With Eyes Closed

The first bloom of her youth was fading, but she was lovely, and her face held a sort of wisdom that only those of her blood could attain so young. The city of Gonyu was growing larger in the distance. They would make it by sundown. Jess had often visited the city with Sedusa during the Time of Darkness and knew that the royal palace was much the same as ever. More ornamentation had been added over the years, sometimes unwisely, but still much the same. She planned to arrive after supper and leave with the princess, before midnight, so that Kyna would not be missed until the next morning. By then she would be in Zaza, the Dark Lord's plans to the contrary. 

She still did not trust the lad. He was a hope. Perhaps he would bring back the old days. She had done commissions for him, and she knew she stood high in his favor, because of the unlimited travel pass, but she still could not bring herself to trust him. She had stayed alive by not trusting anyone too far, and was too set in her ways to change now. Part of it was his sisters, she supposed. Alyne was a saucy little brat, but of no real influence. Zara, on the other hand, made the slaver's blood run cold. There was an ice maiden with no question, and she was his favorite into the bargain.