Unconscious one minute, wide awake the next. Iris's eyes snapped open instantly, and she tried to scramble from the bed she was laying on, but her reaction time was too slow, every muscle movement an effort.

She checked the arm Trevet had shot. Nothing. No signs of an over-bled wound other than a small puncture mark. She had been at the edge of a forest, near a lake. Someone was trying to drag her to the burning water and...

Iris blinked wildly at the wooden walls surrounding her, barely taking note of its interior. She had been at the forest's edge a moment ago. What the hell had happened? How had she ended up here so quickly? Where was Trevet and those two other strangers?

Iris paled at the thought of Trevet next to the man with the blue uniform. Trevet was a spy. An enemy. He had tried to kill her. At least, that's how it had appeared.

Iris glanced at her arm again before dragging her legs from the bed, attempting to get out from beneath the covers and... She collapsed to the wooden floorboards with a thump, trapped within a bundle of bedsheets. She tried to kick the sheets off, thrashing like a butterfly trying to escape its cacoon. In all her wiggling and turning, Iris didn't hear the approaching footsteps.

The door flung open and Iris stopped, staring wide-eyed at the blue uniformed figure that stood above her, his muscled biceps flexing as he crossed his arms. He couldn't have been much older than Iris, his tall frame angled down towards her, an amused smirk plastering his face. His skin was a golden-brown, and his eyes a dazzling turquoise that contrasted against his raven-dark hair.

"Usually," the mysterious stranger said in a voice that was not quite deep, but just slightly raspy, "people would find it more comfortable to sleep on the bed." When Iris didn't respond, he shrugged with his broad shoulders. "Each to their own, I suppose. Right, princess?"

Iris's blood chilled slightly. He knew who she was. But of course he did. Who knew what Trevet had informed him about? Holy shit. Trevet was a spy!

He took a step towards her, and Iris lifted her chin indignantly, initiating a laugh from the male. "I might take that look to offence if you didn't seem so out of place wrapped up in a bundle like that."

He knelt and Iris tried to roll away, but he gripped her shoulders, slowly loosening the sheets so that it was possible for her to wriggle free from the covers. She eyed him warily until her legs were officially detangled from the sheets, then she stumbled to her feet, hurrying towards the door.

She made it a few mere steps before the world began to spin from her flurry of movements, and she leaned against the doorframe, rubbing at her temples before turning a sharp gaze towards the stranger.

He only grinned at her, standing back up and dumping the sheets in a heap on the bed. "You won't get far. The effects of the tranquillizer are still wearing off."

Iris only glared at him before turning away – and slamming into a hard chest.

Trevet gripped a shoulder with one hand, the other holding a glass of water. "Iris," he sounded surprised and... concerned. "We've got to stop bumping into each other like this." A lame attempt at humour, and not very much appreciated at this moment.

Iris looked up to meet Trevet's gaze, not sure which instinct would kick in first: flight or fight. But the blue-uniformed male walked to the doorframe, eyeing them both with that playful smirk.

"I'll say," his gaze wandered to their proximity, and Iris took an involuntary step back.

"Trevet," he tutted with a small shake of his head. "Should I be jealous now? It looks and sounds to me like she's had more physical contact with you than I have recently."

Iris noted that, whilst the Terran accent reminded her of a British accent, the Lymphan accent seemed to lay heavy pronunciation on certain consonants, as if he were part Canadian, part South African – an odd mix and hard to understand upon first impression.

The thought quickly vanished as Trevet went to lay a hand on her shoulder again. Iris roughly jolted away from the touch, only to stumble backwards into a cloud of fresh, citrus-scented cologne. The male gave her a dazzling, white-toothed smile as he steadied her.

"You're working with the Lymphans," Iris shot coldly at Trevet, shrugging off the stranger's hands. "How could you? How could you work for them?"

Trevet stiffened. "Well. Don't you sound like a true Terran now? Referring to Lymphans as if they were nothing more than unholy beggars and scoundrels."

"I was a scoundrel!" Iris snapped. "I've been a beggar, so don't pull that shit on me because that's not what I meant."

Trevet's eyebrows knitted together. "You were? So... all that time on Earth..." he looked dumbfounded. "You mean...?"

"That before you came to whisk me away, I lived on the streets? Yeah." She took a shaky step towards him, levelling her eyes with him. "What I meant by 'them' is that they're kidnappers and possible torturers, Trevet. Or did you forget how they ransacked my sister's home and captured Braedon's grandpa?"

"Easy there, princess."

Iris whirled at the stranger's voice, sizing him up. "So, what? You're going to do the same with me now, too?"

The male only gave a small smile as he clicked his fingers, and Iris barely registered from the corner of her eyes as the water from Trevet's glass rose – then splashed on her face.

Iris gave a surprised cough, sputtering as she said, "What the hell?"

"Caspian!" Trevet cried, clearly unimpressed.

The Lymphan named Caspian shrugged. "Whoops. You know magic these days. Totally out of whack, right?"

Trevet only gave him a disapproving glance as Iris stood between the two of them in bewildered shock, face dripping.

"Iris," Trevet spoke to her quietly, sighing wearily. "Give me a chance to explain, please."

Iris didn't know why, but something in his tone settled her, easing her frantic thoughts. So, when he gestured for her to follow him, she did. Down a short corridor – past what she assumed must have been Caspian's bedroom – was a conjoined living room and kitchen. A wide window from the kitchenette outlooked the dark lake beyond, the light of the moon sending a glimmering white ray onto the undisturbed water. The tiny hut-like interior didn't have much in it, from what she gathered. It looked more like a getaway home than a place in which somebody actually lived in. Two wooden chairs faced each other, a circular, slender table made of dark wood between them. Trevet took up one chair and motioned to the other.

Hesitantly, Iris sat, eyeing Caspian warily as he crossed his arms and leaned against the adjoining wall, closest to Trevet.

"Why?" Iris asked Trevet, never taking her eyes off Caspian, who maintained that particular gleam in his eye and mischievous smirk.

"I'm not a traitor, Iris," Trevet said calmly.

She shook her head. "No, I mean, why haven't you killed me yet?"

Trevet blinked, and Caspian let out a howl of laughter, slapping his knee.

"Kill you?" he wheezed, glancing at Trevet, who returned the look with a hint of exasperation. "Aw, princess, you're too funny! This one," he slapped Trevet's back. "Can't even kill a fly. Trust me, I would know. In the summertime, I do all the fly-killing around here. And bugs and spiders and..."

"Okay," Trevet grimaced. "We get it, Caspian."

"Ooh," he feigned a look of horror. "That's the second time you've used my actual name. Should I be worried? Is wittle Trevet feeling mad?" Caspian went to pinch his cheek condescendingly, but Trevet caught his wrist, catching Caspian off-guard.

"I'm trying to have a serious conversation, Casp," Trevet explained, again with that same, calm tonality, though Iris could have sworn there was a twinkle in his eyes.

Caspian huffed, though a smile still played on his lips. "You're no fun when you're serious, Trev."

Iris glanced between the two of them, utterly bemused. She knew that if Trevet had wanted to kill her by now, he would have done so. But then if he wasn't a traitor to the Terrans, as he so claimed... her eyes widened as it finally dawned on her.

"You two..." she stumbled over her words. "You're..."

Caspian's face darkened. "Are you accusing me of being gay?"

Iris's heart skipped a beat, her face heating at her own assumption. "Um..."

Caspian's face broke into a grin. "Because you'd be correct in assuming so, princess."

Iris released a sigh she didn't know she'd been holding, and Trevet rubbed his temples, casting an apologetic look her way.

"By the gods!" Caspian cackled, beside himself with laughter. "Is that revelation such a huge one for you earthlings?"

Iris raised her chin indignantly, if only to hide her own embarrassment. How had she not noticed it earlier? That also explained why he didn't mind the extra Border Patrol shifts. Because it meant he got to see Caspian more often. This hut... Iris glanced around the quaint little home. This must be where they met up. Away from prying eyes, from other Border Patrol.

"Why?" Iris found herself asking again, but this time for an entirely different reason. "Why didn't you tell me, Trevet?"

"What, that he's gay or that he's living a cliché Sorbus and Gemma story?" Caspian placed a hand dramatically against his forehead. "Two lovers from opposing parties, doomed till death do them part. Say," he straightened, angling his head to the side as he took in Trevet. "Who would be the Gemma in this story?"

Iris blinked several times, still processing. "I don't know that story."

"What?" Caspian scoffed. "It's only the greatest love story every told."

She had heard of that tale, but as far as she was aware, that one was Romeo & Juliet.

"Like Shakespeare?"

Caspian and Trevet exchanged bemused glances as the Lymphan responded, "Not sure who that is, princess. But the greatest storyteller in Caedus is Hastam. He wrote and told all sorts of tales from love, to power, to greed... they're phenomenal. Timeless classics."

She surveyed the two of them – Caspian's humorous character, and Trevet's serious one. The two weren't just from opposing districts, they seemed like total opposites in character, and yet... There was something between them. Iris could tell by the way they would comfortably hold each other's stares. The shared smiles between them, as if their lips held secrets meant for only themselves.

Iris felt a pang of nostalgia as she remembered she once shared a similar smile with Mason. Where was he now? He surely thought she was dead, or long gone by now. And what of Tyrone and his declining health? Was he still holding up? She wondered if Tyrone might be searching for her. Mason had run, but Tyrone had always been a true leader, a person who cared for all of them, all his people. Then again, she had thought the same of Mason once, but when push came to shove and that earthquake had erupted... Iris cut her thoughts short.

"If we're done romanticising," Trevet said with a roll of his eyes towards his lover. "I think Iris is getting impatient for some explanations."

"Whatever you say, Sorbus," Caspian winked. Then, when Trevet cast him another glare, added innocently, "Or Gemma? Whichever character you prefer to be, my love."

Trevet deigned to ignore him, turning his full attention towards Iris as he said, "I'm sorry I tranquilized you, Iris. I didn't mean for it to get this out of hand. It's just, when I saw you in the woods, and I thought you saw me with him..."

Caspian placed a hand to his chest, eyelashes fluttering dramatically. "Are you ashamed of me, Trev?"

Trevet whirled on him. "I swear to the gods, Casp. I will get that tranquillizer and use it on you if you don't shut up."

Iris covered a smile as she asked, "So why did you shoot me, exactly?"

Trevet rubbed his face and sighed. "Honestly, it was my first instinct. I didn't want to risk telling you, Iris." He met her gaze, remorse and embarrassment evident in those bright, green eyes. "It's just that, you're so new to all of this." He waved a hand. "Not just to Caedus as a place, but to its history, its geography, its people. There's so much you still don't know about the war waging at this moment and..." Trevet paused, as if seeming to consider his next words carefully. "I have no doubts about my loyalty to you as my princess. But there are some things that..." He glanced at Caspian, and words appeared to fail him.

But Iris knew what he meant. "You couldn't afford me slipping up this kind of information to Jasper. You couldn't risk me knowing because of my naivety in this whole situation. You didn't know to what extent I could be trusted, what I might do if I found out."

Trevet winced at the brusque words but nodded. "I'll admit, tranquilizing you was a bit far... But I had hoped to bring you back to the Terra District while you were still unconscious. I wasn't sure how much you had seen, but as long as you stayed ignorant, it would be easier for you to tell Jasper the facts if he questioned what you were doing above ground again. But that Lymphan guard found you and then you spotted me, so I freaked out and... well."

Iris stiffened. "Trevet, I would have lied for you. Jasper's not exactly my enemy, but I don't exactly consider him a friend, either."

Trevet gave her an appreciative smile at the friendship she offered him. He nodded once in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Iris. But I couldn't ask you to lie for me, especially since..." he hesitated. "Jasper has his ways. When he wants something, he's very good at manipulating the person and extracting that sort of intel. It would have been easier for me to lie, tell him that I had caught you trailing me and that a Lymphan had tranquilized you but I had managed to pull you back to safety."

Iris snorted. "I doubt he'd be very happy with me, hearing that story."

Trevet shook his head. "Either way, I don't think he would have reprimanded you for it. I don't think Jasper's a bad guy... just, adamant in his ways."

Iris lifted her shoulders in a careless motion. "Maybe. But it doesn't make me like him any more."

"Ooh, a rebel without a cause," Caspian winked at her. "Trevet, I like this princess. I can see why you'd be tempted by her." He held up his hands before Trevet could even give him that disapproving glance. "Hey, I'm just making the best out of a crappy situation. You were the one that panicked and tranquilized her. If it wasn't for me, you'd still be hauling her ass back to the Terra District concocting lies and excuses."

Iris turned to him. "And why didn't you let him?"

Caspian blinked, then said, "Well, no offence, princess, but the only ass I want him hauling or even touching is..."

"Casp!" Trevet shouted, red creeping up his neck.

"There's more to this, isn't there?" Iris grimaced. This went beyond her spotting their secret affair. She could tell they had a bigger issue on their mind just by their shared, apprehensive glances.

Caspian shrugged, his face going neutral. "So, do you want to tell her or should I?" Then, without waiting for a response, he said to Iris. "We – the people of the Lymphan District, need you. We need your help, princess."

Iris didn't say anything. She was getting the feeling that she was about to get mixed up in some very sticky war business, and by the look that Trevet gave her, he knew it too. Knew it – and probably wanted to avoid the matter entirely. That was the other reason he had tranquilized her, no doubt. It was easier to return to the Terra District, continue on as if nothing had changed. But her following him above ground... others discovering her presence. This shifted everything in the war. Depending whose side she decided to help and support... it seemed it was a matter of people's lives. Iris wasn't sure she particularly enjoyed being this important, this powerful. The consequences of any wrong choice, and any foul move on her behalf seemed to great, too risky, and the price much, much too high.

"This has to do with the prophecy," Iris said quietly. "Doesn't it?"

Caspian's face darkened, the first glimpse of seriousness she had seen from him. "Somewhat."

She shook her head. "Why don't you hate me? Why don't you hate what I represent? I thought Lymphans didn't want the prophecy restored. I thought it meant their enslavement."

"That's just it though," Caspian said in an excited, conspiratorial whisper, his eyes shining in childlike wonder. "It doesn't have to be that."

"Casp," Trevet said gently, but Caspian was on a roll, and he pushed off the wall, placing a hand down on the table between Trevet and Iris.

"This could mean it's time for change," Caspian insisted. "The prophecy states: only once the four royal sister reunite, can the Kingdom of Caedus overcome this blight."

Again, Iris found herself visibly shivering at those forboding words, like coldness had sneaked in through the cracks of the walls, the floorboards, the windows, and crawled along her skin.

"But the Kingdom overcoming this dark time doesn't mean it has to go back to what it once was. It can be a new kingdom with a better ruler," Caspian continued keenly. "Trevet told me what you're like."

Iris shook her head, hands shaking slightly. So much responsibility. What did he expect of her? "I don't know what Trevet told you," she said carefully. "But I am not princess material, Caspian."

"You're more than that," Caspian pressed. "You're a princess who was orphaned. You just said so yourself! You lived on the streets, gods-damn! You know what it means to be one of us. You know what true hunger is. To not have reprieve from the cold. You've been where we've been, where the Lymphans have been. You are unlike any royal we've ever had before, and that's what makes you the perfect ruler!"

Iris still shook her head, weighed the heaviness to his words. "I've never been through a war. I know nothing of this planet, of what your people, or my people, or any people on Caedus need. Trevet literally just said that."

Caspian refused to back down from his argument, his jaw set. "You have no idea how much you can change history. Not knowing our history is a blessing¸ Iris. It would convince others that you're unbiased, that you can't follow in your mother's footsteps because you led a completely different life."

"Casp," Trevet interrupted gently, noting the slight shake in Iris's hands. "That's enough. We've discussed this. It's too risky, too dangerous. I'm sorry, Iris—"

"Everything to you is too risky!" Caspian snapped, surprising both Iris and Trevet. He recomposed himself, taking Trevet's face in his cupped hands. "Trev, you know I love you. But sometimes, you have to take risks in order to make a change, to not repeat the same patterns. How else can we ever move forward?"

Trevet didn't look entirely convinced, but understanding and sympathy danced in those green eyes, and he nodded slightly. Caspian let go, turning his attention back to Iris.

"Not all Lymphans are against the prophecy, mind you. It's just that..." Caspian hesitated, choosing his words cautiously. "Queen Freya wasn't so considerate to those who weren't her directly descended from her Terran element. Many Lymphans were either servants or serfs or had low-paid jobs. They weren't treated as nicely as say... well, the Terran people, for one."

Iris mulled over this information. Jasper had portrayed them more to be rebels, a people gone rouge for no particular reason. But this, the way Caspian was explaining it from the receiving end of Jasper's criticism... this made more sense. The anger behind their actions... why they had captured Braedon's grandpa and possibly tortured him. It didn't make what they did okay in the slightest, of course. But she could at least put herself in their shoes, understand why they felt the need to do what they did. To them, it was a question of survival, of control over their own lies. They're violence was more than just rage – it derived from fear, really. Fear of being forced back into enslavement. Fear of losing the freedom they had had fought so hard to obtain in the first place, that they still struggled to keep and manage.

Iris said carefully, "Do you really think your people will be happy to have me as... their leader?" She didn't like the sound of 'ruler' it sounded to authoritarian, too controlling.

Caspian was quiet for a heartbeat. "The fact that you understand where we are coming from... some may be more willing to give you a shot. The others, the more radical... they might give you a shot, but quite literally. Through the head."

Iris's face paled and Trevet punched a chuckling Caspian in the arm.

"I'm kidding!" He shook his head, a frown settling over his face. "Well, kind of."

Trevet went to hit his arm again, but Caspian stepped back, his eyes locking with Iris's once again.

"Look, I know it's risky. Trev has drilled it into my head enough times. But he also told me that you and the Lymphan princess have become acquainted. Friends, even. Sisters."

"Why do I tell you anything?" Trev murmured under his breath.

Caspian continued, "If they don't believe me, and they don't believe that you only want the best for all of us... then having someone of our element, having Anahita..."

"She goes by Raena," Trevet corrected.

"She could change many more minds."

"They wanted to kill her," Iris dead-panned.

"Because those radicals who ransacked her hideaway are too small-minded to see the bigger picture, the opportunity that we have here in our hands." Caspian laid a hand on Iris's shoulder. "There are others that think as I do. Many more. Please don't judge Lymphans based on a few extremists. Rumours are already spreading about a second chance, a fresh start. The revolution is growing—"

"Casp," Trev said worriedly. "I told you not to do to spread any rumours. That's..."

"If you say dangerous," Caspian snapped his gaze towards Trevet. "I will chuck you into the boiling spring and show you what dangerous really is."

Trevet only rolled his eyes.

"I..." Iris sucked in a breath. She wanted to help. She knew what it was like to starve. To not have enough insulation, or enough resources for the sick. And after spending almost two weeks in luxury... She cringed. It was nice, she had to admit it. But she couldn't save the world. She already promised to help Raena and Braedon. That was her top priority. And anyway, helping her sister – her blood – was different to helping a whole group of people, whom she didn't owe her lives too, had no actual connection with. There was this tug between Raena and her. Like a protective feeling that pulled at her heartstrings, guided Iris towards her. And Iris wasn't sure whether it was this prophecy's doing, or a sisterly instinct, or the fact that Amira was the closest person she had to a sister, and now with her gone, perhaps she was using Raena to replace her... Whatever the case, Iris was now in ethical conflict with herself.

If she refused, then was she any better than the society that turned their noses from her? Tyrone had always said that if they had the power to change society, to change people for the better, to be a better leader, that they should seize the opportunity. Now she had the chance to transform this corruption... but would she be foolish to try and centuries of history and hierarchal habits?

Iris bit her lip in deep contemplation. She had a chance to really change things here. On Earth, she was a nobody. Filth left to rot by the gutters. But here... She was in the complete opposite position. She was at the top of the hierarchy, the princess of a whole people. She could bring change and wealth to everyone, like she always hoped for and imagined. Was that naïve to believe in such a thing? It would be hypocritical of her to claim to want change and then not take up the opportunity when presented with it...

"Iris," Trevet placed a warm hand on hers. "You've dealt with so much recently. Please don't feel swayed either way. Starting a revolution..." he scoffed half-heartedly. "It's much more than anyone should ask of you." He gave Caspian a pointed stare, and although Caspian shifted uncomfortable by the wall, his face revealed no regrets or second thoughts. Because he was thinking the same thing Iris was. That she may well possibly be the key to a brighter future. And perhaps it was overly optimistic a thought, but it was still a possibility, a chance.

Iris glanced down at Trevet's hand on hers. At Caspian's unreadable expression by the wall. He held her gaze with what she suspected was a glimmer of anticipation. Iris chose her next words carefully.

"I want to help," Iris said slowly, and quickly continued when Caspian's face began to break into a grin. "I want to help," she repeated. "But..." she inhaled. "I need something in return."

Caspian had the sense to look wary, but there was no mistaking the hope and clarity in his turquoise eyes. He remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"First," Iris said. "I need you to give me time. No revolutions began in a day, and I need one of you to teach me a little more about Caedus. Whatever you know. Its history. Its geography. I need to know about its people. The elements. The prophecy. All of it. Not so I can be swayed or bias, as you said," she added. "Just so I can be informed."

Caspian was nodding his head but Trevet was a little more cautious, eyeing her sceptically as if knowing whatever was about to come out of her mouth would be a much larger request than a little knowledge. And he wasn't wrong.

"I'll agree to help in this revolution if," she paused, looking directly at Caspian, at the only Lymphan she might be able to trust with this mission, who would have access to help her. "And only if... you can help me find Grandpa Sage and return him to Raena and Braedon."

Trevet's jaw tightened. "No." But he wasn't looking at her as he said the word. He met Caspian in a long, hard stare. "Caspian, don't even..."

"Deal." Caspian nodded once and Iris jumped as Trevet scraped back his chair, standing up to point a finger at Caspian's chest.

"No," he repeated firmly.

"Trev," Caspian started, but Trevet was vigorously shaking his head.

"Those radicals are insane," Trevet hissed. "Do you understand me? Insane. You said so yourself. They'd drown everyone if they had the chance. They have no morals. What are you going to do, ask them politely?"

Caspian shrugged. "I was thinking a more sneak-and-snatch kind of approach, but we could try asking too. They might be in a generous mood, who knows?"

He chuckled, and Trevet shoved him. "Everything is a joke to you!"

"A joke?" Caspian furrowed his eyebrows. "Who said it was as a joke? I'm serious. About the stealth plan, I mean. Not so sold on the latter, more polite idea."

Trevet opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. He only stared at Caspian in utter bewilderment, anger and... hurt. Then he shook his head once again and turned from him, not glancing at Iris as he headed for the exit. Iris winced as he stormed out into the night, slamming the wooden door shut behind him. She knew the only reason he hadn't snapped at Iris was probably because he felt he couldn't. Not when she was a royal.

Guilt gnawed at her insides. Caspian let out a sigh through his nose, and Iris wringed her hands awkwardly.

"That went well," Caspian said.

Iris raised an eyebrow. "Sarcasm. Really?"

"Who said I was being sarcastic?" Caspian chuckled. "He didn't throw a hissy fit. Well, not much of one, anyway. We've been in worse fights. Though I don't suppose you want to reconsider your last request by any chance?"

Iris shook her head, albeit, a little remorsefully. She understood Trevet didn't want Caspian to risk getting caught, but she couldn't ignore the fact that each day that passed decreased her chances of finding Sage. She made a promise to Braedon and Raena, and she intended to keep it. The opportunity had practically fallen right into her lap. How could she return to the Terra District and find the nerve to tell them that she had made met someone from the Lymphan District they could actually trust to help them, someone who could slip in and out without drawing suspicion, and didn't even attempt to negotiate? This was the deal-breaker, whether Trevet liked it or not. Iris felt she owed this much to her sister.

"I didn't know we had a new prisoner in, but I do know where they keep the ones they've captured." Caspian paused thoughtfully. "There's an old warehouse they used to use often for traitors and spies. Lymphans aren't exactly winning this war, so I didn't think they were holding anyone prisoner in there, but Sage is still alive and they're questioning him... he would be in there, for sure."

"So, you can get him out?" Iris lifted an eyebrow and Caspian pursed his lips in grim thought.

"I'd need an excuse good enough to be granted access to visit. I just don't know what..."

"Use me," Iris blurted suddenly, and Caspian cocked his head to one side, considering.

"You want me to declare that I have the Terran Princess in my grasp?"

Iris didn't break eye contact, although she had to admit she was shocked at her own words. She hadn't really thought it through. Just blurted the first logical solution thn came to mind. But it made sense. Plus she couldn't bear to come back to Raena and Braedon empty-handed. Nor could she be certain of the plan even working without her, and she couldn't imagine Jasper being generous enough to let her back out if she returned to the Terra District now. She drew in a breath, nodding at Caspian. "It would distract them, wouldn't it? And it would more than definitely be an excuse to get into the warehouse."

Caspian was quiet for a moment. "But then how would you escape?"

Iris didn't have an answer to that. Caspian brought a hand up to his face and sighed, rubbing at his temples. "I can probably get you out of there."

"Probably?" Iris questioned.

"Assuming I'm not shot on sight?" he grimaced. "Yeah, probably. We just have to think this through – carefully, as Trevet would add. He does love that word."

Iris drummed her fingers on the wooden table, the sound particularly odd in the silence that followed. She was willing to risk it, of course. But she couldn't ignore the tiny, logical voice in her head that screamed 'danger' in her mind. She pushed it hastily aside as she said, "When can you sneak me in?"

Caspian pondered over the question. "My next Border Patrol shift, I think. It would seem suspicious if I found you before then."

"And when's that?"

He winced. "Next week."

Iris's heart skipped a beat. "A whole week away?"

"I can offer to take over someone else's shift," Caspian reassured. "And meanwhile, I can ask around to confirm the old man's whereabouts. Just to make sure this isn't a wild anca chase."

Iris nodded slowly, not quite meeting his gaze. She couldn't shake the awful feeling that swelled in the pit of her stomach.

"I'll go out and find Trevet," Caspian said, pushing off from the wall. "He might seem peeved now, but not as much as he will be if I don't explain our plan to him."

"One more question," Iris said hesitantly.

"Fire away, princess," he gave her a cheeky grin.

She looked him over. If Trevet was the picture-perfect representation of 'golden boy', Caspian was his dark, equally beautiful opposite.

"Are we in the Lymphan District right now?"

"We're on the border."

"So," Iris began. "Where exactly...?"

"You know that boiling spring you were being dragged towards?" Caspian cut her off before she could even finish her sentence, giving her a half smile. "The Lymphan district is hidden inside, beneath the water."

Iris couldn't decipher if he was joking or not as he strode off into the night beyond, an autumn breeze entering the tiny hut and kissing her cheeks with cold reassurance, before the door shut quietly behind him.