” the crier called, his voice an appropriate level given the hushed din of the room.

He moved away from the entrance, casting his eyes side-wards as he passed the table his children sat at before rolling forward, fixing on his seat at the head of the second table. His staff clack-clacked upon the hard floor and he moved slowly behind it, advancing at his own leisurely pace.

When he made it to his chair, a servant materialized from one corner or another to pull his seat out for him, but Dionysios waved him off with a polite thanks that felt like acid on his tongue. He might play the part of a feeble, but he was playing the part of a feeble Colchian, and that was quite a significant matter.

He kicked the leg of his chair aside and folded upon it with soundless grace.

Down the length of the table was Tythra, the revenant cunt of Colchis. Dionysios might have more respect for the woman if she hadn’t simply tripped into her position by happenstance and followed her brother’s lead in all matters. A good poisoning and a show of dominance against her simpering fool of a brother would have made her more of a force to be reckoned with rather than a brat with a shiny scepter.

His lips quirked in a small smile and he inclined his head at Tythra before turning his attention to the royals immediately near him. He’d reviewed the seating chart in the carriage, so he knew that Princess Persephone was the one to his right despite not laying eyes on her since she was a toddler. Essa was notably absent from his left, but Prince Yiannis was close enough. Just back from serving five years against the barbarians.

Dionysios almost felt pity that the poor boy would be called north again so soon. Perhaps he would be lucky enough to fall by one of the hundreds of barbarians under contract with Dionysios—barbarians that had been ordered to attack the border with fresh forces and Greek weaponry only a week past.

At least if he died there, he would not have to expire inside of his home like the rest of his pathetic kin. The youngest boy, Silas, would die choking on his own blood and shitting in his own bed. There would be no glorious songs sung about him. Yiannis and Vangelis, however, might at least die with an ode following their names.

“Your royal highnesses, a pleasure to see you.” Dionysios turned his ice-blue gaze and settled them upon Yiannis first. “I am glad you are seated so close, my prince. I wanted to personally thank you for your efforts in the north. It is a great comfort to know that our people can rely on such great warriors to keep the kingdom safe.”

Then, he turned his gaze to Persephone, “And how do you fare, Princess Persephone?”

His reputation always preceded him, but unlike his children, he did not publicly match it. For all anybody knew, tales of blood and wickedness were only attached to him because of his children, for he was careful to never allow anybody outside of his house see just how much worse the reality was compared to the gossip.

Some said that Dionysios had scrubbed so much blood from his floors that one could smell the tangy metallic of it when passing his house. The truth was that Dionysios scrubbed nothing. Aside from his interrogation chamber being completely detached from his house and set to the back of the property, it also had a convex drain installed for the sole purpose of making scrubbing unnecessary to begin with.

Growing up as the youngest of six, it was never afforded to Rene the opportunity to play dress up with a younger sibling. Occasionally Cyrene would indulge her a bit, allowing Rene to brush her hair, or put it in rudimentary braids if she wished to practice. And even now at seventeen, the idea was still enticing for Rene to transform the unpolished and humble appearance of a servant into a work of art, as if it were just another medium of her craft. And that wasn’t entirely inaccurate. Kaia herself confirmed the lack of sartorial consideration in her life, and Rene was entirely too eager to remedy that.

‘I would like that, I am afraid I have never put much effort into styling it.’

“Oh we shall fix that, do not fret,” Rene promised her endearingly. When Kaia seemed amicable to being introduced to Emilia, and accepted Rene’s arm, the tiny Athenian smiled and escorted her down the corridor and back into the great room. It might have looked strange, a noble on the arm of a servant, but Rene did not care, nor did she bother to pull her eyes from the exit to gauge whether her unorthodox move was drawing attention. Never one to blossom in the limelight as it were, she kept her focus steely and her objective at the fore.

It came as a tremendous sigh of relief for Rene when they were back outside, having retreated from the den of vipers that seemed to be a trait of all gatherings where the politically driven assembled. The air outside was fresh and welcomed to Rene, slightly cooler without the pack of bodies in a closed room to warm it. Moving down the line of carriages, Kaia was instrumental in locating one in particular, assuring the coachman they had every right to be there and offering him a coin in compensation. Perhaps this is what Aea had given her when she blown through their conversation like a tornado. Climbing inside, the girls retrieved the footlocker in question and opened it. Many beautiful garments were contained therein, along with jewelry for adornment.


‘I don’t even know where to begin.’

Kaia’s voice broke the silence in the carriage, and Rene’s rose hued lips smiled lightly. “There is quite a bit here to choose from….but your eyes are a pale blue. This one may compliment that very well if it is of interest?” She retrieved a peplos of powder blue with silver embroidery along the hem. “There appear to be plenty of silver pieces for accessorizing as well,” she added of the jewelry present.

‘I like it.’

Kaia approved of the selection with nary a smidge of hesitation. Rene started to tell her there were other options, that she need not accept the first thing to come along, but the girl was already examining it herself and rising in the carriage. Easily she began disrobing, which Rene found a little….surprising to say the least, averting her gaze to be respectful and busying herself with selecting pieces of jewelry that might go well to compliment the ensemble.


‘What do you think?’

Rene’s own arresting sapphire orbs lifted from the necklace in her hands to take in the way Kaia looked in the powder blue peplos, a smile instantly lifting the corners of her lips. “You look amazing,” she nodded her approval. “The real question is though, what do you think?” There were plenty of other items to choose from if she wasn’t entirely sold on that particular style or color, though Rene suspected getting Kaia to admit such might be more difficult, as the young woman didn’t strike her as being so forward with her thoughts and feelings.

Setting down the adornments she held, Rene likewise rose inside the carriage. At a mere five feet in height, she fit easily. “Here…” she noted as she adjusted the gathers at the shoulders of the garment, tightening the silver cords a little on each side, and a strand of sterling about the waist to match, and blouse the top of the peplos a bit. When satisfied with the modification that better fit and flattered Kaia’s figure, Rene stepped back a bit, as much as the interior of the cab should allow and regarded the young woman with an endearing smile. “There...that’s much better. Do you like it? There are others if not. Be honest,” she encouraged gently. “Though society would tell us otherwise, a woman should always dress first and foremost for herself,” she added, ever a proponent of the advancement of women from their subservient positions beneath the thumbs of men. “If this meets with your approval, I think this…..” Rene’s voice trailed off as she squatted down to collect a few items from the trunk once more before rising again. “.....this would be exquisite to accessorize.” Her nimble and small fingers held up the necklace featuring a silver seashell pendant for Kaia to examine, before offering to secure it around her neck. Additionally, she’d chosen a few bangles for one wrist, and a silver spire to wrap about the opposite arm, with three orbs of mother-of-pearl seated along its curls. “The oceanic theme seems to speak to your eyes and the blue of the peplos, but we can change any or all of it if you prefer,” she beamed, having a delightful time playing dress-up all the same. “I feel as if I am playing with my beautiful dolls all over again when I was a child,” she giggled a little. “I hope you do not mind. This is very exciting.”

Her smile thinned substantially as she seemed to give pause. “I have never broken the law before. I confess I am a little nervous. I hope we are not discovered, but if anything happens, we will endure it together, yes?” She made the promise, fully intending to keep it all the way to death.

Kaia was watching Rene closely as she awaited her friend’s judgement, watching for any sign that perhaps the finery did not look as nice on her as she hoped. However, a smile lit up Rene’s face, causing Kaia to smile too.

’You look amazing. The real question is though, what do you think?’

Twisting a little and looking down, Kaia examined the peplos on herself thoughtfully. She had thought the white peplos she’d worn the previous day had been the most flattering thing she’d ever worn, but it had not sat on her like this one did. The blue garment also felt lighter, more flexible and breathable. It was a nice feeling, especially compared to her usual tunic and riding pants that she wore around camp.

“I think it’s beautiful,” Kaia murmured honestly as Rene stood up too. Kaia didn’t move as Rene set about fixing the gatherers, willing herself to stay relaxed and hoping above all else that she’d managed to wash herself adequately so that she didn’t smell. Lady Rene smelled lovely, not just clean, but sweet like some sort of springtime flower. When Rene stepped back, Kaia blinked and held her breath, once more studying her expression as she took in Kaia’s appearance.

’There...that’s much better. Do you like it? There are others if not. Be honest.’

Kaia had to agree. When she examined herself again, she realised just how much more flattering the outfit was. She looked and felt taller and more like a true woman. Already, she was so much further away from the feral girl that grew up with a band of surly men. Both she and Aea looked like women—they were women.

’Though society would tell us otherwise, a woman should always dress first and foremost for herself.’

Kaia was humbled by Rene’s wise words, and realised she rather quite liked that sentiment. With a confident smile, Kaia nodded, “I like it, I have never felt like such a woman before.”

It was true, however there was something empowering about that. She didn’t need the disgusting remarks drunken fools in taverns would breath down her neck moments before her uncles would pull him away, nor did she need to feel like she had to impress anyone else. She just needed to be happy with herself, as much as possible. She was not dressing up for Alexandros, she was dressing up for her, because it was something she had secretly always longed to do, but had assumed would never be.

’If this meets with your approval, I think this…..’ Kaia watched as Rene picked up a selection of adornments. ’.....this would be exquisite to accessorize.’

Eyeing the seashell pendant, Kaia smiled softly. She’d always loved the sea, so it seemed so fitting. When she was younger, Kaia used to enjoy huddling up and watching the storm rage over the waves. It was calming, despite being such a chaotic force of nature. Looking at the rest of Rene’s selection, Kaia nodded honestly and enthusiastically.

’The oceanic theme seems to speak to your eyes and the blue of the peplos, but we can change any or all of it if you prefer.

“No no, I like it, it’s perfect,” Kaia assured her friend with a warm grin as Rene went about fixing the items on her. “I actually really loved the sea,” Kaia added gently.

’I feel as if I am playing with my beautiful dolls all over again when I was a child. I hope you do not mind. This is very exciting.’

Kaia had never really had any dolls, but the small giggle and excited smile on Rene’s face was infectious. Kaia did remember once wanting to put her father’s chlamys on Kelosi when she was younger, but Agolois could not see what the appeal had been and so had not allowed it.

“I don’t mind at all, this is exciting for me also. I never thought I’d ever be able to look like,” Kaia paused as she gestured to herself, “like this. Thank you.”

When Rene’s smile faded somewhat, Kaia quickly rethought over her words, hoping she had not accidentally said something crass or foolish.

’I have never broken the law before. I confess I am a little nervous. I hope we are not discovered, but if anything happens, we will endure it together, yes?’

Oh, well that was reasonable. Kaia gave Rene a kind smile that began to turn mischievous despite Kaia’s best intentions to remain reassuring. “Do not worry, I have broken the law many times. If there is anything I can offer you, it is someone who will have your back until the very end. You have my word,” Kaia promised. In hindsight, Lady Rene may not find Kaia’s admittance to being a regular criminal all that reassuring, but at the same time, Kaia supposed that if she was going to break the law for the first time, she’d feel most confident with someone who did it for a living.

Emilia looked around the room that she had resided in for the last week while one of her handmaidens brushed her silky brunette curls. How excited she had been when she first stepped foot in it, eager to embark on a thrilling adventure in a foreign kingdom. And now her visit was coming to an end. The dinner she was preparing for was the last event that she would attend in Colchis. The adventures … some of them thrilling and others quite harrowing … were behind her now and tomorrow, she would be stepping on a ship bound for home. She would probably never see this room again.

The young princess sighed. Part of her was glad she was going home to tell her friends of her journey, but another part of her wanted to stay and explore all the places she had not yet been. Perhaps we shall return before too long, she consoled herself. Or maybe we’ll go to Taengea next. A longing to expand her horizons had awakened inside her, a wanderlust that was impossible to ignore. Meeting new people and getting to sing for audiences who had never heard her voice before had been exciting and she hoped she would be able to travel more now that she had discovered how much she enjoyed it.

While she used to be afraid to leave her homeland when she married a foreign prince, now Emilia looked forward to experiencing whatever her future husband’s kingdom had to offer. She assumed she would be wed into one of the Grecian kingdoms and not some place on the other side of the world so she could still visit her family. If Persephone didn’t become Queen, then she might not stay in Athenia either. What if she and her sister were destined to be separated forever?

She shook her head to clear her mind of those unwelcome thoughts. The diamond and sapphire tiara that had just been placed upon her head clattered to the table. Her handmaiden sighed and picked it up. Emilia remained still until it was securely fastened. After putting on her jewelry, she stood up and walked to the room’s full-length mirror. It wasn’t as elaborately decorated as her own, but it served its purpose. The people of Colchis seemed to have simpler tastes than their counterparts in Athenia. Functionality was valued more than extravagance.

Twirling around before it, she admired the chiton she had chosen for the occasion. It was made of pure white silk that enhanced the olive tone of her skin. Wide bands of sapphire silk between ribbons bands of silver adorned the hem and the deep asymmetrical apoptygma that ended just above her waist so that her sapphire and diamond belt could be seen. Her fibulae, necklace, and armbands matched the belt and tiara. Several tiny braids woven with blue ribbon were pulled to the back of her head and combined into one long braid so that there would be no chance of her hair falling into her food. The rest of her rich golden-brown curls was left loose, bouncing against her back as she twirled.

Emilia rode to the Dikastirio with her father and sister. Commoners lined both sides of the streets, watching the carriages of the royals and nobles glide by. Some of them were dressed well, and others were clothed in rags. The princess was still becoming accustomed to the fact that some people didn’t have enough money to take care of themselves or their families. Rene had told her that it was the same way in Athenia. If I were Queen, I would give everyone so much money that they’ll never be able to spend it all. She had no desire to be Queen, but maybe she could convince Persephone to wipe out poverty once and for all. How difficult could it be?

As soon as she stepped out, she heard cries of “Sing for us! Sing for us!” Emilia had sung so many times at the celebrations that her exquisite voice was nearly as well known here as it was in Athenia. They were quite early so she thought that one song should be all right. She glanced up at her father and he nodded his permission, giving orders to two of the royal guards to stay with her before disappearing inside. As it turned out, she sang two, her sweet soprano leaping and twirling through the air with utter delight. When she was finished, she gratefully accepted her audience’s applause and promising to sing more later, walked into the Dikastirio.

There were quite a few people at the two long tables already. Persephone was sitting next to Prince Vangelis. Lucky her, her younger sister thought. At the end of that table, her father sat across from King Zenon. The chairs beside the two Kings were conspicuously empty. Was everyone afraid to sit next to a monarch or were those seats being saved for other royals? Emilia decided to take the one next to King Zenon and before she slid gracefully into the chair, she curtsied to him, her father, and Lady Tythra, greeting them respectfully.

The majority of the guests continued to arrive. Emilia watched them choose where to sit, content to listen to the conversation around her. Something happened at the other table and a Taengean noblewoman was escorted out. Perhaps she had become so inebriated that she had been making a nuisance of herself?

Eventually, the first course arrived, and Emilia turned her attention to her food, which was quite delicious. The seat beside her father was still empty and she wondered if it would remain so all evening.

’I hope you enjoy yourself tonight, then, and may it be the first of many nights in which you feel like such a woman and dress in finery and shine as you were meant to, because you do it for you.’

Kaia had been smiling a lot with Rene, but her words just spoke to the very fibres of Kaia’s soul. This was something she had always wanted and she would enjoy it purely because of that, not because of how anyone else might view her in the situation. At Rene’s nod, Kaia gave one of her own as a silent promise.

’I think I like these better, with the bit of pearl to match your arm band. What do you think?’

Kaia considered the collection carefully, as if she were deciding on which particular blade she would be best to carry with her. Ultimately, she agreed with Rene and liked the way the newest set matched the rest of her outfit. “I like these ones too,” Kaia agreed warmly, though she did have to admit that Rene had made the choice rather difficult for her—everything she’d chosen so far had been easy to love.

’Well that is magnificent, we have made a wondrous and fitting selection this evening it seems.’

Kaia grinned and nodded in enthusiasm as she chanced another moment to look down at her arms and body in awe. It was like she was looking from someone else’s point of view. She could never have imagined how she would look and feel in such finery. Kaia wondered how Aea could act so naturally in her attire, for Kaia was certain she could spend a foolish amount of time twirling and swirling to see how the fabric moved and felt. Kaia supposed she would need to act as if she dressed in such a way all the time soon enough, else she would not last long before being thrown into mines. “I don’t mind at all, this is exciting for me also. I never thought I’d ever be able to look like…..like this. Thank you.”

When Rene paused, the expression she gave Kaia was one more of understanding than not. ’You know, I am the youngest of six.’

Kaia tried to imagine what that would be like, being the youngest of six children. She could relate to having a lot of people in her immediate family, but besides Aea—who was more her sister than a cousin—Kaia was an only child. Honestly, Kaia had no idea what it would be like in a noble setting to be the youngest of so many children. From the tone of Rene’s voice and the nearly sombre expression she wore as spoke, Kaia could only glean that it wasn’t always easy.

’My oldest sister, Dionne, is absolutely gorgeous. Slender, blonde hair, captivating eyes, lips of crimson, curves that men are attracted to. She could have any man she chooses, and usually does. The sister between us is also an attractive young woman, Cyrene, and our mother has great plans for her to advance in the courts. The two of them will secure fine husbands, bring our family honor.’

As Rene spoke about her sisters, Kaia could begin to form an understanding of how Rene might feel. While Kaia had no older sisters of her own, she did know what it was like to be overlooked. Agolois always told her she was beautiful, just like her mother, and her uncles echoed the sentiment, so much so, that rarely was she given the tasks that Aea would be given. If someone had to lure a potential target and the other attack, Kaia was always the lure. It didn’t matter how hard Kaia tried to prove herself with her hunting and fighting, she was always the one used to lure or placate creepy old men.

It was interesting though to hear about how marriage brought honour to a noble family. Looking at Rene, Kaia could only imagine how lucky any man could hope to be to call her his wife. She was beautiful beyond a doubt, but also genuinely kind. Marriage for the sake of business or politics Kaia had a rough understanding about, from what she’d heard her uncles say over the years. It still baffled Kaia though that securing a marriage for someone like Rene could be so difficult. At least as a commoner, Kaia had the luxury of marrying if and when she pleased, and for the reasons that suited her. She had a little bit of an obligation to bring her family, but not in the same way the upper classes did. Kaia could go to her grave an unmarried woman and be happy with that decision and no one would have had any right to be disappointed in her.

Kaia sat down wordlessly at Rene’s motion, listening intently to her friend as she spoke. It felt nice having Rene brush and style her hair. It was comforting in a way Kaia had not expected, until she remembered how Callie would sit with Kaia, humming or singing gently as she brushed Kaia’s hair. Kaia had not realised forgotten the memories, and further had not realised how much she missed it until now.

’As the youngest, of both the daughters and all of us, you can imagine how many opportunities there are for me. My mother does not arrange for me what she does for my sisters. There is no expectation that I will rise to the heights envisioned for the others.’

Kaia’s brows furrowed in thought as Rene spoke. She could not understand why Rene couldn’t be given the same opportunities as her sisters. Kaia had never met them, and she believed Rene when she said they were lovely, but so was Rene, how could anyone—especially Rene’s own mother—not see that? Kaia wouldn’t pretend to understand the expectations of those in the upper classes, but it still baffled her that someone as genuine and kind as Rene could be overlooked simply because she was youngest. Why did people have so many children if they could not—or would not—offer them all the same opportunities? At least now Kaia understood that Rene had the same ravenous fire inside of her that Kaia did. The type that drove her to prove just how worthy she was, despite all else.

’I would like to marry one day as well, find someone who is kind, and loving, who cares, and does not treat me like chattel. There is an advantage to having no one expect anything of you; the only bar set is the one I make for myself. Besides, I have found other ways to make my mark on the world, to set goals and aspirations. Maybe in the eyes of some, it amounts to nothing, but to me, it is very important.’

“I understand,” Kaia murmured thoughtfully. It was so hard to be seen sometimes, it was enough to make anyone want to scream. Kaia was glad to hear that Rene had found her own way of making her mark on the world. It was not an easy thing to do.

As for Rene finding a husband, Kaia believed she would. Any man would be so lucky to call her his wife. To think of some man trying to treat her as anything less than she deserved was enough to make Kaia scowl at the mere thought.

’I think, in my limited knowledge of the world at large, and matters of which I have little experience, is still that, we do not have to accept positions of diminished importance or subservience if we don’t voluntarily want them. We are not beholden to any but ourselves at the end of the day. Whether it is careers, relationships, aspirations, whatever. There are always options. You are always welcome at my home in Athenia. Just so you know.’

Kaia’s thoughtful expression softened at Rene’s gracious offer. How anyone could look at her and not see how truly invaluable she was would forever be a mystery to Kaia. She was not kind for attention or praise, nor was she fake. Rene was nothing like what Kaia had always assumed a noble woman to be. She had a wholeness and realness about her. She saw the world for what it was, she didn’t seem to have the false sense of sight that her uncles had suggested many nobles did. Rene didn’t look down on Kaia, even though she had every right to do so. She was everything Kaia wished she could be, but also so deserving of it all too.

As Rene knelt down before her, Kaia’s stormy blue gaze met Rene’s deep azure eyes. ’You do not ever have to make someone a priority when you are only regarded as an option.’

Kaia understood. Alexandros may not have even noticed her presence at the time, but as a result, Kaia had seen the truth of his nature for herself. It had not mattered that Kaia had tried to warn herself previously, she’d clearly allowed him to charm her into thinking that she was different to all the other women he’d been with because of how singular he’d made her feel. At least now she knew and she would not be stung again. Kaia may not have grown up a noble, or even a civilised commoner, but she understood her own worth, even if no one else did. She didn’t want for much really, just respect and in a relationship, she would want the type of devotion that her parents had for each other. Kaia did not expect perfection, but of those two things, she was adamant. In return, she would give them the same respect and devotion. What else was there to give?

With a nod, Kaia gave a promising smile. “We’re better than that,” Kaia agreed. And they were. Rene should never have to settle for anyone less than someone who could respect her. Kaia was the same.

’I think it will look magnificent with the sides drawn back, and bands of braids over top, with strands of silver interwoven. What do you think? Do you like to wear your hair a particular way the most?’

Kaia nodded warmly. “I like having the sides pulled back,” Kaia assured her friend. There was nothing more annoying than trying to hunt with her hair flapping around in her face. She usually pulled it all back and tied it behind her head to keep it out of the way, but having braids made her feel just that little bit nicer. “I have never been terribly good at braids, but I do like them,” Kaia added. She’d only been given the pocket mirror the previous day, where before then Kaia had never had one to use before. SHe could only imagine how much easier it would be to understand what her hair is doing while trying to braid it from now on.

When Kaia spoke of her criminal history, she flinched a little at Rene’s reaction. Perhaps she’d been a little too flippant. Of course Rene would react. What if she thought Kaia was a danger to her now. Anxiously, Kaia licked her lips, trying to quickly conjure to mind what best to say to ease her friend’s concerns. She had only meant to reassure Rene that Kaia would safely see her through the endeavour, or die trying. In hindsight, it was not her smartest play. Kaia could only imagine Aea’s reaction if she’d heard.

’You have? What have you done?’

Curiosity. That was good! Curiosity was better than fear, Kaia really did not want Rene to fear her. Truly, Kaia would not ever harm or steal from Rene, not when she was so kind and generous.

“Just what my family has needed for us to survive,” Kaia promised, a sheepish smile on her face. “We steal to live mostly, but I’m not going to steal from you! Or from Princess Asia, or anyone else here,” Kaia explained. She nibbled her bottom lip thoughtfully.

“But I can fight, and I’m not afraid. We won’t get caught, I won’t allow it, but if by some divine wish of the Gods we do get caught, I would never leave you behind,” Kaia promised with a nod.