JADE opened her eyes to see Hosun lying next to her. "I love you, Jaden," Hosun said, his comforting smile on his face. They were in their room, and it was dark, with only a few candles lighting up their faces.

"I love you, Hosun," Jade replied, reaching out a hand to touch his face.

She didn't reach, however. As she stretched her hand out, remarkably slowly, Hosun's face morphed into that of the assassin's, currently uninjured.

Jade's scream echoed through the room, as she jumped out of the bed, backing away. The assassin took his time climbing out of bed, turning his back to her. When he turned around again, there was dark blood gushing out of a wound on his neck.

Jade screamed again.

The assassin grinned, approaching slowly. His footsteps were slow, quiet. Like a predator who was sure of his prey. Jade pressed herself against the wall at her back, her eyes fixed on the man. He slowly unsheathed a sword from his belt, white teeth flashing.

The blade flashed in front of her eyes as it approached, nearer and nearer to her throat. And just as it was about to touch her-

Jade's eyes shot open.

She looked around the cabin, heart beating wildly. There was no one there. No one- her shoulders relaxed. It had been a dream. A wildly terrifying dream, but still, a dream.

It would be best if she left this cabin for a while, wouldn't it? Fresh air on the deck seemed like just the thing. She freshened up, not wanting to go out seeming too ruffled, and was glad to see that the evidence of her crying was gone.

She finally opened the door and left the room, quietly steeping up onto the deck. She sighed the instant the wind hit her skin. The salty breeze was cool and just what she needed. She inhaled it, closing her eyes for a moment, before looking around. There were only a few men, and they hadn't noticed her yet.

So, she walked to the side of the boat, where she wouldn't be in their way, and leaned over the railing. She had done this with Hosun, not so long ago. But he wasn't here anymore.

She looked at the now-calmer sea, the waters bright blue and glittering with sunlight. Strange to think that it had been so violent in the night. But weather changed easily over Islamar.

"My Lady?"

She turned to see Edric at a safe distance from her, and gave him a small smile, "Yes?"

"My Lady, you really should eat now," he said, almost apologetically. Jade nodded, feeling the hunger gnawing at her stomach. She took a step away from the railing when Edric's face darkened.

"My Lady, just one moment," he whispered, glancing around the deck. No one was watching them. Jade narrowed her eyes as he looked at her again.

He took a step closer, putting a hand into his pocket. Then, his eyes solemn, he held out his fist to her and opened his fingers slowly. Jade eyes him suspiciously until her gaze fell to his hand.

She gasped.

For in his hand, lay two things. One, a folded-up piece of parchment, and two, a shining bracelet.

She recognized the bracelet instantly. Vibrant, green stones strung onto a shining silver chain. The stones were Jade, and the bracelet was hers.

The one she had given to Hosun all that time ago.

Her eyes wide, she looked up at Edric again, who was offering her a small smile,"The General said to give these to you. He also said to look after you, if you're wondering. So, I'm afraid I must adhere to my General's orders and bring you a meal."

Her heart still thudding, Jade took the bracelet and the parchment from Edric's hand and followed him to her cabin. He stopped outside, holding the door open graciously, "I shall only be a moment."

Jade gave him a short nod, the only form of communication she could manage, and sat on her bed. She put the parchment down and held the bracelet between her fingers.

When had Hosun even given these to the boy? She had left him behind at the castle, hadn't she? Had he reached Edric even before they arrived at the castle? Perhaps on their journey back to Aquana? Or had he ridden to the Clemen before she could reach—Hosun could certainly go much faster on his horse than she in her carriage.

She sighed. There was no point in wondering. The important fact was that Hosun had, somehow, made sure that the bracelet reached her safely. She slipped it over her wrist with slight difficulties, but she had become quite adept at clasping and un-clasping it.

She turned her hand from side to side, feeling the familiar coolness rest against her skin. It was good to have a piece of home.

She was just about to pick up the parchment when there was a knock on the door. "Come in." She called.

The door opened and Edric entered, holding a tray of steaming food. He set it down on a small table with a smile and left the room silently.

Jade picked up the parchment and walked over to her food, sitting in front of the table. Since it was a short journey, the food was still fresh, so she was blessed with hot rice, seasoned with green vegetables. She breathed in the scent, her stomach growling in agreement.

She took the plate in her lap and ate while holding the paper in the other hand. She opened the outer covering and took out the letter from inside and began to read.

My dear monkey,

I know you won't want to hear how sorry I am—you always acquit me of blame. My duty was to protect you. I swore it on the day we married. I could not keep that oath.

Jaden, I will miss you, from the bottom of my heart. Without you, I hardly have anything left. But I should not be telling you that.

I want to tell you, Jaden, to be strong. I know you are. You are the strongest person I know. While everyone sees my strength, no one realizes that it is you who keeps my strong.

I know you, Jaden, and I know how you feel. I know you're scared, and you have full right to be. But Jaden, take this as an opportunity. Embrace it. Make a new life in Arrian, do what you could not do here.

Be happy.

Be brave.

And remember, I am always with you in heart. Or rather, my heart is always with you. Because, Jaden, you stole it, long ago. It beats for you. Be safe. You taught me to hope, Jaden, so I hope that one day, we will be together again.

My eternal love to you, Jaden.

Your husband forever,

Hosun Bo'ehr

Jade choked down a strange, garbled sound, a mixture of a sob and a laugh. Hosun's letter warmed her heart, even as tears poured out of her eyes.

This was the kind of letter only her husband could write. Not much to say aloud, but plenty of kind words on paper. He knew exactly what to say—or rather, write—to make her feel better.

She could imagine Hosun, bent over his desk and writing this letter, his thin eyebrows scrunched together, his lips pressed tight, his face solemn.

It was almost as though he was with her, in the flesh, reading the letter to her. As if, at any moment, he would surprise her from behind with the rare smile he reserved specially for her.

But it wasn't true. She knew it, and there was no going back.

It was ironic. She, who had been the one to give Hosun hope, was now receiving it from him. How the tables had turned. And yet, she was grateful. Hosun knew her better than anyone else, and if he had hope, then so would she.

Some day they would meet. And she would tell Hosun how much she loved him, how much she had never stopped loving him.

Until then, though, she would wait. And she would do what Hosun said.

She would make a new life in Arrian.

She would be happy.

And she would be brave.

Short chapter, but—Hosun, Hosun, Hosun! I shouldn't have made him so sweet. Can you sense Jade becoming stronger? I feel like it starts here. Don't forget to:

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