Imprisoned in the Orinovan priori labs, Ainreth undergoes torturous treatments daily in an attempt to crack the code to lightweaver creation. Things seem hopeless, until unlikely allies join his side to help him.
Meanwhile back home in Lys-Akkaria...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Yarima was so intensely relieved that Neven was on their side now. Not only because it made it much easier going forward with deposing the queen with a powerful ally and a national hero, but also because Denir had been truly torn up about fighting Neven about this and not having him agree that their mother was evil.
Yarima hadn't expected the Daybreaker to be the source of this realization, but she was certainly not mad about it.
But now they had to devise a plan. Denir had gone off to be around the queen to hopefully get further information about the rebels, while Yarima and Neven planned what to do.
"Perhaps I could volunteer for a mission to find the rebels and deal with them. That would allow me to discuss this with them directly," Neven suggested, humming.
He was being very focused, but his eyes were still filled with regret. When left to his own devices, Yarima had caught Neven staring sadly into space, clearly agonizing over his past. But she and Denir would help him get through that.
"I don't think kralevna would let you leave the palace what with Notsisyk in our country," Yarima said, shaking her head. "And I also don't think it would be a good idea for you to meet with them. No offense."
"You think they wouldn't listen?" Neven asked, scowling. He looked a bit offended even. It was highly amusing.
"To the symbol of Orinovo's oppression and threat against their country? No, I don't think so." Yarima greatly enjoyed the unamused look Neven gave her then.
"I only wanted to protect my country. Just like them. They should see that," he said, scowling.
"But they will probably panic if they see you fly in. And I can't go because my mother won't let me leave without good reason," Yarima said, sighing. "And even if I could manage to talk my way into this, kralevna would be suspicious of my interest in this. I haven't earned her trust enough for her not to be suspicious of every single move I make."
Yarima thought harder, Neven growing silent and frowning pensively.
"It seems we will have to involve someone else. But anyone from my ranks who I have suspected of not being as loyal as they should be...." Neven hums, grimacing, no doubt agonizing over his former believes again. "Well, they would not believe I changed. They would think it is a trick. I was....very fanatical."
Yarima patted his shoulder. "You just commit really strongly. And this was something you believed since you were a child."
Neven sighs, his shoulders sinking, though he didn't move away from her touch. Yarima squeezed his shoulder. "Apologies. I will not distract us with my regrets."
Yarima scowled at him, not willing to compromise here on anything. "No, you will distract us. I command it."
"It is not important," Neven said, avoiding her eyes.
