Upon returning to the Ginarcian palace Risha found the rooms that were currently at the disposal of Merees and herself (though mostly Merees), empty.
This did not surprise the lynx. Shortly before she had left for her rendez-vous with Bik, a servant had showed up with an invitation from the Queen-Mother to her Vinolian kinswoman, to sit in on the Council meeting that was about to commence soon.
Evidently, the meeting was still in session and so, Risha went over to a bookshelf to see if she could find something that would help her pass the time until Merees' return.
Having found a book whose title seemed promising, she sat down with it in an armchair and began to read...
****
Risha's slumber was disturbed by the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps. She opened her eyes and sat up, just as Merees stepped inside.
"Welcome back" she yawned.
"Thanks", the Princess replied. "Same to you."
Her eyes were drawn to the book which had slipped out of Risha's paws and was lying spread-eagle on the floor. She picked it up and looked at the cover.
"Any good?" She asked.
"It's great for curing insomnia. More importantly, how did the meeting go? Has the Council made its decision?"
Merees put the book down on a nearby table and shook her head.
"I'm afraid not. Turns out that the actual voting will take place during the next meeting."
Risha rolled her eyes.
"That's great. So, when's the next meeting?"
"It hasn't been decided. Hopefully, soon. Oh, but I almost forgot: How did things go on your end. Any luck?"
In response, Risha reached into her money-pouch and took out the message, which she handed to Merees.
As the dragon read the message, the corners of her mouth moved upward and her eyes began to shine with excitement.
"This will be a great help. Oh, Risha, you're the best!"
With those words, the Princess threw her arms around her paramour's shoulders and kissed her passionately.
****
In Eramus' cabin, the bat was only one surprised by Leorin's reaction
"Why?" She asked, with a confused look on her face.
Sara took a step forward.
"You want to know why?" She said in a fierce tone "I'll tell you why. It's because the lynx you said had killed your brother, is his sister."
The Bat's eyes grew in size.
"Sister?"
"That's right and Risha would never attack someone without reason, which means that you and your brother attacked them first!"
"N-no" the bat protested. She turned towards the others, but could tell from a glance that there was no sympathy to be found there.
Eramus and Rufus exchanged looks.
"Rufus, I believe it would be best to have our stowaway confined to the brig until we reach the next port."
"Agreed."
The Bat offered no resistance as the fox escorted her out of the cabin. On deck, they saw Leorin staring out at the ocean. The Bat cried out his name.
He did not answer.
