Chapter 28

After spending the night in the forest, Keira led the others to the bridge to Suikara's kingdom.

"Geez, this bridge is so long; how did they even make it?" Fiona asked. "Never mind having such a massive kingdom on an island!" Fiona rolled the carriage window down and stuck her head out, enjoying the cool breeze. "Yup, prefer this over the heat."

"Figured this might be getting too cold for you," Rui said, thinking about the town on the other side of the mountain. "You liked the weather back there."

"And this is the perfect temperature."

"Until one of those cold fronts comes in and the place turns freezing," Keira said. Last time I was here, it snowed all day.

"What are the chances that will happen at this time of year?"

"Here? The weather can completely change within a few minutes."

"That sounds... terrifying..." Fiona rolled her window back up. "Wouldn't want snow to get in here if it started suddenly," she mumbled to herself.

"Are you trying to scare her?" Rui asked.

"No, why would I do that?" Keira frowned. I guess snow is scary for people not used to it? It doesn't snow a lot in Matsu. "You of all people know it can happen."

"Yeah, I guess, but that doesn't mean it's the norm."

By the time they made it across the bridge, two guards stood in front of their group.

Weird, there's no line-up like usual.

"State your name, business, and provide ID," the guard in a blue, woolly military coat on the right said.

"ID?" Rui rubbed his chin, remembering how they didn't need anything the last time they visited.

The guard on the left in the same garments elbowed his companion. "That's the Ice Queen and the king of Tanten."

His eyes widened, and they both bowed. "What are we supposed to do here? We're not supposed to let people from other kingdoms in right now, are we?" he whispered to his co-worker.

"But if it's those two, I don't think it's the same."

"How can we be certain they aren't look-alikes?"

"Even the carriage has the royal symbol of Matsu on it."

What's with this nonsense? Something must've happened if they're vetting people.

"I don't carry ID on me, but shall I give proof of who I am?" Keira asked, her eyes glowing.

"No, no, no!" They both held their hands up and backed away a few steps. "We believe who you are."

"Since you're officials from our allying kingdoms, we shall allow you inside, though we must ask your business first and let our Queen know." The one on the left gestured for the guard sitting inside the post to inform the queen.

The guard bowed to them, hopped up on his horse, which waiting beside the guard post, and took off for the castle far in the back.

"Does that mean we have to wait out here for him to get back before we're allowed in?" Aria asked. "Not very... efficient, if you ask me."

Rui leaned closer to her. "Maybe don't annoy the guards that could turn us away," he whispered, and she rolled her eyes.

"Excuse me," Keira called out to them.

Both guards turned back to her and saluted.

"Did something happen recently to cause some sort of lockdown?" Keira asked.

The guards looked at each other again and nodded. "A few months back, someone tried to attack our seal, despite it being way out in the water. They didn't break it, but we were never able to figure out who did it. We've been keeping most people out as a precaution. Please understand."

"I get it."

"Tanten was attacked as well, but it happened more recently than the attack on you," Malik said. "Our seals were completely destroyed, though they've been mostly fixed since then."

Their eyes widened. "It broke?"

"Are there demons?"

"How'd you fix it?"

They turned to each other again. "It might be good to know how to fix it, in case it ends up broken again someday."

"If your kingdom had your seal attacked, it's even more likely they'll come back for ours."

So they were attacked, too? Does that mean ours was the last? But they attacked here and gave up? What in the world is going on?

"Maybe we should just let them in," the guard on the left suggested.

The guard on the right nodded. "Yes, but we'll have to investigate to know how many people are in your group, along with their names."

"Fine."

---

By the time they were let in, the third guard came galloping back. "Her Majesty has allowed their entry, and requests your immediate presence," he said as he stopped back by his post.

It's no wonder no one is around when it takes this long for entry...

"Okay." Keira nodded to him. "We'll head there right away."

"Should we escort them?" the guard on the right asked.

"They know the way." The one on the left stepped out of the way.

"If you say so."

"Thank you." Keira led them into the kingdom of Suikara, filled with rivers, fountains, and canals everywhere.

"I'm going to say water is probably one of their foundational elements," Aki said, and glanced at Aria.

He's right; if their seals broke, Aria could probably help, though I might be able to fix it.

"Not many people around," Malik commented, looking down each alleyway as they went. "Only a few here and there..."

"I think people are spooked and trying to stay inside. I guess someone going after their seals would stand out more with fewer crowds," Keira suggested. "But it can't be good for anyone to be stuck inside for too long..."

Fiona peeked out the window, her eyes widening as she spotted all the jewellery and fancy clothes in the store windows. "Oh gosh, it's such a shame it's all closed. I'd love to shop... even if I don't really get to buy anything."

"Maybe we can come back here after everything's settled," Rui suggested, smiling as he watched her.

Is Rui into shopping now or what?

A chill ran down Keira's spine, and her head whipped around, searching for the source.

I can't tell where it's coming from.

She glanced back at Fiona, but she had her hands on the carriage windows as she stared at all the shops.

Doubt she's paying enough attention to tell if something is here already.

Keira took a deep breath and tried to focus on their surroundings as she kept them moving.

"Something wrong?" Malik asked. "You seem... distraught."

"Just keep your eyes peeled and ears open, please."

"Got it."

They went around the giant fountain in the middle of the kingdom, which was big enough to swim in and had a statue of Queen Isla.

"She almost looks like the legendary mermaid from fairy tales," Aki muttered, eyes wide as he stared at the statue.

I've seen her move in water; she might be the legend.

When they eventually made it to the castle in the back, the gates were open with a tall blonde lady wearing a crown and blue gown adorned with crystal-clear jewels, waiting for them with a few guards and servants around.

"Welcome, Keira, King Malik, and friends, to my kingdom." She opened her arms. "I, Queen Isla, invited you in." She turned to the side and motioned for them to enter. "My assistants will take your horses—"

"Thank you, but I need to see my horse to the stable myself," Keira said, patting Sora's mane.

"Of course, I forgot about that. Please see them to the stables safely." Isla sent her assistant in a white tunic with them.

The stables off to the side had gold trimmings with vibrant jewels lining them.

Always a bit much to take in.

"I love this place," Fiona said as she got out of the carriage. "It's so pretty!" She clasped her hands in front of her over her chest and spun around.

"I guess you like jewels." Rui chuckled as he watched her.

"What girl doesn't?"

Rui glanced at Keira, who shoved him as she walked back the other way toward the entrance. "Hey! I didn't say anything."

"You didn't have to," Keira huffed. He's right, but still...

"It's a shame you don't like jewels, but it doesn't surprise me," Malik said, walking in step beside her. "Although it does make me wonder what you do like."

Keira frowned as nothing came to mind. "Sora. I like Sora."

"Ah... I know that, but does that mean you'd want another horse like her? A companion for her? I can arrange that. If you meant you want accessories for her, I can do that too."

"Malik."

"Yes, my Queen?"

"Stop calling me that and don't worry about giving me anything. I'm fine. I have all I need. Please focus on the task at hand."

"Right, of course."

Aki's staying in the back again? What's going on? She glanced back at him behind Rui and Fiona. Did I do something to upset him? What could it be? Keira sighed. It's me; it could be anything. She shook off thoughts of Aki and followed Isla's assistant into the castle to the throne room in the back with velvet curtains, fancy thrones and vases, and paintings on the walls.

"Now, shall I ask why you and your friends are here?" Isla looked at each of them. "Quite an array of people for you, isn't it?"

"Yes, which probably speaks to how dire the situation is."

Keira and Malik explained to her what happened in their kingdoms, along with their worry for hers and their search for a proper fix.

"I'm afraid if Tanten didn't have the information on it, my kingdom likely won't either. I'm sorry. We have already been taking precautions after our seal was attacked, but with your warning, I'm thinking we'll double down on security. I wish I could be more help, but you'll have to look elsewhere for answers. If you need anything, let me know, as I'm sure I'd like the information, too. For now, please enjoy a meal and stay at the castle. We'll talk more tomorrow."

Her assistant popped up beside them. "Please follow me. I'll lead you to your rooms while food is being prepared."

"Thank you," Keira said and followed them. If there are no answers here, where can we go?