Peter took small steps to the bed. His mind was blank, unsure of what he was supposed to say to Heena. Soothing words? Comfort her that it was not her fault? Applaud her bravery? He did not know any of that, only knew that he had to meet her.

Peter pulled up a wooden chair near the bed and sat down. Then after did he look up. His eyes took in the crimson bandages that were wrapped around her like a shroud. Her small figure was engulfed by the huge sheets.

"What happened?"

Silence was the only answer Peter got from Heena who was fiddling with the quilt. Her eyes never looked up to meet his as though he was never there.

Frustrated, Peter growled, "I am not here to comfort you that the situation was out of your hands. Yes, it was a difficult circumstance but I want to ask you about what we are doing next. And that can only be done if you tell me what happened last night in detail" A few minutes passed. The darkness surrounding Heena made it more difficult for him to meet her eyes. He stood up irritated and strolled to the kerosene lamp that was kept at her bedside. Only after lighting up the lamp did he comprehend the extent of her injuries. The soft amber glow that fell on Heena bathed her bruises on her arms in light. Her tan brown skin now looked more blue than brown. Bruises and bandages could be seen more than her own skin.

After a few seconds of silence, Heena's voice came out in a raspy tone, "Outsiders attacked the princess and I wasn't good enough to protect her. They escaped and here I am wrapped in towels. What more do you need to know, your highness?"

The formal and dejected tone Heena had used made Peter uncomfortable.

"Well, I came here because I wanted to inform you about my expedition to remove the attackers"

Heena's eyes shot up to look at him. She was expecting those fake words that everyone was whispering to her. "Rest well, it wasn't your fault. Don't take it upon yourself," the list went on. She certainly was not expecting an invitation for a revenge quest.

"Just thought you should know since you would be infuriated if you found out we had killed the outlanders without you"