Guard

Chapter Twenty-Two: Touch

XANDER

Thanks to Jonathan and Andrew, the next day resumed as normal. They allowed us to borrow their horses and ride them back into the heart of Celia before dawn.

During the day I had heard from Elena that David was very pleased to know that we had met his youngest brother.

Although, just hearing about David caused me to think of bakeries which then caused me to think of what happened the day before.

Just the act of simply delivering flour reminded me that I, we, had to keep on the lookout now. I didn't want a repeat of Elena encountering mysterious and dangerous men. Throughout the day I would look through the windows and watch her leave and arrive at the mill, especially making sure she would arrive.

Thankfully, nothing happened and no one acted out of the ordinary and our workday concluded uneventful and I could finally relax. Sort of.

It was now the time of day where everybody started to wind down. After a hard days work and after eating a meal for the night, it was the best time to sit and rest. But I on the other hand, had different plans.

"Xander," Elena said, sounding a little confused as she opened her door.

"Would you like to start training?" I asked with a smile.

Elena frowned. "You mean, right now? Not tomorrow morning?"

"Well, we did miss it this morning. I figured we should at least get something done. That is, if you'd like." I added.

Elena stayed silent, biting her lip in thought. After a few seconds she finally agreed. After she finished getting changed into training-appropriate clothing, I brought her to Onyx and Fiona who were standing beside her house.

She walked over to the both of them and stroked their foreheads.

"I brought them in case you'd say yes." I told her.

Elena cocked an eyebrow at me. "But what if I had said no?"

I shrugged. "I had a feeling you wouldn't." I said with a smile.

My words caused her to laugh. "The faith you have in me." She remarked.

After helping her up onto Fiona's saddle, I mounted Onyx and with a click of our tongues we rode our way to the hills.

On the way there, once we were away from town and prying ears, I decided to bring up a subject that had been on my mind the past couple of days.

"Your Highness," I started.

She hummed in question and turned her head to look at me.

"I'd like to talk about the meeting. A while back?" I asked.

Her Highness turned her head back to look in front of her. "What about it?" She questioned.

"Are you alright?" I asked. "I.. I can't forget how shaken you were. And to think there may even be another one in the near future.." I trailed off.

Even in the dark of dusk I saw her smile.

"I'm alright. I think, I've had time to digest it all." She replied, then sighed. "One cannot really please everyone can they."

"No, Your Majesty."

She continued. "During the time I've had to contemplate about it, I was reminded of a saying Timothy taught me: 'You could be sweetest peach in the world, but there will always be someone who hates peaches.' It's a logical explanation don't you think?"