DISCLAIMER AND AUTHOR'S NOTE: There is no Xena stuff in the piece, except for the exceptional reminiscence of the two heroines to Xena and Gabrielle, which is intentional. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fiction. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies may be made for private use only and must include this copyright notice and disclaimer. This story is uber-Xena and was inspired by J. C. Wilder's story My Protector. There is some explicit subtext in this story, so, if this kind of stuff is illegal where you live, if you're under 18 or you find the notion of two women making love offensive, read at your own risk.

Open Your Eyes
By Kristjan Brezovnik

"Father," Princess Kaylen said when she came to her dying father's chambers upon his summons and took his hand.

"Kaylen," the Emperor said and looked at the slaves. "Leave us," he ordered and the slaves left. "I'm dying, Kaylen," he said.

"Father..."

"It's true. In a few days I will be gone and you will become an empress."

Kaylen bowed her head, sad.

"Yes, Father."

"There are some things I need to tell you which will help you." He paused. "Do you remember when Governor Waron was executed for treason?"

Kaylen nodded.

"Yes, Father."

"I didn't discover that by myself, I had help. From a Rebel."

Kaylen was surprised.

"Father?"

The Emperor smiled.

"She came to me in the middle of the night and told me that Waron had sent her to kill me in exchange for her freedom, but that she knew that the real plan was to make me think she was trying to kill me, because the guards were waiting for her to enter my chambers and then kill her and claim they had prevented an assassination." He paused and smiled at his daughter's confused look. "She also told me that the Rebels would never send someone to kill any of our family on purpose because we are the only ones that can help them."

Kaylen was confused.

"Help them? But they're Rebels, slaves. They killed Mother."

"No, they didn't. She told me they wouldn't kill one of our family."

Kaylen thought. She had hated the Rebels because she thought they had killed her mother and now her father was telling her that they didn't kill her. It was confusing.

"But they're the ones who started the fight," she then said.

"True," the Emperor admitted. "They started the fight because they want to be free."

"Free? But they're slaves and we have to take care of them," Kaylen said, confused.

The Emperor smiled again.

"They're more than capable of taking care of themselves." He paused. "Right now we are wasting resources because of our belief that they are inferior, but if we freed them, they would work for us."

"They would?" Kaylen asked skeptically.

"So she said."

Kaylen thought about it. A slave helping her father? Free slaves?

"Who was she?" she asked.

"I don't know." The Emperor said and thought. "She had a burn mark in the shape of an arrow on her neck."

"What happened to her?"

"I let her go."

"What?" Kaylen was surprised. "Why?"

"Because she had shown me that the Rebels are not our real enemies."

"Then who is?"

"Those around us who want power." He paused. "There are notes in my desk, they should help you solve the problem."

"Yes, Father."

"Go, take them and study them. And make sure no one finds them."

"Why?"

"Because they might try to destroy them."

"They wouldn't dare."

"Waron dared. Be careful, my daughter."

"Yes, Father."

"Go now."

Kaylen kissed her father on the forehead and got up. She took the notes and left.

A week later, two days after her father had died, Kaylen was studying her father's notes. She found them very strange because a lot of what was written was in contradiction to what she had been taught.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door and she quickly hid the notes.

"Come!"

It was Governor Takron.

"Empress, I have a wonderful news. Our army has defeated the Rebels."

Kaylen was surprised.

"Completely?"

"Well, no, only their army, which was huge. They are bringing prisoners with them."

"Good. Leave me."

"Yes, Empress," the Governor said and left, angry that she had dismissed him without a second glance.

Kaylen was confused. She had often heard that prisoners had been brought, but never gave it a second thought. Now, however, it was she who decided their fate. She frowned, she had no idea about what happened to the prisoners. Or who they were. She had read her father's notes and she had grown curious about the Rebels. Were they really capable of taking care of themselves? She decided to find out.

The next day, she decided to visit the prisoners and find out for herself what kind of people they were. When she told the guards her wish, she noticed that they paled. But they obeyed nevertheless and took her to the dungeon section of the palace.

When she heard screams, she stopped, pale in her face.

"What was that?" she asked.

"The prisoners," one of the guards explained nervously.

"Why are they screaming?"

The guard hesitated.

"They are being tortured."

"What?" Kaylen said, aghast.

Kaylen didn't know how she felt. On one hand, she was supposed to take care of them, but on the other, they had rebelled. But should they be tortured? Kaylen hated violence and the screams made her very uneasy. She gulped and moved on. She passed the cells, which were crowded with prisoners. She noticed how they took care of the wounded and how some cried over the dead. She also noticed the looks of hatred and pain. She tried not to look at them, but she just couldn't help it and she felt sorry for them.

"Empress!" Governor Takron interrupted her thoughts. "You shouldn't be here."

Kaylen jerked and looked at him. She noticed that he had come out of a room and was wiping his hands.

"I'm the Empress, Takron, I can go wherever I choose to."

"Well, yes, forgive me, but that's not what I meant."

"You are torturing the prisoners?"

"Yes."

"Any success?"

Takron hesitated.

"No."

"Have you tortured the prisoners before?"

"Yes."

"Have you ever had any success?"

Takron hesitated again, angry that she was questioning him like this and in front of the prisoners.

"No."

"Then stop torturing them."

"But..."

"No buts! Stop it. And have someone take care of their wounds."

Takron and the guards were astonished.

"Empress?"

"You heard me."

"Yes, Empress."

Kaylen moved on and went to the room from which Takron had come. She stopped, shocked, when she entered and nearly threw up.

"What... What did you do to her?" she asked.

"She was whipped."

"Did she reveal anything?"

Takron bit his teeth, angry.

"No."

"Have someone take care of her wounds."

"Yes, Empress."

Kaylen left and Takron stared after her, furious.

"Bitch," he murmured.

Kaylen was extremely unsettled by what she had seen. She had started to believe that the slaves really could take care of themselves or they couldn't have survived as Rebels for as long as they have. She also started to understand what her father had told her about those who wanted power. She had seen anger in Takron's eyes when she had ordered him to stop torturing the prisoners. She knew Takron was feared by many and she slowly started to understand why. But first, she needed to talk to one of the Rebels first, preferably without Takron's knowledge.

The next day, after sending Takron on some errand that would take him several days, she had one of the guards that had escorted her the previous day fetch the woman who had been whipped. She didn't know why exactly she wanted to talk to her, perhaps because she had seen her being tortured and wanted to know how she was.

The guard soon brought the woman and Kaylen saw that she was beautiful and proud. She was tall, blue-eyed with raven hair and dark skin, the total opposite of herself, who was small, green-eyed with reddish hair and light skin. She found it strange that someone else beside her father dared look her in the eyes. And those eyes, icy blue, yet radiating warmth and wisdom. And her posture, in spite of the chains the woman sure didn't look like a slave but like an empress, proud and strong.

"Kneel before the Empress and do not look at her," the guard ordered, but the woman ignored him and continued to look at Kaylen.

The guard hit her and the woman fell on her knees, biting her teeth. When the pain was under control, she got up and looked at the Empress again.

"You insolent..." the guard started, but Kaylen stopped him.

"Stop."

"Yes, Empress."

Kaylen stared at the Rebel woman and the woman stared back at her. Kaylen slowly started to fell uncomfortable because the power the Rebel woman's eyes radiated was enormous.

"Leave us," Kaylen ordered the guard.

"But, Empress..."

"Leave."

"Yes, Empress," the guard said and left.

"Kneel before me," Kaylen then ordered, feeling the need to establish superiority, but the woman merely smiled. "Kneel I said," she said, angry that the woman didn't obey her.

"I won't," the woman said calmly. "I am a free woman, not a slave."

Kaylen concentrated and the Rebel woman collapsed on her knees, surprised and with a strong headache.

"You are a slave and I am your Empress," Kaylen then said. "You will do what I say."

"If it suits me," the Rebel woman said angrily, still holding her head.

Kaylen was outraged at the insolence and disobedience of the woman. No one had ever dared treat her like that. She needed a few moments to calm down and push aside the thoughts about what had just happened. She knew that her ancestors would have had the woman executed, but she just couldn't do it, not only because she detested violence, she was ashamed of what she had just done, but because there was something about the woman that she couldn't quite place.

"What is your name?" she finally asked.

"Sylera," the woman said and Kaylen noticed the confidence in her voice.

"Will you tell me the truth if I ask you a question?"

Sylera lifted her eyes, surprised.

"Yes," she then decided.

"I need to know more about the Rebels." She paused. "What is it that you want?"

"Freedom."

"But if the slaves were free then there would be chaos," Kaylen objected.

"Why?"

"Well, you can't take care of yourselves."

"We took care of ourselves quite nicely until your army came and enslaved us," Sylera said bitterly. "And those of us that you call Rebels do nicely without your help."

Kaylen thought about it. She felt that Sylera was right and her own observations supported her, but her upbringing prevented her from accepting it, not to mention that the Rebel woman didn't treat her with respect. How can you talk to someone that doesn't show proper respect?

"Well, I can't free the slaves. If I did, there would be chaos and everyone would stop working."

"I didn't say you have to do it all at once," Sylera said and rolled her eyes.

Kaylen was annoyed by that.

"You don't like me, do you?"

"No," Sylera admitted. "I think you're a spoiled brat and way too young to rule an empire. Not that any of your ancestors did..."

She was interrupted by a violent slap across her face. She was confused at first, but then she remembered how the Empress had forced her to kneel before.

Kaylen was angry, at Sylera for being so rude and at herself for hitting her.

"I am the empress and you will respect me!" she said, trying to calm down.

"You have to earn respect first," Sylera said angrily.

Kaylen was furious and she nearly used her powers again, but she stopped herself in the last moment.

"Guard!" she called and the guard immediately entered. "Throw her to the solitary, no food or water for a week."

"Yes, Empress," the guard said and hauled Sylera away.

Kaylen started to pace. She was angry. Never had anyone dared to speak like that to a member of the royal family. Some, mostly slaves, had dared to voice their opinions at the wrong times and were executed for it. She, however, detested violence. Her family had always had special powers and some of her ancestors used them to execute people. Today was the first time she had used her powers on anyone. Her father had trained her in the use, but when she slapped the Rebel woman, Sylera, she corrected herself, it was instinctively. The first time she had used it on purpose, wanting to make Sylera respect her, but the second time she had used it instinctively, insulted by a mere slave. She hated to call Sylera a slave, but that's what she was, a slave. And a Rebel.

Through the next week, Kaylen often thought of the proud Rebel woman who had dared speak to her as an equal. On one hand, it angered her that she had dared speak to her like that, but on the other, she liked it. She missed having someone she could talk to as an equal, her parents were dead, but it angered her that that someone could be a mere slave.

She wanted to go to her several times, to see how she was, but each time her pride stopped her, after all, it wouldn't become an empress to visit a slave in the dungeon.

Finally the week passed and she told the guard to bring the woman to her, but the guard informed her that she was unconscious. She told him to unchain her and bring her to her when she woke up.

Sylera woke up the next day and the guard brought her to Kaylen. Kaylen then dismissed him. She quietly observed Sylera for a while, noticing that she had lost some weight, but that she was still as proud. She also noticed that Sylera was now ignoring her. For some reason that annoyed her more than when she was looking at her.

"Kneel," she ordered, but Sylera remained standing.

Kaylen became angry and knocked Sylera off her feet.

"Will you respect me now?" she demanded, but Sylera didn't respond as she sat. "Well?"

Still no response. Kaylen became even more angry. She went to Sylera, grabbed her chin and made her look at her. Sylera gave her a look of despise and Kaylen immediately let her go, confused.

"No," Sylera said.

"Would you rather spend another week in the solitary?" Kaylen threatened.

"Yes."

Kaylen was confused. On one hand, she wanted to have Sylera near her, but on the other, she needed to subdue her, to have her respect. Unfortunately, she had no idea how to gain her respect.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Sylera suddenly jumped at her and knocked her down. Kaylen panicked and Sylera was suddenly thrown back and crashed into a pillar. Kaylen picked herself up and looked at Sylera, confused. She frowned when she noticed a dagger in Sylera's right shoulder and she suddenly became afraid that Sylera might be dead. She was confused about the dagger because she knew that Sylera didn't have one when she jumped at her. She turned around and saw that there was a window behind her. Suddenly she realized that Sylera was trying to save her life.

She stared at the Rebel woman, confused, and then decided to see whether she was still alive. She made a few steps and then the door opened.

"Empress!" Takron said and quickened his pace. "Are you all right?" he asked, bowing his head.

"Yes," Kaylen said.

Takron looked at Sylera.

"Get her," he ordered the guards.

"No, wait," Kaylen ordered.

"Empress?" Takron asked, confused.

Kaylen thought back about what had happened and she was surprised when she reached the conclusion.

"She saved my life," she said. "Get Matla to take care of her wound."

Takron hesitated for a moment, furious and surprised.

"Yes, Empress."

Matla, the Empress' personal healer, came quickly and took care of the wound. Kaylen then allowed that Sylera was laid on her bed until she woke up. She then dismissed everyone, sat beside Sylera, observed her and thought. She knew the woman didn't like her, but she had still saved her life and that confused her. Why would a slave that disliked her, and who was Rebel at that, save her life? Sure, she had expected that anyone in the kingdom would die for her, at least all non-Rebels, but after she had met Sylera, she wasn't so sure anymore. Yet Sylera did it. She frowned when she realized that she felt guilty over Sylera getting hurt, after all, Sylera was just a slave and she was an empress. Still, it bothered her that Sylera got hurt because of her.

She stared at her and then caressed her. She noticed how soft her skin was and frowned when she realized what she was thinking about. She quickly pulled back her hand and stared at Sylera, confused. What was happening to her? She frowned again when a possible answer occurred. Was she falling in love? She stared at Sylera in shock. She was falling in love with a woman?! A slave?! A Rebel?!

But the more she stared at Sylera, the more she had to admit that she was beautiful and that she regained all her proud composure in spite the fact that she was wounded and dirty.

Suddenly Sylera moaned and Kaylen jerked. She moved a bit and waited for Sylera to open her eyes.

Sylera finally opened her eyes. Things were a bit fuzzy at first, but her sight soon focused. She felt that she was lying on something soft and was surprised when she realized that was lying on a bed. She looked around and frowned when she saw Kaylen.

Kaylen smiled.

"Thank you," she said, but Sylera didn't respond. "Why did you save me?" Kaylen asked after a few moments of hesitation.

"You're the Empress, we need you to end this and free the slaves," Sylera explained.

"Oh," Kaylen said, a bit disappointed.

"What happened after that?" Sylera asked after a few moments of thinking.

"The guards came," Kaylen said, confused.

"How long after the attack?"

"Not long. A few seconds."

"Who led them?"

"Governor Takron."

"Did they come in running?"

Kaylen thought, getting more and more confused.

"No."

"Did they want to arrest me?"

"Yes."

"Did they find the assassin?"

"Yes."

"Is he dead?"

"Yes."

Sylera closed her eyes, ending the investigation.

"What was that all about?" Kaylen asked.

Sylera opened her eyes.

"I'd say Governor Takron is trying to kill you," she said.

"What?!" Kaylen was astonished. "What do you mean?"

"Watch your back. The Rebels are not your enemies, but those around you might be."

Kaylen frowned, she remembered her father telling her something similar.

"Can I return to the dungeon now?" Sylera interrupted Kaylen's thoughts.

Kaylen looked at her, surprised.

"Don't you like lying in a soft bed?" she offered.

"Not if it's yours."

Kaylen gulped. As much as she hated to admit it, she felt hurt.

"Why?" she asked in a quiet voice.

Sylera stared at her for a few moments, before answering.

"What do you want from me?" she then asked. "Why did you pick me?"

"What do you mean?" Kaylen asked, confused.

"The guard, of all the slaves he wanted me. Why?"

Kaylen blushed and then frowned at that.

"I... I... Well, I saw you right after you were, well, whipped and I wanted to know how you were."

"What do you care? You should be glad they tried to gain some information from me."

"I don't like violence."

"Oh, really, I didn't notice," Sylera said sarcastically.

Kaylen bit her teeth.

"I'm sorry," she said and frowned, confused.

Sylera was equally confused. The Empress was apologizing to her? Now that was new.

"Look, the healer said you need to rest," Kaylen said.

"I can rest in the dungeon."

"Well, yes, but it's more comfortable here."

"And where will you sleep?"

"On the bed. It's large enough."

"No, thank you," Sylera said and tried to get up, but her shoulder wound still hurt, not to mention the rest of her body.

"No, don't move," Kaylen said, alarmed.

Sylera closed her eyes, annoyed, and turned her head away.

Kaylen bit her teeth. How could she act like this in front of a mere slave? How could a slave act like that in front of her?! She was the Empress, for crying out loud! She was about to get up when she noticed a burn mark on Sylera's neck. She stared at it for a few moments, confused, trying to figure out why it was so important. Then she suddenly remembered. She gently removed the hair from the mark to get a closer look. It was in the shape of an arrow.

Sylera turned her head, annoyed.

"What do you want?" she asked Kaylen angrily.

"The burn mark," Kaylen said.

"What about it?"

"Was it you that helped my father discover the treason?"

Sylera hesitated for a few moments. She wanted to say no, but she remembered that she promised to tell her the truth.

"Yes," she said.

"Why? You could kill him."

"I didn't kill him for the same reason I saved you."

Kaylen stared at the rebellious slave. She wanted to have her near, but she just didn't know what to do to gain her respect.

"I want you to be my slave," she then said and blushed.

Sylera gave her an angry look.

"Over my dead body," she said and Kaylen looked away ashamed.

She frowned. She was ashamed because she wanted Sylera to be her slave? She shook her head and pushed those thoughts away. Instead, she concentrated on finding some way to make Sylera her slave.

Sylera slowly sat. Her whole body hurt, but she bit her teeth. She wanted to return to her friends.

Suddenly Kaylen got an idea.

"And if I let your friends go?"

Sylera looked at her, surprised. She wanted to say no, but after thinking about it for a few moments, she changed her mind. It would be a small sacrifice if the Empress would really let her friends go. Not to mention that she could move around the palace and make sure Governor Takron wouldn't try to kill the Empress again. Perhaps she could even convince the Empress to free the slaves.

"Very well," she agreed. "But, should I find out that they were killed, someone in this palace is going to lose their head. And I will know."

Kaylen nodded.

"I will be your servant," Sylera continued, "and I will do what you tell me to. But there are a few things that I won't do."

"What?"

"You'll find out if you tell me to do them."

"Oh."

"I would like to speak to m... to a man named Golok."

Kaylen nodded.

"Guard!" she called and a guard entered. "Bring a man named Golok from the dungeon."

"Yes, Empress."

"But first remove her chains."

The guard was confused.

"Empress?"

"Do it."

"Yes, Empress," he said, went to the bed and removed Sylera's chains.

In the meantime, a maid came.

"Empress?"

"Prepare a bath for her," Kaylen ordered.

The maid was surprised, but she obeyed.

"Yes, Empress," she said and quickly left.

"Where will I sleep?" Sylera asked.

"In the next room. Come, I will show you."

Kaylen got up and offered Sylera a hand, but Sylera refused. Then she led her new slave to the next room and opened the door. Sylera looked through. She was impressed, but she didn't show it. She wanted to refuse for a moment, just to spite the Empress, but she decided against it, knowing that she could protect the Empress more easily if she was near her.

"Nice," she said.

"I will have Narsi prepare some clothes for you."

Sylera nodded and went to the windows to see what was outside. Kaylen quietly followed her into the room. Sylera saw that it wouldn't be too difficult for a skilled climber to climb up the wall. She turned around and went back to Kaylen's room and Kaylen followed her, confused. Sylera did the same inspection and came to the same conclusion. Then she waited, staring out the window.

Finally the guard brought Golok. Sylera looked at Kaylen expectantly. Kaylen was confused for a moment, but then she understood.

"Unchain him," she ordered.

The guard was used to the strange orders by now and did so. Golok looked at Sylera, confused. Sylera went to him and Kaylen observed how they conversed. She noticed they knew each other well and that the man was concerned about Sylera's shoulder wound. When the man hugged Sylera at the end, Kaylen felt jealous for a moment and then frowned, confused. The conversation was ended and Sylera returned to Kaylen.

"Take him back to the rest and then release them all," Kaylen then ordered.

This time the guard was so astonished he nearly looked at her.

"Eh, Empress?" he asked, uncertain.

"Release the Rebels."

"But..."

"If anyone troubles you, send them to me."

"Yes, Empress," the guard said and then he and Golok left.

"Empress, the bath is ready," Narsi said.

Kaylen nodded and looked at Sylera. Sylera looked at Narsi and Narsi then led the way.

Sylera noticed that Narsi didn't look at her, just like she didn't look at the Empress.

"Do you wish me to bathe you?" Narsi asked when they were in the bathroom.

Sylera observed Narsi for a few moments before answering.

"No, thank you." She paused for a moment. "Look at me, Narsi."

Narsi hesitantly lifted her head and looked at her.

"To the Empress we may be slaves, but we are equal and I consider you equal to any empress."

Narsi stared at her, surprised, and Sylera smiled.

"You don't have to give me any special treatment, as a matter of fact, I would prefer if you didn't, just treat me like you would like me to treat you. Okay?"

Narsi's eyes lit up and she nodded. Sylera smiled again.

"Good. Now about the clothes, pick something simple, something like your clothes, not like the Empress', even if she insists. Just tell her I told you I won't wear them."

There was shock in Narsi's eyes.

"But she's the Empress," she said.

Sylera smiled.

"I already told you, I consider myself and you her equal. I know you're not used to it, but I was born free and the only ones who rule over me are those I let."

"Then why are you here?" Narsi asked, confused.

"Because she let the other prisoners go."

"Oh."

Sylera smiled.

"Go now."

Narsi smiled, nodded and left.

Sylera undressed herself and took off the bandages. Then she looked at her body and noticed that most wounds had healed and that only the shoulder wound looked like it might open if she pressed too hard.

Then she sat into the tub and relaxed.

After Kaylen was informed by Narsi of Sylera's wishes, she first wanted to refuse, but then she realized that Sylera would probably tear them apart to make them simple. She bit her teeth and allowed Narsi to pick the clothes. Narsi did and then delivered one to Sylera. Just as she left, Governor Takron arrived and he was obviously furious.

"Empress, is it true?" he asked, trying to sound calm but failing miserably. "Are you really letting the Rebels go?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I have decided so. Is there a problem?"

Takron bit his teeth.

"No, Empress."

"Good. And make sure they arrive safely to their territory."

Takron barely stopped an outburst and just bit his teeth. He was very furious.

"Yes, Empress," he hissed.

"Anything else?"

"No, Empress."

"Then go."

"Yes, Empress."

Takron bowed and left, trembling with fury.

Kaylen then waited for Sylera to come out of bath.

When an hour passed, Kaylen decided to check up on Sylera. She went to the bathroom and noticed that Sylera was sitting in the bathtub, sleeping. She stared at her for a few moments and then approached the bathtub. She noticed that Sylera's breasts were visible through the foamy water and she stared at them for a while, admiring their shape and firmness.

When she finally snapped out of her reverie, she blushed. She was confused because lately she was thinking of Sylera a lot. She shook her head and decided to wake Sylera. She gently shook her and Sylera moaned.

When Sylera realized where she was, she quickly covered her breasts and looked around. She frowned when she noticed Kaylen.

"What do you want?" she asked, annoyed.

Kaylen blushed.

"Eh, nothing. I just came to see how you were. You slept for a long time."

Sylera suddenly noticed that water was a bit chilly.

"Oh. Yes. Do you mind, I'd like to get dressed now."

Kaylen blushed and quickly left.

When Sylera came out of the bathroom, she was dressed in the dress Narsi brought her. Kaylen noticed that she looked absolutely gorgeous and she blushed when she realized what she was thinking.

"You look great," she said.

Sylera raised her eyebrows.

"I need to bandage my wounds," she said.

"I'll call Matla, my personal healer," Kaylen said.

Sylera nodded and went to her room. She lay on her bed and rested. Her body still hurt, but not as much as it did before. And a bath, now that sure helped a lot. She noticed how Kaylen often blushed and she started to suspect that she was either very shy or falling in love with her. She smiled at that, an empress falling in love with a slave?

Matla soon came and Kaylen escorted her to Sylera's room. Sylera sat up and looked at Kaylen. Kaylen was confused for a moment and then she blushed, realizing that Sylera was waiting for her to leave. She did and then Sylera let Matla take care of her wounds.

"How is she?" Kaylen asked when Matla came out of Sylera's room.

"She's fine, Empress, but I would suggest that she rests for a few days."

"Good. I want you to take care of her until her wounds heal."

"Yes, Empress."

"You may go now."

"Yes, Empress."

Matla bowed and left and Kaylen went to Sylera.

"How..."

"Didn't your parents teach you to knock?" Sylera interrupted her.

Kaylen stared at her open-mouthed.

"I... I..." She paused and pulled herself together. "I'm the Empress and I..."

"I would appreciate if you knocked before entering my room."

Kaylen stared at her new slave with disbelief. She was being chided by a slave? She, the Empress? Not even her parents talked to her like that, but now, ever since she met Sylera, she was being criticized and chided like a child. And by a slave! A part of her wanted to punish her, but another part didn't, after all, she was gorgeous and proud. And she hated her. Kaylen was completely confused and she didn't know how to feel or what to do about Sylera.

"How... How do you feel?" she finally asked.

"Fine, thank you."

"Matla said you should rest for a few days."

"I'm fine," Sylera insisted. "Is there anything you would like me to do for you?"

Kaylen hesitated for a moment.

"Yes, you should rest, until you get well."

Sylera raised her eyebrows, but didn't comment. She thought about what she could do for the next few days.

"I would like Narsi to show me around the palace."

"Sure, I will tell her."

"Thank you."

Sylera got up and went to the window. Kaylen remained for a few more moments, hoping she could talk some more with Sylera, but Sylera ignored her, so she left.

She called Narsi and gave her instructions. Narsi went to Sylera's room, knocking before entering and waiting to be allowed to enter. Kaylen stared after her, feeling strange. Narsi had done exactly what Sylera had wanted her to do. She frowned, Sylera wanted her to act like a slave?!

She got up and went to Sylera's room. She entered without knocking. She wanted to yell at Sylera, but Sylera and Narsi weren't there anymore, they had left through the other door, which led directly to a hall. She considered sending guards after them, but she changed her mind and returned to her own room.

She sat in her chair and started to think.

When Kaylen heard several hours later that Sylera and Narsi have returned, she went to Sylera's room. She wanted to enter without knocking, but she decided to knock anyway.

"Come," came Sylera's voice and she entered.

"You sure took time," she said.

"Forgive..." Narsi started and wanted to get up, but Sylera stopped her by taking her hand.

"It's a big palace," she said.

Kaylen suddenly noticed that Narsi was sad. She had noticed it several times before, but she had always ignored it. Now she suddenly started to care and it confused her.

"What is wrong, Narsi?" she asked.

"Nothing, Empress," Narsi said, shaking her head.

"Her father is very ill," Sylera explained.

"Why don't you go visit him?"

"Oh, no, Empress, it's not that bad," Narsi said.

"It's very bad," Sylera said.

Kaylen looked at Sylera, confused, and then back at Narsi. Why was her maid lying to her? She pushed that thought away.

"Go take care of your father," she ten told Narsi.

Narsi was so surprised she nearly looked at her.

"But Empress, it's really..." she started.

"I insist," Kaylen interrupted her. "Stay with him until he gets well."

"Yes, Empress."

"And find a healer."

"Yes, Empress."

"You may go now."

"Yes, Empress."

Narsi got up and left.

"She will not obey you," Sylera said.

"What?" Kaylen asked, confused.

"She is a slave and her job is to take care of you. She will return within a few days whether her father gets well or not."

"But she said she'll stay."

"No, she just said she understood what you said. She's afraid that if she remained for more than a few days, you would get mad."

"In spite of the fact that I gave her permission?"

"Yes."

Kaylen thought, confused.

"There are no healers where her father lives," Sylera pointed out, "and no healer would bother to take care of a slave, even is she could afford it."

"What do you mean?"

"She's a slave, she doesn't have enough money. And even if she did, no healer would bother to go help a slave."

Kaylen thought for a few moments, trying to process the new information.

"I'll send Matla with her."

Sylera raised her eyebrows, surprised, but didn't comment.

"Where are you going?" Kaylen asked when Sylera got up.

"To Narsi," Sylera said. "Send Matla to her room."

Sylera knocked on Narsi's door and waited.

"Come!" came from inside and she entered. "Sylera."

Sylera smiled.

"She will send Matla with you," she said.

Narsi's eyes went wide open.

"What?"

Sylera smiled.

"Look, I want you to stay with your father for as long as it takes."

"But the Empress..."

"Don't worry about the Empress, she won't punish you or anything."

"But..."

"No buts. Everything will be okay. I promise."

"I don't know. I've never been away for more than a few days and that was when her parents were still alive."

Sylera took her hand.

"Look, everything will be all right. Right now your father is ill and that has priority over any ruler, including Kaylen."

"You must not call her by her name," Narsi said, scared.

"Why? It's her name."

"Yes, but..."

"Don't worry about me. Right now your father needs you. You go to him and stay with him until he gets well. I will take care of Kaylen. Okay?"

Narsi nodded hesitantly and Sylera smiled.

"Good. Now..."

There was a knock on the door.

"Come," Narsi said and Matla entered.

"The Empress has sent me to take care of your father."

Narsi wanted to object, but Sylera took her hand and gave her a reassuring look.

"Thank you."

"I expect you to take care of her father just like you would take care of the Empress," Sylera said.

"Of course," Matla said, confused, "I'm a healer."

Sylera raised her eyebrows.

"I'm glad to hear it. Most healers wouldn't bother with a slave."

"They're people, just like me, and it's my job to help them."

Sylera's eyebrows went high again.

"I'm glad somebody cares."

Matla smiled and turned to Narsi.

"Are you ready?"

Narsi nodded.

"Yes."

"Then let's go."

Narsi and Matla left and Sylera returned to her room.

Kaylen heard when Sylera returned and she went to her, knocking before entering.

"She will stay until her father recovers," Sylera informed her, looking out the window.

"Good," Kaylen said and hesitated for a moment. "What do you think of me?"

Sylera slowly turned, surprised.

"Are you sure you want to know?"

Kaylen gulped, not liking the sound of that.

"Yes," she said, nodding.

Sylera thought for a moment.

"I think you are a spoiled and ignorant child," she started and Kaylen's mouth dropped open from astonishment. "I don't think you are evil," Sylera continued, "but you have no idea of what is going on around you, even though you think you know everything." She paused for a moment. "I don't know why you're suddenly being so nice, but if it's because of me, you're doing it for the wrong reason. You should do it because it's the right thing, not because of me."

Kaylen stared at her new slave, the first person ever who dared criticize her. She somehow hoped to hear something nice, but what she heard was completely devastating. She didn't know whether she should punish her or what, after all, she did ask her. But still, she was the Empress and to be criticized like that by a mere slave was simply something completely unimaginable.

"Are you going to use your powers on me now?" Sylera asked.

Kaylen considered using them, but she changed her mind and left. She was hurt.

Sylera raised her eyebrows. She didn't mean to hurt the Empress, but the Empress did want to know the truth. She sighed, wondering what the Empress would do next.

In her room, Kaylen sat on her bed. A tear slid down her cheek, but she didn't notice it. But then another slid down and she wiped it, surprised and confused. She hadn't cried since she was a baby, there wasn't any need to. She had also never been chastised before and she had no idea it could hurt so much. She sobbed as she remembered what Sylera had said.

Was she really spoiled? She didn't know because she couldn't compare herself to anyone. She realized that the ignorant part was true. She was ignorant and she had no idea of what was going on around her. She was also beginning to believe that she didn't know everything, far from it. She didn't know about healers and she wondered what else she didn't know about.

Then she frowned. Was she being so nice to everyone because of Sylera? It could be, after all, she found her very attractive and she wanted her to like her. She frowned. She found Sylera attractive? She was confused for a moment and then blushed as she realized that she found Sylera much more than just attractive.

She was completely lost and she didn't understand why she felt this way toward her new slave.

When Sylera woke up next morning, she went to the kitchen to get something to eat and then returned to her room. However, she quickly got bored, she needed something to do, so she went out to find other servants.

"Hi," she greeted a maid who had let her into her room.

The maid didn't know how to act, having heard of Sylera from other maids.

"Hello," she said shyly.

Sylera smiled.

"Look, I already told Narsi, it doesn't matter how the Empress treats me, I want you to treat me as an equal. Okay?"

The maid nodded.

"Good. Now, what's your name?"

"Jarana."

"Well, Jarana, I need your help. Do you have something to read?"

Jarana looked at her, confused, and Sylera noticed that she was also a bit afraid.

"No," Jarana said, shaking her head.

"Do you know where I could get something to read?"

Jarana gulped.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because I'm bored and the healer said I should rest. So, do you know where I could find something to read?"

Jarana hesitated.

"Why are you afraid?" Sylera asked.

"Slaves are not allowed to read."

Sylera looked at her, surprised.

"It is forbidden?"

Jarana hesitated as she thought.

"Well, I don't know, but no slave has ever read."

"I see." Sylera thought. "Do you know how to read?"

Jarana shook her head.

"Would you like to?"

Jarana stared at Sylera wide-eyed.

"I... I don't know."

"And if the Empress allowed?"

Jarana thought and then nodded. Sylera smiled.

"Okay, I'll take care of it. Why don't you go ask others if they would like to learn how to read, so I can prepare a plan."

Jarana nodded, excited, and Sylera smiled again.

"Good, come to my room when you find out how many would like to learn to read. Okay?"

"Yes."

"Good. I'll see you later."

When Sylera returned to her room, she found Kaylen there.

"Where have you been?" the Empress demanded.

Sylera gave her a cold look.

"I was trying to find something to read."

"You know how to read?" Kaylen asked, surprised.

"Yes. I would like to teach other slaves to read as well."

"What?! They're slaves, they don't need to read."

"That's because they don't have anything to read nor do they know how to write something they could read. Back home, my mother is a famous bard and many people read her stories."

"I thought bards told stories."

"They do, but my mother also writes them down, so people could read them."

"I see."

"May I teach them?"

Kaylen considered the idea for a few moments. She found it embarrassing that a Rebel would show more concern for her slaves that she would.

"You may, for as long as it doesn't interfere with their or your duties," she then allowed.

"Of course," Sylera agreed. "Is there any suitable room or do I have to use the kitchen?"

Kaylen thought.

"You may use the library."

"May I use the scrolls there?"

"Yes. But be careful with them."

"Of course. Thank you."

Kaylen was a bit surprised at the thanks, but she appreciated it.

"Sure," she said and smiled.

She was about to leave when they heard the door in the Empress' room open and then quickly close. Feet ran across the room and then all was quiet.

"Wait," Sylera said and entered the room.

She looked around, but there was no one to be seen. Then she noticed the slight movement of the sheets on the Empress' bed. She slowly approached the bed and then suddenly lifted the sheets and looked under the bed.

Under the bed was a young girl, barely in her teens, and she was scared. Sylera smiled warmly.

"Come out, you're safe here, no one is going to hurt you. I promise. Come."

She offered her hand, but the girl moved back.

"Look, I can come after you or you can come out now. You have my word that nothing will happen to you. Please."

The girl hesitated and then slowly started to get out, but on the other side. Sylera smiled and got up. She moved away from the bed and waited.

The girl got out and up and started to back off towards the door. Sylera smiled.

"There are soldiers outside," she said and sat on the bed. "Come," she said and extended her hand.

"Who..." Kaylen started and stopped when she saw the dirty girl.

She had enough of waiting and she heard Sylera talking, so she wanted to find out what was going on. A dirty girl was the last thing she expected.

"It's all right," Sylera said when the girl started to back off again when she saw the Empress, "she won't hurt you."

The girl hesitated.

"My name is Sylera and this is Kaylen," Sylera introduced them. "And what is your name?"

"Yasta," the girl said, looking from one woman to the other.

"Well, Yasta, you know you're not supposed to be here, don't you?"

Yasta nodded shyly.

"And what are you doing here?"

Yasta didn't respond and she took a step backwards, pressing the small bag she had even closer to her chest.

"You have been stealing, haven't you?"

Yasta's face grew pale and she looked around for a way out. Sylera smiled.

"Don't worry, no one is going to hurt you," she said. "Now tell me, what did you steal?"

Yasta hesitated.

"Food," she then said.

"I see. Tell me, why did you steal food?"

Yasta hesitated and she glanced from one woman to the other again.

"Mama and Papa are in the dungeon and I have to take care of my brother and my sister."

"I see. And why are they in the dungeon?"

Yasta shrugged.

"I don't know."

Sylera smiled and got up, offering her hand.

"Come, I'll take you home."

Yasta hesitated for a moment and then slowly approached her and took her hand. Sylera caressed her.

"Where are you going?" Kaylen asked.

"First to the kitchen to get some more food and then I will escort her home," Sylera explained.

She waited for a few moments, but Kaylen didn't object, so she and the girl left.

Kaylen stood still for a while, thinking. She felt ashamed. She was supposed to take care of the slaves, make sure they had everything they needed and now she found out she wasn't doing her job well. She realized she was doing it really badly if such a young girl was forced to steal. She decided to find out why her parents were in the dungeon.

A guard escorted her to the dungeon and then she dismissed him. She looked around the cells, trying to determine who were the girl's parents. She couldn't.

"I'm looking for the parents of a girl named Yasta," she then said and looked around.

"Yasta!" a woman said. "How is she?" she asked, concerned.

Kaylen looked at the woman who had spoken. She noticed that she was holding a man, probably her husband, who had a fever and whose leg was apparently broken. She approached them.

"She is fine," she said and thought. "Why are you in the dungeon?" she then asked.

The woman looked at her, confused, and then quickly looked away, not wanting to anger her.

"You don't know?" she asked.

Kaylen looked at her, annoyed.

"Apparently not. Well?"

"My husband broke his leg and I stayed at home to help him. The next day we were both thrown in the dungeon for insubordination."

Kaylen stared at the woman, confused. She understood why the woman had stayed at home, but she didn't understand why they would be thrown in the dungeon.

"So you're here because your husband broke his leg and you stayed at home to help him?" she asked.

The woman nodded.

Kaylen thought some more and then looked around. Suddenly she felt the need to know why the slaves were thrown in the dungeon. She went from slave to slave and asked them why they were there. The more she found out, the more angry she was.

When Sylera returned about an hour later, Kaylen went to her.

"Yes?" Sylera asked.

Kaylen hesitated and Sylera noticed that something was disturbing her.

"I went to the dungeon and talked to the slaves," Kaylen said.

"So?"

"I let most of them go, including Yasta's parents."

Sylera lifted her eyebrows, surprised.

"Why?"

"I found out what they did and it seemed... well, it seemed stupid and cruel to have them imprisoned for what they did. I don't understand how Takron could imprison them."

"He likes people to fear him and he thinks that fear will give him power over people."

"Well, I warned him to stop that."

Sylera raised her eyebrows. Perhaps, she decided, there was hope for her.

"You should be careful with Takron. If he feels cornered, he might try a direct attack."

"He wouldn't dare."

"Because you're the Empress? He doesn't care. He has already tried to kill you once and he will try again."

"You think so?" Kaylen asked and Sylera detected fear in her voice.

"Yes," she said.

Kaylen was quiet for a while, thinking.

"You were in Yasta's house?" she then asked.

"Yes."

"What is it like?"

Sylera stared at the Empress for a few moments before answering.

"It is made of wood, which is already starting to rot in some places. There are several small holes in the walls and in the roof and two windows are broken. They eat food raw because they don't have wood to make fire. At nigh they sleep in one bed to keep them warm. You saw what their clothes are like."

Kaylen was visibly disturbed and she left. Sylera found herself hoping she would be alright. She slowly walked to the window and looked outside. It was a sunny day and she decided to go out into the park.

In the park, she sat down on a bench on which one person would sit more than comfortably and two persons a bit uncomfortably. She looked around for a while and then closed her eyes and enjoyed the sun.

"You, slave, come here!" someone suddenly yelled and Sylera recognized the voice as Takron's.

She ignored him, knowing that he had no business ordering her. And besides, he might have been yelling at some other slave. That thought, however, was quickly proven wrong when Sylera heard footsteps approaching. She opened her eyes and slowly turned her head, calmly staring at the enraged Governor.

"I am talking to you, you pathetic slave," the Governor said.

"I serve the Empress, not you."

"You..."

Takron wanted to hit her, but he was suddenly thrown back. He slowly sat up, staring at her, confused and angry.

"I didn't do it, she did," Sylera said and pointed behind her back.

Takron looked and noticed that the Empress was looking through a window.

"You'll pay, bitch," Takron said as he got up and then left.

Sylera closed her eyes again and continued to enjoy the sun.

Unfortunately, Kaylen came a few minutes later and she sat on the same bench. Sylera looked at her and Kaylen smiled. Sylera stared at her for a few moments and then went to another bench. Kaylen stared after her and although she hated to admit it to herself, she felt hurt that Sylera had moved to another bench.

They sat quietly for a while, Sylera with her eyes closed, Kaylen observing her.

When Sylera returned to her room, she rested for a while and thought about why Kaylen had come and sat on the same bench. Was she in love with her? She shook her head at the thought. Then she went out to arrange to have writing pads made. Jarana came later and told her who would like to learn and Sylera told her that the Empress had approved and allowed the use of the library. After Jarana told her who and when was off duty, Sylera told her that classes would begin in two days and that she would let her know the exact time the next day.

Soon after Jarana left, excited, Sylera heard that Kaylen had returned to her room and she went to her, knocking before entering.

"Yes?" Kaylen asked.

"Thank you for getting rid of Takron," Sylera said.

Kaylen was surprised and then she smiled.

"You're welcome."

"You should be careful with him. I already told you, if he starts to feel cornered, he might try to kill you more openly."

Kaylen sighed.

"Yes."

They were quiet for a few moments and then Sylera reported her plans.

"I will start teaching the day after tomorrow. Eight people want to learn and I have already had the writing pads made. I will make a detailed schedule tomorrow."

Kaylen nodded and Sylera left.

Two days later, the classes started and Kaylen secretly observed Sylera as she taught her slaves. She also noticed that the slaves were very excited to be learning and she decided to do something about the slaves' education in the future, not just her own slaves but all slaves. Unfortunately, she realized, she didn't have much experience and she needed help. She frowned when she realized that she didn't trust anyone anymore since she began to believe that Governor Takron had tried to kill her. She stared at Sylera for a while and finally decided that she trusted her.

Suddenly she jerked when she realized that quite some time had passed and that all she did was stare at Sylera. She frowned and looked at other slaves, who were busy learning. Then she looked back at Sylera. She stared at her for a few moments and then returned to her room to think about her staring at Sylera and about educating the slaves.

When evening approached, Kaylen went to Sylera's room. She wanted to talk to Sylera and she wanted to find out how she would react to a more intimate contact.

"Yes?" Sylera asked.

"I want you to bathe me," Kaylen said.

"No," Sylera refused.

Kaylen was confused.

"What?"

"That is one of those things that I won't do."

"Why not?"

"Because it is too intimate," Sylera explained.

"Oh."

Kaylen remained silent for a few moments and then left. Sylera stared at the door, wondering why Kaylen was acting so strangely around her. She found the Empress very attractive, but she didn't want to get close to her. She didn't have a problem with the fact that Kaylen was a woman and she actually started to like the woman after she had realized that she wasn't evil, just ignorant.

Kaylen didn't call a slave to bathe her right away. Instead, she sat on the bed and thought. She almost felt ashamed for feeling the way she did. She couldn't help it, she was attracted to Sylera. It bothered her that she felt this way toward not only a woman but a slave and a Rebel no less. Not to mention that she was very insubordinate. Kaylen frowned when she realized that she actually liked the fact that Sylera wasn't behaving like a slave but like a free woman, her equal.

She finally decided to take the bath and she called another slave.

The next day, after a long and mostly sleepless night, Kaylen decided to find out for herself how the slaves lived. She called one of her slaves and was about to start ordering him when Sylera knocked.

"Come."

Sylera entered.

"Oh. I can come back later," she said.

"No need," Kaylen said. "I have decided to see for myself how the slaves live."

Sylera lifted her eyebrows and turned to the servant.

"Would you please leave us alone?" she said.

"Why?" Kaylen asked.

"I'll explain everything," Sylera promised.

"Okay," Kaylen allowed and turned to the slave. "You may leave."

"Yes, Empress," the slave said and left.

"Well?" Kaylen asked when he was gone.

"You said you want to find out for yourself how the slaves live?"

"Yes."

"I suppose you want to go out in all your glory and let them know you're there?"

Kaylen was confused.

"Yes."

"Don't bother, you won't find out anything that way."

"What do you mean?"

"First of all, the slaves are afraid, if not of you then of Takron. They will smile at you and tell you how happy they are. Not to mention that Takron will find out and probably send someone to kill you."

"Oh," Kaylen said and started to think.

Sylera quietly observed her for a while.

"You really want to know how they live?" she then asked.

Kaylen looked at her.

"Yes," she said and nodded.

"Why?"

Kaylen frowned.

"Well," she said, hesitating, "it's my job to take care of the slaves. Until you came, I thought I was doing a good job, but now I'm beginning to believe that I may not be doing it so well."

She looked down, embarrassed.

Sylera smiled.

"There may be hope for you after all," she said.

Kaylen looked at her, confused.

"What do you mean?"

"It takes courage to admit you are wrong."

Kaylen blushed.

"Well..."

"If you really want to go out, you will have to disguise yourself as one of the slaves. You will have to wear rags and you will have to be dirty."

Kaylen looked appalled for a moment, but then accepted the idea.

"Okay," she said.

"Good. But first of all, you better send Takron on some errand. Just in case."

"I will," Kaylen said, nodding, "today."

"You want to go out tomorrow?"

Kaylen nodded.

"Yes."

"Then I will tell Matla to tell everybody tomorrow not to disturb you. How long do you want to stay out?"

"All day," Kaylen said, excited.

Sylera lifted her eyebrows.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Kaylen said, nodding.

"Do you want to spend the night outside?"

Kaylen's enthusiasm subsided a bit as she thought about it.

"Where?" she then asked.

"We can go to Yasta."

"Yasta?"

"Yes, they have free beds."

"Oh. Okay."

"Good, we leave tomorrow morning. Go to bed early because we will get up before dawn."

"Okay," Kaylen agreed.

"Now about why I came here," Sylera continued. "I want to go to the blacksmith and have him install some iron nets below and above your windows."

"Nets?" Kaylen asked, obviously not too thrilled by the idea.

"Not over the windows," Sylera explained and unrolled a scroll on Kaylen's bed. "Look."

Kaylen did.

"I see."

"Your view will be unobstructed, but any assassin trying to get in will have some serious problems."

"Good."

"And I also want a bell attached over the door so that if anyone tries to open it unnoticed, the bell will warn you."

"Okay."

"Good."

Sylera was about to leave when Kaylen stopped her.

"Why?" she asked.

Sylera turned.

"Why am I helping you?" she asked.

Kaylen nodded.

"Yes."

"I told you, because you're useful to us."

Kaylen gulped and watched Sylera leave. She felt hurt. Sylera had treated her like a servant, like a thing that one takes care of only because of its usefulness and then discards. She hated to admit it, but she was hurt. Badly.

The next morning Sylera came to Kaylen before dawn and woke her up. Kaylen moaned and slowly opened her eyes.

"Is it morning yet?" she asked.

"Yes."

Kaylen looked around and saw it was still dark.

"It's still dark," she said.

"Slaves get up early," Sylera explained. "I brought you some clothes. Put them on and then come to my room."

Kaylen moaned and Sylera left. Kaylen then slowly got up and looked for the clothes. She located them on the floor. She was confused for a moment as to why Sylera had left them there, but when she picked them up and took a closer look, she understood. The clothes weren't clean and they weren't like anything she had ever worn. She hesitated for a moment whether this was such a good idea and then decided that it was.

When she dressed herself, she went to Sylera's room.

"Good," Sylera declared when she looked at her. "Next we need to dye your hair."

"What?!" Kaylen touched her hair, upset. "Why?"

"You have reddish hair and green eyes. How many slaves do you think have that combination? Green eyes perhaps, but not reddish hair. I'll dye it brown."

Kaylen hesitated for a few moments.

"If you must."

"I do. Then you'll dirty yourself."

Kaylen looked at her, appalled.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because you're too clean to be a slave and your skin would give you away."

"Oh." Kaylen sighed. "Okay."

"Good. Come, let's..."

"Wait! What about breakfast?"

"No breakfast," Sylera declared.

"Why not?" Kaylen asked, confused.

"Slaves don't get to eat every day or much. If you want to see how they are doing, you also have to experience hunger."

Kaylen hesitated again and then agreed, sighing.

"Okay."

When Kaylen looked at the mirror an hour later, she couldn't recognize herself.

"Wow," she said, impressed. "My parents wouldn't recognize me."

Sylera smiled.

"Yes," she agreed. "Now remember. Your name is Sowal and you are a friend of mine, a Rebel."

"What?"

"Don't worry, I will tell that only to Narsi, if necessary."

"Oh."

"And remember, you are mute."

"Why?"

"Because of the way you speak everyone would know you are not a slave."

"Oh."

"Are you ready?"

Kaylen nodded.

"Yes."

"Come."

After they had left the palace, Sylera showed Kaylen the worst parts of the city which surrounded the palace. Kaylen quickly got tired from walking, but she kept on going, not wanting to show Sylera that she was weak.

Sylera, however, noticed when Kaylen had tired and so she often made pauses, during which they simply sat somewhere and observed the life of slaves. Sylera finally decided to take her to Narsi.

"Sylera!" Narsi greeted her, surprised.

Sylera smiled.

"Hello, Narsi. How is your father?"

"Better. He doesn't have fever anymore and Matla said that he will be able to work in a week or two."

"Good."

"Did the Empress say anything?" Narsi asked, worried.

"No," Sylera appeased her. "You can stay until your father gets well."

Narsi smiled.

"Thank you."

"Hey, that's what friends are for. By the way, this is Sowal," Sylera introduced Kaylen. "She is my friend."

Narsi looked at her.

"Hello," she said and was about to offer her hand when she suddenly realized that the woman looked very familiar.

She glanced at Sylera.

"She is mute," Sylera said, ignoring Narsi's confusion.

"Oh," Narsi said and offered her hand.

Kaylen took it.

"Mom, can I..."

Everyone turned toward the new voice. It was a little boy.

"This is my son, Nared," she introduced him.

"Hello," Sylera greeted him with a smile.

"Hi," the boy said.

"What is it, Nared?"

"Can I give Daris some coal? Governor Takron didn't pay her father again."

"Sure," Narsi said.

Nared left.

"I didn't know you are married," Sylera said.

"I'm not. Nared is my brother's son," Narsi explained.

"You have a brother?"

"I had," Narsi said and her face became serious. "He died in a mine accident."

"And Nared's mother?"

"She died at childbirth."

"I'm sorry."

Narsi smiled bitterly.

Kaylen was sorry as well. She realized that she had absolutely no idea of what was going on and the longer she followed Sylera around, the more determined she was that something needed to be changed. And fast.

"Can I see your father?" Sylera asked.

"Sure."

Sylera followed Narsi and Kaylen followed Sylera.

"Dad, I want you to meet a friend of mine," Narsi said when they entered her father's bedroom.

The man opened his eyes and looked at them. Sylera smiled and Kaylen observed him. She had noticed that the house was pretty clean considering the neighborhood in which it was and the bedroom was no exception.

"This is Sylera and that is her friend Sowal."

"Hello," the man said and looked at Sylera. "Thank you for arranging that my daughter could come home."

Sylera smiled.

"You're welcome. But it was the Empress who had allowed her."

"But you're the one who persuaded her."

"I just told her the facts and she then decided to let her go and send a healer with her."

"I see." The man contemplated for a few moments. "Will you thank her for me?"

Sylera nodded.

"I will."

Kaylen was moved. Many people had thanked her before, but this was the only time she was absolutely certain that the thanks was sincere.

"Will you stay for lunch?" Narsi invited them. "We don't have much, but we have enough to share it with you."

"No, thank you. We will eat at the palace."

"Oh. Okay."

"Listen, I'm teaching servants to read and wrote. Would you be interested?"

"Really?" Narsi asked, excited.

"Yes," Sylera said with a smile.

"Yes! Yes, I would."

"Good. I will make a schedule for you and then I'll teach you separately until you catch up with the others."

"Yes."

"Good. Well, we have to go now," Sylera said and started for the door.

"Okay. Thank you."

"I'll see you in two weeks," Sylera said at the door.

"Yes. Bye."

"Bye."

Kaylen followed Sylera around the city again, but Sylera quickly noticed that she wasn't paying attention and was immersed in some serious thinking. She didn't disturb her and she quickly found them a spot to sit.

"Where do we go next?" Kaylen asked after a while, not commenting on her thoughts or asking any questions.

"We'll walk around for a while and then visit Yasta."

Kaylen nodded and got up.

After several more hours of sight-seeing, Sylera led them to Yasta's house. A woman opened.

"Yes?" she asked and looked at them suspiciously.

"Hello," Sylera said with a smile. "I came to see how Yasta is doing."

"Yasta?" the woman asked, surprised.

"Yes, we met at the palace."

"You're the woman who gave her food, coal and blankets?" the woman suddenly realized.

"Yes."

"Thank you so much. Come in, come in."

Sylera entered and Kaylen followed her.

"Hello," Yasta said with a smile when she saw her.

Sylera smiled back.

"Hello, Yasta," she said and turned to Yasta's mother. "My name is Sylera and this is my friend Sowal," she introduced them. "She's mute."

"Oh. Are you hungry? We have just finished our dinner."

"No, thank you, we have already eaten."

"Oh."

"But we would like to spend the night, if it is possible?"

"Of course, no problem. But I'm afraid you will have to share a bed, like the children, because it gets cold at night."

Sylera didn't like the idea too much, but she knew that the woman was right.

"No problem," she said. "And how is your husband?"

"Better. The Empress had a healer examine him and now his leg is healing nicely. He should be able to work normally in a few days."

"That is good news."

"Yes." The woman hesitated. "Eh, we go to bed early to save coal."

"Of course," Sylera understood. "Where do we sleep?"

"In the same room as we do. We moved all beds to one room so we don't have to heat them all."

"A wise decision," Sylera agreed and followed the woman and her daughter.

Kaylen quietly followed her. She had noticed that Sylera was right, the house was falling apart. She had never imagined that people lived like that and now she was about to experience it. She looked around the room and noticed that Yasta's brother and sister were already in bed and that Yasta was about to join them. She also noticed Yasta's father in another bed.

"You can pick any bed you like," Yasta's mother said and fetched the blankets.

Sylera looked at the free beds and picked on that looked the widest.

"This one," she said.

"Okay," Yasta's mother said and quickly prepared the bed.

Sylera helped her. When they were done, Kaylen gave Sylera a questioning look.

"Do what I do," Sylera whispered. "Take off the upper dress and take off your shoes," she instructed and started to undress.

Kaylen hesitated and Sylera looked at her. Kaylen then made a gesture as though she was washing her face. Sylera understood and shook her head. Kaylen bit her teeth and started to undress. She didn't like being dirty, especially not in bed. However, the thought of sleeping so close to Sylera drove away all prejudices.

"My husband will tell a bed-time story to the children now," Yasta's mother said when she made sure that all children were warmly tucked in. "I hope you don't mind."

Sylera smiled.

"No, of course not. My mother is a bard and she used to tell me bed-time stories. I kinda miss that."

The woman smiled. She put out the candles and joined her husband, who then started his story.

Kaylen was hungry and cold. She squeezed closely to Sylera.

"I'm cold," she whispered.

"Yes," Sylera agreed, feeling cold herself.

"And I'm hungry. Why didn't we eat?"

"You have to learn what hunger is. Now be quiet and listen to the story."

Kaylen bit her teeth. She hated it when Sylera treated her like that. She was the Empress, for crying out loud!

Her thoughts were interrupted by the children's giggles. She listened to the story and discovered that it was indeed funny. She also noticed that Sylera was giggling as well. She forgot about her wounded ego and enjoyed the story. It had been a very long time since her nanny had told her a story and she realized she missed that.

It was still dark in the morning when Sylera woke up. She wanted to get up, but something was hindering her. She looked and saw that it was the Empress, who had cuddled up next to her. She observed her for a while and then gently woke her.

When Kaylen woke up and noticed she was lying so close to Sylera and that her arm was thrown over her belly, she blushed. Luckily for her it was too dark for Sylera to notice. She quickly removed the hand.

They got up, said goodbye to Yasta's parents and then left. They went straight back to the palace and Sylera first removed the dye from Kaylen's hair. Then she turned around until Kaylen undressed and slipped into the bathtub. She then took the clothes and summoned a maid to help the Empress with bathing.

The maid was surprised that the Empress was already up and taking a bath, but she was absolutely astonished when she noticed that the Empress was actually dirty. She was confused, but she didn't ask and the Empress didn't offer any explanations.

After she informed Matla that the Empress was safely back, Sylera washed herself and then went to the kitchen to eat and inform the surprised cooks that the Empress would have breakfast earlier.

After Matla had examined her after the breakfast, Kaylen spent the rest of the day thinking about her experience as one of the slaves. She decided to write down what needed to be changed and she very quickly made a long list.

When it was time to have lunch, she wanted to pass, but she wasn't used to hunger, so she quickly ate it and then returned to thinking.

When she could think of nothing else to change, she started to think about how to change things and she quickly discovered that it wasn't as easy as it seemed a few weeks ago, when she believed that all she had to do was give an order and things will be done. Now she knew that it was not so. She finally realized that the first thing that needed to be done was to get rid of Takron. She didn't know how yet, but she knew that he had to go.

After dinner, she paid a visit to Sylera. She had hesitated for some time, but she finally decided to show her what she had thought up and ask for her opinion. She was a bit nervous, like a schoolchild when presenting home assignment to the teacher, and it annoyed her.

"I was thinking about what needs to be changed," she said. "I came up with some possible solutions, but I need help." She paused. "Would you look this over?"

Sylera smiled and got up.

"Now you're acting like a true empress," she said.

"What do you mean?" Kaylen asked, confused.

"You know you need help and you're not afraid to ask for it."

"Oh."

Sylera reached for the scrolls and Kaylen gave them to her.

"These are my father's notes," she said and gave Sylera a few more scrolls.

Sylera nodded.

"I will read them and then I will help you," she said.

Kaylen smiled.

"Thank you."

Sylera nodded and smiled back. Kaylen left and Sylera sat at her desk and started to examine what Kaylen had written.

She had spent most of the next day examining Kaylen's notes and those of her father and writing down her own comments and notes. She had discovered that Kaylen's father was quite observative and that it was a good thing she had saved his life. She also noticed that Kaylen's ideas were quite good and that the only thing they lacked, beside some minor details, was a definite plan to carry them out. She wrote an outline and then took the notes to Kaylen.

"Your notes are very good," she complimented her and Kaylen's worried look was replaced by a smile of relief.

"Thank you."

"I also wrote some notes. Study them and we'll discuss them tomorrow."

"Okay," Kaylen said, excited. "Thank you."

Sylera smiled at the Empress' enthusiasm. She nodded and left.

Kaylen immediately started to study Sylera's notes.

The next day, when Sylera was done teaching the slaves, Kaylen came to her.

"I have read your notes."

"Do you have any questions or comments?"

"Yes."

"Then let's talk about them."

Kaylen put the scrolls on the table.

"Most of the things were clear, but you didn't say anything about how to get rid of Takron."

"Just a precaution. I have already prepared everything."

"What?"

Sylera told her.

The next morning a cloaked person walked down a deserted corridor. Takron knew it was the Empress on her way to meet with Sylera. Finally the time came when he could take what he felt was rightfully his.

He slowly sneaked up on the cloaked person, his dagger ready. When he got close enough, he stabbed her.

"Got you, bitch," he said as she fell down.

"Empress!"

Takron turned, surprised, and saw Matla, Sylera and a contingent of guards come down the hall.

Matla ran to the Empress, not knowing it was all planned.

"Arrest him," Sylera ordered the soldiers.

"You can't order them, slave," Takron said.

"No, but I can," Kaylen said and got up.

Takron turned, astonished.

"Empress? I..."

"Arrest him and throw him in a solitary," Kaylen ordered as she got up.

The soldiers immediately grabbed him and Sylera removed his weapons.

"If he escapes, you will be in big trouble," Sylera told the guards.

"Take him away," Kaylen ordered and the guards left.

"Empress, you can't do this!" Takron objected but Kaylen ignored him.

"Empress, are you all right?" Matla asked, concerned.

Kaylen smiled.

"I'm fine."

"But the blood..."

"It's not blood, it's paint."

"Oh. So you are not hurt?"

Kaylen smiled, glad that her healer really cared about her welfare.

"I'm fine. I have armor underneath," Kaylen appeased her and banged on her chest.

"Oh."

"I think I will make the announcements outside," she said and looked at Sylera, who nodded. "Good. I'll get cleaned now."

The inner court was crowded when Kaylen appeared. She looked at the crowd and felt the tension. She smiled and sat down.

"From today on there will be some changes in the Empire," she started. "The first change is that from now on everyone is allowed to look at me at any time, which means you may look at me, if you want." She paused and heads started to look upwards, shyly at first, but people soon became bolder when they saw that others were also looking at the Empress. "Good. But before I go on, I have a news which will shock you." She paused for dramatic effect. "Governor Takron tried to kill me this morning."

People gasped and started to talk, but they stopped when the guards brought Takron out. Kaylen got up and wanted to sentence him, but she stopped when she noticed a tattoo on his forehead.

"What is that tattoo?" she asked Sylera.

"He is a dangerous man and this tattoo will make it clear to people that he is a traitor."

"Oh." She looked back at Takron. "Takron, I strip you of your rank and privileges. All your belongings belong to the Empire now. I also banish you from the Empire forever." She turned to the people. "He has been tattooed so that everyone would know that he is a traitor." She turned back to the guards. "Take him away."

The guards left with Takron and Kaylen sat down again. She thought for a few moments and let the people take in the news.

"Not so long ago," she then continued, "I believed I was doing a good job ruling the Empire, but then I discovered that that was not so. I discovered that I was being ignorant and that Governor Takron had lied to me. The first thing I have decided to do is to end the constant fights with the Rebels. From now on all Rebels are free and what happened in the past will remain in the past. I will send a messenger to them so we can negotiate how they can contribute to the Empire." She paused and let the news sink in. "Next are the terrible conditions in which most of the slaves live. That is unacceptable and it will change. Furthermore, all slaves will be paid equally. The sum of money will be negotiated later. Also, I have discovered that there is a great potential among the slaves which is being wasted. That is why I have decided to enable the slaves to have at least a basic education, like reading and writing and some basic mathematics." She paused and again and observed the slaves. She smiled when she saw that some were quite excited. "The last thing is my plan to eventually turn the slaves into free workers." She paused and saw that the slaves were very excited while the slave owners not so much. "I want the slave owners and the slaves to choose five representatives each and tell them their suggestions and ideas, and they will meet with me in one week at noon in the throne room. Slaves, when you choose your representatives, send someone to the palace so I can give you a scribe, who will write down your ideas." She paused, thinking whether that was all. "That is all for now," she decided a couple moments later.

She got up and went inside.

"I'll go ask the blacksmith when he will install the iron nets," Sylera said when they got to the throne room.

"Wait!" Kaylen stopped her when she turned around.

Sylera turned around and waited. She noticed that Kaylen was hesitating, which meant that it was personal and very important. Kaylen finally took a deep breath.

"I have set all the Rebels free, which means that you are free as well. I release you from your promise. You may leave."

Sylera was surprised, somehow she didn't think of that. If she had released her back then when they had first met, she would probably have left, but now she had grown to like the Empress. She also knew that the Empress liked her, a lot, maybe she was even in love with her, and she knew that it must be hard for Kaylen to let her go.

"I'll stay," she decided.

Kaylen looked at her, surprised, and her face brightened.

"You will?"

Sylera smiled.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I got to know you and I've grown to like you and I know you are not evil. Not to mention that you have decided to reform the Empire. You will need all the help you can get."

Kaylen smiled.

"Thank you." She hesitated. "I also owe you an apology."

Sylera was confused.

"What for?"

"For humiliating you when we first met. I'm sorry."

"Oh." Sylera smiled. "You are forgiven."

"Thank you." Kaylen hesitated for a moment. "Friends?"

"Friends."

They were quiet for a few moments, both slightly at a loss of words. Kaylen was the first to speak.

"You go to the blacksmith and tell him to save the nets, I don't want to install them now," she said.

"Why not?" Sylera asked.

"Because it would look strange if I would install the nets now, when I'm about to reform the Empire. It would look as though I don't trust people."

"I see."

"Then come back here and we will go to Takron's house. I have decided to turn it into a school and a hospital for the slaves. I will send Matla and Farin there to inspect it."

Sylera nodded.

"Good," she said and left.

When Kaylen and Sylera came to Takron's house, Matla and Farin had already made a quick inspection and the slaves were all gathered and waited for further orders.

"Matla?" Kaylen asked.

"I have expected the house and found a suitable place, but we would have to remove the furniture and install a different one."

"I see." She turned to the architect. "Farin?"

"We can convert the house, but most of the furniture has to be changed."

"Then make a list of what has to go and what you need."

"Yes, Empress."

Kaylen turned to the slaves.

"Would anyone like to become a healer?" she asked.

The slaves were surprised and they avoided her eyes.

"I would," a man finally said.

"Step forward," Kaylen ordered and the man did. "What is your name?"

"Makis, Empress," the main replied, avoiding her eyes.

"Well, Makis, from now on you will be Matla's apprentice."

"Yes, Empress."

"Good." Kaylen looked at all the slaves. "Would you like to learn how to read and write?"

The slaves were surprised again.

"I would," a woman said after a few moments.

Other slaves started to nod.

"Good. Sylera will arrange a schedule for you." She paused. "I have enough slaves, so you will probably not be needed for a while. Unless you have anything else to do, you can go home now. Matla? Farin?"

"I would need someone to help me with the list," Farin said and thought. "What should we do with the furniture?"

"Sell it and then get the furniture you need."

"Yes, Empress. Others can go until we start selling the furniture."

"Good. Sylera?"

Sylera stepped forward.

"I will make schedules by tomorrow and I will contact you then," she said and looked at Kaylen, who nodded.

"That would be all," she said and left.

Next week, on the day when the first meeting was to take place, Narsi returned.

"Empress," she said, avoiding to look at her.

Kaylen smiled.

"Hello, Narsi, welcome back."

"Thank you, Empress."

"You can look at me."

Narsi hesitated for a moment and then slowly raised her head and looked at the Empress. She stared at her curiously and Kaylen smiled.

"How is your father?" Kaylen asked.

"Fine, Empress."

"Is he able to work again?"

"Yes, Empress."

"That is good." She paused. "You know, it wasn't the same without you around."

"Thank you, Empress," Narsi said, surprised, and Kaylen smiled.

"I won't need you for a while, I have a meeting."

"Yes, Empress."

When she and Sylera arrived to the throne room, the emissaries from all three parties were already there, waiting.

"Welcome," she said when she sat down. "I believe you all know me. This is Sylera, my adviser," she said and looked around. "Who will speak for the free people?"

"I will," a man said. "I am Renal."

Kaylen nodded.

"Who will speak for the slaves?"

"I will," a woman said, shyly looking at Kaylen. "I am Lerana."

Kaylen nodded and then looked at the Rebel delegation.

"Hmm, you are free now, but we do need a name for you," she said and thought. "Would you mind if I keep calling you Rebels?"

"No," a woman said.

"Will you speak for your people?"

"Yes," the woman confirmed. "I am Shatal," she introduced herself.

Kaylen nodded.

"Good," she said and looked around again. "As you already know, there are several issues I wish address. One, how the Rebels can contribute to the Empire. Two, improving the living conditions of the slaves. Three, the slaves' wages. Four, the slaves' education. And five, freedom for all slaves. I think we should discuss these issues first and then any issues you might still have. So, issue number one."

It was late afternoon when the negotiations ended and Kaylen then invited everyone to join her at dinner and suggested they wait in the garden until it was served. The slaves, the slave owners and four Rebels left while another remained behind. Sylera went to him and hugged him. Kaylen observed them for a moment, jealous. She recognized the man, it was the one with which Sylera had spoken when she had first released the Rebels. Just when she was about to leave, Sylera called her.

"Kaylen."

Kaylen turned.

"Yes?"

"I want you to meet my brother, Golok."

"Your brother?" Kaylen said, relieved.

"Yes."

"Empress," Golok said and bowed.

Kaylen nodded and turned to Sylera.

"I will be in the garden," she told Sylera, who nodded.

"We are going there as well."

After the dinner, Sylera looked for Kaylen and found her in her parents' room, staring at the paintings.

"You did very well today," she told her.

"Thank you," Kaylen said, pleased.

"You will have to be careful with the slave owners, they will resist most strongly because they feel they will lose the most."

Kaylen nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I noticed their looks. I will have to prove to them that they will actually benefit from the changes."

"Yes."

"Oh, thank you for your help. I was a bit lost when the slave owners started to protest."

Sylera smiled.

"You're..." she started, but then something on one of the paintings caught her eyes.

"What is it?" Kaylen asked her.

Sylera didn't immediately respond. She approached the painting and looked at one of the details.

"This painting, is it your mother?" she finally asked.

"Yes," Kaylen said, confused.

"And this ring," Sylera said and pointed at the ring, "is it unique?"

Kaylen looked.

"Yes. My father had it made for my mother when they married."

"Do you have it?"

Kaylen shook her head and her face became serious.

"No. It was lost when my mother disappeared."

"When?"

Kaylen thought, confused.

"About seventeen years ago. Why?"

"Where?"

"Somewhere in the Welara mountains."

"I should have known," Sylera said and turned to leave.

"Wait! What are you talking about?" Kaylen asked her, confused.

"I need to call two people. I will explain everything when they arrive."

"But..."

"Not now," Sylera said and left.

Kaylen stared after her, confused, and then turned back to the painting and the ring.

For the next couple of days, Sylera refused to explain herself. When the mysterious people finally arrived, Sylera told Kaylen to go to her parents room and wait there. Kaylen left and Sylera went with the guard to get the visitors.

Kaylen was surprised when she saw the two visitors, one a woman, about the same age as she was, probably younger, and the other an older woman. She noticed that the women were not impressed by the splendor of the room.

"Take a look at that painting," Kaylen told them and pointed at the portrait.

The women did so and the older one gasped. The younger looked at the painting for a few moments longer before she noticed the ring. She reached behind her shirt and pulled out a ring, which she wore on a string, as a necklace. Both she and the older woman looked at it and compared it to the one on the portrait. Kaylen also noticed it and came closer. She was surprised when she realized that the younger woman's ring was identical to the one on the painting.

"Where did you get that ring?" she demanded.

Both women looked at her.

"It belonged to my mother," the younger woman said. "To my birth mother."

"That was my mother's ring," Kaylen said.

"That woman you saved," Sylera asked the older woman, "it is the same as the one on the painting?"

"Yes," the woman said, nodding.

Kaylen and the younger woman looked at the older woman, finally grasping the truth.

"Mom, are you saying that we're sisters?" the younger woman asked.

"Yes, Raleen," the older woman said, nodding.

Raleen looked at Kaylen. She thought for a moment and then lifted the necklace with the ring and released it, but the necklace remained suspended in mid air. Kaylen looked at her, surprised, and then at the necklace. She realized it was a test, so she pulled the necklace closer to her and then snatched it from the air and looked at the ring, a peace of her mother. She looked at it for a few moments and then returned it to Raleen.

"What happened to my mother?" she asked the older woman.

The woman hesitated and looked at Raleen.

"Mom?" Raleen asked and the woman sighed.

"I was out with a scouting group when we came across a fight. Some Imperial soldiers were attacking a small caravan."

"Imperial?" Kaylen asked. "How do you know?"

"By the way they fought. It's unmistakable."

"Oh."

"Most of the defenders were already dead, only two or three were still fighting. We attacked and killed the soldiers, but the last defenders had also died. We didn't know who was traveling with the caravan, we thought it must have been one of the free people and that the Emperor had ordered him or her killed." She paused for a moment. "As we checked the bodies, we discovered that one of the defenders was still alive, a woman, and she was pregnant. She was dying and we had to cut her open so we could save you." The woman paused again, tears welling up in her eyes as she remembered the scene. "She died a few moments after you were born and she was smiling when she saw you." The woman took a deep breath to calm down. "After that we buried the bodies and I took you in as my own."

Raleen stared at her mother for a few moments, tears welling up in her eyes as well, and then hugged her. Tears were also welling up in Kaylen's eyes and she suddenly felt so alone. After Sylera noticed that, she hesitated for a moment and then approached her and took her hand. Kaylen looked at her and smiled, grateful.

"Namera, why don't you come with me?" Sylera said when Raleen and Namera stopped hugging. "I'll show you around the palace."

"Of course," Namera said.

"Sylera..."

"Mom..."

"You need to talk," Sylera said and smiled.

"Yes," Namera agreed.

The sisters glanced at each other and smiled nervously. Before they could object again, Sylera and Namera left.

"Welcome home," Kaylen said after a few moments of hesitation and Raleen smiled. "Let's sit down, I want to know everything about you."

Raleen followed her to the table.

"And I want to know everything about you and Dad," she said.

"Deal," Kaylen said and smiled.

"She sure has changed," Namera said as she and Sylera walked around the palace.

"Yes," Sylera agreed.

"How did you do it?"

Sylera shrugged.

"I didn't have to do much." She paused. "I think she's in love with me," she then admitted. "She wanted me to like her and that's why she was willing to change. And, of course, she soon realized herself that her ways were wrong."

"Interesting." Namera paused for a moment. "And you? Are you in love with her?"

Sylera stopped for a moment, surprised, and looked at the older woman.

"I... I think so," she finally admitted and looked away.

"Does she know that?"

Sylera shook her head and sighed.

"I think I'll have to clear this up in the near future," she declared. "But first she has to get to know her sister better."

The next couple of days, Kaylen was busy getting to know her sister better and Sylera kept out of the way. The two sisters decided to keep their relationship a secret, at least for a while, and Raleen and her mother then returned home. In the evening after their departure, Sylera went to Kaylen, who was already in bed, and sat on her bed.

"Hey," Kaylen said and smiled. "I haven't seen you much lately."

Sylera smiled back.

"You had a lot to talk about with your sister, I didn't want to disturb you."

"Oh. Thank you."

Sylera hesitated for a few moments and then decided to get straight to the point.

"Do you love me?" she asked.

Kaylen first paled, surprised, and then blushed a deep red.

"I... Well... I..." she stammered and Sylera smiled. "Yes," she finally said and lowered her eyes, embarrassed.

Sylera hesitated for a moment.

"I love you too," she then admitted and Kaylen looked up, surprised.

"You do?" she asked hopefully and Sylera smiled.

"Yes." She paused for a few moments. "You know, at first, I didn't like you at all. You weren't as bad as some slave owners, but you thought you knew everything. I noticed pretty soon the way you looked at me, but I refused to believe that you would actually fall in love with me. I know that you were more open to my suggestions only because you wanted me to like you and at first I despised you because of it. But then I saw that you actually cared and that you realized that you were wrong and wanted to improve. That's when I admitted to myself that I had feelings for you."

They were quiet for a while.

"So where do we go from here?" Kaylen then asked and blushed.

They stared at each other for a few moments and then Sylera took the initiative and started to lean closer to Kaylen. Kaylen hesitated for a moment and then started to lean closer to Sylera. They paused for a moment when they could feel each other's breath on their faces and then their lips touched. Gently at first, their lips probed each other, then opened up and let the tongues to join the party. They moved faster and faster until Kaylen hugged Sylera, wanting her badly. But Sylera pulled away and Kaylen gulped, hoping she didn't do something wrong.

"I'm not ready for that," Sylera explained. "Yet."

"Oh," Kaylen said and relaxed.

Sylera smiled and got up.

"The next time you take a bath, let me know, I would be happy to help," she said and Kaylen's face brightened.

"You mean that?" she asked, the thought of Sylera's hands touching her body running through her mind.

"Yes."

"Okay."

Sylera left and Kaylen lay down, the thought of the next bath getting her more and more excited. Life couldn't be more perfect.

The End