CW- Discussion of implied/referenced suicide- however, as implied in ch 17- it is a farce to try to trick another character

"I regret to inform you my dear, but the thief you met in the city decided to remove himself from the equation rather than face the Ouroboran courts."

The world around Skylor tipped. This had not been what she expected to hear when Chen called her to his chambers first thing in the morning after the surprise guests the day before. Fighting to regain her breath, Skylor could only grasp the arms of her chair and pray the words were a mistake.

"He- he wouldn't- that doesn't. . ." She trailed off.

"Skylor?" Chen's voice dropped low, gentle.

Skylor's eyes snapped up to her father. "That doesn't make sense! Kai wouldn't-!"

"Daughter, you've known the. . . man for less than a day. It's rather unlikely you'd be able to pick up on all the nuances of a person in such a short time."

Normally true, but Skylor had seen Kai's care and concern for his siblings. She couldn't reconcile that with Chen's pronouncement.

"I- I need to see his- his body."

"Skylor-"

"Father," Skylor's voice hardened as she cut off Chen, "you weren't there when Captain Pyth arrested him. You didn't see how the guards treated him. They were overly hostile for an arrest of a simple thief. Far be it from me to accuse someone without proof, but I think the matter warrants further investigation of foul play."

Chen opened his mouth, closed it with a sigh and then nodded. "Alright, I'll speak to the guards about it- yes another one than Captain Pyth." Chen waved his hand at Skylor's beginning protest. "However his body has already been taken care of- not that you should be concerning yourself with such matters anyway."

Skylor vehemently disagreed, this was one of her subjects and one who had been caught up in more than he should have because of her presence.

"Where's he buried?"

"You know where the criminals are buried."

Skylor grimaced. The communal graveyard wouldn't have a marker. She started, Kai's siblings. . . she doubted Chen would care to find Kai's siblings. Even if they were found the guards might try to charge them as accomplices to Kai's clandestine endeavors. Kai had never mentioned his siblings' names so Skylor didn't even know who to look for. His use of 'siblings' rather than brothers or sisters could mean that he had at least one of each, but even that didn't tell Skylor much. Somehow though, they had to be told. However, Skylor didn't think Chen would keep his eyes off her very long for her to attempt to reach out to the siblings. Still, they deserved to know what happened.

"He was a criminal, Skylor. In the end he chose the coward's way out."

Skylor bit her tongue to avoid snapping something she'd regret. Chen had made his position very clear and she knew her father well enough he wouldn't budge. That didn't temper the anger or guilt coursing through Skylor.

"I know you were taking him on as a pet project. It's important, especially as you prepare to take the crown one day, to remember that some people are beyond saving. And there are those who will use whatever they can for their own devices. Such is what you need to watch for since many will want to use your position for their advantage."

Skylor nodded distantly, mind still reeling. Maybe. Maybe it had been a savior complex, but even if that were the case did that make it any less her duty to help her subjects? Even if they took advantage of her kindness? Skylor would rather be known for being too kind than too cruel. Despite that Skylor couldn't shake the feeling that hadn't been the case with Kai. He hadn't known who she was when he stepped in to help her on the street. Granted it had been his fault she was accused of stealing, but he could have run to save his own skin. There was a measure of honor in Kai that even his circumstances hadn't quenched. The way he'd spoken of his siblings also spoke to that.

'No.' Something else was deeply wrong, and a man caught in the crossfire had paid the price for it. Skylor couldn't let Kai's life be lost in vain.

The turmoil must have been more evident in her body language than she anticipated because Chen shook his head. "The world is dark and selfish and cruel. More often than not, if it finds even the slightest ray of sunshine, it destroys it. Learn and grow from it daughter. Better to see clearly now than disillusioned by a dagger at your throat exchanged for your hand of kindness.

"You may attend to yourself this morning, but afterward our guests will require our full attention. I plan to dine with them at lunch, and I expect you to join us."

Skylor nodded stiffly. "If I may be excused?"

Chen swept his hand in a shooing motion. "I'll see you at lunch."

Calling to Smoke Skylor transported from the room. Once in the privacy of her room Skylor lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. It wasn't like this was the first time she and Chen had disagreed on a topic, but it was the first time it was related to a loss of a life. Or at least the first time Skylor knew of. It didn't sit well with her, and she had trained enough in both politics and self defense to know that she trusted her instincts. She debated on teleporting to the dungeon herself, but realistically it would do nothing more than antagonize her father and muck up any actual investigation. However. . . there was one guard Skylor trusted to give her accurate information.

Mind made up, Skylor rose and changed into her sparring gear. She opened the door. Pixal stood in the middle of the antechamber with a broom in hand.

"Your Highness?"

"I know it is short notice, but would you please send word to Captain Zane that if he is free I would appreciate his presence and instruction in the training room?"

"Of course, Your Highness." Curtsying Pixal hurried from the room.

Skylor allowed a small smile at the exuberance at which Pixal went to the task. Taking another deep breath Skylor transported herself to the training room. Her staff sat at the ready against the wall. The warm wood slid comfortably into her hands. Gritting her teeth Skylor began to run through basic forms, moving faster and faster with each moment. Swinging outward her staff met another in midair.

"You seem to have extra emotion in your swing today, Highness." Zane commented. Not pressuring, not condemning, but leaving the conversation open to however Skylor wanted to take it. A princess didn't have the luxury of confidants, especially in her subjects, but, if Skylor planned on asking Zane what she was going to, he deserved an explanation.

"You could say that."

The two exchanged blows for a minute before Skylor disengaged. Zane followed suit, standing at the ready. Skylor sighed deeply and headed to one of the benches. She could feel the weight of Zane's eyes on her, though he remained on the mat. Taking a drink of water, Skylor tried to organize her thoughts.

"Captain, I'm sure by now you've heard about my. . . excursion into the city and the young man who crossed my path." She looked expectantly at Zane, who nodded in agreement. "And were you aware of the circumstances claiming the young thief's life?" The barest flicker of something Skylor couldn't name flashed across Zane's face before his features schooled, and he nodded again. "I know there is much that I am still learning about life, the crown, and the kingdom. Yet I cannot help but think there is more than what I have been told of his situation."

"With all due respect Princess, the king wanted the matter finished, especially given the newest dignitaries to grace our residence."

"If I'm going to be queen one day these are situations I will have to navigate. Beyond that, though I know I had only met him that day, I am hard pressed to believe Kai took his own life- especially when I saw the way the guards under Captain Pyth treated him when taking him into custody." Skylor paused, seeing a tightness in Zane's jaw mostly hiding a frown.

"When Father told me I informed him of my concerns. He said he would have someone look into it. I don't know how thorough those in Captain Pyth's jurisdiction would be, or if they would even try." Skylor locked eyes with Zane. "I have worked with you enough to know you are honorable and treat those around you with respect that is unfortunately unique to those in your station. Would you be willing to look into the matter?"

Skylor fell silent, aware she was putting Zane into a position that could pit his loyalties against each other. Zane's knuckles whitened around his bo staff. He didn't respond for a long minute.

Finally he drew himself upright, "I'll look into the matter. If something is amiss I will let you know."

Skylor swallowed, the weight of Zane's promise settling uncomfortably heavy on her shoulders. "You have my gratitude. However, I don't want you to feel like you have to take unnecessary risks if the trail looks like it will place you in danger."

"It is my duty and honor to serve." Another frown shadowed Zane's face. "I only pray the truth is not more than we bargained for."

Skylor sat in the training room long after Zane left. Anger, frustration, and a measure of grief took turns vying for attention. What more could she do? The fact she would be queen one day didn't seem to matter to Chen, regardless of his cryptic semi-advice of late. It was for that reason she wanted to be involved with the investigation- wanted to be involved in the outcomes of her people. Would Chen ever look at Skylor as anything other than his little girl?

On top of all those concerns there was the matter of Mishal and his entourage. He had power for sure but why did her Amber not absorb it the way it had Earth? Could she only absorb one Primary Element due to the sheer strength it displayed? Skylor's mind turned back to Cole. He hadn't seemed overly familiar with Elemental powers. Yet Amber had acknowledged it even when its wielder may not have. . .

Skylor sat bolt upright, remembering the reaction she'd experienced in the market shortly before meeting. . . before meeting Kai. It had never happened in a random passing but what if Skylor's Amber recognized an Element when Skylor didn't?

Heart pounding Skylor concentrated on the rush of heat that had slammed into her that day. With bated breath she whispered, "Fire."

Instantly a small orange flame danced across her palm. Skylor barely bit back a shriek. She cut off her connection, the flame disappearing as quickly as it appeared. 'This cannot be happening!' Skylor leaned forward, bracing herself on the bench as her vision wavered. 'What now?'

Mishal had some form of fire magic, but was it Elemental? Did that mean Mishal had been in the marketplace a few days ago? Or was he masquerading as the Master of Fire? If so, what happened to the true Fire Elemental and why hadn't he or she made their presence known before now?

There were too many questions and not enough answers- or people Skylor was willing to trust to ask. When her vision cleared enough that Skylor didn't think she'd pass out she called to Fire again. The flame popped and crackled, completely indifferent to the havoc its presence heralded.

Footsteps echoed outside the training door. "Princess?" Chamille's voice sounded concerned.

Skylor quickly extinguished Fire again. She didn't know what to do with this revelation, and right now she didn't want anyone to know until she had something figured out.

"Yes?"

Chamille's head poked into the room, a small frown puckering her face when she took in Skylor's state. She entered, closing the door behind her.

"Are you alright?"

A small scoff escaped Skylor before she could stop it. Sighing, she shook her head. "No, but it's nothing that can be helped. I assume you've come to tell me lunch is fast approaching?"

"As you've said." Chamille offered her hand to Skylor. With a grimace Skylor took it. Chamille pulled her up, her bracelets tinkling with the motion. "Come on," Chamille directed Skylor to the door, smirking over her shoulder, "you really need to clean up before meeting anyone."

Despite the fatigue crashing into Skylor, she huffed a laugh. "You're right, of course. I'll change and head to the dining hall shortly."

Chamille nodded and started walking toward the dining hall. Taking another deep breath, Skylor called to Smoke and transported herself to her room. Once safely away from prying eyes, Skylor conjured Fire again. Most of the other Elements Skylor had acquired didn't have a physical manifestation she could see. The flame pulsed with life, deep reds and oranges swirling within its center.

Heavy resolve enveloped Skylor. For now she wouldn't tell anyone what she'd discovered. Maybe with no one else knowing about this she'd be able to discern the truth of, at least some, of the puzzles surrounding her.

Skylor quickly washed and dressed in a suitable dining gown. Drawing herself upright, Skylor called again to Smoke. The large wooden doors of the dining room stood in front of her. Two guards on either side barely blinked at Skylor's sudden appearance, too used to such occurrences by now. Skylor nodded to them. They stepped aside, opening the doors for her.

Skylor held her head high and walked purposefully into the room. If this web of intrigue was her life now, she wouldn't face it cowering.

A/n- As always thanks for reading despite my (sadly standard) infrequent posts. (Yay to adulting). Happy New Year!