It was eleven at night when Ashey woke, sticky with sweat. Only if there was a way to spend time outside your body… This habit—waking after an hour or two of sleep—had to stop. It used to be a one-off thing, but lately, the days when she’d wake up and remain alert for no reason were becoming more frequent. She didn’t know why, though a good guess for her sleeplessness tonight was the visit to the prison cells scheduled for tomorrow.

  Someone had entered her room while she slept. They left a stack of notebooks on her desk. A little note lay beside them, reading, “Your best is always enough”, with a small heart next to it. The curvature and slant of the strokes spoke of an elegance only Verimae could carry. Ashey would thank her later.

  For about an hour, she scrolled through her phone, thinking of nothing in particular. Her eyes grew heavy but refused to surrender to sleep. Eventually, her throat dried, and after putting it off as long as she could, Ashey gave in to her needs, leaving her room, crossing the dark living room, and heading to the kitchen for water.

  Water dripped from the counter onto the marble floor. She cursed, realizing she’d knocked over the bottle. Ashey reached for a napkin and tried to wipe it up. The water wouldn’t dry. Why? Because it was a sponge in her hand.

  Ashey could swear it. She wasn’t a dummy. Thinking of her mom turned her into a completely different person. It was a curse—a curse so strong she had grown used to embarrassment and special sympathy from Schemel’s friends.

  She sat on a kitchen stool, head in her hands. She could tell them she wasn’t feeling well. No—it would be an obvious lie. She could run, hide, and claim she got lost. That wouldn’t work either. A familiar hand rested on her shoulder. Verimae sat on the stool beside her, wearing a silk blue nightie with a sky-blue scarf draped across her shoulders.

  “I was told this is how indebted businessmen act when they don’t have enough to feed their family,” Verimae said. “Did you have a bad dream, Ms. Sorel?”

  “Do you think it’s possible to get rid of someone just by killing them?” asked Ashey. “I mean, can someone who is no longer with you still hurt you?”

  “That’s not just something bad people can do,” said Verimae. “Everyone leaves a piece of themselves wherever they go. That compliment to a friend, that smile, that wave… no one knows how long they linger around us.”

  “You make the most horrible things sound lovely.”

  Both of them chortled.

  “Who is still with you, Ashey?”

  “My mom. She’s everywhere. She tells me when to sleep, when to wake, when to breathe. I meet her outside, in the streets, where no one is supposed to know me.”

  Verimae usually came up with a quick response, but not this time. She lingered between saying something and watching Ashey tremble. “I wish I could help you more,” said Verimae. “I’m sorry.”

  “You are helping,” said Ashey, forcing a tired smile. “Talking to you helps.”

  Marcel sat behind the wheel of the cross-country vehicle they were to use. “Are you alright, Ashey?” he asked, glancing in the rearview mirror. Ashey straightened her spine and nodded. Neva was strapped in as well. Helen had opted to babysit Tori, so the two wouldn’t be joining them. Terry sat at the front with her husband, sipping from her water bottle now and then.

  They followed the trail of military vehicles ahead, one of which carried Mariel and the prince of Yuna. Fort Humility was still far off, and even after passing through the nearest Ring, they had nearly an hour’s drive left. The dust didn’t help—despite the windows being tightly closed and the air conditioning running at full blast, some of it still found its way into their noses.

  Fort Humility was the hole HF soldiers crawled out of. Ashey had once been scared of them, until they came to her rescue at the Gallant mansion. Her opinion had grown more positive over time, and it improved even more when they arrived at the camp to find the soldiers lounging about like… real human beings.

  No one was in black attire, heavy masks, or carrying big guns. Not many people were around at all though. Those she could spot were conversing in offices or leaning against poles, drinking. All the men they drove past were dressed similarly: white t-shirts, black trousers, and boots. Their hair was neatly trimmed, and most had shaved off their beards.

  Their relaxed demeanour did not change when the Yunnish Fairies stepped out from the underground chamber. The women soldiers belonging to the prince of Yuna were not as intimidating in Ashey’s eyes and probably wouldn’t rattle the HF either.

  After speaking with the captain of the HF, Mariel followed him down a walkway, accompanied by the prince and princess. Their Fairies were made to stand by at a checkpoint once Mariel and her guests descended the stairs.

  Ashey and her family were seated in a waiting room inside a small chamber. The room had nothing but a television set hanging in the corner—no reception, no snack bar, or anything of the sort. Not that Ashey had much of an appetite anyway.

  It did not take long for Kalin to arrive. He joined them in the waiting room and apologised for being late. “I wanted to see Myersia for myself,” he said. “It didn’t sound true that Schemel would do such a thing until I saw it with my own eyes.”

  Subtle, but any Henrikian would notice the way Kalin referenced Ashey’s mom. He had finally come to terms with Schemel losing her position and standing in Henrikian society. She was no longer the woman Kalin respected.

  “It’s scary,” he continued. “To be alive one moment and gone the next, killed by someone you never met or had an opinion on. Who knows the power strangers hold over us?”

  “Are they going to kill her?” Neva asked. She had been the most disinterested among the family in coming here. “I kind of don’t want them to. I really like Aunt Schemy. She’s fun.”

  “Can we all just relax?” said Terry. She pleaded without words for Kalin and Marcel to shut up. They both glanced at Ashey and then followed Terry’s advice.

  Mariel’s head appeared as she ascended the stairs that led to the prisons. Ashey let out the breath she had been holding. For a moment, the unreasonable side of her mind convinced her it was Schemel coming up those stairs — that for some reason the prince wanted to free her.

  Their walk through the tunnel began. It was a dim, damp passage, soundless but reverberating with a strange energy. The unseen essence seemed able to crush you. None of that frightened Ashey more than the idea of seeing her mother again. The corridor twisted in hideous ways. Her stomach turned. She wanted to fall to her knees and stay there for a long time.

  Terry pulled Ashey closer, pressing her head into her side. “I don’t want to talk to her,” whispered Ashey.

  “I know, love. You won’t have to.”

  “I don’t want to see her.”

  “Close your eyes.” Ashey did. It felt so much better this way. She could pretend this was another nightmare. “But remember why we came. We’re here to say goodbye. Saying goodbye will be good for both of you.”

  The walking ended. Ashey kept her eyes shut and made herself as small as possible, hiding behind Marcel and Terry. She didn’t care if it made her look pathetic. She didn’t care if Neva never let her hear the end of it.

  “Terrel, you disappoint me,” Schemel said. “I thought you were smarter than this.”

  “I came home for your daughter’s sake, Schemy,” Terry said back.

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “Why not pay for a ticket and send her to Yuna?” Schemel asked. No one spoke in the stretch that followed. “You still don’t realise your mistake. Ever still the child. How can I expect you to protect mine?”

  “Ashey is doing far better with us than she ever did with you,” Marcel said. “You are not in any place to make preferences. My wife and I had no obligation to come here. I thought you would appreciate the only people who still care enough about you. And this is the thanks we get.”

  “What use are your gestures when you’ll all be dead in a few months?” Schemel did not give them time to answer. “Ashamel, come here.”

  Ashey straightened and stepped to the front of the glass. Her mother was still in the uniform she had worn on the day of the invasion. It was smeared with dirt and blood and her face was darkened from soot. She held her hands behind her, as though standing on a podium rather than trapped, like an animal she was.

  “Look,” breathed Terry. “Your own daughter shivers when you speak to her.”

  “Ashamel,” said Schemel. “Look at me.” Ashey raised her head again. “Tell Jenne to—”

  “Jenne’s not here,” said Ashey. “He’s gone.”

  Schemel’s expression withered. It seemed Mariel had not told her Jenne was still missing. “And Jacqolin, is he better now?”

  Ashey shook her head. Schemel came down to her knees so her eyes were level with Ashey’s. She pressed against the glass, scratching it with her nails as she clenched her fists.

  “Schemel, I assure you no harm will come to your daughter,” announced Kalin. “I am aware you have enemies, but they won’t get through me.”

  Schemel smiled at Kalin and shook her head. “You’re not strong enough to fight my enemies,” she said. “You will only get in the way.”

  “If you care so much about me, Mom, why did you… What if Erisa shot me? Did you know she was bluffing?”

  “No.”

  “Why didn’t you do what she said?”

  “Because I wanted her to kill you.” Someone reached for Ashey, trying to pull her away from hearing, but Schemel’s words were too sticky to escape. “If you are so weak that I must come to your aid at every moment, then you deserve to die. Maybe this is the time to prove me wrong. Survive on your own, or die trying.”

  Terry took Ashey’s hand, turned and hugged her. “The only person Ashey needs protection from is you. It’s sad that you can’t realise that.”

  “I came here to say goodbye, Mom,” Ashey said.

  Something changed in Schemel at that moment. She was no longer the big, terrifying High Commander. She looked small, scared, and alone. Through her own fault, she had ruined everything and was losing the last person she could control. She said nothing more to Ashey, Terry, or Marcel. It looked like she wanted to, but she refrained.

  They left the tunnel and emerged as if they had been the ones in the cells. Mariel waited out in the sun with her new friends. Their dreary expressions pleased her. She was noticeably brighter. “It is not the most appropriate setting, but the prince and princess would like to introduce themselves to you, my family.”

  Ashey was not in the mood. She looked in their direction but did not see them. She wasn’t thinking about anything and yet was distracted.

  “My name is Schevara Matries Xenerisis, and this is Porcia Genevara, my sister,” the prince spoke with a soothing tempo, the therapeutic kind Ashey had come to associate with Verimae. He was half as pretty as Verimae too, which was saying a lot.

  Today, he was dressed more modestly, as far as royalty goes. He no longer wore the cloak, but rather a green kaftan with pointed hems and a golden belt. He had left his silver helmet behind, allowing his straw-colored hair to follow the wind. The girl wore a slim-cut gown, a green hat, and a netted veil covering her eyes and nose.

  “We are the children of Ledja Felis Matries, emperor of Yuna and the fifty states of the Normandi Coalition. It is a pleasure to meet you all.”

  “Prince Schevara is interested in touring our country,” said Mariel. “He is looking for a tour guide he can relate to—someone who can guarantee a realistic experience of true Henrikian life.”

  “I can do that,” said Neva, offering her hand. “I’m Nevara. My parents are the ones standing there. You and I have rhyming names so I’ve got to be your tour guide.”

  Schevara was thrown aback, as if someone had poured water on him. He turned to Mariel, who tightened her smile. “The prince would be interested in someone more familiar with our country, Nevara,” said Mariel. “Ashamel, would you be interested?”

  She wasn’t, but she agreed to the task anyway.

  That evening, the family spent the night in the pool at the back of the house. Marcel and Kalin set up stands to grill kebabs. Kalin took the chance to show off his light magic—spinning about and tossing meat into the air, staking and slicing them with blades of golden light. Tori watched him from within the pool, and when he thought no one was watching, he repeated the hand signs Kalin had been using.

  “Ashamel,” a stern voice called from behind. Ashey frowned, scooped up water, and splashed it on Neva’s face. Neva dunked Ashey in return, and their little war began. Neva called for a truce, and the two returned to the poolside.

  They watched the water stream past their feet and sighed as they gazed at the moon.

  “Grandma got us mixed up a lot when we were kids,” said Neva. “We used to tell her she got tricked and gave both treats to one of us just to get an extra one.”

  Ashey snorted. “I remember.”

  “I bet a lot of people couldn’t tell the difference between us,” said Neva. “My mom says it was the same when she was growing up with your mom and Mariel. No one could tell them apart.”

  Neva pushed Ashey into the water. She jumped in and circled around her. It was obvious Neva wanted something.

  “Catch,” said Marcel, tossing a slice of meat their way. Ashey opened her mouth, ready to catch, when Tori pounced from the water, snatched her catch in a single gulp, and dove back into the pool.

  “Don’t dirty the pool,” said Terry, leaning back in a pool chair. “You make it dirty, you clean it.”

  “Ashey, why don’t you join me here?” said Kalin, spinning his spatula with spectacular skill. “We can start your first lesson.”

  “Actually, can I talk to Ashey first?” said Terry quickly. “Neva, Ashey, come here.”

  Ashey wasted no time. She reached Terry and thanked her for the save.

  “No, I actually needed you. Kalin is never going to leave you alone. I’m sorry, but I can’t stop that from happening.”

  Ashey groaned.

  “So, what is it?” asked Neva.

  “Well, it’s just us girls,” said Terry, sitting up. “I thought we could do well with some girl talk.”

  Ashey and Neva exchanged looks.

  “What are we talking about?” asked Ashey.

  “Boys,” said Terry. “What else?”

  “Oh, I know what this is about,” said Neva. “Mom wants to know what you think about the prince.”

  “I don’t know.” Ashey shrugged. “We barely met the guy. I guess he’s fine.”

  “He’s really pretty,” said Neva. “I think I might be into guys like that.”

  “Guys who look like girls?”

  “I like it,” said Neva, nodding.

  “Who cares,” said Ashey. “I’ll take him to the church for a couple of hours. I’m not sure what Mariel is expecting, but he’s not going to have a memorable experience with me—.”

  “Tori!” Terry sprang from her chair.

  They turned toward the direction she was shouting. Tori was taking steps backward… on the roof. He ran as fast as he could and jumped, tucking his knees in. He yelled a Yunnish phrase Ashey did not understand. He splashed into the pool, sending a wave that dampened the lawn, the barbecue, and a very upset Kalin. Marcel didn’t have to act because Terry was already storming toward Tori, yelling at him to get out at once and go to bed.

  “Look, Ashey,” said Neva, pointing toward the house’s window. Mariel and Helen were behind the bar, arguing.

  “Nothing new,” said Ashey. “They do this every time they think I’m not looking.”

  “Are you sure?” asked Neva. “This looks pretty serious. Take a look at Grandma. I don’t remember much, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this upset.”

  Ashey took a second look. Neva was right. Helen didn’t look well. It didn’t look like an argument at all—Mariel was informing Helen about something.

  “Come on,” said Neva, climbing out of the pool. She urged Ashey along. They snuck behind the bushes on the south side of the wall. They listened in but couldn’t hear anything.

  “Are you any good at lip reading?” Neva asked Ashey.

  “No, are you?”

  “No,” said Neva. She bit her lip and went quiet. “I think we might be staying longer than we thought.”

  “You heard Mariel say that?”

  “My mom and dad were talking this morning,” Neva said. “They were asking Helen about the school you go to. I think they want me there, too.”

  “What? Why?”

  “It’s fine, really,” said Neva. “I don’t mind changing schools. I never fit in at my old school anyway. Now, I can be with my favourite cousin.” She put an arm around Ashey’s neck. No, they weren’t going to laugh it off and call it a day. This was huge.

  “What are you two doing?” Tori crouched in the grass behind them, in his pyjamas.

  “How did you get here so quickly?” hissed Ashey.

  “You’re supposed to be in bed,” Neva said. “Go, or I’ll tell on you.”

  “And I’ll tell mommy you were spying on grandma,” said Tori.

  Neva growled at Tori. He growled back. How had he known where they were? It gave Ashey an idea.

  “Tori, can you hear things far away?” asked Ashey.

  Tori narrowed his eyes and slowly nodded.

  Neva paled. “Please don’t tell me you listen in on my calls.”

  “Not anymore,” said Tori. “All you talk about is boys and icky stuff.”

  Neva was caught between unbridled rage and drowning shame. The shock shorted her brain, reducing her to giving Tori the silent treatment.

  “Can you please tell me what those two are talking about?” said Ashey.

  Tori approached the glass and pressed his ear to it. “Auntie says, ‘This is the best choice,’ and grandma says, ‘I’ll never forgive you.’”

  “I’ll never forgive you for what?” asked Ashey.

  “How am I supposed to know?” Tori yelled. They hushed him to silence.

  He pressed his ear to the window again. “Schemel die. Schemel something dies. I don’t know. I don’t want to do this anymore.”

  “You don’t have to,” said Neva in a high-pitched voice. Mariel and Helen were watching them.

  Mariel waited for Ashey to finish dressing. They were leaving for home. Helen decided to stay behind at Terry’s place. Whatever had happened between them was enough for there to be no goodbyes. Helen was unusually cold, even to Ashey, who didn’t get as much as a wave from her grandmother.

  “You have serious business tomorrow,” Mariel said to Ashey as they walked to the car. She pulled a piece of paper from her coat pocket. “Take the prince and his sister to these areas. Make sure they have a good time.”