Helen laughed, leaning against the alphyn in the woods outside of town. She gave him another dose of the unicorn’s water, then glanced at Eva. “Oh, Eva, don’t look so angry. You never were one for tolerance, though were, you?”

Eva looked away, she wouldn’t give Helen the satisfaction of seeing her tears. “What have you done, Arelia?”

“Helen.” she murmured, “No one ever listens. Ah well, I’ll tell you anyway, you horrid serpent.” She looked at the alphyn lying next to her. “I found Arden wandering in the woods, took him under my wing- so to speak- and healed him. During that healing process, I ran into the prince, who was still searching for your cursed, idiot daughter.” At this, Eva started, and Helen smiled.

“My Sioni is no idiot.”

“She ran from the only healer she had, that makes her a dullard. Anyway, his men found me in the forest, threatened me. I scared them off with Arden’s help. The prince was planning to kill Arden, and I had to protect him.”

“You’ve killed him.”

She paused, “Yes.”