Author's Note: A new character is introduced in this chapter! Her name is Biechta. It is pronounced bee-ehk-tah. I hope you like her!

When Rahn returned to Kahal's study the second time, two days later, she felt more like herself. She hated to admit it, but the future king was right. People were paying her far less attention than they were before, practically none at all. Which she was perfectly happy with. She had spent her time wearing the most unremarkable clothing possible and made it a point to practice sneaking in and out of her guards chamber, trying to help everyone forget she was even there.. She had spent her days hiding in her room and training in private, or out in the outskirts of town, and the private markets while wearing plain clothing that spoke nothing of her profession. She only spoke to the minimum needed to converse with traders, etc. But she was trying to establish her presence there as a common citizen.

"Have a seat." Kahal said as she entered, his assistant closing the door behind her.

Once she did as told, he sat behind his desk and studied her. "You have taken the last two days to make preparations?"

She nodded in response.

"And you have told no one of this assignment?"

"No, my lord.." She said flatly, hiding the irritation that grew within her. Did he think she was not capable of following simple instructions?

"Your accommodations are ready for you. A small dwelling on the south west side of the outskirts of town.

She thought for a moment. The dwelling that Zein's men had kept Shima was in the south side of town. It was smart of him to have found her a dwelling in that general area, but not directly in it. A newcomer showing up in the exact area would be too obvious.

She nodded at him again.

"You are to meet my other contact at dusk at the Esck market. Do you know it?"

"Other contact? I thought I would be working alone." She failed to hide her dislike from her voice.

Kahal's voice remained calm and impassive. "You each have your individual assignments but they align to the same end goal. Each will be doing groundwork on your own but will share information on occasion as necessary. Is this a problem?"

He asked the question but she knew better than to speak her mind. This was more of an order than anything else. "No problem, my lord."

"Good." He leaned back into his chair. "He will find you in the market at dusk and show you to your new accommodations."

When he stood, she stood as well and nodded. "Yes, my lord."

As she neared the door, his voice stopped her. "Oh, and Rahn."

She simply turned and looked at him in response.

"This male wears a mask at all times. Don't ask him about it, he doesn't take personal questions well."

She raised a concerned brow muscle in his direction.

"Leave the personal questions aside and you'll do fine working together. I trust this male with my life, you can as well."

She wasn't sure if she could believe him but she had no choice but to nod in agreement as she left his study.

~~~~~~~~

"This is what's best for you." Queen Thala argued.

"My Queen, I-".

"No." She held up a hand to stop her eldest son from starting the same argument. "We have been through this Kahal. You have proven yourself capable but a king cannot and should not rule alone. It is too much for one person to bear."

"I haven't found the right person yet..."

"Can you honestly say you've been looking?" Thala argued, knowing the answer. "Kahal, we've been patient. We haven't interfered. But the truth is you're not getting any younger, and your father and I would have retired years ago if you'd already found a queen."

Kahal's mouth gaped open slightly in surprise before he quickly closed it. "You never said you had wanted to retire." He spoke softly.

"We didn't want to pressure you." She sighed. "But the time has come, we can no longer wait. Not to mention the fact that you'll want to have young ones, yes?" Her eyes twinkled. "You don't want to be in the toddler phases as you get older, trust me." She chuckled.

He could only chuckle in return. "Yes, someday..."

"Wonderful." Thala said as she sipped her water glass as they sat across from him in her sitting room. "I know you haven't liked anyone I've introduced you to so far but I have a good feeling about this one."

"My Queen-"

"No excuses. I've already invited her here." The queen motioned to the guard at the door, who opened it and stepped outside for a moment. Within seconds a Qarthan woman dressed in fine linens walked into the room, giving a deep nod to the two royals in the room. "Greetings My Queen, My Lord."

They nodded in response. "Biechta, darling. I'm pleased to introduce you to my eldest son, Kahal."

Kahal nodded. "Greetings."

Biechta nodded as well. "Greetings, my lord."

"Now, I'll let you have some time alone to get to know one another." She left the room before either could protest.

"Lady Biechta, is it?" He asked and she nodded, confirming her title. "Please, have a seat." He motioned and they sat opposite to each other, as Kahal had done with his mother moments ago. "What province do you belong to?"

"East, my lord."

"Ah, Lord Thet."

"Yes, he is my uncle, my lord."

"I see."

"I've always felt the spring blooming season in the East was the most beautiful of all the provinces."

"Yes, my lord. It is quite beautiful."

Kahal stifled the sigh that wanted to leave his lips. This female was so dry. Like speaking with an android. The sad thing was, he was probably no better.

"Lady Biechta, I must apologize. My mother didn't tell me of this meeting and I do already have a prior engagement."

"Oh!" Her eyes rounded just slightly. "I apologize, my lord. Please do not let me keep you from your commitments."

"Yes, thank you. I do regret that you've come all this way for such a short meeting."

"The Queen has invited me to stay through the end of next month." Biechta politely smiled. "Perhaps we can plan a time that works within your busy schedule."

"Ah... I see. Yes, let's do that." Kahal opened the door and escorted her into the hallway. "Allow me to..." His eyes matched onto a familiar figure coming towards them down the hallway. "Othen!"

"Greetings, brother. And...?"

"This is Lady Biechta, niece to Lord Teth."

"Ah. Greetings, Lady Biechta." Othen nodded his head.

"Greetings, my lord." Biechta nodded more deeply in return.

"Othen, dear brother." Kahal began. "Unfortunately there has been a conflict of schedule and it seems Lady Biechta needs an escort. Could you please do the honor?"

"Of course."

"Apologies, again Lady Biechta. We will schedule another time."

"Of course, my lord." She nodded as he turned and rushed down the hall in the other direction.

"Where would you like to go, my lady?" Othen asked patiently.

"Oh um.. My dwelling, I suppose. The queen has provided me with fine guest accommodations."

"Of course, right this way." Othen turned and began walking at a leisurely pace. "Are you here for long, my lady?" Othen asked politely.

"I have been invited to stay through the end of next month, my lord."

"Ah so you have time to enjoy our beautiful homeland. Have you spent much time here, my Lady?"

"Very little, my lord. When I was young."

"Ah, so we must show my lady all we can while you're here."

"That is kind of you, my lord."

"Please, Lady Biechta. We are each a lord and lady, you may drop the title while we're alone if you wish. Would that be agreeable?"

"I... would it be proper, my lord?"

"You have my permission. Do I have yours?"

She hesitated but eventually nodded.

"Good. Now, since your meeting with my brother was cut short, shall we start your tour now?"

Her eyes rounded slightly before she schooled her features. "I'm sure my lord is very busy, I would not expect him to give such tours himself."

"Nonsense, Biechta. And just call me Othen. Do you like art?"

~~~~~~~~~

Author's Note:

Short chapter but just laying the groundwork for chapters to come and giving a short introduction to a new character.

Biechta is basically the polar opposite of Rahn, don't you think?