"Ooh. Splendid job Marie." The princess hovered nearby with a look of concern for the new arrival. After he'd coughed up a bit and seemed to be breathing normally, she asked. "Hey, are you alright? Marie rescued you from the river."<br/><br/>-------------------------<br/>Meanwhile, back in Ciel, the Archmage stepped out onto a balcony, to address the multitudes of concerned citizens. As the clamor died down and the murmurs subsided, he stood silently for a moment. "People of the Sky, a great tragedy has befallen our wondrous kingdom! Assassins struck at the heart of our country, murdering much of the royal family, and leaving many guards dead!  Of the royal family, we believe that only one remains!"<br/>The crowd shifted, murmuring amongst itself, hopeful gazes turned up toward the Archmage. "Of the royal family, we believe only the young princess remains! We have reason to believe that these assassins have taken her hostage, in the hopes of ransoming her to the people of the Sky!"<br/>More agitated murmuring spread throughout the crowd, their expressions stony and fraught with concern.  "Rest assured, during these volatile times, I shall rule in her place, until we can safely return her to the throne where she belongs!"<br/>Cheers rose from the crowd, as the Archmage continued his speech. "I am sending out our most trained warriors and trackers to locate her kidnappers, and bring them to justice. We will show them the folly of striking at our ways of living. We will show them the might of Ciel, Kingdom of the Sky!"<br/>Even more cheers rose from the people, as the Archmage grinned to himself. "Stay strong in these turbulent times, for we will bring her back! Princess Saiyo de Arnore shall be crowned queen of her people, and our enemies shall be brought to justice!"<br/>The cheers became deafening as the Archmage slowly walked back into the palace.  "And so, it begins," he muttered to himself, an evil grin crossing his face.