☾ Chapter Forty-Five ~ Nocturne ☽

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Nocturne and Aurora met Lady Surya in the Library. She was locked away in a private conference room, talking seriously with Asa about the current late spring freeze. Aurora and Nocturne couldn't hear what they were saying, of course, but the glass walls let them see easily in to the people debating within. A Scribe in the green-patterned robes of a Botanist nearby the two sorted through references with a nervous look on his face, occasionally offering one to either party at some unheard request or stood tall to recite some fact or theory.

A bodyguard that was waiting outside stepped forwards. "Lady Nocturne, Lady Aurora! Are you here to see the queen?" Nocturne nodded. "Can you wait, at all? I am sure one of the Scribes can help you find something you will enjoy, or find educational at least." This time, Nocturne shook her head. "I am afraid not. I believe this is a matter of even greater importance than frostbitten buds."

To this statement, the Guard tilted his head. "Very well. You know you are always welcome to visit Her Majesty." He shot Aurora a curious glance but didn't make a fuss. The guard stepped up to knock, but Nocturne shook her head with a smile and pulled a ring of keys from a concealed pocket.

"They still haven't noticed us. I wonder how long it will take them?"

The Guard smiled and nodded in understanding. He stepped aside. "Well then, good luck my lady."

The door swung open silently on new hinges. Conference rooms were small, so the edge of it nearly bumped into Surya's chair. Yet she still didn't notice. Asa did though, and she broke off her sentence to stare at them. "Nocturne? What are you doing here?"

Nocturne smiled and turned to close the door behind her as Aurora stepped through in turn. The air in the conference room smelled like tears and lamp oil. "Aurora! I didn't expect to see you for a week at least." Asa stepped forwards and wrapped her old friend in a hug, burying her face in, red hair, dark and stringy from moisture. It smelled of snow.

Asa pulled back in the cramped space and wiped the water off her face. "My apologies. Since you went to all the trouble of finding and interrupting us, I presume you have a rather pressing concern to address?" Her voice wasn't malicious in any way, nor did it give any sign that she would have been upset if the answer had been no. It was merely the tone of one who wanted to make sure she could cut to the heart of a matter as quickly and easily as possible.

Nocturne looked to Aurora, who nodded and sighed. "I'm afraid so, Asa." She glanced at the Scribe. "Would you mind if I asked for a private audience? Just you and Surya?"

Asa blinked, but not in a confused or startled way. It was more of a, 'how did I not already think of this?'  kind of blink. "Oh no, of course not!" the queen turned to the Scribe. "Nirit, would you mind leaving us for a moment?"

The Scribe bowed, his long brown hair fluttering in the still air like drooping dragonfly wings. "Of course not, your majesty. But if I may presume to ask, when- and would- you like me to return?"

Queen Asa hesitated and turned to Aurora. "Aurora, do you know how long this may take?"

Aurora shook her head. "Afraid not. It depends on the results of the conversation, really."

Asa nodded, seeming satisfied with that answer. Turning back to Nirit, she said, "Would you mind if I sent for you when we are ready? Naturally, it's alright if you have plans. I understand that a random call may not be totally agreeable with your schedule."

Nirit nodded and bowed again. "I am always available for your majesty's service." He hesitated. "However, if you could avoid calling me tomorrow, I would greatly appreciate it. You see, my cousin is getting married, and..." He stopped, flushing with embarrassment. Asa smiled. "Of course. Thank you for your help, Nirit. You may be excused."

Once the door had shut behind the scribe, the four were able to gather more comfortably. Lady Surya attempted to stand and offer her seat up, but Nocturne refused to let her.

"You'll probably want to be seated for this," Nocturne said quietly. Surya went pale. Those words were never accompanied by good news.

Even Aurora looked nervous. "Surya... Arun's sick. He's... He's dying."

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