* a spoiler to a starter series; if you do not enjoy spoilers, don't read <3 * ~~~ Normani stared at the woman who was her teacher. Was. Now she was the Queen in a white and metallic red long-sleeved ball gown with cold shoulders and silver stitching with a white and red mantle. A silver circlet dripping in rubies laid nicely on her head. She said nothing, eyebrows knit together. Though Normani hadn't seen her for a long time, she composed herself. She couldn't (and wouldn't) lose her head when the war was still happening. While Burina's body was probably cold, and Akaira's head was disconnected from her shoulders. All of it outside of the fancy castle walls, while Inyusoka stared out the window, probably wondering what to do. Normani still couldn't believe she had taken the wrong turn. Sabina was panting next to her, struggling to breathe- probably remembering what happened to her twin. There were still tears tracked down her face- but she put on a brave face. The Superior Royal Guard surrounded Inyusoka's throne- and they wouldn't let the girls get close, despite Normani's dangerous hip injury, the dagger had barely missed her stone, and now there was just pain there, her heart beating harder than it should. "Leave us." The Queen clipped at her guards, who hesitated before obeying. The sword and staff remained in their cases, but Inyusoka was issued a broad, pearly sword with opals inlaid in it- being the temporary Queen. She sighed, her eyes finding the ceiling before she said, "You took a wrong turn," Though there was no reprimand in her tone, it was obvious she knew what was happening. The sad look in her eyes said that she knew what happened to the other two. "Come on. Let's get you two to the healing quarters." ~~~ "You were supposed to go to the Second Province?" Inyusoka's eyebrows raised, "How did you end up in the center of the kingdom?" It wasn't really a question. It was obvious enough, but Normani was getting mended, the laceration slowly disappearing. "Yeah..." Sabina sighed. "It's a good idea- who came up with it, Kuroe?" She sat down. "It was Aero." Normani joined the conversation, groaning lightly. She would never admit it, but she missed him. Her memory flashed to when the groups were about to depart, the way she ended up allowing a tear to roll down her face anyways. Even when she practically threw herself in his arms, when he said nothing- still wrapping his arms around her in silence. 'Why? I've treated you with nothing but indifference...' He transmitted into her mind. But she didn't know, either- "Normani." She snapped her head up, eyes wide. "Have you gotten any Intel on the human methods?" Normani paused, expression grim, "...They know how to kill us..."
