Below the Peak (Sola)(15)
“Battalion.”
“Huh. That would be nearly impossible from the qualities the captain demands of his men, but I guess you could be allowed to be part of it” Risa said. Nara didn’t miss the biting under marks. She didn’t appreciate the way Risa thought that being a royal member made her get everything on a silver platter. Only if she knew the cutthroat life of the court, she wouldn’t be jealous and do herself a favour to swallow the snarky jibes she aims at her. Beneath the splendour life in the inner city, devious ploys are carried.
“I will work hard to prove my worth” Nara replied instead. Risa made a sound at the back of her throat. Standing up, Nara decided she would go sit on her bed until Isabel returned. She stopped when she saw Isabel. Isabel wiped the tears spilling down her cheeks as she moved past her to her trunk. Risa got up, the bed creaking with the shift of weight. “What’s wrong?”
Isabel shoved the clothes hanging on the bed rail into the open trunk, her shoulders shaking all the while she did it. She shut the top of the trunk and locked it.
Nara moved closer to her, concern coating her features. “Did she do something to you?” Isabel stiffened then shook her head. Wiping another trail of fresh hot tears, she lifted her head and looked at them. “My…”
Nara watched her swallow hard as if the words were choking her. “My father is dead” she croaked, more tears spilling. Her heart stopped for a second for her friend, aching on her behalf. “I’m so sorry to hear that” she was the first to speak as they absorbed the saddening revelation. Risa wrapped her arms around Isabel quickly. “Oh, I’m so sorry” she whispered, stroking her back gently. Isabel hugged her tighter, sobbing into Risa’s shoulder. Nara just stood and watched, conflicted if she should her hug her too or not. The act put her mind and body at a conflict. She didn’t like physical contact, it had her feeling constricted, wanting to crawl out of her skin. She did her best to tolerate Ingrid and her mother’s touch and hugs, and they kept it minimal knowing how it could upset her at times. Still, her mind told her to give her a hug, it would be the right thing to do. It would comfort her friend. Yet, her feet remained rooted.
Slowly, Isabel pulled back and murmured. “I need to leave. They are waiting for me. Lady Astrid has given orders to one of the soldiers I should be escorted back home.”
“When will you be back?” Nara asked, then scolded herself for being insensitive.
“I don’t know” Isabel replied as she grabbed the handle of the trunk and carried it. “Give it here let me carry it” Nara offered, hand reaching forward. It was the least she could. Isabel began to walk, Risa wrapped her arm around her, shielding her from curious gazes following them as they escorted her outside. She and Risa halted when they reached near the gate which paved the way to the outside world from the city. The man who was to accompany Isabel stalked toward them and took the trunk from her hands, going to strap it on the simple carriage and giving them some privacy to say their goodbyes. Biting her tongue, she forced herself forward, arms going around Isabel. She patted her lightly and pulled back quickly. Risa did the same though she lingered before taking a step back. Isabel turned, taking step after step to the horse she would be riding. She straddled the horse.
“Be well” Nara half yelled, watching them ride off.
Chapter Five
Kalil Kingdom
Nikolas
Nikolas was waiting under the tavern’s shade for the rain to let a little when he saw a beautiful young woman hurry along the street. She held a black veil over her head, shielding herself from the pouring rain. Even as her steps quickened, she moved with grace. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. His heart beat faster as she came near. Her beauty was captivating. Doe eyes, skin white as snow and hair the colour of the red sun. Nikolas wanted her to look at him. He desperately hoped she spared a glance at him, making him feel undeserving and lowly at the same time. She didn’t cast a single eye his way, nor turned them to other men. The mysterious beauty kept her head straight. Nikolas let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding after she passed him.
“Something, isn’t she?” Gittan said beside him. Nikolas wasn’t surprised to know his companion was also caught by her. He guaranteed other men in the street also watched her.
“Rumour has it she’s the prettiest girl in the city” Gittan took the hat off his head, wringing the water from it. Nikolas agreed silently, he had never seen such a woman. Someone could say she was the prettiest in the whole of Kalil and he would believe it. She tugged at him.
“What do you know about her?” Nikolas asked.
“No much, just she lives with her sick mother,” Gittan replied.
“And?” Nikolas asked, knowing his friend knew more than he was saying.
“She entertains at a brothel.” It was as if Gittan had kicked him hard in the stomach. Nikolas mouth soured. He couldn’t believe she was a whore. She was young and looked to be pure to be one. Still, Nikolas heard the truth in Gittan’s word. Gittan wouldn’t lie. He frowned as a profound truth lingered his mind.
“Has she ever entertained you?” Nikolas looked at Gittan straight in the eyes.
“No, she has never”, Gittan admitted. “I went once to the brothel she works, but she hadn’t been working that night. I never went back, too expensive and there were a lot of Muri people. She only services the wealthy.”