Bound Beneath the Moon [ONC 2021] ✔

Chapter 12

I can't believe there are only four days left of the competition. Four more challenges, and then it's over. My spouse will be decided. I've heard something about the rest of the challenges, at least. A maze, a challenge to test their communication skills, another day of solving problematic situations, and a fight between suitors. Though I'm not sure how many will stick around for that. Half of them are so intimidated by Erie and Lauhin they've dropped out.

Today's another day that I don't have to dress fancy for. They've dedicated another day to allowing the suitors to think about the problems. I don't know what exactly the goal is. I swore we've already done most of this within the past few days, but I don't think that satisfied my parents.

I can't help but hold back a sigh. I haven't seen Erie all day, Arroyo still isn't finished with the gift for Erie, and my garden is overflowing with plants. I intend to sell them off, or just hand them to a pharmacist for medicines, but that still doesn't make a dent in it. I guess I've been so overwhelmed with the idea of marriage I haven't touched any of the plants I usually trim up.

Dad once mentioned the pharmacy he'd get medicine from. Everything was for Mom though, and it was around the time of the war, so it's possible it's not standing anymore. But I swore I heard Arroyo talking about getting medicine like pain relievers for when Morven went into labor, and he mentioned the same place.

I pull the white and golden hood further over my head. I'm not typically alone when I go out into town, but I don't want to bring any guards or Morven with me. That'll draw attention. I've had more than enough attention recently. The basket I'm holding in my arms is filled with all sorts of weeds, herbs, and flowers. The way the bittered and sweetened scents blend is disgusting, but I'm not complaining that I've got a small portion of overgrown plants cut out from my garden. Some of these I needed to get out of my greenhouse before Kavas and Taquib decided to eat too much of them. I don't need to get them sick. I can only take so much stress.

The streets of downtown Zophoria are hustling. People are rushing around, grins on their faces, bags in hand. Booths and small businesses are flooded with customers, most of which are Zophorians. Most of what's being sold this week are off-planet goods. It's not often there are so many people here, either. I guess the competition has been helping in making the economy thrive.

I glance at the screen on my wrist. The blue light emitted from the wrist-to-elbow long device shows a map of Zophoria, with a darker blue dot blinking to show my location. The arrow guiding me points down an alleyway. It looks sketchy, but it's not like I have much of a choice.

After a turn to my left, the alley seems dark and brutal. Like years of bloodshed have been carved into the walls. Paints vandalizing the ancient bricks are getting chipped away by the vines and plants growing from every crack. The pale blue stone brick road has chips and cracks, making the road uneven. It's becoming hard for me to walk on with my heels.

At the end of the road, there's a small building built into the wall. Vines grow everywhere, but these look more well kept. Flowers bloom from the potted plants outside and the wood framing the building is painted with small green leaves. It looks cozy, almost like a small little cottage. On the glass window in a gold font is the name of the store, Bronzed Herbs.

I push open the door, and surprisingly, the smell is refreshing and relaxing. A small bell rings. The inside is larger than I expected, filled with piles upon piles of glass bottles and jars. There's a large colorful assortment of all kinds of liquids and pills and powders on the shelves. The aisles are labeled with signs hanging from the ceiling. There are stairs in the back; the owner must live here. But to be fair, although this place is sketchy, it seems like a nice place to live. Calm, peaceful, and the place feels like a home away from home.  Behind the counter is a Zohporian woman. Her eyes are a foggy blue, short flaxen yellow hair cut into a wavy bob with dyed orange tips, her silver markings scarce but vibrant, and her build is short and thin. When she turns my way to shoot a greeting, her smile is kind and delicate. It reminds me of Erie's. Except, she has a huge baby bump. She must be close to her due date.

I give a curt nod as I approach the counter, wooden boards creaking with every step. I look her in the eyes and somehow she's not the slightest bit startled by my identity. "I'm sorry if I'm wrong, but do you buy herbs and plants?"

She looks at the basket and gives me an overjoyed nod. "Yep! Even if it's just dead plants, I'll find a use for them."

I set the basket on the counter with a faint smile. She seems over the moons about these.

"Is it often people come to you to sell, Mrs...?"

"Vervina. And no, not really." She starts picking through the plants. "My spouse and I grow most of our ingredients, so even though business is good, we don't need it."

"Does your spouse run the shop with you?"

"Oh, of course not!" She lets out a giggle. "They're an alite farmer. But they mainly focus on breeding rarer colors and discovering new ones. It makes them so happy I can't possibly find the guts to ask them to work here!"

I chuckle. She is a mirror image of Erie. The smile, the laugh, the personality. It just screams the woman I've fallen in love with. Her spouse is lucky. It is a blessing to be married to such a lady.

I hear glass shatter, followed by a small yelp. My head spins around. Right there standing above a few broken bottles is Erie having a little panic attack.

Vervina stops poking through the plants and rushes over to help. But thankfully, I get there before she does so she doesn't have to overwork herself. As I'm trying to pick up the glass shards and medicines, Erie is practically frozen.

"Azalea?"

I give her a welcoming nod. Am I smiling? I probably am. There's no way I'm not smiling around Erie. "Hi."

Now she's on the floor too, trying to help collect the broken pieces. "I'm sorry! Fuck, fuck, fuck, I am SO sorry. Wow. Of course, today's the day to be a clutz. Sorry. Again. Sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry—"

I giggle. "You're fine. I'll pay for it."

Vervina cuts in with her timid voice. "You don't have to pay for it! The herbs you donated were perfectly enough!"

"Nonsense." I look at the tag that fell off the broken bottle. I get to my feet and take a few coins out from the satchel around my shoulder. I see the dagger Erie gifted me with, so I'm grinning ear to ear as I give Vervina the coins. "Here."

She counts the coins. "I can't take this. This is double the amount, plus you don't have to pay for it. I swear. It's fine."

"Please do. You need all you can get for your little one arriving soon, right?"

I've never seen someone smile so wide. Never have I seen someone so formal, either. She keeps bowing and thanking me for every step I take. All I hear as I'm collecting the broken bottle pieces in my palms is her on the verge of tears.

I deposit the shards and powder into the bin next to the door. I turn to Erie.

"I paid double, so get what you were originally going to get. I'll see you later, darling."

For once, I'm the first one to leave. Does Erie feel this way when she has to leave? Sad and empty, desperate and lonesome? What I wouldn't do to have some more time with her. I wish I could have all the time in the universe just so I may have that dance with her.