They had not crossed paths, because their paths had diverged from Satriya very early on. The more she listened the more curious Aiesha became—and she felt a little stupid too, for assuming his role was not a physical one. He was a royal guard! But of course she would not have known that; and by his own admission he had only recently returned, just like her.

I suppose I am new here, yes. It... It has been a few weeks, but yes. How strange that there were still faces she did not know! But of course, Aiesha had been insulated to a degree because of her own elevated position, and her journey, and the dreams—and her father.

I am,—here she let her own quick-thinking take the initiative—a yaret in training. So no wonder we have not met yet! I have only recently returned from a journey to a neighboring kingdom. Her smile did not change, because she did not tell a lie.

She did think of the conversation she'd shared with Ashait the snake—about royals and their penchant for manipulation. Was this what she had meant?

Ah, what plague do you speak of? I haven't heard anything about a sickness. But she was so curious now! And where did you go? If you don't mind the questions.

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