Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 84

As Mila sat beneath the tree, her gaze locked onto a familiar figure below. Her heart grew heavy as she watched Ambrose stand among the Mireraweth soldiers. The sight of him preparing for the upcoming war filled her with sadness. She knew the burden he was about to carry—leading troops who might not even respect or follow his commands. It was a troubling thought, and its weight pressed down on her, making her feel helpless.

She glanced at Cotton, the little raccoon perched on her shoulder. "Cotton, could you grow a White Heather flower for me?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and anxiety. The White Heather flower, symbolizing protection and good luck, was a small gesture, but it was all she could offer Ambrose at this moment.

Cotton, sensing Mila's concern, quickly hopped down from her shoulder and stood on her two hind legs. Her tiny paws began to glow, and within moments, a delicate white flower shaped like a bell sprouted from the ground. [Done!] Cotton chirped, her eyes bright with pride at her work.

Mila smiled warmly as she picked up the flower, the soft petals cool to the touch. It was a small token, but it carried all the emotions she couldn't express in words. "Skye," she called, her voice gentle, "I'll need one of your feathers to use as an arrow." She knew that a bird's feather was precious, especially to a beast like Skye, who treasured every part of her being.

'If it's for you, then I do not care how many I am left with on my skin,' Skye responded, her tone reassuring. Despite Skye's words, Mila felt a pang of guilt as a feather, almost as sharp as a sword, appeared in her hand. Skye had dulled it intentionally, ensuring it wouldn't harm Mila, but the feather still carried a certain weight, both physically and symbolically.

Mila handled the feather with care, knowing how easily it could be used as a weapon. 'One has to be careful when they touch or use these, especially when Skye has it well-prepared for certain occasions,' she thought, appreciating the trust Skye had placed in her by giving her this feather. With practiced ease, Mila tied the White Heather flower securely to the feather, ensuring that the two wouldn't be separated on their journey.

***

The feather glided down towards Ambrose, who sensed it approaching with an uncanny awareness. Just before reaching him, the feather seemed to dissolve into the air, leaving only the delicate White Heather flower floating gently into his hand.

"Captain?! Who would send you a White Heather flower?" One of his comrades asked, his voice filled with curiosity. He was the only soldier who had dared to speak to Ambrose directly since their first meeting. The others maintained a respectful distance, uncertain of how to approach their enigmatic leader. He was just too mysterious for them to get close.

The soldier leaned in slightly, glancing at the flower in Ambrose's hand. "Do you know what that flower symbolizes? It's a sign of protection. There must be a lady out there who cares deeply for you enough to send you such a meaningful gift. She must be hoping for your safe return."

Ambrose listened quietly, his gaze never leaving the White Heather. The soldier's words hung in the air, but Ambrose remained silent, his thoughts elsewhere. He raised his eyes towards the hill overlooking the training grounds, where a small figure stood watching. Even from a distance, he recognized who it was.

'Mila...' he thought, his heart stirred by the gesture. He knew she was the only one who would send him something so thoughtful, something that carried such deep meaning. The White Heather wasn't just a flower; it was a message, a promise that she was thinking of him, worrying for him, even as he prepared to leave for war.

***

Mila sat down, leaning against the old tree, feeling the gentle wind brushing against her face. The cool breeze brought a fleeting sense of calm as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, making way for the emerging moon. She closed her eyes, letting herself drift for a moment, trying to ease the heaviness in her heart.