Lafiel glanced back. She was still getting used to being called by her first name, still struggling to not parse it as an insult. "I am. And you will step away. Now." She tried to place an authorative tone in her voice, but some of the concern for her friend must have gotten through. I am the empress now. I must be able to command. She thought.

And then looked back at Meluly and took two slow steps towards her. "Sta fiir Reiozy. Kuhets, Lafiel. Tuhy kreiof."* Lafiel said in Meluly's native tongueShe did her best to be soothing and placed a hand on her trembling shoulder.

[*"I'm your reiozy. It's me, Lafiel. You're safe."]