The Fine Print✔️

Chapter 22

I enter our room and find Weredra waiting for me with a solemn expression on her face. "Why did you go outside tonight?" She asks, sounding so much like a child that for a moment, I forget that it's just her disguise.

I pull her in my arms, "I am sorry. I was thirsty, and the water sack was empty."

"It doesn't take this long to make a trip to the kitchen." She accuses and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I encountered a little trouble on the way back." I elaborate.

Weredra eyes become alert. "Are you alright?" She enquires, checking me for physical injuries.

"I am fine. But I have come across some information that is bothering me."

"What's on your mind?"

As I had entered our room, it had occurred to me that if the guards were to search our room, they would find the mask and other gifts I had received from Weredra. With that in mind, I ask, "Can you hide my boots, sword, and cloak for a few hours tomorrow?

"Why?"

"Among other things, I have come across information that suggests that this house will be inspected by the royal guards tomorrow."

Weredra quirks her brow. It looks equal measures cute and ridiculous. "Why?"

"It is as you had guessed, the drug I stole seems to be of importance. The king wants the thief caught and item restored."

Weredra nods. "Let me try." She looks at the sack: the place that holds all my belongings- both magical and nonmagical- and snaps her fingers.

Nothing happens.

She snaps her fingers again. Once again, nothing happens. She looks at me and shakes her head, "I am afraid I can't. It's gone, I guess." A tear rolls down her cheek.

I try to give her an encouraging smile, "It's fine. Maybe you are tired and sleepy." I offer, trying to put her at ease.

"Maybe." She sighs and wipes the tear. Then suddenly, her head snaps up. Her eyes twinkle. She turns to the wall and snaps her fingers again. Like always, the magical window pops up on the wall. "You can hide it here." She says excitedly. "I made this window before my magic became unstable." She rushes to my sack, taking the cloak from my hands. Then, stuffing it inside the pouch, she goes to the window and drops it on the other side before snapping her fingers again, making the window disappear.

"Brilliant!"

"Yes, I am, aren't I?" She asks, smiling cheekily, and plops herself on the bed. "What else did you gather?"

"Lung Chi is hiding many secrets. He knows the queen personally. And it seems they have been working together on something for years."

Weredra nods, looking disinterested, "That's not surprising. Many nobles and wealthy men would have to be involved, especially if this level of corruption is to exist in the kingdom."

It is at this precise moment that I realize that I had never told Weredra who I was.

"Weredra, do you know why I want to restore this kingdom to its former glory?"

She shrugs, "Because you are a nice person."

I chuckle, "I can't argue with that. But the real reason is because I am the princess of this kingdom. When I came across you, I was running away. I was on my way to meet my maternal uncle."

Weredra blinks as if I had sprouted some nonsense.

"I told you before, didn't I, that when I met you, I was running away from an arranged marriage. My aunt and uncle were forcing me to marry the prince of Tucheng, who I had heard very unflattering things about."