Cole wasn't sure how to take in the information from Leanna. She seemed exhausted, both mentally and physically. But how was she hearing voices in her head? And what kind of voices... Before Cole could even so much as say a word he was pushed inside the bathroom to hide. He obliged willingly since it would be awkward if someone would walk in on them. It was allready a suprise that he was let in at all.

Once Cole heard the word 'Yeurna' fall from the queens mouth, he felt a cold shiver run down his spine. Not only because he began to feel cold from his wet clothes. No because of the things he experienced there. Yet, he still stayed silent and continued to listen. Something was very odd in this whole situation. In anger Cole clenched his teeth as he heared the queen mention war. Those hatefull... For a second he felt his heart skip a beat, followed by a piercing pain in the chest as soon she mentioned marriage and the name of that prince. That smile of hers as she said it made him feel disgusted. That wasn't Leanna, it couldn't be her. The girl that was so crazy for dragons, that sought adventure, without boundaries. But here she was, dressed like a lady in her gown pleased to marry off to some stranger she might have met years ago. Is that how love is supposed to work?

He couldn't believe he heard her say it. No way. Since when and how? Instinctively he threw the door open shouting in a appalled manner "Are you insane!??!" His eyebrows furrowered deeply in anger, he stared at Leanna before he finally caught the gaze of the queen. Cole forced to calm himself. He bowed to her apologetically. "It wasn't my intention to hide from your highness. I came to visit with regards of the academy, to inquire if the princess was well, since she didn't come by yesterday." He stayed silent thinking of how to continue even though he felt pretty shaken up inside. "Please hear me out. Just seconds ago the princess told me she wasn't feeling well. That she has nightmares and hears voices in her head. I don't know what exactly is causing that but please. Don't let her go to Yeurna. I've been there, it's not a place she belongs to." Cole almost sounded desperate. Why thought?

In the next moment he kneeled down before them, his head felt hot, and for a moment he almost lost his balance but he got a hold of himself. "I beg you. Let my mother take a look at her she might be able to help." Those were the last words he managed to say before he felt his throat dry up. It felt difficult to breath. He wouldn't move unless she would agree. There was no way in hell he'd let her go to that damned country without doing all he could to prevent it. Even though he didn't feel at peak condition himself right now. To many losses, to many wounds, to much pain. It weighed so heavy on his heart.

The Queen felt herself gasp at her daughters response to the letter, this wasn't like Leanna at all and yet it's not like it could be someone else. Leanna kept her glazed-over eyes fixed on the ring, twirling it between her fingers when a loud bang and the sound of Cole's shocked voice rang through the room. Leanna dropped the ring out of shock, and turned to face him, just seeing his face made her mind spin with all sorts of voices and arguments. It was too loud and too frantic and she hated it.

The Queen, in shock, opened her mouth to speak against the man who had been hiding in her daughters bathroom, but recognised him. "You're the one who defended Leanna's interest in dragon's... Cole, isn't it?" She watched the man shake, although with anger or from a chill she didn't know. His passion for Leanna made the Queen question his true intentions, and the way her daughter responded, all teary-eyed and confused, made a sigh escape her lips. "Your mother..." She stated flatly, raising one eyebrow at the man kneeling before her, she shook her head, "Nevermind - bring her here now. I'll get Marie to watch over Leanna to ensure she doesn't do anything stu-" she looked at her daughter pitifully, running her hand through silver locks.

"Mother..." Leanna whispered, "I don't know what's happening to me..." The Queen smiled sweetly, "My darling, you are just sick, that's all." She gave Cole a look, running her eyes over him and inspecting him before a sly smile caught the corner of her mouth, "Worry not, your Prince will save you". She gave Leanna a kiss on the forehead and left, only to have Marie replace her within a matter of seconds.

Leanna wanted Cole, she wanted that feeling of an embrace again, to feel that spark of passion that came between them that night. She looked at him and smiled weakly, the voices were shouting at her. Screaming. She tried to block them out, but as she reached her hand out to touch Cole's head she saw the ring on her finger and she yelled. "Cole, take this with you" she said, handing him the piece of jewellery, "Maybe your mother will know something about it?" Marie came up behind her, steadying her as Leanna's legs began to tremble. "And please... please hurry back."

The Queen had walked as fast as she could to her husband, bursting through the doors in a fit of rage. The other councilmen seemed displeased by the intrusion but kept their mouths shut. "This is an outrage!" she screamed, her voice cracking, "That damned country and their damned Prince have poisoned our daughter!" The King instantly stood up, taking his wife in his arms, "I don't know how but, our sweet little daughter verbally accepted a marriage proposal from that filthy Prince. Our daughter. The one who despises all talk of marriage and husbands! It's not right, not right at all" There was a murmur among the room, people discussing how the Princess could have become inflicted with such feeling - everyone knew Leanna was more into sword-fighting and dragons than she was men. (Or even women, as he Mother once believed).

"Sir, surely this proved we simply cannot accept Yeurna's conditions? They'll destroy us in war and by the sounds of it already had their little rats spying on us." The King thought for a moment, one arm still wrapped reassuringly around his wife's waist. "I don't recall having anyone from Yeurna visit our Kingdom, they must have snuck in somehow. Send someone to see to my daughter immediately." The Queen halted them, "I've already asked Freya to." The King raised an eyebrow, "Freya?" There was skeptisism around the room, "Hasn't she recently returned of Yeurna?" one spoke up, "Yes but I believed she was a prisoner?" The King grimaced, "We will question her. Dismissed, all of you!"

The crowd dispersed, their lips held tight once leaving the room, and the King gave his wife a small kiss. There was a cough that startled them, a young man stood there slightly shaken, "Y-Your Highness... Please, I mean no disrespect..." The King scowled at him, "Out with it boy!", "Your Grace..."

"Wasn't your son in that country for a long time?"

Cole looked up relieved to the queen who seemed to have mercy on his intrusion. Well those were special circumstances so maybe that's why she decided to take up his offer. He wasn't sure if his mother knew anything at all. All he knew was that she was knowledgeable in the field of illnesses and cures. She studied herbs and the art of medicine. Giving it a shot was his best bet as of now.

After the queen exited and left them with Marie instead, Cole's eyes slid over to Leanna, he could see that somehow she had regained a bit of herself. Still worried he stared at her as she came closer. It seemed she wanted to touch him yet instead she yelled out horrified, handing over the ring that came with the letter. A little confused he twirled the silver ring between his fingers. The dark germ glistened beautifully yet somehow emitted an ominous aura, which made Cole feel uncomfortable and more worried. Had this something to do with Leannas change in behaviour? But Cole didn't ask any further, since Leanna didn't seem in the condition to answer him anway, as Marie had to steady her.

Something tugged inside him as she pleaded him to return quikly. This wasn't the time to feel happy, but Cole felt glad that she wanted to see him again. Because of before he feared she might not want to ever again. Not all was lost yet though. "I will." He said with confidence, squeezing the ring tightly in his hand giving her a confirming nod. In just a moment he was outside her room, returning through the hallway he came from before with long quik strides. When Cole turned around the corner towards the exist he stopped abruptly. He saw his mother arguing with a guard. "Please let me see the king I need to speak to him!" The guard seemed unsure how to respond. Trying to stay as gentle and polite to a lady as he could. "Sorry miss but the king is in the council right now I can't let you through. Maybe try on another day."

Freya tried to prostest "But-" The words died out as she saw Cole approach them. "What are you doing here?" She now ignored the guard walking up to her son. "I could ask you the same..." Cole gave her a irritated glare before shaking his head. "Nevermind that. I need your help." Freya blinked slightly confused with what. She reached out her hand to touch his forehead. "My god Cole, your burning!" So she saw right. He seemed a little red in the face. The worry in her voice grew. "Your sick, let's go home I'll get you-"

Cole slapped his mothers hand away interupting. "Forget that. Something really weird is going on. Leanna isn't feeling well. She said she feels strange, hearing voices in her head." Freya was overwhelmed by his sons pressing tone, he rarely acted like this. "She recieved a marriage proporsal from the prince of Yeurna, and she thinks of accepting it!" In his fit he almost forgot to show the ring to her. He opened his palm presenting her the jewerly.

First Freyas eyes went wide taking in the info that was thrown at her, but as soon she saw the ring her expression darkened drastically. "This..." She furrowed her brows. Without betting another eyelash she looked up to him. "Get home, grab my bag with the herbs, a few flasks, the heater and also bring the book of Dellahs." Without asking any question he turned around ready to leave. "Oh Cole." He turned his head back. "Don't give her that ring back. Keep it." Cole gave her a nod rushing out the exit. Freya sighed, making her way up towards Leannas room, which she still remembered from the past.

Having arrived at the princess doors she knocked, imediately following with "It's me, Freya. May I enter?" A few second later Marie let her enter. She greeted them both briefly immediately walking over to Leanna. She took a look at her grimacing sadly putting a gentle hand on her cheek. "Poor you..." It made Freya incredibly sad to see someone else being devoured by their dark art. The one she saw it on before was her travelling partner Meng. A men in his early 60's. He wasn't the strongest but had a lot of experience and knew how to scout out the area and find a way to get by without drawing to much attention. One day though, when he returned from his scouting, he seemed different. That's also when she noticed he had began wearing a small necklace that she had never seen him do ever before. From then on things went downhill. "I'm not sure how much I can help you but I'll try. Cole went to get my stuff. Once he is back I'd like to try a few things. I hope that's alright with you?" Freya seemed unsure. She never had tried to cure something of this calibre, all she could do is try. Freya stepped back, "I hope you don't mind." she said as she sat down in one of the chairs. She felt her legs tire. "A spell has been put on you. I fear a strong one. I'm not sure how to lift it but I want to try... I'm sorry."

Cole frantically began running as soon he got outside. He completly blended out the people around him that saw him rush by. The rain had almost lifted, dripling down softly on the ground. In a daze he grabbed everything in a swoop. Well almost everything. He deperately searched for that specific book his mother mentioned, but couldn't find it anywhere, leaving a trail of chaos behind him. He needed almost half an hour to find it. It was burried between his mothers clothes in of the drawers. Only wondering briefly why it was put there he imidiately stormed outside, towards the castle again.

As soon Cole arrived he knocked, after being let in he simply put the bag down while supporting himself with a hand on the wall. Cole was completly out of breath, that's also why he didn't say a word. He simply dropped down to the floor, leaning against the wall as he tried to catch his breath. "Go ahead." He managed to say inbetween, looking up to his mother, then Leanna and then the floor as he tried to focus his vision which began to blurry. [i]I just hope something will work...[/i] That's all he wished for.

Marie had helped Leanna get into bed, ever since handling the ring and the strange voice that seemed to control her body, she had felt exhausted. Completely and utterly exhausted. Marie comforted her lightly with sweet whispers of things going on in town - there was the summer festival due in a few weeks, and the little bakery had just started making cinnamon buns. Leanna was sat up against the headboard, but still felt like it was a struggle to sit upright, Marie was stroking her hair when there was a knock at the door.

Marie got up and let Freya in. "It's been a long time, Freya." she said with a small smile. Marie allowed Freya to do whatever she needed, and offered her assistance should she need anything. Marie had cared for Leanna for the young Princess' entire life. She was just a teenager when Leanna was born, but to see her grow into such a wonderful young woman was a blessing - and now her precious Princess was so very sickly that it made her sad. Freya spoke to Leanna with a mothers tone, very calm but caring. Leanna, however barely reacted at all to the new presence.

She felt like she wasn't in her body, like this was some weird dream. It was a very peculiar feeling, and although she could see people moving around her, and hear them talking, she couldn't take any of it in. She just stared forward with a blank expression. Where had Cole gone? She wanted him here with her. Those brief moments with him next to her had cleared her mind of this thick fog. The voices were steadily growing again - over and over she was told that the Prince was wonderful, that he loved her and would spoil her with gifts - the worst part was that she could feel her own thoughts agreeing to it all.

There was another knock at the door and Marie allowed Cole to enter, he seemed just as exhausted, although more physically than mentally. Freya seemed concerned, so Marie went over to help him. She touched his forhead and withdrew it quickly, after a very brief disappearance Marie came back with a cloth, some cool water and some tea made with Yarrow, Peppermint and Ginger. "This should help with the fever, at least a little."

The King and Queen had a lengthy discussion about their son. His journey hadn't included the country due to Yeurna being a place full of thieves and mercenaries. Yet he was there, for how long no one was really sure, but they could tell he seemed different, it was subtle, but there. They decided to try and talk with him, but wherever they looked he wasn't there - like he had vanished. None of the guards stationed around the castle has seen him either. Concerned, they both called a council meeting when a courier came bursting through. Another letter from the King of Yeurna. This one was filled with more demands, more threats of war, threats of curses and the extermination of Dragons.

The council discussed in with great fear, they simply couldn't afford to fight. War would ruin their lands, their kingdom. But the demands Yeurna were asking for were ridiculous and simply out of the question. Not to mention this new bitter tast of a forced marriage proposal to their daughter. The fact that Leanna had accepted was to be kept secret at all costs. The letter also stated that perhaps they could visit, discuss these orders in person. It all seemed like a horrible, horrible idea and yet it was the only one they had. Saddened by the future, the Queen left to return to Leanna.

"Oh, Freya!" she said with a small smile, "How lovely it is to see you my dear. If only it was under better circumstances". The Queen walked round to Leanna's other side and took her daughters hand, "How is she?" she questioned, hoping the answer was more positive than she thought they might be. After a little while the Queen gave a light chuckle, "Freya, do you remember when Leanna was small and she caught that nasty virus that had been going around?" she remembered it fondly, "Leanna called you 'mama frey' and it was so adorable." The Queen gave Leanna's hand a small squeeze, "Freya I fear the country of Yeurna is forcing her to accept a marriage proposal with this sickness. It worries me greatly. What does that filthy country want from us?"

Confused Cole looked up as Marie briefly touched his forehead just to disappear afterwards. He looked back to his mother and Leanna as he managed to stand up. "What is wrong with her?" he asked whilst Freya went on ahead to unpack the contents of her bag. She didn't look at him simply let her eyes fly over all the herbs. "A curse, a kind of dark magic was put on her." Cole coughed a little before he heaved a brow in disbelief. "What?" He paused. "How the hell is that even possible? Magic is all humbug, a trick of con artist's, nothing more." Cole felt outraged. Something like this wasn't possible, not for him at least. He simply couldn't believe it, or even less so, accept that fact alone. Freya sighed halting in her movement, her shoulders dropping.

He thankfully took the things Marie had brought for him. If not for her his mother would have done it anway, even if he were to decline, for his mother it wouldn't be an option. Cole wrung out the cloth after he had soaked it in the water. Putting it on his burning forhead made him feel refreshed and helped against the blurriness, his thoughts becoming more collected. He went on ahead to sip on his tea, while Freya began skimming through the pages explaining. "I wish that was the case. But have you ever wondered where the stories of witches and wizards came from? Surely pure fantasy most would say. I would have agreed until a month ago." She leaned on the little table she had sprawled her ingredients over, her mien grim. "Dragons are the exception. They are the closest connection to the otherworldly."

Cole didn't understand a single world. What did that had to do anything with Leannas sickness? Freya brewed a narcotic herb together with a stimulant, making the long vial boil until steam began to form. She carefully picked it up with thin iron pliars bringing it over to the princess. She simply held it under her nose for her to inhale. "This might help clear your mind a little." She put her tools aside, now focusing her eyes on the unusual necklace that Leanna was wearing. She carefully reached out. "If you'll excuse me. I need to take this from you." Cole followed his mothers movement as she removed the jewelry. Only now did he notice that the stone embed in the necklace was very similiar to the one in the ring.

"It's dragon magic." Freya finally said as she set the jewelry aside. Standing up she went back to her book and herbs. Cole was speechless for a while. Hee walked up to her. "How?" He blurted out irritated. "I'm not sure. I only heard bits and pieces when I was held captive." She had to take a deep breath before continuing. "I only overheard that they harness certain parts of dragons to forge them into something else. These are said to have certain powers and capabilities. I don't know how or why, for that I didn't get much info. But I fear that might be a reason why they want our kingdom to surrender to them." Freya glenched her fist. "They allready took my and Meng's dragon. I guess it's not enough." The last sentence was said in such spite and bitterness that he wouldn't have expected from his mother, yet he very well could understand the reason behind it. Cole put a comforting hand on her shoulder, she turned around and they simply exchanged glances before she calmed down and continued her work.

Cole let his mother work on her concoction, walking over to Leannas bedside. "Hope you don't mind." He said to her, sitting down, whilst throwing an apologetic look to Marie. It probably wasn't a daily occurrence, for someone like him acting so casual with someone like her. Yet here he didn't care. Cole kept looking at her for a bit before removing his allready warm compress, drawing his hair back before moving in. With a gentle tunk he hit her head with his mumbling. "Why can't you just have a simple cold... Idiot." He held her head gently on both sides with his hands, blankly staring as the heat began to rise in his head again. "Cole..." Freya coughed a little throwing a admonishing glance at him. He withdrew making room for his mother to work her magic.

After they had changed places Freya gave Leanna a bitter tasting drink. "Sorry about that. Hope this helps against the voices and pressure. Please tell me if you feel weird. It might be a side effect." She said apologetically. "By the way, can you tell me where you got that necklace?" Freya tried asking unsure if Leanna would be in the condition to answer her. Soon after the queen entered. It was nice seeing her again. "It's a pleasure to see you as well." She stood up bowing a little, making room for the queen. Cole drew further back, renewing his compress, sitting down in a chair in the far end. With a heavy sigh he leaned back closing his eyes. "It was." Freya laughed along as she remembered little Lea calling her such. How shocked she had been first but getting accustomed to it very soon. Such a lovely child she was, and still is. "She is doing as well as one can guess." Freya sighed turning more serious. "I fear they might be after our dragons. They found a way to produce dangerous weapons with them. As to why. I suppouse what is most often the case. Gaining power." Freya said, before throwing a nervous glance to her son then back to the queen. She walked a little closer. "I'm sorry to ask this but can we talk in private? I need to confess something." She said it in a whisper for Cole not to notice who began to feel sleepy, dozing off.

Leanna felt as if the world around her was just one big dream, it was weird feeling. She could hear voices around her, but couldn't make out what they were saying, almost as if she were underwater. She couldn't focus her eyes either, everything took a lot of energy, and the only thing she could manage to do was just sit and let these people take care of her. She didn't even know who was there, but briefly, she swore she heard Cole's voice over the others. The thought of him made her chest hurt and she scrunched up her face slightly.

She felt movements nearby, and then she inhaled one of the strongest smelling liquids she had ever encountered. It wasn't unpleasant, and almost instantly cleared her mind as she breathed in deeply. It was a strange smell, a little like tobacco, but with hints of mint and spice. She closed her eyes for a second, and the world around her seemed to come together - she could hear voices she recognised, as she opened her eyes, she could make out people's faces and then everything turned crystal clear as it should be. Her eyes immediately found Cole and she smiled in relief that he was here with her. Leanna was still incredibly tired, so listened as Freya removed her necklace - she felt a horrid sense of loss as it left her body, like she needed it - and then listened to her speak of magic and curses.

It frightened her. Had she been cursed? She furrowed her brows in thought, trying to remember how any of this happened in the first place, before any of her memories connect she felt a pressure near her and then Cole's forehead was pressed against hers. He was hot, feverishly hot! She wanted to ask if he was okay, but felt the heat spread to her own face as she resisted the temptation to just close the gap between their lips. Freya then cleared her throat and Cole moved back, the cold air making Leanna miss him being so close. She was given a drink and sipped in gently before making a face at it's taste, it was incredibly bitter. She coughed lightly.

"Honestly..." she began, trying to rid the taste of the drink from her tongue, "I can't remember. I'm trying to but it's like all my memories of the past few days are all mixed up. Bits are missing and there's strange things I recall that I'm almost certain didn't actually happen..." she rubbed her head as she tried to think, the beginning of a headache starting to form. It was at that moment her Mother walked in, and after a little reminiscing, she left with Freya on what looked like a worrying note. Leanna turned to Cole but he had closed his eyes, head drooping a little as he began to sleep. She smiled and then bit her lip - no one would know, right? She got out of bed, a little shaky on her feet and took a few steps until she was next to him, and kissed his cheek lightly.

Blushing, she returned to her bed and tried her best to finish the bitter tea Freya had given her.

The Queen led Freya to a separate room, a private one that she was sure had no guards or even maids within. "I'm sure you're aware that Yeurna has been sending us threatening letters for a while now. They seem to be intent on war no matter what the cost" she scowled at the fireplace, "And now their trying to drag Leanna into all this mess, I've pressured her into marriage for a few months now. Even years before now, asking her to choose a husband - and yet when she agreed to marry that disgusting Prince I couldn't take it." The Queen let out a loud and irritated sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose, "I'm sorry Freya, please... what did you want to say?" She motioned for Freya to sit, and sat opposite, the fire creating a warmth that seemed to calm the tense atmosphere. Amelia knew that whatever Freya had to say it was to do with her long absence, and judging by her expression it wasn't pleasant or good news.

Cole had dropped his guard. His mother went on leaving him behind. Usually his senses would be sharp and notice if someone were to approach him, but his sickliness and tiredness were overpowering. Still he felt something touch his cheek. Something soft and warm. He lazily opened his eyes just to see Leanna scurry away, back to her bed. A little confused he bent forward, only observing her for now as she drank the bitter drink his mother had made. He couldn't help but chuckle a little at the faces she made while drinking. The taste must be pretty bad.

"How are you? Feeling any better?" He stood up walking over to her. "Where is your and my mother?" He wondered aloud as he looked around. He drowsily tried to rub his left eye awake, whilst his gaze fell upon the jewerly that lay there on the table. "Maybe I should confiscate this also..." He thought of bringing these gems away from her, so that she might no longer be affected by them. But somehow he knew, it wasn't going to be that easy. "I'm not handing you over to them, not without a fight." He gritted his teeth as he threw a killing glance at the jewerly, glenching his fist. They had almost taken away his mother. He wouldn't allow for something similiar to happen.

As Cole stared with pure hatred down at the table he suddenly was taken over by the itchy feeling in his throat, coughing into his fist as he turned away. "Sorry. Maybe I shouldn't be here afterall. I might infect you..." He gave her a long stare before he sighed. "Damn. Why now. I haven't been sick in so long. I hate it..." He coughed again, just a little emberassed feeling vulnerable. Cole went back to his own tea, hoping it would calm his throat. His head still felt hot and he would have loved to lie down somewhere and take a good rest, but couldn't as he still was worried over Leanna.

Freya felt awkward, a big lump in her throat as she listened to the queen. She never thought things would turn on her like that. She hoped to avoid it, but now there was no escaping, she had to confess. She calmly sat opposite of the queen and began to tell her the story. How she had went on to explore new areas with new herbs and medicine to discover, together with Meng and their dragons. She told her how suddenly her companion had turned on her and brought her into prison. At this point though Freya hesitated. She began to tremble slighty, slowly rolling up the sleeve of her dress, presenting the scars that had been inflicted on her body, but also soul. She bent down deeply as she held on tightly to her dress. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry..." Tears began to form in the corner of her eyes. "I told them almost all the secrets of our kingdom, so just they would stop the torture. I couldn't endure it. They know how to attack us best and how to defeat the dragons." Freya didn't dare looking up, cowering over her thighs, showing herself as a small and broken figure. She knew something like this was viewed as high treason and the punishments that might go along with it. But she couldn't keep quit anymore. Now that the enemy basically had invaded them allready.

Cole's voice made her jump a little, and she stared at him with a blush so dark she feared it made her look like a tomato. Did he notice? Without spilling her tea, she nodded, "Yes... a little, thank you." after another sip (and another grimace at it's taste) Leanna shifted herself so she was facing him. "They've gone to discuss the war." she said matter-of-factly. Weirdly, Leanna didn't remember any mention of war, only fear and rumour, yet something told her that it was happening whether anyone wanted it or not. "At least... I think so." As Cole motioned to the jewellery, Leanna felt her entire body pull forward, as if she was being physically moved by the stone.

She stared at it for a little while, eyes focused only on the purple stone that almost seemed to hum. She needed it. It was hers. And she needed it.

Her body began to move toward the gem when Cole's coughing seemed to snap her back into reality, like she had been somewhere else moments ago. He looked slightly pale and his cough sounded nasty. "Would you like to lie down?" she asked innocently, patting the space next to her on the bed. It was big enough to fit four people so she had no qualms about sharing. She smiled softly, the blush still on her face, "I'll look after you" and she patted the bed once more. "Come on, I won't take no for an answer. I won't make you get under the covers or anything."

Her emotions had been all over the place in just a few short days, as she looked at Cole those butterflies in her stomach returned, but there was a constant voice telling her that the Prince was a better choice and that he loved her. It made her feel sick. It was then she remembered the kiss she and Cole shared, and her heart jumped with a nervous excitement, the problem was that she didn't know if he felt the same way.

Amelia watched Freya go from a confident woman to a trembling girl in just a few seconds, and her heart ached. But as Freya began her story the Queen wasn't sure how to respond. This woman in front of her had technically given the enemy Androa's weakness, but could she blame her? Absolutely not. "My sweet friend..." she began, walking over and kneeling in front of her, Amelia took Freya's hands in her own and smiled up at her. "All is forgiven. The price for your freedom was great, but you've done only what you needed and it's nothing to feel guilty for." she wiped Freya's cheeks with a silken handkerchief.

"In any case, I think Yeurna would have found a way in whether you told them how or not." Amelia pulled a grimace and hesitated, "Freya, I know things are painful right now but... did you learn anything of our enemy?" The only thing they had on Yeurna right now was the warriors and their dragons, but if the enemy were using dragon magic then did they have any power at all? The army was small compared to the Kingdom's size, and although the walls were guarded, thick and well-maintained, it was hard to say if they would sustain war.

At the mention of war Coles features darkened. So there was no way around it. Sooner or later they will make their move more aggressive. Cole was deeply in though as he drank his tea. He thought of joining the army. Of course on his own free will, he intented to defend his homeland at every cost. Cole coughed half of his drink out as he heard Leannas suggestion. He wiped his mouth and turned around to her with an unsure expression. "Wha-" He was truthfully a little suprised that she invited him to lie down on her bed. Not that he had anything against it, but he couldn't help but remember the kiss and other thoughts came to mind. His flushed cheeks became a little redder and he looked away about to open his mouth and refuse. "I don't think I-" But quikly shut it when she didn't give him the option to refuse.

Cole gave Leanna a sideway glance before sighning. He downed the rest of the tea, before pulling off his coat and hanging it over a chair. He striped his boots off and walked over to the opposite side of the bed. "As you wish." He said curling his lips a little in a grimace, feeling a bit nervous. Cole lied down without another word, almost instantly closing his eyes. After a while he realized one thing. "God. Your bed is super comfortable. I'm jealous." He pressed his hands into the mattress wondering what it was made off to make it so soft.

No matter how hard he shut his eyes now he couldn't relax, not entirely. One arm on his stomach the other on his forehead Cole sunk into though once again. He couldn't help but feel something heavy pressing against his chest. All the uncertainties came rushing back lying heavy on his heart, or was it just the cold? He couldn't tell. "I'm sorry..." Cole said and coughed a little. "I came here selfishly thinking I could take you up on your offer, and cry on your shoulder." He opened his eyes a little, with a sad smile staring at the ceiling. "But you have your own share of problems. Besides we live in two different worlds." He sighed softly. "I wonder how many times you have allready cried. How many of those times might have been my fault." Cole remembered how unkind he had been to her and the first time seeing her cry once had made him feel so helpless. He probably wouldn't be a great help to comfort someone, he had no idea how to. He often had seen his mother cry havin no idea how to aid her in her sadness.

Cole turned his head a little looking at Leanna. There was a question that had been burning in the back of his head since he heard them read the letter. "You don't really... love the prince of Yeurna. Do you?" He paused, feeling a bit stupid for asking such a personal question. He quikly turned his head coughing. "Forget it." Resigning back to sleep, even though it seemed not to want to come to him.


Freya looked with suprise at the queen. She would be forgiven? A few more tears dropped down her cheek. "Your to kind my queen." She squeezed her hands in response, feeling endlessly grateful. A small gasp escaped her mouth when she was asked. "I-. I only heard bits and pieces from the guards. I don't know how much of it is true." She cleared her throat now talking with a bit more confidence. "It seems they have problems gathering men for their army. Many villages don't really agree with the policy of Yeurna." She paused trying to remember the exact detail, slight discomfort hushing over her face. "But... They kept saying it doesn't matter how many they will get, because they have the -Shaman-." She carefully said the name as if saying it alone would curse her. "I believe the person they call such is the one that makes those cursed items."

Freya thought for a while to herself. Magic is something that was barely known around the world. Only known in some fairy tales. "It must be some kind of ancient magic... Something that must have been lost between the generations." She mumbeled trying to figure out how to go against it. And truthfully an idea was forming in her head. "If I may make a suggestion, my friend. Before they make another move, we should try to get the information on how they perform such magic to find a counter. Maybe send out a small troup to infiltrate and get the information." Freya looked down unsure. She had no experience in battle strategies, this being the only thing she could think of. Either it would work and they could figure out a cure, or it could completly backfire on them. It was risky.

Leanna had offered the space on her bed so easily, it seemed natural to her as she often spent the night with Marie by her side. But as soon as Cole agreed, and began to remove his coat and shoes, that she realised what exactly she had done. And she blushed hard. He came and sat by her, although the bed was large it suddenly felt like it was too small - like he was too close. Her skin felt hotter as all the pieces fell together and she thought about what this might look like to someone if they happened to walk by, and yet... despite all the anxiety and nervous shaking, she was extremely happy.

After a little while, Cole commented on her bedding, and she laughed. "It's supposed to be some fancy materials from Midora or something.". There was a silence that seemed to eat away at her, after all the times they had talked openly, the way they had held each other, even kissed, it still seemed like there was a wall between them. Cole began talking, and she watched him carefully, but as he spoke she wasn't sure if he was talking to her, or more himself. He suddenly turned to her, making her eyes widen a little, before asking is she loved the Prince. "What?" she said flatly, unsure what he was talking about.

But the fog lifted blearily when she thought hard about recent events. "I-I did say that... didn't I?" Leanna's mind was still incredibly jumbled, it was hard to figure out when and what she had been saying to people. "I don't love him. Not one bit" she told Cole, determined to make him understand. There was a panic rising in her chest, what if he thought she loved the Prince? No, no! Please don't think that. But the words wouldn't come out; she was unsure of what to do. Her feelings for Cole were strong, and she wanted more when he had kissed her. Did she love him? Leanna moved her hand to her heart and tried to take a few deep breaths, a small smile on her lips. "There is someone though... Someone I think I've fallen for."

She breathed deeply, "He's a bit of a know-it-all, called me a few choice names when we first met. He's tall and handsome, but doesn't seem to care about his appearance much..." she looked at him from the corner of her eye, trying to gauge his reaction, "... He's very kind though, and he protects me. He's always there when I need him the most." Leanna sat her tea on the bedside table and leaned over Cole with a soft, warm expression on her face, she pushed her hair behind her ears and lifted his arm away from his forehead as she lent down to kiss it lightly. "And he's a big baby when it comes to getting sick"


Amelia nodded lightly and held Freya's hands, "My friend you must understand one more thing... although I am openly accepting of your actions, others may not be." She grimaced, trying not to hurt Freya any more than she already had been, "There are people who would call it treason, who would demand your head for these actions." The Queen pressed her palm on Freya's cheek. "Do not fear, we- I will protect you. But you must keep this a secret from everyone" Amelia then listened to Freya's story, about the Shaman and his magicks. It was fearful, how a country could have adopted such a mystical force, it didn't seem right. Her battle strategies were basic, but in this case it seemed like one of the best options. They'd have to be careful though, if Yeurna is dealing with unknown forces.

"You're right. And you're brave, Freya, I appreciate everything you've told me. And I'm so sorry you had to go through it all. I will talk to my husband when we are alone and we'll discuss the next stage." Amelia stood up, offering her had to her old friend, "Come now, we should check on our children." she couldn't stop the smirk that made it's way onto her face, "Goodness knows what those two are up to"