Accidental meetings

Minnah and the others approached the healing house after crossing the waterfall and passing the cave.

Gladly, Lokhas was not there. Otherwise, he would have wondered how they knew the hidden entrance. The healing house had two parts. One was open to an urban area in Lisdonia and the hidden part was always kept a secret. It had a history of centuries. Only the most talented and trustworthy students got the opportunity just to know that a hidden part existed. One of them would become the next head of the healing house. The hidden part had served as a way of escaping to the Lisdonian royal family since it was built.

Kvahiya was a bit surprised to see the Strians, but she expected someone to come for Gianna.

“Minnie!” That was Minnah’s nickname among her seniors.

“Emse Kvahiya, it’s glad to see you again. Did Ginger come here?” Minnah uttered while observing around. Minnah and Kvahiya continued the conversation in Hesmian because there was a risk that the other students might hear them.

“Yes, she came. Not once but twice!”

“Why?”

“She’s had a large cut on her belly and chest. It wasn’t that deep.”

“Did she come alone?” Lia asked.

“No, the first time I found her unconscious in that abandoned temple with the Hesmian crown prince and…”

“Wait, she was with the crown prince?” Minnah felt relieved that Gianna was not alone.

“Yes, the second time the prince brought another guy called…um… Amell.”

“Oh, Amell Bertillon.”

“Listen, Minnie. Gianna’s condition is serious. She won’t wake up for days if her immunity is weak. You must find her. Ugh! I shouldn’t have sent her alone with them! They seemed nice but they were men anyway.”

Even though Kvahiya did not know where the Hesmians were headed, she guessed that they might have left for Nemphitre.

“It’s not Sesiil for sure. Sesiil is not on good terms with Hesmia. So, it’s obviously either Mekanquo or Nemphitre. Most probably Nemphitre, because of the similarities they have with Hesmians.”

Minnah and the others agreed. Then, they left looking for Gianna.

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Danyel, Gianna, and the Hesmians were slowly reaching Nemphitre. Amell was a bit upset that he could not provide horses for the prince and the princess. Though Gianna’s wounds were not healed yet, she refused to be carried by a man and insisted on walking on her own.

As Nemphitre was the easiest guess for anyone, Danyel decided to trick the enemies. For that, the Hesmian soldiers were divided into two unequal groups. The smaller group was leaving fake trails on the way to Mekanquo while the bigger group was erasing all the trails that they had left on the way to Nemphitre.

The group that was headed to Nemphitre divided into smaller groups and entered Nemphitre at different times as merchants. They roamed the main marketplace of the Nemphitish capital and kept searching for places to stay.  

Suddenly, a tall and muscular man blocked Danyel’s path.

“Danyel?”

“Oh, Rej! You startled me!”

It was none other than the crown prince of Nemphitre- disguised as a civilian. He was on a mission to find real information about how the ordinary folk’s lifestyle changed after the launch of the new taxation system. Both of the princes recognized each other regardless of being disguised. They had spent their teenage years together in the Elville Mountains. Prince Rej knew Amell as well.

“Whoa! Bertillon, you’re here too. Who’s this beauty?” Rej glanced at Gianna.

Gianna bowed to him but did not like how he called her.

“She’s…um…my…my cousin.” Danyel stuttered.

After discussing the current situation, Rej agreed to offer Danyel a secret meeting with his mother- the Queen. Until then, he asked Danyel to stay in a monastery that was located a few miles away from the capital.

The monks were calm and friendly. They treated the Hesmians very well, showing off their brilliant hospitality. They did not question who the guests were or where they came from. To the monks, the race did not matter.

Gianna was given a separate chamber and some treatments for her wounds. She took a tour around the monastery. After a moment, she met Amell.

“Are you alright?” Amell observed her appearance thoroughly.

“Yes, all good, except for the bleeding.” Gianna seemed a bit exhausted.

“Why? What’s wrong? Didn’t they treat your wounds properly?” Amell panicked. Gianna stared at him in a weird way.

“I’m on my period!”

Amell blushed. It was very rare for a Hesmian to hear a girl speaking openly about her period because Hesmian girls never did that. But for Gianna- who grew up on an all-female island, it was as common as gossiping. Period products such as cotton cloth pieces were displayed outside of the markets in Stri.

“You… you shouldn’t talk about it with men, Gianna,”

“Why? Everyone knows that it exists. Don’t believe stupid myths, Amell.” They walked towards the main entrance where they saw Prince Rej talking with the chief monk in the distance.

“I don’t like that guy. I bet he’ll get thousands of concubines when he becomes king.” Gianna uttered. Amell laughed.

“Because he called you ‘Beauty’? Hahaha.”

“I found it offensive. How could he flirt with a girl he just met?” She was a bit angry.

“He was always like that. When we were in the Elville Mountains, there was no sight of a girl. So he badly wanted the training to end, just to meet girls and be with them.”

Just then, Rej’s gaze met Gianna’s. He winked at her. Gianna glared at him and left. On her way, she met Danyel. Though Gianna smiled at him nicely, he ignored her and looked away. Gianna went to her chamber wondering what was wrong.

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Queen Mia- the queen regnant of Nemphitre agreed to meet Danyel. She decided that the monastery was the best venue for the secret meeting. She arrived with crown prince Rej, the chief of the army, and some bodyguards. She knew that helping Danyel would be beneficial in the future if he became the emperor of Hesmia one day. Also, not getting on the bad side of Remington was important too. Therefore, Queen Mia wanted to keep everything confidential.

Danyel had Amell, Gianna, and some soldiers beside him.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet me, your majesty. When I become the emperor, your majesty will be the first one to get rewards.” Danyel spoke extremely politely.

“Hesmia and Nemphitre were always great friends since the past. Indeed, I didn’t stand with your father when he was caught planning to invade Lisdonia. But I’m willing to help you because I remember how Emperor Dheema helped us in need as a true friend.” Queen Mia uttered.

“Your Majesty, first we need a place to stay. Then I expect your support to strengthen our military power because the number of soldiers I currently have with me is very low.”

Queen Mia seemed like she had something in her mind. She nodded in agreement. Then she shifted her gaze to Gianna. She loved to see girls who got involved in politics and warfare.

“Who is she?”

Danyel glanced at Gianna. Why was everyone asking about her?

“She’s…”

Before Danyel even said anything, Queen Mia interrupted.

“Wait, is she your wife, by any chance?”

Danyel felt uncomfortable. Seeing his expressions, Gianna decided to speak.

“Let me introduce myself, your majesty. I am Gianna of Werto. Daughter of King Edgar. As the wedding rituals were not completed, we do not consider ourselves married.”

Queen Mia loved Gianna’s confidence.

“But you look like a Hesmian.” She said doubtfully.

“Actually, I’m half-Hesmian, your majesty. My mother is princess Artha of Hesmia.”

“Whoa! No way! You’re Artha’s daughter? How could I not know that?! Ah yes, I remember that she married some prince from a not-so-famous kingdom. But I didn’t hear anything about her after that.”

Gianna smiled nervously. Talking about her mother made her feel sad and happy at the same time.

“We were very close friends. Your mother and I went to the same etiquette academy back then. No wonder you’ve grown into such a great young woman. You’re her daughter. I’m saying you are great because you’re still standing by his side even when you could easily slip away.”

Danyel wondered how the political discussion turned into a ladies’ sweet talk. However, Queen Mia became more interested in helping Danyel after talking with Gianna.

“You can stay in where your great aunt- Princess Dheera lived with her husband. As they had no children, their house was abandoned. I think it would be big enough for all of you if used wisely. I will provide you with food and weapons. And I’ll give you some of our soldiers. Communicate with me through them. Especially you, Gianna, let me know if you want anything.”

Danyel and Gianna thanked the queen for her generosity and prepared to leave the monastery. After the queen left, Rej came to Danyel and demanded him to discuss a serious matter.