After the court hearing, the room descended into disarray.
Council members and guards whispered heatedly among themselves—some began questioning their allegiance, while others seethed, wanting Solas removed entirely.
The judge sat silently, biting her nails in frustration and fear, eyes fixed on Solas as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
"I should get going," Vargra said softly, a hint of fascination coloring her voice. She stepped past the judge, her gaze fixed firmly on Solas.
The judge glanced down and caught Vargra's narrowed eyes as they followed Solas. Vargra's gaze then shifted sideways, landing coldly on the judge.
"You shouldn't loathe him," she said. "Maybe we need change."
And with that, she turned her attention back to Solas, watching as he passed through the doors.
The same guards who had escorted him in were now guiding him out—a detail Solas couldn't help but find quietly amusing.
The blue-haired girl from earlier led him through the time lined walls, toward the towering entrance doors. As they stepped outside, the sun greeted him—warm and bright, its rays touching his pale skin like firelight on snow. The breeze brushed softly through his hair.
Solas closed his eyes, breathing in the open air.
This feels nice.
When he opened them again, the world was vivid—he looked up to see birds gliding overhead, chirping as they flew across the sky in a synchronized dance.
To his left, a familiar fountain still trickled, its water catching sunlight in shifting glimmers. A group of wardens stood behind it in formation, their discipline a stark contrast to the chaos inside.
And straight ahead, an ornately decorated carriage waited.
It was clearly military—black reinforced wood with silver trim, the windows darkened, the emblem of the Serpent-Tower carved deep into the door. A symbol of the powerful elite.
In front stood a knight clad in polished silver armor, visor down, reins in hand. The horses wore sleek, dark armor—helmets shaped like serpents, with curling silver figures slithering down the sides.
It was excessive, but also exquisite.
And Vargra stood in-front of it.
The faintest smirk grew across her lips—like someone who had been waiting patiently for a gift to arrive.
The guards surrounding Solas came to a halt, along with Solas himself. The blue-haired girl stepped forward.
"He has been delivered, as asked."
"I know," Vargra replied coolly. "You may leave now. I can handle him from here."
The girl gave a sharp nod, then turned, raising one hand and motioning in a circular gesture—ordering the others to form up and move out.
Solas remained still for a moment, her words echoing in his mind: He has been delivered, as asked.
Delivered?
Did that mean Vargra knew he would walk out of the courtroom untouched?
The thought made something stir inside him. Fascination and curiosity.
Not only was she striking in presence and appearance—she was calculating. Ahead of the game.
A faint smirk tugged at Solas' lips.
I like her.
"I'll be taking you to my manor," Vargra said, her tone shifting toward business. "There, we can discuss important details."
She gestured toward the carriage. "But first, we need to get there. And I'd like to get to know you a little better."
Then she paused, her voice hardening.
"But do not mistake my interest for trust. You are still a question in my ledger."
Solas smiled, the wind dancing in his white curls. "I will prove to be of promising value to you."
"I look forward to it," she said, then opened the carriage door.
Before stepping inside, Solas glanced back at the courthouse—the building where everything had unraveled, or perhaps begun.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
I wonder what's happening inside now… and what will be of Rowena.
***
The courtroom bustled with noise. People gathered their belongings, murmuring to each other, but Solas's words—and his presence—still lingered thick in the air like smoke after a fire.
Rowena stared down at the marble floor, her thoughts drifting toward him.
Where are they taking him? Will he be okay…?
A soft touch on her shoulder broke her from her thoughts. She turned to see Vaelira standing beside her.
She offered a gentle smile. "You did well out there. And don't worry—Solas will be fine."
She chuckled lightly. "He's under my sister's eye now. He won't be going anywhere."
Rowena let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her shoulders relaxing—until Vaelira's last words sank in.
"…Your sister?"
Vaelira nodded. "Yes. Commander Vargra. She's one of the kingdom's finest."
There was a faint shadow in her voice when she said it, but Rowena didn't notice—her mind was elsewhere. Something gnawed at the back of her mind. A moment from the trial. Then it struck her:
The judge had said she should be hanged.
A chill ran down her spine.
She turned quickly, voice trembling. "What… what will happen to me?"
Vaelira shook her head gently. "Tread not. Nothing bad will happen. You'll likely be placed under my care for now, until arrangements are made to return you to your home."
"Oh." Rowena's gaze fell again, sadness creeping into her voice.
"That was a lot of work," a tired voice broke in.
It was Eirianwen, standing in front of them with a stack of documents in her arms, looking utterly drained.
Vaelira's ears perked. "Oh—Eirianwen. Thank you. Truly. I appreciate everything you've done today. Is there any way I can repay you?"
Eirianwen shook her head. "No. I was just doing my job. Nothing more. The truth matters—more than anything."
She paused, glancing toward the large doors Solas had disappeared through.
"That man is… interesting. Especially if Vargra has taken notice."
Vaelira nodded. "Yes. He is."
"Oh!" Eirianwen's eyes suddenly widened as she looked over to a bench near the wall.
Selin sat there quietly, her gaze distant.
Eirianwen approached her gently. "And how are you feeling?"
Selin's ear flicked as she looked up. "I'm fine."
"I remember reading the report—you were badly injured. Are you recovering well?"
Selin smiled brightly. "I feel better than ever. If it wasn't for him… I wouldn't be here." Her tail wagged enthusiastically.
Eirianwen smiled, visibly relieved. "That's wonderful."
"And I didn't even get to have any fun," a flat, annoyed voice cut in.
They turned to see Revek, arms crossed, clearly displeased.
"If she hadn't interfered," she said, jabbing a finger in Vaelira's direction, "I would've had time to finish what I really had in store for him."
Vaelira raised a brow. "You speak as if I control when and where my sister chooses to get involved."
Revek scoffed and looked away, clearly not satisfied.
Soon, Vaelira and the others drifted into conversation about Solas, the court, and what might come next.
Rowena didn't speak. She simply stood quietly, gazing up at the stained glass above the courtroom.
Where is he now…? What awaits us next?
***
The sound of wooden wheels echoed against the smooth stone streets of the capital, rolling past pedestrians and a blend of shops and apartment buildings of all kinds.
Solas watched the city through the carriage window, his icy-blue eyes studying the passing faces. The people looked lifeless—empty expressions, shoulders hunched, as if joy had long since fled their lives. Misery clung to them like fog.
"Fascinated by the city's architecture?" came a soft voice.
Solas turned his head. Vargra sat across from him on a plush red couch, one leg crossed over the other. Her sleek tail rested beside her thigh, its movement slow, relaxed.
"It's nice to look at," he replied simply.
The carriage was small, but elegant. Cushioned seats of deep red velvet lined the sides, with dark black walls and silver-trimmed flooring beneath their feet. The entire space had an air of quiet opulence—refined, but not boastful.
Vargra hummed softly. "I see. Tell me, Solas—what kingdom do you come from?"
He chuckled, a faint smile forming. "I assume you've already read my file. But truthfully, I don't remember where I'm from. Or how I ended up in that forest."
Her pale-silver eyes watched him closely—his posture, his expression, the subtle way he spoke. She gave a faint smile of her own.
"I did read it. You also claimed to be… a fashion designer?"
"I did," he answered, the same half-smile lingering on his lips.
She nodded once. "We should be arriving at my compound soon," she said, eyes still on him.
"You know that without even looking outside?"
"Yes. I know this kingdom well."
He tilted his head slightly. "That's quite the achievement."
And in that moment, he couldn't help but admire her. She was striking, no doubt—but more than that, she carried herself like someone with power and purpose. Solas saw in her a key—one that could open many doors for him. And he had every intention of finding out which ones.
Soon, the carriage slowed and came to a gentle stop.
"Looks like we're here," she said calmly.
"We are," Solas replied, eyes shifting toward the door, already wondering what lay beyond it.