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If anything, that remark about Griff had further managed to get Caitrin’s mind further off what had happened and what she might have to deal with, and that was partly why Yassia had said it. Normally she didn’t like to start this insinuation game, as she was still a little uncomfortable about personal affection between people and what it could entail, as she had simply been raised to view most of these things as not suitable for public discussion. But such times called for different measures, and the main goal in dealing with a patient, however shortly, was always to make THEM comfortable, not yourself. That had been taught to Yassia as well, by her mother, and whenever her courtly upringing collided with her healer mind, she eventually would always overrule the courtier inside her. Because appearance was never as important as anyone’s wellbeing and even less in a situation such as this. “That might be true”, she commented with a smile. Really, now she even felt like she wasn’t talking about things she didn’t understand anymore, because even in a few days you could learn quite much about love and physical attraction. “But tell him nevertheless it’s a healer’s advice on top of it, it might amuse him.” And amusement was probably what they both needed right now to get over the traumatic experience as soon as possible.

Since Caitrin had always been very monosyllabic about her past – and as Yassia now thought probably for a very good reason – all of this was practically news to Yassia. Caitrin might have hinted at escaping marriage by a hair’s breadth, but of course Yassia didn’t know any details. She would also not venture further where she wasn’t explicitely invited, so if Caitrin wasn’t ready to reveal more, Yassia would not press the matter. “And that probably wouldn’t have been a man such as Griff”, she only remarked with a wink. “Sometimes it’s really a pleasing thing to know that we both won’t have to settle for second- or third-best. Makes me wake up with a smile since two mornings in a row.” And since Ailantha was a bit different in family laws, her uncle Guifré had not automatically become her guardian after her father’s death, the crown council had. Once she had diminished her uncle’s influence on that council, no one could stop her from taking Oliver as her husband and king, of that she was sure. Guifré was the only obstacle to overcome, not an easy one perhaps, but at least the number was limited. “What do you think will change for us married women?” she asked curiously. “We must keep in touch about that and exchange experiences. Like, if taking the vows makes being together any different.”

The joke had been well-taken and Yassia made a mental note to really tell Oliver to consider heaps of wine – if he didn’t already think of it himself that was, it was possible after all, since he at least knew Griff by now and might have heard stories about Rouland’s drinking habits. “We only have to get to a certain point and after that diluting it with water might go unnoticed, so I won’t leave Mercia impoverished. I’d hate to take that reputation with me, you know? There might be enough resentments from the court I simply take away their prince to a far off land.” What their surroundings would say might have not mattered in the first few hours of bliss, but slowly Yassia started to remember her responsibilities and all that came with it. If Oliver was to go with her, it was unlikely they ever would return for a longer period of time, or even be able to make this journey, as it simply was so long. She would be returning, but Oliver would leave his whole life behind, his family and everyone he knew. Might he not regret that one day? Their love seemed so strong nothing could tear them apart right now, but she didn’t want his people to dislike him for going. That would surely weigh down on him in some way. But for now, Caitrin’s problem was more important than her own concerns, and so she focused again on that.
“A guard might be really wise, but make sure to pick a good one. Not some mercenary”, she commented, tinting the last word with a hint of disdain. “And I think we’re aiming for sometime next month, to get all preparations under way first.”

She hadn’t been in Camelot for little more than a week or two, and already there was a feast to attend. Yassia was nervous, there was no denying it. Even though she had been raised in such a kind of environment, she also knew that customs and ceremonial codes could differ from kingdom to kingdom, and a country as far away from her own as Camelot surely must be different from the Ailanthan ceremonial. She really wouldn’t want to cause a scene or drop any bricks, but sadly her uncle was a little buttoned-up and moody about this particular subject, and she had been under the impression he didn’t care much for politeness and courtesy before she had seen him at court. What she needed was someone around her own age, a female counselor, who would ease her way into the Camelotian society. Not that she planned to stay long enough to have to sit through more than just a few of these social gatherings, but at least for these she’d like to be well-prepared and a little less nervous. Even more so as this was supposed to be quite a joyful celebration. Every now and again Yassia couldn’t help but sneak a glance up at the royal table, where the happily returned Lady Morgana was sitting together with King Uther and Prince Arthur. Whatever had happened to the young woman, Yassia could highly sympathize with her. Hopefully one day she’d have a similar feast in her own castle as well, celebrating her safe return and the victory over her uncle’s schemes.

Kaye was sulky and quiet as ever, sitting on her right side, and trying to look not too much out of place, while her left side was occupied by a young noblewoman she hadn’t seen before – which was of course not very surprising, as she had spent most of her days on Falconeyrie, waiting for Kaye to bring in his influence in ensuring help for her country. She hoped it all would be only a matter of weeks, but right now, she was in no mood to rack her brain any more about it, so she returned her attention to the truly splendid feast and the delicious food. She was no overly shy woman, but right now she didn’t feel in the position to start a conversation yet, she didn’t want to appear overbearing after all, being a guest. It must be odd enough for the Camelotian society to have a foreign princess so suddenly in their midst.

But to her surprise and relief it was the other woman who broke the ice and introduced herself as Lady Roslyn. Her tone was friendly, even though Yassia thought to dected a certain reservedness behind it. Or maybe she was just being paranoid, after having had to look over her shoulder constantly during the last few months. She might have well become a misfit for the normal royal and noble society, and she wondered quickly, if the Lady Morgana would be feeling the same.
Turning to the woman with a smile, she said:“They are indeed splendid, and I think suitable for such a joyous occasion. And it is absolutely right you could not have met me before, Lady Roslyn, as I have only been here for little more over a week. I am Princess Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha, it is a pleasure to meet you!”

A small smile crept over Yassia’s face as she watched Caitrin twist her mouth at the supposed bad taste from the ointment. It was a good sign when a patient could be bothered about things like that again, it meant their thoughts weren’t solely occupied by what had happened anymore, they had somehow moved on at least a little bit. Well, Yassia had always known Caitrin to be strong, and seeing her in distress like this had made her realize just how bad it must have been. She fervently wished she had been there, even if that meant she might have put herself in harms way. And she was doubly glad Caitrin had had Griff by her side to protect her, even though it sounded as if he had been battered and bruised as well. When she moved her fingers over the cut as gently as she could, she detected no heat radiating from the skin around it, which was a good sign, thank the stars. Even though she couldn’t be a hundred percent sure, she shook her head at Caitrin’s question. “By all I see it should not. The cut is not too deep and it doesn’t seem to be infected. It might be visible for a few days or even a few weeks, but there will be no scar left after the skin has thoroughly healed. Just keep it clean and…” she smiled quickly, “you might even allow Griff to kiss it once in a while… Saliva works against infections as well.”

Yassia nodded in understanding when Caitrin put it that way. Of course, the bright side of such an incident could only be viewed in hindsight, and Yassia had it much easier in that respect, as she wasn’t directly affected by it. It had taken her quite some time to see the good in all that had happened to her, as many things only had worked out over time, and only when you looked back you saw it as the twisted, steep path that had led you to were you were now. For her, it had all worked out miraculously well, and she hoped Caitrin would be able to shrug this off and continue her life with Griff. They had battled through so many storms already, they would be able to fight this one too! “It is a sad fact that some people never change”, she agreed softly and sighed. “And sometimes there is no other reconciliation for a matter than seperation. If two people can’t be in one place together, they need to be kept apart. I know it is hard to look at it that way right now, but just think about it: Had your father been a different man, you might have never left Mercia. You might have never met me… or even Griff.” Yassia finished with a shrug. It wasn’t for human beings to know why the world worked as it worked. Only sometimes, in rare occasions, they were granted a glimpse of the eternal plan of the universe. These moments were rate, and sacred. Yassia only had had such an epiphany once in her life: A little more than a day ago, when things had suddenly fallen into place.

The quickly and energetically given promise of Caitrin’s made the matter at least a little bit better for Yassia. To know that Caitrin would venture back to Mercia when everything was sorted out for the wedding was a great consolation and would turn this rushed goodbye at least not into a farewell forever. That would have to be faced eventually, too, but at the moment Yassia didn’t feel up to that kind of strain at all. Even the thought made tears burn behind her eyes. It was true… ever she had admitted herself to show her feelings for Oliver, she had become a bit more sentimental in general. Was that what love did to you?
“Of course they are invited!” she agreed firmly. “I’ll tell Oliver to restock the wine supply in foresight.” Now the inkling of a smile played around her lips, but it was quickly replaced by a frown. “And I know for sure who will NOT be invited and be banned from the castle grounds on utmost vigilance. Marrying the second song of the king of Mercia should provide me with at least a small influence on these matters.”

Caitrin just confirmed Yassia’s worst fears when she said these bruises were not the worst she had ever had. So her father HAD mistreated her before, and even worse on previous occasions it seemed. The mere thought made a shiver run down Yassia’s spine, she was lucky she had never been manhandled by someone she should have trusted in all her life. All those treating her ill, luckily few as there even were, she had never expected anything else of. But a father?! It was a miracle Caitrin still could have such a positive and affirmative outlook on life, if her attachment figure of her childhood years – or at least the one who should have been that – had spurned her trust so horribly. A part of healing, her mother had always told her, was not about healing the outward wounds, but the inward. Being treated nicely after a shocking event, especially a purposeful beating, was a very sensitive, but at the same time crucial affair. Even if the cuts only needed marginal treatment, she would act as a friend and treat the cuts with a slightly antiseptic and refrigerant ointment consisting of mostly of ribwort and mint.“It’ll only take a second”, she promised with a warm smile and walked over to her bed to retrieve her medicine bag, taking out a small jug with the salve. “Make sure your hair’s out of the face and close your eyes”, she demanded with a soft, soothing voice, then dipped her fingers into the ointment and applied it softly on the cut cheek and also a little on the split lip. “Ripwort doesn’t taste that well, but it’s no harm. Push through, my dear!”

Yassia couldn’t quite believe that Caitrin’s father really wouldn’t have cared if she, as a princess and future queen, had been present when he tried to assault his daughter, but then, she was in no mood to argue her case further. Maybe Payton de Archer really had not a bone of decency inside him, there surely were such people on this earth. It saddened Yassia beyond belief that her friend had to suffer under such a person, and that it was no one else but her father! But sadly, things were as they were, and there was no use in being tangled up in ‘what if’s and ‘if only’s.
“What point please was there to prove? That he is a monster?” Yassia scoffed and shook her head. “I bet you knew that before he came and beat you up. And knowing you, he won’t be able to stop you and Griff. The marriage is decided and whatever he does, he can’t change it. So in the end, it was rather YOU who proved a point to him”, she tried to cheer Caitrin up. “Physical violence will not win a confrontation, and Griff stood up to him, showed him his limits.” Then Caitrin confirmed her supicion and almost sounded proud, which Yassia thought to be a good sign. If Caitrin put her trust in Griff that he could protect her from her troubles, then it would only be beneficial for their union. Even though Caitrin was a fairly independent woman, she, too, seemed to need the reassurance of safety, and Yassia could understand that. Should she ever have the luck of finding a man before she returned to Ailantha, she would expect of him to be her shield against all evil as well, especially against her uncle and cousin.

Her hope for Caitrin having been beaten but overall victorious were smashed though when she saw the conviction in her eyes. There might be no convincing her otherwise that their departure was immediate and maybe eben final… There was a stubborn streak in Yassia that wanted to protest on, to convince Caitrin of staying, since something like that could not possibly be returned, but another part knew her friend too well to think that might be succesful. And could she even blame her? Her visit had been more than spoilt and it had only been temporal anyway, the important part with the pre-wedding party being succesfully over. That Yassia would stay behind no one could have foreseen, and yet being left by Caitrin now, who had been her support and counsel in so many things, made Yassia’s panic return. She’d have Oliver, of course… but he could not provide her with the same things as a female friend could. Her mouth suddenly turning very dry, she stepped forward and gently hugged her friend. “You have no idea how much I WOULD need you and of how much use you could be, but… I see why you can’t stay. Just… promise me one thing, if you can: Come back for the wedding. Please.”

The fog and the overall gloominess of their surroundings didn’t serve in making this encounter any more real. If she hadn’t distinctively felt that sharp blade in her back, Yassia might have even discarded it as a nightmare, but sadly that couldn’t be true. She was here and she needed to deal with this, in whatever way. But why on earth couldn’t she convince this man to simply let her go?! What was on his mind?! Right now, HE was the one posing a threat to HER, not the other way around! They had reached a stand-off, a very annoying one, and however schooled Yassia might be in diplomacy otherwise, she had never been in such a situation before and had nigh to no idea how to deal with it. If he didn’t believe her that she had no intention on harming him in any way, how on earth should she convince him to lower his weapon?! They couldn’t stay like this all day after all, he might have all the time in the world but she surely had NOT! She had a kingdom to safe! What on earth was he thinking?!

More annoyed than actually angry now, Yassia’s hope grew that she had actually just stumbled upon a random paranoid stranger who wanted absolutely nothing of her. Surely some snatchers her uncle would have proudly revealed themselves by now, certain their target would not be able to escape. Instead, she was holding a rather short but already pretty pointless conversation with someone who hadn’t even fully revealed his intentions. Someone forgive Yassia to slowly losing her patience! But if this man was not after her, who was he then? A random traveller like she posed as? Or some thief and robber? He should have realized by now that she had really nothing to give, and she had said so after all… and he had also said he didn’t want her money… sweet stars, would she now start the morning with a headache?!

Yassia scoffed and shook her head under her hood. Quiet??!! Now that was the best joke she had heard from him so far! “I haven’t made a noise until YOU desided to ambush me!” she pointed out in a low, hissing voice. “I would have quietly continued on my way and would have been glad to be out of that fog and wood as soon as I can – but NO, you have to complicate things! And there would be even less reason to scream for me, if you just lowered your weapon from my back. How’s about that?”
Her voice had been still low and hopefully androgyne, but then she had made many words. More words than a man would make? She could only hope he would not think it odd, having her true gender revealed now would only complicate things.

Of course Caitrin would know what she would do… Yassia gave a playful sigh and an eyeroll, shaking her head at her friend, as if she was truly a lost case. Well, maybe concerning men she really was, even though now she gladly had Griff and wouldn’t so readily flirt with just anyone. Yassia still remembered her jealousy attack when she had thought Caitrin and Oliver had once shared more than a quick flirtatious kiss. How silly she had been! She should know her friend by now, really. Now, she had learned to distance herself mentally from these things; it was better than getting all worked up about a handling of things that wasn’t her own. “And I’m not gonna do you the favor and ask what exactly you mean by that”, she gave back with a grin. The thought of using her womanly attributes to gain something was truly a foreign one to Yassia, even though she had seen it done by others many times, even in Ailantha where such things were usually frowned upon. It just had never been her way, but lately she had begun to reflect a little more and found a rather disturbing constant in her life.”Until now, I fear it has rather been the other way around. Men using ME to gain something they want. My uncle… Vortigern, King Cenred… and instead of turning the table around, I just always ran. Do you think that would have been different if I was… a little more like you?” Her voice was unsure, doubtful, Yassia really had no idea if her hazarding made any sense.

Yassia gave a quick smile when Caitrin said she didn’t aim for perfection. That was another trait she admired about her friend, Cait seemed able to take everything like it came her way, accepting it without further ado and moulding it so she could still gain something from it. Where did you learn to be so world-savvy? She’d really like to take one of those lessons too! In her head, she was already sorting out the handful of shawls she had brought with her, thinking which one might suit Caitrin’s rough outline of dress choice best. Even though the piece of cloth would be used only for a quick few moments in the dance, it should still harmonize with the rest of the clothing, of course. The solea was a dance of proud ostentation, something that would suit Catrin’s character very well, but Yassia maybe not so much. She had never planned on doing this dance in public, and in front of men nonetheless, but she tried to appease herself with the promise they would never know how scandalous this dance was deemed in Ailantha, only danced by the women in the villages. To her Mercian spectators, they would surely see the promise of that dance, but they might be less offended if they thought it to be something ‘typical’ Ailanthan. Yassia didn’t like to lie, but the alternative was just too shameful to even be taken into consideration.
“I’m quite fine with my choice of clothing, I think”, she joked when the talk once again returned to Griff and his fear of the cold. “I’m not trembling or anything, winters in Ailantha can be quite cold as well.”

What’s he been doing?! For a moment Yassia wondered if her friend even remembered what she had told her about what had happened on the riverbank. If Caitrin remembered, was that question really meant as innocent as it seemed? Was she maybe teasing her? And then, she never had explicitely asked what they had been interrupting when catching up on Yassia and Oliver after the chasing in the woods… because she didn’t care to know… or because she guessed something?! Suddenly, Yassia felt like she was extremely on display, and it made her uncomfortable beyond belief. “What… what do you mean?” she inquired hesitantly, maybe not the most clever way to act around Caitrin’s keen and perceptive mind.

That Caitrin was obviously in distress needn’t be pointed out. Yassia still couldn’t believe her eyes as she stared at her friend, numbly thinking: ‘what now, stars? What have you thought up now to thwart my happiness?’ But this wasn’t first and foremost about her of course, it was about Caitrin, only about Caitrin! Sweet stars, what had happened to her?! Until this question was answered, Yassia knew her thoughts would be buzzing around in her head like a roused beehive, making her antsy and extremely worried. Following Caitrin’s eyes down and up the corridor, seeing no one there gladly who would ask annoying questions or spread unneeded gossip, she hastily stepped back and beckoned her friend through the door, closing the door tightly behind her. She could not speak any more until she would be provided with more information. Only the stars knew what wounds were still hidden under Caitrin’s clothes. Now not only Yassia as a friend was roused, but the healer in her as well. Her fingers practically itched to take a closer look at the bruises and to relieve Caitrin’s pain with a few helpful remedies.

A disbelieving snort escaped Yassia’s lips when Caitrin tried to play down what had happened to her, even claiming she was fine. “I might not be a native of your language,but as far as I know a friend in obvious distress and pain, bruises and cuts and the stars know how many other hidden blemishes do stretch the meaning of ‘fine’ beyond recognition.” That still didn’t answer the question who had done this to her, though, and for Yassia the question was becoming immensly important. What kind of enemies could Caitrin have, and more so, who would even dare to raise a hand against her?! It had to be someone feeling superior to her, someone who had no respect whatsoever for her, or someone wanting to put her in her place. Maybe it was also someone harbouring a silent grudge… maybe not even necessarily against her. Oh sweet stars no… for a moment a certain face rose before Yassia’s inner eyes and it made her shudder. A mask of hate, eyes flaming in anger, directed at more than just one person…. But no, that wasn’t possible… that COULD not be, it was ridiculous, made no sense!

“It wasn’t Griff.”
Caitrin’s voice pierced Yassia’s horrid imagination, and for a moment she wasn’t even sure what her friend had said, until belatedly the meaning came to her. “Wha—no of course it would not be Griff, that’s completely out of question”, she muttered, more distracted than decisive.
But then she listened with growing horror to what Caitrin had to say. That really couldn’t be what she was implying, right? Her father… her own father! They had talked about him occasionally, and Caitrin had made it clear that she didn’t want and didn’t need her father’s approval to her marriage. That he most likely would be against it,… but that she didn’t care. Now look where not caring had brought her!
”My goodness… Cait!” she whispered, not knowing what to do or to say. “How… what was he even doing here?! Who told him?! And where is he now?!” Payton de Archer… what a monster he must be! But he would pay for this! If Oliver knew about this… he would have him punished for sure. Caitrin might be his daughter, but now she was first and foremost Oliver’s guest, and Payton had violated the sacred right to hospitality and in turn had brought shame on the royal family, not being able to protect their guests from such an assault.
”But… what do you mean? What else would you want to tell me?”

So so, she should get used to such attention… a few months before Yassia might have been offended by the sheer suggestion, but now she had changed and it came from Caitrin anyway. Caitrin might be different than Yassia in so many ways, but she would never try harm her on purpose. There was no malice in her words, just teasing between friends. And she was nothing if not ready to accept and even return that kind of teasing, even more so now as a huge load had been lifted off both their shoulders in the previous minutes. They needed a little lighthearted banter with no ill feelings attached. “And what would I do with a handful of men swarming around me like bees around a flower, practically drooling and noticing nothing but my deep cleavage?” she asked, grinning back. “Of what use could they be in the end? Or are you going to tell me now that not everything in life is about ‘use’ and ‘purpose’?”
The praise for the seamstress however eased Yassia’s mind a little. If she could do miracles, then maybe she would also be able to create a dress that would satisfy both her and Caitrin’s interests concerning the evening. There had to be a way to look desireable without it being too scandalous. But wait… why would she want to look desireable on that evening anyway?! Where her thoughts had been heading again…! “Good then, I’m glad”, she quickly replied to mask her confusion. “It is really amazing how quickly we’re going to throw such an event. But I’m sure everything will work out perfectly.”

It wasn’t a desaster Caitrin had no shawl with her in her wardrobe, and in all honesty Yassia had thought it a long shot anyway. While being in Albion, she had not run across too many of these attires, not with the noble population anyway. There were quite a few peasants and maids wearing shawls over their dresses for comfort and for cold nights, but that was not exactly the type Yassia had in mind. She didn’t know why, but the Soléa was often danced with a shawl at one part of the dance, maybe to make it look more mysterious.
”It’s no problem”, she assured her friend. “If you can’t find one, you can have one of mine, I’ve taken a few with me from Camelot, for the cold.” She winked at Caitrin, sure that she wouldn’t find Mercia as cold as a woman from the south.

Yassia didn’t really want to think about, why exactly Caitrin and Griff would never tire of each other’s company. That was simply too private, something she had no and wouldn’t want any insight in. Of course, life wouldn’t be all about that, and they must have many things in common, or at least being able to tolerate their difference, if they managed to stay together without bickering too much. Would Yassia ever find such a match? Well, she probably would have to be content with someone that didn’t bore her to death. There was no place for high standards in her life plan. But then she realized she would have rather stayed with THAT topic after all, if it meant they could stay clear of Oliver. Sweet stars, why did Cait have to bring him up constantly?!
”I more meant Edmund”, she tried to extricate herself, “Oliver’s … trying to be what he calls a ‘friend’. Not sure, if we’re doing well on that department though. There’s just too much underlying tension.” And the worst part of it was that she couldn’t even define what sort of tension it was. There encounters were differing as night from day. Today had been a good example. The chase through the forest was still fresh in her agitated mind… and also what it almost had led to…

Since Yassia was still very innocent in many aspects, she hadn’t fully thought through her actions and words, and had in consequence not expected Oliver to react quite so… readily to her suggestive comments. She had never been in such a situation before, not even with him at the first time, since then they had not been free to plan for the future. She had been holding back in means of self-preservation, and probably so had he. But now there was no fear of the future, no negation, no holding back. What that would mean, in full consequence, Yassia only discovered now, and it overwhelmed her."There is no greater punishment than to subject both of us to each other's insufferable company...all night..." "...for many nights..." "...until we break."There was no expecting and no describing the sentiments that rushed through Yassia’s body with surprising force at his bold and lingering kisses. This intimacy was so new, so indescribable that Yassia’s hands, who had been losely resting on his back, tightened in sudden shock as the waves of pleasure washed through her and her lips escaped a sound half way between a gasp and a breathless laugh.

”I have no idea where my breaking point is, but it can’t be that far off”, she mused, almost taken aback by her reactions. Was that really still her? What was Oliver doing to her, so easily, so quickly? Was that how it ought to be like? That you could hardyly wait for more, that you nearly forgot yourself and everything through such caress? It was surely not how she had heard it being talked about – on the very rare occasions the ladies of the court in Ailantha even talked about such things that was. They usually went by the policy that girls who were not yet married shouldn’t even know about what came to pass between man and wife and that they would learn soon enough. Dalliances before marriage were extremely frowned upon. In that respect, Albion seemed at least a little different. Yassia had gotten some glimpses mostly from comments Caitrin made, but she had pushed that topic far away from her, still being incredibly bashful. But right now there wasn’t much bashfulness left it seemed. Almost hungrily, she captured Oliver’s lips with her own and started to explore them curiosly. “I think I might accept this punishment…”

And now, it seemed, it was time for vows again. Oliver and her had seen quite a few vows made, broken and honored, but this one, she had a feeling, he would never break. At least not willingly. His words filled her with happiness all over, since they were so close to traditional wedding vows that there only was the authority missing to make them man and wife. But Yassia didn’t care about authorities this time. All other vows would only be repititions of this one, and it was made before her ancestors and the stars. There could be no higher authority.
”I am sure they heard you and approve”, she stated as soon as she had found her voice again. “But let’s not think about such a sad future, my love. The stars will have to wait for me for a very long time I hope. And for you. They ought to grant us years of happiness now.”

. "You are an ingrate and an opportunistic woman! But you are a dumb fool! Oliver cannot give you riches or an army! I can! You had chosen the wrong brother!"
Yassia couldn’t quite believe her ears. Edmund’s words were pure poison and as much as she tried to not let them get to her, they sliced a wound inside her. Ingrate and opportunistic… how peculiar that she should be insulted in such a manner twice, by both brothers… and all because they thought she had chosen one over the other. But then… Edmund did not love her, he only wanted her. And even if she wanted him, she could not have him. He needed to see that. “Edmund, you have no right to insult me”, she countered rather sternly, even though she was not sure he would even listen. “I’ve chosen Oliver long before I met you, only back then I did not know who he was. It is a long story, and you better listen instead of lashing out.”

She had no idea what she had been thinking when she threw herself in the knife’s way, only that she knew that Oliver could not be hurt. She could not lose him, she’d rather lose herself! But before she knew it, she was yanked back rather forcefully by Oliver and collided hard with the wooden door of the horse stall. All breath was drawn from her lungs and she felt momentarily dazed, not even realizing the knife had sliced her arm. For a few moments she could only watch in horror as a serious fight broke out between the two princes. The knife had been thrown away, but they still could inflict serious damage. “I said STOP!” she exclaimed, sounding more panicked than authoritative though and her voice nearly drowned in the loud whinnying of the horses around them. Sooner or later someone would notice the chaos, that was for sure, but then it could already be too late. Now Oliver slammed Edmund against the wall, not far from Yassia, and she thought she might give it another go. Her arm shooting forward, she found Oliver’s shoulder and tried to push him away from his brother.

”Come to your senses, both of you! This is. Not. Worth. It !”