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would have gone.”
    “Just for the entertainment?” he asked
incredulously.
    “ For everything.” Karina sighed. “I’m sick
of hiding just because I’m the foreigner here. And I wanted a
breather – away from...”
    At last, the truth was revealed. It was
understandable. He knew firsthand how Sara paid attention to the
people she cared for. The high priestess did not fuss. Her ability
to perceive every action you have made or will have done could keep
anyone on their toes. Sara’s impeccable comportment made temple
worshipers self-conscious of their behavior when faced before her.
Simply, no one wanted to be on the receiving end of the high
priestess’ displeasure.
    “ Enough about me. What did you tell Aly and
the others?” Karina asked.
     
     

Chapter 10
Karina
     
     
    She didn’t tell Arturion that Kelor-dan had hosted a feast to celebrate her
arrival in Merleina. The prince had been a gracious host, attentive
to her needs and comfort. He even played a string instrument to the
delight of the Court and had led her through several complicated
dances. For the first time in days, she enjoyed herself that Karina
had completely forgotten about Kala.
    The Devatas called her Liyanna, a being of
light and air, yet born of earth. The prince’s eyes had shone at
the pet name. Kelor-dan had helped her come out of her shell. She
had felt truly at one with herself and with everything.
    He delivered his promise to take her back to
Merleina at sundown. Before he left her, Kelor-dan had kissed her
on the forehead and extracted a promise not to forget him.
    Reality returned when Kala almost tackled
her on the path, hugging and sobbing, asking if she was alright.
Sara followed slowly with eyes full of knowing. Right behind the
high priestess, Sola had the look of surprise again. At her daring
to break Sara’s rule; risking herself by attending her own
celebration; or, for having Kelor-dan accompany her? It would
remain a mystery to Karina.
    Arturion, however, only blinked once when
she told him about the prince. She had thought he would scold her
for her lack of self-preservation. In return, she would accuse him
of leaving her behind in a world she barely knew. Nothing had gone
according to plan. The moment he walked into the archives, she was
relieved to see him alive and well. The longing in his eyes when he
picked up the vial was her final undoing. All her prepared speeches
for the day she came face-to-face with him vanished.
    Karina had asked him as casually as possible about her sister and
friends. The reaction it created filled her with apprehension.
Arturion had flinched at Aly’s name.
    “Arty, what did you tell her?”
    His tanned face had gone a few shades lighter.
    Did Aly do something to
him? she wondered. Her
sister had a fiery temper and could scare off even the toughest
man. Aly’s knowledge of the law didn’t help. She had the habit of
spouting it to those who had offended her and her loved
ones.
    She remembered his expression when he told
her about Merleina in her living room. He was wearing it now.
Slowly, he recounted the events to her – his encounter with a
drone, the assistance of the Black Guards, and her
funeral.
    “They’re alright, then. As long as I’m…”
    “That is correct. The Guards are keeping an
eye on the situation. They will do so until the danger has truly
passed. Your family and friends are currently under surveillance,
as we speak.”
    Arturion wasn’t hiding anything anymore
nor did he defend his decisions and actions from her. She had met
him as a foreigner and became his friend. Now, she saw him in a
different light. He had donned the mask of a Gate Keeper fulfilling
his job. The manner he used as he told her the details was similar
to how an officer would report to his superior.
    Her home was gone, along with the people she
had loved all her life. The Arty she had known for the past two
years had ceased to exist. The dutiful Gate Keeper had replaced
him.
    “ Thank you,