A carriage with the heraldry of a sun over mountains passed smoothly on the crooked track. They had already crossed a good stretch of the path that connected Sunstone to the small kingdom of Hyra, using the path that opened up through the mountains.

It was not the trip Rosa had envisioned.

Firstly, they hadn't let her ride her horse alone. She was locked inside her carriage. Apparently it was dangerous to ride, especially given her long-standing habit of galloping away from the retinue.

“I feel like this is Gabriel's doing…” she thought irritably, after much discussion with the entourage's quartermaster.

Secondly, they were bound to the route. There would be no village stops along the way, no picnics under the stars, or exploration of the surrounding lands. It was an extremely boring trip. At least Henrique had decided to go with her. With that thought she gave a smile and addressed the boy sitting in front of her.

- Glad you decided to come!

- Someone said I would regret it if I did not come!

And between laughs, they spent most of the trip chatting. Rosa thanked the heavens for at least having her curious young heir, asking about the most diverse stories of her life.

On the eighth day of their journey they were crossing a short stretch of densely wooded land. It was a strip of forest still preserved, that passed through the mountains, already close to the border of Hyra. They would find the former queen in her summer mansion, rest and continue their journey the next day. They were a little late, it was already night when they passed through the huge native trees.

- Don't be afraid, it's just an owl. - Rosa spoke to Henrique after the boy flinched at the chirp.

- Why does everything looks scarier at night?

- It's just because you aren't used to it. In fact, not being able to see naturally makes us nervous, but when you get used to the other senses, these things stop scaring y-

THUMP!

Something thick had fallen onto the carriage. Nervously, Rosa looked outside.

- W-what happened? - asked Henrique shaking in his seat.

A dense fog was forming all around.

- I don't know, I can't see.

Shouts began to resound from the entourage. In the confusion came the orders of soldiers, the neighing of horses and the spine-chilling sound of swords being drawn. A scream was heard in the direction where the coachman was standing..

- Yago? Are you okay? - Rosa went to the coachman's little window, but got no answer.

She was preparing to jump out the carriage and run with Henrique when the carriage door opened. She immediately placed herself between the door and her protégé, holding a dagger she had hidden under her dress.

A hooded figure, with a demonic mask, held the handle.

- HENRIQUE, STAY BEHIND ME! - Rosa shouted, already brandishing the dagger in the direction of the figure at the door.

In a swift movement, the bandit grabbed the queen's hand, which, wasting no time, drew a second dagger and ripped open the attacker's mask.

Blood could be seen through the gap created as the carved wooden mask split and the criminal backed away in pain.

- Did you think I was defenseless? People like you give me… - Rosa couldn't finish her sentence. The intruder had removed the mask parts and was now trying to staunch the fresh wound.

The queen began to tremble voicelessly. Henrique watched everything without understanding.

It was her, it could only be her. Even with a black and short hair, the queen would recognize that face anywhere.

- Cali!?