Something Goes Right For Once

"Yes," Astra said, handing over the bag. "It's underneath a pile of laundry. You'll need to find a good hiding place for it. Reaibn has his guards searching the castle, and I imagine that they'll come here before long. I'll need a place to hide too. I can't escape from the castle just yet, as Reaibn has all the exits guarded."

Belboz took out the crown and gazed at it lovingly, before replying. "Good work! As for hiding you, that won't be necessary. The obvious thing to do is to put you back where you are supposed to be. Only temporarily, of course."

"Back in my chains, you mean." Astra sighed. "I suppose that there isn't really any alternative. And it should only be for a few hours. Let's go and see Exotica then."

"About time!" Exotica said when Astra and Belboz came into view. "What took you so long?"

"I'm sorry," Astra said. "I ran into some trouble."

"We don't have time for explanations," Belboz said. "I need to get you two sorted out and find a hiding place for the crown before the guards come searching."

1. Belboz soon has Astra and Exotica looking themselves once more and Astra back in her chains.
2. "But why should I bother sorting you two out now," Belboz muses. "You might as well continue impersonating one another for a few hours more." Astra and Exotica both protest.
3. Just then they hear the noise of heavy stamping feet in the distance that signifies a detachment of guards marching into the dungeon.
4. But the proximity of the crown must be interfering with Belboz's magic in some way, as his spells to transform Astra and Exotica back to their rightful appearance do not go according to plan.

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