The next day.
When I woke up, the sun had yet to fully rise, only casting a hint of light. I got up, holding my head, and massaging my temples. I could barely see a thing, not in an 'I'm seeing black, or everything is glitchy' type of not seeing thing but a 'my eyes are open but at the same time it isn't'.
I walked over to the mirror and boy, I looked rough.
In front of me is Raina's lamb-like face, except if the lamb had the eyes of a puffed-up puffer fish.
Eugh, that's a cursed idea.
I couldn't help but laugh, a bitter, sorrow-filled laugh.
I must've dreamt of Xavier.
I clutched my collar at the realization.
Suddenly, it felt like I was back to the day he was stolen from me. The day the heavens played with my life and decided to take the only one that gave light to my life.
'Bang'
It hurts.
'Zzz- Your- zzz- highness!'
It hurts.
'BANG'
Please, it hurts.
I had dropped to my knees, the ache from the impact was nothing compared to the immense agony I was feeling. It feels as though I am being burned alive. The flames touch my skin unbearably, yet I can't move and only gasp for air that seems to scorch my throat and lungs.
"Stop... ha... please, make it stop."
'Iyann... Don't look.'
"AHHHHH!"
Thud
"Sienna, Sienna... let's calm down." A soothing voice tried calming me, his hands giving me gentle pats.
Gaining a bit of reality, I looked up.
Len.
It was Len.
He wore a black cloak that loyally covered his face, a sword at his side. He was supposed to be described as scary. Yet here he was, wiping my tears and looking so dazzlingly bright.
"Sienna, can you close your eyes for a minute?
With no questions asked, I close my eyes. He gave my hair a gentle stroke, and there it was again.
That warm, comforting feeling of being engulfed in gentle sunlight.
Everything felt lighter.
I'm safe.
"Feeling better now?" He asked, his hand retreating.
I nodded. "Yes... Thank you," I paused, lowering my head, "I'm sorry, I must have been too noisy and woke you up."
Len shook his head, "We've been going on rotation to stand guard, and it just happened that it's my hour. Don't worry, alright?"
"Okay..."
"May I ask what happened?"
"I just had a nightmare... That's all."
It was the truth but such a lame excuse barely anyone would believe, but Len didn't probe any further. He stood up and offered me a hand.
"Well, since you are already awake, would you like to have breakfast together?"
I stared at his hands before answering him with a hum and placing my hand on his. He helped me up and offered support even when walking.
Early morning flashed by fast and it was now about nine. We transported the boxes to a nearby Peristera Office where a long line of people had already formed even before we had arrived.
The knights of the Peristera Office were conversing with the locals and immediately stopped when they saw us approaching. They got into action and helped us set things up.
Everyone was working hard, carrying heavy boxes here and there, so, why am I here just standing with a fucking pen and stack of papers?!
Every time I try and carry the smaller, lighter boxes, either Len takes it and gives it to Trix to carry or Trix will take it herself! Am I a decoration or what?!
I gave the woman in front of me a customer service smile. "May I have your name please?"
Oh god, I sound like a barista asking for their name to put in the cup.
"It's Emma Hatie, miss."
I flipped through the pages and found her name. I crossed it out and Amara gave her a huge bag.
I ask for their name, cross it out, and Amara gives them their share. It was an easy process and by the time it had already been 2 hours, the line was gone.
All of us sat down inside the Peristera Office, eating sandwiches that the knights offered us.
"Good work!" A knight with a darker green uniform than the others and possibly high ranking praised us with a bright smile. "As a reward, I'll tell you this, the next town is having a festival. A food stall there is owned by my family, you can easily distinguish it because of the lovely smell that captivates you with one whiff. Tell them I sent you and they'll give you a discount!"
...
Reward my ass. You just want us to buy from your family's business.
A festival, huh... I wanna go...
Festivals equals stalls and stalls equals products.
I might find the perfect fabric there.
But...
I looked around the room, all of them had a dead, tired expression as they ate the sandwich. They have been traveling and working non-stop for I don't know how long. I
I'm sure they want to get some sleep and rest.
I've only met them yesterday so I can't burden them just because I want to go...
"It sounds interesting, I'm going."
I quickly turned my head to Len.
Hope!
"I'll pass."
"Yeah, me too, I'll catch up with sleep."
The others hummed with agreement.
"I'll go with you."
***
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!
I didn't think properly. I don't have my own horse or a carriage, so now, here I am! Riding the same horse as Len.
"Is it uncomfortable?"
"No... No, it's not."
Lie!
I'm embarrassed as fuck!
Len's chest moved, and his chuckle sounded, "We'll be there soon. Is it your first time attending a local festival?"
"Yeah. Rielta doesn't really hold local festivals. The only time I attended a festival is the Auctor one. When I was young." I said, lying through my teeth just to make my maid persona more believable.
"Hmm, I see. Auctor festivals tend to be more formal because it's a festival to thank the goddess, Bellona, and the temple, despite their decline is very strict about the customs to uphold. Meanwhile, local festivals are relaxed and free. You'll enjoy it."
"You know so much... do you travel a lot, Len?"
"No."
EH?! Seriously?!
"I'm mostly tied to my work, and only when I am finished can I travel for a few hours. The days leading to his majesty's birthday are the only time I can travel for days."
"I thought you'd be the type to go region to region and catch criminals or something."
"Huh? Hahaha!" Len laughed loudly, making my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "That makes me sound like a person who radiates of justice with no restraints."
I pouted, leaning my head on his chest. "That's exactly the kind of person you are though."
Len went silent, and Jaya's steps slowed down as well. "...I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
"No-"
"Op!" I covered my ears. "When complimented, don't argue, say thank you."
"..."
I don't understand why he tries to deny it.
"Hmm. Thank you."
To be continued.