Hi my loyal readers! I hope everyone is safe and healthy at this current crazy time. I apologise for the long delay in posting. Life has been crazy, as I am sure it has for everyone else, and I haven't had time for fanfiction.

I hope you all enjoy this next chapter and I promise the next update will not be as long.

Please let me know in the reviews your thoughts on it.

Musa should have been happy that she finally got something she wanted from the king. Normally she would be but why was her heart pounding so loudly she could hear it? Why did it feel like someone had walked over her grave, freezing all the blood in her veins? Musa looked at the king who was wearing a smirk like a cat when they caught a mouse. Obviously, the king must have heard the rumours about Sir Jet, otherwise he would not have that look on his face. He wanted to make Musa miserable, despite her doing everything a Valkarian would. Young Musa would have folded then and there and exposed her hand, but Musa was older and wiser, and she wanted her people free more than anything.

Musa mustered a kind smile as best she could and eyed the king gratefully.

"My King, that is beyond generous. I cannot express my gratitude," Musa began softly.

Before Musa could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by the one person who had mostly been silent all evening.

"If the Siren is to visit the library, then Sir Hammon will assist in escorting her on Sir Jet's days off," Prince Riven interrupted as he continued eating his meal.

The King immediately dropped his cutlery to the plate, the clanking of metal echoing in the large room. Musa could feel Sir Jet's death glare at the prince along with the King's.

"Prince Riven," the King began with a warning tone.

"My men already work long hours watching over a mere lady," Riven continued like he did not notice the tension. "I am not putting more hours onto Sir Jet."

"I do not mind, Sire," Sir Jet interrupted with a grit.

Riven finally lifted his gaze from his plate and stared at Sir Jet, who stood in the corner of the room.

"I believe my father, nor I, gave you permission to speak," Riven said sternly.

"This is no mere lady, Prince Riven," the King said with a fire in his eyes. "This is The Siren. You know what she is capable of."

Musa fought with all her strength to roll her eyes. Capable of? Her powers have been gone for years, without any knowledge of how to get them back. Obviously, he was implying the rumours he spread amongst his court. How Musa was apparently able to hypnotise her competitors to giving what she wanted. Her and all other Melodians.

Riven, though, openly rolled his eyes in front of his father.

"Capable of?" Riven mocked.

Musa's eyes widened slightly at the small emotion he displayed. Mockery? He mocked his father, the King, openly in front of others. Musa would admit only to herself that she was shocked. Musa decided she was finished with her meal and folded her hands over her lap, clenching them away from view to brace for the battle she knew was brewing.

"Father, with all due with respect, this woman is no threat. She is our glorified prisoner who has not displayed magic since she was 10 years old."

'Thanks for rubbing it in,' Musa thought with annoyance.

"You want to treat her like a woman of the court. Either she is our prisoner who shall be put to the dungeon, or a Valkarian lady who is no threat to us anymore. I do not care who or what she is, but to expect me to give away my good men to take her to a bloody library is ridiculous."

The room was silent for a few moments as Riven and the King had a staring match. If looks could kill…..then Riven should have been vaporised on the spot.

"My men are trained killers and their talents are being squandered by babysitting duties," Riven hissed at his father.

The King took a deep breath before slowly releasing it and hiding the anger from his eyes.

"Prince Riven, The Siren is our prisoner, but she is also our guest. Her good wellbeing here keeps the Melodian scum at bay. She understands her place in our society, don't you, Siren?"

Musa looked up from her lap and stared at the two men who were now staring at her. She looked like a deer in highlights.

"Um…" Musa stuttered. She regained her herself and replied, "Yes Sire, I do."

"Please inform my son where you stand," The King instructed.

Musa knew the king well enough that the threat behind his words were clear.

"Your Highness," Musa began, acting the part she knew to play. "I apologise for taking so much of your men's time; however, it is necessary. I am forever grateful to your father for helping me see the Valkarian way. I am, though, a Melodian by blood, and your father is right to monitor me for everyone's safety. Your men keep everyone safe."

"See, son," The King said.

Musa swallowed the bile she knew she could feel bubble in her stomach. She had practiced that speech ages ago, but she never thought she had to use it. The whole time she spoke, she pictured her people free. That was her source of strength every day.

"Your men are not babysitting; they are keeping the Melodians in check and keeping our people safe. The Siren chooses to finally act like a Valkarian woman but make no mistake what she truly is. Allowing her to act like a Valkarian woman keeps her people from rebelling as she is safe and well. She still has to prove her loyalties and if she continues to behave then I do not see why we cannot keep her away from the dungeons," The King continued.

Riven made a face like he wanted to continue arguing but kept his mouth shut.

"Remember son, they are keeping our people safe, not babysitting a mere woman."

Riven sneered but seemed to relent and turned his attention to Sir Jet. "You are to escort her to the library but nothing more, Sir Jet. Your time is too valuable to watch her for more than one hour, am I understood?"

"Yes Sire," Sir Jet smirked with a bow.

Prince Riven then turned his sharp gaze to Musa.

"One hour per day," Riven repeated to Musa. "Am I understood?"

"Yes Sire," Musa said gratefully. "Thank you, Sire."

Riven said nothing else before he shoved his chair from the table and started to leave the room, obviously done with his meal.

"Prince Riven," The King called.

Riven halted and slowly turned back to this father.

"If you openly oppose me again, you will be severely punished. Am I understood?" The King said glaring at his son.

Riven did not flinch. He folded his hands behind his back and glared back at his father.

"Understood," Riven said before he threw open the door and stormed off.

The room was silent after the door was slammed shut. The King chuckled to himself softly before he stared at Musa.

"I apologise for my son, Siren," The King said. "He is more of a soldier than I realised."

Musa was silent for a moment as she decided how to respond.

"A brilliant soldier too," Musa decided to say. "You must be proud."

"I am very proud of his accomplishments," the King replied fondly. "But he has much to learn before he is ready to take my throne. I will not give it up so easily."

"O-of course," Musa replied with a weak smile.

"Remember your place, Siren," the King warned with a sharp glare. "I allow you to visit the library for I see your attempts to be a Valkarian. Do not make me a fool or I will see you in the town square again."

Musa gulped. "Yes Sire."

"Good, now Sir Jet, escort The Siren to her room," the King instructed.

"Thank you for dinner, Your Highness," Musa said before she quickly bowed and left the room with Sir Jet in tow.

Unfortunately, she was still having to be escorted by Sir Jet every day, and only got one hour in the library at that, but it was still a step closer than where she was the day before.

It was late at night that Tecna finally was able to leave the palace. She kept her head down as she passed every Valkarian on the street, and gave a small smile to the few Melodians that were up at this hour. The only people who were still out were delivery crews and soldiers. Not enough people to notice Tecna's appearance outside.

Tecna weaved passed people as she hurried to her destination. She had another letter to send to her friends and the rebellion. That morning they got word from Bloom that the rebellion was indeed in Magix, hiding underground, and that all correspondence was being sent to an old post box that had not been used in decades. Tecna smiled to the Melodian working the counter of the post office. She had started to form a bond with the old man as she came in like clock work late at night to send her letters. Always to the same people but today would be the first time sending a letter to a new address as well.

Tecna handed the man the letters and the money to send them. He looked at them all and started filing them in their corresponding places before he came across the new letter.

"To Magix, Tecna?" the man said confused.

"Yes, please," Tecna said not offering more information. "Is that on the forbidden destinations, Mr Yost?"

"Not that I am aware of," Mr Yost replied. "It's just, this address looks a bit familiar."

"Oh?" Tecna said getting a little nervous.

Mr Yost looked around the post office. When he noticed they were the only two there, he came out from behind the counter, went up to the main door and switch the sign to 'Closed'. He rushed over to Tecna, grabbed her hand and said, "come with me".

He pulled her away before she could say something, and he took her to the very back of the office. He moved a few books away and pushed in a brick. A stone wall to the right of them opened and he pulled the two of them inside. The wall quickly closed and a few candles lit up a medium sized room with plans on the walls and a table in the centre.

Mr Yost turned to Tecna with a serious face and said, "Let the music play."

Tecna stared at Mr Yost confused and he stared back like he was expecting a response.

"Um….I'm sorry but I do not understand."

"Let the music play," Mr Yost repeated.

When Tecna did not reply, he wore a scared expression on his face. Before she could utter another word, someone whacked the back of her head. All she could see was black.

"How dare you bring a stranger to our sanctum!" A voice yelled in a whisper.

"I am sorry! She had the address, so I just assumed," a second voice replied.

"Do you realise who she is?"

"She is Princess Musa's handmaiden. I thought she could be trusted."

Tecna was drifting in and out and could only get snippets of the conversation but soon she was waking up to see that she was tied to a wooden chair. She saw Mr Yost standing near the table in the centre of the room with a tall hooded figure standing in front of him.

Mr Yost's gaze drifted from the man and noticed Tecna was awake. He made the figure turn around. Tecna's back went rigid when she noticed that the man wore a plain black mask over his eyes.

"Who are you?" Tecna demanded. "How dare you do this to me!"

Mr Yost looked down at the ground guiltily.

"How dare you enter our sanctum!" The man replied.

"Mr Yost took me here," Tecna said. "I did not know where I was being taken."

"You are in possession of an address that should not be known. Who told you?" The hooded figure demanded.

Tecna refused to answer in fear of giving away the rebellion's Magix communication. The hooded figure walked over to Tecna and stared down at her.

"I asked you a question. Who gave you that address?" he repeated.

"I will take that answer to my grave," Tecna answered with a hiss.

"You would be wise to not repeat that," the hooded figure said. "There are people in this realm that would gladly follow that request."

"I have seen the Valkarians whip my princess and best friend in the middle of the streets. I have seen them take away my father's life. I do not fear death and I do not fear you."

The hooded figure straightened himself and his gaze softened at the response.

"You are Princess Musa's handmaiden," the hooded figure stated.

"That I am," Tecna replied. "I am her most trusted servant and friend. How I know what I know is not your concern."

"It is when it interferes with the rebellion," the figure replied.

Tecna's eyes widened and she stared in shock at the figure.

"The…the rebellion? But that died months ago."

"That is what we want the king to believe," Mr Yost said.

Tecna looked at the figure and then to Mr Yost. "You two are part of the rebellion?"

"Let's try another tactic," the hooded figure said as he took a seat in front of Tecna. "I will answer a question of yours if you answer a question of mine."

"How can I know that I can trust you?"

"I could ask the same of you," the hooded figure replied.

"I am not the one who tied someone to a chair after knocking them unconscious," Tecna smarted back.

"Well played," the figure said with a smirk. "Very well, I guess we just have to trust each other."

"Trust is earned, not given," Tecna rebutted.

The pair stared at each other before the hooded figure took out a knife from his boot. Tecna went rigid at the sight and almost screamed when the figure went behind Tecna and cut the ropes from her hands. She quickly put her hands to her chest as she watched the hooded figure return to his seat in front of her.

"There," the figure said. "Trust earned. Now, answer my question and I will answer yours."

Tecna was silent for a moment as she weighed up her options. She soon decided that there was enough evidence to say that this was not a Valkarian plot. She had more to lose if she was wrong but something in her gut told her that she would be making the right decision.

"The address was given to me via secret communications with Princess Bloom of Sparks," Tecna informed. "She, along with the other princesses in Princess Musa's circle have joined the rebellion in Magix."

"I see," the hooded figure stated.

"They have been liaising with myself and the princess for some time. Princess Bloom managed to get in touch with the Magix rebellion and speak with them in person. She gave me the address to their secret post box to deliver messages."

"How have you been communicating?"

"My turn now," Tecna immediately answered. "Are you two the rebellion?"

"Yes," the hooded figure replied. "We are two of a small group here in Melody. Now you."

"We are communicating via letters. We use acrostic codes in the messages to deliver the real one to pass the inspections."

"I am impressed," the hooded figure said with a small smile.

"Thank you," Tecna said. "Are you the rebellion leader we have heard all about?"

"No," the figure answered. "I am simply his right hand for the Melodian sector."

"So there really is a rebellion," Tecna said with surprise.

"There is," Mr Yost said with a smile.

"And you have been a part of it without us knowing," the figure said. "If you truly are wanting to be part of the rebellion, we must share resources and knowledge. I did not realise the princess is part of the rebellion."

"She is," Tecna said with pride. "She is getting knowledge from the inside."

"Then I will grant you membership to the rebellion. You identify members of the rebellion by repeating this statement: 'Let the music play, and the musicians sing.'"

Mr Yost walked over and stood in front of Tecna and held out his hand. Tecna looked at it and placed her hand on top of his.

"Let the music play," Mr Yost said.

"And the musicians sing," Tecna repeated.

"You do that to Princess Musa, and she will be part of the rebellion," the hooded figure said.

"Yes sir, and do I get to know your name?" Tecna asked.

"No, not until the rebellion has started. But I know my way around the realm. If you need to communicate, come to Mr Yost's post office and I will be here."

"How do you know if I do?"

"I just do. I will send all the information to the rebellion leader. Now, tell me everything you know."

The following day, Tecna refused to tell Musa of her new ally. It was not that she did not trust Musa, quite the opposite. She did not know if she could trust this section rebel leader, until she knew that she could, she would not tell him that the princess oversaw the rebellion inside the palace. Tecna had to protect Musa.

After their morning breakfast in the conservatory, with the guards guarding them from outside the room for once, Musa retold the tale of her dinner with the royals.

"It was the strangest thing," Musa said softly to prevent it from being overheard. "The only thing the prince seems to care about is his men. He was very adamant at having no men escort me to the library."

Tecna placed her teacup back on its saucer and nodded her head. "I find it not surprising at all, really. He was trained to not only be a prince but a warrior. A prince of a warrior nation at that. Of course, he would care for the people under his command."

"I think care would be an over statement, Tecna," Musa said deadpanned.

"Fine, then consider the use of his men, then," Tecna corrected.

"Much better," Musa said with a small smile.

The two girls chuckled before the doors burst open and a loud mass of fabric and chattering came up to them.

"Lady Musa!" the mass shrieked.

Tecna immediately got up from the table and hurried over to the other side of the room, acting the part of a loyal servant. Musa subtly bit her lip to prevent showing her annoyance and calmly looked up.

There, standing before her, was Lady Mitzi, decked out in a grey and silver chiffon dress with black lace covering the bodice and collarbone. Musa smirked to herself thinking that it was the first time she had seen Mitzi that much covered up in her life.

"I hear that you had dinner with the royals again, and you stole the show," Mitzi said as she stole Tecna's seat.

Musa feigned ignorance and looked at her friend confused. "My dear friend, whatever do you mean?"

"The dress you wore!" Mitzi said excitedly. "Rumour in the court is that the king was pleasantly surprised at having worn a Valkarian type dress and acted every part of a lady of our court. I am impressed."

Musa forced herself to blush and looked down at her lap embarrassed.

"Oh, it was not a big deal," Musa replied. "I merely did what all Valkarian women would do. It was nothing special."

"Nothing special?" Mitzi scoffed. "You showed them what I have known for a while – that you are one of us. I am very proud of you. So proud in fact that I am lending you one of my tailors and giving you some old fabric that we have finished with. He will be sewing you gorgeous Valkarian gowns that will make any man of the court forget what you are."

Tecna rolled her eyes as she stood behind her ladyship. Musa caught this but maintained her composure.

"Your ladyship," Musa gasped. "That is incredibly generous. I do not know what to say."

"You will say thank you and continue being my friend," Mitzi said with a smirk. "But, there is another thing. Since you are now seeing the royals more regularly, I need an in with the prince."

"An in?" Musa asked.

"Yes," Mitzi said suddenly getting serious. She leaned in across the table and whispered, "The prince, Lady Musa. I want the prince."

Tecna's face instantly showed shock and her mouth went agape. The pair had known that she wanted Prince Riven but never would have thought the woman would flat out speak it aloud. It was unladylike to the Valkarians.

Musa quickly shook off her shock. "I am sorry, Lady Mitzi, but that is not in my power," Musa joked.

"I need to know everything that he says, what he likes and does not like. I want you to talk me up when you are with him."

Mitzi continued to be a pain in their plan, Tecna thought. How was Musa going to get close for the prince to confide in Musa if Mitzi wanted him to herself?

"Um….I…" Musa was at a loss for words.

"We are friends, aren't we, Lady Musa," Mitzi said with a mild threat in her tone.

"Of course," Musa immediately replied.

"Then you will do this for me."

"I…I will," Musa stuttered out. "Unfortunately, the prince does not talk at dinner. I can speak of you, of course, but to tell you anything about him will be difficult."

Mitzi rolled her eyes and left out a 'humpf' as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Very well, I guess that will have to do. My future husband will surely come out of his shell when I get my hands on him," Mitzi said.

"I have no doubt," Musa replied with a smile.

Tecna chuckled inwardly to herself. Mitzi and Musa continued to speak softly after that. Tecna mentioned about having access to the library before Mitzi dominated by asking questions about the dinner. Musa gave her vague answers to satisfy her, until the doors burst open again.

The two women stopped their chat and turned to see Sir Jet standing proudly by the open doors. Tecna's back went rigid and saw the smarmy grin he gave the two women. Tecna noticed Mitzi's back went rigid and she immediately stood up from the table at the sight of him.

"Lady Mitzi," Sir Jet almost purred before he gave her a bow. "My apologies for interrupting. I did not know the Siren had company."

Mitzi stared at the knight with indifference but Tecna noticed the slight look of fear in her eyes.

"Lady Musa," Mitzi corrected with a sneer. "And I was having a private conversation. What is the meaning of this interruption?"

Sir Jet's eyes slowly moved to Musa before going back up to Mitzi.

"Have you not heard?" Sir Jet mocked. "The King has permitted Lady Musa access to the library. I am to escort her at this time every day."

"For one hour if I heard correctly," Lady Mitzi added.

Tecna will admit that she did not like Mitzi but she did seem to care for Musa, that was comforting. Mitzi was the one who said during their last tea that none of the ladies of the court were trusting of Jet. In fact, none of them allowed themselves to be alone with him. It seemed there was also an unwritten pact amongst the Valkarian ladies of the court to never leave each other alone with him either.

Sir Jet's eyes hardened at Mitzi before his mask went back up.

"Quite right," Sir Jet replied. "Siren, I mean, Lady Musa, it is time to depart."

"Perhaps I should join Lady Musa," Mitzi said, smiling at her friend as she stood up from her seat. "I need design inspiration to show my seamstress."

Sir Jet's face hardened again as he looked at Mitzi. "I have orders to escort Lady Musa and no one else," Sir Jet said sternly.

"Terrific," Mitzi said like his words were like water off a duck's back. "I do not need an escort so you shall have no concerns. My friend and I can continue our chat."

Sir Jet and Mitzi began a starring match for a few moments, causing an eery silence in the room. Musa was not a huge fan on Mitzi but she was very grateful that she was having her back. She took heed of Mitzi's warning about Sir Jet and she was starting to get increasing concerns about his behaviour whenever he was alone with her lately.

Sir Jet continued to death stare Mitzi and took a breath before saying, "My orders are from Prince Riven to escort her, not you, to the library. If you do not like it then take it up with him."

"I will remind you, Sir Jet," Mitzi spat out as she acted every bit of a Valkarian woman. "My father is Sir David, a hero in the eyes of the king and his best friend. I am a Lady of the royal court and I do not take orders from knights, especially not you. I am permitted wherever and whenever I please. If you do not like me going to the library with my friend, then you shall take it up with my father and the king."

Tecna and Musa had to admit, they were impressed with Mitzi. The room became silent again as they continued their staring match. Soon, Sir Jet noticed his own persona slipping at his anger.

"Fine," Sir Jet spat out. "Just for today."

Sir Jet immediately turned around and stormed outside to wait for the ladies. Musa turned to her friend in shock that a Valkarian woman stood up for her. Mitzi looked back at Musa and gave her a soft smile.

"Why did you do that?" Musa whispered. "You once told me that women have gotten their titles stripped for speaking ill against Sir Jet."

"I did not speak ill of him if you recall," Mitzi whispered back. "I outrank him, and he cannot tell me where to go."

"But why did you do that? I-I am not worth it," Musa lied.

"Remember what I said? Courtiers always remain in a group when he is around. You are a Valkarian lady of the court now so that means you watch out for us and we watch out for you now."

"Thank you," Musa said whole heartedly.

"It was nothing," Mitzi said dismissively. "Cannot wait until karma catches up with him though. I can help you today, my friend, but the rest is up to you."

"Well," Musa said as she fixed her dress, "we cannot keep him waiting."

Mitzi giggled with Musa as the pair left the room to follow Sir Jet. Musa nodded to Tecna as she left signalling that she will be okay. Tecna acknowledged the nod and cleared away the dishes before she went back to Musa's room to do more research. Mitzi was right, Musa was okay with Sir Jet today but how was she going to be protected when she had to worry about the person sworn to protect her?

Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope it lived up to your expectations.

Thanks and stay safe!

~AngelAlexandra~