[b]Blaze[/b]

Her back is against the wall and I'm effectively cutting off any retreat. Slowly, she turns her back to me and with shaking fingers unzips her uniform top. As the uniform slips down her shoulders, I start to see it. She lets the material fall in the back as she clutches the front to her. I stare in shock and disgust. The symbol of the Fox Spirit that is so revered on Haust is etched into my kid sister's once unblemished skin. It mares her back in deep intricate carvings. 

Hate is my next feeling. An all-consuming hate for whoever did this. Someone dared to perform the Pain Rite on my sister. I will flay the skin from their bones. I will sanction a public spectacle so no one on Haust will ever forget what happens when you cross the royal family.

"Who?" My voice is a deadly calm as she slowly rezips her shirt. When she turns around I see determination in her eyes and rebellion. I glare. "The name Flame."  She squares her shoulders and just stares back. 

"I know you're angry I didn't tell you but they don't deserve your anger."

I laugh without humor," It's treason. Treason against the crown-"
"- Treason I committed! It was done on my command!" 

"Who was it!" Then it dawns on me, there was only one person who could have done it."Captain Farley."

Flame shakes her head and I know I've guessed right. "No."

I back away and she grabs at me hands. "No! Blaze No!" 

"Is he your intended?" She shrinks back like I've struck her."No of course not."

I open my arms wide. "Then obviously no problem. He'll be publicly executed the moment we return to Haust." I turn to leave and Flame grabs back onto me. "You can't!" I try to shake her off but she steps in front of me and shoves me back. "Just because you and Inferna didn't want it you expect me to be the same?"

"I expect you to put more thought into it and discuss it with us. You know how we feel about it. It's not just you Flame it'll effect any children you have too."

"That didn't stop Mom."

I'm sure it wasn't meant as a jab but I flinch just the same.