Aster sat in the council room, staring at an empty parchment. His mother had written her will and declared her two successors. At the rate Crow was killing, he wanted to declare his two successors too in case he failed to bring justice on Crow.

A knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," Aster called, not looking up.

The door opened and Saige walked in nervously.

"Saige," Aster greeted, a little confused. He wasn't expecting her. He stood up to level himself. "What can I do for you?"

Saige took a deep breath before saying, "I have some news on Crow, your Majesty."

Aster laughed nervously. "Saige, I thought I made it clear years ago that you're free to call me 'Aster'."

Saige nodded, already knowing that. "I-I know but, I have something to say." Aster frowned, picking up on Saige's nervous tone. He nodded for her to continue. Saige closed her eyes and exhaled again. She finally opened her eyes and said, "Crow approached me a week ago, after you stopped by."

Aster's eyes widened. He didn't know what to say at first. He was still in disbelief. Aster fumbled for words. "Why didn't you call the guards?"

Saige hurriedly explained. "He had an icicle impaled in his shoulder, but he still had a lot of strength. H-He stumbled in and t-threatened me. Of course I was hesitant, but he said if I healed him and let him go, then he wouldn't kill me. He would have killed me if I called the guards too. I-I was afraid of what I should do, and I ended up healing him. I'm so sorry, Aster!" She bowed her head, her face almost touching her knees.

Saige bit her lip. She knew that she had promised Lily that she wouldn't bring up what had happened that night, but she would be responsible if Crow killed again. She merely decided to tweak the story a little bit. Aster didn't need to know that Lily brought him in. Lily was a sweet girl who put others before herself, and Saige refused to drag Lily down with her.

Aster stared at Saige's shaking form. "Why didn't you say anything before?" he asked, putting a hand to his head.

"You had your crowning and your mother's f-funeral," Saige defended. "I thought it would better to tell you after things settled a little."

Aster sighed in frustration. He finally raised his voice. "Do you realize that you helped the very person who killed my mother?"

Saige replied, "Yes, I will take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment deemed necessary. I was selfish and was only thinking of myself at the time." Her voice was firm, but it was obvious she was trying to hide her fear.

Aster ordered, "Raise your head." Saige obediently did so, staring into Aster's hard eyes. For a moment neither one of them said anything. Finally, Aster looked at the parchment on the table and said softly, "You are forgiven."

"W-What?" Saige widened her eyes in disbelief. She had come here fully prepared to be exiled or even worse executed for treason.

"We've been friends for a long time, Saige. I'm angry that you went against me, but I can understand why you did what you did. I have faith that we will find Crow," Aster replied, still not looking at her. Despite what he said, he still seemed very disappointed with Saige that he couldn't bear to look at her. "Besides, you're the best physician around. Your death would have been on my hands as well as Crow's if he killed you."

Gratefulness rushed through Saige. She felt so relieved that Aster granted her mercy when she obviously didn't deserve it. It made her feel more guilty for putting Aster in such a position, but she was glad she came clean.

Aster thought to himself, Yes, my carelessness cost me my mother and almost Saige. Saige was brave enough to come forward with me. It would be cruel to punish her, after all those years of friendship too.

Aster finally calmed himself and said, "I'm expecting someone soon. Thank you for telling me this, Saige. You may go." Saige nodded and turned to leave. Before she could step out the door, she heard Aster call after her with a concerned tone, "Saige, Crow may approach you again in the future. Be careful."

Saige nodded once more before closing the door behind her.

Aster frowned. Maybe I should order some guards to keep an eye on her home; make sure she's protected. He sighed again and sat back down, tapping his finger patiently.

--

Rose closed her bedroom door. She was about to walk down the hallway, but the bedroom door across from her closed shut as well. Violet and Rose stopped when they saw each other. Rose saw Violet wearing riding clothes.

"Going riding again?" Rose asked warily.

"Yeah," Violet replied. She then said firmly, "Julian's waiting for me."

Violet expected Rose to frown in disapproval, but Rose didn't react negatively.

Rose finally said, "Are you still mad at me?"

Violet frowned, about to snap at her for keeping her. She then saw Rose's eyes. They seemed anxious, as if Rose was afraid of being hated.

Violet sighed. "No, I'm not mad anymore. I was out of line. I... I was in a bad mood and I lashed out at you. I'm sorry."

Rose smiled lightly. "No need to apologize. Have fun riding."

"Thanks," Violet smiled. Before she left, she gave Rose a short hug before running off.

--

Aster waited for another five minutes before he heard the door being open again.

"You wanted to see me?" Rose greeted, taking a seat across from Aster. Aster merely nodded and that was when Rose noticed the parchment. "You're writing your will?" she asked, a little surprised.

"I'm going to soon, but I wanted to talk to you first," Aster replied. Rose furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "I'm planning to declare you as first successor."

Rose nodded. "Okay, who are you going to declare as second successor?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," Aster explained. "Would it be okay if Lily is the second successor?"

Rose opened her mouth to say something, then paused for a moment, as if she was sure. She finally said, "Lily is second-born, yes, but she's not as experienced as you or me. What about Aunt Marguerite? Wouldn't she be a better fit? I know there was a ten year age difference between her and my father, but she has a little more experience."

Aster pursed his lips. "Aunt Marguerite made it clear to both Mother and me that she shows no interest in the throne. She says that she doesn't like the feeling of having the entire fate of the kingdom on her shoulders."

Rose, who had been calm, finally snapped. She lightly brought a fist down on the table. "Well, she's being selfish by making Lily take this responsibility."

Aster sighed. "I agree that it would make more sense to declare Aunt Marguerite as second successor, but... you should have seen her, Rose. It's like she's afraid of the throne. If she became queen now, I'm certain she would kill herself from the stress."

Rose frowned. She then snapped her fingers. "I got it. Aunt Marguerite can go to Aunt Fern for advice."

"Your aunt from the Saffron kingdom?"

Rose nodded. "Yes, Aunt Fern has been a queen for a long time. If Aunt Marguerite feels insecure about succeeding to the throne, I'm sure Aunt Fern would have some advice for her."

Aster smiled. "That's a great idea. Yes, that would work best. I'll go tell her."

Rose returned the smile, glad that she thought of the idea.

--

"Didn't I tell you before that I don't want to be queen?" Marguerite protested. "I... the kingdom would fall. I'm not the right choice. What about Lily? She may be less experienced but she has the mindset."

Aster and Marguerite both knew that Lily needed a little more time before she was truly ready.

Aster said firmly, "I talked with Rose, Aunt Marguerite. We both think you should be second successor."

Marguerite winced at the thought and repeated herself. "No, Aster. Please, just trust me on this. I'm not the right choice."

Aster suggested, "If you're so unsure of yourself, we thought you could visit Queen Fern for advice. I don't know why you're so hesitant, but I'm sure Queen Fern can help with whatever you're afraid of."

Marguerite was about to protest but then stopped to think of the idea. "You know, that's not a bad idea." She then asked, "Are you absolutely sure you want to declare me as second successor?"

Aster laughed. "I'm sure, Aunt Marguerite."

Marguerite still seemed hesitant, as if remembering something from her past, but then she finally nodded. "Okay, I'll do it."

"Great! I'll tell the guards to prepare a carriage for tomorrow morning," Aster said. "Thanks, Aunt Marguerite."

Marguerite smiled. Both of them were about to leave the throne room, but they suddenly heard a soft voice from the entrance.

"Are you going to the Saffron kingdom, Aunt Marguerite?" Acacia asked shyly, her youthful green eyes looking between Aster and Marguerite.

Marguerite's smile grew. "Yes, dear. I'm going to see your Aunt Fern."

"Can I come?" Acacia asked.

Aster frowned in slight concern. He wasn't sure why Acacia would be interested in going to the Saffron kingdom.

Before he could protest, Aunt Marguerite nodded. "Yes, Acacia, you can come. Get ready to leave tomorrow morning."

"Okay!" Acacia beamed. "Thank you, Aunt Marguerite!" She ran out of the throne room, a bit excited.

Aster asked, "Why did you agree to take Acacia with you?"

Marguerite blinked at Aster, as if confused as to why he asked that. Then she said in realization, "Oh right, you don't know."

Aster's frown deepened. "I don't know what?"

"Acacia has to go the Saffron kingdom every month," Marguerite started. When she saw Aster's eyebrows furrow, she quickly explained, "It rains a lot in the Saffron kingdom. The plants and produce get more than enough water."

Aster commented. "I've never been to the Saffron kingdom before. That's pretty unfortunate."

Marguerite nodded. "Even when it doesn't rain, it's always cloudy so the sun rarely comes out. Fern had asked Flora to send Acacia to the Saffron kingdom every month to supply light. The plants and produce need more light. Certain plants are used for herbs and many citizens eat produce. Since the sun rarely comes out in the Saffron kingdom..."

"Acacia needs to provide them light," Aster said in realization. His mouth was open in shock. "T-That's... a lot of light, though! How long has Acacia been doing this?"

Marguerite replied, "Since she was five."

"But... to emit a month's worth of light for the entire Saffron kingdom..." Aster's eyes were wide. "That takes so much energy."

Marguerite's eyes darkened for a moment, remembering the first couple of times Acacia had returned to the castle passed out. She then snapped out of her daze. "Acacia will be fine. She's getting better at doing this. There's no need to worry."

"Who else in our family knows?"

"Flora, your Mother, Rose, me, and now you," Marguerite replied.

Aster didn't say anything anymore. Everything was just happening so fast. His mother's death, his crowning, Saige's confession, and now this.

Aster sighed. "I have to go, but I'll tell the guards to prepare the carriage."

Marguerite nodded once more and patted Aster on the shoulder before leaving.

--

Rose came outside to see Marguerite off the following morning, relieved that Marguerite agreed to go Fern for advice.

Aster was already there, patiently waiting. The white carriage was spherically shaped and green vines were painted near the carriage windows.

Rose was about to greet Aster but her eyes widened when she saw Acacia.

"Why is Acacia in the carriage?" Rose asked.

Aster turned and smiled at Rose. "Oh, after I talked with Aunt Marguerite, Acacia came in and asked if she could come along. Aunt Marguerite explained how Acacia always goes to the Saffron kingdom every month. I asked one of the guards to accompany them."

Rose shook her head. "No, tell the guard to return to his routinely duties. I'll get Thierry. He always accompanies Acacia when she goes to the Saffron kingdom."

Aster nodded, sensing the worry in Rose's voice. He excused himself to talk to the guard.

Rose's eyes darted around, trying to find Thierry. He finally came out of the castle, about to join another guard at the entrance post.

"Thierry!" Rose called worriedly.

Thierry turned his head in Rose's direction. He frowned slightly when he saw Rose wave him over hurriedly.

Thierry strode over. "What's wrong, Rose?"

Rose gestured to Acacia. "I need you to accompany Aunt Marguerite and Acacia to the Saffron kingdom."

Thierry nodded and bowed. "I understand."

Thierry was about to make his way over to the carriage, but he stopped when Rose suddenly grabbed his wrist.

Rose emphasized, "I need you to do everything you can to make sure Acacia comes back safely."

Thierry glanced at Rose's eyes. They were filled with worry and concern. Thierry instantly understood what Rose was talking about.

"It hasn't been a problem before," Thierry replied.

Rose's grip on his wrist tightened. Thierry noticed this but he didn't react.

"I need you to be more careful this time," Rose ordered stiffly. "Crow is still out there."

Thierry's eyes hardened and curtly nodded. "I understand," he repeated, more serious this time. Rose returned the nod and released her hand.

--

The carriage finally left the castle and set off towards the Saffron kingdom. It didn't take long for Chase to notice the carriage when it crossed through a forest. Chase jumped through the trees to follow it. When he peeked through the carriage window, his eyes widened in surprise.

Marguerite, Chase thought, furrowing his eyebrows. Thierry is with her and... wait, that's Princess Acacia.

Chase ducked out of sight when Thierry turned his head toward the tree Chase was hiding in. Chase clenched his teeth in thought. He still sensed that protective atmosphere around Thierry. Dealing with him would be a small challenge, but he knew that confronting Marguerite wouldn't be that simple. Chase curiously glanced at Acacia again, who was looking out the window to see the passing trees.

I wonder what element Acacia has... Chase thought. Reese had informed him of all the Azalea's elements, except Acacia's. It turned out Reese and the Red Phoenixes had no idea what element Acacia had.

I'll have to be a little cautious not knowing what element Acacia has and with Thierry around, but I should be able to confront Marguerite. Chase held up his left hand, flashing his claws out. I just need salt water first. He withdrew his claws, gave a final glance at Thierry and the royals, and took off away from the carriage.