Chapter 3 - The Lady and Her Maid

The group reassembled in the secret cave, their human forms restored. The strategist took a step forward, her cheeks heated from the thrill of combat. "The war has been won” she said with a contented smile tugging up the edges of her mouth, the others gave a nod of agreement. As usual, the princes would take all the credit. No one would ever understand the actual force behind the princes successes, but word would travel throughout the kingdom that they had defeated their enemies once more. The meeting was dismissed, and the women began to disperse, each walking back to their respective lives in the kingdom. Only the three leaders remained behind, soaking in the chilly air of the cave. The sorceress, Lycoria glanced at the other two, her expression serious as always, “You should head back now,” she said softly, addressing the leader of combat whose body was still radiating the force of the struggle, nodded. “I must return to my chambers. There is still work to be done” she said and glanced at the others, exchanging a silent farewell before turning to depart. As she made her way out of the cave and into the forest beyond, her pace quickened. The underground routes brought her back to the palace, where she would rejoin the world of monarchy, politics, and the unspoken rules of court. At the entrance of her private apartments, her maid awaited her, a look of concern on her face. “My lady, you’re wounded,” the maid remarked calmly, observing the bloodstains on her sleeve. “I’m aware,” she said, her voice worn out but still strong, “But I can’t rest now, I must go to the grand hall, they will be expecting my presence at the feast” The maid sighed but nodded, running to help Aryana change out of her military apparel. She chose a royal gown, the rich fabric flowing over her frame, concealing the wounds beneath. Her maid tucked her hair down, careful not to disturb the bandages hastily put beneath the gown’s sleeves. Moments later, she marched into the vast hall where the feast for the princes was in full swing. The sound of laughter and clinking goblets filled the air. Kian leaped from his chair at the sight of his sister and went to embrace her. “Brother!” she said, putting her arms around him quite firmly. “Hello little sister” he said as hoisted her off the ground and spun her around. “I've missed you! I'm so glad you're back!” Aryana smiled, joy spreading across her face. “I am glad to be back” he said Alpha Kaveh gestured with his hand for the celebration to resume as they made their way back to the table. Aryana briefly let herself enjoy the comforting companionship of her siblings and the well-known happiness of being with family. However, the dull pain of her wounds quickly returned to her consciousness. She nodded subtly as she looked at her maid, who was standing quietly next to the hall's entrance. “I think I'll head to my chambers for a bit" “You’re leaving already? You just arrived!” Alpha Kaveh scowled, “I understand, but I'm not feeling well," she said, her cheeks starting to flush a little. She leaned to his ears, smiling slightly and whispered, "It's a woman thing” “Ah, I see. Very well then” he said Understanding Aryana's subtle cue, the maid nodded back, and with that, they departed the grand hall. Aryana's smile faded as soon as they were out of sight, and she finally gave in to the day's anguish and tiredness, leaning on her maid for support. The maid muttered hastily, “We must properly tend to those wounds” “I understand," Aryana said, gritting her teeth. “Let's return to my chambers first, though” Once they were in her chambers, her maid locked the doors and Aryana undressed to reveal her wounds, “Alright Veloria, have it treated” she said. With her body still hurting from the wounds she had received in the combat, Aryana relaxed back on the padded chair in her room and winced. Veloria, hovered close by, using a gentle towel soaked in medicinal herbs to gently dab at the wound on Aryana's arm. “You must rest, my lady” Veloria whispered with a worried tone, “On their own, these wounds won't heal” “"I understand, Veloria," Aryana groaned, fatigue weighing heavily on her eyelids, “But then, there isn't any time to relax, not when another conflict is about to break out in the realm” Veloria made a tiny line with her lips, obviously wanting to dispute but not wanting to. She kept working quietly while tending to Aryana's wounds, her hands calm. A harsh knock sounded in the room while Veloria was wrapping Aryana's arm. Veloria's eyes widened in fear as she froze. Fear crept into Aryana's chest, causing her heart to miss a beat for a brief period. At this hour, a knock could only indicate trouble. Veloria's attention then turned to the far side of the room, where a secret door was hidden behind a tapestry. “It’s the secret door,” Veloria whispered, “It could only be one person”