Summer was swept away by the changing winds of autumn and in its wake painted nature in a canvas of golds, burgundies, and crimsons throughout the city of Lathimnar. The few remaining vestiges of green were found within the Healers Quarters as essential herbs, roots, and shrubs were nurtured and cultivated in the conservatory greenhouse.

Through the weeks, Lily had used the stick she had acquired from the gardens as her cane and guide whenever she found herself alone. Her days had become routine. She could walk the route to the healers' mess hall from her room and back. More importantly, she'd gained a sense of independence.

The cane rested at her side, as she played the flute in the conservatorium, where she now spent more and more time. Playing brought her a small sense of peace as her mind pummeled her with questions.

There was another pathway that she wondered about, though she kept pushing the nagging thought aside. It drove her restless to ponder the number of steps and turns needed to arrive at a certain private study that was so close, yet so far. She didn't know why she wanted to know how to get there other than relentless curiosity.

It was a possibility that she felt somewhat of a concern for the occupant of the study. She had one more healing session with Prince Landros and it had been far from comfortable. They both had been ill at ease with one another. For her part, perhaps the awkwardness came from knowing that it wasn't just his princely duties of running a kingdom that kept him from setting more appointments with her.

Her fingers stopped dancing across the flute and she rested it on her lap. A sigh broke out of her. The knowledge that he spent his energy on saving his grandsire without acknowledgment, tore at her. On top of which, she knew how weak he became afterwards and no one would help, because he wanted it that way. His strength, his kindness, his sacrifice all of it hidden. A secret. But why?

That was the question that plagued her the most, yet she dared not ask. On the days she didn't see him, she knew where he would be. In that secluded study. Weak and alone.

"You're not playing today." Valdor's unannounced presence had her nearly jumping out of her skin.

Startled, she dropped the flute and placed a hand to her racing heart. "You scared me half to death!"

Valdor bent to retrieve it. "My apologies. What is troubling you, my fair Lily?" He kissed her hand, a gesture he used to let her know she could use his touch for her Sight. "You're a difficult lady to track down." He sat beside her on the chaise lounge, toying with the flute.

She scoffed at his mischievous emerald eyes. "Hardly. The cut on your hand is starting to heal." Lily traced her fingers along the seam of the wound. "You should have had it healed weeks ago."

"It is fine as it is." His mood seemed to shift a little, but he quickly recovered. "Regardless, I bring good news. This arrived for you." From a pocket within his long tunic he made a flourish to hand her over a letter.

"What is it?"

"Open it."

She released his hand and felt along it's edges until she found the seam to the seal. "Is this some royal decree?" Nerves caused her to hesitate to break the seal.

"Hardly. My dearest cousin, either busies himself 'til the last ray of sunlight or he is actively trying to avoid me. The gods only know where he squirrels himself away." He didn't notice the slight frown that marred Lily's face briefly. "The stubborn mule refuses to consent acknowledging you as my ward."

"A family trait perhaps?"

He smirked. "I do not suppose he could be having a torrid affair in the outskirts of the city just to avoid me."

The thought of Prince Landros carrying on an affair hadn't crossed her mind, although for some reason it bothered her. "I don't think so." Her response was trite.

Valdor returned to the topic at hand. "It is not what I'd hoped, but still I believe it is news from Aurora. I recognized the seal of Armindia."

She fumbled with it in excitement and offered it to Valdor. "Read it to me."

"I would never dream of invading your privacy."

"Because you've already done it. What did it say?"

"I'm offended." He took the letter from her while she remained silent, waiting. "That you realized the depths of my...persistence."

"Mmm-hmm. What does it say?"

He sighed dramatically, but gave in. "Not much. She says she's fine and for you to heal. That's all."

"Let me see that." She borrowed his sight and took the letter from him. She stared at the sparse words. "Something's wrong. She's closed herself off."

"How can you tell?"

"I know her. Something's happened." Alarm rang in her voice.

"Or she discovered messenger birds can only carry light notices. They are meant for urgent messages." He interjected logically. "I'm certain a lengthier letter will arrive in a matter of weeks. All things take time."

"Do you think so?"

He nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Of course. You've nothing to worry about." Concern lingered on her face. "And if not, I am sure to be visiting Armindia soon."

"How? When?"

"My grandsire has insisted I play a greater role in running the kingdom. To honor him, I've grown an interest in trade. I've managed to attend several meetings on the subject and will be journeying soon to various lands to establish agreements and inspect the routes. I'm sure I can make a visit to Armindia along the way. You could join me." His sheepish smile charmed her.

Hope sprang in her heart at seeing Aurora. Yet at the mention of King Prathios, Lily's excitement withered. Her arrangement with the king did not allow her to leave Lathimnar. Not that she could tell Valdor.

"I do not think so." She had to come up with an excuse quickly. "I first need to heal, just as she said. With the prince being elsewhere occupied or..." she wanted to say recuperating, but held her tongue, " er, unavailable, I fear it will be a long while before I am healed."

"What does my cousin say about the cause of it?"

"He is unsure."

"I believe we both know this is not a normal injury." He gave her a pointed look and squeezed her hand meaningfully.

"No, but I believe-"

"We will discuss it later," he rushed.

Elithin walked into the conservatory at that moment, looking grave as always. He gave a quick bow, "Prince. If you will forgive the interruption, his royal highness demands the presence of the hu-," Valdor lifted his brow in challenge, "lady."

"Me? He wishes to see me?" There was no knowing what the king wanted with her now. Nerves fluttered in her stomach.

"I am to escort you to him." The look he gave her clearly conveyed how he felt about the situation. "You are to use your Sight if need be to get you to him faster."

"Did he give a reason?" Lily wet her lips in anticipation.

"Does he need one?" Elithin countered.

Valdor rose to leave. "Lily, I will see you later. I'm off to another mindless meeting. Take this with you." He handed her the flute then leaned in for a peck on the cheek. "Music might soothe the beast." He whispered in her ear before rising once again. "Elithin, always a pleasure." He said sarcastically and walked away.

Lily found her cane, stood, and allowed Eltihin to guide her, though she did not use her Sight as they made their way to the king.

Concealed in the distance, Valdor watched them leave. He would not be able to follow them this time, but he was certain that a casual conversation with Lily later on would reveal the reason for the summons.

His uncle's interest in Lily had been unknown to him. He had feigned disinterest when Elithin announced the summons, but he was far from it. Whatever the king wanted with Lily, he had to find out. Lily was crucial to his future plans.

His offer to take her to Armindia held several ulterior motives, one of which was his role as the Red Fox. His reasons for taking her on his travels was something he did not feel like sharing at the moment with her. The journey to the Eastern Elvin Kingdoms and a couple of human nations was meant as subterfuge to garner support for the Fallen cause. He needed allies.

First, he had to expose her to the plight of the Fallen, the refugees from the war tore kingdom of Mithoran that was now under the control of Lord Fennaris. Her trust, he was certain he already had. He had been studying her for weeks, learning the more subtle ways to influence her. What he needed now was a simple document only is taciturn cousin could provide. The formal acknowledgement of her as his ward. That was critical in his plans for allies. Then the connection would be legally binding before all.

There was also the matter with Aurora to consider. If he was wrong and Lily was not the Key, then he still had to content with Aurora. The Red Fox needed to send a reminder to her soon, that their deal had not been forgotten and it was yet to be honored. Wherever her powers came from did not concern him. What he needed was the depth of her powers and the army at her back. Still, he had his doubts.

If Aurora was the Key and heir to the Armindian throne, then why not the formal declaration? Why not announce her return to the throne? He thought it odd that she had not mentioned a word of that in the brief message to Lily.

True, it would be too much to reveal in a short scroll message, however, he thought their connection stronger. Perhaps, Lily was right. Aurora was withholding information. All the more reason to pay her a visit.

A/N: Hi all! So a bit last minute, but I was able to update. If anyone is missing our dear old King Prathios, not to worry. Our next chapter will have him making an appearance. What could that sweet elf be up to?

Thanks for reading!