The Matriarch's Daughter

Chapter Eleven: Gamma's Distress

In the weeks that followed, things for different for Thepa. From the moment she hobbled away into the night to the time they returned to the overrun outpost, every member of the team obediently followed her orders, whether they wanted to or not. At first, everything was awkward. They treaded around her, like a youngling carrying an egg. She caught their glances, saw the hesitation in their steps, but it didn't matter. As long as they followed her lead, she was content. If she had to bring out the fire inside her to put them back in line, she would do it, not that she knew how she did it in the first place.

Over time, things changed. Camaraderie improved. They laughed more, argued less. The invisible walls that once divided them began to crumble. She noticed it in the small things: how Rory shared a joke during long night watches or how Bidant loosened his rigid posture. In a strange, unexpected way, she even began to think of them as friends.

Currently, Thepa stood behind the Archduke, surveying the Senate Hall. It was the busiest she had ever seen it, each nation's leader seated around the table and their representatives from the team standing behind them. In front of her the Archduke turn to Mistress Deeprabbit on his left, who was smiling at him mischievously. Thepa didn't know what the look represented, but if the rumors about their secret tryst were true, she would bet her beret that it had something to do with it.

Behind Mistress Deeprabbit stood Claudia at attention, stoic as ever. Despite weeks of exhausting missions that had left the team dirty and tired, Claudia had managed to find time to clean her armor, which currently shone in the dim light of the room.

Next to the Mistress sat President Skydane, with Will standing behind him. Since the outpost incident, Will had undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding his snobbish and aloof attitude for a more helpful, considerate, and attentive demeanor. Once, he surprised everyone by joining Rory in a duet during one of her songs, his enchanting voice drawing the entire team into the melody, herself included. At the end of it, Thepa couldn't help but wonder if, in another life, he would have wielded a lute instead of a sword.

Across the table, the Matriarch sat, her gaze fixed on Thepa. As important as this meeting was for Thepa and the team, in that moment, all Thepa wanted to know was what her mother was thinking.

Sister Vivian, the least changed of the group, stood behind the Matriarch. After the outpost incident, Thepa had hesitated but finally asked her if she had spoken to their mother about her outburst. Vivian's answer had been a simple shake of the head, followed by a small smile.

"But maybe I should," she added. "It would make your mother proud." Thepa couldn't fathom the idea of her mother being proud of her, but Sister Vivian's words brought a glimmer of hope to her heart.

Next to her mother was King Starmoon, bored as usual, Bidant standing behind him. Of the five, Bidant had changed the most since their encounter at the outpost. Before, he had been skiddish and tense, but now he exuded poise and grace. He even took on a more proactive role in planning their missions, often coming up with brilliant ideas that led to successful outcomes. The last plan of his they executed was so successful, Thepa doubted there was a better way to do it.

However, her attention was drawn to Gildie, whose presence worried her greatly. The loss of his support would not only be a blow to the team, but also to her friendship with his daughter Lily. The two of them had grown close since the incident. In the aftermath, Lily had apologized to Thepa. Since then, it was not uncommon to find her in Thepa's quarters or training with Claudia. One night, Lily had confided in Thepa about the difficulties she faced growing up in Swampspell, a sentiment that resonated within her. Lily might have been Gildie's daughter, but no one ever took it easy on her.

Finally, the Archduke spoke, "Are we missing one?"

Thepa almost smirked. She had already informed the Archduke the previous evening of Rory's whereabouts, so she knew he was asking for the benefit of the crowd. She was about to answer when Mistress Deeprabbit beat her to it. "The priestess is on assignment for Wildehaven." It wasn't entirely accurate, but it would suffice.