26 Something's Differen

Walking back I cringe, /Irvin's not going to like that I left again./ However, when we see him, there's no expected anger; instead, he seems guilty. I may be wrong. There are rocks easier to understand.

"Sorry I left without saying anything, but I wasn't alone this time," I beam at Irvin.

He bows, "Princess Nadia, this soldier was requesting for you to leave with one of us Elites."

"Yea..."

"Then please refrain from letting it happen again."

I stare, trying to figure out why he seems less cold than before. Scias says morning meal is ready, bringing me from my thoughts. We eat, including me. Though it's unnecessary, I don't want to freak everyone out.

After, we pack and continue our journey to the capital. Lark cannot keep driving the oza, or it'll exhaust him too much to fight so this time Andri is driving the wooden oza while Daric and I sit in the back. Lark is on Bao with prisoners tied behind. Irvin shares his pleo, Shaede, with the rest of the prisoners, while Scias, Lina, and Ryo share Kala. We cover a lot of ground even with the occasional breaks we had to take so Andri can restore his asura. Andri is less powerful than Lark so he can't go as far in one shot. He needs to stop before the asura consumption gets too high.

We reach midday and stop to eat. While waiting, I note Lina is staying as far away from me as possible. Remaining six feet from me at all times causing her to work more than necessary as she walks large circles to avoid me. I internally sigh. I'm aware somethings cannot change immediately, but it's still upsetting that she's scared of me. Lina and Scias are almost done making the midday meal when they say they're going to need more wood to burn.

We're at the edge of the Bloody Sea and reaching more populated routes. The exposed tree routes have thinned, and there's small winding paths as well as more villages we detour to avoid. We're playing the part of merchants, so we need to cook food over an open flame to blend in. It's also why we're wearing simple clothes and using what looks like an old oza.

"I'll go," Andri spoke up.

"Me too," I volunteer out of boredom.

Everyone's eyes turn toward me and look at me like I said I'm going to run through the capital streets naked.

"Princess Nadia that's not necessary," Scias says.

"Of course it's not necessary, but I'm bored," I reply.

"Make use of the slaves. They're for your entertainment. Please refrain from resorting to labor," Scias says, confusion written on his face.

"Entertainment?" it occurs to me what he's saying. I clench my teeth as my blood pressure rises. No doubt he has every expectation they would die. 'Nadia's' form of entertainment tends to kill people.

Getting annoyed at the constant disregard for life, I snap, "I'm going with Andri. "Leaving no room for arguments.

"Princess!" He shouts exasperated.

I narrow my eyes and put angry suspicion in my voice. "Scias are you trying to tell me what to do?" I ask knowing it will end this conversation.

He bows, This servant would never presume to do such a thing."

With a pointed smile, I say, "great. Then I'm going." I pick a direction and walk. Throwing over my shoulder, "Daric stay here. I'll be back soon."

Andri follows behind me. The silence is awkward and stilted, so I fill it with pointless chatter in between picking up sticks.

"Nadia, why did you join me?" he cuts in.

"I already said, boredom," I reply.

"Then why didn't you use the slaves. That's their purpose. It's like you care for human life." My eye twitched in annoyance. I stop walking, "you don't believe people change?"

He narrows his eyes, "after you killed so many people, do you think you can change?"

"That didn't answer my question."

"No."

Annoyed, I poke at his sore spot. "So once a coward always a coward." I watched him pale, clench his fists, and say nothing, "I thought so."

I turn back, leaving him standing there.

____________________

Andri watches her back as she walks away. After that conversation, he firmly believes this is a different Princess from the past. She's impulsive and short-tempered but has rare kindness. To be so gentle to a stranger, despite being a child, is nearly unheard of. Although Andri addresses her improperly, referring to her as 'you' and himself as 'I,' she hasn't gotten angry. Rather, getting angry at the idea of using people. Slaves, no less. As well as the sorrow for the deaths of those people. Everyone says he's slow to pick up on social cues, but he has moments where he's perceptive.

Thinking of her small heart-shaped face flushed with anger and large amber eyes alight with a fierce glow from indignation caused his heart to have mixed feelings; especially because she knows about his childhood trauma. Something even the Commander doesn't know. making him curious about the future with such a woman as the future Queen.

____________________

I stomp back to camp, fuming. I know better than most Andri tends to speak before thinking, and now I feel horrible for poking at his childhood trauma. My anger leaves me in a rush, leaving me with a wounded heart. He reminded me all over again I've taken the place of a woman who's name alone causes the low born to quiver in fear.

I try telling myself to live in the moment and to enjoy myself regardless if it's real. But questions still appear, despite trying to suppress them.

/What if this is permanent? What will I do if it is? Or will I one day wake up locked in a padded cell wearing a restraint jacket./

I'm so wrapped up in my head I didn't notice the chaotic sounds until I step out of the tree line. I freeze in surprise.

The oza is on fire.