Mara reached out a hand toward mine. Since I had grabbed hers before, I noticed she was more comfortable.

"Hona," she whispered. "Leave the spear. I doubt the Rabaka will invade tonight."

Jonga wasn't one to make empty threats. Any word he said was a promise.

I straightened, not used to hearing the name so much as my fingers tightened against the hilt. "I cannot risk it."

She nodded. "I understand, but you are going to scare our guests."

I wasn't certain Mara really understood.

We reached the doors, a small group stood outside, waiting to enter. There was disappointment on Mara's face as she stared at them.

"I won't scare many," I said with a smile.

People entered into the castle, staring in awe. They spoke with Queen Mara and I stayed by her side.

Most were thrilled to be in her presence, others had come to judge her as a Kaijan. I was indifferent.

Seeing Mara for the first time, she reminded me of Anai. I wasn't certain if she was truly the enemy or not. But once she had freed us from Baria's tyranny, I knew she wasn't the enemy, now she was a savior.

It was odd to see people outside of the castle and the soldiers on the wall. I don't remember the last time I had spoken with one of the villagers.

"I guess my speech didn't mean much to some," I said.

"It's hard to diverge people's minds sometimes," she explained. "You did what you could. What matters is they aren't plotting my death right now."

"For all we know," I said with a laugh and an eye roll.

"Aren't you cheery," she said with a returning roll of her eyes as Qia approached. She was wearing the same servant dress as before. Even with the change in monarch, Qia was still the same woman as before.

"No, no, no," Mara said, pushing her away from the door in the dining hall. "I won't accept you dressing like this. You are now a free woman."

"But—"

"In the queen's chambers, there are gowns. Pick one you wish. Take what you want and of course, make sure your mother is taken care of as well."

"Mara, I couldn't."

I stepped in. "Tonight is not only a night to celebrate a new queen but to celebrate a new beginning." I offered her a slight smile. "You deserve this treatment."

She blushed and nodded, falling to Mara's arms in an embrace. Qia's mid-sized body melded with her small one. As she pulled away and ascended the stairs, she left behind the scent of fresh herbs in her place.

Mara and I laughed together as we took in the scenery. The people of Udan were merry. Swinging as the sound of a flute played in the back from one of the villagers. I had never seen so many smiles in one room.

"Queen Mara!" a wiry haired boy hollered, holding a mug to his chest. "How grand to be here!" He was dramatic and loud. Not the kind of person I liked to situate myself with. I knew different kinds of people were to present themselves tonight to queen Mara.

"Hello," she said with a smile. "What is your name?"

"Dari," he answered with qualm. "I am just a farmer boy, but I am at your service."

"Pleased to meet you," she said with a slight bow. "I am pleased to see you are enjoying the festivities."

"I am!" he roared, raising the mug in glee. "Not once in my life or my mother's life has the castle been open to us," he explained. "It's a day to celebrate for sure."

Silence dropped between their exchange. Mara looked around at the other men and women who had attended the celebration.

Though many did not join, it was a nice crowd. They were still wearing the rags from before. Five Udanians conversed with each other, a smile pressed to their faces while holding mighty mugs of ale. Another five hung in the back awkwardly swaying side to side to the music. They sat her backs against the walls, eyes on the ground.

Green tinted bottles—I had seen down in the cellar—were spread out on the table. A mixture of meats and vegetables were prepared for a veritable feast.

As the three of us stood, a man intruded. His black hair stood upright, sticking from all sides. His gray eyes were desperate. "Do you think the Rabaka will attack?" the man demanded from behind Dari.

Mara blinked, appearing stunned by his sudden question. I stepped forward, slamming the rod of the spear to the ground. "The Queen does not wish to talk about such matters until tomorrow. This is a night of festivity and thanks. We do not want to bring ill merits here."

He nodded. "My apologies, your majesty and Warrior Hona." He pushed past Dari with a sour look on his face.

"I am so sorry, my queen, I didn't mean to stand there in silence, I just—" Dari paused, clearing his throat. "I didn't think I would be able to speak with you and now I feel as if I have let you down already." His copper eyes dulled, sinking to the ground.

"Don't apologize," she whispered, smiling. "This is a chance for new beginnings and better changes."

He nodded. "Thank you." He cleared his throat once more. "The reason I wished to speak with you was because I wanted to help you in your decision to stop the Rabaka."

Anger brewed inside of me. "I already stated to the other man that this is not the time to talk about—"

"I am aware," he answered, standing up to me. Though he was small, he talked big. "But I have too much passion in my heart to not speak with Queen Mara tonight."

I was stunned to hear him stand against me.

"Continue," Mara said, disregarding my threat.

"T-thank you," Dari sputtered, his voice shaking as he tried to find the same courage he displayed. "I may just be a boy who yearns for adventure, but I have lived in Udan my entire life. And all of my life, I have been searching for my purpose. I thought it was farming. I thought it was to have a family, but I feel so unfulfilled. When you spoke yesterday, something inside of me ignited and now I believe I have found my purpose."

"What is it?"

"To help you by any means," he declared. "The fire inside me is raging, my dear queen, and it ignited when you called to us."

"Why do you think this?"

He sighed. "I didn't mean to listen or eavesdrop as some call it but..." he began, "I was hanging around the castle and heard you mention," he paused, leaning forward. "Kaija."

"Little sneak," I hissed between gritted teeth. Though I was impressed, someone entered the castle without my knowledge.

"You did," she confirmed. "That was what you heard."

Dari tightened his hands into fists, his demeanor shifting from shy and reserved to bold and determined. "I want to go to Kaija with you!" he shouted, gaining stares from the spectators around them. "I want to find purpose in serving you, my queen !"

Mara sighed, staring at the boy. He was less like a man, small, standing to her chest.

"I want to make a difference," he continued, tears welling in his eyes. "I want to-to save others and do things my ancestors would have never done. When I was a boy, my eyes set on Baria for the first time. She held such power in her walk, and I felt it. I gawked in awe, vowing to myself that I would serve her but when I approached the barracks and Captain Rooke, they thought I was too small."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Though I am smaller than most men, I hold a fight in my heart," he promised, his eyes sparkling. "And I value honor and my people. I wish to serve Udan in any way I can. I beg you, Queen Mara, bringer of dawn, will you please let me join you on your journey?"

"That's noble of you," she declared. "And an immense task to place on one's shoulder."

"I can handle it," he promised, nodding violently. "I will work hard. I will learn all that you will teach, just, please, I want this more than anything. I've never desired something as much as this. It is my calling, Queen Mara. I know the Gods think so too."

She smiled, reaching out to place her hand on his shoulder. He blinked the tears away, gawking at her. "You seek adventure and I am proud to say, I want to give it to you. I think you have proven yourself with perseverance and I applaud it."

He smiled. "Thank you, my queen , that means more to me than you know."

"Dari, you will accompany me on our expedition to Kaija."

The tears overwhelmed, spilling over his freckled nose. They stained his tawny complexion. He snorted, raking his fingers down his face. "T-thank you," he cried out, shifting to wipe his eyes. "I ensure I will show you I am ready to serve and I pledge, Queen Mara, I will serve you well and be proud."

She nodded. "I am certain you will. Enjoy the celebration," Mara said, walking past him. "Meet me in the throne room tomorrow to discuss the journey."

She didn't see what I did or Rooke. Rooke was right. He was only a wiry boy who could hardly hold a weapon. He was short and lanky. He was nothing compared to the other men situated on the wall or guarding Udan.

I huffed, angered by her rash decision. "He is just a boy."

"So were you at one time," she countered. "And I was just a girl."

"What do you mean?"

"We all have ambitions. We all want to do things. I say let him do them."

We were all children, but we are all someone's child.

"His family may never forgive you if his death is to come."

"I know, but it's a chance I'm willing to take. The look in his eyes proved he had the fortitude and the initiative to join my side. We need as many of those people as we can find. I did not want to jeopardize losing such a chance. Change is to come, let this be one change."

A hand tapped Mara from behind. She turned, encountering Qia. Her mouth fell open as she took in her image. Qia looked like a queen. She was radiant, her tawny complexion glowing. The contrast of the black night dress on Qia's flesh was breathtaking. She appeared to be a goddess buried in the night. I had never seen someone shine so bright.

"Qia, you look lovely," I breathed.

Qia smiled, twirling. "I know!" she cried out, giddy with excitement. "I've never felt so beautiful. I have to show my mother!"

Qia dashed past toward Tiroa, who was still sitting in the chair from before. She was hard at work on the map. A feather and ink pot next to her. The parchment, once blank, was swollen with lines.

We continued the night, speaking to the Udanians. Mara learned about their practices. Some were farmers, others tailors. Some were not native Udanians, and others were. Most were elated with her becoming queen, while others thought it was against tradition. They chatted behind her back, speaking of her appearance. She had the look of a Kaijan.

They chatted about Baria and how she had been queen for so long. They were not sure how her slaying of the queen would signify I was the next queen despite divine law. Though she respected their opinions, she did not let them sway my mind. Mara had one mission; to unite them one way or the other.

The words rang in my mind as the festivities concluded. The music died and so did the mirth. Most people left the castle with full bellies and drunken smiles, toppling over each other. We said goodbye to her newfound people and sealed the castle doors. She smiled to herself, and we both knew they would be open again in the morning.

"Ready?" I asked.

She nodded, taking a deep breath. She was just as hesitant about going upstairs as I was. I walked Mara up the stairs to her chambers and paused at the door. A stale silence hung in the heavy air. A few rooms down was Anai's room. My chest ached as I thought of her white hair. I looked at Mara, seeing a bit of Anai within her.

"Goodnight, Queen Mara," I whispered, my eyes set on the hallway's runner.

"Goodnight, Hona."

Before I turned, she caught me by the forearm. "Why not stay in the castle?"

My gaze stayed on the ground. "I have a home outside the castle's walls," he argued. "Jonga and I—"

"Why don't you stay with me?" she bidded, begging with her eyes for me to say yes. "I am fearful of sleeping in this room alone. I won't have Tiora's snores to comfort me." She laughed.

I told Mara of the woman I loved and how Baria was the cause of her death in the end but Mara didn't know the haunting memories on this floor and what lingered.

"I have to go," I answered, pulling from her grasp. The smile faded from her face. "Please understand."

She couldn't understand but I wanted her to.