**Resilience—Mattia Turzo**
As Ember made her way to the departure grounds, she didn't dare look back for fear that if she did, then the strength that she had gathered for eight years would disappear into thin air.
Just as she was about to reach her destination, Syria and Commander Asborne approached her.
"Your highness," Syria began with her usual frown, "out of the five of the itinerary the court was supposed to choose to follow you, two of them made secret contact with the crown prince and one of them visited the High Consort in the early hours of the morn." She finished, discreetly passing to Ember a carefully rolled scroll.
What was her step mother and half brother dearest up to? Certainly nothing good.
"Their names and details are on the scroll," Syria continued, "and just as the Queen advised, you must be on guard."
Ember nodded. "Thank you Syria. And please take care of mother."
