" Ahhhh.... I shouldn't have had to say this.. my little Roe Roe... but since I am your mother, I must... I cannot close my eyes to the truth... "
Roe was sitting at her mother's chamber while Lin was with the Wolf King. 
" What is it? " She asked her mother, without looking up. She was holding her head between her two hands and pulling her hair out. She was trying to think about what she was missing. That's why she didn't go to attend the discussion with her father. 
" It's clear , isn't it? Why did your sister have to confide in your husband, instead of her own? "
The Queen was slowly trying to push her agenda. It was her chance to get her daughter out of the mess. She knew very well what harm awaited all when she did what she was dirtying her hands with. 
" What are you trying to say? I am trying to figure something out as well. You are confusing me, instead of helping me out, like always. "
Roe didn't take the poisonous hint her mother was trying to fees her, so the Queen had to dive all in. 
"Oh my poor little girl. You are as naive as always. Didn't you say your husband and Mia were doing something in private? Didn't you say they would often stay lost in thoughts after returning from that last trip of yours? Did you not say the onlookers said they saw them dive, hand in hand? What more do you need to know? Your step sister and husband was obviously cheating behind your back and they decided to end their lives when they realised the had no future together. Not with the reputation you father has.... "
" MOTHER.... "
The queen was too startled when Roe roared at her. The glass she was holding, came crashing on the ground and shattered. 
" Do you even hear yourself? We understand your jealousy towards her mother, but has Mia ever done to you, for you to hate her so much? She is missing and so is your daughter's husband. You are not in the least worried about that. Instead you try to sow seeds of disharmony in my mind, in their absence? What is wrong with you mother? 
No wonder father had to look for love else where, outside of your marriage. You must have made life unbearable for him as well. "
And with that Roe stormed out of the room, leaving the queen fuming in rage. 
" Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh! "
She let out a blood crawling howl after her daughter left her ravanged. 
She tossed one table after another chair, causing a total wreckage at her own place. 
"You ungrateful children.... " She screamed her lungs out after Roe. 
" You rotten fruits from your father's loins... You don't deserve the world I am sculpting with my hands.... you don't deserve my privilege you little rats..... "
Roe's sharp ears caught faint sounds of what she was yelling.Something in her told her, she needed immediate help. 
She went straight to her brother. They were staying in a chamber, close to the Royal infirmary. 
" Xie, come out this instant. "
Xie had heard about the commotion at the well but couldn't go to the Royal court as Ruby was constantly vomiting again. But he didn't waste an single moment coming out of his room. 
" I will be back. Ruby lay down and take full rest. Alright? "
He kissed her forehead and left. 
Roe was pacing the corridor when he came out. 
" Mother is upto something again. I don't know what it is but it's bad. We need to do something... "
She was fidgeting and hyperventilating and Xie caught her hands. 
" Relax Roe. Breathe. "
Xie pulled her into a tight hug. She was literally shivering. 
" I... I am scared she might harm Mia or Boshu in the stupid fit of jealousy.... she still can't get over her petty emotions... "
Her lips were trembling and she broke down in front of her brother. 
" You think the incident at the well was mother's doing?"
Xie asked Roe and she shook her head. 
" Yes. Somehow. I don't know exactly. "
She said, rubbing her nose on his shirt and wiping her tears away. 
" Let's go. I need to confront her directly. That well leads to the netherworld. We don't have much time to waste if the culprit is sitting at our own place. "
He turned towards the Queen's chamber immediately but was stopped by Roe. 
" What about Ruby? "
She asked. 
Xie took as deep breath, 
" I am sure she will be able to hold on a bit longer. She is strong. I will be coming back for her. "
And with that they were gone. 
He didn't think of saying anything to his wife because he didn't want her agitated. He thought it wouldn't take him long to talk to his mother and come back. 
He thought he would be able to come back in time to take care of his loving wife and unborn child. He thought it would all be easy, like everyday things. 
Never did he expect to come back to an empty room full of blood and vomiting. 
Never did he expect to come and scream Ruby's name and look for her frantically. 
Never did he imagine in his life, he would be wriggling on the floor in pain, howling in agony. 
Never did he imagine his blissful days ahead would be transformed into nights of endless wailing. 
Never did he imagine the one to stab him on his back would be the one who gave birth to him. 
Never did he imagine his beloved wife and unborn child, would be snatched away from him, at a time when they mostly needed him. 
Never had he imagined, he would be held hostage at his own palace, in his own territory , at his own birthplace. 
Never had he imagined, he would be so helpless in the hands of his cruel fate, or rather to put it more correctly, at the hands of his wicked birth mother.