"Snow White? Can you hear me? Snow White?" The miners tried to bring her back to them, but the princess's eyes were lost in the void, and she didn't seem to recognize the stimuli around her. Doc was the first to recover, ordering everyone to turn back and get out of that nightmare. Grumpy secured the rope around the princess's waist and took the end of the line for himself. Fortunately, the woman's body recognized the urgency of the situation; in fact, Snow White began to climb back up the ladder when the group started moving. They soon found themselves in the large excavation depot: from there, it would be easier to reach the exit.
A figure emerged from the shadows, stepping forward to approach the group. The dwarfs breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Astrael. "You beat me to it... and looking at some of you, I take it you've caught a glimpse of a possible future."
When the demon tried to approach the princess, the miners stepped in to block his path. They had to protect Snow White from any threat, and Astrael certainly wasn't someone who inspired trust. How had he ended up down there? Had he followed them? The counselor raised his hands in surrender, but his smirk left the dwarfs annoyed, glaring at him. Grumpy was the first to raise his voice: "What do you want? Why are you here?"
"To understand what is happening, just like you..." The demon's eyes sparkled as they landed on Snow White. The smile stretching Astrael's facial muscles vanished suddenly, and he grew eerily quiet. Ignoring the miners' protests, he approached the princess and lowered his voice: "Oh, sweet Snow White. You are afraid of what you saw... it is terrifying, it is chilling, it is the oldest nightmare in the world, but you must know that it is only a possible future." His voice turned into a hiss, urging the princess back to lucidity: "Grimilde saw the same things, years ago. Remember our plan and our collaboration. Do you not trust your beloved Queen? She will find a solution."
At that point, the princess clenched her fists and looked up at Astrael. The demon was the most enigmatic being she knew: was he comforting her, or did he want to use her somehow? It didn't matter at the moment, because he had just given her hope that the world would not meet that horrific end. "You're right." And with that, she shook off some of the terror she was feeling.
"Let's go, we've seen enough." Doc took charge of the situation and led everyone out of the mines. Once outside, they realized how late it was. It was Astrael who shed light on the matter: "Something dark has now taken control of the excavation. Time inside the mine does not flow the same way as it does outside." The demonic counselor looked up at the sky, watching the sun on its descending path. "You will not discover anything more by digging in the mine. Stay away from those stones." The demon's warning sparked a debate among the group, which stopped when the princess spoke up.
"What do you know?" Snow White was taking deep breaths, filling her lungs with as much clean air as she could. Her body was exhausted and her skin very pale, but the light and liveliness had returned to her eyes.
"What you yourselves now know... but perhaps I know where we can find the information we seek."
The return to the capital of Arran was silent. Everyone had something to think about: some pondered the mines that were now far too dangerous to work in, others thought about what they had heard and seen underground, and even Astrael was not immune to the reflective atmosphere. For some reason, he had decided to keep the miners and the princess company on the journey back.
When they reached the gates of the royal palace, the guards welcomed them, and as soon as they entered, they noticed a commotion at the entrance. A man was arguing loudly with some guards who were threatening to arrest him. The princess ordered the wagon to stop and quickly stepped down. "What is going on?"
"Your Royal Highness!"
The agitated men turned toward her and instantly calmed down, moving closer to the princess to protect her from the stranger, who wore a look of astonishment on his face. "I must speak with you, Your Highness."
Snow White observed the man carefully: he had blond hair, green eyes, and features not often seen in their parts. His clothes were those of a traveler, but the items he carried displayed an official status that could not be ignored. The princess instantly recognized the symbol embroidered on the man's clothes and furrowed her brow. "Did you cross through the duchy of the Erfen Mountains?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I received a sealed letter from the Duke granting approval for my passage."
At that point, the princess turned to the guards, who looked embarrassed. "We had to proceed with an interrogation to ensure the document was not forged."
The princess ordered that he be allowed into the palace immediately after a search, and to have him wait outside the throne room so he could be formally received by the Queen and Princess of Arran.
"I thank you, Your Highness."
Snow White wouldn't have much time to rest, but she needed to wash off the grime from the mine. As they entered through the main doors, the staff rushed over to settle the guests into their rooms and assist the princess. Rachel and Mariella didn't keep Snow White waiting; she saw them the moment she stepped inside the palace.
"I need a bath and clothes fit to receive an important ambassador. Where is the Queen?"
Mariella and Rachel noticed something different about the princess, but the urgency of the moment left no room for questions.
"She is likely in her office."
"She must be informed of the arrival of an important ambassador." Mariella hurried off to deliver the message, while Rachel followed the princess, who decided to use her own room's bathroom to avoid wasting any more time. Her friend noticed the pallor of her skin and her vacant stare but didn't break the silence. Snow White would talk when she felt it was necessary. She knew how to take care of herself. Rachel helped her into an elegant dress and accessories that enhanced her appearance, then settled the tiara into her soft, raven hair. At least outwardly, she was ready to handle this important and unexpected visit.
Snow White hadn't had the chance to read the document signed by Duke Helmholtz, but she knew the Duke and knew he wouldn't let a foreigner in without a good reason. They were talking about the ambassador of the Empire, after all.
As soon as she found herself before the doors of the throne room, she took a deep breath. She walked in, hoping to appear resolute and impassive, but she faltered the moment she saw the Queen: she wanted her comfort, she wanted to confess what she had seen and feel safe and loved.
Grimilde rose from her throne to invite the princess to sit by her side. The ambassador was watching the scene and was surprised by it: with a very simple gesture, the Queen had demonstrated how much she respected the princess, leaving no room for doubt. They were on good terms, at least publicly. The man grew serious again and hid his curiosity.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness... I thank you for your hospitality." He bowed and waited for the Queen to speak. When the regent had appeared, he had gotten confirmation of the rumors circulating about the royal family of Arran: Grimilde was a breathtaking woman; she shone just like the Empress of Atenarte. Both possessed that light that elevated them above the masses. Perhaps they would find something they had in common if they spoke in private.
"I was informed that you encountered some issues at the palace entrance. I offer my apologies for the matter. Unfortunately, we have had to tighten our security measures to ensure order is maintained within the kingdom."
"Your Majesty, there were no particular issues. Furthermore, the princess herself came to welcome me. I am truly honored." The man offered a small bow, smiling and showing respect to Snow White, who acknowledged him with a nod. Grimilde shot her a quick glance, then focused on the more pressing matters.
"Well then, what brings you to the court of the Kingdom of Arran?"
"Your Majesty, I have come here to deliver an official letter from the Empire of Atenarte. Empress Zeyana Voklanden wishes to begin a correspondence with Your Majesty."
Grimilde remained impassive, hidden behind the regent's mask she had built over the years spent governing and learning from her late husband. Despite this, an abnormal tension could be felt in the air, and even the guards noticed a significant shift in the princess's demeanor.
"You must have traveled a long way. Allow me to offer you hospitality so you may rest for your return journey." While an attendant took the letter the ambassador was holding, another stepped forward to lead him to the guest room where he would be staying.
"I thank you, Your Majesty," the ambassador stated, offering a small bow before leaving the throne room. He knew the Queen did not wish to discuss the matter publicly, but the choice to host him showed that she would not take the Empress of Atenarte's communications lightly. He would take advantage of his stay at the palace to look around and satisfy one of Zeyana Voklanden's curiosities: what kind of relationship did the Queen and Princess of Arran actually have?
When the ambassador left the room, the Queen stood up and asked the princess to follow her to her office. The guards moved to accompany them, but Grimilde waved a hand, communicating her wishes. They were to stay at their posts.
The Queen linked arms with the princess, and they walked enveloped in silence, though both knew well it was a quiet filled with worries and questions. When they reached the office, Grimilde quickened her pace slightly, and as soon as they were inside, she pulled the princess into her arms. Snow White jolted, but her body quickly reacted, softening against her lover's. The Queen led her to the sofa, gently easing Snow White down and sitting beside her. She was visibly shaken and weak, and it was breaking Grimilde's heart.
"I'm here," she whispered, stroking her hair, kissing her face repeatedly, and holding her tight in her strong arms. Snow White hadn't wanted to cry, but the blonde's comfort melted her defenses, and only then did she let go and sob. Grimilde continued to caress her and offer her support until Snow White calmed down, and only then did she allow herself to speak in order to get some answers.
"Darling... what happened? I need to know, so I can help you."
Snow White nodded, wiping away her tears. "C-can we talk about it later?"
"Oh, my love... of course. We will talk when you are ready." Grimilde cupped her cheeks, wiping the tears away with her thumbs, and kissed her forehead. They stayed locked in an embrace for a few more minutes, then the Queen took the time to check Snow White's physical condition to ensure she was at least healthy. After those sweet moments of mutual comfort, they decided to deal with Empress Zeyana Voklanden's letter, which had been placed on the Queen's desk prior to their arrival in the office.
Grimilde went to fetch it and sat back down with the princess so they could read it together. The Empress was not a woman of many words in official letters; indeed, the parchment held only a few lines, likely written by Zeyana herself.
"What is this about? I have never heard of the Oyindar."
"For a few years now, the Empire has organized tournaments where citizens from Atenarte's allied kingdoms are invited to participate. Extending the invitation to Arran is a sign of their peaceful intentions. Or so it would seem." Grimilde did not know the Empress, and considering the information circulating about her, she wasn't about to trust this friendly proposal blindly.
"What could she want from Arran?"
"To find out, we will have to speak with her. What do you think? To participate in the games, it will be necessary to appear in person and bring the kingdom's bravest warriors and athletes. The Oyindar will be held in the Kingdom of Umgard... a territory that is neutral only in appearance. Its collaboration with the Empire places it under the Empress's influence."
"I don't like this..." Snow White furrowed her brow and sighed. Since she had come of age, for some reason, there were no more moments of peace in the kingdom. Her poisoning, the betrayal in the Terran province, the Heirs' cult, Morpheus, Grimilde's secret, and now the Empire showing an interest in Arran... was it possible that the future would turn out exactly like the vision she had witnessed in the mine? She shivered and gripped the Queen's hand tightly.
"What's wrong?"
Snow White shook her head and hugged Grimilde; apparently, doing so helped her keep the horrific flashes that had tormented her since returning from the excavation at bay. "Ilde..." the princess whispered, seeking her comfort and asking for answers. "Did you send Astrael to protect me?"
Grimilde continued to stroke her shoulders and back, answering her honestly. "Yes. For your safety."
"I saw some... terrible things." Her voice cracked, and so did the Queen's heart, hearing the sadness and fear gripping her beloved.
"Bianca, demons are ravenous; they feed on every negative emotion we feel. They play with our minds and want to drive us mad, to destroy everything we love. What you saw is not necessarily true."
The princess nodded, deeply reassured by Grimilde's words and Astrael's admission. Nothing was predetermined at the moment: their actions were fundamental variables; they would bring an unstoppable wave of change with the right resources. Grimilde's tribe could shed some light on the matter, and speaking of which...
"Have you managed to get in contact with your tribe?"
"Yes, but they are far away. It will take time before they reach our territory. The Hersir recommends remaining vigilant..." Grimilde recited what the Hersir had communicated through the magic mirror: "Det är alltid mörkast före gryningen."
"What does that mean?" Snow White was fascinated by those unknown words Grimilde had whispered: those sharp, foreign sounds seemed to carry a great history and an ancient culture with them.
"It is always darkest before the dawn."