Menalippe carefully tends to Phia’s wounds, talking to her in barely audible whispers to her companion. Ever since we were girls together, you will not accept the help when you most need it. Why did you not listen to Belen? I know him, especially since you hand picked him yourself. Over me. I know he had at least tried to stop you from riding all the way back. She wipes away the sweat and grim on Phia’s face.

Belen enters the room to see Menalippe place a delicate kiss on his commander’s forehead. The court physician coming in behind him. “She’s going to be fine,” Menalippe says without looking up. “I took care of the worst of it already. The brigand’s sword grazed her arm, enough for it to be sore. But her muscle is fine and where the point entered her side. It was just her side.” The physician waves away Menalippe. She refuses to leave. “My medicines are just as good as yours.” The physician looks up, caught unawares.

”Menalippe,” says the physician as she turns round. “No one is doubting your abilities. Especially when you are in the field, but Lady Lousia has bid me come. Something has happened and she does not need to lose her best guard…” Belen wears a very small smug look upon his face, but says nothing about it. Menalippe clenches her fists glaring at Belen.

”You think…how can,” Menalippe stumbles over harsh thoughts over her tongue. “I will not leave her side, once you are gone! She is m…argh!. She grabs the water basin and cloths before storming out to get some clean cool water.