Ranado told her some information about her mother. Aisling, Ina's mother, was a precious Omega from the royal family. She was the third princess. She was living a blessed life in a splendid palace, lacking nothing. She was very rebellious and always followed her own path. She loved talking to the palace cartographer and learning about new places. She has been very curious about life outside Roya, that's why she ran away.
Her parents sent men to look for her but they got attacked by fierce wolves.That very moment they lost any trace of her mother. For a long time they believed that she must have been killed by those savage creatures, till now.
Since they have found Ina, Aisling's daughter, they were happy to welcome Ina back into their family.
Ina was sitting on the bed hugging her knees to her chest. She kept thinking about everything that happened. About her parents, her life as a slave and before that with the pack. How she was betrayed and captured. Right, Gabriel. Ina stood up and went back to see the older Rojan, Ranado.
She found him in the yard sitting on a bench and looking at some documents.
"Sir Ranado." Ina addressed him carefully.
"Oh Ina." He immediately put the documents aside. "No need to be so formal. I'm your mother's cousin so you can call me uncle." He smiled again.
Ina responded with a faint smile and spoke again.
"Uncle, do you happen to know anything about Gabriel? You know the one who saved me and was sentenced to death." Ina looked anxious, she knew time was running.
"I told Rinjo to take care of it. He shall be back soon. You can ask him as soon as he comes back." He was talking calmly trying to make her worry less. Ina felt that it was improper to push any further still she couldn't help it. She felt anxious. Nevertheless she smiled, nodded and decided to walk around the garden to clear her head.
It was a typical garden any noble family here had with an obligatory fountain. I was so amazed at the very beginning by this splendid city till I learned the ugly truth underneath these polished walls. A city that was built upon slaves' misery. Ina was walking thoughtlessly to keep her legs busy till she reached the outer gate. She was standing at the gate waiting.
She felt guilty. She was saved, acknowledged as a member of the royal family no less while Gabriel was waiting for his death. Ina knew she looked ridiculous standing by the gate like that but she couldn't help it. She was hoping to see the young Rojan in every carriage that was passing by.
It was way past noon when the carriage arrived. Rinjo clad in light green himation stepped out of the carriage, turned around and stretched his arm. A dirty shaky hand appeared, and right after, Gabriel. He looked like a mess, his face and clothes were stained with dirt and his own blood. His pretty face was bruised and he was limping.
"Gabriel." Ina opened the gate and for a second stood frozen not knowing if she should hug him or help him walk to the house.
"Lady Ina, I managed to bring your savior back." Rinjo smiled watching the whole scene with interest.
"Thank you sir Rinjo, come Gabriel. You need to rest." Ina finally came closer and provided additional support for Gabriel. He said nothing, he only looked at her and making that wicked smile before hissing from pain.
"It's fine Gabriel, you will be safe here. I will help you to get better." Ina was comforting him quietly as they were walking into the house.
A small room was prepared for him and Ina helped him to lay down.
""Wait here for a moment."
Ina quickly went to find Ranado, he was still in the garden. She found him immersed in the documents again.
"Hmm, sorry uncle, could I get some of this healing water? My friend is in really bad shape." She was clenching her fingers nervously, she wasn't sure if she could ask for such things or not.
"This is a rare thing, but I understand you care about that young man." Ranado stood up and beckoned Ina to follow him. He led her to his room, took out a small bottle with some light blue substance.
"A bowl of water and add three drops, not more." He handed her the bottle.
"Thank you uncle." Ina brightened pressing the precious cure to her chest.
Back in Gabriel's room she added the medicine as ordered and with a soft cloth gently cleaned her friend's face. He was burning hot and he must have a fever. Ina was cleaning his body and immediately asked one servant for some herbs to ease the fever. While she was waiting she could see the immediate improvement of Gabriel's state. His skin became not only clean but paler, most of the bruises were fading.
Gabriel's eyes were closed, he was breathing unevenly. Ina gave him some herbal tea brought by a servant and covered him. That was all she could do for now.
The night was rough, Ina was taking care of Gabriel best she could. In the morning the fever went down and finally they both could fall asleep.
Ina woke up first and immediately checked the temperature. Gabriel opened his eyes and looked at her.
"I'm not hallucinating. Is it you Ina, right?"
"Yeah." Ina felt relieved. "How do you feel Gabriel? Does it hurt anywhere?"
"No, I feel weak but actually nothing hurts me much." He managed to get up and sit on the bed. For a moment he felt dizzy.
"Can I get some water?"
"Sure." Ina handed him a glass full of water. Gabriel was drinking hastily and Ina was watching him till he finished his glass.
"My dear you look amazing, how did you manage to get me out of the death cell?" He instantly asked, putting his glass aside.