Something Going On

MJ stood by the door and waved, watching as Kori flied down a corridor and disappeared from view. Despite the interruption, she still had the pleasantly warm feeling she had after seeing the princess, and so, just stood there, enjoying it. Of course, it wouldn't last.

“I knew I would find you here,” said the familiar of voice of Rera, coming from behind her.

MJ turned to look at her, rubbed the back of her head, and replied, “Well, believe it or not, I just came to say good morning.”

“Hmm,” Rera nodded, “and I see that you went in just your ”underwear,” I believe that's the term.“

”Yeah, I just did it on a whim, I'm-”

Rera chuckled, “It's alright, you need not explain. Though I must ask, do you still want me to bring you new clothing?”

MJ thought about for a moment and replied, “Yeah, I do. Honestly, as great as it feels here in the palace, I'm not too sure I want to go in public like this just yet.”

“Very well, if you would follow me to the bath.”

As the two began walking, MJ asked, “So, is it alright to ask if there's something going on today?”

Rera noded, saying “Yes, visitors from the Southern Lands have come, bringing news from their home. I expect that the Queen wanted both of her daughters present for this occasion.”

“I see, sounds big,“ MJ said. “Follow-up question, can I ask what Princess Komand'r has been doing?”

At this, Rera frowned a bit. “Why do you ask?,“ she said tepidly.

MJ noted her expression and responded, “Well, I'm sure she's quite busy. It's that I haven't really spoken to her that much. I know I spend a lot of time with Kori, and I even talk to the Queen and Ryand'r, sometimes. So, I was wondering what she's been up to.“

Rera suddenly stopped, turning to face MJ with a somewhat grim look. She said, “Mary Jane, I believe it would be best for to keep your distance from Princess Komand'r, especially considering how much time you spend with Princess Koriand'r.”

MJ was confused to hear this, replying “Can I ask why? Something I'm missing?”

“It is not my story to tell, but the two princesses have a tenuous relationship at best,“ Rera explained.

MJ nodded, seeing no reason not to follow her advice, at least for now. The two then walked in silence the rest of the way towards the baths.

Meanwhile, in the closed-off ward, something was stirring. One of the Tamaranean men infected began to squirm, then violently shake before suddenly sitting upright. The black mass covering his chest spread to eclipse his entire body.

When it was done, he stood up from the bed, wearing white spots for eyes, and a sharp, toothy grin.

”C-Chaos,“ the creature whispered before sprinting out of the ward.