PRINCESS ANARCHY | DSMP

45. This Is the Part Where You Leave

   "THANK YOU SO MUCH."

   Nia smiles at the villagers that provide her with warm clothes that should fit Tommy. He has quite a bit of clothes already, but somehow, he always manages to either irreparably destroy his jackets or pants. Nia can say confidently that the boy has gone through at least five pairs of pants and destroyed about three jackets in the past two weeks.

   "No, we thank you," the woman smiles at Nia. "You saved my son's life from the skeletons. And the rest of the village. This is the least we can offer you."

   Nia shakes her head. "That's not true. I was happy to help," she says. "Just the opportunity to use my abilities is enough for me."

   "The boy these clothes are for is surely lucky to have you," the woman tells Nia.

   The princess presses her lips together, trying to subside the proud grin that creeps onto her lips. Tommy has yet to appreciate her efforts to help him, but she's certain he's still holding back because of the Manburg war. She doesn't blame him for it. She's glad he considers her a friend at least. He's been betrayed one too many times for his age, and she wants him to trust her.

   If she were in Tommy's position, she would, too, guard her heart with enormous walls of stone and metal, barbed wires on top and the sides. All of his friends abandoned him; betrayed him. He doesn't deserve to go through that again.

   In many aspects, Tommy isn't much different from Technoblade. The piglin has, too, been betrayed quite a few times. Which always stings. It explains why Technoblade takes so long to trust people, and when he does — because he finds them worthy of his trust — he would do anything for them. His heart is also heavily guarded, and sometimes makes one feel like he doesn't care. But that's not the truth.

   Every day, Nia can see that Technoblade begins to care for Tommy more and more. Even if he acts like the blonde boy is a nuisance and a pain in the ass, she can see the way Technoblade smiles whenever Tommy lights up about something. She notices, because she does it, too, after all.

   "Thank you again," Nia smiles at the woman, who nods in response.

   "Have a safe journey home, miss."

   Nodding, the princess makes her way towards the Darkling, her horse. She puts all of the acquired items into the bags strapped to his saddle before swinging herself up on the horse.

   As she makes her way toward Techno's cabin, she doesn't get far. Instead, Nia's met with a familiar face, her head cocked to the side as she watches him approach her on a horse of his own, from the direction of the cabin.

   "Dream, what are you doing here?" she asks.

   "Oh, Nia. How convenient running into you around here," he says, a hint of a smirk in his voice. She furrows her eyebrows at him, examining his posture. He's holding himself upwards as if trying to intimidate the princess. She merely rolls her eyes at him.

   "You found me around here last time," she says in a monotone. "Is it really that surprising?"

   "Well, I didn't expect to see you, so yes, it is."

   Nia nods. "Alright, then." She keeps her gaze on the man. "What are you doing here, Dream?" she questions.

   "I'm looking for Tommy," he answers honestly.

   It dawns on Nia that Dream must've been at Technoblade's place and now he's coming back. But considering he's still looking for Tommy, Techno didn't give the boy away. A wave of relief washes over Nia, but she doesn't let it show. Her exterior remains calm and collected.