"Reagan?"

Reagan smiled upon hearing the voice of her lover. "Hello."

Upon seeing Reagan, a smile bloomed to life on Sage's face.

"Oh my gods, Reagan!"

Reagan couldn't help the tears that suddenly started to form as Sage ran towards her. Until this moment, Reagan didn't realize how much she actually missed Sage, how much she craved her.

"How you feeling love?" Sage sat at the foot of Reagan's cot.

Reagan smiled weakly. Despite being raised what felt like an hour ago, she was exhausted. Alastair told her it was normal and to expect fatigue for a few more hours.

"Tired."

Sage cupped Reagan's head in her hands, then pressed a kiss to Reagan's lips. "Thank Canaan that worked. When I heard about Novak and how he could help get you back, I knew I had to try. This kingdom needs help, Reagan."

As Sage took a deep breath, no doubt preparing for what was next to come, a thousand thoughts ran through Reagan's head. What had happened to the kingdom while she was dead?

"All the kingdoms need help, Reagan. You weren't the only royal who was killed. Mom and the king of Exarcadia where also murdered shortly after you were killed."

"What." It barley came out above a whisper. She was shocked, who would do such a thing? Why would someone do such a thing? "Did they get caught at least?"

Sage signed. "No, they actually took over the kingdom."

This time, Reagan jolted upright. "What?"

Sage grabbed onto Reagan's hand, no doubt trying to steady the nerves that wracked her body.

"Shortly after you were killed, who we all believe was your killer took the throne. She goes by Avarice. From what I've heard from my brothers, someone took the throne in Demetcia and Exarcadia as well. Although I don't know much, we'll find out more once they come back tonight."

"Your brothers are here?"

Sage chuckled. "It's not a safe time to be of royal blood right now, love. With your death, and then Mother's death shortly after, they decided to come up. Alf said they needed the trek up here anyways, and Fern said he hasn't seen Nephri in a long while."

"Where are they staying? Where are you staying?"

Sage wrapped Reagan in a hug. "Everyone's okay," she comforted. "Fern and Alf are staying it the Inn."

Reagan breathed a sigh of relief. "Phew."

Sage smiled and nuzzled into the crook of Reagan's neck, causing Reagan to giggle.

"That's unusual," Reagan joked, "usually I'm the one that's cuddling all the time."

"But you were dead, I missed my cuddles."

"Oh, so this is payback?"

Sage chuckled. "Maybe, or it could be that I just missed you."

Reagan pressed a firm kiss to Sage's forehead. "I missed you too."

"So," Sage's expression suddenly turned serious. "How was being dead?"

A pained expression then flashed over Reagan. "I don't want to talk about it right now."

"I won't force you to talk about it, tell me when you're ready."

Reagan nodded.

Just then, there was a quick knock at the door.

"Princess," questioned Juniper as she poked her head in.

"Hmm?"

"You're free to go now, if you'd like. If you still feel you need time, or if you don't have a place to stay, feel free to stay here for the night. You as well, Ms.Longshard."

Reagan then directed her gaze at Sage. "Do you have a place for me to stay?"

"If you'd like, Fern and Alf offered you a place in their room. You could also come to the castle with me, but I don't think that's very safe."

"I'll just stay with the twins then."

Upon hearing this, Juniper nodded. "If you deal with any complications, or if side effects persist or worsen, don't hesitate to stop by. We're open 24/7."

"Thank you."

"Of course, stay safe you two!"

Sage chuckled as Juniper shut the door. "We can try," Sage muttered, "but no promises."