Reunion

Michael looked at me in surprise; this news unsettled me as well. After all, since she'd sent me here for three months, I'd assumed there was at least that much time left, especially if the princess decided to use the potential information I could provide. Why now? Perhaps she'd noticed Renet's disappearance, and now both she and Michael had a real reason to attack—he for breaking the agreement, she to get her brother back. The king quickly analyzed the situation and pressed a key into my hands.

"Do you know where the cells are?" he asked the messenger, who nodded uncertainly in response and pointed at me. "Just take him there, and then go straight to the medic; I can see you're bleeding." I looked at him in surprise, but all I got in return was a worried smile. "You were right, I can't order you around, but I hope we'll see each other again soon."

He ran out a moment later, and I asked the messenger to lead me and actually find the medic as quickly as possible, especially since I suspected it was only a matter of time before chaos broke out. I gripped the key tighter, unable to believe this was actually happening. Even though I hadn't seen Renet in so long, thinking about him so much, it dawned on me that I didn't really know what to say to him… I didn't want to rush the wounded man, so I barely refrained from suggesting anything, as I was pressed for time. He must have been more shocked than I was, because he simply followed my instructions, showed me the way, and disappeared. I was afraid of what state I would find Renet in, how he would react, and how I would react, and I was so eager for this meeting.

Before opening the lock, I hesitated, but then I realized I hadn't gone through all this to retreat now. Renet was standing by the small opening with bars, trying to figure out what was happening, and I could already hear a lot from the field where the troops had been stationed. He turned toward me, and I saw his knees weaken at the sight of me. Almost the same thing happened to me, but I somehow managed to stop myself from falling.

"Kyo, what's going on?" he asked, terrified. I saw him keeping his distance despite himself, afraid to approach me.

"Your sister attacked," I said, taking a few steps closer. How our relationship would develop now depended on my decisions and actions and whether I had misinterpreted Renet's behavior.

"When?" He was clearly in shock and began to shake with nerves. "She didn't plan it so soon, no, no, no… but today is her birthday. It would be possible."

I rolled my eyes. The two of them really did think so much alike that I was only thinking about how well they were matched. There's nothing like conquering another country as a birthday present.

"She's clearly deceived everyone, but we don't have time for that," I said in a disgusted tone, but I also had other things on my mind. "How do you feel? How did they treat you? Tell me the truth." I didn't know if I could allow myself such a gesture as hugging him, even though I was very tempted. However, I felt the need to explain myself. "I wanted to see you, but Michael, I mean, the king, wouldn't let me, and I was constantly guarded..."

He sighed with relief and smiled broadly, even if it looked a bit grotesque, considering he hadn't managed to transform into his human form. I realized I'd wanted to hug him and hadn't even noticed, and besides, it didn't bother me. Love truly is blind, but I felt Renet was holding back; he began to retreat into the shadows.

"Michael was here. I was afraid you already hated me and that he would tell you the truth about your arrival," he said in a saddened tone.

"I won't deny it was a shock, but nothing had changed between us." I still couldn't express my feelings, but I smiled to reassure him.

The sounds outside were getting louder, so I decided it might be best if we took cover, and staying in a cell might seem too suspicious to some. Not to mention I was already a target.

"Could you, you know?" It was hard to choose my words so as not to offend him and make him think I didn't like him in this form. "Transform into a human?"

"Of course, but I'm a bit weakened, so I don't know how long I can maintain it." He forestalled me. I looked away. Before me stood the version of Renet I knew by appearance, and much better. "Does my true form bother you much?"

"I just need some time to get used to it."

He didn't seem to believe me, but there was no time to convince him. I hoped I'd gain enough of it in the near future. I grabbed Renet's hand and pulled him outside. A quick glance around; most of the troops were already on their way. I didn't envy Michael and felt a little sorry for him for not being able to fulfill the plans he had planned so thoroughly and for which he had prepared for so long. Besides, he no longer had time to organize the march, and I could only imagine how chaotic this one must have been.

I was afraid of how far the princess had managed to get. I thought of Wanda and Wilhelm; after all, they lived so close to the wall. Even if we ultimately didn't like each other, that didn't mean they deserved to lose their possessions, let alone their lives. I suspected the princess's march would be rather ruthless. Visions began to flood my mind again, but I had to stop; at that moment, I couldn't afford any panic attacks.

We hid for a while, watching to see if anyone else was wandering around the campsite. I didn't know why, but I wanted to have my weapon with me; I just hoped it was where I'd left it. Of course, I couldn't bring it into the palace, but I suspected Gregory would just use the opportunity to get rid of me. I kept my grip on Renet's hand, afraid I'd lose him again, and I didn't even notice when he reverted to his natural form, exhausted from maintaining the human one. I felt a little confident with the weapon in my hand. Still, I hoped I wouldn't have to use it on anyone, human or Dragonid, but I preferred some form of self-defense.

"Do you know how to use this?" he asked, concerned when he saw what I was looking for and how relieved I was that the crossbow had finally found its owner.

"Yes, and I am quite good," I said, not expecting approval. He guessed the weapon's purpose. "Now, we have to decide what to do next."